Balls open mic cabaret has been a late-night staple of the Minneapolis scene for over 20 years now. The midnight event, hosted by creator Leslie Ball, welcomes a wide range of participants. What audiences might see on any given evening varies wildly per week, but may include an acoustic song... 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 >>

Some people look forward to turning 16, others eagerly await the day they can retire. The First Emperor of China, Qin Shihuang (259-210 BCE), looked forward to death. But before he could kick back and enjoy immortality in the afterlife, the ruler had to make sure that he went out in style. He... More >>

Reviewers have called her "photography's angel provocateur," "the strongest and finest American artist of her time," and "a poster child for a coterie of postmodernism's theory-driven critics." They're talking about Cindy Sherman, most recently in reference to her blockbuster retrospective at... More >>

Yes, Bad Waitress is an ironic title. No, you will not have a waitress this evening. Yes, you should tip the person who takes your order at the register. Here's how you do it: Pick a seat, peruse the menu, then pick up an order pad and write down what you want. Take it over to the register and... More >>

The Sample Room is known for its impressive list of flights and tapas-sized plates ideal for sharing. And while it's highly recommended to indulge every once in a while, this is not the only way to enjoy the Northeast hotspot's menu. If you're a little strapped for cash, their daily happy hour... 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 >>

Okay, so there are a lot of Indian restaurants right now in downtown Minneapolis. Some offer fusion cuisine while some are more traditional, some are posh while others are casual. Most are pretty tasty. Which ones will survive the next year or so? While the economy and business management... 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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

Choreographer Merce Cunningham's infamous and revelatory collaborations usually included having the dancers' costumes imagined by pals (and visual artists) like Robert Rauschenberg. During "Dance Works I" (the series explores aspects of the Merce Cunningham Dance Collection, which the Walker... More >>

Nicolai Fechin, a Russian-born impressionist painter who spent half his career in the United States, will be featured at the Museum of Russian Art as part of its "Discovering 20th Century Russian Masters" series. Of the 35 works by Fechin, many will be showcased for the first time in Minnesota,... More >>

Sid Kaplan calls them "snaps." They're the images he captures with a 1955 35mm Leica, using black-and-white film and a shutter speed of 1/25th of a second while shooting from a moving car. A true New Yorker, Kaplan doesn't drive. Which is how he discovered his métier — from the... 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 >>

Sure, the other two Bulldogs (St. Paul and Northeast) are a little more posh, and the clientele is perhaps a little more affluent as well, but we will always have a soft spot for the less fancy location in Uptown. That said, it's hardly a dive. The crowds are mostly from the neighborhood, and... More >>

Whether you're a college student looking to chat about philosophy over a pint, a foodie who likes to sample from the ever-evolving menu, or a writer on a deadline looking for good coffee and WiFi, you'll find what you need at Common Roots Café. While the business is hopping most days of... 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 >>

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 >>

"Surreal" as an evocative descriptor loses all meaning when a show like the Walker Art Center's "Midnight Party" goes up. As if one film by Matthew Barney isn't bizarre enough to incite a week's worth of nightmares and/or inspire a streak of creativity sure to have critics and family members... More >>

Neighborhood rinks in parks can be a lot of fun, but experienced skaters know that there's a certain joy that comes with skating on smooth, well-maintained ice. Even better? With indoor rinks, skaters don't have to worry about outside temps or windchill. The Depot Rink, with its modern... More >>

There's something about the word "recovery" that doesn't really make one think of happy hour, but Sweeney's Recovery Happy Hour is more about bouncing back from economic woes and depressing employment rates than falling off the wagon. Yes, even those on a jobless budget should appreciate $2.50... More >>

Dreamscapes, bright colors, and surreal imagery are highlighted in "The Bedtime Story Show," the latest exhibition at Stevens Square Center for the Arts. The group event highlights work by over 20 individuals. Anthony R. Whelihan is a celebrity portrait artist who has previously worked with the... More >>