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coachlennyd

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Hi all,
Me and 4 other guys are coming from Arizona this weekend to watch the football game on Saturday and the hockey game on Sunday. We do a trip like this every year.
I am looking for advice on what to do and where to go.
We get in Friday afternoon and leave Monday.
We like to drink beer and get the entire college town/gameday experience.
Where should we go Friday night?
What should we do/ where should we go before the game
where should we eat

We are staying downtown at the Marquette hotel.
We will definitely be bringing warm clothes

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. The past few years we have been to Florida, Tennessee, LSU, Oregon, Wisconsin, Texas AM, and Notre Dame so the bar has been set pretty high for gameday experiences.

Thank you and look forward to this weekend

Go Gophers
 

Great to see you picked the University of Minnesota! You guys are going to have a blast. You will find some fun near your hotel if you want to check that out. It's not my scene, but there is a club scene on/near First Ave running from 6th street to around Washington Ave (think Scottsdale).
There are some fun bars close the TCF stadium and Williams arena. Sally's will be packed before during and after the games, and they should have a beer tent outside. There are other places within walking distance too (look for dinkytown). If you are looking for some other bars you guys could take a cab up to Northeast Minneapolis and check out Grumpy's, Gastoff (big German drinking bar), and many more within walking distance.
 

Hi all, Me and 4 other guys...

Age range for your crew? Might help in giving you better info. There are many, many neighborhoods of options, and some might be better suited to different age groups.
 

Blarneys(I like Blarneys, age range is pretty young though) in dinkytown or Sally's(older crowds) in Stadium village or Big 10 for on campus bars Friday night. Stub and Herbs isn't to bad either. Why wouldn't you come in Thursday afternoon for the Vikings game Thursday night, that would be one heck of a weekend?
 

We are in our mid-30's and I had a meeting I could not get out of Thursday so we are missing the Viks unfortunately.

Hi all,
Me and 4 other guys are coming from Arizona this weekend to watch the football game on Saturday and the hockey game on Sunday. We do a trip like this every year.
I am looking for advice on what to do and where to go.
We get in Friday afternoon and leave Monday.
We like to drink beer and get the entire college town/gameday experience.
Where should we go Friday night?
What should we do/ where should we go before the game
where should we eat

We are staying downtown at the Marquette hotel.
We will definitely be bringing warm clothes

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. The past few years we have been to Florida, Tennessee, LSU, Oregon, Wisconsin, Texas AM, and Notre Dame so the bar has been set pretty high for gameday experiences.

Thank you and look forward to this weekend

Go Gophers
 


We are in our mid-30's and I had a meeting I could not get out of Thursday so we are missing the Viks unfortunately.

If I were you, I would not hang around "The U" bars on Friday, you'll have plenty of time on Saturday for that. If you're up for a pretty good circuit on Friday I'd do a loop in the northeast (Nordeast when you're here) that includes:
Grumpy's Link
Gasthof Link
Psycho Suzie's Link
(optional) The Sample Room Link I think they still have a pretty good happy hour, but maybe not the scene you're looking for.
Not Optional: Nye's Link This is not optional, because this is a must. Just go to the bar side, rather than the restaurant side and order a Polish. You will get a Polish beer (like from Poland). Just order it that way because no one remembers the names of the damn beers.

Then head back near your hotel, and you can get into some trouble near your hotel, just a few blocks northwest of your location. Many, many options there. That should be a pretty full Friday night.
 

If I were you, I would not hang around "The U" bars on Friday, you'll have plenty of time on Saturday for that. If you're up for a pretty good circuit on Friday I'd do a loop in the northeast (Nordeast when you're here) that includes:
Grumpy's Link
Gasthof Link
Psycho Suzie's Link
(optional) The Sample Room Link I think they still have a pretty good happy hour, but maybe not the scene you're looking for.
Not Optional: Nye's Link This is not optional, because this is a must. Just go to the bar side, rather than the restaurant side and order a Polish. You will get a Polish beer (like from Poland). Just order it that way because no one remembers the names of the damn beers.

Then head back near your hotel, and you can get into some trouble near your hotel, just a few blocks northwest of your location. Many, many options there. That should be a pretty full Friday night.

Yes, what he said.
 

Also for Saturday. There are parking lots near the stadium. Bring some beers in a backpack or grocery bag, and enjoy the pregame tailgating. People should start showing up around noon. Folks will post tailgate too (win or lose) hopefully win!
 

It will be cold on Saturday, sit on the sunny side of the stadium if you can - it makes a huge difference.
 




If I were you, I would not hang around "The U" bars on Friday, you'll have plenty of time on Saturday for that. If you're up for a pretty good circuit on Friday I'd do a loop in the northeast (Nordeast when you're here) that includes:
Grumpy's Link
Gasthof Link
Psycho Suzie's Link
(optional) The Sample Room Link I think they still have a pretty good happy hour, but maybe not the scene you're looking for.
Not Optional: Nye's Link This is not optional, because this is a must. Just go to the bar side, rather than the restaurant side and order a Polish. You will get a Polish beer (like from Poland). Just order it that way because no one remembers the names of the damn beers.

Then head back near your hotel, and you can get into some trouble near your hotel, just a few blocks northwest of your location. Many, many options there. That should be a pretty full Friday night.

What, no Tony Jaros' River Garden?

https://foursquare.com/v/tony-jaros-river-garden/41326e00f964a520cf171fe3
 


Blah, blah, blah

I should have added to that list my rationale. The Friday circuit I listed the Nordeast stops simply because each one would offer a unique experience, if you and your crew is in the mood to get a different perspective on the Twin Cities.

Now, if your crew is just looking for a slump-buster or a good bar-pull, you'll have more luck getting some "strange" back to your hotel by hitting the regular bar district, which will be pretty much like any bar district in a larger city. Still some good spots that we can point you to, but I'm sure you'll do just fine hitting a few spots and seeing what you like.
 





If you are the fine dining kind of crowd, the 112 Eatery is a must. Located downtown, the chef has been voted the Best Chef in the Midwest. Probably the best burger I have ever had. Their other food is amazing as well.

http://www.112eatery.com/

To add to the bar choices, I recommend Marvel Bar on North 2nd Ave. Look it up on Google Maps and trust that it is there. There are no signs that advertise it's presence and a bouncer just hangs outside the door in the back of the building. It is a pretty cool place. Only downside is it wouldn't fit well into a bar hoping plan in the Northeast since it is out of the way. Either way, you will have a great time.
 

It ain't the same as the old days.

BW3.....no....sorry

I have scruples ya know.


Oh, I forgot. You are from the old days when Station 19 was the old fire station, and you went there and played with the firemens' hoses. Silly me.
 


2 of us went to Western Oregon but we know a lot of Beavers

iseewhatyoudid.gif
 

Thanks

Thanks for all of the advice
We are really excited to experience Minnesota.
 


If I were you, I would not hang around "The U" bars on Friday, you'll have plenty of time on Saturday for that. If you're up for a pretty good circuit on Friday I'd do a loop in the northeast (Nordeast when you're here) that includes:
Grumpy's Link
Gasthof Link
Psycho Suzie's Link
(optional) The Sample Room Link I think they still have a pretty good happy hour, but maybe not the scene you're looking for.
Not Optional: Nye's Link This is not optional, because this is a must. Just go to the bar side, rather than the restaurant side and order a Polish. You will get a Polish beer (like from Poland). Just order it that way because no one remembers the names of the damn beers.

Then head back near your hotel, and you can get into some trouble near your hotel, just a few blocks northwest of your location. Many, many options there. That should be a pretty full Friday night.

I'd also say try to hit the Bulldog near Nye's (link) if you have time. I'd say Northeast is a great location cuz it's not downtown (typical scene of bars like any other downtown) and you'll do campus (hopefully) after the game. It's got a little grit to it without being full of too many hipsters but will also have young people and is safe.

Other areas you could consider, depending on what you're looking for:

- Uptown area (Hennepin Ave and Lake Street in Minneapolis): Bars like William's (peanut bar with TONS of beer), Bar Abilene, Stella's Fish Cafe, and Herkimer Brewery are all co-located and can be fun. Or go a little up Hennepin for divey Liquor Lyle's and the Lowry. Uptown has its share of hipsters but is a good overall scene.
- Grand Ave in St Paul. Summit and Grand run parallel and are where all the old-timey mansions are (Summit) and lots of good food and some bars. Typically a better spot for dates (if the 4 of you are romantic types :) ) but also can be a good night out and some fun sight-seeing of one of the nicer neighborhoods in the TC. Some ok bars are the Wild Onion and Billy's.
- Seven Corners - technically close to the U and part of the "U bar scene" but also for non-students. Washington Ave and Cedar Ave just east of 35W and south of the Mississippi River. Town Hall Brewery, Republic, Bullwinkles, and Corner Bar are all decent spots.
- Do Stadium Village/Dinkytown after the game on Saturday. Sally's (SV), Stub & Herb's (SV), Big Ten Restaurant (SV), Burrito Loco (DT), Blarney (DT), and Library (DT) are the popular spots. Kitty Kat Club in Dinky is a little different feel but also fun. Walk from the stadium to DT by passing by the frats on University Ave.

You're probably going to be hungry. Couple suggestions for you if you can squeeze them in over the weekend, some not near campus:

- Do Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown. Honestly best breakfast in town. Tiny little joint on 14th between 4th and 5th Ave. Get there by 8 or lines start to form, as there are literally 12 seats along the bar.
- Cosetta's Italian Restaurant in downtown St Paul. Best pizza in town (IMHO), plus good other stuff. Cafeteria style but don't let that turn you away. They've recently done a HUGE project to basically triple the size of what was a quaint brownstone from the turn of the century, not sure if it's completed yet. It's right by the Xcel Energy center and a lot of the cool StP stuff if you're interested in walking around the city.
- Blue Door Pub on Selby Ave and Fairview Ave in St Paul. Small, but great burgers. Try the Jiffy Burger and you won't be disappointed. They also have Minneapolis' signature burger style, a juicy lucy (cheese embedded inside the burger meat), but for a better juicy lucy experience...
- The Nook on Hamline Ave and Randolph Ave in St Paul. Purists will tell you Matt's Bar or the 5-8 Club are where they were invented, but they suck (again, IMHO) compared to the Nook. Fun fact, right across the street is Cretin Derham Hall, a private school that Joe Mauer played at.
- You'll be downtown so you can try out Brit's Pub and do some lawn bowling on the roof. Decent food but fun atmosphere for downtown and not too expensive
- If you do go to Uptown, go to the Uptown Diner late at night for giant, giant portions of good breakfast food.
- If you're in Dinkytown out late and have the munchies, try out Mesa Pizza. You'll see the line. Lots of crazy pizza options by the slice.

That's all I'll give you. I'll be the first to admit here that our tailgate and gameday atmosphere will not rival the places you've been, but MSP can show you a very good time if you're looking to have fun.
 

Oh, one more thing.. Saturday will be the closest day to Halloween which makes campus bar-hopping ideal from a... female perspective.
 

Another suggestion in Nordeast is the lobster roll or lobster Mac and cheese at the 1029 bar on Marshall St and you can get breakfast at Hell's Kitchen in downtown Mpls.
 

Our group from Rochester loves the Nordeast bars. Greenie at Jaros' is a must. Thumbs up on the Lobster Mac & Cheese at 1029 too. Have a breakfast Dago at Dusty's to start your day!
 

Another suggestion in Nordeast is the lobster roll or lobster Mac and cheese at the 1029 bar on Marshall St and you can get breakfast at Hell's Kitchen in downtown Mpls.

+1 on Hell's Kitchen. I might be in the minority, but the breakfast at Ike's is highly over-rated.

Both are really close to your hotel.
 

There are several good ideas in this thread.

but,

-forget St. Paul
-the NE Minneapolis tour is a good idea (Psycho Suzi's, Tony Jaros, 22nd St, Gastof, 1029, Shaws, 331 Club, Stanley's, Grumpy's, Dustys, Elsa's, ect)

-A better idea considering the visitors are staying Downtown might be the Bulldog, Whiteys, Ground Zero, Kegans, the new craft beer place where Panera used to be, the Industrial Bar, the Otter Inn, Tuggs, and other nearby places

-You cannot go wrong in Uptown or Lynlake with the new Bar Louie, Primebar, Uptown Cafeteria, Stellas, Williams, Chino Latino, CC Club, Bulldog, Herkimer, the two places across the street from the Herkimer, LIQUOR Lye's,
This is probably the best option after downtown.

Downtown, lower Nicollet Mall Britts Pub, the Local, The Newsroom, other places

The Warehouse district Not a bad bet , Near Target Center- 40 plus good options First Avenue Club, Loon Cafe, Crave, plus 40 others


Gameday

Dinkytown is the best college experience at the Library and the Blarney Pub (who is this Blarney person that owns Blarney's pub?), and a few lesser options.

Stadium Village has more options, but they are less impressive: Stub and Herbs, Stadium Pizza, Sally's, Buffalo Wild Wings, cApplebees at the University Inn, Big 10, The Hole

Seven Corners not a bad stop on a 20 minute walk east from the hotel to the stadium: Republic, Bullwinkles, Town Hall Beer place, hotel bar, other places nearby.
 

If you go downtown Minneapolis, Pourhouse = hot women on two levels.
ShoutHouse = college ID night on friday= hot gopher women.
Gasthofs sucks on Fridays, but rules on Saturdays.
Psycho suzis has the worst service with the best food and drinks around.
Otherwise Uptown is fun. If you want to dress up a little go to Stellas or Uptown Tavern
 

I personally really liked Hell's Kitchen and The Local for atmosphere/surroundings if you're sticking around your hotel for any reason.
 

Friday: head to 22nd Ave Station in Northeast Mpls...it's part strip club, part casino (cash roullette table), part dive bar. It's one of a kind and one you won't regret it.

Saturday morning: breakfast at Manning's on Como Ave. After breakfast, grab a few high octane malt liquor 40's at dinkytown liquors and walk to the tailgate lots. There truly is not a better pre-game drink than malt liquor.

***Side Note*** The stadium sells Nordeast silos ("tall boys" to you city folk). Grab a few of those before the game, hide them in your winter jacket, and you are set for the game. I've done this for the past two games and it works perfectly.
 




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