Lots of places to go, so here is a map with some of the bars/restaurants that are close to campus/stadium, followed by a description of them. It should be noted that all official tailgating lots will probably not be selling spots to non-season ticket holders as the buying of them was through the ticket process. After a few games, we may be able to give some more info on where people can do stuff near campus that don't have season passes.
"Seven Corners":
This is the area on the West Bank near 35 and closer to downtown Mpls. There are plenty of bars located in a small area, they are kinda seen as campus bars but are also frequented by other people. This would be a good area to start since you are staying at the Mariott downtown. You could walk/drive over and have less traffic and parking worries on the WB than closer to the stadium. Good place to start to see the campus and get to walk through/by a lot of it.
-Town Hall Brewery - pretty good food, has it's own brewery with some pretty decent beer. Large patio outside
- Sgt Prestons - recently renovated inside, large patio outside. Large fish bowls of liquor are their signature. Can't say much about the food as I haven't had it.
Bullwinkles - smaller bar that has a good intimate feel
Corner Bar - never been here, maybe others can comment. I always wanted to.
If you go further south on Cedar Ave. there are some more bars but you are venturing a little away from campus-style housing/atmosphere. There will be tailgating in a few lots as you move east towards the river, look for these if you want to hang out.
"Dinkytown":
Lots of restaurants, shops, and bars located close to houses and apartments near campus. A lot of the bars here will be filled with student-aged people as it is a popular place for them, but plenty of space to go around. Not sure of any particular planned gameday events at any bars in specific, but here goes:
-The Library - lots of TVs for watching other games during the day, great drink specials at night time. Has 3 levels with tons of space
- Blarney Pub - "Irish" bar with a more laid back feel due to the couches and fireplace. Live music on the weekends is common.
- Burrito Loco - Chipotle-style burritos and quesadillas downstairs (great stuff), small bar upstairs. Fun place with cheap drinks on the weekends.
- Downtime - small bar in the "Dinkydome" right across University Ave from campus. Intimate feel, small patio and live music on occasion. Very close to frat row.
- Kitty Kat Klub - never set foot in here for some reason, so I cant say anything about it.
- Loring Pasta Bar - nice restaurant that was a drug store. Bob Dylan lived above it long ago. Bar at night with salsa dancing (Fri or Sat? can't remember). Not particularly cheap.
-Dinkytowner (not on list) - basement bar. Only been there once. Live music all the time.
Non bars but must go-to:
- Al's Breakfast - hole in the wall breakfast place, only open until 1. Best breakfast in town. Expect to wait in line as it only seats like 13 bar style, but completely worth it. Highly recommended.
- Annie's Parlour - above Kitty Kat Klub. Pretty good burgers and great shakes. Sell beer at dinner time but no bar.
- Mesa Pizza - do you like having weird pizza? Huge slices are $3 in odd varieties. Great for bar close food or if you're in the mood to try something different.
I would say that Dinkytown in general is the busiest bar scene for college kids and has a lot of restaurants, so you are bound to have a good time here, just depends what mood you are in. Walking from Dinkytown to the stadium will have you go up University by all the frats, past Williams and Mariucci (bball and hockey arenas), and by some of the bigger surface tailgating lots (if you loop the right way).
"Stadium Village":
This area is to the southeast of campus, close to another section of student housing (dorms and houses/apartments). A little close to the stadium and may have the best pre-game atmosphere for bars due to this proximity. I would say older folks typically visit this side since Stub & Herbs and Big Ten bring back memories, but you will likely get a great mix of people.
- Stub & Herbs - nice place recently renovated with a large back patio that will become a beer garden on game days.About a block and a half from the stadium with a great view.
- Sally's - Another place stated to have a beer garden on gameday. Pretty big inside with ok food.
- Big Ten - smaller bar still fun. Great sandwiches.
- Applebees - you know it. attached to the Radison.
- Campus Pizza - moving from it's current location to expand and also gaining a full liquor license (I assume for a bar). GREAT traditional pizza.
This area will definitely be bustling on game days since there is a large grassy area on the corner of campus called the McNamara plaza that is designated as U festivities/tailgating. Don't know details yet. There are plenty of restaurants here as well like Chipotle, Paninos, Noodles, Village Wok, fast food galore, and more.
Tailgating - I think many Gopher fans don't know exactly how tailgating will go down. I hear MSU has a great scene (my girlfriend was there 3 seasons ago and said it was great), so maybe you'll have to teach us a few things.
As far as after game, I would imagine that the near-campus stuff would be a lot to handle in one weekend, but if you have time on the night before or want to get away from the U, there is plenty to do. Downtown by your hotel has LOT of clubs/bars. The Target Center and new Target Field (Twins) are close by. You could head across Hennepin Ave bridge and see the St Anthony Main part of town (old timey, some nice fun bars and rests.). I also would suggest Gasthof's way up University Ave. Good German food/beer with a fun atmosphere.
I'm sure many others have things to comment on, but I am spent.
We will keep you posted if things come up!