Watch CBS News

Best Places For Day Drinking In Minnesota

Random day off? On stay-cation? Really need that drink and can’t wait until five? There’s nothing wrong with a little day drinking every now and again. A Bloody Mary with breakfast or a beer with lunch, why not? You just need the right bar. No one will judge you at these local watering holes. In fact, you’ll be in good company.

Groveland Tap
1834 St. Clair Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105

(651) 699-5058
www.grovelandtap.com

Beer is always a good choice for drinking during the day, as it won't knock you out as quickly as liquor. As a college bar, the Tap often hosts students enjoying a beer after an early test, on a day off or skipping class. It’s always an interesting crowd. But the draft list is the real draw. You can drink beer until the sun goes down and never have the same one twice. Happy hour starts when the Tap opens at 11 a.m. and runs until 5:30 p.m., making it one of the longest happy hours in the Twin Cities.

Grumpy's
2200 4th St. N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55418

(612) 789-7429
www.grumpys-bar.com

Another bar that features a great daytime happy hour, Grumpy’s is exactly the type of place to grab a drink no matter which neighborhood you’re in. The Northeast location has fantastic daily specials (like $2 PBR tallboys all day long on Sundays). At the downtown location, you don’t have to just sit at the bar with your beer, wine or cocktail. With an extensive game room featuring darts, Big Buck Hunter and pool tables, you can get your game on while you drink, keeping you on your feet all day long. Loser buys the next round?

Beer Generic, Bottle Cap
(credit: Jupiter Images)

The Spot
859 Randolph Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102

(651) 224-7433
www.facebook.com/The-Spot-Bar

Since 1885, The Spot has been popular for day drinking. Originally filled with blue collar neighborhood workers getting off of the night shift, the bar still opens early for those looking to do some daylight boozing. It’s dark and cozy and filled with the remnants of the past 100 years. You can feel the history as you enjoy a classic Hamm’s from some of St. Paul’s friendliest bartenders, and at some of the cheapest prices in town.

Related: Best Bars With Drinking Games In The Twin Cities

Dusty's Bar
1319 Marshall St. N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55413

(612) 378-2118
www.dustysbaranddagos.com

Start drinking early in the morning in the shadow of the old Grain Belt Brewery. Nothing but friendly faces will greet you when you walk in the door. Belly up to the bar or find a comfortable booth and kick back with an ice-cold pitcher of beer. Far from the popular Northeast hot spots, you can drink all day long with some of the finest folks in Minneapolis. Try a hot dago sandwich for lunch (or breakfast or dinner) to hold you over while you spend the day imbibing. 

Cocktail Generic
(credit: Jupiter Images)

Good Day Cafe Bad Day Bar
5410 Wayzata Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55416

(763) 544-0205
www.gooddaycafemn.com

Whether you’re having a good day or a bad day, this Golden Valley (just outside of Minneapolis) coffee shop/bar hybrid is great for day drinking. You can also enjoy one of the specialty espresso drinks after one too many specialty cocktails. While known for brunch (and it gets very busy for brunch on the weekend), sitting at the bar on the other side is a relaxing, comfortable experience. Try its featured cocktail of the day and enjoy happy hour daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Related: Best Secret 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.