Thrillist: The Best Twin Cities Distilleries For Tours and Tastings

Take my advice and go get ya fancy drank on. 

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

If you, like me, love a potent, locally made, well-mixed cocktail, then look no further than my latest roundup for Thrillist. I got to locate all the best local distilleries for y'all and even interviewed one of my favorite female founders for the piece. My full text is below, or click through to see the Thrillist page and more of my fun roundups you never knew you needed.

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Pretty much everyone knows that breweries have exploded around the Twin Cities. But there’s an equally robust renaissance happening right under our noses -- distilleries are opening up left and right in Minnesota. People tend to have a divisive relationship with spirits. But Heather Manley, the founder of Crooked Water Spirits, has nothing but love for them. Manley founded Crooked Water, the first certified woman-owned distillery in the country, after enjoying a transcendent sip of a dill infused aquavit made using 50 pounds of dill per batch.

“It was like tasting a strawberry from a store versus fresh out of the garden,” she said.

Manley went home inspired to make her own potently flavored spirits. First up was a cask finished bourbon launched in 2014. After quickly selling out of that first batch, Crooked Water has since expanded to include vodka, bourbon, apple brandy, rye whiskey, gin, and its crown jewel: two ready-to-pour cocktails that rival anything you can get made fresh at a cocktail bar.

“We don’t do ‘normal.’ We’re looking at how we can be an elevated brand using elevated ingredients. We may have a higher price point, but it’s a next-level experience,” Manley says.

The proof is in the pudding, as Crooked Water has won 50 national awards and it’s become well-known for its ready-to-pour Negroni and proprietary sweet vermouth, which are primarily available in local markets. “As we’ve grown, we’ve been transparent in what we can offer, what we’re willing to give, to make sure I can fill my backyard first.”

A number of similarly excellent distilleries have sprung up around the Twin Cities over the last few years. Luckily, they have tasting rooms where you can directly sample spirits and choose a bottle or two to take home. If nothing sounds better to you than a dirty martini or unctuous Old Fashioned, read on for our favorite distilleries in the Minneapolis metro area.

Crooked Water Spirits
Uptown, Minneapolis
Although Crooked Water does not have its own tasting room, you can try its products at rotating locations around the Twin Cities. Follow the distillery on Facebook to find the next event. Our recommendations to buy? Crooked Water offers sample size bottles of the Kings Point Bourbon, Old Hell Roaring Bourbon, and the transcendent pre-mixed Manley’s Old Fashioned to try a few at once. Or splurge for a full size of one of the Negroni or Old Fashioned pre-mixed cocktails. You will be shocked at how flavorful they are compared to a fresh mixed drink. Coming this year? A pre-mixed Boulevardier and we can’t wait.

Norseman
Northeast, Minneapolis
Founded in 2013, Norseman claims to be the first legal micro distillery in Minneapolis since Prohibition and boasts one of the world’s largest craft spirits portfolios. Order a Shark Bait, mixing pineapple rum and pineapple chipotle gin, or a Flamingo with ingredients like tehkeela, yellowstone liqueur, and creole bitters. Norseman also offers fun events like distillery tours or cocktail classes that allow you to be hands on. If that isn’t enough, check out its solid happy hour every Wednesday that includes half-price classic cocktails and deals from the I Heart Tacos truck. Make sure to take a bottle of one of the distillery’s 31 unique spirits home. While the standards like gin or rum are excellent, spring for one of its unique offerings like the Olympia Liqueur, which features notes of peppermint, parsley, sage, and star anise.

Du Nord
Longfellow, Minneapolis
While micro-distilling is a field that inherently prioritizes high quality, Du Nord takes it one step further by ensuring all of its base grains and fermentables are grown right here in Minnesota. Best known for its classic spirits, Du Nord features cocktails like the Fitzgerald gin gimlet or L’Etoile vodka martini.(Read about said farmers on the website, if you want to put a face to a name.) Du Nord serves up happy hour every weekday from 5-6pm, allowing guests to bring in takeout food from local vendors. Hour-long public tours are available every Friday and Saturday.

Copperwing Distillery
St. Louis Park 
A recent addition to the distillery scene, Copperwing has made a big mark in a small amount of time. In addition to standards bourbon, vodka, and gin, Copperwing distills a proprietary liquor called Vodskey, a clear spirit made from bourbon mash that is distilled like vodka. Consider it a tasty, full-bodied spirit and a welcome flavor punch. Or try Copperwing’s signature Fresas, combining its smooth gin, fresh strawberry juice, and a bit of sweetness. Recommended cocktails include the Napoleon, made with gin, orange liqueur, and red wine aperitif, or a classic Old Fashioned. Copperwing also offers weekly live music on Wednesdays and one-hour distillery tours on Saturdays.

Tattersall
Northeast, Minneapolis
Tattersall is likely the first name that comes to mind when seeking Minnesota-distilled products. The gold standard for local distilleries, this impressive brand has more than 50 San Francisco Spirits Awards, a free app providing nearly 400 cocktail recipes at your fingertips, and was recently named one of the top 5,000 fastest-growing companies in America with no sign of slowing down. Perhaps because the distillery manager has a foraging background, Tattersall offers 24 spirits with unique flavor profiles like Creme de Fleur, a liqueur made with six different kinds of flowers, or Fernet containing more than 30 distinct botanicals. If you’re ordering at the cocktail room, we recommend getting one of the $15 flights to taste a range of products before settling on a single bottle or cocktail.

Twin Spirits
Northeast, Minneapolis
Another Minnesota-made, woman-founded distiller is Twin Spirits Distillery, offering solid standards like gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey. Twin Spirits’ differentiating product is its moonshine, which is made from Minnesota-raised honey and brewed once a month during the full moon. Feel free to make your visit an all-day affair by visiting its signature M coffee shop (where you can order your coffee with a spirited kick) in the morning, and staying through the afternoon hours on the dog-friendly patio. Twin Spirits is open Wednesday through Saturday and can provide tours with founder Michelle Winchester by request.

Dampfwerk
St. Louis Park
Opened in November 2019, Dampfwerk is a fresh addition to the Twin Cities distillery scene but already looks poised to stay. The spot sources locally grown fruits like apples and grapes to make European-inspired fruit liqueurs. Order a flight to get a taste of the brandies or herbal liqueurs, then splurge on a creative cocktail like the Green Card with gin, sarsaparilla, egg white, and bitters or the 1913 with pfeffersack (a German-style fernet), rose water, honey, and cardamom. Although the distillery is open every afternoon starting on Wednesdays, we recommend hitting it up on Sunday to order off of the sweet dessert Kaffeeklatch menu.

Royal Foundry
Harrison, Minneapolis
Royal Foundry distills spirits in the classic British tradition, meaning it turns out high quantities of gin, barrel-aged rum, and single-malt whiskey. The affordable menu includes nonalcoholic cocktails, savory snacks and tonics on tap. For the booze, snag a Cabin Fever made with butter rum, cocoa nib bitters, maple syrup; Sweater Weather combining pear vodka and cardamom bitters; or a Flight of the Kiwi mixing vodka, kiwi shrub, and bitter honey liqueur. If you like to move around while you sip your cocktail, you’re in luck: Royal Foundry has three pub skittle lanes (think bowling with smaller wooden pins) to play on while you drink.

Flying Dutchman 
Eden Prairie
Inspired by the founders’ globetrotting Dutch ancestry, Flying Dutchman takes a worldwide approach to distilling. Offering four core spirits (vodka, rum, an agave-based spirit similar to tequila, and a Mediterranean herbal gin), Flying Dutchman is more focused on the group experience than individual drop-ins. Contact the distillery to schedule tours, group tastings, or corporate events. Or, if you want to get even more hands-on, apply for the apprenticeship program to learn the entire craft of distilling from bottom to top.

Vikre
Duluth
If you fancy your cocktails a little further from home, consider road tripping to beautiful Duluth to sample the delights of Vikre Distilling. Vikre’s dynamic founders have compelling stories you’ll want to chat about for hours over drinks. Luckily, its products are as good as their origin stories. The signature cocktails are supremely creative. We recommend a Ponyboy (apricot-infused aquavit, coconut milk, turmeric syrup, and lime) or the Odd Job (a bracing blend of olive oil-washed gin and americano). Vikre also offers an equally creative menu of zero-proof cocktails if you’re off the wagon, and stay tuned for their rotation of bottled spirits to expand in the near future. Buy a to-go pack of the Frenchie, Vikre’s signature canned cocktail that riffs on a French 75 with an effervescent blend of gin, rosé, lemon, bubbles, and floral liqueur.

Thrillist: How to Volunteer in the Twin Cities This Holiday Season

Don't be a Scrooge. 

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

The season of giving is upon us! While that most often means an exhausting list of shopping, wrapping, and gift giving and receiving, I also like to think that it's a time to think even more than usual about giving back to our communities. And the best part is that volunteering is FREE - it just requires a little effort to sign up and schedule a few hours to give back.

Click here to see my list of the best organizations to volunteer with and donate to for Thrillist at this time of year. Please keep in mind that these are worthy causes ALL times of year; but if you're trying to squeeze in some final gifts before tax season, or want to share a portion of your gifts with the wider community, these are perfect places to turn to first. Let me know in the comments - what did I miss? Who else would you add to this list?

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During the season of gratitude and giving, is there any better time of year to consider giving back to your community? Many organizations struggle to advertise when they need help, especially when funding is limited. To help connect the dots, we have rounded up plenty of options for causes around the Twin Cities that can use your helping hands now, or at any time of year, to build a better community. If you still can’t find anything on this list that calls to you, head to Hands on Twin Cities or Volunteer Match to search from hundreds of other opportunities.

For those concerned about homelessness and surviving the cold weather
Homelessness is a growing epidemic in the Twin Cities. AEON is one of the best organizations working to solve this problem by preserving and building affordable housing for communities in transition from experiencing homelessness, and nearly 95% of donations go to support operations. PRISM provides holistic services, healthy food, and weather appropriate clothing. Elim Lutheran Church opens cold shelters this time of year. Bridging provides necessary housing items for people transitioning out of homelessness. If you’d rather volunteer directly in a shelter, reach out to St. Stephen’s, People Serving People, or Simpson Housing Services.

For those passionate about helping the elderly 
One of the most overlooked communities year-round is the elderly. Little Brother partners younger volunteers with older folks to help them find and enjoy social engagement. Neighbors Inc. provides gift assistance for seniors who may not be able to exchange gifts with friends and family. Other great organizations include MN Seniors, Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, and Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin, all of whom find people to visit less mobile elderly in senior homes. If you’d rather fly solo, simply stop by the nearest senior center to you to share your gifts; musical performances are especially appreciated.

For those passionate about food justice and feeding the hungry
One in eight children in Minnesota is at risk of experiencing chronic hunger. Second Harvest Heartland connects food to people in need, providing more than 89 million meals and 32 million pounds of fresh produce to over half a million people in the state. Loaves and Fishes is another great option for group volunteer projects. The Sheridan Story generally focuses on packing meals for kids so they can eat over the weekend. Appetite for Change is a fantastic option for anyone focused on creating intersectional good, where you can help them educate students on urban farming and leadership, or work on-site in the restaurant incubator. Campus Kitchen is a model of food efficiency, repurposing leftover cafeteria food to provide over 1,000 meals each month to organizations around Minneapolis. And Open Arms Minnesota cooks and delivers nutritious foods to those suffering from life threatening illnesses.

For those passionate about education and literacy
Education is a field that is perennially looking for volunteers. From January through May, the Minnesota Urban Debate League is seeking some to judge debates between the 1,200 students they serve across Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Minnesota Historical Society hosts History Day every year at the University of Minnesota and you can be a judge of student research projects. The East Side Freedom Library houses non-circulating research collections and needs volunteers for educational programs. If you’re passionate about music, consider contacting the Walker West Music Academy, an innovative school that trains students of all ages in music of the African-American tradition. Urban Ventures always needs help with after-school programs and coaching opportunities. Give the gift of a lifelong love of reading through Reading Partners. Or consider going straight to the source and volunteering through Minneapolis Public Schools or St. Paul Public Schools.

For those concerned about current immigration policies
Few subjects are as heated right now as immigration and refugee resettlement. The International Institute of Minnesota needs ongoing help with a number of services for new arrivals to the U.S., including employment placement. The Minnesota Council of Churches provides similar services and has long been a trusted first point of contact. The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota always needs help providing free legal advice to those caught in between systems. Advocates for Human Rights needs volunteers in a similar capacity, but also offers opportunities for less technical roles like observing court proceedings. Contact the International Education Center to help teach English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.

For those dedicated to making this a happy holiday season
Events targeted towards the holidays are often the first time people get experience with hands-on volunteering. Through the end of November, Free Bikes 4 Kidz needs volunteers to clean and fix donated bikes for Christmas gifts. Operation Christmas Child or Toys for Tots are justifiably famous gift-giving charities that have robust local outposts. Interfaith Outreach is an inter-religious way to offer gifts, or Hospitality House Youth Development subsidizes the cost of holiday gifts so parents can shop for items their kids want. There’s the upcoming Not So Silent Night Holiday Market, which benefits YouthLink MN. Best of all is that many of the goods for sale benefit local causes and all are locally made, like Larissa Loden’s gorgeous jewelry company which donates 5% of all profits to support Cookie Cart.

For those who like to drink their beer and do good, too
One of the coolest trends in the rise of our urban breweries is the vast amount of community engagement they have spurred. Finnegan’s is the one that started it all, donating profits from every beer sold since its 2000 inception to community organizations and hosting ongoing Community Action Nights and Reverse Food Truck events. One of Minnesota’s most famous breweries, Surly has ongoing events ranging from blood drives to food deliveries through its program Surly Gives A Damn. Dangerous Man Brewing has a similarly robust program that hosts events all year; it’s an approachably low-key involvement that allows volunteers to show up as they’re available via their email list. For the more physically active, the Brewery Running Series raises funds for local organizations, lets you run a short race, and gives you free beer privilege (we call that a win-win-win).

For those who want to support diverse communities
As governmental aid for immigrant and refugee communities continues to dwindle, organizations servicing such groups need more help than ever. For the East African community, consider the African Development Center, which includes a bank, community center, and educational classes on finance and business. The SEAD Project helps the Southeast Asian diaspora and also has a satellite office in Laos. And there are a host of groups working with the local Latin American community: Consider La Oportunidad, which hosts youth and literacy programs; CLUES, helping with food distribution, ESL teaching and mentorship; or the Latino Economic Development Center, which hosts several key fundraisers throughout the year to provide vital scholarship money to Latino students.

For those concerned about climate change
If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, consider working with local environmental causes. Start with the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, which has a list of environmentally-focused organizations seeking volunteers. Help keep local green spaces fresh by volunteering with the Minneapolis Parks Organization or Hennepin County. The Women’s Environmental Network has a host of ways to get involved in environmental causes with a group of like-minded ladies. For larger scope projects, the Minnesota DNR is always looking for people to help clear trails, gather seeds, and identify species. A more low-key way to help out is through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which has several ideas that citizens can implement on their own. If giving back is a more a resolution for 2020, reach out to Great River Greening, which hosts targeted restoration events every spring and fall at sites around the Twin Cities.

Thrillist: Best Dive Bars in Minneapolis

What's better than a cheap ass dive with filling food and stiff drinks? 

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

My answer: basically nothing.

I have always held an unholy love in my heart for dive bars, and I cannot stress how much fun it was to compile a list of the best ones in the Twin Cities for my friends over at Thrillist. We are blessed with a really great host of dives to check out in Minnesota and the hardest part was honestly narrowing this list down!

Click here to see the full piece on the site; I'm copying the text below too for a quick scan if you want to check it out in one stop. And let me know - what did I miss? Where do I need to check out next? I love a good dive, I'll take any and all suggestions!


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One of life’s most amazing pleasures involves finding that one great dive bar that you can call your home away from home. While we love all of the Twin Cities' many great dives, and boy do we have a lot, we do also have our standouts. This isn’t about bars with fine prohibition-style cocktails or incredible craft beer selections, it’s about dark watering holes where you and other people like you congregate in order to escape the outside world. And we'll cheers to that.

Neumann’s Bar
Est. 1887 | North St. Paul
The owners of Neumann’s Bar claim it’s the oldest still operating bar in Minnesota, and they might be right. The speakeasy that helped the town survive Prohibition is still open upstairs, and curious history fans are welcome to snoop around to check it out. Perhaps most unique, though, is the tank of live frogs that has graced the windows since the 1930s and the live fishing bait still sold in the main bar. For a blast from the past that still feels comfortably modern, Neumann’s a is a don’t miss on your dive bar tour.

Matt’s Bar
Est. 1954 | Powderhorn
The best food at a dive has to go to Matt’s Bar, the home of the infamous Juicy Lucy. Not familiar? The geniuses behind Matt’s decided that melty cheese deserve to be inside the burger rather than on top - and the rest is history. In an age of hand-ground short rib burgers, there is nothing gourmet about this menu and we like it that way. A regular hamburger still costs less than four bucks, tap beer comes in pitchers, and you can’t find a cozier place in town to beat the impending snowy nights.

Half Time Rec / Paddy Shack
Est. ?? | Como
Not every dive that can boast a two-for-one, but Half Time Rec’s got it down pat. By folding Irish-style Paddy Shack into the bar four years ago, Half Time Rec ensured it is a dive bar that is here to stay. You’ll still find the ripped up seats, daily happy hour and karaoke nights of yore, but now you can pair them with some of the best excellent bar food. Our advice? Head straight for the signature dishes -- like a gluttonous ham and cheese toasty -- for a satisfying way to soak up your Bloody Mary or beer back.

Palmer’s
Est. 1906 | West Bank
If a dive bar could be an icon, Palmer’s would be it. They’ve got an outdoor fire pit, a shockingly great musical lineup (including jug bands) indoors and outdoors, and a history longer than most of Minneapolis combined. Founded by the Minneapolis Brewing Company (predecessor to iconic beer brand Grain Belt), Palmer’s has outlasted Prohibition, waves of varying immigrant communities, and even the credit card trend (yes, this remains one of the last cash-only holdouts around). No tour of Twin Cities dives is complete without a stop at Palmer’s.

The Vegas Lounge
Est. 1973 | Northeast
Locals know that, if you’re down for karaoke, there is nowhere more legendary to take the stage than The Vegas Lounge. It’s become such a popular karaoke bar that you can expect to pack in elbow to elbow and fight for a seat. But it’s a dive, and where’s the fun if you don’t have to work for it a little bit, right? Karaoke happens every single night here, so if you want to go (and really, you should -- don’t let us scare you off), make sure to get there early to snag a seat and a drink or three before the pandemonium begins.

Skinners
Est. 2000 | West 7th
Community is the name of the game at Skinner’s, the latest in a long line of dives at this iconic St. Paul location. You’ll find all the usual dive bar features here, along with an innovative and assertive approach to community engagement. Skinner’s is committed to serving the military community in Minnesota and around the globe -- so much so that it won the first-ever national award for civilian service to the National Guard. Don’t just take our word for it.

Schooner Tavern
Est. 1932 | Longfellow 
Live bands with no cover charge is a rarity these days, and Schooner Tavern knows a thing or two about dive bar hospitality. Twice-weekly bingo and meat raffles, a rotating cast of regulars, and two heated patios mean this dive can accommodate fun in any kind of weather. Free popcorn, free hot dogs on Fridays, $3 beers, and easy access to public transit make this a must-stop. You can’t afford not to go, really.

The Cardinal on 38th
Owners don’t even know | South Minneapolis 
Take a poll of Minneapolitans and The Cardinal is sure to top their list of favorite dives. With all the hallmarks of a great dive bar -- tasty food like fried Stevie wings and deep fried green beans with sweet cajun sauce, cheap beers, karaoke, pleather seating -- it also sneaks in surprises. Some of the latest additions, like homemade hard seltzers, make this place a crowd-pleaser, and mean you can get your 100-calorie drink on despite the national shortage of White Claw (you’re welcome). Oh, and everything on the menu is well under $20, making this an incredibly affordable date night.

Liquor Lyle’s
Est. 1963 | Uptown
A legendary keystone in Twin Cities drinking culture, Liquor Lyle’s has been serving up two-for-ones every day for decades. It’s a surefire bet when you want quantity over quality, but there’s good stuff to be found here, too. Order up some tot-chos (nachos, but made with tater tots) and squeaky cheese curds to have the most Minnesotan bar meal of your life. Come any night of the week and enjoy free parking, all-day breakfast, and food served until 1 a.m.

The Terminal Bar
Est. 1932 | Northeast
Another long-time holdout that is powering through gentrification in the Twin Cities is Terminal Bar. All you need to know is in a quick sweep of the reviews, where the top phrases used include “dive bar,” “whiskey,” and “doghouse swine.” Local music fans can come every week to see multi-band shows with no cover charge, leaving patrons with more cash for a brewsky or two. Come for a wild card musical adventure and stay for a night you’ll most likely forget.


Hexagon Bar
Est. 1934 | Seward 
Metalheads have long frequented Hexagon Bar (lovingly known as “the Hex”) for decades, and they’re not stopping anytime soon. Pool tables, dusty rope lights, and a staffed bingo counter with plenty of pull tabs make this one of the last dives in the city that hasn’t cleaned up some part of its act. Don’t expect anything but the basics here -- but why would you ask anything more of your favorite dive anyway? Make sure to visit its Facebook page for an update on the rotating list of punk and metal bands playing every week.

CC Club
Est. 1934 | Lyndale
Good luck finding a seat at the CC Club, perhaps the best known dive still standing in the heart of Uptown. With a spacious back patio, morning cocktails, and industry nights, it’s regularly packed to the gills. While the rest of Uptown might be getting a makeover, the CC Club hasn’t lost its rock and roll vibe. Think of it as the First Avenue of dive bars and worthy of a stop at least once.

Grumpy’s NorthEast
Est. 1998 | Northeast Minneapolis
Northeast Minneapolis is a legendary haven for dive bars in the Twin Cities. With great power comes great responsibility and Grumpy’s doesn’t disappoint, serving up an excellent rotation of burgers, robust beers, and free specialty events like Firkin Fridays -- where guests can try rare editions of local beers and specialty foods like octopus on a stick. It’s a little less divey than its late, great sister Grumpy’s in Downtown Minneapolis (RIP), but still a solid bet for a Northeast night out.

Mayslack’s
Est. 1955 | Northeast Minneapolis
Daily drink specials aren’t the only draw for Mayslack’s. There’s also live music, game day specials and the real draw -- the food. Mayslack’s serves up better-than-average eats off of its wide-ranging menu, including the addictive waffle fries with seasoned sour cream. From its origins as a Polish-owned polka bar to its current life as a comfort food castle, Mayslack’s is one of the last remnants of this historic Minneapolis neighborhood.

Dusty’s
Est. 1952 | Northeast Minneapolis
With an impressive list of locally made taps, a meat raffle, vintage beer signs, and light bar games, Dusty’s manages to bridge nostalgia into modern success. Not one to be outdone by its fellow innovative dive bar menus, Dusty’s is the origin of the Dago burger. Less famous than it’s sister the Juicy Lucy, the Dago is certainly not any less delicious. Composed of a homemade Italian sausage patty, any iteration of the Dago is a welcome flavor bomb to sop up your beers.

Merlins Rest Pub
Est. 2007 | Longfellow
Bagpipe performances? Whiskey and scotch tastings? Free Wi-Fi? A little more on the pub side of the spectrum, Merlins Rest still qualifies as a Longfellow dive with a slightly spiffier sheen. It doesn’t disappoint, though, with themed events like kilt and corset night or the drunken knitters club. It’s also one of the few kid-friendly locations on the list, meaning you can continue to enjoy dives even into early parenthood -- thank god for that!

Thrillist: Best Rooftop Bars

The weather's warming up, so you know what that means... 

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

Patio time! But patios fill up so quickly when the weather is nice; what to do? Hit one of the spectacular rooftops (or honorary rooftops) in my latest piece for Thrillist. I've got several favorites here (some of which I'm loathe to share, but hey - I want these places to stay in business). Click here to read the full article, and tell me: what are your favorite rooftops to visit? Where should I go next? I'd love to know.

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What do you do when the weather’s a perfectly sunny 75+ degrees but every patio in sight is packed to the gills? Head upstairs, naturally. Some of the Twin Cities’ savviest diners know that the best real estate is really on the rooftop, where you can get direct access to cool breezes and skyline views in addition to your happy hour tipples. Many venues are adding niche entertainment aside from stunning views, making these destinations worth a stop for more than drinks. From themed cocktails to arcade games, hot new venues to lush cool foliage, we have something for every diner’s rooftop dreams. Here are a few favorites:

Brit's Pub Downtown
Downtown, Minneapolis
The rooftop to rule them all
When it comes to rooftop patios, one name always rises to the top. The worst kept secret in downtown Minneapolis, Brits has a fabulous space that goes far beyond simple dining. Outdoor second level bar? Check. Indoor overflow in case of unexpected summer showers? Check. An all-grass, barefoot bocce ball court that also serves as a plein air movie theater and soccer stadium? Check, check and check. Don’t miss it, especially for this year’s Women’s World Cup. A word to the wise, however: although Brits’ capacity marches well over 2,000 patrons at a time, it regularly fills up on soccer days. Get there early.

Louis Ristorante & Bar West 7th St
Downtown, St. Paul
Italian food that would even impress Tony Soprano
Better known on the street as Cossetta’s, Louis Ristorante is the glamorous top-shelf eatery perched at the top of this Italian culinary retail mecca. I honestly hate to invite even more traffic to Louis because I love it so much (especially the melted mozzarella appetizer – don’t ask, just get it and thank me later), but it really is the best. With great service, spectacular food, lovely vistas from St. Paul’s highest rooftop, and an innumerable amount of delicious items to purchase and take home later in the main floor specialty grocery, Louis is a mustn’t-miss experience for any St. Paul summer rooftop dining.

Moto-I Uptown
Uptown, Minneapolis
The sake brewery and steamed bun rooftop of your dreams
Doing ramen before anyone knew who David Chang was, Moto-I is a perfect stop for fulfilling your umami Japanese food cravings. Not into the idea of mixing your ramen with a hot, sunny rooftop? That’s cool too. With miso popcorn, a full suite of steamed buns available, and a daily happy hour, Moto-I has plenty for the snackier al fresco diner. Moto-I also happens to be the only restaurant in Minnesota that can claim to have an on-site sake brewery, meaning any sake drinks you order are guaranteed to be found nowhere else on earth (we recommend a flight so you can try them all).

The Liffey
Downtown, St. Paul
For your whiskey and chicken shot cravings
There are a plethora of excellent Irish pubs scattered throughout the Twin Cities, but the only one with a rooftop to enjoy is the Liffey. Holding down the corner of the rapidly developing West 7th in downtown St. Paul, the Liffey is the OG hotel bar that will wipe all your Holiday Inn blues away. It also (impressively, for bar food) features a gluten free menu and a veggie juicy lucy burger, so you can take even the pickiest of eaters with you. Thrifty diners take note: if you join the Liffey’s pub club you will get 10% back on all food and beverage purchases.

Libertine
Uptown, Minneapolis
A mainstay with N64 games and giant beer pong
In a neighborhood where restaurants swiftly change tenants, Libertine has proved to have staying power. That might be because they know how to evolve smartly with the times, adding elements like giant beer pong and Nintendo 64 games to attract new generations of diners. The cheeky menu tops out at $16 for the most expensive options, and the impressive drink list includes towers of rose for your group that break out to $6 per serving. The rooftop patio is a great place to sit and hang when the weather gets nice, with a view of downtown Minneapolis’s beautiful skyline from the rooftop obstructed only slightly by neighboring Stella’s.

4Bells
Loring Park, Minneapolis
The best kept secret in Twin Cities fine dining
A quiet four blocks from her more famous big sister restaurant the Butcher & the Boar, 4Bells is still quietly producing some of the consistently best food in the Twin Cities. A new chef has revived the Southern Lowcountry roots of this restaurant, bringing back the fried chicken, fluffy biscuits and spicy shrimp and grits to community- wide applause. The cocktails are still fantastic, including that beet juice negroni and gin and tonics (where the tonic is house-made). Even better? A perch on the roof will nab you gorgeous views of the Basilica and Loring Park. Make sure to take the back stairs so you don’t miss the fabulous giant squid mural on your way out.

Ox Cart Arcade and Rooftop
Lowertown, St. Paul
An '80s- and '90s-themed wonderland
Oh what a difference a few short years can make. What began two years ago as Ox Cart Ale House has evolved into an '80s and '90s-themed entertainment hub. The revamped facility has Ms. Pac-Man and many pin ball and arcade games, as well as a menu with kitschy items like artisanal pop tarts, Minnesota sushi, and bacon on a stick by the half pound. The drinks are equally creative, including mystery shots in Capri Sun pouches, booze-filled snow cones, and the Wu Tang made with tequila and OG Tang powder. Thanks to Chef Justin Sutherland’s newfound television fame, this location is sure to be packed to the gills all summer long, especially since the hours are Thursday – Sunday only.

Boca Chica
West St. Paul
Three words: Affordable. Rooftop. Margaritas.
Mexican food is finally getting its fair due in the Twin Cities, and where better to head than Cesar Chavez Avenue to experience it? Boca Chica has an unusual facility that includes indoor murals and a walk out patio with shady umbrellas overlooking a grassy hill; the overall footprint is far larger than it seems from the street level. The large tables are great, because you’ll want to take full advantage of Boca Chica’s excellente happy hour menu (including $5 margaritas, $3 tap beers and $5 – 7 appetizers) by ordering one of everything.

LynLake Brewery
Uptown, Minneapolis
The rooftop that lets you bring your own food
Of all the rapidly developing neighborhoods in the Twin Cities, Uptown is certainly one of the busiest. The constant foot traffic means buildings have to be creative about finding outdoor space, like this brewery converted from an old theater. Going strong for five years now, LynLake Brewery features dozens of delicious brews to cool yourself down on hot summer days. Even better? The kitchen is getting a full update for the first time and will feature rotating pop up guest chef and food trucks as of June 2019, meaning you'll never be bored with the food choices.

The Lexington
Macalaster – Groveland, St. Paul
Tiki cocktails for your pleasure
The restaurant theme of 2019 seems to be a revival of the Twin Cities’ grande dame dining spaces, but only one of them had the foresight to install a rooftop patio for the modern eater to enjoy. The Lexington, St. Paul’s answer to Minneapolis’s vaunted 510 Groveland address, has a swaggy rooftop that will net you some high-end Asian fusion cuisine (like foie gras-stuffed potstickers, a pineapple kimchi-topped Hawaiian hot dog, or kalua pig cubano sliders) and cutting-edge tiki cocktails. Make sure to wear your best Hawaiian shirt with your shades.


Up Down
Uptown, Minneapolis
Cheap games, pizza, and several floors of fun
Gaming while drinking is one of the hottest trends to hit the Twin Cities in the last two years. Up Down, a multi-floor arcade experience in the heart of Uptown, is best poised to take advantage of this during the summer months. The main floor includes an arcade jam-packed with vintage and modern games, while the rooftop patio has group gaming and more tactile activities like life-size Jenga. With pizza by the slice and game fees topping out at 25 cents per play, you can’t beat Up Down as one of the most creative, affordable dates in town.

Giulia
Downtown, Minneapolis
A lush rooftop experience when it’s too wet everywhere else
What if you want a rooftop experience but it’s raining cats and dogs? The unusual space surrounding Giulia, the most exciting addition to the downtown Minneapolis’ culinary scene in a while, is the perfect answer. An indoor jungle paradise of skylights and endless greenery surrounds this eatery serving up pitch-perfect northern Italian cuisine. Swig one of the specialty negronis (the smoky mezcal Spaghetti Western or the excellently balanced Classic negroni on-tap are our recommendations) and order tableside fresh pulled mozzarella (yes, they make it right in front of you) for a culinary experience that you’ll never forget, rain or shine.


UNION
Downtown Minneapolis
Where the drag brunch is the hottest ticket in town
Despite a sleepy start when it first opened, Union has rebranded itself into *the* hottest brunch ticket in Minnesota thanks to Flip Phone’s ingeniously themed weekly drag brunches. This location is a surefire bet year-round as shows take place snow, rain or shine thanks to Union’s year-round, glass-enclosed, heated rooftop patio. Appetizers and shareables are definitely the star of this menu, so bring a group with you to enjoy (and let’s be honest, who werks a drag show solo anyway?). Snatch your tickets early as tickets to drag brunches at Union sell out almost immediately.

Target Field and CHS Field
Downtown Minneapolis and Lowertown, St. Paul
Stadiums count as patios, right?
Are baseball stadiums technically rooftop patios? No. Do I care? Not a bit, because some of the most unique dining options available these days are on the top tier of local stadiums. Target Field has consistently knocked it out of the park with their al fresco dining options, including chicken and waffle cones, bacon tot dish, impossible burgers, vegan sriracha brats and traditional Kramarczuk’s sausages. CHS Field is nipping at their heels with an impressive 30+-tap beer open air beer garden, handmade sausages and what has been aptly entitled the “Belly Buster.” Go beyond baseball this summer and try out either option.

6Smith
Wayzata
Swanky suburban rooftop with a view
What should you do if you live in the suburbs and don’t want to blow your dining budget on a pricey Uber into the city? Stay local by enjoying a rooftop view of summer shenanigans on Lake Minnetonka instead. The seasonal space at 6Smith (soon to open for 2019) gives access to high-end dining options, including lavish weekend brunches, an expansive menu focused on surf and turf, and a full menu just for vegans. 6Smith also regularly hosts classes and special events, so make sure to check their event calendar ahead of time if you want a more hands-on experience.

Locally-Made Boozy Musts for July 4th Celebrations

There's never been a better time to #drinklocal

Be honest, what's better than a strong cocktail on a rooftop on a gorgeous day? Nuthin'

We're in the throes of #libation season, a favorite time of year for me, and I couldn't resist sharing some of my favorite new finds ahead of the coming holiday. If you're off on Independence Day and planning a celebration (aren't we all?), there are some kickin' local breweries and distilleries you should source some of your drinks from. I've tried selections from each of these brands and can confidently say that there is something good for everyone here. Supporting local business is always a good idea - read about some other locally-made, family-friendly treats here.

The new Finnegans taproom has so many kickass new flavors!

Finnegans: Beer for a Worthy Cause
The delightful new Finnegans tap room has received oodles of local press, and for good reason. This delish local beer brand has been brewing up a storm since well before the current craft beer craze exploded. Donating 100% of profits to charities that provide food for the hungry, Finnegans is a perfect model of having your cake and eating it too (literally) - you get affordable, delicious beer that supports the local economy, and in turn your money helps provide meals for those who don't have enough to eat. What is there to lose?

Finnegans is truly mission driven in the best way possible

I *highly* recommend you check out Finnegans gorgeous new space in Downtown Minneapolis when you get a chance (and even consider becoming a member of their exclusive Brewer's Den; more details here), but if you don't have time to do so before the holiday, pick up a case or two of one of their beers (my favorites? the Irish Ale or the Cluster Truck IPA) to sample with friends at your July Fourth cookout. I can testify that the beer is awesome and it's the perfect conversation starter to help you feel good in more ways than one.

Can't stop thinking about these gorgeous liquors

Crooked Water Spirits: Perfect Cocktails

Adhering to specific liquor brands was never really my thing, but I might change my tune after sampling the wares from Crooked Water Spirits. First things first: this line of eight spirits is good - really good. In fact, it's the first ever whiskey I've liked to drink straight, and their pre-mixed Old Fashioned has become my go-to housewarming gift for friends who drink. Their gins are made with local herbs and mix beautifully into light, summery cocktails, and you can't go wrong with just about any combo you make with their products. I've been keeping a bottle of the gin in my freezer and it's a delicious, chilled nightcap for warm days.

Heather Manley = literal #girlboss

The fact that this is the first ever certified women-owned distillery in the U.S.? That's just icing on the proverbial rum-soaked cake. I've met the founder Heather Manley, and she's a straight up #girlboss who is going to totally transform the liquor industry one barrel at a time. This line is well priced for the quality and I highly recommend you check it out. You can buy Crooked Water Spirits online by clicking here, or physically find it in Minnesota (and in many other states!) on liquor store shelves at Target, Walmart, and other local purveyors. Oh, and don't forget to follow the Crooked Water Sprits Instagram account - it will give you serious #FOMO and some awesome cocktail ideas.

Ale Asylum has a huge line of beers for every palate

Ale Asylum: A Lighter, Diverse Range of Wisconsin Beers 

For a long time Ale Asylum's brand was exclusive to Wisconsonites, but no more. With their launch at Republic last fall, Ale Asylum cracked into the Twin Cities market and has charged faithfully forward ever since. I have sampled a few of these beauties and while they're not going to knock the door down a la other local brands like Dangerous Man or Surly, they are totally drinkable, really good fits for summer outings. They've got a robust listing of different varietals - so it's not all big, hoppy IPAs if that's not your thing - including a giant range of seasonal beers. Buyers take note: these are some high ABV beers and can quickly creep up on you, so if you're outside in the heat drinking them make sure you hydrate too. If you want to know how to find a case or two to keep on the boat (#YOLO), check out Ale Asylum's awesome beer finder (click here) to search by zip code and type.