Red Bull Crashed Ice 2018

By Taylor Weeks

Vikings games are all about the atmosphere—screaming fans, epic touchdowns and, of course, tailgating. In addition to your normal pre-game traditions, try out some of the surrounding restaurants and bars in downtown Minneapolis. With plenty of establishments within walking distance from U.S. Bank Stadium—just 10 minutes or less away—you can get back to the action in no time. Get a feel for the options and take your pick from the 10 highlighted below.

Erik The Red Bar

Represent the Vikings on game day—or any other day—by ordering from the Viking-themed menu items at Erik The Red Bar and Nordic BBQ. Located across the street, this local favorite is practically in the shadow of the stadium itself.

The Vikings Longhouse

The Vikings Longhouse is an extension of the U.S. Bank Stadium, located on The Commons plaza just outside the stadium. It has floor-to-ceiling glass walls to allow you to be visually involved with the events on the plaza while inside the climate-controlled environment, too, and boasts many TVs and beer on tap.

OUIBar + KTCHN

Located within the Radisson Red Hotel Downtown, OUIBar + KTCHN is wildly colorful. It has bright yellow and red chairs and honeycomb-shaped dividing wall. Everything speaks “modern,” which complements their menu of out-of-the-box American bar food like stuffed tater tots and a long selection of local craft brews and cocktails.

Blarney Pub & Grill

Order your choice of veggie, walleye, steak, chorizo and hamburger options at this casual pub and grill. Blarney Pub & Grill also has an impressive selection of beers on tap, featuring 11 local brews and five non-local choices.

McKinney Roe

Try something new next time you go to a Vikings game: McKinney and Roe, with its dual level New American kitchen and bar, is both elegant and chic. Along with the excellent wine list, the restaurant is complete with a whimsical spiral staircase leading to beautiful views of the park near U.S. Bank Stadium and the skyline.

Bar Zia

Stop in for happy hour at Bar Zia from 3-6 p.m. and 10 p.m.-midnight Monday-Friday. This cozy neighborhood venue is accented with dark woodwork reminiscent of the 1930s. Dine on some from-scratch pizza, burgers and more while you sip your drink.

Day Block Brewing Company

Venture over to this Minneapolis microbrewery, Day Block Brewing Company. Their menu features handcrafted beer brewed fresh every week and over-the-top specialty pizzas. They also make sure to buy and source locally.

Crooked Pint Ale House

Find this urban pub Crooked Pint Ale House on historic South Washington Avenue within walking distance of not only the U.S. Bank Stadium, but the Guthrie Theater and TCF Bank Stadium as well. You can sample their large menu selection and 28 draft beers while viewing TV on one of the largest big screens in downtown Minneapolis.

Grumpy’s Bar & Grill

Grumpy’s Bar & Grill is iconic all the way down to the wraparound bar and neon sign outside. It has bike racks directly out front and has been known to set up the back parking lot for tailgating. Enjoy some classic American pub fare and some cold beers before heading to the game.

Maxwell’s American Pub

Described as warm and welcoming, and identifiable by its pinstriped corner awning, Maxwell’s American Pub is worth the 10-minute walk. Try the homemade pizza rolls, burgers or nachos while admiring the charm of the exposed brick walls and visiting with the friendly staff.

By Kerry Roberson

Whether you’re here to cheer your heart out at the Twin’s games, visit a few college or shop ‘til you drop at Mall of America, the MetroTransit Blue and Green Line lights rails are one of the best ways to get around the Twin Cities. Both the Blue and Green light rail stations begin at Target Field and go to the same stops until they get to the U.S. Bank Stadium. At the U.S. Bank Stadium, the light rails split, wishing each other a farewell as they go their separate ways.

The Blue Line travels through Minneapolis and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, ending at Mall of America in Bloomington, while the Green Line travels through St. Paul and ends at the St. Paul Union Depot Station.

Tickets for both of these light rails are inexpensive, and their convenient stops take you to the best hangout spots in town. Avoiding taxi prices, traffic and parking fees are just a few reasons why everyone loves the Twin Cities light rails.

Target Field
There is no better way to get to Target Field to cheer for the Twins baseball team than on the light rail. Both the Blue and Green Line light rails stop right at Target Field, making it one of the easiest places to get to in the Twin Cities. Nearby is the Target Center, which is has been recently remodeled to become an even better venue for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Minnesota Lynx and touring entertainers.

Hennepin Avenue
This light rail stop is surrounded by restaurants, theaters and bars making this the stop for visitors looking for a fun night out. The gourmet Brazilian Steakhouse restaurant Fogo de Chao and Seven Steakhouse Sushi and Rooftop are both right along the light rail, making them some of the most upscale options while touring this entertainment district. After dinner, explore one of Minneapolis’ many theaters. Skyway Theater, Brave New Workshop and the Orpheum Theater, which is part of the Hennepin Theatre Trust District. Between all of these venues, your music, comedy and theatre needs are covered. After all the excitement of the night, relax with a cocktail at one of the surrounding dive bars or kick the night up a notch with one of the dance clubs like Jetset Bar, Aqua Nightclub and Lounge and Deja Vu.

Nicollet Mall
The Blue and Green Line light rails drop off thousands of passengers on the Nicollet Mall every day. Along the 12 blocks, only pedestrians and public transit can cross the tree-lined lane. Both big brands and Minneapolis-unique names occupy Nicollet’s shopping, and large corporate businesses like Target, fine dining restaurants, music venues like Orchestra Hall, and an amazing nightlife are found here as well.

U.S. Bank Stadium
This is the final stop before the Blue and Green Line light rails go their separate ways, and it’s right across the street from the largest completed construction project in Minnesota, the U.S. Bank Stadium. Besides hosting some of the world’s largest entertainers and sports events like the X Games, this 65,000-seat stadium is home to the Minnesota Vikings football team.

Photo courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

After the U.S. Bank Stadium, the Blue and Green Line go their separate ways. The Blue Line continues on through Minneapolis, stopping at all the hottest spots, giving visitors the chance to experience Minneapolis before ending at Mall of America.

METRO Blue Line

Cedar Riverside
On Riverside Avenue you can find a host of ethnic food at places like the Ethiopian eatery the Red Sea or the Lucky Dragon, a Chinese restaurant. The presence of Augsburg University and surrounding small time businesses, independent coffee shops, bars and theaters keep the area teeming with activity.

Minnehaha
For those who want to step back from the busy city life and get back to nature, Minnehaha Falls Regional Park is the place to go. After visiting the stunning 53-foot waterfall, you can grab a po’boy at the seasonally open Sea Salt Eatery, rent a bike from Wheel Fun Rentals or start up a game of ultimate frisbee on the surrounding fields.

Lake Street/Midtown
The Lake Street/Midtown area is full of color and bursting with flavor. Independent restaurants, clothing stores and candy shops line the streets, each with their own flare of creativity. At the heart of it all, is the Midtown Exchange, a multi-level building that houses the Midtown Global Market where you can find foods, clothing, jewelry and more from around the world.

Airport Terminals 1 & 2
The Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport brings global travelers to Minneapolis each day. Both Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey) have a light rail stop in their lower levels, making getting out of the airport and to your destination in Minneapolis and St. Paul a breeze.

Mall of America
The last stop on the Blue Line takes you to the largest entertainment and retail center in North America where you can spend the whole day visiting more than 500 high-end chain stores, the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park and dozens of restaurants, gaming experiences and interactive attractions. The Mall of America also hosts performances, meet and greets, book signings, competitions, family-friendly events and more on a regular basis, so check the calendar to plan a day of fun.

The Green Line takes visitors through the University of Minnesota, to the state capitol building, all the way to the Union Depot, where you can stroll through the artist venues of Lowertown.

METRO Green Line

West Bank, East Bank and Stadium Village
These trio of stops are home to the University of Minnesota, a college with a wide range of academic degree options and the Minnesota Gophers athletics teams. With the dining, shopping and nightlife areas of Dinkytown, Stadium Village and Seven Corners you’ll find plenty of things to do, and that’s not including what’s on the campus itself, like sports games, exhibits at the Weisman Art Museum, ballets at Northrop Auditorium, plays at Rarig Theatre, and more. 

Snelling Ave
Here lies the Midway Shopping Center where you can find a plethora of restaurants, coffee shops and retailers to visit. From Snelling Ave, you can take a short bus ride down Snelling to visit Hamline University, another one of the state’s top liberal arts colleges, or you can go to the State Fair grounds where you’ll find the Great Minnesota State Get-Together during the last two weeks of summer and a variety of events such as the hip hop festival Soundset, Oktoberfest, the Minnesota Horse Convention and more throughout the year. 

Victoria Street
Surrounding this station you’ll find the Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods where African, Asian, European and South American immigrants have called home since the 1860s. This area still continues to be one of the most diverse areas in all Minnesota where you’ll find a host of different ethnic restaurants, stores, small businesses and festivals. You can access these neighborhoods by stopping on the Lexington, Victoria or Dale Street stations.

Central Station
History, science and the magic of performing art all come together in this neighborhood. The Minnesota Children’s Museum, Xcel Energy Center and Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, where the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Opera also perform, keep the city of St.Paul chock-full of never-ending fun.

Union Depot
Hop off the light rail here and you’ll find much more than just the old train station of Union Depot. You’ll also find Lowertown, also known as the Artist District because of the many artists that have left their marks with galleries, art shows, dining and more. In Lowertown you can also find the Saint Paul Saints’ baseball stadium, CHS Field, as well as Mears Park, Lowertown Landing, Saint Paul Farmers Market and stores teeming with locally made originals.

By Aubrey Schield

See the Minnesota Lynx roar this season at the Xcel in downtown St. Paul, their temporary home while Minneapolis’ Target Center is undergoing renovation. Partnering with the City of St. Paul, three-time WNBA Championship winners Minnesota Lynx are offering free tickets for St. Paul adults and youth to their home games this season.

Along with free admission, they are throwing in free transportation via bus (there are six pick-up locations around town) and meal vouchers to round out the experience. All you have to do is register at one of St. Paul’s 25 rec centers.

The Lynx are a bright spot in Minnesota professional sports. With giants Lindsay Whalen and Seimone Augustus, along with the impressive rookie Maya Moore, leading the pack, this team isn’t about to stop wowing spectators anytime soon. Check out their schedule of home games at the Xcel and enjoy a basketball game on the house.

By Aubrey Schield

“Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd…” You know how it goes. It’s always fun to join in with your fellow fans in everyone’s favorite baseball tune at a Twins game at Target Field in downtown Minneapolis. Even those who don’t consider themselves die hard fans of the great American pastime will enjoy an afternoon or evening watching the Twins with a refreshing drink and hot dog (or Cracker Jacks if you adhere to the rest of the song) in hand.

A Twin Cities resident for most of my life, I’ve gotten Twins game days down to a science. With a few key ingredients, as well as tips, you’ll be attending one of our team’s games like a local, and enjoying a few of my favorite watering holes along the way.

Getting to the Game

Transportation to Target Field is as easy and breezy as a Minnesota summer day. If you don’t mind paying for parking, head to ABC Ramps, located on the northwest edge of downtown Minneapolis. Event parking ranges from $9 to $15, and Ramp A is connected to Target Field via skyway—talk about convenience.

I recommend saving a buck (and doing the ozone a kindness) by using one of Metro Transit’s bus or light rail routes. Catch the Blue and Green line light rails for a quick and painless trip right up to the field’s entrance. Metro Transit’s Northstar also connects northern suburbs to Target Field. You can also use Metro Transit’s Park & Ride lots where you can park your vehicle for free and catch a bus into the city.

Pre-Gaming Spot

Located a few steps from Target Field, Kieran’s Irish Pub is the unofficial pre-game libations partner of the Twins. With a happy hour that runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, you can hit this pub before any game, whether an afternoon or evening slot. And in true Irish pub fashion, they boast a laundry list of draft beer that includes the Irish giants of Guiness and Harp alongside local craft brews. And there’s no shortage of whiskey either.

While I suggest saving your appetite for the mouthwatering concessions available at Target Field, Kieran’s menu might be too enticing to resist. In this case, order a round of Wee Burgers, the signature Chicken Shots (with your choice of honey whiskey glaze, buffalo sauce, dill pickle rub, curry seasoning or scorpion spice for an extra bite) or a couple plates of the corned beef poutine.

Game Time

It’s always a good idea to buy your tickets ahead of time so that you can reserve specific seats, but you can also roll the dice and purchase standing room tickets when you arrive at the stadium. Oftentimes they are much cheaper, and you can still find a good view of the action. I recommend buying standing room tickets on game days you know won’t be as busy, such as weekday afternoon games.

After finding your seats or the spot you’ll be camping out, check out the myriad food and drink options throughout the stadium. And don’t worry about missing the game while you venture for a bite to eat—Target Field has high definition screens throughout the concourse so that you won’t miss a beat. With hundreds of options, it’s a little overwhelming to decide what to get at first. While the traditional hot dog with mustard is my standby, several newbies to the concessions menu are standing out: Try the shrimp boil from 4 Bells’ stand; or check out Andrew Zimmern’s Canteen, which features chicken, beef or pork skewers and a standout sloppy joe; and Murray’s is churning out a smoked beef sandwich that’s to die for.

Rounding Third

No matter what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, there’s always reason to continue the celebration. Head over to Fulton Brewery, located just a few steps away from Target Field in the North Loop. Fulton is a brewery staple for Twins fans, and the crowd gathers quickly after the game, so get there as quick as you can to nab a table and order a round of locally brewed pints. If you have room for more food, Fulton hosts a rotation of food trucks right outside its front door.

After enjoying some beer at Fulton, head to its neighbor, Modist Brewing Co. for a miniature brewery crawl in the North Loop. Rated one of the best new breweries in the country by Beer Advocate in 2016, you’ll love Modist’s unique take on craft beer—their taps tout a salted caramel lager called “Smoove”, a dark rye IPA that goes by “Wasteland” and “First Call”, which is a cold pressed coffee lager. (I didn’t even know a coffee lager was possible.)

Tweet us your favorite Twins game day traditions @visittwincities!