Eating & Drinking in Minneapolis

This Uptown bar is perhaps most famous for its local hard core punk rock tenants from the 1980s, The Replacements. Back in the day they were regulars at this neighborhood dive, so if you go here it's likely you could stand in the same bathroom Paul Westerberg puked in and sit in a booth he passed out in. It's not as rough a joint these days as it was back then, but it still has punk panache. Along with awesome Bloody Mary's, cheap cocktails, and a great jukebox filled with local legends.

The one time I was at this old school bar it was so packed that we couldn't find a table and could barely nab a drink. Which, I suppose, at least means it's popular with a lot of people. And judging by the decor and rollicking atmosphere, it's easy to see why. This bar, which had a median age of about 22, would be an ideal place to hit up on a slower weeknight. It's cheap and also within walking distance of lots of other cool bars, too. Always a plus in frigid Minneapolis.

This chill Bay View bar looks like a simple little dive from outside, and it pretty much is just that, with the exception of a spunky menu that consists of unique takes on classic comfort food and lots of vegan options. This place is right across the street from a music venue, so it attracts an indie-rocker type clientele, but the service I had was friendly and attentive. The brunch here is renowned, and the large patio out front very relaxing.

This hippie bar just off the popular Brady Street district has shuffle board, some old school video games, a jukebox full of jam bands and dirt cheap drinks. It's also, curiously enough, named after deceased Yankee baseball great Thurman Munson (maybe he was a closet stoner?). I don't have a hippie bone in my body - and can't stand Phish - but every time I'm in Milwaukee I make a point to step in this tiny dive for at least one beer.

This place is as much a venue as it is a social bar located well off the beaten path. The place is big and maze-y enough to see old friends and to always make new ones. You will never pay a cover; and you’ll always hear at least one impressive band each night. The jukebox is decent or you could just ignore everything and enjoy your night out on the giant patio. It has dirt cheap drinks, darts, peanuts, ample seating, and a dirty dance floor.