Although many restaurants close over the years, few are forced to do so because of fire. This is what happened at Blackbird's original 50th and Bryant location in 2010. A benefit party and a new lease later, the pleasant little restaurant has flourished in its new digs at 38th and Nicollet. The... More >>

Fans and residents of the Wedge neighborhood will remember Muddy Waters as the coffee shop mainstay at the corner of 24th Street and Lyndale Avenue. And while rent was one of the reasons the shop left the space, instead of shutting down completely it moved down the street and expanded its... More >>

Located on the first floor of the condo stacks mere blocks from Lake and Lyndale, Tiger Sushi is an easy place to stop in for a sushi fix on days when the super-popular Fuji-Ya is a bit too crowded. The ambiance is nice, the bars are long, and the space never feels overly packed, even when it... More >>

Can a bar and restaurant with the look and feel of a northern cabin lure a hipster crowd? After numerous visits over the past couple of years, we'd have to say definitely. Since opening in 2007, the Stag has grown from a decent spot to grab an early snack at the beginning of a northeast... More >>

For more than 10 years Bar Abilene has served as a check-in point in Uptown Minneapolis. During the afternoon, people come in after a morning shopping at the nearby farmers' market and the Kitchen Window. In the evening, folks stop by for a beer before seeing a flick at the Lagoon or Uptown... More >>

Folks looking to start Labor Day weekend a little early may want to check in with Grumpy's Firkin Fridays. Each week, the bar sets up snack food and a cask-conditioned beer to be enjoyed by all until it's gone. What kind of beer? That varies, as the brew is usually announced the day of the... More >>

Don't try to order up a Surly at the Herkimer; this joint actually makes their own beers. And though some brews are better than others, most are pretty decent. You can try their best award-winning items easily during the 10 after 10 happy hour. For $10 after 10 p.m., barhoppers can enjoy five... More >>

Things are happening in the Kingfield neighborhood. A few years ago the area was considered more residential; if you wanted to barhop your best bet was to stay in the Lyn-Lake area just north of the region. However, thanks to places like King's Wine Bar, Patisserie 46, and Jack's (formerly Java... More >>

Of the many bars scattered along Lyndale Avenue, the Leaning Tower of Pizza is one that truly feels like a neighborhood bar. There's parking across the street by the laundromat, but it is usually pretty empty because most customers walk or bike over for the evening. While many patrons stick to... More >>

While there are usually a handful of burlesque shows happening on any given weekend, and Sex World is open 24 hours a day, Bondage A-Go-Go is still one of the most enduring nights dedicated to kinks and sexy subcultures. The crowd can vary depending on the season and the evening, but generally... More >>

Happy hours tend to hinge on things like being able to get out of work early or being willing to drink late at night. So it's pretty easy to appreciate deals that run all day. This is the case on Sundays at Uptown Cafeteria and Support Group. From 9 a.m. to midnight you'll be able to enjoy the... More >>

Classroom drawing sessions are important for beginners; studio and freelance work help pay the bills; and setting up an easel by the lake is a nice way to spend an afternoon. Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School is a slightly different experience from all of these things. Every fourth Sunday... More >>

If you're looking for a way to hook that special sweetie you've been eyeing, or if you just need a reason to get out on Monday night, then you need look no further than Bryant-Lake Bowl's Cheap Date Night. From 6 p.m. to midnight, $28 gets you two entrées, a bottle of wine or four beers... More >>

Visiting a bar that makes its own beer can be a dodgy affair. Though it is a noble art to brew one's own, it doesn't always work out for the best. Beers may turn out watery or strangely flavored, or you could end up with a handful of varieties that all somehow manage to taste the same. The fine... More >>

Once simply a serviceable spot for a beer at the bar, or on the patio if the weather was nice, Clubhouse Jäger has grown from just a fine pub to a Warehouse District hot spot that hosts a variety of special nights. There's JägerCon Sci-Fi Tuesdays, where geeks can enjoy a brew while... More >>

You may have heard rumblings about a sake restaurant opening in Uptown recently. Though it might be a little hard to find, despite its obvious location on Lyndale right by Lake Street, it's definitely worth a visit. And while the sake fridge at Surdyk's is certainly impressive, moto-i takes... More >>

The Muddy Pig is not a pub for indecisive drinkers. With nearly 50 globe-spanning beers on tap, from just down the road at Summit Brewery and as far away as Belgium and most European countries, as well as dozens of bottled cold ones, there are more than enough brews to satisfy even the most... More >>

Yes, it's true that most people have a tequila story that isn't one they like to remember. Usually it involves college and too many shots after already having too many beers. The following morning, the survivor will hold the notorious hard liquor solely responsible, swearing it off completely... More >>

This time last year, the area surrounding the corner of Lake Street and Lyndale Avenue was alarming in its increasing vacancy. Victims of the economy included Heavenly Soles, Vera's Café, and jP American Bistro. Thankfully, things seem to be picking up. One recent addition is Sauce... More >>

The outside of U Otter Stop Inn features a mural of a dapper otter decked out in a top hat, suit, and bow tie, his googly eyes and martini glass saluting patrons knowingly. Step inside and you will find a long bar filled with disco balls, giant football helmets, and electric rodents drinking... More >>

A night of bingo may sound pretty square, but Blingo brings out the big pimpin', glamorous side of the game. How? Rather than being held in a cold, stale church basement, this ongoing party takes place in fun bars like the 331 Club and the Triple Rock Social Club. So bring some friends, order... More >>

As anyone who has ever sent an email or text while drunk knows, proper grammar, spelling, and coherence go right out the window when buzzed. But unless you are sending something regrettable to a former flame or a judgmental relative, the results are usually good for a laugh the next day. At... More >>

Most trivia nights have at least one question or category that does a team in. Perhaps you and your friends know nothing of sports, or history questions from a certain era tend to trip you up. At the Nomad's Fairly Rude Trivia, all questions are guaranteed to in one of these three categories:... More >>

With a name like Spill the Wine you'd better have a killer wine list to back it up. Our verdict? Not too shabby. If you feel intimidated by the menu, let the prices and categories lead the way, or ask your server for a popular variety based on what you like. Those who enjoy wine know that... More >>

Ever order up a pizza only to find yourself served something barely edible? Though we Americans love our pizza, we apparently have a pretty low bar for the beloved dish. Cardboard crusts; melted, yellow no. 5 plastic cheese; and salty tomato sauce are all too common. Thankfully, this is not the... More >>