The best bars & nightlife in Ramsey County

“Burgers, wings & other American pub grub, plus draft beer, served in relaxed, cabin-style digs.”

“Rustic lakefront spot with a deck for BBQ plates, tropical cocktails & craft beer, plus live music.”

“Breakfast-to-dinner American menu in relaxed digs with rotating brews, live music & patio seating.”

“Lakefront pick for intimate, upscale Italian dining featuring an outdoor patio with water views.”

“Modern American grill focusing on Minnesota beers & quality whiskeys with a wide variety of food.”

“Enduring staple offering homestyle pub fare & weekend breakfast in humble surrounds with a full bar.”

“Relaxed venue offering updated American classics, plus a full bar with craft beers on tap.”

“Whether you need a no-fuss burger night or a little midweek laughter, Welsch's Big Ten Tavern delivers homemade comfort plates, daily specials, and the kind of local hangout feel Shoreview folks claim as theirs. Think patio season, pull tabs and e-tabs, live bands, comedy, maybe even karaoke.”

From the Shoreview newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Chain for gourmet burgers & other American comfort fare.”

“Waldmann Brewery pours beautifully traditional, house-made German-style lagers alongside locally crafted wursts in a meticulously restored 1857 saloon, the oldest surviving in the Twin Cities, with lamplight warmth, wood-stove coziness, and regular tours and music that make it feel like your new old haunt.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Amsterdam Bar & Hall has been a Downtown St. Paul staple for nearly 15 years, pouring the area’s largest gin lineup and hosting live music almost daily. Grab a pre-game drink or a late-night snack, then let the bands carry you into the night...”

From the St. Paul newsletter, September 25, 2026

“With Art Deco vibes in Cathedral Hill, The Commodore Bar & Restaurant nails the Jazz Age mood while serving thoughtful small plates, classic mains, and proper cocktails. Keep an ear out for live music too as they continue shaping the space into a high-fidelity, best-in-class venue.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Louis Ristorante & Bar is Cossetta’s third-story perch for proper pasta, secondi, and dolce, with a rooftop taverna for drinks and antipasti when the weather behaves. It feels special without trying too hard, the kind of spot locals keep in their back pocket for celebrations or a Tuesday.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, October 10, 2026

“Set within the original Hamm's Brewery, Saint Paul Brewing pours craft beer alongside wine, cocktails, seltzers, kombucha, and mocktails, then pairs it with elevated pub fare and pizzas. The hidden garden patio feels like a mini escape, perfect for low-key hangs when you need a breather from real life.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, October 13, 2026

“Inside The Saint Paul Hotel, The Lobby Bar nails that old-school St. Paul elegance with proper martinis, refined bar snacks, and occasional jazz. It’s the spot for a pre-show clink, a quiet catch-up, or pretending you’re the kind of neighbor who owns cufflinks.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Daytime cafe serving coffee, tea, and sandwiches, transforming into a bar with cocktails at night.”

“Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub is the kind of place you duck into before or after a Wild game, with walls packed shoulder to shoulder with more than 400 photos, jerseys and sticks. Crowd-pleasers range from Tom's Famous Canadian Poutine to solid burgers, plus an all-you-can-eat salad bar and Sunday breakfast.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, October 6, 2026

“Friendly pub serving Italian street food and stromboli, with beer, wine and cocktails.”

“Wall-to-wall TVs, fresh never frozen wings, thick-cut burgers, and homemade cheese curds make Wild Bill's Sports Saloon - DT St. Paul a reliable hang when the puck drops.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Big, upbeat bar & grill offering a wide range of burgers & American comfort food, plus breakfast.”

“Hangout with elevated pub grub, TVs & a wide range of rotating beers on tap, including craft brews.”

“Obb's Sports Bar & Grill has been an east side St. Paul hangout since 1932, family-owned for over 50 years, with 19 TVs that keep every game rolling. Go for the prime rib, broasted chicken to-go, walleye and proper pub burgers, stay for the neighborhood vibes and Vikings Sundays.”

From the Oakdale newsletter, September 8, 2026

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

“1881 Eating House takes the classic station eating-house idea and turns it into a welcoming, unfussy hangout where you settle in, raise a glass, and let time slow down. Hearty, conversation-friendly plates and occasional live-music nights make it an easy pick for a low-key meetup.”

From the Maplewood newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Bad Weather Brewing Company keeps West 7th lively with a big lineup of rotating and seasonal beers that actually change with the mood. Expect food trucks often, Trivia Mafia and board game nights, and a laid-back taproom locals can treat like a second living room.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Casual tavern offering traditional bar food such as pizza and cheesesteaks alongside beer, wine and cocktails.”

“Maplewood folks, Moscow on the Hill is the nearby spot for stick-to-your-ribs comfort like cabbage rolls, Beef Stroganoff, borsht, pelmeni and vareniki, alongside house infused vodkas. Their Referent Horseradish Vodka, distilled by 45th Parallel Co. in Wisconsin, makes a dangerously good Bloody Mary.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Family-owned, neighborhood nook offering bar food, drink specials & a pool table in a low-key setup.”

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

“Hip beer hall featuring 20+ housemade sausages, giant pretzels and hand-cut fries, plus burgers and beer.”

“Casual eatery for juicy burgers and steaks alongside fried sides and beers.”

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

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

“Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.”

“Classic service club open to the public with a bar, American food, bingo & various community events.”

“Polished venue with traditional steakhouse offerings, a robust drink menu & happy hours.”

“High Pines Brewing Company is a neighborhood spot in Roseville with a tap list built for repeat visits, plus a membership for die-hard regulars and an event calendar when you want more than just another pint. Easy choice when you want good beer without overthinking where to meet.”

From the Roseville newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Smash Park Roseville is that high-energy spot where you can catch the game, munch on solid bar bites, and rotate between pickleball, duckpin bowling, and karaoke without leaving your crew behind. It’s basically your group chat’s dream night out, with creative drinks and a laid-back, just-one-more-round vibe.”

From the Shoreview newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Cozy neighborhood eatery for upscale Burgers and other American dishes with a casual vibe, plus a bar with craft cocktails on tap and a wine list, as well as a patio.”

“CrowBar is the neighborhood cocktail bar that remembers you in the best way, pouring cocktails and mocktails with equal love. When your week needs a comfortable nearby St. Paul spot where your story picks the glass, consider this your friendly nudge.”

From the Woodbury newsletter, August 20, 2026

“A low-key neighborhood hangout with cocktails, local beers, and drag shows that actually feel like a party, Black Hart of Saint Paul is the spot when you want soccer on TV with people who care. Come for the match, stay for the queens and the low-key vibe.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Relaxed local pub chain serving craft beers & cocktails, plus burgers, pot pies & tacos.”

“A. Frost & Company lately, consider this your nudge. Since 1975 they’ve been serving award-winning American cuisine in a stunning Cathedral Hill setting, ideal for a low-key weeknight catch-up or a celebratory sip that somehow turns into dinner.”

From the St. Paul newsletter, August 24, 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

“Laugh Camp Comedy Club keeps a tight, comfy room buzzing with nationally touring stand-up, late-night improv, open mics, and even music trivia. Grab a Heggies pizza, a craft beer or cocktail, then let the crowd work chaos do its thing.”

“Modern lounge & piano bar with cocktails & a full calendar of entertainment, including cabaret.”