Best Bars To Watch The 2014 Winter Olympics In Minnesota
The Olympics bring the world together like no other event. The finest athletes from around the globe come together to compete in the toughest, most grueling games to display unmatched physical skill and athletic prowess. It's a time full of crushing victory and heartbreaking defeat. It's a time when we're all on the same team, rooting for U.S.A. to take home the gold. The games are meant to be shared with friends, family and the neighbors from down the street. There's no better place to enjoy the 2014 Winter Olympics than at one of these Minnesota bars.
Nomad World Pub
501 Cedar Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
(612) 338-6424
www.nomadpub.com
The West Bank's tribute to world travelers is known for playing the best international soccer games, as well as hosting awesome live music. The excellent beer list and strong drinks are also a draw. Basically, this is the place you'll want to catch the Winter Olympics come February. Especially for those looking to avoid the louder, brighter sports bar scene, the relaxed vibe of the Nomad makes for a prime viewing location.
Brit's Pub
1110 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 332-3908
www.britspub.com
Brit's Pub is a nod to King and Country, and during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, it was bedlam. It felt like you had to compete in your own Olympic trials just to find a seat. This year's winter games are being held in Russia, but this Nicollet Mall pub still promises to be one of the best places to watch. Good food and a nice pint sound like a great way to enjoy the games, and chances are it won't be quite as hard to find a place to sit back and relax.
Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub
258 7th St. W.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 292-9916
www.tomreidshockeycitypub.com
The "Hockey City Pub" has long been the best place to watch MN hockey, outside of the Xcel. With so many Minnesotans, and Wild players specifically, competing in Sochi, it only seems fitting that this sports bar would be the best place to watch. Tom Reid himself is a former hockey player, so you can bet he'll be around to cheer for his favorite sport. There isn't a bad seat in the house, with views of flat screens from every table and the bar, and the flowing drinks, food hot off the grill and lively crowd will make Tom Reid's the place to be.
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Mac's Industrial Sports Bar
312 Central Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 379-3379
www.macsindustrial.com
A long-time fan-favorite for watching Minnesota's various sports teams, Mac's many screens will be great for the Olympics. The rotating tap list is creative, and the extensive menu features all of the best comfort food classics to complement your viewing experience. Get ready to cheer on the U.S.A. (and the many Minnesotans) looking for gold this year. The lively crowd, a mix of regulars and newbies, college kids and hipsters of all ages will make sure you get in the spirit.
Minnesota Saloon
395 Robert St. N.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 340-0583
www.mnsaloon.com
Like Tom Reid's, there isn't a bad seat for watching the game at the Minnesota Saloon. The spacious bar and restaurant can accommodate you and all of your Olympics-loving friends. Grab a table, enjoy Minnesota-inspired food and drink and cheer as loud as you want for your favorite athletes. Inspired to compete yourself? Head to the back of the bar to challenge your friends at one of the various games offered; host your own mini-Olympic games and go home with the gold.
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Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
