The Best Places for a Group Hangout in Minneapolis

It feels like articles and blogs that look at restaurants and bars often focus exclusively on how well those places cater to one-on-one interactions like first dates. We've done this, too. But part of having a great social life isn't just going on dates. It's going out with a group.

The best bars for groups in Minneapolis have plenty of similar qualities to the best places for a date, but there are unique aspects to how they are laid out and what events and activities they offer that set them apart.

When planning an outing to group friendly bars, what are some things you should look for? What can you do to make the night easier on the staff so that you get the best possible service? And what are some of the best spots to hang out in the best neighborhood for nightlife in the Twin Cities — The North Loop?

What to Look for in the Best Bars for Groups in Minneapolis

There are several qualities that make a great hangout bar. Before you head out with your friends, choose a place that brings great energy and nightlife vibes, while still offering space to relax and enjoy the night. Check to see that it has the following qualities to make your night perfectly comfortable and chill.

Space and Seating

It always feels bad when you go out with a group, but the bar doesn't have the space to accommodate your crew comfortably. Bars with open space and a variety of tables like hightops, booths, or communal tables allow everyone to stay engaged with everyone else.

Easy Ordering

Ordering snacks and drinks at a joint with live music or simply a bar that is busy can be hard. Lots of places have begun to incorporate QR code ordering, allowing you to put in your order with your table number directly to the serving staff without the need to line up at the bar or flag down a server.

High Quality Sound, Lighting, and Vibes

It's important to be able to see your friends, hear your friends, and enjoy your night out with your friends. A bar that has good lighting, the right volume on their sound system, and overall good vibes will help your group share pitcher drinks and keep your conversations going until closing time.

Location, Parking, and Transit

It doesn't matter how good a place's vibes are if it's a pain to get there. Picking a place with access to plentiful parking and transit options makes everything easier for your whole group. A great thing about casual group bars in North Loop locations is that you have the access you need, plus plenty of ride-share options if driving yourself home is unwise.

Tips to Plan the Perfect Group Night Out

As you get further and further away from your college years, the ability of your whole friend group to gather at the drop of a hat becomes rarer and rarer. That's why putting a little planning into a night out with your crew can go a long way towards making sure that everyone has an easy time getting together and enjoying the evening.

Get a Head-Count and Time Window

Say you want to hit up bars with board games available for patrons to play. You don't want to show up for a Carcassone night with one too many players. The extra person will be left out and aggravated all night. Having a head-count can make a huge difference when it comes to planning a night around an activity when you are looking for a place that can accommodate the size of your group.

You should also establish a time window, so that people can plan their travel and know when things are popping off. After all, you can't get the most out of hitting up a bingo night if you don't show up when the game is happening. 

Have a Party Captain

When planning a night out, it is easy to get caught in the weeds that come when you just have too many options. Have one member of your group serve as the host or Party Captain to make final plans. And include backup locations if your initial bar choice is too packed or doesn't actually have as much space for you as you anticipated.

Read more: The Art & Technique of the Perfect High Five

Check for Reservations

If you want a private area in the bar for your party or if you just want to make sure there is enough table space for you and your group, consider checking to see if your preferred bar takes reservations. Not every bar takes reservations, so if you are determined to go to a specific place, be prepared to set your group time window earlier in the night to beat the crowd.

Pre-Order Strategy

The idea here is to have some pitchers or shareable appetizers ready as soon as your group arrives. Some places will allow you to make an order online with a set time that you will arrive. In other cases, your Party Captain can arrive early and place an order for the table that will be ready just as your group is set to get to the bar.

An Incomplete List of the Best Group Bars in Minneapolis

Plenty of bars offer group drink specials or have happy hour discounts on food and drinks. But here is a list of great bars for group hangouts to help you find your next night out destination in Minneapolis. 

The Rabbit Hole

Speaking of great happy hours in Minneapolis, The Rabbit Hole has one of the best. The menu features elevated bar classics while the drinks always hit the spot. Happy hour specials include beer, wine, and some custom-made zero proof drinks for those who want to have a great time but need to hold off on alcohol consumption.

Also, The Rabbit Hole takes reservations for large groups and for groups that want to grab seats to watch a game on one of the 42 big screen TVs around the bar. There are private and semi-private areas throughout the space, so you can always have the kind of night you and your friends want.

The Freehouse

A great place to go for everything from "breakfast to beers," The Freehouse is a great spot for an easy hang. Their house beers and brunch-friendly drinks are smooth and delicious and their menu is top-notch whether you are there in the morning, afternoon, or late at night.

Modist Brewing

One of the best Minneapolis taprooms, Modist Brewing rotates taps depending on season and on brewer creativity. Modist is always coming up with new flavor profiles for their beer and THC drinks. No one is making cooler drinks anywhere in Minnesota.

Fulton Beer

There aren't many Minneapolis breweries as iconic as Fulton. From bold IPAs to a smooth Lonely Blonde (their classic American blonde ale), Fulton has something for everyone. The Fulton Beer taproom has a great food menu as well, so your group can have a full-flavored, culinary experience with some of Minnesota's best beer.

Smack Shack

Are you and your crew craving a taste of the coast? Hit Smack Shack for an incredible raw bar as well as seafood shareables like Lobster Poutine, Lorraine's Lump Crab Cakes, or a Shrimp Ceviche. Pair everything with perfectly crafted and selected drinks, and you've got a recipe for a good night with your group.

Graze Provisions + Libations

Don't want to limit yourself to just one bar and restaurant? Graze has seven bars in one location. You and your friends can get wildly different dishes from some of the best chefs in Minneapolis (seriously, there are five James Beard Award winners under Graze's roof). That means that you also have multiple options for dessert after drinks so everyone can get something they want.

Get your Group Together

The list of best bars for groups in Minneapolis is hard to narrow down since this city is full of great food and drinks and atmosphere. Trivia night bars, karaoke joints, and unique breweries can be found all over the city — and that doesn't even factor in the places in St. Paul.

The North Loop is a great place to go because there is plenty of parking and transit access to lots of incredibly cool bars and restaurants within walking distance of each other. The best place to start your North Loop adventure, though, is The Rabbit Hole. 

You can watch sports, play trivia, rip pull tabs, and enjoy some of the best food the North Loop has to offer. So gather your group and hop on over to The Rabbit Hole for a night you won't forget.