Best new way to drink a beer
Share it at The Northeast Social
Beer has never been a shared beverage. The Northeast Social, the newest bar to join the retail resurgence on 13th Ave. in Northeast Minneapolis, wants to change that. Their import-heavy beer list contains three "social beers," large bottles served tableside in a chilled bucket, wine-style. Grab the bottle, pour a few glugs into your friends' tiny glasses, and enjoy. Unlike wine, the beer is just $7. Cheers to that.
What'll ya have? Flying Horse, an Indian lager served in a 22 oz. bottle.
359 13th Ave., Mpls.; 612.331.0095

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Best bar for drinking with your grandma
Jax Café
Jax is nearly as old as grams (76 and counting) and she looks just as good. The classic supper club vibe and old-Nordeast demeanor will your grandma feel right at home, especially with one of the bar's famous ice cream drinks in front of her. The only thing better than a happy grandma is a happy grandma two Pink Squirrels into the afternoon.
What'll ya have? A Pink Squirrel.
1928 University Ave. N.E., Mpls.; 612.789.7297

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Where to drink whiskey, if you like whiskey
The St. Paul Grill
This is the area's premiere bar for lovers of brown booze, be it Scotch, bourbon or brandy. Patrons at the St. Paul Grill know how to savor life's grandest pleasures, and are prepared to pay for them.
What'll ya have? The 55-year Macallan is a little steep ($750 per pour), so go with the 25-year, going for a more practical $95.
350 Market St., St Paul; 651.224.7455

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Where to drink whiskey, if you don't like whiskey
The Local
This venerable Irish pub is famous for selling more Jameson whiskey than any other bar in the world (including Ireland!). That is largely due to the house special, a Jameson-ginger ale with a twist. They call it the Big Ginger (learn how to make your own on page TK), and it's ideal drink for flipping whiskey haters to the dark—i.e. brown—side.
What'll ya have? The Big Ginger
931 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.904.1000

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Most innovative bartender
Nick Kosevich, Town Talk Diner
Few people have done more to advance the imbibing arts in the Twin Cities than Nick Kosevich, the cocktail chemist behind the bar at the Town Talk. Not only are his drinks outstanding, but he'll talk your ear off about the history of the Old Fashioned, let you know that he's been making his own bitt ers for years and, if you're lucky, he'll even show you his bacon tatt oo (his baconinfused Manhatt an is known nationwide). At the recent "Twin Cities Iron Bartender" competition (which he won, naturally), Kosevich made a drink using a bong to add rosemary smoke to a cocktail. The judges were impressed, and so are we.
What'll ya have? Try the Locavore's Delight, which Kosevich invented specifically for METRO.
2707 E. Lake St., Mpls.; 612.722.1312

Best bar reached by boat
The Wharf at Lord Fletcher's
Lake Minnetonka's go-to party spot for more than 40 years, Lord Fletcher's has its own wharf, making boat-up drinking as easy as docking and tying a knot (which, considering the way some Minnetonka boaters imbibe, is not always so easy). Embrace the chaos and channel your inner spring-breaker all summer long.
What'll ya have? Pink Lemonade Vodka Slush
3746 Sunset Dr., Spring Park; 952.471.8513

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Best bar for drinking alone
The Cardinal Bar
South Minneapolis has been boozing away the workday at the Cardinal for years, so no one will bat an eye if you belly up sans drinking buddy. There are plenty of new friends to be made, as well as distractions (i.e. Big Buck Hunter and Golden Tee) if you'd prefer to be left alone. Best part: The light rail stops out front, so you won't even need a designated driver.
What'll ya have? A Bud.
2920 E 38th St., Mpls.; 612.724.5837

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Best bar to visit alone and leave… less alone
Williams Uptown Pub and Peanut Bar
They call it a "peanut bar," but everyone knows Williams's true business: meat market. There's something about the freedom of littering empty peanut shells on the floor that inspires dirty thoughts. Plus the huge beer list means the "meat" that Williams markets is usually sausage (wink). Ladies, if you're looking for a cheap hook-up—hey, we're not here to judge—start here.
What'll ya have? One of the 300 or so bottles they stock. In the spirit of the evening, try something new!
2911 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls; 612.823.6271

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Best cork dartboards
Town Hall Brewery
Not to put too fine a point on it, but plastic darts—the kind you find at 99 percent of the bars in the Twin Cities—are crap. Real darts have metal tips, they thunk into cork dartboards and all you plastic-lovers who need a computer to keep your cricket score can go bend your tips elsewhere. We like to throw at Town Hall, where the old-fashioned boards are free if you bring your own darts, or $3/hour to use theirs.
What'll ya have? Masala Mama, the brewpub's signature IPA.
1430 Washington Ave S., Mpls.; 612.339.8696

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Best patio
Black Forest Inn
Go through the big wooden doors—near the infamous Richard Avedon print with the bullet holes—and be transported straight to Bavaria. Assuming Bavaria is full of old brick floors and trellises covered in lush vegetation. The lederhosen-clad albhorn players help, too.
What'll ya have? A pitcher of Paulaner Salvator.
1 E. 26th St., Mpls.; 612.872.0812