Best Sports Bar Near Me
In Minnesota

Sports Bars and Game Day Traditions in Minnesota

In Minnesota, sports fandom comes with heart, history, and a whole lot of purple and gold. Whether you’re cheering for the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, Wild, or your alma mater’s hockey team, there’s no shortage of sports bars near me across the state bringing the energy. From the Twin Cities to Duluth, Rochester, and St. Cloud, the top game day bars in Minnesota blend hearty food, great beer, and fierce loyalty. Through snowstorms or sunshine, fans gather year-round to celebrate wins—and weather the heartbreaks—together.

2025 Trends for Minnesota Sports Bars

In 2025, Minnesota sports bars are leaning into warmth and tech. Heated patios with mounted screens, table-side ordering apps, and fantasy sports watch parties are becoming standard. Expect Scandinavian-influenced snacks like lingonberry meatballs and Nordic dogs, plus themed drink specials for Vikings and Wild fans. Craft beer dominates, and many bars are adding pickleball courts or curling lanes for pre-game fun. Trivia, live music, and community-driven sports leagues are keeping foot traffic steady between pro seasons.

Vibe and Experience

Friendly and fiercely loyal—that’s the Minnesota sports bar experience. Fans show up early, stay late, and know every player stat. Bars often double as neighborhood hubs, with packed Sunday brunches, hockey night parties, and Twins-viewing patios when the snow finally melts. In Minneapolis, expect modern spaces with industrial-chic flair. In St. Paul and Duluth, you’ll find cozy taverns with cabin vibes and loyal regulars. Game days are celebratory, even when the scoreboard isn’t—and yes, “SKOL” chants echo far beyond U.S. Bank Stadium.

Food and Drink Focus

Minnesota menus feature classics with regional twists—Juicy Lucys, tater tot hotdish, cheese curds, walleye tacos, and wild rice burgers. Local brews from Surly, Summit, Fulton, and Bent Paddle flow freely, and hot cocktails like bourbon apple cider or spiked hot chocolate keep fans warm through the long season. Expect Bloody Mary bars loaded with beef sticks and pickled vegetables, beer-and-a-shot specials, and plenty of Nordeast-style IPAs to toast touchdowns and buzzer beaters.

Best Cities for Sports Bars in Minnesota

Minneapolis

Home to four pro teams, the University of Minnesota, and a thriving beer scene. Downtown, Uptown, and Northeast Minneapolis offer endless bar options with game-day energy and great food.

St. Paul

From Wild hockey nights to low-key dive bars, St. Paul brings old-school sports charm and passionate local crowds. A city where everyone seems to know someone in the lineup.

Duluth

Lakefront views and hockey pride make Duluth bars a staple for college and NHL fans alike. Expect flannel, IPAs, and packed rooms in sub-zero temps.

Rochester

With a growing bar scene and loyal Vikings and Gophers fans, Rochester delivers cozy settings and great coverage for every big game.

Top 10 Sports Bars in Minnesota

Mac’s Industrial Sports Bar – Minneapolis

A Northeast Minneapolis classic with strong drinks, multiple screens, and die-hard Vikings and Gophers fans. Website: macsindustrial.com | Yelp: Mac’s | Google: Map

Bunny’s Bar & Grill – St. Louis Park

Beloved by locals for its breakfast buffet, drink deals, and classic sports bar energy. Always packed on NFL and college football weekends. Website: bunnysbarandgrill.com | Yelp: Bunny’s | Google: Map

Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub – St. Paul

Wild fans’ HQ with hockey memorabilia everywhere, classic pub eats, and unbeatable NHL viewing. Website: tomreidshockeycitypub.com | Yelp: Tom Reid’s | Google: Map

Surly Brewing Co. – Minneapolis

Craft beer lovers’ paradise with a massive beer hall, seasonal menu, and screens for every major sporting event. Website: surlybrewing.com | Yelp: Surly | Google: Map

Ray J’s American Grill – Woodbury

Wings, burgers, and great vibes. Known for friendly service and a wide selection of beer and screens. Website: rayjswoodbury.com | Yelp: Ray J’s | Google: Map

Big 10 Restaurant & Bar – Minneapolis

Campus staple with Gopher pride, great sandwiches, and a loyal following during every season. Website: big10restaurant.com | Yelp: Big 10 | Google: Map

Zorbaz – Detroit Lakes & Statewide

This funky, lakeside bar chain serves pizza, Mexican food, and big games in colorful, laid-back settings. Website: zorbaz.com | Yelp: Zorbaz | Google: Map

Grumpy’s Bar & Grill – Minneapolis

Popular dive bar with classic sports coverage, pinball, and a no-frills approach to fan watching. Website: grumpys-bar.com | Yelp: Grumpy’s | Google: Map

Grandma’s Saloon & Grill – Duluth

Iconic North Shore spot with sports, seafood, and beer in a warm, wood-paneled atmosphere. Website: grandmasrestaurants.com | Yelp: Grandma’s | Google: Map

The Loop Bar + Restaurant – Minneapolis

Trendy North Loop venue with happy hour deals, big screen TVs, and brunch-perfect cocktails. Website: theloopmpls.com | Yelp: The Loop | Google: Map