Best Bars For Foodies In Minnesota
While the dictionary definition of a foodie as "someone who has an ardent or refined interest in food" has undeniably snobbish connotations, the increasing availability and lower costs of quality food has increased the incidence of the term. Foodies appreciate a good meal made with quality ingredients, whether it's in the form of a perfectly seared scallop or a well-made burger. If you're looking for a nightcap and to indulge your inner foodie, give these foodie-friendly bars a shot.
Happy Gnome
498 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 287-2018
www.thehappygnome.com
This jovial-titled gastropub is a foodie's paradise. And with 76 craft beers on tap that rotate on a regular basis, it is also a craft beer lover's home away from home. Cozy up to the bar and enjoy the Happy Gnome's impressive beer selection, and order up some tasty grub to satisfy foodie cravings. With a menu that features everything from creative twists on comfort-food favorites to quality cuts of meat and fantastic cheese plates, the Happy Gnome offers patrons a variety of options. If you're having trouble deciding, you can't go wrong with a steaming, mouth-watering order of poutine, the perfect snack to go alongside a cold brew.
The Nightingale
2551 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 354-7060
www.nightingalempls.com
From finicky to foodie, Nightingale's menu offers small plates that are sure to satisfy everyone in your crew. From fanciful preparations of lamb and scallops to quality comfort goodies, Nightingale's menu offerings satisfy no matter what you're craving. Struck with indecision? Bite into one of the best burgers you'll ever eat, made from a mouth-watering combination of ground chuck and brisket. With a plethora of adult beverages, which include a good selection of wines, beer (both craft, domestic and imports) and cocktails, you can sample a variety of food and drinks. Check out Nightingale's daily late night happy hour from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. for discounted drink offerings and snacks. Plus its location makes it a convenient stop for inclusion on an Uptown bar crawl.
Fitger's Brewhouse
600 E. Superior St.
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 279-2739
www.brewhouse.net
Good food doesn't need to be fancy. With burger and speciality sandwich offerings (including vegetarian), Fitger's serves up quality comfort food with a unique twist by using creative topping combinations. Don't pass up the beer-battered french fries or you'll be kicking yourself for not indulging in their caloric goodness. Fitger's regularly features live music from local and touring entertainers, so you can enjoy a show with drinks and tasty eats. Fitger's has its own brewery and offers patrons a variety of its very own handcrafted beer. Don't live nearby? Get a growler of Fitger's specialty brew to go.
Borough
730 N. Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 354-3135
www.boroughmpls.com
An exciting newcomer to the North Loop neighborhood, Borough features an eclectic and interesting menu, including adventurous items like octopus and beef tongue. Enjoy a full dinner menu in the main dining area which overlooks Washington Avenue, or head to the lower-level Parlour for craft cocktails and snack offerings like fish and chips and cheese plates. If you're looking to get in touch with your inner foodie, or impress some out-of-town guests, Borough is a great option. Outdoor seating is also available on Borough's patio, a great place to dine and drink during warm summer months.
Icehouse
2528 Nicollet Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 276-6523
www.icehousempls.com
This popular "Eat Street" establishment is favored by those foodies who appreciate innovative cocktails and well-prepared dishes, from chicken kiev to a foie gras burger. With creative cocktails and sipping shots like Satan Laughs and Spreads His Wings (bourbon, hazelnut orange liqueur, spicy bitters) and the Wonder-Twins Powers-Activate (lemon sour or collins style, served with a popsicle), your taste buds will be titillated. If you're looking for tasty snacks to accompany your cool cocktail, the buffalo wings are not to be missed. And with live entertainment featured regularly, you can revel in foodie heaven with a show.
Fancy yourself a foodie? Where do you like to chow down while getting your drink on?
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.
