Best Places For Sangria In Minnesota
There is never a bad time for a good sangria. Now that the weather has started to cool, a nice sangria will keep you warm and happy while still reminding you of the fresh fruit of summer. There's no need to stay home and make a pitcher yourself (while it is surely delicious) when you have quality local spots like these that make it and serve it right to you. Grab a friend and enjoy an afternoon, evening or night with a few glasses of that sweet, fruity wine concoction.
Check out last year's list here: Best Sangria In Minnesota 2013
(credit: http://www.forepaughs.com)
Forepaugh's
276 S. Exchange St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 224-5606
www.forepaughs.com
In a haunted mansion situated amongst some of Minnesota's oldest mansions, and in the shadow of looming downtown St. Paul, Forepaugh's is a great place to end up for a drink during summer, winter, spring or fall. One of the reasons is the care that goes into the sangria. You can get a glass for cheap during happy hour, but for date night there's nothing wrong with a glass either. The beautiful patio might be closed now, but sitting near a roaring fire, or elegant dining room, isn't so bad either.
Cafe Ena
4601 Grand Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 824-4441
www.cafeenampls.com
Wine, lime and fruit make this glass of sangria one to remember. You can get this homemade mix in glass form for only $6, or get a carafe for the table at a reasonable $23. Oh, and don't forget happy hour, when a glass is only $4 and one of the best deals in town. As more and more fusion restaurants pop up, it's easy to get lost in the mix, but Cafe Ena's delicious sangria will keep you coming back.
(credit: Solera)
Solera
900 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 338-0062
www.solera-restaurant.com
A popular place for sangria drinkers, Solera offers seven different types, all of which are enjoyable (especially when the rooftop patio is available). The Solera Signature Sangria is a pleasant mix of Vino Vinto, dry sherry and Fanta, or if you're feeling a little more classic, the Tinto Tradicional, with Vino Tinto and brandy, is sure to make you smile. A perfect pairing for a few tapas from the menu, and your certain to have a kick in your step when you leave after a few glasses and a bite to eat.
Barrio
235 E. 6th St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 222-3250
www.barriotequila.com
While there is never a bad time for tequila (well, maybe not never), on a fall afternoon, chilly winter evening or sunny summer day, sangria is a much more appealing choice. Tequila might be this local favorite's forte, but the sangria is just as amazing, and won't put you at the base of Barrio's polished porcelain toilets after too much. Barrio's sangria, in red or white, is sweet, slightly tart and perfect for that warm buzz that makes an evening out so enjoyable.
Foxy Falafel
791 Raymond Ave.
St Paul, MN 55114
(651) 888-2255
www.foxyfalafel.com
Nothing washes down the flavors of the Mediterranean like a fresh glass of sangria, and Foxy's house-made recipe is no exception. During happy hour, the drink is a dollar off. Along with some appetizers, small plates and falafel, you're sure to be whisked away far from the cooling temperatures of Minnesota. The close proximity of Foxy Falafel to the Green Line means even if you have one glass too many, you won't have to worry about driving home.
Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
