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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Chill and cool spots in Central Minneapolis

Finding a space that feels genuinely interesting without trying too hard is the only way to spend an afternoon.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Fawkes Alley Coffee image 1
Fawkes Alley Coffee image 2
Fawkes Alley Coffee image 3
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Eclectic small coffee shop tucked into a cozy back alley offers indoor and patio seating with views of charming brickwork and twinkling lights. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting, perfect for relaxing or working quietly. Frequented by locals enjoying community-focused vibes and exceptional pastries.

A chill and simple spot with a friendly staff creates a perfect setting to unwind and enjoy some quiet moments.

Friendly staff and a cool location create a relaxed vibe. The coffee adds to the overall triple threat appeal.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be incredible."

"I loved sitting on the patio and enjoying the charming sights."

"It's a really cool spot with a great patio."

Good to know

1

Fawkes Alley Coffee does not accept cash; only cards and GPay are accepted.

2

Parking is available only through paid options nearby.

3

The coffee shop is dog friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

02
Dunn Brothers Coffee image 1

Spacious coffee shop with rustic decor and local art displays creates a cozy atmosphere enhanced by big windows and a fireplace. Tables with outlet access support laptop use, while outdoor seating offers views across the lake. The vibe is generally quiet but can be lively with nearby conversations.

Super laid back atmosphere with chill music sets a relaxed tone. It serves as a casual neighborhood hangout spot with okay food.

Cool vibes fill the space with an interior and layout that stand out. Upper seating offers views of the park, adding to the relaxed, cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be really good."

"This local spot's art from local artists is a nice touch."

"The interior layout here is really cool."

Good to know

1

AA meetings are held daily at 7 am from Monday to Friday.

2

Parking is available, but it can be confusing for first-time visitors.

3

The coffee shop is handicap accessible.

03
Upstairs Circus MPLS image 1

Bar combines crafting activities with cocktails in a fun and casual setting. Space feels playful and social, with clear instructions and supplies for various projects. Music plays at a lively volume, creating an energetic atmosphere for groups and creative nights out.

A maker's dream space with a chill and playful vibe offers a fun and casual atmosphere. The tassel necklace craft stands out as a very chill craft option.

A crafts and cocktail bar with a fun concept creates a very cool vibe.

People are saying

"I loved making my own craft with tons of ideas and helpful staff."

"It's a cool place to hang out and keep your hands busy."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful, it makes for a chill vibe."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging; consider using nearby public lots or rideshare services.

2

You can bring in outside food, but check with staff for any restrictions.

3

Happy hour runs on weekdays with discounted drinks and snacks.

04
Cobble Social House image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, multi-level space with a speakeasy vibe and hidden entrance creates an intimate setting. Dark lighting and loud music set a moody, romantic atmosphere suited for dates or celebrations. Crafted cocktails stand out as works of art, complementing adventurous sushi offerings.

Small, dark space with awesome art creates a chill and relaxing vibe. It feels like a cute spot for drinks or a laid-back date night.

The spot has a really cool vibe and atmosphere. The seating adds to the overall cool feel inside.

People are saying

"The sushi here is creative, fresh, and delicious for a date spot."

"The cocktails here are creative and amazing."

"The sushi here is really good and incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

2

Street parking is available but can be difficult to find.

3

A non-cash adjustment fee of 3.62% applies to credit card payments.

05
Spyhouse Coffee Roasters | Downtown / Emery image 1

Reclaimed bank space with marble pillars and art deco feel creates a spacious, cozy atmosphere filled with plants and comfortable seating. Lounge area includes a fireplace and pool tables, making it ideal for socializing or working. Dogs are allowed inside, adding to the relaxed vibe.

A very mellow and chill atmosphere invites you to relax. Plenty of seating options make it easy to chill, work, or do homework while enjoying coffee or hot chocolate.

A former bank with a fireplace and modern furnishings creates a cool vibe. Plenty of seating and a unique design make it great for work or relaxing.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee here; it was genuinely good."

"The vibe here is super cool and relaxed."

"It's a great place to chill and have coffee."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is offered at Spyhouse Coffee Roasters in Downtown / Emery.

2

An 8oz latte costs $7.30, making it a pricey option.

3

Dogs are allowed inside the cafe, making it pet-friendly.

06
Fuzzy's Taco Shop Taqueria image 1

Small space offers cozy, basement-like bar and outdoor patio with yard games. Atmosphere feels open yet secluded, attracting a chill crowd. Patio connects to courtyard, creating a dog-friendly, casual hangout.

Open yet secluded seating creates a chill vibe. Food serves as solid fast casual fare for relaxed hangouts.

The spot has a super cool atmosphere with cool decor that stands out. It feels cheap and cool, tucked away off the beaten path.

People are saying

"I loved the great tacos with hearty portions and unbeatable prices."

"The brisket and shrimp here are amazing."

"The atmosphere and decor here are super cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

3

This location has limited indoor seating but plenty of outdoor options.

07
Jackson's Hole Bar & Grill image 1

Small club with plenty of TVs and sports memorabilia creates a rowdy club vibe that suits fight nights and game days. Dark interior and moderate music volume support a dive bar atmosphere where people gather to relax and connect. Games like darts and golden tee run constantly, adding to the lively entertainment.

A chill vibe fills the space with a relaxed bartender and a laid-back clientele. It works well as a spot to sit back, connect, or enjoy a night cap.

Noise and chaos exist but the vibe stays cool and prioritized. The atmosphere feels relaxed and easygoing.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and came out quickly."

"It's a great place to sit back and chill."

"Derrick kept his cool and rocked it out."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Saturday and Sunday with discounted drinks.

2

The bar gets packed on fight nights, so arrive early.

3

They offer a bring-your-own burger deal on select days.

08
The Nicollet Diner image 1
American restaurant

Classic diner setting combines with neon signs and open patios to create a lively, welcoming space. Energy shifts from relaxed daytime vibes to late-night buzz with an arcade bar upstairs. The atmosphere embraces diversity and community, making it a hub for all walks of life.

A retro vibe sets a chill atmosphere with a casual, family-friendly feel. The diner bar offers a cool, old-school spot to relax and unwind.

A very cool community vibe welcomes all walks of life here. The environment stays super chill and the overall atmosphere feels genuinely cool.

People are saying

"The food here is simple, elegant, and well-priced."

"It's a cute place with a really chill vibe."

"It's a really cool place with a welcoming community vibe."

Good to know

1

The Nicollet Diner is open 24 hours a day, making it a late-night option.

2

Happy hour offers two-for-one drinks until 7 PM on weekdays.

3

The diner hosts a popular drag show event on certain nights.

09
Billy After Dark (B.A.D) image 1

Dark, moody space with 90's-2000's vibe and themed cocktails creates a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Music features 90s rap hits that keep energy lively without overwhelming conversation. Interior includes Rolls Royce-inspired ceiling and close tables, blending unique style with intimate seating.

Music plays softly while drinks are served, creating a very chill and relaxed atmosphere.

Walls covered by trees and a ceiling dotted with tiny lights create a unique vibe. The ceiling also resembles the inside of a Rolls Royce, adding to the cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are inventive and fun."

"The atmosphere here is really cool, with tiny lights on the ceiling."

"The atmosphere here is so chill and relaxed."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday nights to ensure seating.

2

Sushi rolls range from $17 to $25 each, so budget accordingly.

3

The venue is designed for quick snacks and drinks rather than full meals.

10
Lyon's Pub image 1

Pub offers an authentic British atmosphere with an old English feel and European-style outdoor seating. Music often plays loudly, creating a lively, party vibe that can overshadow dining moments. Walls display sports memorabilia, attracting fans during local games.

Casual atmosphere centers around a large bar with chill vibes. Seating is easy and the place feels relaxed and casual for a laid-back night.

An old style bar with a cool British vibe offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The piano bar adds to the unique atmosphere.

People are saying

"The staff at this pub were simply wonderful and friendly."

"The atmosphere here is really chill and casual."

"The atmosphere here is really cool, with a British style."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Friday with a lively crowd and song requests welcome.

2

Happy hour offers half-price drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Live music performances occur on Saturday nights, featuring local artists.

11
Public Domain image 1
Cocktail bar

Classic cocktail bar with dark interior and speakeasy vibes offers a chill, classy atmosphere where bartenders craft excellent cocktails. Seating is ample but includes some uncomfortable chairs, and the space features a modern back bar with lively music contrasting the main bar's NYC-inspired style.

Vibes stay super chill with a cool and classy atmosphere. Seating comes easy through the hostess in this ambient bar.

Custom fancy drinks crafted by knowledgeable mixologists create a unique experience. The cool and chill vibe inside the vintage building makes the bar absorbing and memorable.

People are saying

"I found the cocktails here to be the best I tried anywhere."

"The custom drinks they made based on my preferences were really cool."

"The bespoke drinks here are crafted for a sophisticated, excellent experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

Expect to wait if you arrive after 5 PM, especially on weekends.

3

Cocktails are priced around $18, reflecting the quality of ingredients.

12
AVA image 1
Bar

Venue combines upscale lounge upstairs with a disco dance floor downstairs, creating distinct vibes in one space. Atmosphere feels chic and elevated, with stylish design and a classy dress code. Music energizes the basement dance area, making it a lively spot for nonstop dancing.

Upstairs lounge offers a chill ambiance with great lighting for pictures and a cocktail bar to grab drinks. The main level feels plush and relaxed, supported by a classier dress code that sets a calm tone.

Music sets a cool vibe and the downstairs hosts a dance area with a lively DJ. Staff like the funny bouncers and bartender add to the upbeat atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are friendly, quick, and always on point."

"The dance floor here is small and crowded, but the music is great."

"The music and dance floor downstairs were really cool."

Good to know

1

Dress code is enforced; no shorts or flip-flops allowed.

2

Expect long lines on weekends, especially after 10pm.

3

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

13
Runyon's image 1
Chicken wings restaurant

Historic building with exposed brick and large outdoor patio creates a cozy, old-school vibe. Atmosphere feels chill and classic, filled with quirky wall art and decades of photos. Known for best buffalo wings and cold, local beers, it draws a lively crowd before closing early.

Friendly casual service creates a chill vibe perfect for hanging out downtown. The spot offers a nice and relaxed atmosphere with some history, ideal for casual lunch or dinner.

The spot has a cool vibe that feels like a chain bar and grill trying to seem local. It comes off as generic and lacks a true local haunt atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the beer here was really good."

"These gigantic, crispy wings with the special sauce are perfect."

"I enjoyed the cool vibe here."

Good to know

1

Parking is often problematic; many have reported being towed.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:45 PM, later than some online sources state.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6 PM on weekdays.

14
Off the Rails image 1
Bar & grill

Long bar with many taps and patio overlooking stadium create a lively setting. Live music and DJ energize the space, especially before games when the crowd is loud and festive. Dog friendly atmosphere attracts locals who enjoy games, drinks, and casual fun.

Patio seating offers a casual, fun spot to share a beer with colleagues. Food options complement the laid-back bar vibe well.

A super cool theme sets the tone here, making the spot stand out downtown. The overall vibe feels fresh and engaging.

People are saying

"The food at this bar is genuinely delicious and great."

"The food here is great and the drinks are good."

"I found the spot to be cool overall."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available, but ask for the menu during busy times.

2

Trivia night occurs weekly, providing a fun activity for visitors.

3

Expect a reduced menu on days with special events at the nearby ballpark.

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Central Minneapolis, Minneapolis

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