Watch CBS News

Best Country Bars In Minnesota

Minnesota might be a far cry from the country-soaked streets of Nashville, but country music is embraced wholeheartedly here. In fact, we have some of the most dedicated country music fans in the country here. Garth Brooks, on his last trip to the Twin Cities, even remarked that "The crowds here are the best." If you're looking for cold beer, double shots and boot-shaking country music, these bars are for you.

Courtside Bar & Grill
227 Jackson St.
Anoka, MN 55303
(763) 422-9999
www.courtsideanoka.com

In downtown Anoka, you can find country music that will get your boots tapping, as well as tasty burgers and strong drinks. Live music takes over the stage consistently throughout the week, and there is always a lively dance floor on which to do some boot scootin'. There's nothing "themed" here; this is the real deal. Good service tops off a great country bar experience just outside the Twin Cities.

Beer
(credit: Jupiter Images)

Shaw's Bar & Grill
1528 University Ave. N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 781-4405
www.facebook.com

This dive has everything you could ever want from a dive: a simple menu full of good, greasy food, a lively, if divey, atmosphere, and awesome live music that covers a wide range of country western, blues, and all-around good stuff for you to move to. It's a little gem hidden away, and might be to the taste of those expecting a kitschy "Whisky Park" themed western bar. It's great live country music, and has a lot of it. Check the calendar at Shaw's to see who is playing.

Rollie's Rednecks & Longnecks
940 35th Ave. N.E.
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
(320) 255-0912
www.rolliesrednecksandlongnecks.com

Travel outside the Twin Cities for the ultimate country bar. As the name implies, there is a certain ethos followed at Rollie's, and whether you're there to dance to live music or just throw back a couple of cold ones, you better be ready to do so in true country fashion. Everything from the food and drink, to the music, to the décor screams country bar. So enough of these city folk, go have a real good time at Rollie's.

Related: Gone Country: Best Southern-Style Bars In Minnesota

Lee's Liquor Lounge
(credit: Turf Club)

Lee's Liquor Lounge
101 Glenwood Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 338-9491
www.leesliquorlounge.com

For those looking for a real country bar, not something playing too much Taylor Swift, a real spit and sawdust bar with whiskey and beer drinking regulars and real country music onstage, Lee's is your place. Operating in a space just outside of downtown Minneapolis for decades, Lee's holds a charm that isn't often found these days, especially not in the city. For a good time, a wide floor on which to dance and good music coming loud from passionate country music players, pop in to Lee's any night of the week.

Jackson's Hole
106 N. 3rd St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 343-5930
www.jacksonsholempls.com

This bar pulls of the western theme without falling into kitsch the way so many downtown Minneapolis country bars do. Expect wood floors and walls, whiskey barrel tables and plenty of country music coming from the speakers overhead. The two-level bar has plenty of room to bring a group of friends to get rowdy, but still manages to be a clean, comfortable place to enjoy cheap drinks and good times without it turning into a night you might regret.

Related: Best Piano Bars In Minnesota

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.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.