Minneapolis, MN

bar • restaurants

Smack Shack

One of Minneapolis' hottest restaurants at the moment, Smack Shack is located in North Loop and serves seafood in what feels like a combination of southern and northeastern fashion. Specializing in lobster, this restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, brunch, happy hour, and late night bites. Happy hour is in the bar only, but be sure to grab a reservation if you're dining in, as this place fills up fast especially in summer. Must try's? Their Lobster Mac & Cheese, Fresh Fish Selections (pick your own sauce!), Stuffed Salon, Sammies & Rolls, and Jambalaya.

Minneapolis, MN

bar • restaurants

Stella's Fish Café & Prestige Oyster Bar

Stella's is an Uptown staple and one of the coolest places to be year round. This restaurant is huge, with a rooftop patio plus two levels of indoor dining. Stop by for happy hour and take the elevator to the roof if the weather is nice or dine in and enjoy some of the best seafood in Minneapolis. Stella's can be a little pricey, but their cocktails are on point and the food is definitely worth it. Plus, if you're looking for a late night vibe, this restaurant turns into a lively bar once it's dark out!

Wayzata, MN

restaurants

6Smith

A bit outside the Twin Cities, 6Smith is in Wayzata and is located right off Lake Minnetonka. This restaurant is upscale, so be prepared to drop some $$ (but dollars well spent…trust me). If you're looking to save a few bucks, come by for happy hour or Fat Pants Friday, where they serve up giant portions for a decent price point. 6Smith's food is, arguably, some of the best in the Twin Cities, so anything you order will be absolutely amazing. This applies year round, but 6Smith thrives in the summer, when all outdoor seating is available and the lake is lively and beautiful. If you have a boat and are out on Lake Minnetonka, feel free to pull up, park your boat at their dock, and walk on in! As with any restaurant on the lakes, try and grab a reservation if you can (not available for happy hour) since the views here are coveted and will fill up fast!

Edina, MN

restaurants

COV Edina

CoV has two locations, one in Wayzata and another in Edina. Ask anyone and they'll tell you to go to the Wayzata location hands down. There's no difference in the food, but the Minnetonka lakefront location in Wayzata feels like you're in Nantucket, which yields a much better ambiance and vibe. CoV has bomb seafood and a pretty extensive menu, but in my opinion, they really kill it with their happy hour. Grab a spot at the bar, a hightop, or outside (if you can) and enjoy a large selection of food/appetizers and a healthy list of drink options for under $10. Best part? They have all day Saturday happy hour from 10 AM - 5PM!