The best bars and cafés Minnesota

A pretty little café near the Mississippi River, where you can enjoy a salad or a sandwich made with fresh bread, ham, cheese and crudités, while playing one of the board games on offer. You can also enjoy a cappuccino on one of the sofas in front of the large picture windows. The atmosphere is pleasant and colorful, with yellow and red oilcloth tablecloths and warm floor lamps. Good cocktails and a wide selection of whiskies. Happy hour Tuesday-Thursday, 4-6pm. Live music some evenings.

This small coffeeshop serves excellent coffee and welcomes the young and trendy population of Duluth. The real bonus, which sets them apart from many American channels, is that the cookies and cupcakes are homemade. The reception is also much more friendly. The croissants and pains au chocolat, while not the best in the world, are actually quite good. Since the summer of 2019, Duluth Coffee Company has had a second address, which opened in the Canal Park area, even closer to Lake Superior.

A slightly chic but pleasant atmosphere for dining to the sound of jazz music, in subdued blue light. If you want to chat, opt for the bar or the mezzanine, where you can see the stage without being too close to the music. In fact, the musicians are so close that a warm, friendly exchange takes place even from the stage. It's all in good spirit, and there's plenty to savor the moment with a glass of wine in hand. On the other hand, the food and cocktails are nothing extraordinary, and somewhat disappointing for the price.

Just a stone's throw from the Walker Art Center, this café is part of a local chain with more than 70 locations in Minnesota. The Dunn brothers opened their first café in 1987 in St. Paul, and it was an immediate success thanks to the warm atmosphere and excellent coffee. Set up on two floors, this address has a multitude of tables, some armchairs and a terrace for the nice days. The coffee is roasted on the spot, not to spoil anything. A good little address, where you can stop before or after visiting the museum.

Every evening, this establishment plays host to rock and reggae bands, attracting locals of all ages. The atmosphere is relaxed, even exhilarating on some nights on the dance floor. The decor is very American, with walls and a long wooden bar serving drinks and burgers for between US$8 and US$10. One of the best places for music lovers. If you're here for the music, there's no need to rush in before 9.30pm, as the bands rarely start on time.

Here, each room is inspired by a theme from the newspaper and the walls are covered with giant articles and editorials. In the Variety Room there is an article with the headline "Lennon in Love". In the sports hall, in addition to articles about the players, there are about ten televisions broadcasting matches. At the entrance, in the centre of the bar, a huge boat symbolises travel. There's even a wine bar at the back of the room. As you will have understood, it is not a particularly romantic place, but the atmosphere is pleasant.

Do you miss Queen Elizabeth and the smell of Guinness? Go to Brit's Pub, which has not usurped its name. Between the royal pictures and the rugby jerseys, you are transported across the Channel in one sip... The inside of the bar is all in wood, a classic pub after all, but upstairs, you have access to a pleasant rooftop , where films (and matches) are shown, and where you can play cricket on the lawn. You will certainly meet British people!

The advantage of this bar is that it organizes thematic evenings constantly, almost daily. All you have to do is learn about the website. Otherwise, there is a cocktail at the beginning of the evening, a dinner on the thumb, or simply to clubber after midnight. A classic of the Minneapolis gay evenings.

This bar-restaurant installed in a large space of industrial inspiration is always crowded! It must be said that the beer, in addition to being good, is brewed on the spot. Also on the menu, beers from other breweries, local or not. If you are not sure about all these unknown beers, don't hesitate to ask your waiterwho will be happy to let you taste some of them. It is also possible to eat, the food is correct without being out of the ordinary. In summer, you can enjoy the large shaded terrace.

A friendly and warm café that also serves as a bar. It is located along the main street, Route 1, where most shops and restaurants are located. We like its relaxed atmosphere, its big soft sofa and its brick walls. You can eat cookies, muffins or the very American cream cheese bagels on the go. In the evening, the atmosphere is lively and the inhabitants of Ely meet around a beer or a glass of wine. The place is full of regulars; everyone here knows each other.

A bar that seduce lovers of foam: The beers served here are mostly artisanal and come from local breweries located in Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth or Two Ières. A total of 20 types of beers are proposed here and half changes regularly. Cocktails are correct and generous plates. The game nights, the atmosphere is at the party because the stadium CHS Field, where the city baseball team plays, is on a street from there. In summer, the rooftop is very nice.

A brewery that offers a wide variety of craft beers, in a menu that changes according to the seasons. The place, with a fireplace and a long wooden bar, is warm and the atmosphere could not be friendlier. Beer tastings and a guided tour of the brewery are available on site (must be booked in advance on the website). Voyageur Brewing Company is located in the center of Grand Marais, so you can walk to the brewery and don't need to take the car after the tasting!

Located on Eat Street, this Spyhouse Coffee is a warm place, with its wooden tables. Its decor revisits coffee-making through the ages. The place is popular with young, hip and affluent digital nomads. On weekends, families can be seen here, with customers taking a coffee to go while walking their dogs... In addition to a wide choice of coffees, you can also enjoy a home-made Chai tea. Of course, this coolness comes at a price, and you won't be eating here - not even for a hearty breakfast - but the break is pleasant and the muffins are tasty.