Sponsored by Pedal Pub Twin Cities

Minneapolis and St. Paul are full of bustling scenes—the dining scene, the arts and culture scene, the nightlife scene, and especially in the warmer months, the outdoor scene. We have the big names in each, of course, but to really get a sense of the Twin Cities and to meet new people, don’t overlook the hidden gems. Here are five of our top picks:

Pedal Pub Twin Cities

Sip some suds with new friends with Pedal Pub Twin Cities. Pedal Pub gives you a couple of hours of cruising around Minneapolis and St. Paul to visit some of the best spots around town for a beer or drink.

Buy an individual seat on a mixer tour and meet people who are interested in some of the same things you are: good drinks, Twin Cities living, a bit of fresh air and fun. With seven routes across both metros, you’re bound to find a new hangout spot for later and meet someone to go to it with. If you want to create a customized tour with family, friends or coworkers, check out their private events, too.

Taste Twin Cities Food Tours

Food is one of the great uniters of life. Join a public tour by Taste Twin Cities and walk along the scenic Minneapolis riverfront, in Northeast Minneapolis, around either downtowns, or even in the skyways. (Trust us—the skyways have their own ecosystem, and it’s largely centered around food.) Once the food is served, conversations starts flowing. Also check out their themed public bus tours on pizza and wineries or their private tour options.

Open Mic Nights

Open Mic nights combine local sound, local venues, and of course, local artists and art appreciators. For poetry, one option is to go to Kieran’s Irish Pub in downtown Minneapolis every fourth Tuesday for Poetry SlamMN!; you might even get picked as one of the five random judges. Moto-I has one of the biggest music open mics in the city every Tuesday, but for something more intimate, where performers come to play and chat, try The Warming House. Don’t forget about comedy; the weekly one at Comedy Corner Underground is always a good option.

Social Dances

The Twin Cities have a bounty of social dance places where you can move to the beat, no shoes required. Of course we have hopping night clubs, but for ones that can give you a taste of salsa, ballroom, swing and more.

Check out places like Tapestry Folkdance Center, with drop-in and beginner classes for line dancing, international dances, ballroom parties, and more; the popular Mediterranean Cruise Cafe, which offers late night Salsa Saturdays; and one of the favorites, St. Paul’s historic Wabasha Street Caves for swing dancing. (Find even more places in our roundup.)

Each starts the night with some introductory lessons, and then from there, you can dance the night away and mingle when you want to take a break from the dance floor. People who go know it’s called social dance for a reason, so you’ll find that people are usually more than willing to say hello or even share some moves.

Outdoor Yoga

Through September, Mill City Farmers Market is hosting semiweekly outdoor yoga, courtesy of Alchemy 365 and YogaFit. Bring a mat or just go on the grass and stretch out, and meet other people who like to hit refresh in the same ways you do. Make sure to check out the farmers market before or after.

Spring has (finally) sprung, and we know that means one thing: farmers market season. Mill City Farmer’s Market (MCFM) is back for its 13th season in downtown Minneapolis with 21 new vendors. Located between the Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, you won’t be able to miss this unique outdoor experience that caters to every palate every Saturday, May through October, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Each of the 60-plus local food and drink vendors has its own personal flair, but here are five musts to make your stomach growl and leave your mouth watering. So bring your trusty tote and mighty appetite; you’ll want to take some of these goods home with you.

The Bolt Coffee & Juice Bar

Don’t miss a single Saturday morning memory!  Consider shuffling your tired feet to The Bolt Coffee & Juice Bar for that liquid lightning. The certified organic and fair trade peace coffee, espresso drinks, tea, and fresh-squeezed juices will jolt you awake, keep your droopy eyelids peeled and ensure your full enjoyment (and consciousness) at the MCFM.

Burning River Farm

Burning River Farm has been with MCFM since the beginning. Their 15-acre farm located in Frederic, Wisconsin, uses no herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and their aim at all things “fresh” doesn’t stop there. Burning River Farm is also a “Certified Naturally Grown” farm—a farmer-centric alternative to the USDA Organic label. Find your favorite vegetables, salad mixes and field-grown greens from a vendor you can feel great about.

 Mrs. Kelly’s Tea

Courtesy of Mrs. Kelly's Tea

Mrs. Kelly’s Tea at the Mill City Farmers Market.

Mindy Kelly focuses on simplicity in her tea blends. She sells dozens of different black, green, oolong, and white teas along with must-have tea accessories, sweeteners and gift certificates. The tea leaves come from commendable tea farms with humane working conditions and no pesticide use. Mrs. Kelly’s tea blends have taken top awards around the metro including “Best Tea of Show” at Calhoun Coffee Fest and “Best Natural Product of Show” at the Twin Cities Food & Wine Show.

Solomon’s Bakery

Dark pumpernickel, marble rye, and potato rosemary rolls. Whole wheat, sunflower wheat and seven-grain sliced bread loaves. Breakfast pastries, quiche, cookies and more. Are you hungry yet? Solomon’s Bakery and its small staff of six bring a wide selection of savory and sugary goodness to hungry customers. Need a recommendation? Take a chance on the chocolate- and almond-filled croissant.

Red Table Meat Co.

Courtesy of Red Table Meat Co.

A selection of meats from Red Table Meat Co.

Red Table Meat Co. is a one-stop-shop for all your pork needs.  Founders Mike Phillip and Kieran Folliard promise customers heritage breed hogs from six small and sustainable Minnesota and Wisconsin farms to provide the best of the best. Since 2016, three products have received a Good Food Award: a spicy fennel and garlic salami called “Big Chet’s,” a cooked smoked ham called “The Royal,” and a dry-cured smoked ham called “Speck.” Whether your meat of choice is aged six weeks or six months, you’re guaranteed to find “Good Meat Here.”

Ah. Mothers. The women who truly keep the world spinning. Celebrate the mothers in your life by treating them to one of the Sunday brunches below. Whether you’re looking for something fancy or something a little more on the casual side, Minneapolis and St. Paul have plenty of options for you and your loved ones.

Café & Bar Lurcat

For an elegant brunch, enjoy a three course brunch at Café & Bar Lurcat in Loring Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—the special is $35 for adults and $12 for children.

Nicollet Island Inn

Make a reservation at Nicollet Island Inn in Minneapolis for a five course brunch that includes items like fresh pastries, eggs benedict, mushroom gnocchi and chocolate mousse. The brunch is $48 for adults, and a three course kid’s menu is available for $18.

St. Genevieve

St. Genevieve in St. Paul will be offering a two course brunch menu ($31 for adults and $12 for children) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Menu items include parfait of king crab and avocado, hen egg en cocotte or a grilled hanger steak. View the full brunch menu here.

McCormick & Schmick’s

For a classy buffet-style brunch, book a table at McCormick & Schmick’s in downtown Minneapolis for $59 for adults and $19 for children. Buffet includes a seafood bar, carving station, omelet and crepe station, and desserts such as chocolate dipped strawberries, carrot and vanilla cupcakes, and house-made biscotti. View more menu options here.

The Copper Hen

For those with a busy Mother’s Day schedule, make a reservation at The Copper Hen which will be serving a brunch buffet from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Brunch items include cheddar biscuits and sausage gravy, a farmhouse salad, bread pudding, and chicken pot pie and baked macaroni and cheese, both served after 3 p.m. View the full brunch buffet menu here.

Groundswell

For more of a laid-back option, Groundswell in St. Paul will be serving a special Mother’s Day brunch featuring sweet and savory menu items along with some chef specials from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are available for groups up to 12 people. 

Psycho Suzi’s

Treat your mother to bottomless tropical mimosas or a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar plus a Mother’s Day brunch buffet at Psycho Suzi’s in Northeast Minneapolis from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Psycho Suzi’s recommends reservations, but buffet tickets will be available upon arrival as well.

Esker Grove

For a floral twist to a Mother’s Day brunch, visit Esker Grove (voted one of the best brunch spots in Minneapolis) inside the Walker Art Museum which will also be featuring a floral pop-up shop from Honeycomb Collective, adjacent to Esker Grove. Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Betty Danger’s Country Club

Psycho Suzi’s sister restaurant, Betty Danger’s, will be offering a brunch buffet special for $19.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids. Besides enjoying brunch staples, guests are invited to ride the Danger (Ferris wheel) and play mini golf. Buffet tickets will be available at the door, but Betty Danger’s strongly encourages guests to make reservations. You can make your own here.

St. Paul Grill

The classy St. Paul Grill will be offering mothers and their families a la carte brunch between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Brunch items include salted caramel bourbon banana waffle, lemon ricotta pancakes, lobster scramble and vanilla bourbon French toast. You can view the full brunch menu here.

Is there anything better than a hot cup of coffee? Or your favorite iced espresso beverage crafted to perfection? The good news for all coffee lovers is that the Twin Cities have lots of independent coffee shops to choose from—and if you’re anything like me, you’ll have multiple favorites. Below is a list of ten coffee shops to visit in the Twin Cities:

Spyhouse Coffee

Undoubtedly a Minneapolis-St. Paul staple, Spyhouse Coffee Roasting Co. sells wholesale coffee beans and runs café locations in five neighborhoods—Uptown, Whittier, Northeast, North Loop and St. Paul—besides. I am partial to the Northeast location myself, with its deck, high ceilings, and plethora of seating options. I always get a Carmella (if caramel isn’t your favorite, their Spygirl latte is also a good choice with hints of honey and lavender). If you fall in love with the ambiance (and the coffee) like I did, check out Spyhouse’s coffee accessories and apparel online.

Quixotic Coffee

Located right in Highland Park in St. Paul and dangerously close—across the street—to Patina and Half Price Books, Quixotic Coffee is small, cozy and aesthetic. In fact, the actual definition of “quixotic” is “exceedingly idealistic.” The definition continues with “unrealistic” and “impractical,” but that just isn’t true of Quixotic Coffee. Their roomy wooden booths make for good studying or productivity spots, and their salads are almost as good as their lattes. And who said coffee shops couldn’t sell beer and wine, too? If its later in the evening and coffee is out of the picture, order a beer on tap instead.

Café Astoria

If the look of your latte almost matters as much as the taste, you’re in the right place. Café Astoria has gone viral for its extravagant, colorful, gold leaved lattes and mochas—perhaps you’ve seen this video? Located on West Seventh Street in St. Paul, you’ll be Instagramming your creation before you even take a sip.

Claddagh

The charming atmosphere of Claddagh Coffee will make you fall in love right away. If you aren’t in the mood for a specialty latte, go for a lavender lemonade or a hot tea, instead. For larger tables or a dimmer ambiance, take your drink downstairs to the lower level; it’s tiny but cozy. Look for the coffee shop’s notebook if you have comments about the coffee or would simply like to share a line from your favorite song or poem.

The Café Meow

Cats plus coffee? Yes, please! Relatively new to Uptown, the Café Meow allows guests to play with cats while they drink their coffee or espresso drinks. Be warned though—lots of people are interested in this concept, so you might have to wait a little while to play with the cats. Read more about Visit Twin Cities’ experience at Café Meow here.

Nina’s Coffee Café

Located in Cathedral Hill on Selby Avenue, Nina’s Coffee Café is a cozy coffee shop. Tables fill up fast on the weekends with college students and professionals trying to get work done, but if you get a spot try one of their vanilla lattes (Nina’s serves Spyhouse Coffee). And if you stick around for lunch, their sandwiches are to die for. Plus, a whole entire wall is taken up by a painted bookcase—you can’t get cuter than that.

Five Watt Coffee

Located in the Kingfield neighborhood of Minneapolis, Five Watt is known for mixing coffee with bitters and the end product is more delicious than you think. Try The Kingfield, with vanilla, Five Watt coriander bitters, espresso, milk and black Hawaiian sea salt, or the Big Easy with cold press, chicory and nutmeg simply syrup, black walnut bitters and cream.

Dogwood Coffee

Besides selling wholesale coffee, Dogwood Coffee has three locations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area—East Lake, Uptown and St. Paul—so you have choices when it comes to sipping your favorite caffeinated beverage. If you go to the East Lake location, check out the new wallpaper designed by Flavorpaper and art by local artist John Alspach.

Cahoots Coffee Bar

Unassuming, a little quirky, but definitely a Macalester-Groveland favorite, Cahoots Coffee Bar is located right off of Snelling Avenue and offers coffeehouse staples (plus some great specialty options like a Lavender White Mocha or Raspberry White Mocha), but also a Mediterranean platter, stuffed grape leaves, a hummus place, daily soups and fresh bakery items. Find a spot indoors or, in nicer weather, take your coffee outside behind the shop in Cahoot’s little garden patio.

Rustica Bakery

Rustica has two locations, one in Uptown Minneapolis and one in Eden Prairie, and serves specialty coffee beverages all day and award-winning baked goods from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. everyday. Although the Eden Prairie location is out in the west metro (which can be a commute for some), the bakery is located in the historic Smith Douglas More House right off of Eden Prairie Road—the character of the house inside and out make this a worthwhile destination, even if it is just for coffee.

If you’re up for coffee and an adventure check out these other coffee shops located in the outskirts of the Twin Cities: Black Sheep Coffee Café in South St. Paul has live bluegrass music on most Saturday mornings, Mocha Monkey in Waconia won an award for “Best Coffee Shop in Minnesota” and The Daily Grind Espresso Café in Stillwater is attached to a bookstore, so grab a new book to enjoy before you choose your morning coffee.

Think of it this way: The Midwest IPA is “the cool kid on the block—the inclusive, confident cool kid,” or so goes the description at Urban Growler, a St. Paul brewery that serves a Midwest IPA as its flagship beer.

If you’ve walked into a brewery sometime in the last five years, you’ve probably tried a West Coast IPA, or even a New England IPA. In both cases, the style of beer is bold, in-your-face and often boozy. Good for some, but not for all.

Enter the Midwest IPA.

The Midwest IPA is more, well, middle of the road, but that hasn’t stopped it from taking over the Twin Cities beer scene. Compared to the citrus- and hop-packed beers from the West Coast, the Midwest-style of IPA is an anomaly that is often less boozy and more drinkable. While it’s tough to describe the Midwest IPA as having a common set of traits, Beer and Brewing magazine calls it “balanced” and “hopped at a similar rate to West Coast IPAs.”

We’ve rounded up some of the must-try Midwest-style IPAs brewed locally to sample when you’re in the Twin Cities.

SkyFive Midwest Coast IPA, Bauhaus Brew Labs

When this northeast Minneapolis brewery took over an abandoned steel foundry in 2013, it was hard to imagine that Bauhaus would become a summer party spot for locals. Now, creative types young and old share tables and conversation in this quirky place, so grab their Midwest Coast IPA SkyFive, grab a seat and enjoy bright flavors, balanced hops and a relaxing sip.

A post shared by Urban Growler (@urbangrowler) on Dec 19, 2017 at 6:09am PST

Midwest IPA, Urban Growler Brewing

Urban Growler’s easy-going, sunlit brewery is located at the former home of an old horse stable in St. Paul. It doesn’t hurt that the place is known for its welcoming charm and tendency to play Prince tracks. The beer’s light and complex profile won a blue ribbon at the Minnesota State Fair a few years back, so you know it’s worth a shot.  Bonus points: Urban Growler is female owned and operated (the state’s first).

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder #happyhumpday ! . . . . Photo Credit: @aleadventuresmn . . . . #flights #mnbeer #mncraftbeer #wibeer #wicraftbeer #craftbeer #craftbeerstagram #craftbeerlife #beer #twincities #minnesota #liftbridgebrewery #liftbridge #beersofinstagram #onlyinmn @discoverstillwater #discoverstillwater #farmgirlonthepatio #beerflights

A post shared by Lift Bridge Brewing Co (@liftbridge) on Mar 28, 2018 at 11:26am PDT

Crosscut IPA, Liftbridge Brewing

The Stillwater Lift Bridge area is often a stroller and bike oasis during afternoons, and on weekend evenings, it becomes one of the most fun exburb scenes among the outdoorsy types. On a Saturday night, you can often overhear hikers and boaters re-telling their weekend highlights over a pint.

Lift Bridge Brewing Co.‘s Crosscut IPA may not be labeled as a Midwest IPA, but it’s definitely Midwest in spirit. Billed as an ode to Stillwater’s lumberjack past, Crosscut is exceptionally refreshing and lightweight, so you’ll feel game to knock out your 25-minute return to the cities after drinking.

Epic Motivational Poster Material

A post shared by Summit Brewing Company (@summitbeer) on Jan 28, 2018 at 1:16pm PST

Saga IPA, Summit Brewing

Perhaps no IPA is wrapped up in Minnesota’s beer legacy quite like Summit’s Saga IPA. Sure, Saga is poured from hundreds of bar taps across the city, but the Summit Beer Hall in Minneapolis is definitely worth a trip, especially in the warm weather when food trucks line up near the bluff-facing, dog-friendly patio.

You guys, our brand new, full time IPA, was kegged 2 hours ago and is on tap at @muddypigstpaul. Get the freshest beer in town here in St. Paul! #612in651 #612brew #craftbeer #ipa #simcoe #freshbeer

A post shared by 612Brew (@612brew) on Mar 20, 2018 at 10:58am PDT

Hidden Beach IPA, 612 Brew

612 Brew’s vibe could be described as industrial-chic. The northeast brewery fits Minneapolis’ urban lumberjack vibe like a pair of well-worn Levis. 612’s Hidden Beach IPA (which is available through September) is light, refreshing but injected with a serious dose of hops. Hidden Beach is a coy reference to the (in)famous beach-slash-party spot on the white sands of the Mississippi River near downtown. Spend a few hours talking with the locals on 612’s patio, and you’ll no doubt find someone to take you there.

Even though Easter feels a little early this year, none of our Twin Cities restaurants were caught off guard. Check out 28 Easter brunches happening in 2018. They’re all fantastic, but we couldn’t help but tell you a little more about four of our favorites:

Nicollet Island Inn Easter Brunch. Even on a normal day, the Nicollet Island Inn is one of the most quaint and idyllic places you can eat in Minneapolis because of its Mississippi River views and antique detailing, and on Easter they tailor the menu and the atmosphere to create the sunny and charming brunch you’ve been looking for. Enjoy a five-course Scandinavian meal (three course for the kids!) that begins with fresh pastries, has multiple options for each course that include quiche, creamy cauliflower soup and Swedish meatballs (of course), and ends with chocolate mousse or almond genoise cake.

St. Genevieve Easter Brunch. A two-course prixe menu provides the perfect meal to fill you up without leaving you too drowsy while you’re visiting with family. Besides spring-focused dishes like salmon tartare, terrine of spring hen and stewed chick peas, other accompaniments include Spyhouse coffee, sparkling beverages, oysters, beignets, carrot crepe cakes and more.

Surly Easter Brunch 2018. Surly knows just how to blend an endless buffet, comfort and festivities for their Easter Brunch. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., you have your choice of food from pastries, cheese and meats, a carving station, a seafood station and a huge main buffet area that includes breakfast and side favorites. Everything goes down easy with the Surly brews on tap plus some specialty infusions. To make the brunch even better, at 12:30 p.m. there’s an Easter Egg Hunt with, as they eloquently put it, “a guy in an Easter Bunny suit.”

Windows on Minnesota at the Marquette Hotel Easter Brunch. Windows on Minnesota event space is aptly named for its floor-to-ceiling windows that provide expansive views of the Minneapolis skyline. To add even more ambiance, the Marquette has slotted live music, and for fun, they made sure the Easter bunny would be there, too. Enjoy a suite of options that include truffle risotto with mixed mushrooms, assorted cheese cakes, and lamb leg stuffed with pine nut, garlic and pesto.

Pre-Easter Bunny Brunch: Lakeshore Grill at Macy’s, American, at Ridgedale March 24, 35 and 31; at Southdale, March 25

Afton House Inn Holiday Brunch, American, Afton

Axels Easter Brunch, American, metro locations

Betty’s Eggstraordinary Easter Brunch at Betty Danger’s Country Club, Mexican, Minneapolis

Birch’s on the Lake Easter Brunch, American, Long Lake

Bonfire Easter Brunch Buffet, American, metro locations

Buca di Beppo Easter Weekend, Italian, Minneapolis

Cafe Lurcat Easter Brunch, American, Minneapolis

The Capital Grille, American, Minneapolis

Citizen Easter Brunch Buffet, American, St. Paul

Cosmos Easter Brunch at the Loews Hotels, American, Minneapolis

Crooners Lounge & Supper Club Easter Joy, with gospel and R&B singers Robert Robinson and Gwen Matthews, American, Minneapolis

Fogo de Chao, Brazilian steak house, Minneapolis

It’s Greek to Me 2018 Easter Brunch & Dinner, Mediterranean, Minneapolis

Hazellewood Grill and Tap Room Easter Brunch, American, Tonka Bay

McCormick & Schmick’s, seafood and steaks, Minneapolis

Mercury Dining Room and Rail Easter Brunch family style, American, Minneapolis

Ninetwentyfive Easter Brunch Buffet at Hotel Landing, New American, Wayzata

Pazzaluna Easter Brunch, Italian, St. Paul

Public Kitchen + Bar Easter Brunch (with Easter bunny), American, St. Paul

Rudolphs Easter Sunday, barbecue, Minneapolis

St. Paul Grill Easter Brunch, American, St. Paul

Stella’s Fish Cafe Easter Brunch, seafood, Minneapolis

Urban Eatery Easter Brunch, American, Minneapolis

Monday

7th Street Social
7 p.m.
Head to this St. Paul restaurant to exercise your brain muscles with Trivia Mafia, one of the largest and most popular bar trivia groups in the Midwest. Enjoy happy hour pricing on craft beer, cocktails and appetizers (we’re talking $5 homemade Reuben bites, beer cheese fries and more).

Tuesday

Republic
9 p.m.
Trivia Mafia is at it again at this craft beer bar—one of the Top 100 Beer Bars in the country three years running—located a few minutes from downtown Minneapolis. With just about every beer you could ever wish for on tap, there is also a dinner menu that goes well beyond the typical pub fare. Play for prizes, gift cards and (most importantly) bragging rights.

Lakes & Legends Brewing Company
7 p.m.
Tuesday nights are trivia nights at Lakes & Legends; join the brewery for Trivia Mafia, food and its latest craft beers in the taproom.

Merlins Rest Pub
7:30 p.m.
Merlins Rest has its own type of trivia—Merlins Rest Pub Quiz. “Minister of Culture” Bill Watkins is the quizmaster and his subjects range from sports to things you’ve probably never even heard of before. The event fills up quickly so make sure you arrive plenty early!

Wednesday

Fair State Brewing Coop
7 p.m.
This member-owned craft brewery in Northeast Minneapolis hosts several rounds of trivia every Wednesday night in its cozy taproom. Challenge your memory on one-hit wonders, obscure politicians from the 1970s and more. And don’t forget to bring food from one of the neighboring restaurants–we recommend El Taco Riendo located just a few doors down the street.

Crooked Pint Ale House
8 p.m.
Join the Crooked Pint Ale House for its Sassy Lassy movie and music trivia event every Wednesday night. While correct answers are preferred, “wit, grit or lip” responses may award participants sassy points—the winner takes home a $50 gift certificate to the Crooked Pint.

Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room
8 p.m.
Located in Northeast Minneapolis, pick from Stanley’s selection of 36 rotating craft beer and order some appetizers while you play (and win) Get a Clu Trivia with friends.

Glam Doll Donuts
7 p.m.
What’s better than doughnuts? Doughnuts and trivia of course. Join Glam Doll for its Trivia Against Humanity event every Wednesday night. Participants receive points for factual responses as well as funny answers to questions that go right over their heads. Grab a doughnut and a beer before the questions begin.

Thursday

New Bohemia Wurst + BierHaus
8:30 p.m.
A little bit of Germany right in Northeast Minneapolis and Uptown. Choose from a variety of gourmet sausages like chicken and apple and Cajun andouille, or get adventurous with the rattlesnake rabbit jalapeno. Pair it with a pint of craft beer and Sporcle-style trivia, where you bet points on each correct (or incorrect) answer, and you have the makings for a fun evening.

Sporty’s Pub and Grill
9:30 p.m.
Hosted by Mark and Kyle (Sporty’s dubs them the masters of dry humor and hilarity), Sporty’s invites teams to put their knowledge to the test every Thursday while enjoying food and drinks.

Friday

Adagio’s Pizza Factory
9 p.m.
Sure, it’s a bit of a drive, but this trivia night is well worth a few extra minutes in the car. Adagio’s has long been a local favorite among residents of the northern suburb of New Brighton. Enjoy a slice while you test your knowledge at their bar trivia.

Saturday

331 Club
7:30 p.m.
Maybe you’ve participated in bar trivia before but what about a bar spelling bee? Partnering with Trivia Mafia, 331 Club hosts The Drinkin’ Spelling Bee on the first and third Saturdays of every month. You can buy your tickets here.

Sunday

The Herkimer Pub and Brewery
8 p.m.
This Uptown joint hosts trivia on Sunday evenings. If winning food, drinks and gift cards isn’t enough to get you through the front door, consider the trivia drink specials: $5 Jameson, $7 BFF (beer and a shot) and more.

There isn’t anything better than local history—except maybe a cold drink in an original or historically restored bar. Thanks to the commitment of community members, families, and business men and women over the years, the Twin Cities are home to several preserved and restored restaurants and bars with the hopes of taking their guests on a little trip back in time. From a bar that has proudly served drinks since the 1880s (even through Prohibition) to an elegantly restored art-deco spot that served F. Scott Fitzgerald before his writing career took off, any of these bars are well worth the stop.

Waldmann Brewery and Wurstery

Originally established in 1857, Waldmann Brewery and Wurstery was reestablished in 2017 after years of hard work put in by owner Tom Schroeder and St. Paul architect John Yust. Renamed after the original owner, Anthony Waldmann, the historic building is the Twin Cities’ oldest commercial structure. It once held a saloon that closed over 154 years ago when Waldmann went on to open up a grain and feed store farther down the road. The stone building was used as a house for many of the following years but today it has been turned into a brewery that serves traditional German-style lagers and German food including freshly made sausages, pretzels and limestone potatoes, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Paul. Visit Waldmann’s blog, run by Schroeder, for more information about the redevelopment process, building history and recovered artifacts.

Neumann’s Bar

Neumann’s in North St. Paul has claimed the title of “Oldest Bar in Minnesota” and has been serving the Twin Cities since 1887. Even the Great Depression and Prohibition didn’t stop the bar from serving—they just served “near-beer” on the first floor and opened a speakeasy on the second. Bill Neumann originally opened the bar to serve Hamm’s beer to the growing community of North St. Paul. Today, visitors can still drink Hamm’s beer on tap and climb the steps to the second floor to see the keyhole window used to monitor people’s entry. Known for its trademark frogs in the front window and Hamm’s bar back (a gift from Hamm’s brewery when the bar first opened), Neumann’s continues to serve the community of North St. Paul, bringing in out-of-towners and locals alike with its history, welcoming atmosphere and American bar food.

Gluek’s Restaurant and Bar

Gluek’s Restaurant and Bar has been serving Minneapolis since 1934 although its origin can be traced back to 1855 when Gottlieb Gluek arrived in Minneapolis from Germany. Over the years, Gluek and his sons opened various breweries and restaurants across the metro, but today Gluek’s Restaurant and Bar is back where it started in the Warehouse District at its original Gluek Building site in 1902. In the 1980s, the restaurant was completely destroyed in a fire, but the owners were quick to rebuild, ensuring that the design was as close to the original building as possible down to the floor plan, detailed woodwork, stained glass and vaulted ceilings. The restaurant’s lunch and dinner menus offer German and American fare.

Forepaugh’s

Named after Joseph Forepaugh, the successful businessman who built the stately Victorian masion in 1870, Forepaugh’s is located in Irvine Park, St. Paul, and yes, it’s just as elegant as it looks. Forepaugh eventually sold the home which fell into deterioration until a private company bought the mansion and reopened it as a restaurant in 1976. In 2007, Bruce Taher renovated the house and redid the menu to create the beautiful restaurant you see today. Forepaugh’s boasts of fine dining in a 19th century setting with the kitchen using locally sources ingredients whenever possible. On a more haunted historical note, it is said that a young maid, Molly, haunts the restaurant. History has it that Molly and Forepaugh had an affair in the 1870s and after they were discovered, Molly hanged herself on the third floor of the house. Employees through the years have heard mysterious noises from the third floor and a few others have even claimed to see her walking around between guests during parties.

Monte Carlo

Originally opened as one of Gluek’s bars (a “G” is still imprinted on the original tin ceiling), the bar has been known as Monte Carlo since 1906. Today it is the oldest bar in the Warehouse District and is characterized by its copper bar top, old-school atmosphere and extensive patio seating in the summer.

Commodore Bar and Restaurant

The original Commodore Hotel and art-deco inspired bar opened in the 1920s in St. Paul and was frequented during the prohibition by the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda along with a few other notable locals. Revamped and restored to its former glory, the Commodore Bar and Restaurant reopened in 2016 and serves an extensive menu of specialty cocktails and mouth-watering appetizers and entrees.

Firehouse Wine Bar

The up and coming Firehouse Wine Bar in St. Paul is a project that has been in the works for a while. Redevelopment is set to begin soon, thanks to community members and developers Brody Nordland and Chelsea Kaeding who joined together to save the 1872 brick building from demolition. The area was originally slated for a singular hotel, but developers have since updated the hotel plan to allow for St. Paul’s oldest firehouse to stay. The wine bar will focus on West Coast California wines, and Nordland and Kaeding plan to partner with local restaurants to provide food pairings for guests to order.

Sometimes a small chocolate after a meal just doesn’t cut it, and we have all eaten an entire row of Oreos at one point or another. For times like these, your sweet tooth just needs some TLC, and these places in the Twin Cities area will give you plenty of dessert options to satisfy whatever sweetness you might be craving.

T-Rex Cookie

If you happen to be a cookie monster, T-Rex Cookie is definitely the place to go. With half-pound cookies to match its name, the shop specializes in dozens of different flavors to keep you on your toes. Cookies range from classics like chocolate chip and snickerdoodle to one-of-a-kind flavors like margarita and cinnamon fireball. Try something new, and see if you can finish the whole cookie.

Muddy Paws Cheesecake

The Cheesecake Factory is not your only cheesecake destination anymore. Get your fix without the wait at Muddy Paws Cheesecake in St. Louis Park, just 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Muddy Paws Cheesecake has 25 flavors to choose from daily, with a total of 222 rotating flavors total. Dive into these cheesecakes and don’t worry about keeping your hands clean.

Carlo’s Bakery

None other than “Cake Boss”’s famous Buddy Valastro has opened a new location of Carlo’s Bakery in our very own Mall of America. Simply finish watching Cake Boss and zip over to Carlo’s really quick to get your fix of Italian desserts such as tiramisu, lobster tails, and cannolis. At MOA you can find Carlo’s on the third floor in the Culinary on North.

Rose Street Patisserie

If you’re feeling French today, Rose Street Patisserie is a more sophisticated place to indulge your sweet tooth. Here, authentically French desserts like fruit tarts, macaroons and eclair stun customers. We can see why you wouldn’t want to eat something so pretty.

Dough Dough

You don’t have to sneak spoonfuls of cookie dough from your mother anymore. Instead, Dough Dough allows you to reminisce about your childhood by ordering cookie dough in scoops, cones, or even flights with a classic glass of chocolate or regular milk.  Also located at the Mall of America, try a scoop of S’mores with marshmallow sauce on top, or Salted Caramel with chocolate syrup.

Glam Doll

Three words: dessert for breakfast. Glam Doll Donuts gives you the opportunity to eat something impossibly sweet for your fuel for the day. Arguably Minneapolis’ most popular donut destination, some of the most popular donuts include the Cosmopolitan Girl, the Flirty Frenchie and the Vanilla Darling. My personal favorite—the Cloud Nine—has dark chocolate bourbon filling and chocolate fudge brownie icing. With combinations like these and more, make sure you visit at least one of Glam Doll’s two Minneapolis locations.

Cafe Latte

Although Cafe Latte offers a cafe menu, pizza and wine bar in conjunction with its bakery, no less tender loving care is put into the desserts here. Get a slice of cake, cheesecake, or tart at your convenience with Cafe Latte’s unique cafeteria style. Remember to grab a sweet bread or scone for breakfast the next morning.

Milkjam Creamery

Last but not ever least, ice cream. Milkjam Creamery is known for its unique flavors, with usually at least one flavor named after a celebrity. Those of age can get adult ice cream floats, or make a shake alcoholic for a little extra. If you’re feeling adventurous—or simply indecisive—you can try all of the flavors on a platter. Just be willing to share!

The moment co-founders Jessica Burge and Danielle Rasmussen truly believed their idea for Minnesota’s first cat cafe could work was when they realized more than 10,000 people attended the Walker Art Center’s 2014 Cat Video Festival. In the end, it took more than three years and a lot of set backs for their dream to come true, but thousands of other people also latched onto their dream, donating more than $36,000 on two separate Kickstarters for what would become The Cafe Meow on Hennepin Avenue.

The Cafe Meow is set to open Friday, Feb. 16, but soft opening events have given early supporters, friends and family a sneak preview of what’s in store. Hint: It involves 10 sociable, curious and adorable cats.

Lianna Matt | Visit Twin Cities

Danielle Rasmussen (left) and Jessica Burge smile with two of the cats they will open The Cafe Meow with.

“Originally, I was hoping it would be done sooner, but the fact is building something like this, I wanted to make sure in the end we did it correctly. We weren’t concerned when it took more time,” says Burge.

By the soft openings, Burge and Rasmussen wrote out the cafe menu on the chalkboard, hung the current cat art gallery, and added price tags to the merchandise people can buy, including cat bow ties and toys. They brought in the first cats of the cafe and introduced them to the surroundings they would be allowed to roam 24/7—no cages here. While the two may have some more finishing touches to do, they have everything they need to host the cat paradise you’ve been waiting for.

In the cat room, Burge and Rasmussen have a board listing all of the cats in the cat room as well as their adoption information because yes, you can take these kitties home. The Cafe Meow works strictly with no-kill animal rescue partners, and every cat they are able to welcome into the cat cafe meets veterinary and personality requirements to ensure that the cats won’t be overwhelmed by the social stimuli. To keep the cats stress free, there is a limit of about 15 people in the cat room ($10 per person per hour), with about 10 coming from online reservations and a handful from walk-in customers. 

The cafe side is working to be just as charming, with food and drinks supplied by Bootstrap Coffee Roasters, The Northern Lights Tea Company, My Sister’s Sweets and Fox Cakes, and the amount of cat-shaped goodies is promising. Two large windows in the dividing wall let you peek in on the furry friends as they play on the 8-plus foot custom cat tree and run around the room. 

In short, you’re going to have a meow-velous time at The Cafe Meow. (I’m so excited for the cafe, I don’t even regret that pun.) It’s the perfect place for animal lovers who want some four-pawed love in their life or even for those who are less cat crazy and just want a new favorite cafe. Looking around the rooms The Cafe Meow, you can picture people lounging with their lattes and chatting, playing with the cats, or even breaking out the Catopoly that Burge and Rasmussen set on the table.

“All the effort we’ve put in and seeing all the people that are going to be happy because of it, it’s heartwarming,” says Burge. “And the cats we can potentially help be adopted … Creating a business that has a conscience and courage and compassion is important, so seeing that happen is the best part.”