Best Casual Restaurants in University of Minnesota

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Twin Cities / MinneapolisTwin Cities / Northern SuburbsTwin Cities / Southern SuburbsTwin Cities / St. PaulTwin Cities / Western Suburbs

Neighborhoods

BloomingtonCalhoun IslesDowntown / Mill DistrictDowntown / North LoopEaganEdina

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for craft beer

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

68 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Nolo's Kitchen & Bar restaurant

1. Nolo's Kitchen & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1153)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 33 times today

**Please note all reservations are for Nolo's Kitchen, the rooftop is first come, first serve. For cabana rentals please visit https://www.rooftopbarmpls.com/cabanas**Located at the historic Gardner Hardware Building at 515 Washington Ave N in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. The NOLO's team consists of Marty Collins, Brett Johnson and Peter Hoff, each native Minnesotans with extensive industry experience. The team shares a passion for the restaurant and bar industry and sees an opportunity to fill gaps in the market in the North Loop.

2. Billy After Dark

4.8

Exceptional(183)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Speakeasy • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 10 times today

“Our Cocktail Philosophy”Billy After Dark cocktails are inspired by the twenty-four micro-seasons that define the flow of life in Japan. Enter a world where you are brought back to your best memories. Reminding you of that the feel & flow from each one.Perfected classics like the Manhattan and Negroni, riffs on some of Japan’s most beloved cocktails such as the Whisky Highball, and even alcohol-free drinks influenced by ingredients such as yuzu, and umé round out the collection. Through all of this, we want everyone to indulge in enjoyable recollections of the past with our entire cocktail menu being named after great albums from the 90’s & 2000’s.

3. Masa & Agave

4.6

Exceptional(97)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown / Mill District

Welcome to Masa & Agave, a speakeasy-style cantina hidden below stairs at the historic Hotel Ivy in Downtown Minneapolis. On Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's from 8pm to Close we are first-come, first-served and do not accept reservations during this time.Worshipped as the Aztec gods of fertility and long life, venerated for their powers of sustenance, corn masa and agave have been central to Mexican culture and cuisine since ancient times. Using authentic techniques, we prepare corn masa-based starters and Mexico City-style tacos that are bursting with regional flavors, along with dinner classics like Pork Carnitas and Negro Monelo-Braised Beef Short Ribs. Our collection of 200 agave spirits pays homage to the jimadores and mezcaleros who have labored over their craft for generations. Sip on a copita or two, or gather friends for one of our signature Margaritas - try the Tradicionale, Tamarindo or a Margarita al Gusto mixed with your choice of spirit. Salud!

4. The Smack Shack

4.6

Exceptional(1783)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 33 times today

Casual, coastal restaurant in the North Loop. Reservations taken for dining room only, patio seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. Please check in with hosts upon arrival for patio seating.Although named for the boats used to catch lobster, Smack Shack was launched as a food truck in 2010 serving lobster rolls from a land-locked downtown Minneapolis parking lot. Owner Josh Thoma had a great recipe and a belief that appetite for fresh lobster in the Twin Cities was as strong as any coastal city.Smack Shack is committed to serving sustainable seafood and is a current partner in the Minnesota Zoo’s Fish Smart program. Sustainable seafood is wild caught or farm raised seafood that has established practices to ensure the long term growth and thriving populations of seafood with limited harm to the environment.

5. Chilango

4.5

Awesome(41)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Calhoun Isles

Booked 22 times today

MEXICAN CUISINE REIMAGINEDYucatán raised, Mexican born Chef Jorge Guzmán has dedicated his life to perfecting the flavors of the Mexican cuisine he was raised with, but presenting them in a way that is unique & unexpected. Chilango is the culmination of his culinary journey & his love letter to Mexican cuisine & culture. Guzmán's distinguished career has earned him national recognition, including being named as a James Beard Award Finalist & featured in the New York Times.Step into a space adorned with vibrant murals over looking Lake Bde Maka Ska. Enjoy dishes like charred sweet potato enchiladas bathed in a rich yellow mole & nachos piled high with fresh ingredients. Don't miss our spicy mango margarita, a testament to the bar's creative prowess. FREE ramp parking.Experience Chilango Hospitality, Warm & Welcoming, Authentic & Grateful. We LOVE hosting you for any occasion, a simple dinner on a weekday, a weekend outing, a celebration dinner or social / corporate events.

6. UNION Rooftop

4.6

Exceptional(3328)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 15 times today

A word from UNION RooftopExperience the Union of talent, creativity, art, food, and design.Kaskaid Hospitality has been credited with bringing dining in the Twin Cities to new heights, and UNION Rooftop is the crown jewel in its latest unveiling of unique hospitality concepts. Painstaking attention was paid to every detail, from restoring the building’s original architectural treasures to installing the one-of-a-kind retractable rooftop. UNION has engaged a talented culinary team that holds themselves to the highest standards, ensuring every dish is special, surprising, and cohesive. We have created a menu that can be experienced in just the right proportions, from an elegant snack before the theater, to a celebratory private dining tasting menu featuring ingredients that change daily.Valet Parking Available Nightly

7. Earl Giles

new

4.7

Exceptional(7)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Northeast Minneapolis

Booked 18 times today

Create memories with friends and family without the worry of cooking or cleaning, we got you. Friendly and thoughtful hospitality, mouthwatering cuisine, whimsical beverages for all ages while you relax in our bright open, yet intimate space.

8. noa

4.4

Awesome(181)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / North Loop

Booked 11 times today

Noa, situated in the IDS Center in the heart of Minneapolis, provides guests with chef-crafted dishes in a welcoming and expansive setting. The restaurant exudes a cozy ambiance and vibrant energy, offering a selection of upscale yet accessible menu options. Featuring earthy hues and abundant natural light and greenery, Noa creates a relaxed environment for visitors throughout the year. Additionally, the establishment includes a private dining space for hosting events and is capable of handling large orders and accommodating special requests.

9. Breva

4.4

Awesome(119)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown / Mill District

Booked 2 times today

Welcome to Breva, the quintessential neighborhood gathering spot in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis. At Breva, we invite you to experience the essence of conviviality, served up with a touch of elegance in a casual chic setting. Our culinary journey is guided by a team of seasoned hospitality professionals. Together, they've crafted a menu that's a true celebration of the New American spirit – elevated, unpretentious, and discerning. Breva is just minutes from the Convention Center and Orchestra Hall, and a short drive from local theaters and sports stadiums. Breva is an ideal destination for all groups and occasions!

A photo of The Howe Daily Kitchen restaurant

10. The Howe Daily Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(155)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Longfellow

Booked 13 times today

The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar located on Minneapolis' south side. Dog-friendly patio, local spirits, local beer. Sports bar.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Cecilia
Nebraska •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Margaret is a terrific server! Prompt and friendly. The Brussels sprouts are beyond good. I would have liked a few more clams in the linguine, but it was tasty. My partner’s lobster roll was full of lobster. I would chill the greens for side salads. The white Rhône wine is dry and wonderful.
More info
The Smack ShackPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.6
E
ErinVIP
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We had a great time! Great service and the turkey burger is fantastic!
More info
Nolo's Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.7
A
Antwan
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 12, 2025
We got the guacamole and the Bria and enchiladas all were great!
More info
Masa & AgavePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown / Mill District
•
4.6
W
Winston
Minneapolis - St. Paul •29 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 9, 2025
This was my 3rd time dining at Chilango, and it never disappoints. The quality and flavor of the food is at the highest level. We tried many different dishes, and they were all outstanding. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be either the NY strip al norteño or the camarones al diablo. The flavors are uncommonly good.
More info
ChilangoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Calhoun Isles
•
4.5
S
Sofia
Minneapolis - St. Paul •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 8, 2025
Firstly, the service was amazing! Our server Annie was fantastic and Sophia the hostess made us feel so welcome!! I’d go back just for the service alone. Drinks were great, and the ambience and music was a huge plus.
More info
Billy After DarkPrice: Moderate• Speakeasy• Downtown / North Loop
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Casual

University of Minnesota

Linden Hills
Saint Paul
Hudson
Breezy Point
Woodbury
Rosemount
Spring Park
Roseville
Mound
Afton
Lake Elmo
Maple Plain
Dennison
Whittier
Prospect Park
Wayzata / Long Lake
Little Canada
Minneapolis
Excelsior
Falcon Heights