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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Minneapolis

Interesting bars

A bar that offers an interesting environment without relying on gimmicks to keep you engaged.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
The Dampfwerk Distillery Cocktail Lounge image 1
The Dampfwerk Distillery Cocktail Lounge image 2
The Dampfwerk Distillery Cocktail Lounge image 3
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Warehouse setting with dark modern decor and a long steel-topped bar creates a sleek, intimate space. Atmosphere feels dark and moody yet friendly, with live DJ music adding energy. Craft cocktails feature unique distillery spirits, paired with a small but excellent charcuterie selection.

Cocktails here are innovative and consistently outstanding. The lounge offers a unique ambiance like a wealthy uncle's basement bar, paired with great food like curry brat and hot pretzel with beer cheese sauce.

Upscale venue serves imaginative cocktails with interesting distillates and herbal spirits. Tasting offers a variety of unique drinks.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are imaginative and have creative names."

"The drinks here are refined, delicious, and special."

"Their distillates and cocktails are pretty out there and interesting."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a 15% discount on drinks.

2

Trivia night is every Tuesday at 8pm.

3

Free parking is available in front and on the street.

02
Bar Brava image 1
Wine bar

Small space with exposed brick and a mix of cozy and modern design creates an upscale vibe. Atmosphere shifts from relaxed to energetic as the night progresses, drawing a crowd that enjoys natural wines and standout dishes. Bar seating moves quickly, supporting a lively yet intimate setting.

A natural wine bar with a unique selection of organic wines not found elsewhere. Staff offer knowledgeable service and prices for glasses and bottles are reasonable given the quality.

Super interesting wine selection features small producers not found everywhere. Plates of interesting food complement the knowledgeable staff and unique wines by the glass.

People are saying

"The food here is spectacular, especially the shrimp roll."

"This bar has an interesting selection of natural wines."

"The wine selection here is really interesting and includes small producers."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

The menu changes frequently, so expect new dishes often.

3

Parking is available on the street near the restaurant.

03
Meteor image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail lounge blends upscale dive bar style with a dark, cozy atmosphere and hip decor. Music features 80's tunes and a pinball machine adds a playful touch. Specialty hot dogs with unique toppings complement a large craft cocktail menu highlighted by an excellent mezcal selection.

Cozy and energetic, this bar offers great cocktails crafted by a knowledgeable bartender. It blends the vibe of a dive bar with upscale neighborhood charm.

Cocktails feature interesting flavors and options. Staff share knowledgeable Mezcal facts and craft drinks with a New York vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the cocktails here were fantastic and delicious."

"I loved the hand-crafted cocktails here; they were delicious."

"I found the cocktails here wildly interesting and the staff incredibly informed."

Good to know

1

Meteor updates its drink menu approximately every month, providing new options to try.

2

There was a small parking lot behind the bar and ample street parking nearby.

3

I found the bar to be pretty small and hard to get a seat if it was busy.

04
Flora Room image 1

Speakeasy-style bar with intimate lighting and eclectic decor creates a cozy, classy vibe. Balanced cocktails and a unique seating arrangement encourage conversation in a tight, lively space. Valet parking adds convenience to the experience.

Semi-hidden basement lounge offers a stylish atmosphere with a beautiful design. It serves as a great spot to bring friends and family for drinks.

Cocktails feature unusual ingredients like genever, shizo, and yuzu, creating sour and salty flavor profiles. Drinks come carefully designed and prebatched, making them hard to replicate at home.

People are saying

"Zach's service made the cocktails absolutely lovely."

"The cocktails here are creative and expertly crafted."

"The cocktails are interesting with unusual ingredients and drawings."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-serve.

2

Expect long wait times on weekends, especially after 6pm.

3

Arrive early to secure a table, particularly on busy nights.

05
Little Tijuana Neighborhood Lounge image 1

Small lounge with funky old school decor and disco-ball lighting creates a cool, chill vibe. Music stays next level and fun, setting an impeccable atmosphere. Two dining rooms offer options for quieter or rowdier experiences, attracting a mix of groups and families.

A comfortable lounge with a neighborhood vibe offers two dining rooms for either a quieter or rowdier experience. The bar features killer lighting and music and has a corner that fits groups of ten.

Drinks feature a herbal bitter flavor and stay well balanced. The wet martini stands out as particularly interesting.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"You have to try the amazing, creative cocktails here."

"The fried cauliflower is crispy with delicious sauces."

Good to know

1

The lounge serves food late, making it a great option for late-night dining.

2

Expect long wait times between 6-7pm; arrive early to avoid lines.

3

The menu features a small selection of dishes, not authentic Mexican cuisine.

06
Stargazer image 1
Cocktail bar

Cozy 40-seat cocktail bar with constellation ceiling and interactive star chart menu creates a unique, intimate atmosphere. Loud and dark setting suits those who enjoy thematic, finely crafted cocktails and flavorful finger foods. Space feels carefully designed to elevate the experience beyond typical bars.

A hidden spot behind dark curtains offers a fantastic bar selection with more variety in drinks than most cocktail bars. The place has a friendly atmosphere and excellent vibes.

Menu setup features interesting cocktails like the Vesper and Salary Man, which mix Japanese whiskey with other flavors. Food offers tasty, interesting options but is not the main focus.

People are saying

"I found the cocktails here to be fantastic and delicious."

"This bar's cocktails are meticulously crafted and visually stunning."

"The drink menu is interesting, with a constellation-style map."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait on busy nights like Thursdays.

3

Parking can be difficult; consider street parking if you're willing to walk.

07
Cardamom image 1
Restaurant

Bright space blends Scandinavian and South Asian styles with a stunning live tree inside and views of a sculpture garden and skyline. Outdoor seating offers comfortable breeze and shade with lively conversation filling the room. Cocktails feature bold flavors, and vegetarian options stand out.

The bar features decorative interiors but lacks a strong cocktail program. Service can be slow, with drink waits up to 30 minutes, though some staff provide good service. The atmosphere may feel unwelcoming or uncomfortable for some.

Craft cocktails feature unique and interesting combinations. Food includes well-seasoned dishes and desserts like saffron crรจme brรปlรฉe and tahini chocolate chip cookie that stand out.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and unique."

"The cocktails here offer some interesting and unique combinations."

"The bar experience was amazing, with very good service."

Good to know

1

Brunch is offered seven days a week, making it a great option for any day.

2

Happy Hour features discounted lamb sliders, perfect for a light snack.

3

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.

08
St Pierre Steak and Seafood image 1

Upscale restaurant with exposed brick and intimate booths facing a large bar creates a lively yet cozy atmosphere. The vibe balances modern design with classic touches, attracting diners seeking elegant seafood and steak dishes. The space feels inviting despite occasional loudness, offering a refined yet approachable dining experience.

A cozy vibe fills the bar with great cocktails and comfortable seats. Staff offer free after-dinner drinks or desserts, adding to the warm atmosphere.

Menu offers an interesting variety with dishes like hanger steak and seared halibut in a Moroccan-style sauce. Pickled cauliflower salad adds a unique touch, and portions come generous and tasty.

People are saying

"The pickled cauliflower salad has a nice pop from fennel seeds."

"The shrimp and avocado boats were interesting and delicious."

"The New York Strip at the bar was one of the best steaks I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Valet parking is available for $15, but street parking can be challenging.

3

Gluten-free options are available, making it accommodating for dietary restrictions.

09
Ground Zero Nightclub image 1

Nightclub offers interactive shows and flashy dance floor with go-go dancers and a Moroccan themed lounge upstairs. Atmosphere blends Halloween-themed decor with a kinky vibe and diverse crowd. Energy varies, with lively performances but occasional hostility on the dance floor.

A fun vibe fills the bar every time, thanks to Quinn's presence. It offers a safe space where femme-presenting people avoid common harassment found in many bars.

Unique setting creates a fun and interesting atmosphere. The decor stands out and adds to the overall vibe.

People are saying

"This nightclub has cool performances and a welcoming atmosphere."

"My friend fainted at the bar and hit his head."

"The atmosphere and decor here are really interesting."

Good to know

1

Ground Zero Nightclub only accepts cash payments for entry and drinks.

2

The cover fee is approximately $20 on regular nights and $30 on Halloween weekend.

3

Live DJs and themed events happen every Saturday night.

10
5-8 Club image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with a laid back chill environment and a small restaurant feeling. Indoor space feels cold and clean with a hole in the wall vibe due to lack of renovations. Outdoor patio offers a semi-private, screened area but can be loud from nearby airport noise.

A lively bar-and-grill with pleasant bar staff and stellar service creates a welcoming vibe. The atmosphere feels like a small town dive bar with good lighting for any group.

The place features an interesting history detailed on the back of the menu and connected to the 5-8 Club. The decor and burger combinations also stand out as unique elements.

People are saying

"I found the juicy Lucy burger to be spectacular."

"You have to try the Juicy Lucy burger at this bar; it's stuffed with cheese."

"The Juicy Lucy burger was gooey and crispy, a really good burger."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in their own lot, making access easy.

2

Expect a long wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Only bottled or canned beer is available; no draft options.

11
Los Sanchez image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant space opens up to create a lively atmosphere with live music and dancers that energize the environment. Music volume rises later, making conversation difficult. Margaritas stand out as a popular drink choice, often served in large portions with festive presentation.

Plenty of bar seating exists with a quiet atmosphere. Service at the bar can be slow, sometimes requiring you to approach the bartender for attention.

Many amazing and interesting options fill the menu. A live band adds a unique touch to the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and delicious."

"The live music and dancers were interesting."

"I sat at the bar and the service was great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 2-for-1 margaritas from Monday to Thursday.

2

Expect a 20% service charge automatically added to bills over a certain amount.

3

Karaoke nights are available, providing a fun atmosphere.

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Minneapolis, Minnesota

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