It stands to reason that a state that has 52 breweries will probably have some terrific bars, too, and Minnesota does not disappoint. Whether you’re in Minneapolis or St. Cloud, you’ll be able to find a bar with a great selection of drinks and beers on tap, yummy pub grub, a pleasant ambiance, upbeat service and reasonable prices. Here are five outstanding bars in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”:
Eli’s Food & Cocktails
Eli’s Food and Cocktails is your old-time neighborhood bar for the after-work crowd. They offer great homemade comfort food made with local ingredients whenever possible, a good selection of drinks, and exceptional service.
Two locations:
Downtown
1225 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis
(612) 332-9997
Eli’s East
815 East Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis
(612) 331-0031
Website: Eli’s Food & Cocktails
Grumpy’s Bar & Grill
This friendly neighborhood dive bar will make you feel like you’re part of the Cheers cast, and it features a good beer selection (including standard beers plus more upscale tap choices like Summit, Surly and Fulton) half-price Minnesota-brewed beers on Mondays, Vinyl Nights on Thursdays and free hot dogs from Sentyrz during Vikings games. One caveat: At the Northeast location, the food selection is limited to chips and frozen pizza, so if you want a meal, you’ll probably want to head somewhere else.
Three locations:
Northeast
2200 4th St NE
Minneapolis
612-789-7429
Downtown
1111 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-340-9738
Roseville
2801 Snelling Ave
Roseville, MN 55113
651-379-1180
Website: Grumpy’s Bar & Grill
Lyle’s
This self-described “classic seedy dive bar” features a 70s decor; strong, cheap mainstream drinks; 2 for 1 cocktail drink specials; and your typical greasy pub grub — burgers, sandwiches, chicken wings. Be sure to bring your driver’s license because a passport won’t get you past the door guy.
2021 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 870-8183
Website: Lyle’s
Washington Square Bar & Grill
Washington Square Bar & Grill is a great place to visit if you’re in White Bear Lake. Featuring casual dining and a rustic decor, Washington Square has a seasonal menu with vegetarian options, live music, 20 beers on tap, a scratch bar, free Wi-Fi and the prices are reasonable.
4736 Washington Square
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
651-407-7162
Website: Washington Square Bar & Grill
White Horse Restaurant & Bar
The White Horse Restaurant & Bar is a friendly place that offers good food at reasonable prices (be sure to try the sweet and spicy wings), solid service, and an excellent drink selection, including craft beers. The White Horse is a hit with the university crowd and has a reputation for being the best hotspot in St. Cloud.
809 W. Saint Germain
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 257-7775
Website: White Horse Restaurant & Bar