The Ultimate Guide to a Night Out in the North Loop

Like a perfectly cut diamond, Minneapolis has a lot of brilliant facets. Prince used to sing about the thrills of Uptown. Northeast is full of artsy people and hip dive bars. But nightlife in the North Loop? That's special.

Once called The Minneapolis Warehouse District because of the many repurposed warehouses that were converted into stylish lofts and posh hangout spots, The North Loop encompasses a larger portion of Minneapolis than you might think.

With Washington Avenue as its central corridor, The North Loop includes the homes of three pro teams as well as Minnesota's best stage for standup comedy on top of the numerous locations offering top-notch drinking, dining, and activities that most people think of when they think of the neighborhood.

No matter what your tastes or why you're out experiencing North Loop nightlife, there is something there you'll enjoy. 

It's Where to Be After the Sun Goes Down

Once you've decided to spend a night on the town, you need to figure out where to go. The North Loop should be your destination. From classic landmarks to new spots that show the city's growing cosmopolitan nature, you can't go wrong there.

The entire neighborhood is eminently walkable with access via both the Green and Blue lines of the Light Rail with everything from boutique shopping to classic breweries to bespoke cocktails to relaxing pubs and high class bars. It is the epitome of Minneapolitan nightlife.

Basically, the North Loop has everything that locals love and plenty of room for out-of-towners and new transplants to the city to get a feel for the unique energy and tastes of the Twin Cities. This is a part of town where you can find the classiest sushi in the state just a short jaunt away from a joint that lets you enjoy a reasonably priced beer while you rip some pulltabs and get your heart broken by any number of local sports teams. 

Tips to Make the Most of North Loop Nightlife

Because of Target Field and Target Center, the sports bars in The North Loop are positively jumping before and after games. You'll find an incredible atmosphere at these times as people get ready to cheer their favorites and celebrate wins. 

This is also a great time to make new friends, since you already have a common interest (pro sports) or a time to revel with old friends as you reminisce about how you still can't believe Gary Anderson missed that field goal against Atlanta in the 1999 NFC Championship Game. Note: You do not have to have been alive at that time to be angry about that game. All are welcome.

Of course, not everyone is into the sports scene. For those people, it still pays to take note of when games are being played so you know the easiest options to get to your preferred spot. You can always ride the Light Rail in, but if you would have to go out of your way to get to a platform, there are other options.

Parking in a popular nightlife hub can be tough, so rideshare pickup spots have been set up on 5th and 6th Ave North. And if you would rather drive yourself, be aware that, while street parking can be found, using one of the municipal parking ramps in the area is your best bet.

For example, if you are coming in from the west suburbs for a night of fun, you can park in a ramp that has entrances and exits directly from 394, making getting in and out blessedly simple. But what if you aren't sure where to go once you've parked? Worry not.

Downtown Improvement District Ambassadors are sent out to help people find the right spot for them. They can give easy advice and help make sure that you don't miss out on the nightlife in North Loop because you got turned and a little bit lost.

So. You know how to get to the North Loop and why you should go. But the question now is where should you go? We have you covered. 

The Nine Best Bars, Restaurants, and Hangouts

If you pull up a register of North Loop bars and restaurants, you will find no shortage of options for a date or a hang with friends. Here are a few recommendations for the places you'll want to put at the very top of your list.

The Rabbit Hole

A relatively new addition to North Loop nightlife, The Rabbit Hole has quickly garnered a reputation as a great place for sports and socialization. With 15,000 square feet, 42 big screens and a huge LED board that makes The Rabbit Hole a great destination for sports, bar trivia, pull tabs, and more.

The menu offers a wide range of elevated pub fare for dinner or a late night food craving with great happy hour discounts on apps and drinks. The innovative layout also creates a variety of public spaces and private areas if you want to reserve a spot for you and your friends to watch your favorite teams.

Spoon and Stable

Built in what was originally a stable 120 years ago, Spoon and Stable is the brainchild of James Beard award winning chef Gavin Kaysen. The decor is chic and the seasonally shifting menu presents European-style dishes with a midwestern, homegrown twist.

Whether you go for brunch, appetizers, or a full meal, Spoon and Stable is an incredible location for a date. It's classy, homey, and fancy all at once — with cuisine that you can't get anywhere else.

Bar La Grassa

It's hard to go wrong with great Italian fare. Bar La Grassa has long been a North Loop favorite because of its history of serving handmade pasta, great wine, and dining options. Do you want to bring in a large party? You can make a reservation for that. Do you want something a little more private and intimate? You can make a reservation for that, too.

And Bar La Grassa is open late in case you get a craving for incredible food and perfect desserts partway through your night. There's a reason this place is as well-loved as it is. Because it's awesome.

Borough

Want a seasonal menu highlighting the great, fresh ingredients Minnesota produces? Want unique dining environments, including the opportunity for a 22 person dinner party in a unique blend of a classic warehouse district loft and chef's kitchen? Then you want Borough.

Since 2013, Borough has been providing unique, upscale experiences for its patrons. After a renovation in 2019, those experiences got even better. Borough blends classic flavors with unique innovations in ingredients and presentation.

Parlour

Sharing an ownership group and building with Borough, Parlour is a cocktail bar without peer. Featuring three mixing stations behind a massive bar to make sure service flows smoothly, you can get drinks here before popping upstairs for a reservation or make this a follow up to your big meal.

Of course, that isn't to say that Parlour does not have its own locally famous food offerings. The double-patty Parlour burger has earned its excellent reputation around The North Loop. Plus you can get finger food like a deviled egg or the best popcorn you'll ever eat.

Public Domain and Vern's Tiki Bar

Public Domain has the cool factor. They don't take reservations and they don't have a cocktail list online. It's a first-come, first-served bespoke cocktail experience. You will never have the same night there twice.

But if you want some incredible island vibes, head through Public Domain or pop around the back alley to enter Vern's Tiki Bar. Sing some karaoke and bask in the ambience. Even when it's winter outside, it's tropical in Vern's.

Smack Shack

Get that seafood craving satisfied at Smack Shack. You can get something cool and refreshing from the raw bar or indulge in their famous lobster boils and lobster rolls. They offer a casual dining experience that makes for a nice contrast to some of the fancier joints on this list.

Smack Shack has a great story, too. It started as a food truck and developed into the brick and mortar location they have now thanks to a dedication to great seafood and the street cred that comes with being able to say that Guy Fieri loves your lobster.

Modist Brewing Co

There are several great breweries in the North Loop. Modist Brewing is a unique taproom experience because, in addition to the IPAs, sours, blondes, and other beer styles you may be used to, Modist takes its own approach to beverage creation.

Their focus is on flavor first, not style guidelines. They utilize a mash filter to adjust the grain percentages in their new brews while practicing sustainable water conservation.

Inbound BrewCo

Inbound is the best place to go for a dog-friendly, German beer hall inspired craft beer celebration. They host food trucks for those feeling peckish and have over 30 different beers on tap.

They also have great happy hour pricing and late night happy hour service. The big, communal tables give you the opportunity to make new friends or fill a space with your favorite people to share a delicious beverage. 

Fun Group Activities

Eating and drinking aren't the only things to do. Doing group activities North Loop style is always a good idea. Here are just some of the options available to you:

• Mini Golf: Enjoy expansive courses at The Puttery Minneapolis or The Puttshack. Each offers its own ambience, food, and unique courses.
• Axe Throwing: Bad Axe Throwing is slightly outside the official North Loop borders, but is worth a trip to experience the joy of chucking sharp objects with your friends.
• Rooftop Lounging: There's nothing quite like enjoying a Minnesota evening with an expansive view of the skyline. Hewing Hotel or Graze Food Hall has events alongside the exquisite sunset experience you can't get anywhere else.

The North Loop Awaits

There is so much atmosphere, personality, and flavor in The North Loop. Even after all the bars, restaurants, and activity locations listed above, you still have places like Acme Comedy Club, the great neighborhood coffee spots, and on and on.

The nightlife in North Loop is second to none in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and in Minnesota as a whole. If you like sports, there are places for you. If you love food, there are places you won't believe. If you love a cocktail that no one else can replicate, The North Loop has you covered.

Nervous about making the trek to the neighborhood? The ride share lots and friendly Downtown Improvement District (DID) Ambassadors will make sure that you can just focus on the joy of your North Loop experience.

And if you're not sure how you want to begin your North Loop nightlife explorations, try making The Rabbit Hole your home base. You get a great atmosphere, fun games and activities, and a feel for what The North Loop has to offer. 

It's the best neighborhood in The Cities and it's waiting for you.