Classy cocktail lounges with moody lighting. Energetic breweries boasting every brew on tap imaginable. Whatever you are in the mood for, here are a few bars, restaurants, and more that have earned their place as dining hot spots—vibes included.
Cocktail Bars
Tucked away in a back alley, Volstead’s Emporium quickly became a sensation as one of the Twin Cities’ best spots for speakeasy vibes. With subdued lighting, velvet draperies and art deco décor, guests will feel like they have stepped back in time. Come by on a Friday or Saturday night to enjoy live jazz while sipping on a classic or custom cocktail.
Dampfwerk Distilling boasts delicious liquors and liqueurs with a European touch. Head distiller and owner Ralf Loeffelholz has kept the spirit of his homeland—Muhldorf, Germany—alive at Dampfwerk which features a hand-hammered copper still imported from Baden, Germany.
You’ve heard the phrase “nothing good happens after midnight.” But had you been to a cocktail bar that takes that phrase so seriously it closes at 11:59 p.m.? Just past Billy Sushi in downtown Minneapolis is Billy After Dark (B.A.D.), which serves up a speakeasy atmosphere alongside Japanese and Japanese-inspired cocktails. With its exclusive nature, B.A.D. is one of the hottest spots in the Twin Cities for a nightcap.
Restaurants
Chef Sean Sherman is well known, especially for his Minneapolis restaurant Owamni. The restaurant crafts decolonized dishes featuring ingredients only found in the region before colonization, and just launched new menu items on Oct. 1. With these ingredients mainly sourced from Indigenous food producers, Owamni is a must-try for those looking for a unique dining experience.
Boasting a section of the menu dedicated to bruschetta alone, Bar La Grassa has been a popular destination for almost 20 years. Guests can savor Italian cuisine with an eccentric twist, featuring items like nduja egg ravioli and orange and kalamata olive lamb sausage.
A Rochester restaurant has grown in popularity with delicious Cuban-inspired dishes. Our Paladar is located in an old train depot and features a varied menu based on market availability, making it a new experience every time you go.
Breweries
Minnesota’s oldest brewery Schell’s Beer attracts hordes of visitors every year. Featuring a bierhalle and biergarten, Schell’s is best for those looking to get out of the city and enjoy the best of the state’s craft brew scene in a rural setting in southern Minnesota.
Twin City newcomers will soon come to know the city’s staple craft brewery, Summit Brewing Co. But it’s not just its award-winning Extra Pale Ale that makes Summit a brew hot spot—it’s the brewery’s Ratskellar taproom, which offers guests the opportunity to try the newest brews and freshest pours only available at the taproom.
What’s New-ish
Want a new dining experience to try this weekend? You are never short of options, especially in the Twin Cities. Chef Jorge Guzmán—owner of Petit León—opened his second restaurant Chilango earlier this year, featuring Mexican-style dishes with an unexpected approach. Tender Lovin’ Chix food truck has opened a brick-and-mortar location in Minneapolis, offering additional menu items that continue to combine Southern and Asian cuisine. Guests will also be treated to a full bar serving up delicious sake-based cocktails. Wine more your style? National chain Barcelona Wine Bar recently opened a location on Washington Avenue in Minneapolis. Guests will be treated to a tapas menu, too.