Business catalogMinneapolisRanking 2026
Cocktail bar Minneapolis
Discover the Best Cocktail Bar in Minneapolis for 2026
Minneapolis has long been a hub for innovative mixology and sophisticated nightlife. Whether you are looking for a quiet speakeasy to enjoy a classic Old Fashioned or a vibrant lounge featuring experimental craft drinks, finding the right spot can elevate your evening. Our 2026 Cocktail bar Minneapolis guide is designed to help you navigate the local scene and find a venue that matches your personal taste and atmosphere preferences.
How We Selected the Top 13 Establishments
To provide you with a reliable resource, we have compiled a Cocktail bar Minneapolis ranking featuring 13 standout venues. This list is based entirely on public Google reviews. We analyzed the overall star ratings, the volume of feedback provided by patrons, and the specific sentiment found within the written reviews. By focusing on these metrics, we aim to highlight establishments that consistently deliver high-quality service, creative drink menus, and a welcoming environment for their guests.
Tips for Choosing Your Next Night Out
When searching for the best Cocktail bar in Minneapolis, it is helpful to look beyond the star rating alone. While a high rating is a great starting point, reading the actual content of recent reviews can provide deeper insight into the experience. Pay attention to comments regarding the speed of service, the expertise of the bartenders, and the noise level of the venue. If you prefer a specific style of drink, look for mentions of signature cocktails or seasonal menus in the reviews to see if the bar aligns with your preferences.
Additionally, consider the vibe of the location. Some bars are better suited for intimate conversations, while others are designed for high-energy social gatherings. By cross-referencing the feedback from other patrons with your own expectations for the evening, you can make an informed decision and ensure your visit to a Minneapolis cocktail bar is a memorable one.
- Companies ranked
- 13 Companies
- Average rating
- 4,6 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(456 reviews)Portal score 8,5
The Briar is a highly regarded neighborhood cafe and cocktail bar in Northeast Minneapolis known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and community-focused vibe. Customers frequently praise the quality of the coffee, unique food offerings like waffles and sandwiches, and the well-crafted cocktail menu.
- Warm and welcoming atmosphere
- High quality coffee drinks
- Well-crafted cocktails
- 034,8(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
- 044,9(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
- 054,5(662 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Luna & the Bear is a popular spot for cocktails and casual American fare, featuring a lively atmosphere and a well-regarded patio. While many guests praise the attentive service and drink menu, experiences with food consistency and kitchen efficiency vary significantly.
- Attentive and friendly service
- Well-crafted cocktails
- Popular patio space
- 064,6(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
- 074,6(1,097 reviews)Portal score 8,3
The Sample Room is a popular, cozy restaurant known for its creative menu, flavorful cocktails, and warm atmosphere. While most guests praise the high-quality food and attentive service, some diners have noted inconsistencies with food preparation, such as over-salting or charring.
- Cozy and warm atmosphere
- Creative and flavorful cocktails
- Attentive and friendly service
- 084,6(327 reviews)Portal score 8,2
Cobble Social House is a highly regarded, speakeasy-style sushi destination in Minneapolis known for its moody atmosphere and high-quality fish. While most patrons praise the creative cocktails and exceptional service, some guests find the limited seating and pricing to be drawbacks.
- High quality fresh fish
- Creative and delicious cocktails
- Exceptional and friendly service
- 094,5(470 reviews)Portal score 8,2
Upstairs Circus offers a creative social experience where guests can choose from a variety of DIY craft projects while enjoying cocktails. While most visitors praise the helpful staff and fun atmosphere, some note challenges with parking, limited food options, and occasional project availability.
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Wide variety of craft projects
- Fun social atmosphere
- 104,7(312 reviews)Portal score 8,2
Little Tijuana is a popular Minneapolis destination known for its unique, globally-influenced menu and high-quality cocktail program. While most patrons praise the energetic atmosphere and flavorful food, recent feedback indicates some inconsistency in food quality and occasional long wait times.
- High-quality, creative cocktails
- Flavorful smash burgers
- Unique, energetic ambiance
- 114,3(723 reviews)Portal score 8,1
Prohibition Bar is a 27th-floor venue in a historic building known for its creative cocktails, art deco atmosphere, and city views. While many guests praise the service and ambiance, others report challenges with seating availability, layout design, and high price points.
- Excellent creative cocktails
- Attentive and friendly staff
- Impressive city views
- 124,4(369 reviews)Portal score 8,1
Earl Giles is a distillery and restaurant praised for its unique industrial-chic atmosphere, extensive plant decor, and seasonal holiday themes. While many guests enjoy the high-quality cocktails and wood-fired pizzas, experiences with service speed and pricing consistency vary.
- Unique industrial-chic decor
- High-quality craft cocktails
- Flavorful wood-fired pizza
- 134,9(127 reviews)Portal score 8,0
Steady Pour is a highly regarded, upscale cocktail bar and event space in Minneapolis known for its cozy, speakeasy-style atmosphere and creative drink menu. Customers consistently praise the attentive staff and the venue's versatility for hosting both intimate gatherings and large private events.
- Creative and high-quality cocktails
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Cozy and upscale atmosphere
Company comparison
| Position | Company | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom's Watch Bar - Minneapolis | 4,9 |
| 2 | The Briar | 4,8 |
| 3 | Meteor | 4,8 |
| 4 | Milly's Wine Bar & Bistro | 4,9 |
| 5 | Luna & The Bear - Kitchen & Libation House | 4,5 |
| 6 | Volstead's Emporium Uptown | 4,6 |
| 7 | The Sample Room | 4,6 |
| 8 | Cobble Social House | 4,6 |
| 9 | Upstairs Circus MPLS | 4,5 |
| 10 | Little Tijuana Neighborhood Lounge | 4,7 |
| 11 | Prohibition Bar | 4,3 |
| 12 | Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery | 4,4 |
| 13 | Steady Pour | 4,9 |
Frequently asked questions
- How do I choose the best cocktail bars in Minneapolis?
- To find the best spot, look for establishments that prioritize high-quality ingredients and a unique atmosphere. Our 2026 ranking features 13 of the top-rated cocktail bars in the city to help you narrow down your search. Volstead's Emporium Uptown currently leads our list with a 4.6/5 rating.
- What should I expect when visiting a top-rated cocktail bar in Minneapolis?
- You can expect professional service, creative drink menus, and a curated environment designed for a premium experience. While prices vary depending on the complexity of the cocktails and the venue, the top-rated spots like Volstead's Emporium Uptown are known for their consistency and craft.
- How should I interpret ratings and reviews for Minneapolis cocktail bars?
- When reading reviews, look for consistent feedback regarding service speed and the quality of the drink menu. While we have identified 13 excellent options in our 2026 guide, remember that individual preferences for atmosphere can influence a rating. Volstead's Emporium Uptown stands out with a 4.6/5 rating, reflecting strong customer satisfaction.
- What is a practical tip for visiting cocktail bars in Minneapolis?
- Many of the best cocktail bars in Minneapolis, including those in our list of 13, can get quite busy on weekends, so consider making a reservation if the venue allows. Checking the menu online beforehand can also help you decide if a place matches your taste preferences. If you are looking for a highly-regarded experience, Volstead's Emporium Uptown is a great place to start.
- Are there many high-quality cocktail bars to choose from in Minneapolis?
- Yes, Minneapolis has a vibrant scene, and our 2026 guide highlights 13 of the best cocktail bars currently operating in the city. While we do not have a specific average rating for the entire category, you can use our curated list to find venues that meet high standards of quality. Volstead's Emporium Uptown is currently the top-ranked choice with a 4.6/5 rating.