Minneapolis, Minnesota has a variety of great restaurants and bars on Nicollet Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. Downtown Minneapolis is going through a traditional time currently, where Hennepin Avenue is not known as the safest place to hang out. Nicollet Avenue, just a few blocks away, feels like a world away. It is still a relatively safe, clean, and trendy place to hang out.
The Local
The Local is a fantastic Irish Pub, right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. The restaurant is HUGE and offers traditional Irish cuisine and American favorites as well. Other than possibly your Friday or Saturday night, you will usually get a table right away, as they have several rooms. They also offer a good amount of outdoor seating right on Nicollet Mall, for the summer time meal. The Local also features a party room in the back for your favorite social event. The Local has many traditional American appetizers, such as mini burgers, artichoke dip, and calamari. They also have many traditional Irish meals, such as shepherd’s pie. Eating some Irish fare and sipping on a beverage (their bar is top notch, too!) on a warm summer evening; I can’t think of a better time.
Zelo
http://www.zelomn.com
Zelo is an upscale, trendy restaurant and night spot in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is located right on Nicollet Mall. They have a restaurant area, separate bar area, and outside seating in the summer months. This restaurant is beautiful and is an elegant evening out. They have excellent food, appetizers, and dessert. Best of all, they have a fantastic martini bar! This restaurant is great for people watching as well. The scene is a swanky bar with artsy, velvet couches. It has just the touch of class that has made it last for years. Zelo is the perfect place for a first date, or to find the person you want to take on a first date.
Brit’s Pub
http://www.britspub.com
Brit’s Pub in downtown Minneapolis is a great place to hang out and get some traditional british food. The decor is comfy and warm. There are often events going on, like movie nights. They have a side room (with a bar as well) that often plays home to these special events. The appetizers here rock! Especially the scotch eggs and the spinach dip; some of the best I’ve had. The BEST feature about this restaurant is their large outdoor rooftop patio, which also has lawn bowling! Though I’ve yet to try it, it always looks fun. Get there early on a warm summer afternoon; the place fills up fast.
The Newsroom
(612) 343-0073
The Newsroom is a casual American restaurant on Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis. This is a great place to catch an after work drink and appetizer. It is also a fun place to meet people for drinks in the evening. The food is okay, not terribly exciting, but okay bar food. They have classic appetizers, salads, and pastas. The atmosphere is young, twenty some to early thirty some, and upbeat. They also have a very unique bathroom; check it out for yourself! This is a great restaurant for a happy hour, or to meet someone. Outdoor seating is available in the summertime months. Seating is fairly quick.
McCormick & Schmick’s
www.mccormickandschmicks.com
McCormick & Schmick’s is a chain Seafood restaurant in downtown Minneapolis, on Nicollet Mall. Although it is a chain, the food is actually pretty good. They have an excellent menu, the selection is huge! The restaurant is pretty large, so finding a table shouldn’t be a problem on most nights. This restaurant is also fantastic for happy hour. They have $2.50 burgers! And they are huge. They also have other fish selections for the happy hour which rotate, including fish tacos. The restaurant is decorated in deep, dark rich woods, and has a bar to rival all other bars.
All of the above Minneapolis restaurants are located within just a few blocks from one another. You can check out just one for dinner, or hit each one of them for a drink or two!
