Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Twin Cities / Northern Suburbs

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Twin Cities / Northern Suburbs? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Baldamar

4.8

4.8 (7289)

$31 to $50

Steak

Roseville

About the restaurant

If you're going to take your name from a badass like the patron saint of blacksmiths, you better be able to back it up. Baldamar marks the turning point where we usher in the new standard for style, service and steak. It means the menu’s made with old-world craft at its core and modern day meat eaters in mind — with flavors forged in fire and folded into pure primal perfection. It’s where every steak is aged 40 days and 40 nights for a taste of biblical proportion, and where crazy-fresh seafood means it was caught during your morning commute. At the bar sits every spirit imaginable, and someone who isn’t afraid to use them. This is more than a new steakhouse. It’s a line in the sand. It’s not just where you celebrate special occasions. It’s where you create them.

*A 20% Service Fee is added to all groups of 6 or more.

Top review

David

Dined 5 days ago

Great experience for first time Flowers were great as well Food was great! Coming back here in the future.

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Chianti Grill - Roseville

4.7

4.7 (6867)

$30 and under

Italian

Roseville

About the restaurant

Nestled near Rosedale Center and Snelling Avenue, Chianti Grill is a celebrated culinary gem, proudly recognized as an OpenTable All-Around Best Restaurant winner. We delight your palate with a vibrant fusion of authentic and contemporary Italian cuisine, alongside aged Angus steaks and seafood. Our dishes are expertly paired with an impressive wine list featuring exquisite selections from California, Italy, and beyond. Experience our welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service ensuring every visit to Chianti Grill is simply the best!

Top review

Gia

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent food,exceptional server,(Stella) and wonderful dining experience!

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Pittsburgh Blue - Maple Grove

4.6

4.6 (6990)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Maple Grove

About the restaurant

A steakhouse for people who work hard and want to enjoy the rewards, Pittsburgh Blue - Maple Grove gives them their money's worth and more, with aged steaks selected by master butchers, hand-trimmed chops, and day boat-fresh fish; deep booths and a deeper wine list; a bar that makes everything better; and the kind of service everyone deserves but hardly ever receives.

Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Pittsburgh Blue - Maple Grove serves a full menu in the bar. Enjoy our outdoor patio with a variety of seating options including at the patio bar.

Top review

pam

Dined 6 days ago

Fantastic, food,was,great and we actually had two meals because of the portions. Staff is awesome

Rojo Mexican Grill - Maple Grove

4.6

4.6 (43)

$30 and under

Mexican

Maple Grove

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Loriann

Dined on Jun 8, 2025

We are always happy when we can get a spot on the patio! It is far enough removed from the parking lot to not feel like you are sitting in the parking lot! The fajitas are big enough to share and the chips and salsa are delicious and plentiful. But the sweet rice is my favorite!

The Block- Rogers

4.6

4.6 (48)

$30 and under

American

Rogers

About the restaurant

The Block Food + Drink has two locations-St. Louis Park and Rogers, MN-serving up hot broasted chicken, elevated bar food, sandwiches, burgers, rice bowls, vegan options, and more. Both locations offer lunch and dinner daily, plus weekend brunch. Enjoy your meal indoors or on our dog-friendly pawtios®, including a year-round heated pergola perfect for Minnesota seasons.

Top review

Kent

Dined 7 days ago

This is my first time here the food was outstanding. The service was great nice ambience.

Granite City Food & Brewery - Maple Grove

4.4

4.4 (2408)

$30 and under

American

Maple Grove

About the restaurant

With its warm, inviting, and modern design, Granite City Food & Brewery’s expansive interior features a spacious and comfortable dining room, four-sided modern, full-service bar, as well as an outdoor patio. The on-site brewery, with award-winning hand-crafted micro-brews, is visible from the main dining and bar areas. The restaurant also showcases an open kitchen featuring chef developed, handcrafted made-from-scratch cuisine, including innovative signature entrees, flatbreads and more.

Granite City Food & Brewery’s signature brews, which are made on-site, include The Duke (Pale Ale), The Bennie (Bock), The Northern (American Style Light Lager) and The Stout. Seasonal brews are featured throughout the year.

Top review

Merry-Anne

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

We came after lunch rush, to no problem getting service or food. My daughter's hamburger with the onion rings tangle in top looked and was delicious. I had a Mediterranean chicken meal. Very generous lots of chicken.

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Experience

Lawless Brunch Buffet

Pub 42

4.4

4.4 (193)

$30 and under

American

New Hope

About the restaurant

We promise one thing at Pub 42; there will be a culinary culture both from a food and beverage perspective. And we want you — as a guest — to be part of it!

We’re community-connected, food-driven, and are going to raise the bar. And we’re going to do this together.

Top review

BarbaraVIP

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

We had excellent service and delicious food at Pub 42. Special things to our waitperson Jennifer for being patient with all our special requests. Pub 42 does not disappoint.

Smash Park - Roseville

4.3

4.3 (14)

$30 and under

American

Roseville

About the restaurant

Smash Park Roseville: Where Fun Meets Food
Smash Park is more than just a restaurant; it's an entertainment destination where you can enjoy delicious food, exciting activities, and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a casual night out with friends, a family outing, or a team-building event, Smash Park has something for everyone.

Fuel your adventures with our scratch-driven menu: Featuring a diverse selection of dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From juicy burgers and crispy wings to flavorful salads and innovative entrees.

Unleash Your Competitive Spirit: Challenge your friends and family to a game of pickleball, axe throwing, duckpin bowling, or cornhole. We also have a state-of-the-art arcade and private karaoke suites.

Soak in the Vibrant Atmosphere: With its modern design, comfortable seating, and lively atmosphere, Smash Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind while you enjoy a refreshing drink.

Happy Hour Available Mon-Fri, 2-6pm

Top review

MicheleVIP

Dined on May 30, 2025

The live music was great! The platter to share is an awesome deal & very tasty

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Experience

Summer Restaurant Week - Dinner

Experience

Summer Restaurant Week - Lunch

Experience

$4 Happy Hour

Benihana - Maple Grove, MN

4.1

4.1 (4760)

$30 and under

Japanese

Maple Grove

About the restaurant

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

Top review

Julie

Dined 4 days ago

We took our two granddaughters and the waiter and chef were so attentive and fun!! The service was top notch and the food delicious!!

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Experience

NEW! 45-Minute Power Lunch | Starting at $15.95

Experience

$39 TASTE OF BENIHANA

Experience

SIP INTO SUMMER

The Ball Park TC

4.1

4.1 (58)

$31 to $50

American

Blaine

About the restaurant

Every plate at The Ball Park is thoughtfully curated to serve you the best quality ingredients, robust flavors, and unforgettable experience. We are proud to source locally.

Top review

Jackie

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Very fun experience with great service and friendly staff, food was excellent as well. Great way to celebrate a grandchild’s birthday, our first time and we will be going back!

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