MSP: quiet dinner

[debbie421]

Hi all! My Mom is coming into town from Dallas and I'd like to take her to dinner along with 5 or 6 of my closest girlfriends. My Mom is 62 and we're all in our late 20's, early 30's. Mom requested a quiet place for dinner so she could have conversations with and get to know all of my friends. Last time she was here we took her to Town Talk Diner. Great food, but WAY too loud for a good chat. I'd prefer something in the city (Minneapolis or St. Paul, no burbs!) and mid range for price. None of us drink, so take that out of the price equation. Type of cuisine doesn't matter. Thanks in advance for your help!

[tasmonia]

I would try out The Sample Room in NE Mpls (on University Ave). My mom and I went there looking for a nice, quiet weeknight dinner and it was good. It`s fun because they have a tasting menu (as well as one with regular entrees). The ribs were mediocre but I got the tasting platters and all the things I picked were good. It was quiet and the servers were adept.

[AnneInMpls]

Here's another place to add to my list in that other thread (Alma, Istanbul Bistro, Jax, Khyber Pass, Mairin's Table, Puerta Azul, Tanpopo, Vincent (but not Saigon - too noisy)).

- Bon Xai at Snelling & University.
Great Asian fusion food (fabulous coconut soup, nice pork chops, good Fettuccini Alfredo) at low, low prices. Note: I've only been to Bon Xai in the mid-afternoon, so I'm not sure if it gets noisy when it's crowded, but there are lots of soft surfaces, so I'll bet it stays quiet.

- Signature Cafe in Mpls (near the St. Paul border).
If it's full of noisy patrons, it can get a little loud, but there are enough soft surfaces so the place is usually nice and quiet.

Anne

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Cafe BonXai
1613 University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55104

Signature Cafe & Catering
130 Warwick St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

[debbie421]

I think I'm gonna try Ngon. It looks yummy!

[Michael Florey]

That would be my choice. It has a very nice mix of classic Vietnamese food plus more westernized entrees that a Mother could love. The spicy mussels are fab, and the pork-filled rolls are delicious. Also it has a real wine list, which almost none of the Asian places in town can say. The decor is kind of Provencal, and the place is indeed quiet, (unless I happen to be there with my daughters, who are rarely quiet).

[AnnyM]

I would suggest Al Vento. I really enjoy the food and atmosphere there. I think the front room tends to be a little quieter than the back room.

[tart1]

The Caspian Bistro allows for conversation among fairly large parties. The food is Persian and very good. Prices are reasonable.

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Caspian Bistro
2418 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

[The Dairy Queen]

This thread may give you a head start...http://www.chowhound.com/topics/44828...

~TDQ

[debbie421]

Thanks! Although I wish the poster would've replied with what worked and what didn't. Any other suggestions? Keep them coming!

[soupkitten]

my picks for quiet dinner w/ mom would be tanpopo and fugaise (mentioned in the thread above), and craftsman. i think of these places as in the same price range as town talk, but nicer for intimate dinners w conversation. all have service that is good & attentive but doesn't hurry you out the door.

EDIT: and ngon! (also in above thread)