Chatterbox Pub-Linden Hills
4501 France Ave. S., Mpls.; 612-920-3221
We're so glad the Linden Hills neighborhood now has a place to gather for family game night. Chatterbox is no Chuck E. Cheese or Dave & Busters, it serves creative pub fare, homemade brews, all sorts of fun non-alcoholic drinks for the kiddies, and has a large selection of games to play at your booth. Perfect for a rainy afternoon...or heck, a sunny one. At night, its perfect for friends looking to add a little competition, without the drinking games.
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Chiang Mai Thai
3001 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.; 612-827-1606
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.
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Chino Latino
2916 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612-824-7878
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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Cowboy Slims
1312 W. Lake St., Mpls.; 612-353-5156
Wow, can't change an old Campiello's more than turning it into a cowboy bar. But somehow a cowboy bar works a little better in the rollicking area of Uptown than a classy Italian joint, so more power to Cowboy Slims.
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Driftwood Char Bar
4415 Nicollet Ave. S, Mpls.; 612-354-3402
Driftwood is the ultimate hole-in-the-wall joint where people come to relax, have a drink and enjoy one another’s company. There's live music almost every night, from an eclectic range of local musicians. Juicy burgers, big sandwiches, plenty of great wine and beer—what’s not to love? It's easy to hang out here all night, and many people do. Play an arcade game, shoot a round of pool, catch a football game on one of several TVs.
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Dulono's Pizza
607 W. Lake St., Mpls.; 612-827-1726
Come Fridays and Saturdays for the no-cover bluegrass and acoustic, stay for the hot pizza and cheap beer, plus imported beer and wine.
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James Ballentine VFW 246
2916 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.; 612-823-6233
You won’t find a more mixed crowd than the one at the Uptown VFW. But if you’re strapped for cash and craving a way to unwind, karaoke at the VFW—Thursday through Sunday nights—is a surefire way to have fun on the cheap. The secret is out, though, so get there early to secure a table.
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King's Wine Bar
4555 Grand Ave. South, Mpls.; 612-354-7928
Nestled in the Kingfield neighborhood, one of King’s biggest draws is that it features happy hour everyday from 3 to 6 p.m. The dark wood interior and white Ikea furniture make for a clean, almost antiseptic atmosphere, but you won’t be disappointed with their carefully chosen craft beers and lengthy wine list. Plenty of local brews are on tap, as well as some interesting international brews, and the wine list is quite lengthy and sophisticated. If you want to know more about the wine you're about to order, whip out your phone and check their website: all their wine offerings are explained there in impressive detail. Surprisingly, they also have a great selection of sakes.
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Liquor Lyle's
2021 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.; 612-870-8183
Come for the beer, stay for the breakfast (where you can get more beer!). Lyles, which refers to itself as a “world-famous dive bar” is the appropriate beginning to any decent Uptown Bar crawl, with the limitless 2-4-1s starting every night promptly at 9 p.m. Whether you sidle up to the bar or slink into one of the red-pleather booths, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the usual Uptown crowd—hipsters, ne’er-do-wells, and preps who like to pretend they are hipsters and ne'er-do-wells on the weekends. Note: Don’t be put off by the retro-punk dive-bar persona—all are welcome.
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Lucia's Wine Bar
1432 W. 31st St., Mpls.; 612-825-1572
When you walk into Lucia’s, it feels familiar and welcoming, warm and inviting. Tables are close-set, the music is right, the lighting is just enough. Lucia’s offers six whites and six reds in a three- or six-ounce pour, as well as by the bottle. The wine list is simple, well thought out, and changes often. It is rich in unfamiliar labels, the majority from vineyards that practice sustainable farming and use organic methods. The same goes for the menu, which supports local growers, organic produce, and natural meats.
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