Minnesota Venue Named One Of The Best Dinner Theaters In US

One of the more unique entertainment experiences you can have is seeing a show at a dinner theater. In Minnesota, we’re not only home to the largest in the country, but one that just ranked in the top 10 in the U.S.

USA Today recently wrapped up voting for its annual 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards, and the results are in. A historic Minnesota venue just landed a spot on the list of the best dinner theaters in America.

READ MORE: Minnesota’s Bid for Blockbuster 2029 Event Heats Up

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Named Among the Best

Opened in 1968 and still locally owned and operated, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is a landmark in Minnesota’s performing arts scene. It’s now recognized as one of the best places in the country to catch a world-class performance, while enjoying a top-tier meal.

Get our free mobile app

The Largest Dinner Theater in the Country

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is the largest dinner theater company in the United States. The venue spans 90,000 square feet and features four separate performance spaces:

• The Main Dinner Theatre seats 560 guests
• The Playhouse Theatre seats 130
• The Fireside Theatre holds 230
• A banquet space called The Club/Courtyard accommodates 180

National Recognition and Professional Talent

Ranking sixth on USA Today’s 10Best list for 2025, the publication notes that Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is “an Equity house,” meaning its actors and musicians are professionals and members of Actors’ Equity and the Twin Cities Musicians Union.

A Unique In-House Production Shop

One thing that makes Chanhassen stand out is its in-house production shop. Staffed with local designers and artisans, the shop builds all the sets and production elements for each show. They even rent out props and pieces to other theaters in need.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is a true Minnesota gem. If you’ve never seen a show there, it’s a fun, one-of-a-kind experience I highly recommend.