Best Anti-Football Bars In The Twin Cities

Hey there non-sports fan; fancy going out on a lovely Sunday evening but want to avoid the drunken antics of avid sports fans which typically include yelling loudly at the television, pounding on the tabletop and an overabundance of high fiving and chest bumping? If you're looking to avoid the drunken sports fan on game nights, check out one of these local venues that, while not outwardly anti-sports, tend to attract a different clientele.

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

If you'd rather rock out to a live band than attempt to ignore the group of inebriated sports enthusiasts seated next to you, head on over to the Triple Rock. While arguably trading one raucous evening for another, catching a live concert in a casual atmosphere may just be your cup of tea, especially if you are more comfortable among a sea of black as opposed to a sea of sports jerseys. And if you are looking to check out the local music scene, the Triple Rock is an excellent place to do so with local bands scheduled nearly every night of the week. The types of acts that perform at the Triple Rock are an eclectic mix that fall primarily into the punk/rock/metal genre, but be sure to check the event calendar to see who's playing an upcoming show.

Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant
1010 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 332-1010 ‎
dakotacooks.com

Not necessarily an outwardly anti-sports joint, the Dakota Jazz Club tends to attract a niche type of clientele; unsurprisingly, those who enjoy listening to jazz. While certainly there are sports fans who also appreciate jazz, you won't find them dressed in their sports duds here. If you would rather avoid having your eardrums assailed by noisy fans, head on over to the Dakota Jazz Club and soothe them with the sweet sounds of jazz. Jazz acts are featured most nights of the week, ranging from local to nationally-renowned performers, so be sure to check out the event calendar to view upcoming performances. The food is also reportedly good, but be prepared to throw down some cash if you came hungry to this upscale place.

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Stella's Fish Cafe & Prestige Oyster Bar
1400 W Lake St
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 824-8862
stellasfishcafe.com

Stella's undeniably possesses one of the most coveted rooftop views in Uptown, one that droves of people clamor to during the summer months. If you are looking for a rooftop seat on a weekend evening, plan on arriving early or you'll be stuck waiting in line for a seat that might not open up. If you are paying a visit during colder months, Stella's offers two floors of seating; cozy up to the bar on the 1st floor or head on up to the spacious 2nd floor and occupy a booth with some friends. While Stella's tends to attract a young, trendy crowd that includes bros wearing tight shirts and ladies donning short skirts, you won't see any sports fan antics here. Stella's usually tends to be less busy on Sunday evenings, so if you are looking to dodge sports fan mania, head on over for a casual cocktail. Added bonus: late night happy hour kicks in from 10 p.m. until midnight Sunday through Thursday.

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Amsterdam Bar & Hall
6 W 6th St
St Paul, MN 55102
(612) 285-3112
amsterdambarandhall.com

As its name suggests, the Amsterdam has a decidedly Dutch vibe as evidenced by perusing its food and beverage menus (the frites, aka fries, are rumored to be legendary). If you are looking for a watering hole sans the sports fans, hit up the bar area for a pint and live music most nights of the week. The Amsterdam tends to attract a younger, eclectic, (unsurprisingly) hipsterish crowd and is a casual hangout for those looking to enjoy a brew and catch some live music on a random Sunday evening. Most concerts are free to attend and for those that do have a cover charge, the cost is typically minimal. If you are a fan of the 331 Club, you'll most likely enjoy the Amsterdam as it share owners. Although the Amsterdam is more ideal for socializing than its Minneapolis counterpart. So bring your friends, order a broodje and a pint and enjoy sports-fan-free bliss.

WA Frost & Company
Historic Cathedral Hill Dacotah Building
374 Selby Ave
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 224-5715
wafrost.com

Looking for a venue with a romantic vibe? If you are hoping to impress a date on a lovely Sunday evening without loud sports fans that make conversation nearly impossible, WA Frost & Company is worth a visit. Despite being a large bar/restaurant, WA Frost & Company has a very intimate feel and its patio is easily one of the most scenic and beautiful in the Twin Cities. WA Frost & Company possesses a Victorian charm that is sure to impress any date. And if you happen to be flying solo, it is also a great place to have a few drinks among close friends. Enjoy dinner (amazing American cuisine) and drinks without having to deal with rowdy sports fans at this charming locale.

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.