Did you sleep on getting a reservation for Mother’s Day?
Although many popular places are booked by now — Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 12 — all is not lost! I have some ideas for great places that still have a few reservations, and even a few that don’t require any.
But be prepared to eat earlier or later than your preference, and don’t get upset when there’s a wait, because Mother’s Day brunch is one of the busiest few hours of the year for many restaurants.
Alternatively, how about Mother’s Day dinner? Lots of restaurants would appreciate your business later in the day.
Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar
This cute family favorite in Eagan has a few later reservations for their fantastic brunch, but they’re also offering an elegant ready-to-serve brunch to go. Choose between herb-crusted prime rib with au jus or grilled London broil with wild mushroom Marsala demi-glace. You also get au gratin potatoes, asparagus, salad and dinner rolls. Serves six for $195 (prime rib) or $155 (London broil). Order by 3 p.m. on May 10. For more information go to masonjar.kitchen/mothers-day.
- Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar: 1565 Cliff Road, Eagan; 651-340-7809; masonjar.kitchen
Waldmann Brewery
If mom is a beer (or wine — the brewery now serves it) fanatic, the Mother’s Day menu at this historic Smith Avenue spot looks fantastic, and they don’t take reservations. The interior of the restaurant is small, but if the weather is nice, their beer garden is lovely. The menu of spinach and artichoke tartlets with a lavender-honey drizzle, oven-roasted Copper River salmon with an avocado, cucumber and heirloom tomato salad and strawberry shortcake is available for lunch or dinner, and they start you off with a mimosa! They ask that you call ahead for parties of more than eight.
- Waldmann Brewery: 445 Smith Ave., St. Paul; 651-222-1857; waldmannbrewery.com
Bloomington Chophouse
Looking for a brunch buffet? Bloomington Chophouse in the Bloomington Hilton still has plenty of reservations, and they’re serving a fancy buffet that includes chef-carved tri-tip roast, shrimp cocktail, oysters and more. Adults are $60, kids, $30, unless they’re under 5 — then they are free.
- Bloomington Chophouse: 3900 American Blvd. W., Bloomington; 952-830-5200; bloomingtonchophouse.com
The Clover
Another buffet for those who are looking, The Clover in Rosemount will feature a smoked turkey- or ham-carving station, pastries, fresh fruit, meat and cheese, vegetables and dip, shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, salads, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, eggs benedict, cheesy hash browns, spaghetti and meatballs and more. Cost is $34.99 for adults, $12.99 for kids. They don’t usually take reservations, but they are for mom. You have to pick up the phone and call, though. No online reservation system here.
- The Clover: 14845 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount; 651-448-2220; theclovermn.com
Stockyards Tavern & Chophouse
There are also still plenty of seats at this South St. Paul favorite. They have a list of fancy specials for mom, including florentine benedict, a lobster scramble and lemon raspberry French toast for brunch and a grilled peach salad or filet and shrimp for dinner.
- Stockyards Tavern & Chophouse: 456 Concord Exchange S., South St. Paul; 651-350-7743; stockyardstc.com
The Market at Malcolm Yards
Another fun option that doesn’t require reservations, the market is hosting its third annual Mom-A-Rama event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the food hall’s Blueprint Room. The event features more than 20 local makers selling art, flowers, spices, woodworking, permanent jewelry, customizable gifts and more. There’s also a new “Awkward Family Photo” station from 2 to 5 p.m. where guests can re-create their most cringy, hilarious and weird photo memories with friends and family. Photos are free, and every participant will be entered to win a Malcolm Yards gift card! In addition, every mother (biological, chosen and honorary) will receive a free Mom-osa of their choice. One per guest while supplies last.
- The Market at Malcolm Yards: 501 30th Ave. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-886-1022; malcolmyards.market
Tattersall Distilling — River Falls
Does mom love a road trip? Take a short one to scenic River Falls, Wis., for brunch at this sprawling distillery, which still has plenty of reservations. Mother’s Day specials include salmon or California benedict, caramel pecan rolls with a Tattersall bourbon glaze and seasonal cocktails using Tattersall’s Crème De Fleur which contains 10 different flowers. Prices range from $12-$25.
- Tattersall Distilling — River Falls: 1777 Paulson Road, River Falls, Wis.; 534-248-8300; tattersalldistilling.com/river-falls
