Updated: Which Twin Cities restaurants require proof of vaccination?

A running list of restaurants where you'll have to show your vax card or proof of a recent negative test to dine indoors.

January 10, 2022 at 12:46PM
W.A. Frost in St. Paul was among the first to require vaccines. (Star Tribune file/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Dine in New York City or Paris and you'll be expected to show your vaccination card or flash an app that proves you've gotten the shot before you can dine indoors. In Minnesota, that's largely not the case. But a small, growing list of restaurants do require vaccination (or a negative COVID test) before letting customers unmask and dine indoors. Here are the earliest adopters of a vaccine requirement; we'll update as we hear of more. Know of one we missed? Email tips to taste@startribune.com.

Alma

To dine at this restaurant/cafe/hotel, guests must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test, in addition to being without symptoms.

528 University Av. SE., Mpls., 612-379-4909, almampls.com

Al's Breakfast

Social distancing isn't an option in this historic, narrow diner. "We're too small to share space with unvaccinated people," the proprietors wrote on Facebook. Vaccination is required for adults; masks for children under 12.

413 14th Av. SE., Mpls., 612-331-9991, alsbreakfastmpls.com

Black Hart of Saint Paul

On Friday and Saturday nights after 8 p.m., proof of vaccination or negative test within 72 hours is required at this LGBTQ+ soccer bar.

1415 University Av. W., St. Paul, 651-528-8028, blackhartstp.com

Café Racer Kitchen

This Latin American cafe requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for all adult diners. Guests are asked to wear masks when not at a table.

2929 E. 25th St., Mpls., 612-208-1695, caferacermn.com

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

In addition to a show ticket, guests ages 12 and up will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test (within 72 hours) to dine at the theater. When not eating or drinking, masks are required for all guests.

501 W. 78th St,. Chanhassen, 952-934-1525, chanhassendt.com

The Dakota

Proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccine regimen (at least 14 days before) or negative test (within 72 hours) is required to enter the Dakota, whether for music or dining. For those unvaccinated, masks are required indoors. The policy applies to staff, performers and customers.

1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-5299, dakotacooks.com

Driftwood Char Bar

This music-and-bar food spot requires proof of COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test result within 72 hours of visiting.

4415 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., 612-354-3402, driftwoodcharbar.com

Dual Citizen Brewing Co.

Customers will be asked to provide proof of vaccination along with their ID when ordering beer at this St. Paul taproom. A negative test from a third-party provider will also be accepted.

725 Raymond Av., St. Paul., 651-330-4750, dcbc.com

Fair State Brewing

Proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test administered by a provider (within 72 hours) is needed for indoor service in the taproom. Screenshots and printouts of test results will not be accepted, nor will rapid at-home tests. Unvaccinated guests may gather outdoors in the beer garden and order via QR code.

2506 Central Av. NE., Mpls., 612-444-3209, fairstate.coop

Fika

Visitors to the American Swedish Institute, including its cafe Fika, must show proof of vaccination. Specifically, guests 5-11 must show proof of one dose, guests ages 12 and up must show proof of a full dose (two Pfizer or Moderna, one Johnson & Johnson). All guests ages 3 and up are required to wear a mask, except when dining at a table.

2600 Park Av., Mpls., 612-871-4907, asimn.org/visit/fika-cafe

Hark! Cafe

One of the first restaurants in Minnesota to require it, this vegan and gluten-free cafe asks for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test in the past 48 hours for all indoor diners older than 12. Masks need to be worn when not at your table.

430 1st Av. N., Mpls., 612-354-7098, harkcafe.com

Modist Brewing Co.

For guests 18 and up, the North Loop taproom now requires vaccination or a negative test (administered by a provider within 72 hours) for indoor service. Rapid at-home tests will not be accepted.

505 N. 3rd St., Mpls., 612-454-0258, modistbrewing.com

Mortimer's

All events require a proof of vaccination or or a negative PCR test 72 hours prior to the event, Mortimer's wrote in a Facebook post. Mask requirements are up to the performers.

2001 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-872-1688, mortimersbar.com

Namaste Cafe

Provide proof of vaccination (photo, copy or app) to dine indoors. There is no requirement for porch dining.

2512 Hennepin Av., Mpls., 651-827-2496, namastecafemn.com

Ngon Vietnamese Bistro

Indoor dining available with proof of vaccination (patio seating is without restriction). Staff is fully vaccinated as well.

799 University Av. W., St. Paul, 651-222-3301, ngonbistro.com

Northeast Tea House

Indoor guests for gongfu tea service are required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test administered by a provider within 72 hours. All guests shopping for merchandise or ordering to-go beverages must be masked.

224 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-321-8215, northeastteahouse.com

Owamni by the Sioux Chef

After a COVID-related closure, the high-profile indigenous restaurant announced it will require proof of vaccination to be seated when it returns for its winter dinner series.

420 S. 1st St., Mpls., 612-444-1846, owamni.com

Palmer's Bar

Attendees to indoor shows at this West Bank institution require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours.

500 Cedar Av., Mpls., 612-333-7625, palmersbar.net

Part Wolf

The live music venue requires proof of vaccination, with the final dose completed at least 14 days prior to the event. Negative test results within 72 hours will also be accepted.

501 Cedar Av., Mpls., 612-338-6424, partwolfmpls.com

Twin Spirits Distillery

To come inside the recently reopened cocktail room, you'll need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of your visit and a temperature check. Seating inside is limited to 20.

2931 Central Av. NE., Mpls., 612-353-5274, twinspirits.us

W.A. Frost and Co.

The classic St. Paul restaurant requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours to dine indoors.

374 Selby Av., St. Paul, 651-224-5715, wafrost.com

about the writer

about the writer

Sharyn Jackson

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Sharyn Jackson is a features reporter covering the Twin Cities' vibrant food and drink scene.

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