“Party” listings
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Town House Bar
Girls, boys, kings, queens and anyone else looking for a straight-up good time flock to this showy bar. Shows are a tad rough around the edges, thus extra-fabulous. Stiff drinks, pool, darts, a well-used dance floor, karaoke and Blanche’s piano bar accommodate everyone. (09/2011)
1415 University Ave W, St. Paul
651- 646-7087
townhousebar.com -
Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge
Minnesota’s version of a drive-in lets you park your boat and navigate its waterside deck. It’s hard to say whether it’s the live music, the righteous cocktails, the $4 burgers/$1.75 beers on Mondays or the blond ‘n’ tans that reel so many in to this Lake Minnetonka classic. (08/2011)
3746 Sunset Dr, Spring Park
952- 471-8513
lordfletchers.com -
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge
Terminally tacky, this is an excellent place for dissipation. The upstairs lounge features three themed bars, or opt for a rum-spiked beverage on the patio, where you can watch barges slide by on the neighboring mighty Mississippi. (06/2011)
1900 Marshall St NE, Minneapolis
612-788-9069
psychosuzis.com -
Nye’s Polonaise Room
Home of strong drinks, gold-spangled banquettes and the World’s Most Dangerous Polka Band, this blue-collar institution has been slinging and swinging since 1950 with little change in the recipe. A piano bar and menu with Polish specialties round out the party. (03/2011)
112 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
612-379-2021
nyespolonaise.com -
CLUBHOUSE JÄGER
Fancy cocktails mingle beside tallboys at this small but mighty bar in the trendy North Loop, which is a hotspot among the city’s young hipsters. A DJ spins tunes sporadically throughout the week. (01/2011)
923 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis
612-332-2686
clubhousejaeger.com -
THE LIFFEY
It’s easy to overlook this pub’s location inside a Holiday Inn; even the local Irish population doesn’t seem to notice as they belly up to the bar. It feels most like Dublin in the early afternoon, when traditional Irish music is piped through the restaurant’s speakers. (12/2010)
175 W Seventh St, St. Paul
651-556-1420
theliffey.com -
THE LOOP
This sexy dance bar is packed to the rafters with Minneapolis’ most beautiful twentysomethings. Dress well, show some skin and don’t expect to hear anything your interest-of-the-moment has to say over the blaring Top-40 music. (11/2010)
606 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis
612-340-0010
theloopmpls.com -
THE ST. PAUL GRILL
Start the night off with a classic martini at this landmark bar inside an elegant hotel. The drinks don’t come cheap, and chances are good that your fellow barfl ies will be visiting dignitaries and celebrities, so dress the part. (09/2010)
350 Market St, St. Paul
651-224-7455
stpaulgrill.com -
FAMOUS DAVE’S BBQ AND BLUES CLUB
Whether its blues, jazz or salsa, the music is always soulful at this laidback stop. It’s best known as the original Famous Dave’s, but locals come for the nightly live music, which rivals any downtown venue’s. (09/2010)
3001 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis
612-822-9900
famousdaves.com -
BLACK FOREST INN
Head straight for the festive outdoor beer garden of this German eatery. If beer isn’t your thing, sip on one of the many quirky cocktails, including The Desperate Hausfrau (sparkling wine with a kick of Goldschlager). (08/2010)
1 E 26th St, Minneapolis
612-872-0812
blackforestinnmpls.com -
BIN WINE BAR
This new Mears Park bar offers an eclectic menu of red and white wines, including some lesser known but excellent Argentinean chardonnay and Spanish garnacha. (07/2010)
400 Sibley St, St. Paul
651-224-9463
binwinebar.com -
WA FROST AND COMPANY
The lush patio at this swanky restaurant is a great spot for a date. Plush sofas, great wine and soft candlelight add to the romantic ambience. (06/2010)
374 Selby Ave, St. Paul
651-224-5715
wafrost.com