Hosting the Perfect Friendsgiving: Local Eats, Treats, and Tips in the Twin Cities!
Friendsgiving is a fun, informal way to celebrate Thanksgiving with your closest friends, and what better place to host it than right here in the Twin Cities? Whether you're looking to gather for a cozy potluck or plan a full dining experience with local eats, Minneapolis has a variety of options to make your Friendsgiving unforgettable. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best local businesses for food, treats, and services, along with tips to ensure your gathering is both delicious and stress-free.
Local Eats: Where to Get Your Friendsgiving Feast
France 44 Cheese Shop
Located in Minneapolis, France 44 offers an amazing selection of cheeses, meats, and wines—perfect for creating a charcuterie board to kick off your Friendsgiving. Their knowledgeable staff can help you choose unique, high-quality items that pair perfectly together. A beautifully curated cheese and meat platter is a surefire way to impress your guests and is easy to prepare.
It’s a local gem with top-notch ingredients, and they often carry limited-edition seasonal products that will give your spread a festive twist.
Revival
For the main course, why not go for something with a Southern twist? Revival, with locations in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, is known for its fried chicken and comfort food. Their family-style meals and hearty sides—like mac and cheese and collard greens—are perfect for sharing. You can order a takeout feast, or even arrange catering to make sure everyone leaves satisfied.
Revival’s family-style portions and bold flavors will add a unique touch to your Friendsgiving, ensuring no one goes home hungry!
If you’re in the mood for something less traditional, consider Red Cow. Known for their gourmet burgers and appetizers, they offer catering that can provide your Friendsgiving with a modern, laid-back feel. Their local and sustainable ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser, and the variety will give your guests plenty to choose from.
Red Cow’s casual, delicious fare offers a fun, contemporary alternative to a traditional Thanksgiving menu. Plus, their local beers are a great addition to the celebration.
Sweet Treats: Dessert Must-Haves for Friendsgiving
Patisserie 46
No Friendsgiving is complete without dessert, and Patisserie 46 in Minneapolis offers a wide range of sweet treats to top off your meal. From flaky croissants to delectable pies, their bakery goods are crafted with care and precision. Their seasonal pies—like apple and pecan—are perfect for a fall gathering, and their macarons make for a delicate, beautiful treat.
Patisserie 46 brings a touch of elegance to your dessert table, with their artisanal, handcrafted pastries that everyone will rave about.
Fruit & Grain
For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth, this is a must-visit local bakery offering handmade pastries that bring a nostalgic yet elevated experience to your dessert table. Known for their vibrant, flaky pop tarts with flavors like blueberry lemon curd and pumpkin spice mocha, Fruit & Grain has become a go-to spot for Twin Cities residents.
You can find their treats not only at Northern Coffeeworks in downtown Minneapolis but also at Makwa Coffee in Roseville. Don’t forget to place a pre-order if you’re looking for specific flavors—these crowd-pleasers tend to sell out quickly!
A Baker’s Wife
For something more laid-back but equally delicious, A Baker’s Wife is a beloved South Minneapolis bakery that specializes in old-school baked goods. Their donuts, cookies, and cakes are the perfect comfort food for a casual Friendsgiving. You can’t go wrong with their famous apple fritters or cinnamon rolls, which are always a hit with guests.
A Baker’s Wife is known for its nostalgic, homey vibes—ideal for creating a cozy, warm Friendsgiving atmosphere.
Drinks: Cheers to Good Friends
Barrel Theory
Friendsgiving is all about sharing great times and memorable experiences with close friends, and Barrel Theory's warm and lively atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to grab some local craft beers to enjoy during your gathering.
Their hazy IPAs, like Rain Drops, are fan favorites and add a bold flavor that can elevate your Thanksgiving dinner pairings. Whether you're gathering around the table or hanging out before dinner, Barrel Theory’s creative beers will make any Friendsgiving feel extra special.
Tattersall Distilling
If you’re looking to mix up cocktails, Tattersall Distilling in Minneapolis has you covered with their expertly crafted spirits. Whether it’s their classic gin, vodka, or their spiced liqueurs, Tattersall’s products elevate any drink. You could even serve a signature cocktail using their seasonal flavors like cranberry or apple.
Tattersall brings a high-end, local twist to your drinks menu, perfect for a signature Friendsgiving cocktail that your guests will love.
Lake Monster Brewing
With its spacious taproom and wide selection of beers, Lake Monster is an excellent spot to grab brews for your Friendsgiving feast. Their Depth Charge Juicy IPA or Murmur Milk Stout are perfect for those looking for rich, seasonal flavors that pair well with Thanksgiving meals.
Hosting Friendsgiving on their patio or simply stocking up on some local beers will bring a fun and local touch to your holiday celebrations!
Tips for Hosting the Best Friendsgiving
Set the Scene
Create a welcoming atmosphere by decorating your space with cozy fall decor. Think pumpkins, warm-toned table settings, and string lights. If you're short on time, stores like Patina in Minneapolis offer charming seasonal decor that can transform your space into a warm, festive environment.
Make It a Potluck
Ease the pressure on yourself by asking guests to contribute. This not only lightens the load but gives your Friendsgiving a communal feel. Encourage each guest to bring a dish they love, and if they’re unsure, direct them to one of the great local spots we’ve listed above for inspiration!
Don’t Forget Entertainment
Music sets the mood for any gathering. Create a laid-back playlist, or check out live music venues like Icehouse Minneapolis where you and your friends can catch a post-dinner show.
How Asst Can Help You Host the Ultimate Friendsgiving
Feeling overwhelmed by all the planning? That’s where Asst comes in! We partner with many of the local businesses mentioned above, offering you exclusive discounts on catering, decor, and even event coordination. With Asst, you can take the stress out of hosting and focus on enjoying the time with your friends.
Need help setting up your event space? We can arrange everything from setting up your charcuterie board to managing cleanup afterward. Plus, with our network of local vendors, we can hook you up with hard-to-find items or services to make your Friendsgiving truly special. Whether it's hiring a private chef, securing seasonal decor, or organizing a seamless delivery from your favorite Twin Cities spots, Asst has you covered.
Ready to Plan Your Perfect Friendsgiving?
At Asst, we specialize in elevating your resident experience, making life simpler and celebrations more memorable. Whether you need catering recommendations, exclusive discounts, or a little extra help with the details, we’re here to make your Friendsgiving effortless and unforgettable.
Contact us today to learn more about how Asst can help make your next event stress-free and fun! Book your services now to get ahead of the holiday rush and enjoy exclusive discounts with our partnered local vendors!
