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DOWNTOWN. Ike’s plays up the supper club concept quite well with its vintage booths, hardwoods, kitschy framed memorabilia, and even old school-caliber mixed drinks. Burgers (good ones) and shakes characterize the afternoon offerings, and the kitchen serves up a handful of larger portions in the evenings – usually including a steak, blue plate special, and seafood dish. Eating aside, one look at the bar will tell you this retro spot is good destination for evening cocktails, and if you come during the work week, expect awesome happy hour prices on eats and drinks.
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| Music: |
Hip-Hop
Jazz
R&B
Rock |
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CC: Casual
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WEST BANK. A popular 20-something haunt in the West Bank neighborhood, Nomad has definitely earned its stripes on the Minneapolis bar scene by giving folks a ton of great happy hour specials and offering a wide slate of diversions each week. Monday is team trivia night, and Nomad's management books everything from DJs and hip-hop acts to New Orleans-style jazz. As for the name – well, it's probably safe to assume the inspiration rests in the beer selection, which is impressive to say the least.
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UPTOWN. Lucia's, a chic American storefront restaurant, is dedicated to imaginative cooking using only locally grown, organic ingredients. Its adjacent, 30-seat wine bar is an intimate space, dressed up with mirrors and artwork. It presents an excellent selection of beers and wines, along with upscale appetizers, light fare, and desserts. Red, white, and sparkling wines hail from around the world, and options are available by the glass and by the bottle. International beers are an added perk.
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DINKYTOWN. You don't have to be a Keegan to taste the stout at this University Avenue pub, but it'll certainly earn you some cool points if you brush up on your Irish history and aren't afraid to sing a song or two. The only pub in the state to receive the Irish Pub Concept designation from the good folks at Guinness Brewing, Keegan's boasts a lovely Edwardian interior that was actually designed and built by craftsmen in Waterford and transported to the US in 2002. From the fireplace down to the wall coverings, Keegan's is as Irish as they come!
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5. Drink
26 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402 · 612-659-9000
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DOWNTOWN. A whimsical retro theme recalls the '70s and '80s at this relaxed downtown bar and lounge. Enjoy nightly happy hour specials on food and drink (occasionally including a buffet of wings and nachos) as you try to spot Farrah Fawcett and Leif Garrett among the publicity stills that plaster the walls. As the evening progresses, the after-work crowd gives way to trendier club-hoppers, ready to dance the night away to pop, rock, and hip-hop on Drink's dance floor. Groups are welcome and a VIP section is available upstairs.
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6. Bar Abilene
1300 Lagoon Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408 · 612-825-2525
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UPTOWN. Ropes and saddles foster a Southwestern theme at this upscale hangout, furthered by delicious Tex-Mex cuisine and a truly exhaustive tequila selection (about 100 brands). A pleasant patio provides a place to eat and drink on temperate evenings, but you'll probably want to move inside as the night progresses and the singles scene picks up. Choose from a healthy array of beers on tap, or get in the spirit with a signature margarita like the Green Iguana – one of over 25 'rita choices. DJs get your toes tapping on weekends.
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7. Martini Blu
615 2nd Ave S, Grand Hotel, Minneapolis, MN 55402 · 612-752-9595
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DOWNTOWN. Appropriately, dim blue lighting casts a mysterious, sensual glow over this trendy hotel bar and club. Martinis have pride of place at the modern dark-wood and brushed-steel bar, where attentive, creative bartenders quickly prepare your concoction of choice. The no-smoking policy makes it easier to enjoy incredibly fresh sushi prepared in-house daily. A cozy lounge provides space for trendily-dressed dancers to relax and mingle.
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| Music: |
Country
Folk
Irish
Rock |
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CC: Casual
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DOWNTOWN. Built in Ireland and shipped to the USA piece by piece, O'Donovan's offers a wonderful pub experience complete with the requisite Murphy's, Harp and Guinness collectibles, a cool mural of an Irish rugby match, and even cozy fireside seating (excellent in the winter months). Owner Dermot Cowley is a native Irishman and makes certain that HP Brown Sauce and Heinz Baked Beans aren't the only authentic imports you'll encounter here – expect plenty o' that legendary Irish hospitality as well!
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DOWNTOWN. A central figure in the early revitalization of the Warehouse District back in the early 1980s, The Loon was one of the area's first trendy sports bars. A sizeable menu includes appetizers like spinach-con-queso dip and calamari fritters. Follow up with one of the three-alarm chilis or the house burger on black Russian rye. The interior resembles a large pub with wooden booths, high ceilings, and balcony seating over the central bar.
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DOWNTOWN. Around since the mid-1990s, this attractive pub remains one of the most popular gathering places in the town. The decor is as authentic as can be – dark-stained wood, bric-a-brac celebrating Ireland in general and Guinness specifically, and a beautiful bar. There's live music on the weekends (usually Celtic) and a traditional session on Wednesday nights beginning at 9pm. Other forms of weekly entertainment include trivia nights, book clubs, open mic nights, and even poetry slams. On Sunday game days, Kieran's opens at 5pm, and a special late-night menu is available from Thursday to Saturday after 10pm.
About 10Best's recommendations for Minneapolis's Best Bars:
10Best searched far and wide before ranking these bars as the best in Minneapolis. How'd they earn their way on the list? Beer selection, specialty cocktails, cool aesthetics, great jukeboxes, hip crowds – we consider it all before deciding which ones belong on a list of Minneapolis's Best Bars.
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