Best Places to Cozy Up with a Glass of Wine and a Good Book
Imagine it’s a beautiful summer evening, you’re cozied up on the patio of a restaurant with a glass of wine and good book in hand. Doesn’t that sound amazing? It does to me! If you’re an avid reader and wine aficionado, like I am, here is a list of my favorite places in the Twin Cities to enjoy some alone time.
Angelina’s Kitchen
2170 Eagle Creek Lane, Woodbury, MN 55129
My favorite wine bar to have dinner, wine, and read a good book is Angelina’s Kitchen and Wine Bistro. I eat there frequently, as it’s within walking distance of my home, which is great during the summer and fall months. The menu offers Italian specialties, the food is fresh and made to order, and reasonably priced. Personal favorites are the Shrimp Risotto, grilled Salmon, and the Spinach, Pear, and Goat Cheese salad. I’ve never been disappointed when ordering one of the homemade desserts.
What I love is being able to come with a book, seated at a favorite corner table. The staff knows me by name, and the bistro is welcoming and comfortable. I’ve seen other single women doing the very same thing. The wine list is moderate in size, but Angelina’s also offers a full bar. During summer months, there is patio dining, and live music most nights.
Cravings Wine Bar and Grille
755 Bielenberg Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
I’ve also come to Cravings with a book to read while eating dinner. The wine list is quite extensive, so wine aficionado’s should be pleased. They offer crisp green salads, tasty handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and amazing steaks. The menu changes seasonally to highlight seasonal specialties. A favorite is the wild rice soup.
Meritage
410 St Peter St, St Paul, MN 55102
Meritage in Downtown St. Paul (located in the Historic Hamm Building) offers a range of dining styles from their classic entrees and seasonal menus in the dining room to their busy oyster and wine bar. Again, I’m comfortable going to Meritage with a good book, or the latest publishing news. The staff is always extremely knowledgeable about the menu and service is top-notch. Meritage is also a fantastic venue to celebrate special occasions like getting published to paying off your mortgage to birthdays and anniversary’s. They have a beautiful outdoor dining area, the Terrace, that offers the best views of Downtown St. Paul. This French bistro is a wonderful place to enjoy some Moules Frites (mussels and fries) and a glass of rosé.
Salut Bar Americain on Grand Avenue
917 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105
Salut Bar Americain is your neighborhood French joint. It’s casual, comfortable, and has a menu that will please just about anyone. The Grand Avenue location in St. Paul has a vibrant patio, perfect for relaxing on a summer evening with your favorite book and glass of wine from their extensive wine menu. Salut also offers a great happy hour menu with drink specials that include favorites like their house wine and rosé.
Let me know in the comments below what places in the Twin Cities you like going to cozy up with a good book and glass of wine!