Mancini’s Char House Archives - The Local Guide Abroad

Home » Mancini’s Char House

Last updated: March 2026 by Corey Gasman

From the Editor:

I have lived in the Twin Cities my entire life, and steakhouse dinners have always been part of how people here celebrate. Some are polished Downtown Minneapolis institutions. Some feel like supper clubs with stronger drinks and more personality. Some are modern splurge spots where the room matters almost as much as the meat.

This guide is built to help you pick the right steakhouse for the right night, whether that means a birthday dinner, a pre-game reservation, a date night, a patio dinner in summer, or one classic Twin Cities meal you do not want to miss.

Start Here

If you only care about the backbone of the Twin Cities steakhouse scene, start with the Minnesota M Trio: Murray’s, Manny’s, and Mancini’s. These three still define the category better than anything else in town.

After that, the scene opens up. Porzana is the hottest modern steakhouse in the North Loop. The St. Paul Grill adds classic white-tablecloth Downtown St. Paul polish near Rice Park. The Lexington brings Grand Avenue history and one of the better cocktail programs in St. Paul. Jax Cafe, Gianni’s, Baldamar, 801 Chophouse, and Lindey’s all give you different versions of the Twin Cities steakhouse experience.

One quick note on how to use this guide: some steakhouses may show up in more than one section. That is intentional. The goal is not just to rank them once, but to help you understand what they are actually best for, whether that is a classic downtown dinner, an old-school supper club night, a modern splurge, or the easiest pre-game reservation.

Pro Tip: In the Twin Cities, the best steakhouse is not always the most expensive one. A lot depends on whether you want Downtown Minneapolis polish, West 7th old-school character, or a more modern dining room.

Quick Navigation

Start here
Twin Cities steakhouse map
The Minnesota M Trio
Iconic orders and classic sides
Steakhouse price comparison
Best steakhouses in Minneapolis
Best steakhouses in St. Paul and the East Metro
Supper club style steakhouses
Lake Minnetonka and suburban steakhouses
Which steakhouse should you choose?
Read more
FAQs

Twin Cities Steakhouse Rule: Match the steakhouse to the occasion. Some are best for celebration dinners, some for cocktails and atmosphere, and some for old-school comfort and value.

Start with the essentials

Short on time? Begin with the Minnesota M Trio, then use the price table and the Minneapolis or St. Paul sections to narrow things down.

A large, char-grilled steak served with a side of green beans and a packet of butter on a white plate at Mancini's.

Mancini’s charcoal-grilled New York strip is a classic example of the old-school Twin Cities steakhouse dinner: strong drinks, timeless atmosphere, and steak done right.

Twin Cities Steakhouse Map

Navigating the Twin Cities means understanding that Downtown Minneapolis, the North Loop, Downtown St. Paul, West 7th, Grand Avenue, and the suburbs all offer very different steakhouse experiences. I created this interactive map so you can quickly see which steakhouses are closest to your hotel, a Vikings game, a Wild game, or the neighborhood where you are staying.

If you are staying in Downtown Minneapolis, the classic downtown options are very walkable. If you are heading to the North Loop, parking can be trickier on busy weekends, so rideshare is often the easiest move. In St. Paul, the Rice Park and Grand Avenue dining rooms work especially well for theater nights, hockey games, and special-occasion dinners.

Local Guide Tip: If you are planning a steakhouse dinner before a Twins or Vikings game, Downtown Minneapolis is the easiest place to stay. If you are going before a Wild game, Downtown St. Paul is the easiest dinner zone.

Sliced 85-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye steak on a plate with a meat tag at Manny's Steakhouse

Manny’s 85-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye is one of the most memorable big-night steak orders in Downtown Minneapolis.

The Minnesota M Trio

If you only have time for three places, make it these. Murray’s, Manny’s, and Mancini’s are still the clearest starting point for understanding Twin Cities steakhouse culture.

Murray’s Steakhouse

In Downtown Minneapolis, this is my personal special-occasion steakhouse. It feels polished, classic, and worth dressing up for without crossing into anything too stiff. The Silver Butter Knife Steak for Two is still one of the most iconic orders in the city, and the French onion soup, butter-soaked garlic toasts, and old-school service are part of what keeps the experience feeling special. Read my full Murray’s review.

Manny’s Steakhouse

In Downtown Minneapolis, this is the power-dinner version of the category. The room is louder, the cuts are bigger, the sides are massive, and the whole night feels more theatrical. The loaded hash browns and thick-cut bacon are part of the appeal, right alongside the huge steaks and big-night energy. Read my full Manny’s review.

Mancini’s Char House

On West 7th in St. Paul, this is where the conversation shifts from polished downtown steakhouse to true supper club. The charcoal grill matters, the drinks matter, and the overall room still feels like part of the city’s restaurant history. It is not about the most luxurious steak in town. It is about atmosphere, flavor, comfort, and tradition, with the relish tray and garlic cheese bread helping define the whole experience. Read my full Mancini’s review.

Steakhouse	Why it stands out	Best for
Murray’s	The classic Downtown Minneapolis special-occasion steakhouse with tableside carving and polished service.	Birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, and date-night dinners.
Manny’s	Big cuts, big sides, and the full Downtown Minneapolis power-dinner vibe.	Event nights, group dinners, and celebratory splurges.
Mancini’s	Open charcoal pits, strong drinks, and classic West 7th supper club identity.	Family dinners, old-school steakhouse nights, and relaxed local tradition.

Iconic Orders and Classic Sides

The best Twin Cities steakhouse dinners are not just about the steak. A lot of the local personality comes from the sides, starters, and old-school touches that make each place feel distinct.

Steakhouse	What to order besides the steak	Why it matters
Murray’s	Hickory Smoked Shrimp and French onion soup	These are part of what makes the classic Downtown Minneapolis experience feel complete.
Manny’s	Loaded hash browns and thick-cut apple smoked bacon	These oversized steakhouse extras match the whole big-night, big-portion personality.
Mancini’s	Cocktail shrimp and pickled herring with crackers	The cocktail shrimp is the classic steakhouse starter, while the pickled herring leans into a true old-school Minnesota supper club tradition.
Porzana	Chimichurri, empanadas, and pasta	This is one reason the North Loop room works well even for mixed groups.
The Lexington	Cocktails and the famous chicken pot pie	Grand Avenue regulars love this place for more than just the woodfire grill.
Lindey’s	Garlic bread, salad, and pickled watermelon rind	These classic accompaniments are part of Lindey’s old-time-capsule appeal.

Twin Cities Steakhouse Price Comparison

This is the fastest way to compare the Twin Cities steakhouse scene at a glance. Instead of listing multiple cuts from every restaurant, I picked one useful benchmark steak from each place so the table stays easier to scan. Prices change often, so treat this as a March 2026 planning snapshot rather than a permanent menu archive.

Steakhouse	Benchmark steak	Size	Typical price	Notes
Murray’s	Ribeye	18 oz	$79	A useful benchmark for a classic Downtown Minneapolis splurge.
Manny’s	Bone-In Ribeye	House cut	$93.95	A strong reference point for high-end Downtown Minneapolis steakhouse pricing.
Mancini’s	New York Strip	House cut	$48	Still one of the better value plays among the classic West 7th steakhouses.
Porzana	Grass Fed New York	14 oz	$74	North Loop pricing with a more chef-driven overall menu.
P.S. Steak	Shoulder Steak	10 oz	$58	A lower entry point into one of the city’s most polished steakhouse rooms.
Jax Cafe	New York Strip	14 oz	$62	Traditional fine-dining pricing with a more classic Northeast Minneapolis feel.
The St. Paul Grill	Center Cut Ribeye	16 oz	$87.95	Classic white-tablecloth hotel steakhouse pricing in Downtown St. Paul near Rice Park.
The Lexington	Center Cut Ribeye	16 oz	$72	Historic Grand Avenue steakhouse with woodfire grill energy and strong cocktails.
801 Chophouse	Ribeye	16 oz	$77	Downtown Nicollet Mall steakhouse with a more classic national power-dinner feel.
Baldamar	Prime Ribeye	18 oz	$75	One of the strongest modern suburban steakhouse options in the metro.
Gianni’s	Filet Mignon	House cut	Upscale	Best thought of as a Wayzata and Lake Minnetonka special-occasion steakhouse splurge.

Note: Prices above are intended as a March 2026 planning guide and can change without notice. Always confirm current menu pricing directly with the restaurant before booking an important dinner.

Porzana’s wood-fired entraña is one of the standout modern steak orders in the North Loop, especially with chimichurri on the side.

Best Steakhouses in Minneapolis

Best classic downtown steakhouse: Murray’s

In Downtown Minneapolis, this is the pick when you want the most timeless steakhouse experience. It still feels special without trying too hard, and the old-school service, strong cocktails, and polished room make it one of the safest special-occasion bets in the city. Read the full review.

Best power-dinner steakhouse: Manny’s

This Downtown Minneapolis heavyweight is especially good for group dinners, business dinners, and nights when the energy of the room matters. Huge cuts, dramatic sides, and one of the clearest big-splurge personalities in town make it an easy recommendation. Because it is such a staple, weekend reservations often require booking three to four weeks in advance.

Best modern chef-driven steakhouse: Porzana

In the North Loop, this is the new-school answer. The room is stylish, the beef program is strong, and the whole experience feels more contemporary than the old guard. It is also one of the better picks for a mixed group because the broader menu still holds up for people who are not there strictly for steak. Like Manny’s, you will want to book three to four weeks out for a prime weekend table.

Newer refined steakhouse to watch: St. Pierre Steak & Seafood

Located in the historic Tractorworks Building on North Washington Avenue, St. Pierre Steak & Seafood is a strong addition to the North Loop dining scene. It feels more refined and chef-driven than the classic old-school steakhouses, leaning into a polished but approachable atmosphere. Isaac Becker and Nancy St. Pierre have a flawless track record in the Twin Cities with places like Bar La Grassa and 112 Eatery, making this an easy reservation to trust when you want a quieter, upscale steak and seafood dinner.

Local Guide Tip: The North Loop gets notoriously busy on weekends, but St. Pierre offers $15 valet parking right outside the building. It is a small detail that makes a big difference when you want to avoid circling for street parking before your reservation.

Best dressed-up steakhouse date night: P.S. Steak

Near Loring Park, P.S. Steak is where you go when the room should feel as polished as the plate. It leans more refined and luxury-forward than the old-school classics and works especially well for date nights where atmosphere matters. It is also one of the best pairings in the city for an event at the Walker Art Center just across the street, making for an easy, well-planned date night without needing to rideshare across town.

Best patio steakhouse in Minneapolis: Jax Cafe

In Northeast Minneapolis, this is one of the most pleasant patio steakhouse moves in the city. The old-school dining rooms are part of the appeal year-round, but the garden setting is what makes it especially memorable once the weather turns. They even still let guests catch their own dinner from the live lobster tank with a net, a quirky classic touch that out-of-towners find really memorable.

Best downtown Nicollet Mall classic: 801 Chophouse

If you want another Downtown Minneapolis power-steakhouse option on Nicollet Mall, 801 Chophouse is worth knowing about. It feels more like a traditional national steakhouse brand than a local institution, but the steaks, bacon, and polished room make it a useful option for travelers, business dinners, and searchers who specifically want a downtown chop house experience.

Best outdoor downtown steakhouse scene: Butcher’s Tale

If your group wants more downtown buzz and a stronger outdoor beer-garden feel, Butcher’s Tale is worth a look. It is not as foundational as the old guard, but it fills a different lane well.

Best chain steakhouse downtown: The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille is the reliable polished chain option downtown. It is a dependable call for business dinners, travelers, or anyone who likes a familiar upscale format.

Best Brazilian steakhouse experience: Fogo de Chão

If you want tableside-carved meats and the full churrascaria format, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse is still the clearest alternative to the traditional Midwestern steakhouse structure. While the endless parade of skewers is the main draw, the supporting dishes are what truly elevate the experience and keep the dining room full.

A ribeye at Baldamar, one of the stronger modern steakhouse options on the east side of the metro.

Best Steakhouses in St. Paul and the East Metro

Best old-school St. Paul steakhouse: Mancini’s

On West 7th, this is still the St. Paul classic. Charcoal-grilled steaks, a strong bar, live music on some weekends, and relaxed supper club personality have kept locals coming back for decades. Read the full review.

Best downtown St. Paul fine-dining steakhouse: The St. Paul Grill

Inside The Saint Paul Hotel overlooking Rice Park in Downtown St. Paul, this is the polished white-tablecloth pick. It works especially well for date nights, theater nights, business dinners, and pre-game dinners before Wild games, and the menu has enough serious steak depth to justify the category.

Best historic steakhouse vibe and cocktails: The Lexington

On Grand Avenue, this is one of the best overall dinner spots in St. Paul when you want steakhouse energy with a stronger cocktail program. It feels refined without losing neighborhood character, and it is one of the easiest places to recommend when atmosphere matters as much as the steak.

Best east metro modern splurge: Baldamar

In Roseville, Baldamar deserves a mention for anyone looking around the east side of the metro for a more modern, darker, clubbier steakhouse feel without going into Downtown Minneapolis.

Local Guide Tip: Baldamar is one of the easiest higher-end steakhouses to access in the metro. It is a freestanding building right next to Rosedale Center with its own parking lot, so you avoid downtown traffic and parking altogether. It also tends to feel a bit more relaxed and family-friendly compared to the more buttoned-up downtown steakhouse scene.

Monte Carlo’s bar captures the kind of old-school cocktail energy that still makes Twin Cities supper club style dinners so appealing.

Best Supper Club Style Steakhouses

This is where Minnesota really separates itself from more generic steakhouse cities. The Twin Cities still have places where steak dinner means stronger pours, classic sides, old-school booths, bread baskets, and dining rooms that feel like they have seen decades of celebrations.

Jax Cafe

In Northeast Minneapolis, this is old Minneapolis hospitality at its best. It is often considered the oldest steakhouse in the city, and the classic dining rooms and garden patio still feel like a step back in time. The live lobster tank has been part of the experience for years, but if you want the truest supper club meal here, their slow-roasted prime rib is the local favorite.

The Lexington

On Grand Avenue in St. Paul, the cocktail program, historic room, and refined old-school feel make this one of the clearest crossover spots between supper club charm and upscale steakhouse energy. It is also worth knowing they now have an upstairs rooftop patio, which adds another layer to the experience in warmer months. If you want a break from steak, their famous chicken pot pie is a legendary St. Paul comfort food order.

J.D. Hoyt’s

In the North Loop, this one sits somewhere between steakhouse, supper club, and old Minneapolis institution. It is less polished than the downtown luxury rooms, but that is part of the appeal. The signature order is their massive charcoal-grilled Cajun pork chop, which is easily one of the best in the city. You also have to start with the “Buddy Bowl,” a massive baked family-style appetizer of dirty rice, red beans, and creole sauce that perfectly captures their big, hearty, old-school portions. The absolute pro move here is to add the charcoal-grilled shrimp to the bowl for $3 each.

Monte Carlo

In Downtown Minneapolis, this is one of my favorite bars in the city. Sitting at the copper-top bar surrounded by rows of bottles is part of the experience, and it feels as much like a cocktail destination as a restaurant. The dry-rubbed chicken wings are one of the most famous items on the menu, which says a lot about how this place balances steakhouse energy with bar food done right. If you stay for dessert, you will notice people drinking Grasshoppers, a bright green blended mint ice cream cocktail. Whatever you do, do not order the Grasshopper. I am kidding, of course. It is an absolute classic and exactly what you should drink to finish the night.

Lindey’s Prime Steak House

Up in Arden Hills, Lindey’s is the ultimate time-capsule old-school steakhouse addition to this guide. The menu is intentionally simple and beautifully stubborn: they only serve sirloin. You do not ask for a ribeye or a filet. You simply choose between their special prime sirloin, prime sirloin, or chopped sirloin. The experience is built around that single cut, served family-style with greaseless hash browns, salad, garlic bread, and pickled watermelon rind. It is the kind of place where nothing feels updated, and that is exactly the point.

The supper club style places are also easier for mixed groups because the menus usually have more variety beyond the steak list, which makes them smart choices when not everyone wants a heavy steakhouse order.

Pro Tip: If your ideal steak dinner includes old-school service, stronger drinks, or a bar that feels as important as the dining room, lean toward this side of the guide instead of the newer chef-driven rooms.

Gianni’s bone-in ribeye is a staple for anyone looking for a classic white-tablecloth steakhouse experience in Wayzata.

Best Lake Minnetonka and Suburban Steakhouses

Best steakhouse on Lake Minnetonka: Gianni’s

In Wayzata, this is the clearest Lake Minnetonka steakhouse pick. It delivers white-tablecloth atmosphere, polished service, and the kind of special-occasion feel that fits date nights and summer dinners by the lake. The tableside-spun salad is part of the appeal too and one of the classic orders that helps the whole meal feel a little more old-school and celebratory.

Local Guide Tip: If you can, ask for patio seating at Gianni’s in warmer months. You are not sitting directly on the water, but with the park and Lake Minnetonka just across the street, it still gives the whole dinner a more relaxed lake-country feel. And do not skip the tableside-spun salad. It is one of the signature touches that makes dinner here feel special.

Best modern suburban steakhouse: Baldamar

In Roseville, this is one of the strongest modern suburban steakhouse experiences in the metro. It feels darker, livelier, and more contemporary than the old-school rooms, making it a good fit for birthdays, client dinners, and east metro splurges.

Best polished suburban chain-style option: Pittsburgh Blue

This is another useful name in the suburban conversation, especially if you want a comfortable upscale room and a dependable steakhouse structure in the west metro.

Which Steakhouse Should You Choose?

If you want…	Go here	Why
A classic downtown special-occasion dinner	Murray’s	The best fit for anniversaries, birthdays, and old-school Downtown Minneapolis steakhouse energy.
A louder event-night splurge	Manny’s	Best for big cuts, group energy, and a more theatrical Downtown Minneapolis steakhouse night.
A modern, chef-driven steakhouse	Porzana	The North Loop pick when you want buzzy energy, a stronger overall menu, and a more current-feeling room.
A refined downtown St. Paul dinner	The St. Paul Grill	Best for hotel-dining polish, theater nights, and Rice Park special occasions.
Historic charm and great cocktails	The Lexington	Grand Avenue setting, strong bar program, and classic feel carry a lot of the experience here.
A great summer patio steak dinner	Jax Cafe or Gianni’s	One gives you classic garden-patio charm, and the other brings a Lake Minnetonka feel.
A modern east metro splurge	Baldamar	One of the best choices when you want a darker, clubbier suburban steakhouse vibe.
A Brazilian steakhouse change of pace	Fogo de Chão	Built around tableside-carved meats and a completely different dining format.
The easiest mixed-group dinner	Porzana or P.S. Steak	Both work better than a pure steak-only room when not everyone wants the same kind of meal.

Twin Cities Steakhouse FAQ

Quick answers to the most common questions about where to go, what to expect, and how to choose the right Twin Cities steakhouse.

What is the most classic steakhouse in downtown Minneapolis?

If you want the old-school Downtown Minneapolis classic, start with Murray’s. If you want something louder, bigger, and more event-driven, go with Manny’s.

What is the best steakhouse in St. Paul?

For old-school St. Paul character, Mancini’s on West 7th is still the classic answer. If you want a more polished Downtown St. Paul white-tablecloth dinner, The St. Paul Grill is the better fit.

What is the best value steakhouse in Minneapolis and St. Paul?

Mancini’s is one of the strongest value plays among the classic Twin Cities steakhouses. It is not trying to be the most luxurious meal in the metro, but it delivers a satisfying old-school dinner with more approachable pricing than many top-tier rooms.

What is the hottest modern steakhouse in Minneapolis?

Porzana is the clearest answer right now. The room feels buzzy, the menu goes beyond standard steakhouse format, and the whole experience feels more current than the old guard.

What is the best steakhouse on Lake Minnetonka?

Gianni’s in Wayzata is the standout. It combines a polished steakhouse feel with the Lake Minnetonka setting and remains a strong choice for date nights and celebrations.

Do Twin Cities steakhouse prices change often?

Yes. Dry-aged cuts, wagyu, featured steaks, seafood add-ons, and market-price items can shift quickly. Use this guide as a planning tool, but confirm current pricing directly with the restaurant if you are booking an important dinner.

Which Twin Cities steakhouses are easiest for parking?

Most downtown options are easiest with valet or ramps, while several of the older St. Paul and suburban spots are simpler if you are driving. That is one reason the east metro and St. Paul options can be great for a lower-stress reservation.

How should I dress for a Twin Cities steakhouse?

Most Twin Cities steakhouses are fairly relaxed by national standards, but some still feel like places where people enjoy dressing up a bit. The polished downtown and hotel dining rooms are the clearest special-occasion spots where smart casual to cocktail attire fits naturally.

Travel Planning

Travel Planning Hub

Packing & Gear Guide

Travel Safety Guide

Food & Drink

Paris Food Tour in Le Marais

Eat Like a Local in Italy: Regional Dishes

Mexico City Street Food Tour

Explore Destinations

Quick Take

Overview

The Food

Atmosphere & Experience

Drinks & Wine

Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Steakhouses in Minneapolis and St. Paul