Best Bar Food In Minnesota
Half Time Rec
1013 Front Ave
St Paul, MN 55103
(651) 488-8245
www.halftimerec.com
The bar already had something of a cult following before adding a kitchen curated by the creative minds behind Smack Shack. A truly great burger and some of the cheesiest mac and cheese are great places to start, but some of the more Irish classics are must-trys as well. Shepherd's Pie, bangers and mash (and the mash is so creamy it's unbelievable) more than hold up in an Irish city. This is a true dive that just happened to add some of the best bar food in the Twin Cities without changing anything about their no-frills decor and blue-collar charm. This is still a regulars-dominated kind of place, so respect the history and tip well and you just might become a part of the Half Time Rec legacy.
813 50th St W
Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 208-1047
www.ganddpub.com
Finding a seat might be tough, as this Minneapolis pub has long been one of the area's most popular watering holes. Part of the reason for that, and the reason they made this list, is the Brit-inspired menu. You can find plenty of bar snacks like battered green beans, fried pickles and truly awesome and savory sausage rolls with mustard cream so good they would make the Germans blush. The burgers and sandwiches are also some of the best complements to a cold beer you can find anywhere. Or you can go a little heavier, enjoying large dishes of curry, beef rib, fish and chips and more.
LoLo
233 Main St S.
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 342-2461
loloamericankitchen.com
Stillwater boasts an impressive number of quality places to grab a drink, and Lolo's might just be the best. When you're looking for an expertly-crafted cocktail (there's no place better in Stillwater), or cold beer from a creative tap list, this is the place. But then enjoy some eats as well. The tacos are fantastic, and the menu of small plates, which include to-die-for duck and bacon dumplings and crab tater tots, are more than just great munchie food. If you're really hungry, they also do a pretty great pork tenderloin and pappardelle so smooth you'll have to look outside to remember you're not in some hip up-and-coming district in a larger city. Stillwater's quiet charm has produced a truly great destination bar and eatery.
289 5th St E
St Paul, MN 55101
(651) 699-3536
www.heartlandrestaurant.com
Yes, the elegant fine-dining restaurant is bustling just nearby. But coming for an awesome house cocktail and an even more awesome burger (or cheese curds, tempura fried veggies, pulled pork and more from the "Not Burgers" menu) is often the best way to spend your evening. The same care and local ingredients goes into the bar menu, and you'll have a much more kick-back-and-relax time sipping and noshing with friends when you stick with the lounge. With a fantastic location across from CHS field, it might just be the best place in Lowertown to relax before or after a game.
Maxwell's American Pub
1201 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55415
(651) 354-7084
www.maxwellsbar.net
Few places are more comfortable than this pub tucked away amidst the energy of downtown Minneapolis. Step away from the super clubs up the street and order a nice cold beer and some excellent pub food to go along with it. The burgers are great (especially the Peppercorn Burger), and the tasty rice bowls add a touch of nomadic flare to the menu. But if you're looking for classic bar food, the poutine, cheese curds, various styles of nachos and perhaps the best fries in downtown, Maxwell's will never let you down. Not far from US Bank Stadium, let this be your pre or post-game spot for great game day eats.
Related: WCCO Viewers' Choice For Best Sports Bar In Minnesota
