Finding interesting joints for your partner on Saint Valentine’s Day in Minneapolis and Saint Paul hasn’t been easy with the economy taking out our favorite hot spots. Twin Citians naturally take to creative ventures across town than splurge on one joint. For some ideas we consulted Radar, a “virtual concierge service” owned by Jen Knoch.  She’s the scene queen, letting people choose among a one-time trip, weekend gig, or annual service.  Don’t fear your budget will break, Jen acts like your concierge finding what you like on your budget. So here is a taste of what Radar is recommending for Valentines Day.

With Valentine’s Day on a Sunday, how ’bout a day-time date?  Here’s a couple recommendations from Radar in both cities…

Saint Paul

Historical, kitchy & casual on a budget:

- Catch the 11 am tour of the Wabasha Street Caves for $6 -  Come hear and see the 150 year history of these sandstone caves.  You will explore the original mined caves and see the finished caves (once a romantic night club called The Castle Royal).  Hear the legends of the mobster massacres and ghostly lore in the most unique setting from Chicago to San Francisco.   45-minute walking tour – reservations not required.

- Then head to the historic lunch spot on University for some drive-in food at Porky’s, which was part of the great, American car culture in the 1950s.  Radar recommends the onion rings, “The most beloved component of Porky’s. Made from our secret batter, our onion rings have been the rave for over 50 years, and have also been known to be shipped all over the country to craving Twin Citians transplanted in other cities.” Also, get yourselves matching “Porkys” tee to remember the date by, go on, do it!

And for late afternoon, dinner options, also from the fine city of St Paul, which does deliver more historical options than Mpls.

Historical, kitchy & casual, still reasonable:

-  Arrive into St Paul late afternoon and stop into Candyland and get sweetness goin and pick up a tin filled with your favorite candy and walk along the streets of the historic city – hit Rice Park, Mears Park, the lobby of the landmark St Paul Hotel.   If it’s cold, take your tin and sit and sip hot chocolate at Mickey’s Diner.

- Mancini’s Char House – Surround you and your date with red vinyl and supper-club steak at it’s finest in this a family-run business since 1968. No ala cart steak dinners here, your plate comes complete with a salad, potato choice delivered by a legendary server. Dinner also comes with their classic buttered garlic toast and relish.  Quite the stylish value!  Your grandma would be proud!

Just a  bit more dialed up in St Paul:

- Hit some smooth jazz at The Artists Quarters, “Music By Lovers” 7 pm show -

- Then dinner around 9:00 at the 128 Café – A St Paul sweet spot, cozy, intimate, candlelit atmosphere in an old apartment building across from the beautiful St Thomas University campus.

Minneapolis

Then in Mpls, Radar recommends for a day-time date that’s hip & casual on a budget:

- Victor’s 1959 Cafe – Memorabilia-filled Cuban café features signature black beans, mango pancakes, ropa vieja in this colorful, shack-like space.

- Walk across the street and pick out some candy for your sweetie from neighborhood newcomer, Sugar Sugar.  Candy from the classics to artsy international options.

Mpls date-night, Radar recommends:

- Dinner at Grand Cafe – Housed in a quiet Mpls neighborhood, this is charming spot that offers an ideal romantic night.  Food is consistently fantastic.

- Then “All You Need is Love” at the Jungle Theater – Connie Evingson and special guest Adam Levy of the Honeydogs explore the music of The Beatles.

As guru of local dining, culture, entertainment, and shopping, Jen will be offering the Twin City Scene followers a promotion on a 6 month Membership, that, along with the concierge service, will give you some sweet insider discounts and deals. Nothing like finally being able to have that swank restaurant on days other than Valentine’s. Look for the offer here on TCS soon.