Welcome to the “I Can’t Believe We’re Eating Here” Tour
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Restaurants in this post were chosen independently by Local Gem Guide. This is not a sponsored post.
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If your standard date night has devolved into “I don’t know, what do you want to do?”, it’s time for a manual override. The Twin Cities is home to many a spot that offers more than just a meal – they offer a conversation piece. This week we hone in on three of these places to eat in the Twin Cities.
From funky-vessel cocktails in St. Paul to a neon-soaked oasis in Northeast and a massive dim sum palace just off Lyn-Lake, here is why Tongue in Cheek, Hai Hai, and Jade Dynasty will bring new energy to date night.
1. Tongue in Cheek: The Whimsy and Wonder
The Vibe: Whimsical, sustainable, and intentionally quirky.
The Neighborhood: East Side, St. Paul
Located on Payne Avenue, Tongue in Cheek is the antidote to “boring” food. They specialize in what they call “Teasers” — tiny, high-concept bites and sips that arrive in unexpected vessels. It’s the kind of place where you might receive a cocktail in a literal glass lightbulb or a sphere that bursts with flavor on your tongue.
Why it’s a great date: It’s impossible to be bored here. The menu is built in a way that encourages you to share and compare, if you please. Their commitment to humanely raised and sustainable ingredients means you can feel good about the indulgence. As an added bonus, at time of writing they’re promoting a special Date Night menu option for couples.
2. Hai Hai: A Tropical Escape in an Unlikely Place
The Vibe: Neon, leafy, and high-energy.
The Neighborhood: Northeast, Minneapolis
Before it was Hai Hai, this building was a notorious local strip club. Today, it’s a James Beard-nominated tropical paradise. The interior is a riot of turquoise, palm fronds, and vibrant wallpaper, making you feel like you’ve been teleported to a street-side bar in Hanoi or a coastal retreat in Phu Quoc.
Why it’s a great date: The food is “sunny” — bold, herb-forward, and meant for interactive eating. You’ll find yourselves wrapping crispy crepes in lettuce leaves and dipping everything into funky, delicious nuoc cham. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. Dishes can be enjoyed individually, but the repeat customers know the best way is to share so you can taste some of everything.
3. Jade Dynasty: The Dim Sum Powerhouse
The Vibe: Opulent, massive, and authentic.
The Neighborhood: Lyndale, Minneapolis (aka Lyn-Lake)
Jade Dynasty recently took over a huge footprint in the Lyndale neighborhood just a block off Lyn-Lake, and it is an ideal spot for those craving authentic dim sum. The space is surprisingly polished — some locals even call it “too nice for dim sum” — with large round tables and a bustling energy.
Why it’s a great date: It brings a bit of “big city” grandeur to Lake Street. Whether you’re going for a weekend dim sum brunch or a late-night sizzling hot pot, the sheer variety of the menu is the draw. It’s the perfect spot for a double-date where you can order a variety of different plates and try them all.
Want More Great Places to Eat?
We’re always looking for great places to eat in the Twin Cities (and beyond)! Find more great Local Gems, or explore the map of local listings nearby.
