As the brewery boom continues throughout the Twin Cities and beyond, we forget sometimes about the beer bars that existed long before the passing of the “Surly Bill” that allowed breweries to serve their product onsite. These places are paradise for beer drinkers, and, as they have wide selections of craft brews from all over the state, country, and world, can still be a better option for those looking for a little variety.
The Happy Gnome
Voted one of Draft Magazine’s best beer bars in the Midwest, The Happy gnome prides itself on its 89-tap line selection of draft beer, as well as their collection of bottled beer from around the country and the world. These are all best paired with an abundance of signature entrées, appetizers and happy hour delights.
Williams Pub and Peanut Bar
With 80 tap lines and over 300 bottles to choose from William’s in Uptown is no slouch when it comes to brew selection. Known for its peanuts (as the name implies) and draft lines, located downstairs they also offer a selection of games including darts, beer ball, and pool. This is the place to be on a Friday night.
Republic
Happy 6-year anniversary! Draft Magazine also recognized Republic as one of the top 100 beer bars in the US for the past 4 years. Located in the West bank of the University on Minnesota’s campus Republic features 100 tap lines for an abundance of beer and cider varieties.
Red Cow Minneapolis
Mooove (sorry) on over to the Red Cow in Minneapolis for some of the finest eats and craft beer selections. Red Cow consistently has over 36 tap lines in rotation, many of which are from local breweries as well as from across the country. If you’re in the mood for something different, indulge in one of their exclusive selection of ciders, sours, and fruit beers.
Town Hall Tap
Take a step back in time at the Town Hall Tap located in Minneapolis. They are known for their “vintage wall” which includes a spectacular variety of beer signs from the past several decades. Town Hall Tap not only has a great selection of guest/seasonal drafts but they also offer their very own beer crafted in the Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery.
Yard House
They call it Yard House for a reason. Beer tasters, drinkers and enthusiasts alike are able to order select beer from their list of over 100 tap lines and drink them out of a glass that’s half a yard tall. That’s right, that’s 18 inches of beer, which is equivalent to around 3 pints. Hope you’re thirsty.
New Bohemia
New Bohemia has carved out a nice niche for itself with dozens of options for bier and bratwurst. There are seven locations located in around the cities with plenty of fun to go around for all. These locations include NE MPLS, Golden Valley, Mankato, Eagan, Uptown, Roseville, and St Paul. They offer a fancy selection of various made-in-house bratwurst as well as 36 rotating tap lines to go with your brat.
Crooked Pint
The Crooked Pint is home to the popular Sassy Lassy Movie & Music Trivia held every Wednesday night at 8pm. They are also famous for being the official bar for The American Outlaws, Minneapolis/St. Paul chapter. They broadcast all U.S. men and women’s nation soccer matches. Come on down and enjoy over 25 of their rotating and seasonal tap lines from around the world while playing trivia or watching soccer.
Old Chicago
With locations throughout the US (Minnesota is home to six Old Chicago Pizza & Taprooms), Old Chicago is by far the biggest name on this list. They offer over 65 taps and 20 bottles/cans — many of which rotate every few weeks. Yes, it’s a chain, and we don’t usually support those. But happy hour is fantastic here, and the beer selection – they work closely with the local markets in which they’re located to offer a variety of brews – earns their spot on the list.
George and the Dragon
Grab your sword as we slay this dragon. By dragon we mean beer, and by sword we mean pint glass. George and the Dragon is a family owned and operated pub located in Minneapolis. They model themselves after an English pub or public house. During the medieval days of dragon slaying patrons in the community needed a place to gather and enjoy a home cooked meal while enjoying a tasty pint of ale. They offer a double dozen: tap lines, craft beer, cider, and 22 oz. bombers.
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