Whether you prefer a classic beer joint or creative craft cocktails, we’ve rounded up the best bars in Minneapolis. From speakeasies to a micro-distillery, a wine bar and a spot with the largest selection of single malt scotches and Irish whiskeys in the state, here’s where to go out drinking in Minneapolis.
CC Club
Once the most well-known beer joint in the five-state area, the iconic CC Club has a history dating back to Prohibition. This laid-back dive bar opens before noon every day, serving up cheap pitchers and bar food. Made famous by local rockers, the bar was immortalized in the Replacements song, “Here Comes a Regular”. The unassuming corner bar is still part of the fabric that makes up Minneapolis, even after neighboring French Meadow bought it.
Lyn 65
Lyn 65 is tucked into a Richfield strip mall, but don’t let the suburban location and unassuming exterior fool you. Inside is a cozy and hip New American eatery and bar with some surprisingly creative cocktails and small plates. There’s wine, punch, an ever-changing selection of craft beers on tap, classic cocktails, and bottled beers, but what you’re here for are the craft cocktails.
The extensive cocktail menu includes interesting combinations like the Peat A’Rita–a margarita made with Scotch, Strega, pineapple, serrano, cilantro, and lime–and the Neon Indian, which is made with turmeric-infused gin, cardamom, ginger, bay leaf, and lime. This little chef-driven spot is always bustling, so we recommend making reservations.
Martina
Martina is where you go to Instagram your boozy brunch. This Linden Hills gem situated in South Minneapolis serves up Argentinian-inspired cuisine alongside creative craft cocktails. Just like Linden Hills is one of the city’s best neighborhoods, so too is Martina one of the best places to grab a drink. Marco Zappia heads up the bar program, putting the craft in craft cocktails with his own liquor blends (there are four different kinds of housemade vermouth) and his 49-page-bartending-manifesto, making Martina the hottest cocktail bar in the city.
The cocktails are tasty and gorgeous–using unexpected flavors and garnishes, like the peacock feather that decorates The Naked Ballerina #2. The space is warm and welcoming, rustic yet chic, with modern touches. There are only 16 seats around Martina’s forest green marble bar, so your best bet is to make reservations and try the authentic Argentinian food, too.
Merlins Rest Pub
This local pub at the corner of E. Lake St. and 36th Ave. in the Longfellow neighborhood of Minneapolis is home to the legendary Whisky Bible, which boasts the largest selection of single malt scotches and Irish whiskeys in Minnesota. Treat yo’self to a dram or full measure, or choose from a wide selection of import taps. Scotch enthusiasts will appreciate the Lake Street dive’s monthly Single Malt Scotch Tasting (first Thursday of the month from October through June).
This neighborhood bar is also a great place to go if you’re craving English pub fare like Bangers and Mash or Fish ‘n Chips. They also have live music almost every night–from open jams to Irish music, with jazz, blues, and folk in between.
Parlour
The subterranean Parlour bar in Minneapolis’ North Loop is known for their high-end cocktails and the famous Parlour Burger. The craft cocktail menu elevates the usual suspects, like martinis, old fashioneds, and gimlets, with freshly squeezed juice, house-made syrups, elixirs, and rare artisanal spirits. Former North Star Bartender’s Guild President Jesse Held heads the bar, making cocktails so balanced and complex that Playboy recognized Parlour as one of America’s Best Bars.
The basement bar is as welcoming as any neighborhood joint–the cozy and intimate space has dim lighting and tufted banquettes. There is a small food menu that features fare from neighboring New American restaurant Borough. There’s also another Parlour location in St. Paul near the Xcel Energy Center.
Republic
This Seven Corners spot is a safe bet for cheap drinks and burgers, but the real draw is the extensive selection of craft beers (and ciders) on tap. They also have cocktails on tap, including a mule, G&T, Old Fashioned, and El Gato Grand (Anejo tequila, pear, Americano, and rosemary)! There are two happy hours a day (4-6pm and 10pm-12am) with discounted pints, pitchers, house wines, well drinks, and a burger for five bucks. Gourmet pub fare is made-from-scratch, including unusual combinations like soba noodle salad and a duck burger topped with peanut sauce.
Tattersall Distilling’s Cocktail Room
Housed in the historic Thorp Building, Tattersall Distilling is the most award-winning micro-distillery in town. You can try the wide array of house-made liquors in Tattersall’s cocktail room, where award-winning bartenders mix up innovative cocktails. Look through the giant glass windows to see one of the country’s best barrel-aged gins being made while you sip on it. The 22 & Spruce made with Tattersall gin and house-made spruce tip tonic is available on tap. The cocktail menu has a handy dandy sweetness scale, so there are no surprises. The vintage space is classic yet contemporary, open but intimate.
Troubadour Wine Bar
This Uptown wine bar specializes in all-natural wine. The boutique wine list features 40 wines from around the world including rare varietals. This homey spot is a great place to relax after work, or bring a date and enjoy some live music while wine tasting. There’s also a small selection of beers on tap and a small food menu designed to “enhance what you drink”.
Volstead’s Emporium
The Volstead Act enforced Prohibition, and Volstead’s Emporium was the first Minneapolis speakeasy. Hidden in the alley between the back of Up Down and Bill’s Imported Foods, a single red light marks the entrance. Email for reservations and they’ll reply an hour before to give you the address. Be sure to get a booth–they’re curtained with a framed mirror that opens to reveal your server. Volstead’s is kind of schticky, but it’s still a fun place to listen to live music while sipping on original and classic cocktails in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Young Joni Back Bar
Located in the heart of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, Young Joni is an amazing restaurant, with lines out the door and people waiting to try the wood-fired Asian-fusion pizza. Put your name on the waiting list and head to the not-so-secret speakeasy-style bar in the back where Young Joni’s creativity takes cocktail form–with inventive drink combinations that have even more inventive names, including Birk’s Tanning Salon Liquidation Sale (scotch, vermouth, and banana) or Free Jetski, made with gin, lemon, oat milk orgeat (steel cut oatmeal cream), and fino sherry.
Thinking of moving to Minneapolis and calling it home? Once you get your apartment all set up, go out and explore to find your own favorite bars, or start at these and work your way through the city’s watering holes.
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