Bolt Underground
513 Washington Ave. S., Mpls.; 612-338-0896
The Bolt is an industrial-themed video bar that is proudly gay owned and operated. On the weekends, the Bolt Underground opens for dancing. Located next to the adjoining Minneapolis Eagle, the Bolt offers the opportunity for counter-cultural mingling of every persuasion.
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Bootleggers
323 1st Ave. N., Mpls.; 612-338-4555
It’s an anti-prohibition and anti-$12-martini place in downtown Minneapolis that took over the former South Beach/Tabu/Tonic space. The bar spans two 1920s-themed levels, one for live music and dancing, and one for darts, pool, and beer swilling. Both levels have plasma TVs, and the patio's open in the warmer months.
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Bradstreet Crafthouse
601 1st Ave. N., Mpls.; 612-312-1821
Located in a dark room on the first floor of the Graves Hotel, Bradstreet specializes in truly classic cocktails, as well as dozens of creations you won't find anywhere else, because Bradstreet's bartenders (ahem, mixologists) made them up. In many cases, they also invented the ingredients that go into the drinks (custom syrups, bitters, spiced liqueurs, etc.). There are four distinct seating areas in the bar to accommodate just about any mood. Try a Black Walnut Old-Fashioned made from in-house bitters and specially developed syrup. Then lean back and enjoy the cozy, classy surroundings. quality drink in hand and order up a few items from the inventive menu of sandwiches, sliders, and gourmet appetizers. It's hard to go wrong here, so enjoy.
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Brit's Pub
1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612-332-3908
After a long day as a cog—an important cog, but a cog nonetheless—in one of downtown's many corporate wheels, all the crowd at Brit's wants is a pint, a Scotch egg or two, and a game of lawn bowling or Cosgrove Trivia Challenge before retreating to one of the pub's many dark corners to watch a football match.
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Brothers Bar & Grill
430 1st Ave. N., Mpls.; 612-339-4240
Brothers is the place where your brother—the one who wears his hat backwards and never moved out of the suburbs—went to get hammered on his twenty-first birthday. Four years later, he and his buddies, hats still backwards, travel down from the suburbs every couple months to slam some beers and Jäg-bombs and hit the dance floor, singing along to the dance version of a Rascal Flatts song.
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Bryant-Lake Bowl
810 W. Lake St., Mpls.; 612-825-3737
Bryant-Lake Bowl isn't just a bowling alley (and serious gamers who come to roll strikes and spares may find themselves disappointed). But if a forty-three-bottle globetrotting wine list that includes Minnesota wines, a contemporary American menu served past midnight, or the adjacent theater-cum-performance space appeals to you, this might be a fit. And if you just want to fling ten-pound balls down the rough and tumble lanes with a knowing irony, or at least hyper self-awareness, that's okay, too. Where else can you enjoy a Belgian Trappist ale and ill-fitting rental shoes?
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Bunkers Music Bar & Grill
761 Washington Ave., Mpls.; 612-338-8188
Where local rockers, including Mick Sterling, G. B. Leighton, and Kip Blackshire, play to a crowd. There's music nightly; on Monday, come out to catch funk/rock group Dr. Mambo's Combo. See Solacious on Tuesdays and Smart Mouth on Wednesdays.
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Burrito Loco
418 13th Ave. SE, Mpls.; 612-746-5626
Burrito Loco has two equally popular bars: Downstairs is the famous burrito bar, which is always available for dinner or a late-night snack—and upstairs you’ll find a busy bar full of U of M students who, more likely than not, have just finished eating and are eager to wash it down with something. Pool tables and occasional karaoke promise a good time with friends, and the never-ending popcorn supply is a favorite perk. Every night of the week is happy hour, and the deals—such as free nachos with a mug of beer—are unique.
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Cafe Latte
850 Grand Ave., St. Paul; 651-224-5687
While known for fantastic desserts and a good quick lunch, Cafe Latte has a little wine bar in the back that has a life of its own. With twenty-five wines by the glass, there’s something for everyone. The fairly standard list is approachable, but not as interesting as some. No flights or tastes are available, but you can ask to try a wine before ordering it. The crowd includes families, girls on a night out, and couples too. The sound level mitigates against intimate conversation. Food is fresh and fun: salads, pizza, and sandwiches. It’s a great stop for dinner or just a glass of cabernet and a huge piece of chocolate cake.
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Café Maude
5411 Penn Ave. S, Mpls.; 612-822-5411
Enjoy an inventive cocktail or glass of wine in this South Minneapolis neighborhood gem, which goes by the tagline "civilized leisure." The happy hour or “Leisure Time” is only an hour, but it happens seven days a week. There is a comfortable bar area with a special corner set aside for live music on Tuesday and Wednesday nights—usually jazz. Wednesday nights are often busy with locals, regulars and newcomers.
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