Best Twin Cities Bars For The 30-Something Crowd

For the most part, even though it is a major metropolitan area, the Twin Cities is a college town. This fact becomes clearly evident in some sectors of the nightlife and club scene. But if you're feeling a tad bit more mature, there are a few great places you can go if you want to get away from the coeds. Here are a few of the best bars in the Twin Cities for the 30-something crowd.

The Bulldog N.E.

401 E. Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 378-2855
Directory | Website

The Bulldog N.E. takes the average neighborhood bar to the next level. They have over two dozen beers on tap and the expansive menu features fourteen different burgers, all made with Kobe beef. What the Bulldog is really known for, however, are their hot dogs and tater tots, which can make even the most mature 30-something feel like a kid again. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Bar Lurcat

1624 Harmon Place
Minneapolis, MN 55467
(612) 486-5900
Directory | Website

Bar Lurcat is the place throngs of young professionals head for happy hour or a pre- or post- dinner cocktail. They feature an impressive wine and beverage list, decadent dessert menu and some of the Twin Cities best "bar" food. However, Bar Lurcat is best known for its people watching possibilities. Get there early to get your prime viewing place. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday through Saturday; 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Chino Latino

2916 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 824-7878
Directory | Website

Chino Latino serves cuisine from the hot countries in a red-hued room designed to make you feel warm and toasty. The so-called "little plates" are sized to share. The drinks are sophisticated but strong. They have one of the Twin Cities best happy hours, and the people watching isn't bad either. Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday through Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

O'Donovan's Irish Pub

700 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 317-8896

Directory | Website

O'Donovan's downtown Minneapolis location makes it a hot spot for happy hour (the $4 pints and $3 appetizers doesn't hurt either). The warm and welcoming woodwork and inviting stone fireplace make it a cozy place to have a drink. Don't be put off by the small size when you walk in the door. The place really spreads out once you get inside. Hours: Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Bar 508

508 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 339-0036
Directory | Website

Because of its close proximity to Target Field, Bar 508 is best known as a sports bar. That may be true on game night, but any other time of the week the place is hopping with people who are just out to have a good time. With better than average bar food, multiple pool tables and a decent sized dance floor, Bar 508 is a great place to do just that. Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.