19 Best Bars in Minneapolis [July 2025 Hidden Gems]

I've spent countless nights exploring Minneapolis' bar scene, and let me tell you - this city knows how to pour a drink. From hidden speakeasies that'll make you feel like you're in a spy movie to rooftop bars with views that'll take your breath away, I've discovered some real gems that I'm dying to share with you.

Last weekend, I found myself knocking on an unmarked door in a back alley (more on that later), and it reminded me why I love this city's nightlife so much. Minneapolis isn't just about dive bars and beer - though we've got plenty of those too. It's about the adventure of discovering something new every time you go out.

Also Read: Best Bars In Hoboken

Quick Comparison of Minneapolis' Best Bars

Bar Name	Type	Best For	Unique Feature
Prohibition Bar	Speakeasy/View	Date Night	27th floor views
Volstead's Emporium	Hidden Speakeasy	Cocktail lovers	Secret entrance
Meteor	Dive/Craft	Industry folks	James Beard nominee
Earl Giles	Eclectic	Groups	In-house elixirs
Public Domain	No-menu bar	Adventurous drinkers	Custom cocktails
Young Joni	Pizza & Cocktails	Foodies	Wood-fired pizza
Billy After Dark	Speakeasy	Instagram photos	LED sky ceiling
Parlour	Upscale lounge	Burger & cocktails	Famous smash burger
Brit's Pub	British pub	Sports fans	Rooftop lawn bowling
Palmer's Bar	Historic dive	Locals	West Bank institution
Psycho Suzie's	Tiki bar	Summer nights	Mississippi River views
Betty Danger's	Quirky	Fun groups	Ferris wheel!
Upstairs Circus	DIY cocktails	Creative types	Craft projects
Neon Tiger	Dive/Speakeasy	Late night	Back of Public Domain
The Local	Irish pub	Happy hour	Downtown location
Grumpy's	Dive bar	Late night	Best smoking patio
The Loon Cafe	Sports bar	Game days	Downtown institution
Sidecar at The Tap	Craft cocktails	Cozy nights	Speakeasy vibes
Cedar Inn	Classic dive	Wings & beer	Jumbo chicken wings

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1. Prohibition Bar - Foshay Tower, 821 Marquette Ave, Downtown Minneapolis

I'll never forget my first visit to Prohibition. Taking the elevator up to the 27th floor of the historic Foshay Tower, I wasn't sure what to expect. But when those doors opened... wow. The views alone are worth the trip, but the cocktails? They're something special.

The whole place feels like stepping back into the 1920s with its dark wood, purple accents, and art deco vibes. I usually grab a seat by the windows and watch the sun set over the Minneapolis skyline while sipping on their signature Old Fashioned. Pro tip: Skip the observation deck and spend that money on cocktails here instead - the views are just as good!

2. Volstead's Emporium - 711 W Lake St (Hidden), Uptown

Finding Volstead's is half the fun. I spent 20 minutes wandering around back alleys my first time, but here's the secret: head down the alley behind 711 W Lake Street, look for the steel door with the red light, and knock. When that peephole slides open, you know you're in for something special.

This place takes the speakeasy concept seriously - no website, no marketing, just word of mouth. The cocktails are Prohibition-era inspired, and their burger is legendary among late-night crowds. I love bringing out-of-town friends here just to see their faces when we descend into this hidden basement bar.

3. Meteor - 2027 E Lake St, South Minneapolis

Don't let the location fool you - this tiny bar across from a lutefisk factory is a James Beard Award semifinalist for best bar program. I mean, where else can you get a $3 Hamm's and a world-class cocktail in the same place?

Owner Robb Jones has created something magical in this 40-seat, century-old space. It's become my go-to spot for industry nights (Mondays are especially lively). The vibe is punk rock meets craft cocktail, and somehow it just works.

4. Earl Giles - 1600 E Lake St, Longfellow

Walking into Earl Giles feels like stepping into an apothecary's fever dream. This former stagecoach factory is now packed with plants and serves cocktails made with house-made elixirs. I'm obsessed with their mac-and-cheese-topped pizza (yes, you read that right).

The backstory is wild too - it's named after a guy who flew around North America during Prohibition delivering liquor disguised as medicine. Every time I visit, I discover some new weird detail or drink I haven't tried before.

5. Public Domain - 603 N 5th St, North Loop

Here's where things get interesting - Public Domain doesn't have a menu. I know, I was skeptical too. But trust me, telling the bartender your preferences and letting them create something custom is an experience you won't forget.

Last time I was there, I mentioned I liked smoky mezcal and citrus, and they whipped up something that tasted like a campfire sunset (in the best way). If there's a wait, check out Neon Tiger in the back - it's their dive bar alter ego.

6. Young Joni - 165 13th Ave NE, Northeast Minneapolis

I'd heard the hype about Young Joni's pizza, but their back bar is the real hidden gem. Enter through the alley when the red neon light is on, and you'll find yourself in a cozy, wood-paneled speakeasy that feels worlds away from Minneapolis.

The cocktails are as creative as the pizzas are delicious. I usually start with a drink at the bar, then move to the restaurant for some of that famous Korean BBQ pizza. It's the perfect one-two punch for a night out.

7. Billy After Dark (B.A.D.) - 116 N 1st St (Basement), North Loop

Hidden beneath Billy Sushi, this cave-like speakeasy is Instagram gold. The LED starry night ceiling had me mesmerized the first time I visited. They don't have a traditional menu either - instead, they'll craft mystery drinks based on your mood.

Finding it is part of the adventure (hint: look for the sketchy link on their social media). I love bringing dates here - it's intimate, mysterious, and those neon signs make everyone look good in photos.

8. Parlour - 730 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis

Parlour ruined all other burgers for me. I'm not even exaggerating - their smash burger paired with a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned is my idea of heaven. This upstairs lounge beneath Borough restaurant has become my go-to for impressing out-of-town visitors.

The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between upscale and approachable. I've had business meetings here, dates, and late-night burger cravings - it works for all of them.

9. Brit's Pub - 1110 Nicollet Mall, Downtown Minneapolis

When I'm homesick for my London trip, Brit's is where I go. This downtown institution nails the British pub atmosphere, from the Fuller's on tap to the Scotch eggs. But the real draw? Rooftop lawn bowling in the summer.

I've spent many afternoons up there, pint in hand, pretending I know what I'm doing with those bowling balls. Even if you don't bowl, the rooftop is a fantastic spot for people-watching on Nicollet Mall.

10. Palmer's Bar - 500 Cedar Ave S, Cedar-Riverside

Palmer's is Minneapolis history in bar form. This West Bank institution has been serving cheap beer to hippies, bikers, and everyone in between for decades. I love sitting on the patio with a Hamm's, listening to the mix of conversations and sometimes even the Islamic call to prayer from the nearby mosque.

It's one of the most genuinely diverse bars in the city, and that's what makes it special. No pretense, no gimmicks, just good people and cold beer.

11. Psycho Suzie's - 1900 Marshall St NE, Northeast Minneapolis

The first time I walked onto Psycho Suzie's patio and saw the Mississippi River views, I knew I'd found my summer spot. This tiki bar goes all out with the tropical theme - giant tiki mugs, straw umbrellas, and rum drinks that'll transport you to an island.

Winter doesn't stop them either - they've got indoor seating that maintains all that tiki charm. I always order something ridiculous and Instagram-worthy, because when in Rome (or a tiki bar), right?

12. Betty Danger's Country Club - 2501 Marshall St NE, Northeast Minneapolis

Yes, there's actually a Ferris wheel at this bar. I couldn't believe it either until I was three drinks in and found myself overlooking the Minneapolis skyline from a slowly rotating car. Betty Danger's also has mini golf, because why not?

From the same creative mind behind Psycho Suzie's, this place is pure fun. It's where I take friends who think they've seen everything - the look on their faces when they see that Ferris wheel is priceless.

13. Upstairs Circus - 229 N Washington Ave, North Loop

Half bar, half craft workshop - Upstairs Circus is where I go when I want to feel productive while drinking. I've made leather coasters, painted wine glasses, and attempted (emphasis on attempted) woodworking projects here.

The drinks are solid, but being able to create something while you sip makes this place unique. It's perfect for groups who want something different than just sitting at a bar talking.

14. The Local - 931 Nicollet Mall, Downtown Minneapolis

The Local is my reliable downtown meet-up spot. Everyone knows where it is, they've got a huge space so you can usually get in, and their Irish-influenced menu hits the spot. I'm particularly fond of their "kissing booth" (don't worry, it's just a photo op).

During happy hour, this place gets packed with the downtown crowd. It's where I go when I need a guaranteed good time without any surprises.

15. Tom's Watch Bar - 704 S 3rd St, Downtown Minneapolis

When I need to watch a game - any game - Tom's is where I head. With over 100 screens, they're not kidding about being Minneapolis' biggest sports bar. I was here during March Madness and could watch four games at once without turning my head.

Located near both Target Center and Target Field, it's perfect for pre or post-game drinks. The energy during Vikings games is absolutely electric.

16. Grumpy's - 2200 4th St NE, Northeast Minneapolis

I almost didn't want to include Grumpy's because it's kind of my secret spot, but it's too good not to share. This Northeast dive has the best bartenders in the city and - I'm not exaggerating - the greatest smoking patio in the known world.

The crowd is a perfect mix of artists, service industry folks, and neighborhood regulars. I've solved world problems on that patio more times than I can count. Just don't blow up my spot too much, okay?

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17. The Loon Cafe - 500 N 1st Ave, Downtown Minneapolis

If there's one bar that screams "downtown Minneapolis," it's The Loon. Owner Tim Mahoney seems to know everyone in the city, and if you need tickets to anything, he's your guy. But honestly, I've skipped games I had tickets for because The Loon was too much fun.

They make something called a Grape Ape that I won't even try to describe - you just have to experience it. This is where I meet friends before Twins games, and sometimes we never make it to Target Field.

18. Sidecar at The Tap - 4812 Chicago Ave S, South Minneapolis

I stumbled into Sidecar during a snowstorm last winter, and their Tiki Hot Toddy literally saved my life (okay, maybe not literally, but it felt like it). This cozy cocktail lounge has major speakeasy vibes without trying too hard.

The bartenders are true mixologists who actually seem to enjoy their craft. I love the intimate atmosphere - candlelight, perfect music volume, and cocktails that make you want to order another just to figure out what's in them. Plus, they've got some seriously good bar snacks.

19. Cedar Inn - 4910 Cedar Ave S, South Minneapolis

Cedar Inn is like walking into a time machine. Located just down from Matt's Bar on Cedar Avenue, this place hasn't changed much in decades - and that's exactly why I love it. When you walk in on a busy night, it feels like you've been transported to a different city in a different era.

Their jumbo chicken wings are legendary (seriously, they're huge), and a bottle of Premium beer is all you need to complete the experience. Multiple TVs keep the sports fans happy, but this is really about soaking in authentic Minneapolis bar culture.

Wrapping Up My Bar-Hopping Adventures

After years of exploring Minneapolis' bar scene, I can honestly say we've got something for everyone. Whether you're looking to impress a date at Prohibition's sky-high perch, hunt for hidden speakeasies like Volstead's, grab a cheap beer at Palmer's, or discover your new favorite neighborhood spot at Grumpy's, this city delivers.

My advice? Start with one neighborhood and work your way through. North Loop's got the trendy spots, Northeast has the quirky ones, and Uptown keeps it mysterious. And hey, if you see someone frantically searching for a red-lit door in a back alley, that might be me - still getting lost trying to find Volstead's after all these years!

What's your favorite Minneapolis bar? I'm always looking for new places to explore, so drop me a line if you've got a hidden gem I should check out. Until then, you'll find me somewhere between a craft cocktail and a dive bar beer, living my best Minneapolis nightlife.