8 Things to Do Before and After a Twins Game
Make the most of your time at Target Field and explore our top activities on game day.
Minnesota summers and outdoor baseball at Target Field go hand in hand. Located in the Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis, Target Field is one of the league’s best ballparks, and was named the top overall sports stadium and game experience in North America by ESPN The Magazine shortly after the new field opened in 2010. But the entertainment isn’t limited to the game. Get in on all of the action in downtown Minneapolis just outside the stadium. There is plenty of fun to be had near the ballpark. Be sure to check out Metro Transit for your game day transportation needs!
1. Grab a Local Brew
Three breweries are just around the corner from Target Field. Check out Inbound BrewCo for a cool minimalistic vibe, alternating musical acts and 12 beers on rotation. Next head over to Fulton. Minneapolis’ first tap room was built in 2009. Fulton is one of our most popular breweries and is served in over 100 local restaurants. Feeling adventurous? Modist Brewing is serving up creative and experimental brew flavors. All three breweries are within blocks of the stadium and have outdoor patios, rotating food trucks, and — above all — delicious and innovative beers. Need even more beverage choices? Check out First Draft for a unique self pour, pay-by-the-ounce draft system featuring 54 taps of beer, wine, cider, coffee, and kombucha.
2. Hang Out With Other Twins Fans
Just down the block from Target Field is Cowboy Jack’s, a saloon-style bar with an expansive rooftop patio perfect for enjoying a beer while listening to live music or playing yard games. Starting an hour before each game, Cowboy Jack’s has a number of drink and app specials.
A couple blocks down 6th street is Tom's Watch Bar. Another spot where you'll find Twins fans gathered before or after game-day. Here you'll also find drink specials, other baseball and sports games playing on one of their 100+ TVs, and maybe even hit up a game of golf on their virtual Top Golf Swing Suites.
3. Try Out The Pub Experience
Experience the atmosphere before a Twins game at one of the local pubs in town. Head to Brit’s Pub, a British-inspired Minneapolis landmark with a massive rooftop greenspace for lawn bowling. Similar to bocce ball, lawn bowling is easy to pick up, especially after a pint or two with friends. The pub serves traditional British fare like scotch eggs, fish and chips, and bangers and mash. Or, make your way over to Lyons Pub where you can rely on pub classics like sandwiches, burgers, wings, onion rings, pretzels, and more. And of course, beer. Another good spot is Kieran’s Irish Pub where you can rely on Irish staples like corned beef Reuben sandwiches, fries slathered in gravy and traditional fish and chips.
4. Get To A Rooftop
Grab a table on a rooftop for pre-game food and drink and excellent people-watching. Check out Crave Restaurant for an upscale see-and-be-seen vibe with an extensive wine list. Head to Graze Provisions + Libations for a killer view of downtown and your choice of seven different food vendors along with cocktails, wine, and beer. Nolo's Rooftop Bar opens up during the warmer months and is great for a quick bite, live music and drinks. Union Restaurant features the only year-round glass enclosed & heated retractable rooftop in Minneapolis. For something a little more exclusive, try the Rooftop Lounge at Hewing Hotel, available Tuesday-Sunday after 5 p.m. For more ideas check out our favorite rooftop patios in town!
5. Grab A Fancy Cocktail
Located within walking distance from Target Field, Parlour Bar is the spot to be for expertly crafted cocktails. Their Parlour Old Fashioned is particular popular among locals, as is their drool-worthy burger. Sit on their sidewalk patio, or head to their upstairs restaurant, Borough, for a larger outdoor atmosphere. Also located within walking distance from Target Field, is Prohibition, which you will find on the 27th floor of the historic Foshay building. It has an unabashed Great Gatsby vibe and a bird’s eye view of Minneapolis. Make a night out of it and stay at the W Minneapolis—The Foshay.
6. Explore Activities In And Around The Ballpark
If you're bringing the kids along to the game, you won't want to miss this one. There are many activities going on directly around Target Field. Get to the ballpark early and walk around the outside space called Target Plaza. Here you will find multiple photo opportunities, including an oversized bronze glove, statutes of Twins Hall of Famers, and the Tradition Wall which recognizes every player who has ever worn a Twins jersey. While you're hanging out on the plaza, stop by the Twins Clubhouse Store, a merchandise shop where you can load up on Twins gear.
Once inside, Target Field’s many “social spaces,” open to anyone with a ticket and located from behind home plate to centerfield, from foul pole to foul pole, and across all levels – from the Budweiser Roof Deck, Summit Brewing Pub and Gray Duck Deck in left field, to Schneiderman’s Lawn and Truly On Deck in right field; from Hrbek’s and Twins Pub behind home plate to Minnie & Paul’s in centerfield – are meant to be shared with friends, family and other fans in an inclusive, engaging environment.
There's also a chance to tour the ballpark and get a sneak peak at areas of Target Field that many baseball fans don't get to see. Tours are available on game days and non-game days, and tickets are available online or at the Target Field box office.
7. Go On An Outdoor Adventure
On a beautiful day in Minneapolis, all you're going to want to do is spend as much of the day outside as you can. So if you want to take advantage of a little more time in the sun before or after the game, make a stop at the Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center. It's free and completely outdoors. Take the opportunity to pose for a few selfies with some of the city's most iconic pieces of art. If you're looking to release some energy (hopefully after a Twins' victory), walk or bike along the Mississippi riverfront to the Stone Arch Bridge and see a great view of Saint Anthony Falls.
8. Sit, Relax, And Enjoy A Local Meal
Whether you want to grab a meal before the game or are ready for round two after all that cheering, there are plenty of local restaurants and flavors near Target Field. Monte Carlo is a fantastic joint with a well-preserved 1950s interior and bar and an incredible outdoor patio. Order the chicken wings. You won’t regret it. If you are looking for some comfort food, Cuzzy's is only a few blocks down from the stadium and has all the classic favorites. With its rich history, German-influenced menu and game-day specials, Gluek's Restaurant and Bar is another must-stop before the game. Get your brewpub fix at The Freehouse. Its stellar beer list and mouth-watering menu will not leave you disappointed. 112 Eatery is great late-night spot. It's famous for it's burger topped with brie but you'll find a good mix of dishes inspired by places all over the world.
For a kid-friendly atmosphere, The Loon Café or Red Cow are close by and offer plenty of menu options that you and the kids can agree on.