By Cari Ann Carter | Cari Ann Carter Group
There’s something special about unwinding at the end of a long day with a well-made cocktail or craft beer in good company. The Twin Cities offer an incredible range of happy hour destinations, from rooftop bars with skyline views to cozy neighborhood spots where everyone knows your name.
Whether you are new to the area or a longtime resident looking for fresh recommendations, finding the right happy hour spot can transform your weekday routine. We have spent plenty of time exploring what Minneapolis and St. Paul have to offer, and these are the destinations worth adding to your list.
Key Takeaways
- The Twin Cities offer happy hour options ranging from rooftop patios with skyline views to cozy neighborhood gastropubs
- Most happy hours run between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, with many spots offering late-night specials as well
- Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have distinct happy hour personalities, with downtown Minneapolis favoring sleek rooftops and St. Paul excelling at neighborhood charm
- Many of the best happy hour spots Twin Cities residents love are located in walkable neighborhoods near desirable real estate
Downtown Minneapolis Offers Skyline Views and Classic Cocktails
Downtown Minneapolis delivers when you want a happy hour with energy and impressive views. The North Loop and Hennepin Avenue neighborhoods are packed with options that range from upscale steakhouses to lively breweries.
Hell's Kitchen has earned its reputation as a local institution. Located underground, it offers a unique atmosphere and runs $5 happy hour drinks from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The bloody marys here are legendary, and the space can be reserved for private events when you want to gather your team.
Murray's, a Twin Cities landmark since 1946, continues to attract diners with its classic steakhouse experience. The happy hour combines great deals with a sophisticated setting that works equally well for business gatherings or celebrations with friends.
Top Downtown Minneapolis Happy Hour Picks
- Hell's Kitchen offers $5 drinks and one of the best bloody marys in town
- Murray's delivers classic steakhouse elegance with happy hour pricing
- UNION Rooftop features a retractable glass roof and stunning skyline views
- Brit's Pub combines a rooftop lawn bowling green with British pub fare
Rooftop Patios Deliver Warm Weather Gathering Spots
When the weather turns warm, Twin Cities residents head for the rooftops. These elevated spaces offer something beyond the typical bar experience, with views that make even a Tuesday feel special.
Brit's Pub on Nicollet Mall is legendary for good reason. The second-level rooftop features an actual grass lawn where you can play bocce ball while sipping a pint. The space also hosts outdoor movie nights and watch parties throughout the summer. Happy hour runs 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily.
The Hewing Hotel rooftop in the North Loop offers a more refined experience. Six stories above street level, it provides excellent views of the Minneapolis skyline along with a rooftop pool in summer and a sauna year-round.
Best Rooftop Happy Hours in the Metro
- Brit's Pub features lawn bowling, outdoor movies, and authentic British atmosphere
- Hewing Hotel rooftop delivers hotel luxury with pool access and city views
- NOLO's rooftop recently reopened with upstairs bathrooms and solid drink specials
- On the RoX offers two rooftop patios and hosts events for small groups
St. Paul Neighborhoods Shine with Local Character
St. Paul's happy hour scene has a different feel from Minneapolis. Here, neighborhood spots reign supreme, and places like Cathedral Hill and Grand Avenue offer walkable districts full of local favorites.
The Gnome Craft Pub on Selby Avenue anchors the Cathedral Hill neighborhood with over 60 beers on tap. Happy hour runs weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. with well drinks and select drafts at reduced prices. The gastropub focuses on quality comfort food alongside its impressive beer selection.
Red Cow on Selby Avenue brings a sophisticated twist to the neighborhood tavern concept. Known for gourmet burgers and craft beers, it runs happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 5:30 p.m.
St. Paul Happy Hour Standouts
- The Gnome Craft Pub offers 60 beers on tap in a modern beer hall setting
- Red Cow serves handcrafted burgers with an impressive craft beer selection
- The Lexington brings 1930s glamor with a rooftop patio and classic cocktails
- Parlour features an old-fashioned atmosphere with modern American cuisine
Grand Avenue Offers a Walkable Happy Hour Crawl
Grand Avenue in St. Paul deserves special attention for anyone looking to explore multiple spots in one evening. This historic street offers a concentration of restaurants and bars within easy walking distance of each other.
Salut Bar Americain runs happy hour every day from 3 to 6 p.m. The menu includes French-inspired bites like sweet potato waffle fries, mini cheese plates, and saffron mussels at reasonable prices. Wine options include both California and French selections.
Russell's Saint Paul on Grand Avenue offers happy hour Tuesday through Saturday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The atmosphere suits both a casual afternoon drink and a more upscale evening out.
Grand Avenue Happy Hour Highlights
- Salut Bar Americain serves French-inspired snacks and a solid wine selection daily
- Russell's offers an upscale neighborhood atmosphere with happy hour deals
- Red Rabbit brings wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta to Grand Avenue
- Emmett's Public House delivers Irish fare like shepherd's pie and Mulligan stew
The Best Happy Hour Spots Twin Cities Residents Love
Beyond the trendy new openings, some spots earn their status through consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere. These are the places locals recommend to friends and return to again and again.
Barbette on Lake Street in Minneapolis runs one of the earlier happy hours in town, from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The restaurant emphasizes sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and offers $6 house wines along with affordable French-inspired snacks.
Moto-i in the Lyn-Lake neighborhood stands out as Minnesota's only restaurant with an on-site sake brewery. The rooftop patio, ramen menu, and daily happy hour make it worth the trip from downtown.
Trusted Local Favorites Worth Visiting
- Barbette offers an early happy hour with French flair and locally sourced ingredients
- Moto-i combines Japanese cuisine with house-brewed sake and a rooftop patio
- Barrio in downtown Minneapolis serves authentic Latin cuisine with $7 margaritas
- Red Rabbit in the North Loop dishes up Italian comfort food with happy hour discounts
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does happy hour typically run in the Twin Cities?
Most Twin Cities happy hours run between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays. Some spots start as early as 2 p.m., while others offer late-night specials after 9 or 10 p.m. Weekend happy hours are less common but available at select restaurants.
Which neighborhoods have the best concentration of happy hour spots?
Downtown Minneapolis, the North Loop, and Lyn-Lake offer excellent options on the Minneapolis side. In St. Paul, Cathedral Hill and Grand Avenue provide walkable districts with multiple quality choices. Both cities reward exploration.
Are there good happy hour options with outdoor seating?
The Twin Cities excel at outdoor happy hour spaces during warmer months. Brit's Pub, Hewing Hotel, NOLO's, and The Lexington all offer memorable rooftop or patio experiences. Many neighborhood spots also feature outdoor seating when weather permits.
Find Your Perfect Twin Cities Neighborhood
Discovering great happy hour spots is just one way to get to know the character of Twin Cities neighborhoods. Whether you are drawn to the energy of downtown Minneapolis, the walkable charm of Grand Avenue, or the creative vibe of Lyn-Lake, the right neighborhood makes all the difference in daily life.
If you are considering a move to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area,
Cari Ann Carter Group brings decades of local expertise to help you find the perfect fit. We know these neighborhoods inside and out, from the best rooftop patios to the hidden gem restaurants that make each area special. Reach out to start a conversation about your next chapter in the Twin Cities.
