580799 Wed Dec 17 07:07:21 -0800 2008 12 8 Midwest 0 4253388 hi everyone... I am meeting up with a friend near MSP soon, and I am not familiar with the area. He asked me to pick the restaurant that we would go to. I'm looking for someplace with a really nice atmosphere (romantic would be good!) with cocktails and good food (a little expensive is okay, but prefer mid-range prices). Someplace that is conducive to intimate conversation. Thanks for any help you can provide!! Happy Holidays! :) Wed Dec 17 07:07:22 -0800 2008 128434 dawneileen67 1 4253978 What first leaps to my mind is Al Vento, but I haven't been there for a long time, and I've seen iffy and negative reviews lately. It's a nice atmosphere, though it can get a bit noisy (like most places these days). Another thought is the Riverview Wine Bar - it's warm and cozy and has a fireplace (I think). But it's not very expensive, and has a limited menu. Oh, wait - what about Cafe Levain? It's not super-close to the airport, but it's not terribly far away. I haven't been there yet, so I don't know how quiet and romantic the atmosphere is... but I think the food is good (I've seen rave reviews, and my chowish co-worker loves the place). If you want a romantic drive up River Road, you could go to Craftsman. It's on Lake Street, about 4 miles from the airport - and you'll want to drive slowly to admire the snow and Christmas lights! Best wishes for a romantic get-together! Anne Wed Dec 17 10:24:20 -0800 2008 4253388 12541 AnneInMpls 2 4254157 There's a great California Pizza Kitchen on the F concourse... Wed Dec 17 11:19:03 -0800 2008 4253978 247105 mncharm 2 4254351 Levain can be quiet if it is empty. On a weekend night or when otherwise crowded, it can be very loud. Al Vento would be my choice. My meals have been consistently excellent there. It definitely has romantic atmosphere in spades, too. Wed Dec 17 12:19:21 -0800 2008 4253978 13777 Jordan 1 4255373 I'll further recommend Al Vento. Good Food, 'great' lighting for a romantic evening. -MaryMN Wed Dec 17 18:47:27 -0800 2008 4253388 14355 MayrMN 1 4255388 Because you mentioned "cocktails," I'll pile on and also recommend Al Vento. It is less than 10 minutes from MSP International. The food is good. It will suit your romantic needs (unless it's a crowded weekend night). And they have a full bar. Wed Dec 17 18:55:21 -0800 2008 4253388 196217 Brad Ballinger 1 4269095 I'd say Axel's or I nonni Tue Dec 23 10:43:05 -0800 2008 4253388 187315 mnxd9 2 4269101 Axel's is romantic? Huh. Tue Dec 23 10:45:36 -0800 2008 4269095 13777 Jordan 3 4269366 Sure. Nothing says romance like sliding on your favorite pair of penny loafers, firing up the Oldsmobile and hitting Axel's. Maybe they'll even be playing your favorite cassettes on the sound system. Tue Dec 23 12:08:02 -0800 2008 4269101 11110 MSPD 4 4269774 Do they have the romantic dualing pianos at the Mendota location? If not, get yourself to the St. Paul location; nothing says romantic like two obnoxious buffoons screaming Piano Man at you. Tue Dec 23 14:32:48 -0800 2008 4269366 247105 mncharm 2 4269103 Axel's Tue Dec 23 10:46:04 -0800 2008 4269095 187315 mnxd9 1 4269543 I nonni I Nonni 981 Sibley Memorial Hwy West St Paul MN Great Call! One of the best restaurants in town but a little expensive. Tue Dec 23 13:09:21 -0800 2008 4253388 203755 wineglas 2 4269619 Mancini's or Ristorante Luci. Tue Dec 23 13:41:19 -0800 2008 4269543 233329 g_rote