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Barbecue date spots in Minnesota

Sharing a messy, hands-on meal is a way to strip away the formality of a night out. You want a space where the focus is entirely on the food and the person across from you.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Smokestack Express image 1
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Barbecue restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen fills with smoky aromas that reach the parking lot. Atmosphere feels welcoming and warm but includes a mix of classic rock music and TV noise. Free soft serve ice cream is available while waiting, adding a unique touch.

Decadent and moist brisket, house-made BBQ sauce, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken salad stand out. BBQ meatloaf also impresses with its rich flavor.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the brisket, is the best I've ever had."

"The brisket here is the best I've ever had, so tender and flavorful."

"The BBQ here is fantastic, especially the ribs."

Good to know

1

Order ahead to ensure availability, especially during busy afternoon hours.

2

Expect a short wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Complimentary soft serve ice cream is included with meals.

02
GOGI Korean BBQ image 1
Korean restaurant

Open, spacious dining area features in-table BBQ grills with quiet ventilation allowing easy conversation. Atmosphere feels lively and warm with modern decor, making it suitable for casual dinners and date nights. Guests cook their own meat at the table, adding an interactive element to the experience.

Offers table grilling with a variety of high-quality meats and a friendly staff. The atmosphere supports a great experience for Korean barbecue lovers.

Soft opening shows a phenomenal vibe ideal for couples. Ambiance suits a quiet date night without distractions.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The Korean Barbecue here is super yummy and fresh."

"The Korean BBQ here is amazing, especially the bulgogi."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dinner hours to avoid long waits.

2

Expect a 15-20 minute wait during busy dinner times without a reservation.

3

Happy hour features $1 soju shots and discounted appetizers.

03
J Pot image 1
Asian restaurant

Tables feature grills for Korean BBQ and hot pot, creating an interactive dining experience. Spacious, clean interior combines with robot servers playing Super Mario tunes to add a modern, lively touch. Atmosphere ranges from comfortable to loud, with energy shaped by music and robotic service.

Offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ alongside hot pot. The barbecue features great flavors and works well with the hot pot experience. Known for high-quality Korean BBQ in a casual setting.

People are saying

"The hot pot and BBQ here are fantastic, with great meat quality."

"The barbecue and hot pot options here are fantastic."

"The service here for Date Spots is amazing, especially from David."

Good to know

1

Everyone in my party must be present to be seated.

2

The all-you-can-eat option for both hot pot and BBQ is priced at $32.95 per person.

3

There is a $20 per pound charge for food wasted.

04
Mr Pigs Smokery image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant with cozy seating and playful pig decor creates a fun, inviting atmosphere. Multiple big screens at the well-equipped bar show sports, while a patio and private party area offer flexible seating options. Noise levels stay moderate, supporting easy conversation during meals.

Barbecue here stands out for its rich flavor and quality. The spiciest BBQ sauce keeps a strong focus on taste without overwhelming heat.

Sampler platter offers flavorful, tender pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. Sandwiches come piled high with meat, making for a hearty meal. A Texas native rates it 4.5 out of 5 for BBQ quality.

People are saying

"The American Food here is tender and smoky, especially the ribs."

"The BBQ here is smoky, tender, and full of flavor."

"I thought the barbecue here was incredible and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 50% off bourbon on Mondays.

2

Expect longer wait times during weekend dinner hours.

3

The menu may vary; some items like the slop bucket sandwich are no longer available.

05
Pittie Q BBQ image 1
Restaurant

Bar and social club setting with outdoor picnic tables welcomes dogs and live music. Atmosphere feels laid back and divey, with classic rock music and lively conversations. Hidden BBQ pit serves food in a casual, cozy environment that invites hanging out with friends.

Barbecue quality stands out with flavors that match or exceed those in Kansas City. The BBQ here beats chain restaurants and offers some of the best in the Midwest and metro area.

Strong, cold drinks come from the bar. The brisket stands out as a main dish, paired well with a Mac and cheese side. Meals focus on hearty, satisfying flavors.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the brisket and ribs, is fall-off-the-bone tender."

"I found the barbecue here to be amazing and super flavorful."

"The brisket and ribs here are so tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for food during peak hours.

2

Sunday Funday offers discounted drinks and BBQ orders until 8pm.

3

Parking can be limited during busy times, so plan accordingly.

06
Jade Dynasty Restaurant & Bar image 1

Spacious Chinese restaurant with live seafood tanks and dim sum carts creates an immersive dining environment. Atmosphere feels stunning and comfortable, blending beautiful decor with welcoming energy. Offers private event spaces upstairs, enhancing versatility beyond typical dining.

Hong Kong style barbecue meats shine with BBQ pork over rice and Cantonese noodles featuring amazing pork. Steamed BBQ pork buns arrive like fluffy clouds filled with saucy porky goodness, and Korean Beef Short Ribs add variety.

Dinner here offers a memorable experience with attentive service from staff like Belinda. The Walnut Shrimp stands out with large, tasty pieces, making it a solid choice for couples.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is amazing and there's a wide variety."

"The food here is delicious and came with huge portions."

"The Hong Kong style BBQ pork here is top tier."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $1 to $2 per hour.

2

The restaurant has a parking lot, which is rare for the area.

3

Happy hour is available, but details are not yet finalized.

07
ZAO Bakery + Café image 1
Chinese bakery

Bright, clean space with modern design and natural light creates a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere. Seating is spacious and self-service amenities like microwaves and water stations support a relaxed pace. The vibe blends cozy comfort with a fresh, airy feel reminiscent of morning street food scenes.

BBQ pork buns stand out with their flavorful filling and light, flaky bun. Chicken BBQ buns also offer a super flavorful filling, while ham & cheese buns add variety to the barbecue selection.

Ginger chicken noodle soup stands out as a flavorful choice. The noodles receive clear praise, and the welcoming vibe adds to the relaxed atmosphere for couples.

People are saying

"The bakery's savory pastries are a taste from childhood."

"The pastries and buns here are amazing and packed with flavor."

"The BBQ pork buns are fluffy with just the right amount of stuffing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but it can be limited on weekends.

2

The bakery sells out of items quickly, so arrive early.

3

A minimum purchase is required for card payments.

08
Two Mixed Up image 1
Restaurant

Two-level restaurant inside a food hall offers a lively atmosphere with giant screens and high-energy patio featuring bean bags. Music plays loudly from speakers above the ordering area, creating a hype spot vibe that gets busy on weekends and evenings. Spacious layout and warm lighting add to the cool, relaxed feel.

House barbecue sauce features a strong mustard base with a distinct tang. Chicken strips pair well with the gold barbecue sauce, which stands out for its unique flavor profile.

People are saying

"I had one of the best burgers I've ever eaten."

"You have to try the smash burger; it's the best I ever had."

"You have to try their smash burger; it's the best."

Good to know

1

Prices for burgers range from $18 to $20 each.

2

An 18% tip is automatically added to all orders.

3

Parking is curbside, metered, and limited.

09
Ono Hawaiian Plates Central image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small restaurant inside an Asian grocery store features huge Hawaiian murals and family-style seating. Warm, welcoming atmosphere with chill vibes and upbeat music creates a relaxed, island-inspired mood. Fresh fish from nearby seafood market supports authentic Hawaiian dining experience.

Generous portions of BBQ chicken thighs come moist and flavorful. The Kalua Chicken and guava BBQ sauce add distinct tastes to the plate lunches, with combos like BBQ pork and katsu offering variety.

Small size suits intimate meals. Plates include Hawaiian dishes with Mac salad sides. Sharing or taking leftovers is common.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's Kalbi is so tender and flavorful."

"The Barbecue chicken here is smoky and charred to perfection."

"The food here is fantastic, especially the flavorful BBQ chicken."

Good to know

1

The restaurant operates on a counter service model, so there is no table service.

2

The portions are generous for the price paid.

3

Getting to the restaurant can be confusing due to the building's layout.

10
La Estancia Steakhouse, Argentinean & Uruguayan image 1

Small, quaint dining room with beautiful decor and screens showing scenes from Uruguay and Argentina creates an upscale yet cozy atmosphere. Music complements the romantic and elegant vibe throughout the space. Elements of South American culture are present everywhere, enhancing the authentic experience.

Meat comes out cooked to perfection with bold, savory flavors that reflect South American barbecue styles. Portions like the barbecue for four and chorizos can feel disappointing in size.

Offers a romantic atmosphere suited for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. Serves Argentinean and Uruguayan cuisine that fits a casually refined dinner setting.

People are saying

"These empanadas are the best I ever tasted."

"The beef empanadas here are insane, totally worth it."

"I loved the barbecue sauce, especially the chimichurri."

Good to know

1

This restaurant is the only place in the Twin Cities that has chivito.

2

The restaurant can handle large parties easily.

3

Expect a 20% service charge added to your bill.

11
Shiki image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with cozy interior and large anime-floral murals sets a unique tone. Loud heavy metal music creates a hectic but fun atmosphere. Bar seating encourages lingering, while the vibe stays inviting despite the noise.

Soft outside buns hold a flavorful pork filling in the BBQ pork buns. These buns offer a deliciously savory bite that stands out among other dishes.

Offers a casual vibe ideal for relaxed date nights. Serves comforting ramen that fits both casual and craving moods.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so flavorful and not salty."

"The dumplings here are so delicious, I can't stop thinking about them."

"The BBQ pork buns are soft outside with a flavorful filling."

Good to know

1

A 3% credit card fee applies to all transactions, avoidable with debit cards.

2

Expect to pay around $20 for a shoyu ramen bowl, which is higher than average.

3

The restaurant has limited menu options, including a new gluten-free ramen bowl.

12
Time & Place image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a luxurious feeling with delicately-lit tables, linen tablecloths, and cloth napkins. Music plays a fabulous reggae soundtrack that encourages spontaneous dancing and creates a warm, friendly atmosphere. The menu blends authentic Jamaican and Asian dishes, making it a unique spot for a date night.

Jerk BBQ Ribs come out incredibly tender. Korean BBQ pairs well with rice and Asian fries. Options like Ox Tail, Salmon, Goat Curry, and BBQ Korean ribs offer a variety of flavors.

Family owned spot offers a pleasant atmosphere with attentive service from the dad and son. Dishes like goat curry and Sesame Chicken stand out for a relaxed date night.

People are saying

"The food here is spectacular and delicious."

"The Korean BBQ here is excellent, like a chef's kiss."

"The food here is delicious and made with love."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy nights due to limited seating.

2

Lunch specials are available for $12, offering great value.

3

Expect meals to arrive at different times as they are prepared fresh.

13
Atomic Wings image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small, clean space with limited seating and a mom-and-pop feel creates a cozy atmosphere. The vibe is friendly and welcoming, supported by great music and a community focus. The menu features juicy boneless wings and flavorful chicken sandwiches that stand out.

Wings come in lemon pepper wet, jerk barbecue, and Honey BBQ flavors, offered both bone-in and boneless. The BBQ chicken sandwich features coleslaw on top for added texture.

Spicy jerk chicken brings a surprising kick. Fried Oreos add a sweet finish. Several chicken sandwiches offer tasty options.

People are saying

"The BBQ wings here are crispy, juicy, and amazing."

"The barbecue wings here are crispy and delicious."

"The sauces here are immaculate, especially the Thai chili."

Good to know

1

All their chicken is Halal and never frozen.

2

You should plan for takeout if you come during your lunch break.

3

The prices are high, with a sandwich and fries costing over $15 without a drink.

14
Jellybean and Julia's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant with live music on a big stage and a high-end sound system creates a lively atmosphere. Decor includes murals, a cool bar area, and mismatched seating like church pews, giving a laid-back vibe. The crowd is energetic, and the place fills up with few regular tables available.

Southern BBQ spareribs stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. Friendly staff offer a variety of BBQ sauces to sample, enhancing the experience.

Fantastic ribs and wings create a memorable BBQ dinner. The food delivers a perfect 10 experience for a date night.

People are saying

"The brisket and pulled pork here are so good!"

"I found our new favorite spot for great Barbecue."

"These Date Spots have tender, delicious brisket and ribs."

Good to know

1

Brunch is offered on Sundays with a special menu.

2

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7pm with no entry fee.

3

Live blues music is featured on weekends starting at 8pm.

15
Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant offers a friendly family atmosphere with country music and sports on TV. Lighting is somewhat dim but the space feels clean and cozy. Larger tables accommodate groups though can feel crowded.

Tender ribs offer just enough bite while the loaded BBQ beef baked potato stands out as a solid choice. Consistent taste and texture keep the BBQ quality steady across locations.

Staff recognize regulars, creating a familiar atmosphere. Ribs stand out as a popular dish. Mac and cheese contains corn, which may affect preferences.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and flavorful."

"The service here is great, making the Barbecue experience feel like family."

"You'll love the delicious ribs and BBQ here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu is available Monday through Friday only.

2

Expect low prices during happy hour for drinks and appetizers.

3

Buffalo wings are a popular choice during happy hour.

16
Shinhwa Korean Steakhouse image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious seating with large booths and built-in grills creates a modern Korean barbecue setting. Loud K-pop music and multiple screens showing Korean music clips fill the space with high energy. Robot servers deliver food efficiently, adding a unique tech-driven touch to the lively atmosphere.

Korean BBQ here offers a fun experience with tender and flavorful meats like lemongrass pork belly and spicy beef. The all-you-can-eat option includes BBQ vegetables such as king oyster mushroom and pumpkin, plus free soda and Melona ice cream.

New restaurants in familiar spots offer fresh options for couples. Celebrations like birthdays fit well with the intimate atmosphere and special occasion menus.

People are saying

"I recommend going for the BBQ only; the marinated proteins were delicious."

"You have to do the Korean Barbecue for a great experience."

"The Korean BBQ and hot pot here are great for date spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a 2-hour limit for all-you-can-eat dining.

3

The all-you-can-eat price is $35 per person, including extras.

17
Hometaste Hong Kong Cuisine image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern Chinese restaurant with clean, open design and large round tables suited for groups. Atmosphere is relaxing despite multiple TVs showing varied content. Features turntables on some tables for easy dish sharing and presents traditional elements like hanging roast ducks.

BBQ pork stands out as very tender and juicy, often paired with roast pork and crispy fried intestines. The seafood and roast duck also show strong flavors, with dishes like shrimp and chive dumplings complementing the BBQ offerings.

Late lunches here feature good food and attentive service. Dishes like chicken and broccoli on fried rice and sweet and sour chicken offer solid options for a casual date.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so flavorful and generously sized, just like Hong Kong."

"The BBQ pork here is tender and juicy."

"The food here is so tasty and authentic, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

They only serve the soup during lunch hours.

2

Dinner prices are too expensive.

3

The meal can feed a family of four, including two adults and two children.

18
bb.q Chicken St. Paul image 1

Spacious indoor seating features K-pop music, anime and Korean TV shows on screens, creating a lively and trendy vibe. Dim lighting and basic decor give a somewhat underdeveloped feel, while the atmosphere remains welcoming and energetic. Limited outdoor sidewalk seating offers an option during warmer months.

Korean BBQ here stands out as legit and exceptional with a solid variety of options. The BBQ bowl offers a unique twist but the mayonnaise topping can be off-putting for some.

Wings and tteok-bokki stand out as flavorful choices for a casual date. The atmosphere includes TVs playing commercials, and staff greet couples with a warm smile.

People are saying

"The Korean food here has super crispy chicken with amazing sauces."

"You have to try the wings; they're hot, fresh, and full of flavor."

"The Korean Barbecue here is legit and exceptional."

Good to know

1

The online menu lists a whole original fried chicken for $20.65, but in-store it's $32.00.

2

Ordering ahead is recommended as the restaurant can get very busy.

3

Street parking is available on both sides of the street and in nearby neighborhoods.

19
FireBox- BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Smokey aroma fills the spacious indoor area with casual counter service and a small outdoor patio. Friendly, warm atmosphere offers a chill vibe complemented by a full bar. Known for best brisket, woody aromatics, reasonable prices, and family-run charm.

Meat quality stands out as some of the best barbecue in the area. The menu includes Firebox Fries and a variety of smoked meats that deliver a simple, authentic BBQ experience.

Generous portions offer plenty of meat to share, making it easy to enjoy together. The potato salad stands out as a favorite, and the waitress provides great service.

People are saying

"This American food's brisket is so tender and juicy."

"The brisket here is so tender and packed with flavor."

"The pulled pork and brisket at these Date Spots are so juicy and moist."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited with fewer than five spots; expect to use street parking.

2

The 2 meat plate is large enough for two meals.

3

Prices are reasonable and offer good value for the portion sizes.

20
Bonchon Eagan image 1
Korean restaurant

Large dining space offers a casual, relaxed atmosphere with fun tunes and TV shows. The interior shows a recent remodel that keeps the place simple but comfortable. The vibe suits those who enjoy crispy, flavorful Korean fried chicken and a calm setting.

Chicken stands out with Korean BBQ and soy garlic flavors. Wings and drums come in spicy and garlic options, though some have light sauce coverage.

Spicy chicken wings offer a fun, casual vibe for a mid-afternoon date. Sharing portions requires planning since 5 drumsticks feel too small and 10 too large for two.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly crispy."

"The Korean Barbecue chicken here is really good and crispy."

"The staff here is so friendly and professional for your Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available only on weekdays, offering good value.

2

Takeout containers are unlabeled, which may affect recycling options.

3

Food is typically ready about 5 minutes after ordering for takeout.

21
Angelea's Soul Food Kitchen image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with nostalgic music playing overhead creates a warm, welcoming vibe reminiscent of a classic soul food movie. The atmosphere feels like home with southern roots, filled with joy and energy despite limited seating and a standing line to order.

BBQ ribs come with Mac and cheese and collard greens. BBQ wings and catfish also appear on the menu.

Plates come with healthy portions that satisfy without leftovers. Friendly staff create a welcoming vibe for couples enjoying dishes like catfish, BBQ wings, and peach cobbler.

People are saying

"The food here is really good."

"The BBQ ribs here are amazing and the portions are generous."

"The mac and cheese here is so good, it's smack n cheese."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of over an hour during peak hours.

2

The restaurant runs out of popular dishes quickly, especially close to closing time.

3

Orders should be placed ahead of time to reduce wait times.

22
Super Star Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Large buffet restaurant features a hibachi grill and Mongolian grill with an open setup for custom picks. Interior is beautifully remodeled with a clean, inviting atmosphere that feels soothing and vibey. Seating is plentiful, supporting quick entry even when busy.

Offers a Mongolian barbecue where you pick your own mix of flavors, served hot and fresh. Includes a Mongolian beef dish and a Mongolian BBQ grille option among a wide selection of dishes.

Buffet style offers a casual setting for couples. Family-friendly atmosphere suits relaxed date nights when cooking is not an option.

People are saying

"The buffet's steamed dumplings and chicken skewers are so good."

"The Date Spots here have so many fresh options, it's great."

"I loved the fresh Mongolian barbecue options."

Good to know

1

Adult prices apply to children taller than approximately 5 feet.

2

Prices are higher on nights and weekends, reaching up to $25 on Sundays.

3

The buffet offers a huge selection of classic entrees and sushi.

23
Texas Roadhouse image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse offers a loud atmosphere with line dancing by staff and peanuts at every table. Seating feels crammed and busy, creating a lively but chaotic vibe. The place draws families and groups, especially during special nights with entertainment for kids.

BBQ dishes come with generous sauce that many places skip. The BBQ chicken stays juicy and well-cooked, while the ribs are consistently very good.

Ribs come fall-off-the-bone tender and steaks like the Dallas cut stand out for their rich flavor. The setting suits casual celebrations with hearty, satisfying meals.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be excellent and delicious."

"The servers here make you feel like family on your date."

"The barbecue ribs here are fantastic and fall off the bone."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during dinner hours to avoid long waits.

2

Expect a 15-minute wait time during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking is ample, but can fill up quickly during busy times.

24
Moe's Char House image 1

Curved booths and small, oddly shaped tables create a cramped dining setup inside a very nice interior. Atmosphere blends banquet hall vibe with casual energy, featuring a blues pianist and a private event room. Noise from silverware slamming and inconsistent charm mark the experience.

BBQ ribs come with a heavily sauced style that leans sweet. The Korean BBQ Bowl offers a savory flavor that stands out among the options.

The spot works well for date nights with a relaxed vibe. Dishes like Chicken Marsala and Cajun Chicken Fettuccine offer solid options, and the salads come fresh and tasty.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and delicious."

"The food at these Date Spots is so good, I almost ordered another to go."

"I almost wanted to order another Korean Barbecue Bowl to go."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Meat raffle occurs every Wednesday from 5-7pm; tickets are $5 each.

3

The patio is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

25
SŌKE BBQ and Hotpot image 1
Korean restaurant

Open concept space combines hotpot and Korean BBQ with modern, clean decor. Atmosphere stays fun and social without loud music, making it relaxing. Tables suit small groups, with a fabulous sauce bar offering many flavor options.

Offers all-you-can-eat BBQ and hot pot with unique soups like pho broth and a wide selection of meats. Portions come generous and flavors stand out compared to typical AYCE spots.

Hot pot offers a shared dining experience that suits couples well. The setting works for both date nights and family outings.

People are saying

"The BBQ here is so flavorful and the meat is seasoned just right."

"The barbecue here is so flavorful and the meat is seasoned just right."

"The food at these Date Spots is fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect a wait time of up to 1 hour and 45 minutes during peak hours.

3

A 3% surcharge applies for credit card payments.

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