Business catalogMinneapolisRanking 2026
Bar Minneapolis
Finding the Perfect Spot: How to Choose a Bar in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is home to a vibrant nightlife scene, offering everything from cozy neighborhood pubs to sophisticated cocktail lounges. When searching for the best Bar in Minneapolis, it is important to consider the atmosphere that suits your needs. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy a craft beer or a lively venue for a weekend outing, the right environment makes all the difference. Look for establishments that prioritize quality service, a diverse drink menu, and a welcoming ambiance that aligns with your personal preferences.
Understanding Our 2026 Bar Minneapolis Ranking
Navigating the local scene can be overwhelming, which is why we have curated this 2026 Bar Minneapolis ranking to help you make an informed decision. This list features 13 distinct businesses that have stood out to the local community. Our selection process is based entirely on public Google reviews. By analyzing the overall star ratings, the volume of feedback, and the specific content shared by patrons, we have identified establishments that consistently provide high-quality experiences.
How to Interpret Reviews and Ratings
When reading through reviews, it is helpful to look beyond the star rating alone. Pay attention to recurring themes in the comments, such as the speed of service, the cleanliness of the venue, and the friendliness of the staff. A high rating is a great starting point, but the context provided by other customers often reveals whether a specific location is the right fit for your group. By focusing on recent feedback and detailed descriptions, you can better gauge what to expect before you arrive. Use this guide as a starting point to explore the top-rated options and discover your new favorite local spot.
- Companies ranked
- 13 Companies
- Average rating
- 4,5 Avg. rating
- Edition year
- 2026 Edition
Updated June 20, 2026
Company ranking
13 places- 014,9(11,460 reviews)Portal score 8,6
Tom's Watch Bar is widely praised as a premier sports-viewing destination featuring an extensive array of televisions and a high-energy atmosphere. While many guests highlight exceptional service from specific staff members and high-quality food, others report concerns regarding inconsistent food preparation, service fees, and unexpected credit card holds.
- Plentiful televisions for sports
- Attentive and friendly service
- High-quality food and appetizers
- 024,8(470 reviews)Portal score 8,5
Meteor is a highly regarded, unassuming cocktail bar in Minneapolis known for its unique blend of high-end, expertly crafted drinks and a relaxed, dive-bar atmosphere. Customers consistently praise the knowledgeable, friendly staff and the rotating menu of creative cocktails.
- Expertly crafted creative cocktails
- Knowledgeable and friendly bartenders
- Cozy dive bar atmosphere
- 034,9(323 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Milly's Wine Bar is widely praised for its beautiful, cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff who provide engaging wine experiences. While most guests enjoy the food and service, some have noted limited menu variety and inconsistent experiences with specific dishes or staff interactions.
- Beautiful and cozy atmosphere
- Knowledgeable and friendly staff
- Engaging wine flight and tasting options
- 044,6(1,237 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Volstead's Emporium is a highly regarded speakeasy known for its immersive, moody atmosphere, live jazz music, and well-crafted cocktails. While most guests praise the unique hidden entrance and curated experience, some have expressed frustration regarding strict table time limits and inconsistent service experiences.
- Immersive speakeasy atmosphere
- High-quality cocktail menu
- Live jazz music performances
- 054,8(327 reviews)Portal score 8,3
A Bar of Their Own is a highly regarded, community-focused sports bar in Minneapolis dedicated to women's athletics. Customers consistently praise the inclusive atmosphere, attentive staff, and high-quality food and drink offerings.
- Inclusive and welcoming atmosphere
- Attentive and friendly staff
- High-quality food and drinks
- 064,5(5,629 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Brit's Pub is a popular downtown destination known for its lively atmosphere, rooftop terrace, and extensive beer selection. While many guests praise the hearty pub food and attentive service, some visitors have noted inconsistencies in food flavor and concerns regarding facility maintenance.
- Fun rooftop terrace
- Extensive beer selection
- Friendly and attentive service
- 074,5(1,560 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Lyon's Pub is a popular downtown destination known for its welcoming atmosphere and convenient proximity to sports and entertainment venues. While many guests praise the friendly service and signature prime rib sandwich, experiences with food consistency and drink quality can vary.
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Convenient location near stadiums
- Highly recommended prime rib sandwich
- 084,5(2,573 reviews)Portal score 8,3
The Local is a highly regarded Irish pub in downtown Minneapolis known for its beautiful woodwork, generous portion sizes, and flavorful menu. While most guests praise the attentive service and atmosphere, some diners have reported inconsistent service experiences and dissatisfaction with specific children's menu items.
- Beautiful wooden architecture
- Generous food portions
- Flavorful Irish pub staples
- 094,6(691 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Dusty's is a popular, long-standing dive bar in Northeast Minneapolis known for its welcoming atmosphere and signature Dago sandwiches. While customers frequently praise the friendly staff and live music, some note limited seating and occasional issues with smoke on the patio.
- Delicious Dago sandwiches
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Regular live music and DJs
- 104,5(962 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Bunkers Music Bar & Grill is a historic, lively venue widely praised for its high-quality live music and energetic atmosphere. While guests appreciate the hardworking staff and vibrant dance floor, many note the limited food menu and high costs for both cover charges and drinks.
- High quality live music
- Hardworking bar staff
- Lively dance atmosphere
- 114,4(1,674 reviews)Portal score 8,2
The 1029 Bar is a popular, high-energy neighborhood dive bar known for its lively atmosphere, frequent events like bingo, and a diverse menu featuring lobster dishes and burgers. While many patrons praise the food quality and friendly service, some visitors have noted concerns regarding inconsistent portion sizes, high prices, and excessive noise levels.
- High quality lobster dishes
- Delicious burgers
- Friendly and attentive service
- 124,6(613 reviews)Portal score 8,21828 4th St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418(612) 788-1383
Jimmy's is widely regarded as a quintessential, old-school dive bar known for its affordable drinks, friendly staff, and welcoming, eclectic atmosphere. While many patrons praise the authentic neighborhood feel and bar food, some visitors have reported negative experiences regarding discriminatory behavior and limited cocktail options.
- Affordable drink prices
- Friendly and charming staff
- Authentic dive bar atmosphere
- 134,4(879 reviews)Portal score 8,2
This pub is a popular destination for pre-show dining and drinks, frequently praised for its smoked wings and casual atmosphere. While many guests enjoy the food and location, experiences with service consistency and menu pricing are notably polarized.
- High quality smoked wings
- Convenient pre-show location
- Casual and lively atmosphere
Company comparison
| Position | Company | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom's Watch Bar - Minneapolis | 4,9 |
| 2 | Meteor | 4,8 |
| 3 | Milly's Wine Bar & Bistro | 4,9 |
| 4 | Volstead's Emporium Uptown | 4,6 |
| 5 | A Bar of Their Own | 4,8 |
| 6 | Brit's Pub | 4,5 |
| 7 | Lyon's Pub | 4,5 |
| 8 | The Local - Minneapolis | 4,5 |
| 9 | Dusty's Bar | 4,6 |
| 10 | Bunker's Music Bar & Grill | 4,5 |
| 11 | The 1029 Bar | 4,4 |
| 12 | Jimmy's Bar & Lounge | 4,6 |
| 13 | Mackenzie Pub | 4,4 |
Frequently asked questions
- How do I choose the best bars in Minneapolis?
- To find the best spot, start by reviewing our curated list of the 13 top-rated bars in the city. We recommend prioritizing venues that align with your preferred atmosphere, whether you are looking for a lively sports environment or a quiet place to grab a drink.
- What should I look for when visiting a bar in Minneapolis?
- When visiting a new bar, look for quality service, a clean environment, and a drink menu that suits your tastes. For a top-tier experience, consider visiting our highest-ranked location, Tom's Watch Bar - Minneapolis, which currently holds an impressive 4.9/5 rating.
- How should I interpret ratings and reviews for Minneapolis bars?
- Ratings provide a helpful snapshot of customer satisfaction, but it is best to read a few recent comments to understand the specific vibe of a venue. While we have identified 13 excellent options for 2026, keep in mind that individual experiences can vary based on the time of day and the specific event being hosted.
- What can I expect from the bar scene in Minneapolis in 2026?
- In 2026, the Minneapolis bar scene offers a diverse range of experiences, from casual neighborhood pubs to high-energy sports bars. You can expect a variety of drink options and service styles, with prices varying depending on the specific establishment and the items you order.
- Do you have a practical tip for finding a great bar in Minneapolis?
- A great tip is to check the current ratings of a venue before you head out to ensure it meets your expectations for quality and service. While the average rating for the category is not currently available, you can rely on our list of 13 top businesses to find a highly-regarded destination like Tom's Watch Bar - Minneapolis.