Why "Resort-Style" Dining Is the Next Big Thing for Minnesota Restaurants

Talk to anyone in the restaurant business or who just likes to eat out and chances are you'll hear talk of "resort-style dining." But what is this uber-trendy dining concept that has taken restaurants by storm? It's simple: upscale dining at a relaxed, easygoing, get-away-from-it-all space. 

Resort-style dining combines fine dining service with charm, ambiance, delicious flavors, and a casual summerhouse vibe. It's a natural fit for Minnesota, where lakeside living and patio sipping is one of our collective favorite pastimes, and it's a category that Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar has mastered. 

If you want to know what to wear to a resort-style restaurant in Minneapolis (or where to find your new favorite spot with a cocktail garden in Minneapolis), here's your comprehensive guide.

What is resort-style dining? 

Picture the combination of upscale dining plus resort, but instead of booking a trip to a tropical beach club or luxury coastal resort, you can experience some version of it closer to home: whether a lakeside patio, rooftop lounge, or a one-of-a-kind view like our overlook of Canterbury Park. Resort-style dining offers a relaxed but refined atmosphere that blends coastal ambiance with upscale service. Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar captures the spirit of upscale casual dining, delivering elevated flavors without the formality of traditional fine dining.

Restaurants with a resort feel typically have these things in common:

• Light and seasonal menus with elevated versions of comfort foods. Expect seafood and salads with a focus on freshness, plenty of vegetarian options, and creative dishes that look as good as they taste.
• Outdoor seating or water views that transport you to a vacation spot. But it's also a style that can work in big cities or urban centers.
• Luxury cocktails and upscale plating that look too good to be true.
• Mindful service that focuses on the vibe as much as the menu, décor, lighting, and music. These intentional style choices combine to create a sophisticated, approachable experience. 

Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar combines chic with urban polish, and has a dining room full of beautiful, sun-filled natural light and water-inspired décor. Our menu also highlights seasonal Minnesota ingredients alongside elevated global cuisine. You can even check out our restaurant before arriving by previewing our photo gallery, which captures the light-filled spaces, stunning views, and mouthwatering plates that define Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar experience.

Why Minnesota Loves Resort-Style Dining

Resort-style dining is well-suited for the Twin Cities because Minnesotans have long loved seasonal living. Summer is all about patios, winter means cozy interiors, and lake life is a state-wide passion. Resort-style dining taps into our existing preferences and desire for a cuisine that matches the experience. Our dining scene has a long history of casualizing, reminiscent of elevated breweries with fine-dining menus, rooftop cocktail lists, and curated experiences, making it the perfect place to spend summer evenings. 

Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is leading the local shift, combining upscale casual elegant comfort with unpretentious, modern polish and experiential dining. Our dining room is set up for lingering lunches, a relaxed dinner out, or an extended happy hour with friends, and everything about the space is designed to make you feel like you're away. 

The menu and atmosphere naturally are perfect for summer dining style, where guests can enjoy light bites and cocktails on warm Minnesota evenings. Our Food at The Stable offerings feature casual bites and drinks in a lively, open-air setting, giving you plenty more choices for variety. As one of the newest venues to hit the local restaurant scene in Shakopee, Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is leading the way with an experience you can't find anywhere else in Minneapolis.

Resort Casual Attire for Resort-Style Dining 

The dress code for upscale restaurants like Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar leans more toward resort casual, defined as being polished yet comfortable attire that reflects the relaxed luxury of the space. This makes resort-style dining the perfect opportunity to lean into that resort casual outfit mindset. However, a good rule of thumb for any upscale, casual restaurant is not about dressing up, but dressing intentionally. Resort style for women or men is about that happy medium between cool and put together. 

Resort Style for Women

So, what is resort casual attire? It's not overly formal and consists of breezy fabrics, tailored fits, and accessories that show your true personality. The motto for dressing for resort-style dining or a restaurant with cocktails served on the patio in Minnesota is "breezy elegance":

• Flowy midi dresses or lightweight fabrics that drape and move.
• Linen pants with a blouse or silk camisole are polished but relaxed.
• Matching sets in soft, breathable fabrics.
• Espadrilles or block heels to elevate without sacrificing comfort.
• Accessories often make an outfit. A wide-brimmed hat and layered jewelry are two great options for daytime patio dining. Statement earrings or bold necklaces plus woven handbags are perfect for a candlelit dinner.

Don't: Avoid heavy fabrics, formal gowns, and workout-wear, like you would for dinner at any great restaurant in Minneapolis.

Resort Style for Men 

For men, resort-style means color, light fabrics, and smart casual accessories:

• Relaxed button-downs, polos or short sleeve linen shirts (patterns and plaids can be subtle but noticeable).
• Chinos or tailored shorts.
• Loafers, leather sandals, or clean, stylish sneakers.
• Simple leather belts, a good watch, and sunglasses can complete a resort-style outfit for men.
• Bonobos has some good options for upscale, casual restaurant energy.

Don't: Stick to relaxed but uncluttered, no cargo or gym shorts, athletic wear, or stiff business suits.

In the end, remember it's not about dressing up, it's about dressing intentionally. With these tips, date night outfit ideas in Minneapolis just got a lot easier.

Why Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is a Resort-Style Experience

Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is one of the more popular restaurants in Minneapolis. We're raising the bar for other Minneapolis restaurants with resort style, so it's no wonder that we are consistently mentioned alongside other trendy restaurants in Minneapolis.

But we do things a little differently, including:

• An open, natural-light dining room designed to highlight and enhance Minnesota's natural beauty across all four seasons.
• Water-inspired décor that's a subtle nod to lakeside escapes but also feels upscale.
• For not being seaside, our seafood-forward seasonal menu has a heavy focus on local, fresh produce, with many seafood dishes you might not find anywhere else.
• Craft cocktails that rival any other with a bit of artistic plating. Our mixologists create some of the best cocktails Minneapolis has to offer, combining wonderful seasonal ingredients and creative presentation, because the drink has to look good too!
• Patio dining is our superpower and the reason we make the list of best restaurant with patios in Minneapolis. 

If you're looking for a restaurant that has both stunning views and exceptional flavor, Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar should be at the top of your list. Our elevated casual restaurant balances sophistication with approachability, making it the destination for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. We invite you to enjoy our relaxed seating that's stylish, not stuffy, and designed to make locals and visitors feel like they're on a short escape. You could be in either Miami, Nantucket, or the French Riviera, but you're really right here in Minnesota.

Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is all about flexibility, too. Whether you're planning a special night out, a private event, or just looking for your new favorite brunch spot, the space and vibe adjust. Don't miss our events calendar, featuring rotating seasonal specials and live entertainment to keep things interesting. Guests can visit our horse racing and sportsbook lounge with racetrack views, where the energy blends perfectly with our resort-style atmosphere.

It's a Lifestyle, Not Just a Look

Resort-style dining is about mood, not just menu or even being on a boat or by the water. Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar is the perfect example of relaxed fine dining, where fantastic service and refined flavors meet a comfortable, come-as-you-are environment. Ours is the invitation to slow down, savor your food, enjoy great company, and to feel like you're taking a little vacation, even if you're only a few miles from home.

Dressing the part, whether that means linen resort wear or putting your best resort casual clothing on, is just part of setting the mood. The goal is to feel relaxed, put together, and like you're ready to linger over that last cocktail or slice of dessert.

So, dress well, feel great, and embrace the casual-luxe vibe at Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar. Whether it's brunch, date night, or girls' night out, we bring the best of laid-back fine dining energy to every meal, which is why we are one of the top restaurants in Minneapolis. 

Next time you're wondering what to wear to a nice restaurant, searching for your next waterfront dining-inspired adventure, or looking for upscale service with a bit of chill, remember: the resort-style dining lifestyle is here at Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar. Contact us to plan your next night out and see for yourself why the fusion of refinement and relaxation is the future of dining.