Top 5 restaurants in Minnesota for business dining

Ramp processes billions of dollars in business expenses across thousands of companies every month. Our unique position in the payments ecosystem provides visibility into actual spending patterns, including restaurant and dining expenditures across diverse industries and business sizes.

Understanding where businesses invest their dining dollars in Minnesota requires more than anecdotal recommendations. By analyzing aggregate spending data across corporate cards and expense reports, we can identify the establishments that consistently deliver value for business meetings, client entertainment, and team gatherings. This data-driven approach reveals how Minnesota's evolving dining landscape serves the needs of modern businesses, from the Twin Cities' innovative culinary scene to the state's celebrated regional classics.

Understanding Minnesota restaurant industry

Minnesota's restaurant ecosystem combines a $3.5 billion full-service restaurant market with a $5.6 billion fast-food segment, supporting 276,800 foodservice jobs across 11,233 establishments. This robust industry serves both the state's 5.79 million residents and a thriving tourism sector that welcomed 80.2 million visitors in 2023. The culinary landscape reflects Minnesota's Scandinavian and German heritage through iconic dishes like tater tot hotdish and wild rice casseroles, while the Twin Cities embrace global influences from Hmong, Somali, and Mexican communities. Independent operators dominate the market, comprising 76% of establishments and driving innovation through sustainable dining practices and locally sourced ingredients. This combination of traditional comfort food and contemporary fusion creates a distinctive dining environment that caters to diverse business needs.

Top 5 restaurants for business meals and client dining

Based on aggregated business spending data from corporate cards and expense reports, these Minnesota establishments consistently rank highest for professional dining. Chowgirls Catering, Porzana, and Pizza Lucé lead the pack in the Twin Cities market, demonstrating that businesses value both upscale dining experiences and reliable casual options. This data reflects actual corporate spending patterns rather than individual preferences, providing unique insights into where Minnesota companies invest their entertainment and meeting budgets.

Chowgirls Catering

Chowgirls Catering has established itself as Minneapolis's premier corporate catering solution since 2004. Founded by Heidi Andermack and Amy Brown, this award-winning enterprise operates from a custom-built kitchen at 1222 2nd St NE, specializing in sustainable, locally sourced cuisine for business events. Their commitment to zero-waste practices and commercial composting programs resonates with environmentally conscious corporations, while their flexible menu options accommodate everything from boardroom lunches to large-scale corporate celebrations.

Notable facts: Recognized by Minnesota Monthly as "Best Up-and-Coming Caterer" in 2008 and featured on The Daily Show during the RNC, Chowgirls has grown from a two-person operation to a team of over 50 employees. The company pioneered commercial composting programs with Eureka Recycling and removed "Killer" from its original name in 2020 to embrace inclusivity, reflecting its values-driven approach to business catering.

Signature dishes:

• Wasabi Crab Cakes with ginger aioli
• Proscuitto-Wrapped Artichoke Hearts
• Curry Mango Chicken Salad
• Fancy Deviled Eggs with truffle oil

Best for: Corporate events requiring customizable menus, sustainable catering for environmentally conscious companies, and businesses seeking full-service event coordination. Their expertise in handling everything from intimate board meetings to 500-person galas makes them ideal for companies with diverse entertainment needs throughout the year.

Porzana

Porzana brings Argentinean steakhouse excellence to Minneapolis's North Loop, occupying the historic Bachelor Farmer space at 200 N 1st St. Chef Daniel del Prado's sophisticated establishment offers three distinct dining experiences: the main dining room with exposed brick walls, a seasonal patio, and the subterranean Flora Room cocktail lounge. This versatility makes it perfect for various business occasions, from formal client dinners to casual team celebrations.

Notable facts: Opened in August 2023 following a $2 million renovation of the 1881 building, Porzana sources grass-fed beef from Minnesota's Red River Valley and incorporates indigenous ingredients like wild bergamot. The Flora Room, managed by former Marvel Bar mixologist Keith Mrotek, serves craft cocktails with foraged botanicals, creating an impressive venue for after-dinner drinks with clients.

Signature dishes:

• Dry-aged Grass-Fed Bife de Chorizo (sirloin)
• Provoleta (grilled provolone with chimichurri)
• Squid Ink Tagliatelle with blue crab
• House-made pastas with seasonal ingredients

Best for: High-stakes client dinners, executive team celebrations, and impressing out-of-town business partners. The combination of premium steaks, sophisticated ambiance, and multiple dining spaces makes Porzana ideal for businesses seeking to make a memorable impression while offering flexibility for different group sizes and formality levels.

Pizza Lucé

Pizza Lucé has served as Minneapolis's go-to spot for casual business meals since 1993, now operating 10 Minnesota locations. Founded by Joe Baier, this local institution pioneered gluten-free and vegan options while maintaining quality that earned them the 2011 Restaurant of the Year award from the Minnesota Restaurant Association. Their late-night hours and reliable delivery service make them particularly valuable for businesses with non-traditional schedules.

Notable facts: Pizza Lucé famously catered Prince's private events and expanded with express kiosks at Target Field and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Their dough undergoes a 72-hour fermentation process, and they were among the first Minnesota pizzerias to offer cashew-based vegan ricotta, demonstrating innovation that appeals to diverse dietary preferences in corporate settings.

Signature dishes:

• Athena Pizza (spinach, feta, kalamata olives)
• Minnesota Wild Rice Pizza with leek cream sauce
• Vegan Rustler (seitan pepperoni, vegan sausage)
• Baked Penne with smoked mozzarella

Best for: Informal team lunches, late-night strategy sessions, and accommodating large groups with diverse dietary restrictions. Their multiple locations and consistent quality make Pizza Lucé perfect for businesses needing a reliable option for regular team meals or last-minute client meetings in a relaxed atmosphere.

Silver Dollar Saloon

Silver Dollar Saloon in Elizabeth reopened in 2024 as a completely renovated Western-themed destination at 209 Broadway Ave. This family-friendly establishment combines live music nights with elevated pub cuisine, creating a unique atmosphere for businesses seeking an alternative to typical corporate dining venues. Their heated patio and rustic interior with reclaimed wood accents provide versatile spaces for different types of business gatherings.

Notable facts: Featured on "Where to Eat" Episode 25, the saloon gained fame for its "Spicy Wing Gauntlet" challenge and innovative takes on comfort food classics. The kitchen operates until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, with happy hour specials from 4-6 PM daily, making it convenient for after-work team gatherings or early evening client meetings in Otter Tail County.

Signature dishes:

• Garlic New York Strip Steak with truffle mashed potatoes
• Bourbon Burger with smoked gouda and caramelized onions
• "Better-Than-Broasted" Chicken with house rub
• Meat-Me-At-The-Saloon Pizza with local sausage

Best for: Regional business meetings outside the Twin Cities, team-building events with a casual atmosphere, and entertaining clients who appreciate authentic Minnesota hospitality. The combination of quality steaks, craft burgers, and live entertainment creates memorable experiences for businesses operating in greater Minnesota.

Brass Rail

Brass Rail has perfected the art of broasted chicken since 1969 at their Grandy location on MN-65. This family-owned institution, now in its third generation, maintains original recipes including their award-winning chicken that uses a 48-hour brine process. The 56-seat restaurant expanded in 2015 to include a beer garden with fire pits, offering both indoor comfort and outdoor relaxation for business gatherings.

Notable facts: Featured on Food Network's "Hidden Eats," Brass Rail won the 2018 Minnesota State Fair poultry competition with their "World Class Broasted Chicken" recipe. The log-cabin interior showcases Northwoods decor with mounted fish and vintage signage, creating an authentically Minnesota atmosphere that resonates with both local businesses and visiting corporate guests.

Signature dishes:

• Broasted Half Chicken with dill potato salad
• Wild Rice Meatloaf with lingonberry glaze
• Beer-Battered Walleye with house tartar sauce
• Homemade pies featuring seasonal Minnesota fruits

Best for: Hosting out-of-state business visitors seeking authentic Minnesota cuisine, casual lunch meetings during trips to northern Minnesota, and team outings that combine dining with outdoor activities. The restaurant's reputation for comfort food excellence and genuine hospitality makes it ideal for businesses wanting to showcase Minnesota's culinary traditions.

Tips for business dining in Minnesota's restaurant scene

Minnesota's business dining culture reflects the state's practical Midwestern values while embracing contemporary culinary innovation. Make reservations at least 48 hours in advance for weeknight dinners at upscale establishments like Porzana, but many casual spots like Pizza Lucé accommodate walk-ins even during peak hours. Consider seasonal factors when planning: summer's patio season (May through September) sees higher demand for outdoor seating, while winter months make restaurants with valet parking or heated entries particularly valuable for client meetings.

Local dining customs favor earlier meal times than coastal cities, with lunch meetings typically scheduled between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM and dinner reservations peak between 6:00 and 7:30 PM. Minnesota businesses appreciate restaurants that accommodate dietary restrictions without fuss—venues like Chowgirls Catering and Pizza Lucé excel at this. When hosting out-of-state clients, showcase regional specialties like wild rice dishes or walleye, but avoid assuming everyone wants to try lutefisk. For larger corporate events, many restaurants offer private dining rooms, but book these at least two weeks ahead during conference season (September-November and March-May).

Budget considerations vary significantly: expect to spend $15-25 per person for business lunches at casual establishments, while upscale dinner venues like Porzana typically run $75-150 per person with wine. Many Minnesota restaurants offer corporate catering menus with pre-set pricing, making expense reporting easier. Finally, remember that Minnesota's strong craft beverage scene means many clients may prefer local beers or spirits over wine—restaurants with curated local selections often make the best impression on visiting business partners.