The best bars & nightlife in Oakdale

“Local hangout offering a menu of American standards in informal digs with a full bar & sports on TV.”

“Historic watering hole with live music, pub grub, vintage car nights & a heated patio.”

“Spacious bi-level fixture provides Ethiopian meals, vegetarian fare, cocktails & regular live music.”

“Casual sports bar featuring burgers, wings & beer, plus live music, DJs & drink specials.”

“Family-friendly eatery serving casual food such as sandwiches, wings & pizzas, plus happy hours.”

“Laid-back, corner hangout known for hoagies, as well as bagged snacks and frozen pizzas.”

“Wooden Ship Brewing Company lives up to its mantra to create community and drink creatively, pouring inventive beers meant for unhurried hangs with your favorite people. Keep an eye on their events, then pop in when you want a laid-back neighborhood spot that feels familiar yet keeps your taste buds a little curious.”

From the Minneapolis newsletter, August 18, 2026

“When the craving hits, Órale Mexican Eats nails the classics like tacos, burritos, and queso fundido, all built with fresh ingredients and modern street-food swagger. Bonus points for being minority owned and operated, with a legit drinks lineup plus catering and a food truck for neighborhood shindigs.”

“Nightingale delivers the intimate eatery meets cocktail lounge vibe with snacks, bruschetta, and New American plates made for sharing, plus cocktails that actually show up dressed for the occasion. Ideal for a low-key catchup or spontaneous date when you want great food, good drinks, and zero fuss.”

From the Minneapolis newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Rustic-chic spot pairing craft cocktails and wine with pizzas, pastas, oysters, and Italian small plates.”

“The Sidecar at the Tap nails thoughtful, craft cocktails with ingredients balanced on purpose, plus a lineup of delectable dishes... all wrapped in vintage charm. When your week needs a reset, settle in and let something stirred or shaken restore your main-character energy.”

From the Minneapolis newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Casual, cozy, modern café serving coffee and wine flights alongside sandwiches and pastries.”

“Relaxed bistro featuring refined American & Continental cuisine plus a playful tiki bar.”

“Barbette brings an Uptown bistro vibe to the table with local, organic dishes that actually taste like someone cared, from oysters to mussels with warm baguette. It’s an easy pick for date night or a linger longer brunch when you want something a little special without the fuss.”

“When you want an easygoing spot for beer, wine, or a proper pour, Picnic | Linden Hills nails the neighborhood-bar vibe... relaxed, friendly, and perfect for catching up. They also handle catering and private dining, so keep them in mind for your next gathering.”

From the Edina newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Troubadour Wine Bar keeps things intimate and chic with a thoughtful lineup of wines by the glass or bottle, shareable snacks and charcuterie, plus live music every night. It’s the sort of neighborhood unwind that makes a random Tuesday feel like a small occasion.”

From the Saint Louis Park newsletter, August 31, 2026

“First class dining meets world class entertainment at Crooners Supper Club, a true listening room with multiple stages where the music actually gets to be the main character.”

From the Anoka County newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Craving classic, zero-pretense bar grub this week? Sgt Peppers delivers the goods with cheese curds, deep fried pickles, wings, stacked burgers, walleye sandwiches, and that bottomless-feeling popcorn. It’s the neighborhood spot you hit when you want comfort, a cold drink, and easy conversation.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Casual restaurant specializing in Mediterranean staples such as gyros and wraps.”

“Need a cozy spot this week? The Briar pours cocktails, wine and beer, brews proper coffee and tea, and turns it into a low-key hang with legit tasty food plus free-to-play QuizBang Trivia that keeps things fun without the Sunday scaries.”

From the Minneapolis newsletter, August 15, 2026

“5-8 Tavern & Grill is the Twin Cities home of the Juicy Lucy, that glorious cheese-stuffed burger that somehow stays impossibly juicy. Grab a classic or try a twist, pair it with fries and a cold one, and call it the midweek win you deserve.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, August 29, 2026

“St. Paul friends, The Comedy Corner Underground is the artist-run, delightfully weird basement club where comics book the shows and the punchlines, with 20-plus years of keeping it scrappy and fun. Grab a seat in the 65-seat room for headliners, touring surprises, and lively open mics that breed new favorites.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Bar Brava is a natural wine bar with a scratch kitchen, pouring lively natural wines alongside plates from rotating guest chef residencies and pop-ups. When you’re craving something interesting but chill, this is where Blaine locals sneak for flavor surprises without the fuss.”

From the Blaine newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Wild Boar Bar and Grill does the east metro right with smash burgers, St. Paul Flatbreads made with St. Paul Flatbread Company dough, and a tap list that keeps local favorites flowing.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Relaxed family-friendly chain bar & grill serving American fare, plus deep-dish pizzas.”

“When you need legit wings and classic comfort without overthinking dinner, Ray J's American Grill delivers with saucy favorites, hearty sandwiches and a bar that makes catching the game easy. They also cater and host parties, so your next get-together basically plans itself.”

From the Woodbury newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Convivial nightspot featuring comedy headliners, plus a bar, restaurant & dinner-show packages.”

“Warehouse Winery is a working winery and artsy event hideout in the heart of St. Louis Park, with relaxed, eclectic decor and a monthly Wine Down Wednesday for easy tastings. Planning something soon?”

From the Saint Louis Park newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Mana Brewing - Oakdale pours small-batch brews fermented on-site, from crisp pilsners to hop-forward IPAs, and turns out legit Neapolitan-style pies with San Marzano tomatoes from a blazing stone oven. This week, grab a seat for Premier League matches or trivia, then let the pizza-and-pint combo do its thing.”

From the Woodbury newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Airy hangout with a patio & an industrial vibe offering a cider menu, plus crêpes & pickleball.”

“Angelina's Kitchen Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar nails cozy Italian vibes with a wine list, and it was a Woodbury Magazine Best of 2025 winner for Best Place for a Date Night. When the week’s packed, Carry Out, Family Style Meals and Take & Bake save dinner, and lunch has fresh wraps and grain bowls.”

From the Woodbury newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Wine-focused bistro for flights and bottles with a casual atmosphere and charcuterie.”

“Minneapolis's own The Comedy Room at Sisyphus pairs fresh pours with legit stand-up, with an easy events calendar when you want to lock in plans without texting twelve group chats. Scoop tickets, sip something from the tap list, and let comics handle the punchlines while you handle the pints.”

From the Minneapolis newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Festive wine bar and eatery pairing seasonal Mediterranean eats with Spanish wines, sangria and cocktails, plus brunch.”