Where to Find the Best Cocktails in Minneapolis
Minneapolis raises the bar for all future cocktail experiences. Watch the process of carefully crafting the perfect beverage. Local ingredients. Exceptional flavors. Unique combinations. We’re talking house-made syrups, fresh-squeezed juices, collaborations with local coffee shops. We know what we’re doing (or at least our bartenders do). Check out the best places to grab a cocktail in Minneapolis.
O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co.
O’Shaughnessy Distilling Company brings together the best of Irish and American whiskey making traditions. The gorgeous and spacious cocktail bar offers a variety of whiskey-based cocktails, a full restaurant, and plenty of outdoor patio space.
Flora Room
Located in the basement of Argentinian steakhouse Porzana, Flora Room is giving us all the vibes with dim lighting, deep emerald accents, and tons of greenery throughout the space. The servers are friendly and the drinks are incredible - we suggest the Alsace and Old Fox.
Norseman Distillery
Modern twists on your favorite classics and new inventions with unique twists. Will you order from the books or from the lab? Norseman Distillery is characterized by a beautiful, bright space, hand-crafted liquors and fun cocktails to keep your taste buds on their toes.
Meteor
Serving up delicious cocktails and a menu that consists mostly of hot dogs in a dive bar atmosphere, Meteor is one of the coolest spots to grab a cocktail in Minneapolis. All of the cocktails are great, but we love the Secret Tiger and Whiskey Sour.
Billy After Dark
Wander down the alley to the right of Billy Sushi in the North Loop you'll find a back door with a neon sign. Inside is Billy After Dark (B.A.D.) — a swanky, cavernous speakeasy where you can order fine Japanese cocktails. B.A.D. is only open 5:59 to 11:59 pm because "nothing good happens after midnight."
Parlour
This industrial, yet cozy, cocktail lounge underneath Borough is the perfect spot for both your tried and true cocktails, like martinis and gimlets, and new age creations with house-made syrups and craft spirits. Sip and relax in this swanky, intimate spot. Pro Tip: Order the burger. One of the best in Minneapolis.
Cobble Social House
Cobble Social House is a trendy and up-and-coming lounge in the North Loop. With a speakeasy on the first floor and 29 dining tables on the second, Cobble Social House is an intimate spot to go to with friends before or after your dinner reservations in the neighborhood. Cobble Social House is easy to find – just look for golden eye.
Public Domain
Head to the newest cocktail bar in the North Loop for the ultimate craft cocktail experience. At Public Domain there's no menu. Tell the bartender what kind of drink you typically order, your favorite liquors, flavor profiles or sweetness preferences and they'll come back with a tasty concoction.
Colita
Colita integrates the incredibly diverse flavors of Mexico with barbecue and smoking techniques from all over the world. The cocktails reflect the flavors that Colita is known for - the Naked Dani #3 (pictured below) isn't just a great Instagram shot - it's a fun take on a margarita and one of the best sellers.
Volstead’s Emporium
Shhh – we’ve got a speakeasy on our hands. Accessible only by the dark alleyway, you may think you took a wrong turn. Keep going until you see the red light, and often times a long line of people waiting to grab a drink at Volstead’s. Grab a small group of friends or head here for date night. The dimly lit, yet intricately decorated cocktail room is a popular gathering spot for those who know about the hidden entrance. Once you enter, you’ll feel like you’re in on a secret. Grab one of their incredible cocktails and some snacks, and enjoy being an insider for the night.
Miaou Miaou
Miaou Miaou is the 5th floor cocktail lounge at the Rand Tower Hotel. This spot looks to honor post-prohibition cocktail culture while ushering in the innovation of the now. Leaning French in ingredients, but with a sleek, almost tropical flair, Miaou Miaou features show-stopping sips.
Bar Rufus
Bar Rufus honors the multi-faceted patriarch of Rand Tower Hotel, Rufus Rand. An accomplished pilot in the Lafayette Flying Corps in World War I, innovator in American aviation, father, and husband, his essence is celebrated with recognizable cocktails, featuring inventive ingredients and flavor combinations that deviate from the classic.
Giulia at Hotel Emery
Giulia's lush atmosphere accentuated with marble and plants makes for the perfect spot for a happy hour with friends. Try the Dodger, a lovely concoction of vodka, lime cordial, mint essence and soda, or the Maria, I Hardly Knew Ye — rum, pineapple, maraschino, and unrequited love. Afterwards, you'll probably want to stay for a tasty Italian dinner.
Back Bar at Young Joni
If you’re not stopping by for their food (which, you should) then it’s imperative that you get here to try out their cocktails. Grab a seat at their bar, let the bartenders recommend a drink, and stare in awe at the beauty of their interior. If you’re feeling more adventurous, head to the “Back Bar,” a hidden cocktail room in the back. Look for the red light in the alley.
Gai Noi
Ann Ahmed's newest restaurants is located in Loring Park and was recently named on New York Times Top 50 Restaurants in 2023. The expansive menu is complemented with inventive tropical cocktails. From the Watermelon & Dill '75 to the Passionfruit Negroni the drink menu is unlike any other in the city.
Petite Leon
Tucked away in south Minneapolis Kingfield neighborhood, Petite Leon is helmed by award-winning chef Jorge Guzmán and cocktail aficionado Travis Serbus. Petite Leon at its heart is a neighborhood restaurant. Everything is made with sustainable, amazing local ingredients, layers of flavor, love and a touch of nostalgia.
The Butcher's Tale
At The Butcher's Tale's Beer Garden you'll find much more beer. Their cocktail menu is filled with innovated and delicious drinks. The Banana Bread Old Fashioned, which celebrates their banana-infused whisky, and Strawberry Fields, somewhat of an updated margarita, are the highlights of the drink menu. And depending on the time of year, they have stellar seasonal cocktails, like the Merry Cherry, which has vodka, cherry-sage syrup, Elderflower, lemon, cardamom and chive oil.
Earl Giles Distillery
At Earl Giles in Northeast Minneapolis, you'll enjoy unique craft cocktails and delicious bites, so come hungry. They create and specialize in non-alcoholic cocktail mixers, tonics, and garnishes for professional bartenders and those of us who are less experienced. Relax for a quick drink or bite among the luscious greenery throughout the space, or stay a little longer at their restaurant.
Camden Social
Camden Social's goal is to connect community through great food, delicious cocktails, and premium cigars. Located in North Minneapolis, Camden Social exists to meet the demand for a high-end establishment for diverse professionals centered in Black culture.
Francis Burger Joint
This vegan burger joint in Northeast Minneapolis has a really fun cocktail menu (all of which are available alcohol-free) to go along with its creative and delicious burgers. The Schrutes and Ladders, a beet-forward beverage, is a favorite.
Mara Restaurant & Bar
This signature restaurant within Minneapolis' Four Seasons Hotel is the vision of James Beard award-winner Chef Gavin Kaysen. The lively lobby bar crafts amazing cocktails and is perfect for date nights, celebrations, and anything in between. Try the rose and jasmine-flavored Arpege or the gin-based madHAUS.
Brother Justus Whiskey Co.
Overlooking the rolling hills of the Columbia Golf Course in Northeast Minneapolis, the Brother Justus Distillery & Whiskey Room offers a beautiful setting to enjoy handcrafted whiskey and cocktails.
