So this #mnbucketlist-er was recommended by Emily and Mike. And, I’m so glad we went! The Shanghai Bistro is comprised of three restaurants, two in Wisconsin (Eau Claire and Hudson) and one in Minnesota (Stillwater). Originally called Giapponese in Woodbury, they were named “Best Sushi in the Twin Cities” by the City Pages. After some concept changes, the restaurant was re-opened as Shanghai Bistro and moved to a much larger space, connected to the Shoppes and Restaurants of the Grand Garage in Stillwater. Since, it has been named Best Sushi by the City Pages in 2010 and took the Pioneer Press’s Top Patio Dining in 2011 and 2012.

They serve American Chinese with a big focus on their sushi and fusion creations. The Bistro hosts bonfires, live music, an outdoor (but enclosed) patio, and they even have cabanas you can rent.