Best Hipster Hangout Spots In Minneapolis

The term "hipster" is rife with controversy as this youthful sub-culture is often met with negative stereotypes about what exactly being a hipster entails. Often dismissed as a fad, due to the preference for non-mainstream garb typically purchased at thrift and vintage stores, the roots of hipsterism emphasize values like independent thinking, progressive politics, creativity, intelligence, and non-conformism (despite the irony of conforming to a non-conformist, i.e. hipster, way of life). And of course, a love for cheap beer like PBR and Hamm's. Love 'em or hate 'em, here are a few prominent Twin Cities hipster hangouts to either check out or avoid.

The Triple Rock Social Club
629 Cedar Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
(612) 333-7399
www.triplerocksocialclub.com

Immortalized in "Seeing Double at the Triple Rock" by the band NOFX, the Triple Rock is a legendary Minneapolis bar. While the clientele the Triple Rock attracts is best described as an eclectic punk-rock crowd, it is a popular hipster destination. The Triple Rock is a divided venue that features a concert venue on one side, and a chill, dive-y atmosphere on the other. A great place to see local bands play, enjoy stellar bar food and take advantage of cheap drink specials, what more could you ask for? Bacon and beer? Yes, please! Wednesday evenings from 9 to 11 p.m. enjoy free bacon (while supplies last) and sip $3 PBR tall boys all night long.

Related: Best Local Beer Spots for your Inner Beer Snob

Red Dragon Restaurant
2116 Lyndale Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 874-8877
www.reddragonmpls.com

The Red Dragon is best described as a dingy, kitschy Chinese restaurant and bar with an antiquarian Kung Fu movie vibe. (Or perhaps it masquerades as kitschy, the irony of which is its attraction for some). A local Uptown Minneapolis institution of sorts, the Red Dragon is known by locals to have one of the most potent punches around. Dubbed "Wonderous Punch," this fishbowl-esque beverage is loaded with rum and a splash of tropical juice mix. Have one and you'll be done, as drinking more than one in an evening is an impressive feat. While the punch may draw an eclectic crowd in via word-of-mouth advertising, the good-humored staff keeps patrons content.

Grumpy's 
2200 4th St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
(612) 789-7429
www.grumpys-bar.com

Grumpy's is a cozy, casual bar nestled in the northeast Minneapolis neighborhood. It boasts an impressive beer roster, carrying seasonal beers and craft beers on tap. While this location doesn't have a kitchen, a freshly cooked frozen pizza may be ordered in a pinch. During the week Grumpy's also frequently hosts events like trivia and bingo nights. Enticing specials include $2 Tall Boy Sunday, where a variety of 16 oz. pounders - including PBR, Lone Star, Schlitz, Coors Light, Budweiser, Old Style, and more - can be enjoyed while your favorite tunes play on the jukebox.

Palmer's Bar
500 Cedar Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55454
(612) 333-7625
www.facebook.com/pages/Palmers-Bar/

Palmer's is classified by locals as a true dive bar, so if you are of the ilk that professes a love of all things dive, check Palmer's out for the real deal. With Hamm's on tap and bartenders with a heavy-handed pour, a few bucks will get you a decent buzz going. Palmer's is known to attract an interesting mix of clientele in terms of ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, disposition, and appearance, making it an ideal people-watching locale. Don't forget to check out the patio which is a great place to hang out and sip on your beverage of choice during the summer months.

Related: This Place is on Fire: Bars with Fire Pits or Fireplaces

A Minnesota native that was born and raised Up North, Minneapolis is where Christina Kalinowski currently calls home. Christina appreciates irony, loves bacon, enjoys a hearty libation (drink responsibly, folks), and is an avid proponent of the Swanson Pyramid of Greatness. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.