The Best Stillwater Restaurants for Date Night

One of the best parts of a vacation or a quick weekend getaway is discovering new dining options, and the selection of Stillwater restaurants is fantastic. Ranging from elegant fine dining to rustic, casual spots, thereโ€™s something for everyone on the banks of the St.Croix River in Minnesota. The cuisine in our charming small town is diverse, too; you can enjoy anything from Irish pub fare and farm-to-table dinners to international delights. 

 With St. Patrickโ€™s Day just around the corner, one of the best Stillwater restaurants to participate in the festivities is Charlieโ€™s Restaurant & Irish Pub. Youโ€™ll find Irish favorites on the menu all year long, including Irish-American favorites like Irish Egg Rolls, a delicious homemade patty melt, house fish & chips, and traditional Irish shepherdโ€™s pie and Mulligan beef stew. With live music and a lively atmosphere, this is the place to be this Paddyโ€™s Day in Stillwater.

One of the best ways to celebrate safely on this fun holiday is by booking a room at the Water Street Inn, one of the top-rated and most welcoming hotels in Stillwater, MN. With 61 lovely rooms and suites, youโ€™ll be ready to dance the night away with a comfortable guest room awaiting your return just a quick elevator ride away. Book your lodging in Stillwater today! 

The Best Stillwater Restaurants / Romantic Places to Stay in Stillwater MN

The Best Stillwater Restaurants

If youโ€™re heading to Stillwater for an upcoming date night or romantic getaway, there is some exceptional dining in the downtown area. Many of these great Stillwater restaurants have spectacular views of the river. Youโ€™ll have the perfect night out on the town when you pair that with delectable menu offerings, warm hospitality, and fantastic craft cocktails!

First, as a guest at our Stillwater Hotel, youโ€™ll want to check out our restaurants on-site. 

Charlieโ€™s Restaurant & Irish Pub

Our on-site pub offers a fusion of Irish-American cuisine in a charming Victorian setting. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Live Irish music enhances the pub atmosphere every Friday and Saturday. With a warm dining room, lively tavern, and scenic riverfront patio, Charlieโ€™s is perfect for intimate dinners, group gatherings, and special events. This is a favorite spot for St. Patrickโ€™s Day!

Papaโ€™s Rooftop

Located on the fourth floor of our historic Hotel in Stillwater, the seasonal rooftop bar and restaurant offers panoramic views of the St. Croix River and downtown Stillwater. Guests can enjoy a carefully curated wine list, creative and classic cocktails, and a menu featuring seasonal flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, and shareable dishes. The Pioneer Press consistently ranks us as the best rooftop dining in Stillwater! 

Here are our other favorite Stillwater restaurants near our hotel:

  1. Brick & Bourbon: This is another one of the Stillwater restaurants with a fantastic patio space! They have great burgers and sharable plates for a lovely meal with friends. 
  2. Domacin Restaurant & Wine Bar: For nearly 20 years, this wine bar has been offering visitors an impressive wine list and international food pairings for a perfect date night in Stillwater. 
  3. Howardโ€™s Bar: If youโ€™re escaping for a few days from the city, this cozy, classic bar has the best small-town vibe and is known for its elevated pub grub.
  4. Lolo American Kitchen: Find everything from smash burgers and hot dogs to tacos and rice bowls, all with creative flavors and unique preparations. 
  5. Feller: For a fancy farm-to-table meal, head to this former brewery building on Main Street. 
The Best Stillwater Restaurants / Romantic Places to Stay in Stillwater MN

Romantic Places to Stay in Stillwater MN

Located in the historic waterfront district, our Stillwater Hotel offers guests a blend of Victorian-era charm and modern amenities. Each of its 61 distinctive guest rooms and suites is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and luxury. Staying at the Water Street Inn is like experiencing the history of Stillwater firsthand, and it gives you a chance to step back in time, slow down, and relax. 

Guests can choose from various room types, including Tower Suites with king beds and views of downtown Stillwater and the St. Croix River, king balcony riverview rooms featuring private balconies overlooking the river, spacious King Rooms with city views, and Two Queen Rooms accommodating up to four guests. All rooms are equipped with modern bathrooms, mini-fridges, and desk spaces for the most comfortable stays.

Guests can indulge in on-site dining at Charlieโ€™s Restaurant & Irish Pub, enjoy panoramic views from Papaโ€™s Rooftop during the warmer months, and enjoy the innโ€™s proximity to Stillwaterโ€™s dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Staying at our hotel puts you in the perfect location to explore the other nearby Stillwater restaurants! Start planning and book your lodging in Stillwater today!