A Local Realtor’s Go-To Spots for Celebrating, Connecting, and Slowing Down

When people ask me what makes a place feel like home,
I don’t always start with real estate.

Sometimes it’s simpler than that.

It’s where you go on a Friday night with your spouse.
Where you sit a little longer than planned.
Where conversations feel easy and the pace slows down.

Over the past year, my wife and I have found ourselves returning to a few steakhouses again and again—places that consistently deliver the kind of night you remember.

These are the ones I recommend most.

Baldamar Steakhouse — Energy, Atmosphere, and a True Night Out

Baldamar has quickly become one of the most popular steak destinations in the north metro, and it’s easy to understand why.

The moment you walk in, the vibe is different.
Warm lighting. A lively bar. A room that feels full of celebration without feeling overwhelming.

It’s the kind of place that works for:

• A real date night

• Anniversary dinners

• Happy hour that turns into the full evening

• Meeting friends who appreciate a great steak

There’s energy here—but it’s polished energy.

You feel like you’re somewhere special.

And in a world that moves fast, that matters.

Acqua Restaurant — Quiet, Romantic, and Right on the Water

If Baldamar is vibrant and social,
Acqua is calm and intimate.

Set inside a historic home along White Bear Lake, Acqua delivers something rare:
fine dining that still feels personal.

On a warm summer evening, sitting near the water, the entire experience slows down in the best possible way.

This is where you go when you want:

• Conversation without noise

• A truly romantic setting

• A meal that feels intentional

• A night that doesn’t need to be rushed

Every time we’ve gone, it’s felt like stepping outside the normal rhythm of the week.

And those places are hard to find.

6Smith on Lake Minnetonka — Classic Steakhouse on the Water

Over on Lake Minnetonka, 6Smith has become one of my favorite steak spots in the west metro.

What many people don’t realize is that it shares the same ownership as Baldamar—
and you can feel that same commitment to quality and atmosphere.

But 6Smith carries its own personality.

Right on the water, it blends:

• Elevated steakhouse dining

• Lake Minnetonka views

• A setting that feels both upscale and relaxed

It’s perfect for:

• Summer evenings by the lake

• Celebrations after a long week

• Entertaining friends visiting from out of town

There’s something about being near the water that just changes the tone of a night.

Why Places Like This Matter More Than People Think

Real estate is about homes.
But living well is about rhythm.

Where you eat.
Where you celebrate.
Where you reconnect with the people who matter most.

The Twin Cities—especially around the lakes—have a way of blending:

• Great dining

• Waterfront beauty

• Community

• Slower, more meaningful evenings

That lifestyle is a big reason many families choose to stay here long-term.

Not just for work.
Not just for schools.
But for the everyday quality of life that quietly adds up.

If you’re exploring a move to the Twin Cities lakes area—or simply looking for the next great date night—I’m always happy to share the places that make this community feel like home.

Because the best moves in life aren’t only about real estate.

They’re about where life happens in between.

Ornell Group Real Estate | Tim Ornell
Twin Cities Lake & Luxury Real Estate Advisor
Real Brokerage | Luxury Division
Institute for Luxury Home Marketing – GUILD Certified
[email protected] | ornellgroup.com

Content provided by Ornell Group Real Estate. Brokered by Real Broker.
Select content enhanced with AI-assisted tools. Market data subject to change.