Twin Cities Taste: Cold Comforts

Did you know that some of the most memorable restaurant experiences in Minnesota can only be had once the snow starts to fly?

Icy Happy Hours

In the colder months, the snazzy Chambers Hotel turns its sexy, sculpture-filled courtyard into a bar made of 12,000 pounds of crystal-clear ice into which lights have been frozen. Women in miniskirts and parkas flit from fire pit to frozen ice table clutching signature cocktails that never warm. Last year’s visitors will notice some changes, including Italian food from the new D’Amico Kitchen, available in the adjacent restaurant. Also, the ice bar is now less weather dependent, thanks to built-in, on-site freezing technology. Barring July in January, it should be open now through mid-March.

During the St. Paul Winter Carnival, held January 21 to 31, ice sculptures will grace Rice Park. Stroll through the beautiful display, and then nip into the bar at the St. Paul Grill for a warming dram of whiskey. Better yet, reserve a table at one of the front windows and treat yourself to a perfectly cooked steak in view of the sparkling ice marvels.

» Chambers Hotel 901 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-767-6999, chambersminneapolis.com
» St. Paul Grill 350 Market St., St. Paul, 651-224-7455, stpaulgrill.com

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For the rest of this article, read “Cold Comforts” in Minnesota Monthly‘s January issue.