Although it’s smack in the middle of Calhoun Square, Chiang Mai manages to feel underground. The low, warm lighting and sinuous layout contribute to the subterranean feel, and the “black market” wine steals during happy hour are another indication that you’ve entered a cultural netherworld populated by smartly garbed Uptowners. Kitsch posters in Thai for classic American films adorn the walls, and when the place’s really kicking, a second bar opens in the back room lounge. Continue Reading

You know it by the gold, sparkling, nameless facade. It’s been open since 2000, and the food, wait staff, and drink names—Orgasmo anyone?—are as hot and sassy as day one. We are constantly giving the place props for the long and generous happy hours (and these days, who doesn't LOVE a happy hour?). Grab $3 drinks and $2-$5 food from 4:30-7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close every day of the week. Scratch that, late-night happy hour isn't available Friday and Saturday...this is still a business, people.

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Follow the red carpet and velvet ropes from the 5th Street sidewalk into the historic Lumber Exchange building, drop off your jacket at coat-check, and step past the headset-bearing bouncer to find a posh, three-level nightclub—the kind of club that should garner a chic, young crowd. And at times, it does. Spin owners bring in famous DJs and celeb guests (DJ Skribble, Nick Lachey, Hilary Duff, Lauren Conrad, and P. Diddy have all graced the VIP lounges) but the typical crowd consists of suburban bachelorette parties and just-turned-21 coeds. But if what you’re looking for is pounding dance beats and top-forty remixes, strong (slightly pricey) drinks, scantily clad go-go dancers, and a contemporary club interior (don’t miss the cool fogged-door restrooms), then Club NY's the place to be. If you’re lucky, you’ll nab a spot in the exclusive VIP Red Room, where bottle service and big spenders add cachet to the NY experience.

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Club Underground might be off of Northeast’s main drags, but the place seems to prefer it that way. If it were too easy to find, after all, it wouldn’t be very underground, would it? Connected with the Spring Street Tavern and located at the corner of Monroe Street and Spring Street, the nondescript building in which it hides only enhances its aura of eclectic iconoclasm. And don’t feel bad if you feel out of step with the crowd, because this is a crowd that prides itself on being out of step. All manner of alternative lifestyles and aesthetic sensibilities are welcome here, and DJs and bands play most every night, often sharing the same stage.  If you’re into rockabilly, house, punk, or drum and bass, and are haunted by a vague feeling that you don’t quite fit in anywhere else, chances are you’ll feel slightly less alienated here. Continue Reading

Jäger is a much-needed neighborhood pub for all those condo owners in the North Loop. It's not a restaurant, or a dive like Cuzzy’s, or a roadhouse like Bunker’s. It’s a nice, classy pub where grownups can order a cocktail and enjoy quiet conversation surrounded by a tasteful amount of wood and glass. Continue Reading

p>Like it’s Minneapolis sister bar, Barrio Edina is all about tequila. With 154 choices available, there is no doubt Barrio is the reigning champion of the tequila scene in the Twin Cities. With a late-night happy hour six days a week and a kitchen that operates from lunch until midnight, Barrio is a great choice any time of the night. Different cocktails go on special each night of the work-week for happy hour, along with daily specials on tap beers and rail drinks. Caliente.

 

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You don't have to be a pro to brave the dance floor at Conga, but don't expect the twirling Latin lovelies at this salsa club to pity you or either of your left feet. Maybe you should just hang back, grab a table near one of the massive conga drums at the entrance, sip on a rum cocktail, and wait and wait for somebody to ask you to dance. And maybe take a flyer on group lessons on your way out. Continue Reading

From the guy who brought you the Local and the Liffey comes
an Irish Pub for the suburban set. Located just off 394 in St. Louis Park,
Cooper Irish Pub is already becoming a local hot spot, due in part to the
free heated underground garage parking and the popular tomato soup. Happy hour could be better described as happy long afternoon, and with food all day and late-night appetizers ,it’s a great place to grab a beer and a bite without heading downtown.

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A slight walk out of the way from downtown St. Paul’s night scene, Cork’s Irish Pub offers a calmer take on the night out. Because it shares space with an Embassy Suites Hotel, it can feel a bit like a lobby bar—but the old gas light fixtures and the marble and wood bar add enough charm to help you get past that. With great party spaces, an extensive (if somewhat pricey) dinner menu, and an even better list of Scotch and whiskey, Cork’s is a nice change of pace. Be warned, fish and chips actually means fish and chips; you have to ask for fries. Continue Reading

Housed in the Graves 601 Hotel on the second floor, this sleek contemporary bar features a wall of liquor bottles that will have you reaching for an extensive list of specialty cocktails and martinis. The downtown vibe invites dressed-up locals and guests alike. Warm wood, carefully adjusted mood lighting, and candlelight in the seating areas all make intimate conversations possible. At the same time, the large space is great for a group event. The bar is connected to a restaurant by the same name, but it feels like a separate place altogether. Continue Reading