A Night Owl's Guide to Minneapolis

Wherever you are in the city and whatever your late-night entertainment and noshing preferences entail, Minneapolis offers plenty of food, drinks, and fun long after the sun goes down.

Minneapolis has a reputation as a pretty sleepy city—hey, you’ve gotta get up early if you’re going to make it to brunch and still hit all those beautiful bike trails. But if you know where to look, there are tons of places around town where you can stay up late and party like a local, whether it’s taking in a comedy show or concert, diving into some shareable plates, or getting to know the bartenders at a craft cocktail haven.

From karaoke to burlesque shows, dance floors to dive bars, these are the spots that come alive after dark in Minneapolis. Whether you’re looking to catch an up-and-coming band or have a life-changing Mai Tai, just be sure to end your day with an extra cup of coffee (we’ve listed some late-night coffee shops below, too) and get ready to burn the midnight oil.

Dive Bars
Dancing
Music Venues
Quick Bites
Queer Nightlife
Drinks & Dining
Coffee Shops & Cafes
After-Dinner Entertainment
Gaming
Downtown Minneapolis

Best Dive Bars Open Late

  • CC Club: An absolute Minneapolis legend, CC Club is famously the bar where bands like The Replacements, Hüsker Dü, and Soul Asylum would hang out during their heyday. “Tom Arnold made a habit of getting kicked out and a shoeless Woody Harrelson didn't even get in the door (he came back later with shoes and we let him in),” the bar’s website boasts. Head on over (with shoes on, please) and make some history of your own.
    • Neighborhood: Uptown
    • Hours: Mon-Wed 3pm-2am, Thurs-Sun 11am-2am.
  • Cardinal Tavern: That quintessential neighborhood dive bar where you just might learn everyone else’s name, even if they don’t know yours yet. Every Monday is bingo, Wednesday means meat raffles and trivia, and select Fridays are karaoke. They also have food specials each night of the week, if the activities aren't enough of a draw (think Taco Tuesday and Friday all-you-can-eat Fish Fry).
    • Neighborhood: Standish
    • Hours: Mon-Thur 9am-1:00am, Friday 9am-2am, Saturday 8am-2am, Sunday 10am-1am
  • Jimmy’s: A cash-only hole-in-the-wall that’s open until 2 a.m. daily, Jimmy’s is one of the most beloved little dives in Northeast Minneapolis. (And there are a lot of beloved dives in Northeast Minneapolis.) Hit the ATM and then head to Jimmy’s for a night on the town spent with wonderful townies.
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-2am, Sunday 10am-2am
  • Grumpy’s Bar: They don’t call it the best bar in the Twin Cities for nothin’. Pull up a sparkly red vinyl barstool and bask in the easygoing, heavydrinking, generally wonderful atmosphere. And maybe order a Heggies pizza to suck up some of that liquid before you head out.
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: Mon-Fri 2pm-2am, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am
  • Mortimer's Bar: Nestled on the corner Lyndale and Franklin since 1976, Mort’s is a “when you’re here, you’re family” type of joint. They’ve got pinball machines and world-class foosball (you read that right). Plus, there’s almost always something going on in the bar’s back room, whether it’s live local music, a DJ’d dance party, or Autotune Karaoke.
    • Neighborhood: Whittier
    • Hours: 11am-2am
  • 1029 Bar: Follow the glowing red neon sign to 1029, where not only will you find pulltabs, bingo, and karaoke, but you’ll also be able to enjoy killer seafood from in-house restaurant Smack Shack. And the kitchen stays open late, too!
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2am, Sunday 10am-11pm
  • Meteor Bar: Alright, alright, whether or not you’re willing to classify Meteor as a “dive”—can a bar that opened in 2019 ever really claim that designation?—the bar itself is old as heck, and it’s been recognized as one of the world’s best. Go get yourself a cocktail and a hot dog, stat.
    • Neighborhood: Northside
    • Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am, Saturday 12pm-2am, Sunday 12pm-12am, Closed Tuesdays

Best Late Night Dancing

  • Sneaky Pete’s: This downtown sports bar/restaurant/nightclub always has something going on, and the dance floor gets positively packed on weekends. You can come any night of the week, though—they’re always open until 2 a.m.
    • Neighborhood: Downtown
    • Hours: Tues-Sun 4pm-2am
  • Basement Bar: It’s only open three nights a week, but this North Loop hot spot is absolutely hopping during that Thursday-Saturday window. They’ve got DJs and live music every night the doors are open, so come with your dancing shoes on.
    • Neighborhood: North Loop
    • Hours: Thurs 4pm-1am, Fri 4pm-2am, Sat 4pm-2am
  • Ground Zero: With fire dancers, aerial acrobatics performers, cosplay nights, and “Bondage A Go Go” on tap, depending on the night, Ground Zero is not your average night out on the town. But did you come here to have an average night out on the town?
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: Fri-Sat 10pm-2am

Best Late Night Music Venues

  • Concert at First Ave: No visit to Minneapolis is truly complete without a pilgrimage to this temple of the local music scene, one of the longest running independently owned and operated clubs in the United States. For over fifty years, the historic venue has been the epicenter of downtown dancing and music discovery with two distinct concert spaces collectively hosting over 550 concerts each year.
    • Neighborhood: Downtown
  • Zhora Darling: A late night restaurant and intimate music venue recently opened by a couple of New Yorkers. The food menu includes small plates, salads and sandwiches, and you'll find nothing but creative cocktails on the drink menu. Most notably, Zhora Darling has a private karaoke room available for rent.
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat-Sun 1pm-2am
  • 331 Club: This nightspot has an old-school vibe and is the place to go for live music. The best part is, there's usually no cover! Order a drink and a pizza and settle in for the night, and get ready to get up and dance. Grab some fresh air out on their spacious patio.
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: Mon-Fri 3pm-2am, Sat 2pm-2am, Sun 1pm-2am
  • The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge: Take in some live music at this artist-driven, affordable venue located inside the The Firehouse Performing Arts Center, featuring local musicians, tributes to legends, and traveling artists from around the country.
    • Neighborhood: Longfellow
  • Icehouse: Standing up for concerts is overrated. This intimate, two-story music venue hosts an eclectic roster of low- or no-cover shows (think jazz, americana, West African, and local singer songwriters), all of which you can watch from the comfort of your dinner table.
    • Neighborhood: Whittier

Best Late Night Quick Bites

  • Matt's Bar: Greasy cheeseburgers are definitely the best kind of late-night food and Matt's specializes in just that. Home of the Jucy Lucy, Matt's no frills, cash-only spot is exactly the type of atmosphere needed after a long night out.
    • Neighborhood: Powderhorn
    • Hours: 11am-11pm
  • Taco Taxi: Open just as late as Taco Bell, you can’t pass up this homestyle Mexican spot crafted by two brothers from Jalisco, Mexico as the finale to your night on the town. Snag some highly customizable tacos and burritos until 3am Friday and Saturday, and 2am every other night.
    • Neighborhood: Powderhorn
  • Nicollet Diner: Open 24/7 means that you can hit up your late night cravings whenever the party lets out. Here you'll find typical diner food—burgers, fries, malts and of course an all day breakfast menu.
    • Neighborhood: Loring Park
  • Taqueria Los Ocampo: Alambre after dark… it’s not the name of a romance novel, but doesn’t it sound like it could be? You’ll find those, along with burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and more, at Los Ocampo’s locations.
    • Neighborhood: Powderhorn
    • Hours: Sun-Thurs 9am - 12pm, ​​Fri-Sat 9am-4am​
  • Leaning Tower of Pizza: This historic Uptown pizzeria isn’t just open late (until 2 a.m. every night of the week), it’s also been open forever (since 1952, to be exact). Swing by for pizzas and a late-night happy hour menu that includes 2-4-1’s on all taps, domestic bottles, and canned beer.
    • Neighborhood: Uptown
    • Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-2am

Best Queer Nightlife

  • The Saloon: Karaoke, drag shows, Bango, DJs—there’s always something going on at The Saloon, where the dance floor stays busy and sweaty until late in the night (or early in the morning).
    • Neighborhood: Downtown
    • Hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm-2AM, Fri-Sat 12-3am
  • 19 Bar: The 19 is an institution. Founded in 1952, it’s the oldest gay bar in Minneapolis and one of the oldest gay bars in the United States. But you’re not here for a history lesson, so we’ll spare you the story about how it recently reemerged after a freak fire ruined much of the building. Just know that this casual, dimly lit bar is a great place to grab a drink, shoot some pool, and sit on the patio. You’ll always feel welcome.
    • Neighborhood: Loring Park
    • Hours: Mon-Fri 3pm-2am, Sat-Sunday 1pm-2am
  • Jetset Underground: If you want to dance, Jetset is your place. Open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, this is a loungey hang on East Hennepin where you’ll find strong drinks and DJs spinning club classics.
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 6pm-2am

Best Late Night Drinks and Dining

  • Porzana: Go ahead: get a little dressed up. Start with a plate of oysters; you can add caviar or bone marrow if you’re feeling fancy. Peruse the cold seafood, the perfect pastas, the gorgeous salads. Maybe settle on a grass-fed ribeye or filet. At this modern Argentinian steakhouse, a little decadence is then name of the game.
    • Neighborhood: North Loop
    • Hours: Sun-Wed 5pm-10pm, Thurs-Sat 5pm-11pm
  • Parlour: If you’re looking for an intimate, dark bar for late night, after dinner conversation, this industrial, underground destination is pretty dreamy. The menu of drinks and snacks is on the short side, but everything earns its place, with a perfectly crafted cocktail for every spirit (plus a tight list of beer, wine, and bottled sodas). Local tip: The Parlour Burger, a meaty blend of ground chuck, ribeye, and brisket, simply topped with white American cheese on an egg bun, is legendary—so don’t miss it!
    • Neighborhood: North Loop
    • Hours: Sun-Thurs 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-1am
  • Volstead’s Emporium: A candle-lit speakeasy tucked away in a nondescript alley off of Lake street marked only by a red light above the entry, Volstead’s might just be the ultimate “hidden” gem. Make a reservation via the ultra minimalist website to score directions and save your spot at a cozy booth to enjoy the constantly changing cocktails and decor from another time.
    • Neighborhood: Uptown
    • Hours: Closed Monday & Tuesday, Wed, Thurs, Sun 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat 5pm-1am
  • Barbette: This romantic neighborhood brasserie is decked out with candles, leather banquets, and an eclectic collection of wall art (featuring both reclining nudes and reclining dogs). The late-night menu is thoughtfully sourced, featuring charcuterie and artisan cheese plates, steak frites, and hearty sandwiches that will stand up to a night of drinks and dancing.
    • Neighborhood: Uptown
    • Hours: Sun-Thurs 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat 8am-12am
  • Nightingale: This husband-and-wife owned, local-ingredient focused Uptown gastropub offers late-night nosh until 1am, with unexpectedly upscale treats like a meat plate with house-smoked duck pastrami Reubens. Nightingale is a bit more upscale than you might expect from a late-night spot, so you’ll probably avoid some of the more raucous nightlife in the area while satisfying your inner gourmand.
    • Neighborhood: Whittier
    • Hours: Sun-Sat 5pm-1am
  • Wrecktangle Pizza: Late-night pizza is always a good idea. Open until midnight and 1am on the weekends, Wrecktangle Pizza provides a delicious option for your end of the night pizza cravings. But the Detroit-style pizzas aren't the only thing on the menu, try out their tasty sammies and appetizers too!
    • Neighborhood: Lyn-Lake
    • Hours: open most nights until 12am or 1am
  • Beckett’s: It just might be the most fun sports bar in Minneapolis—Beckett’s is worth a visit for its wall of TVs, yes, but also cocktails served in buckets, frozen slushy drinks, and more sports memorabilia plastered on the walls than you’ve ever seen.
    • Neighborhood: Lyn-Lake
    • Hours: Mon-Thurs 2pm-12am, Fri 2pm-2am, Sat 11am-2am, Sun 11am-12am
  • Mac’s Industrial: At this Northeast sports bar, the fun doesn’t stop when the clock runs out. Mac’s kitchen stays open late, so you can chow down on wings or cheese curds or a mound of totchos, whether you’re celebrating a win, recovering from a loss, or just hungry!
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: Mon-Fri 3pm-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am
  • Centro: At Centro, killer cocktails are always on tap. Order up a Guava Goddess Slushy—with mezcal, guava nectar, lemon, and guava kombucha—or any other cocktail on tap, then settle in with some street tacos to soak in Centro’s vibrant colors and casual, urban feel. Bring some friends and order every taco on the menu to share!
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
  • Bina’s Bar: Right nextdoor to Centro in Northeast, there’s Bina’s, where you can play pulltabs or shoot pool until the wee hours. Grab a smash burger while you’re there, because theirs is a savory, cheesy miracle.
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm-12am, Fri-Sat 12pm-1am, Sun 12pm-12am
  • The Cabana Club: A travel-inspired restaurant on Minneapolis' historic Main Street. The cocktails are named after global cities — the Tokyo features mizu lemongrass sochu, basil, yuzu, sesame oil and star anise — and the food menu has everything from wild mushroom fettuccini to jerk chicken.
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: 11am-10pm
  • Hola Arepa: This South Minneapolis hot spot serves up Latin street food centering around arepas—cornmeal griddle cake sandwiches stuffed with a huge variety of fresh fillings—in addition to other snacks like oyster mushroom tostadas, empanadas, and plantain tostones topped with shredded beef and tamarind. Local tip: The mocktails are fresh and delicious!
    • Neighborhood: Kingfield
    • Hours: ;Mon-Thurs 4pm-10pm, Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat10am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
  • Little Tijuana: Come for the strong drinks, stay for the immaculate vibes… or stay for the globetrotting food menu that includes palak paneer dip, bulgogi fries, and a chopped cheese you’ll be reminiscing about for days after. Open until 1 a.m. most nights, this is a great spot to end your night.
    • Neighborhood: Whittier
    • Hours: Wed-Mon 4pm-1am
  • Moto-i: The first sake brewpub outside of Japan, Moto-i is a casually cool izakaya that offers Japanese spirits alongside Minnesota-brewed beers. It’s the best of both worlds—and you can get a bowl of ramen or plate of rangoons until midnight.
    • Neighborhood: Uptown
    • Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-12pm, Sun-Sat 11am-12am
  • Picnic: This charming Linden Hills spot is like a casual neighborhood bar that’s been zhuzhed up a bit. The gorgeous central bar beckons you in, and the menu, with lots of shareable plates and sandwiches, makes you wanna stick around a while. And why shouldn’t you? The kitchen’s open until 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
    • Neighborhood: Linden Hills
    • Hours: Tues- Thurs 11am-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-1am, Closed Mondays
  • Stargazer: You don't have to travel far to visit another galaxy — you'll find one in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis at Stargazer. Sip expertly crafted cocktails (created by an award-winning cocktail master) and order something from the out-of-this-world food menu. Don't forget to snap a pic under the stars!
    • Neighborhood: Northeast
    • Hours: Tues-Thurs 4pm-Midnight, Fri-Sat 4pm-1am, Sun 4pm-10pm, Closed Mondays

Best Late Night Coffee Shops and Cafes

  • Caffetto Coffee House: Not only is Caffetto open until midnight, seven nights a week, but it’s one of the coziest and most eclectic coffee shops in the city. It’s an old-school establishment in the best possible way—like a dive bar for caffeine. Plus, there’s pinball in the basement!
    • Neighborhood: Whittier
    • Hours: 7am-12am
  • Hard Times Cafe: This punk-rock, collectively owned Cedar-Riverside coffee shop and restaurant, open from 8 a.m. to midnight, is a Minneapolis classic with really great vegetarian food. “Coffee is $1.50 now, sorry,” their Instagram bio cheekily apologizes. We’ll allow it.
    • Neighborhood: Cedar Riverside
    • Hours: 8am-12am
  • Sisters Sludge: Most nights, you can get a latte until 10 p.m. at Sisters Sludge, but if you’re looking for something a little stronger? They’re also a wine bar, which you can pair with a lovely selection of sandwiches and small plates.
    • Neighborhood: Standish

    Best After-Dinner Entertainment

    • Brave New Workshop: Improv comedy done well is a delight unlike any other, and Brave New Workshop has done it well since 1958. Catch a mainstage sketch comedy show Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
      • Neighborhood: Downtown
    • Bryant Lake Bowl: Yes, it’s got “bowl” in the name, but don’t discount the wide entertainment options at this Lake Street classic, which offers a 3-in-1 night out—part late-night bar and eatery, part theater, part bowling alley. You could truly spend all night here, bowling a few rounds, catching some live local music, or enjoying some improv or sketch comedy.
      • Neighborhood: Lyn-Lake
      • Hours: 9am-1am
    • Nye’s Piano Bar: The classic piano bar may not be as popular as in decades past, but the tradition is alive at Nye’s. Formerly home to a beloved polish and polka restaurant owned by the current owners, the “new” Nye’s offers classic drinks (no food) and piano-accompanied karaoke.
      • Neighborhood: Northeast
      • Hours: Sun-Wed 4pm-1am, Thur-Sat 4pm-2am
    • Otter Saloon Karaoke: You can sing Karaoke from 8pm until 2am any night of the week at Otter Saloon. That, combined with their $3 rail drink happy hour, make this the perfect neighborhood dive when you’ve just got to croon.
      • Neighborhood: Northeast
      • Hours: 8am-2am
    • Lush Minneapolis: At Lush, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a variety of drag shows, including Drag Revolution—featuring weekly special guests from across the Twin Cities and around the country—Saturday and Sunday Drag Brunches and the participatory Drag Queen Bingo. You can also catch a burlesque show a few times per month. Remember to tip the performers well!
      • Neighborhood: Northeast
      • Hours: Wed-Thurs 4pm-10pm, Fri 4pm-1am, Sat 11am-1am, Sunday 11am-10pm, Monday & Tuesday Closed
    • Riverview Theater: Watch some of the Hollywood's biggest blockbusters in this 50's inspired theater located in the Longfellow neighborhood. Be sure to grab some popcorn—topped with real melted butter—and don’t miss their annual Oscar-nominated short film marathon each January.
      • Neighborhood: Longfellow

    Best Late-Night Gaming

    • Puttery: Find three mini golf courses and three bars at this 21+ spot. Before your tee time, relax in one of the lounges, bar tops, communal tables, or patio with a round of inventive cocktails and upscale bites.
      • Neighborhood: Downtown
      • Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am
    • Five Iron Golf: Wanna play Pebble Beach without leaving Minneapolis? You can! Open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, this indoor golf simulator also offers an extensive food menu and a full-service bar, so you can snack and drink while you swing away.
      • Neighborhood: Warehouse District
      • Hours: Mon-Thurs 6am-10pm, Fri 6am-12am, Sat 10am-12am, Sunday 10am-10pm
    • Memory Lanes: Add some throwback fun to your nightlife with cosmic bowling every night and all-day on weekends at Memory Lanes (yes, there’s a full bar and food menu to fuel your best score).
      • Neighborhood: Seward
      • Hours: Mon-Fri 3pm-12am, Sat 11am-12am, Sun 11am-10pm
    • LITT Pinball Bar: Put your pinball skills to the test with the unique collection of pinball machines at LITT. They have machines from a variety of eras and are always rotating different machines in and out. If you work up an appetite there's a menu of specialty hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches and tacos, made from scratch. They are open until 2am daily and are 21+ after 8pm.
      • Neighborhood: Whittier
      • Hours: 11am-2am
    • Up-Down: Stay up all night playing arcade games at this 21+arcade bar in Uptown Minneapolis featuring all the classics, pinball, skee-ball, and Pac-Man. While you're there try out one of their 60 craft beers on tap and grab a pizza by the slice.
      • Neighborhood: Lyn-Lake
      • Hours: Mon-Fri 3pm-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am

    Best Late-Night Spots in Downtown Minneapolis

    • Gay 90s: Foam parties. Karaoke. Drag. Burlesque. “Kinky Friday.” Yeah… Gay 90s is a pretty reliably good time, and they’re always open late.
      • Hours: Mon & Tue Closed, Wed-Thurs 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 4pm-3am, Sun 9pm-2am
    • Cowboy Jacks: There's always some fun happening at Cowboy Jacks and they make sure to keep they party going real late. Whether you're there for the beer specials or just looking for bar with all the action this is your late night hot spot.
      • Hours: Thurs 5pm-12am, Fri 4pm-2am, Sat 11am-2am, Sun 10am-9pm
    • Barrio: Prefer bites of many different dishes over savoring one hearty serving? Barrio is the small-plate, tapas-style dining lovers dream. Grab some made-to-order guacamole and a couple tacos, tostadas, and empanadas, pair with an updated Margarita—think blackberry blood orange with ancho chile or passionfruit with muddled pepper—or any of Barrio’s other Mexican-inspired cocktails, and let the plate passing commence. Decked out with a colorful mural and bustling vibe (plus a great urban patio in the warmer months), Barrio’s Nicollet Mall location is open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
      • Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-10pm
    • Masa & Agave Cantina: In the basement of the Hotel Ivy is a speakeasy cantina, where you'll find late night tacos and tequila. On Fridays and Saturdays catch $5 taco specials and bottomless guac. along with local DJs spinning from 9pm 'til late into the night.
      • Hours: Tues-Wed 5pm-11pm, Thurs-Sat 5pm-12am
    • Pizza Luce: Perfect for before or after Twins baseball games, Pizza Luce stays open late and offers a robust menu of pizza flavors. Grab a classic like the Baked Potato Pizza, crust smothered in buttery, garlic and topped with baby red mashed potatoes, broccoli, fresh-diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Or try something off their rotating seasonal menu.
      • Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-2:30pm
    • Bad Axe City Center: One of the largest Bad Axe facilities to date at 8,000 square feet, this venue features 18 targets and it's located right in the center of all the downtown Minneapolis action. If booked ahead of time, throwing slots are open until 11:00pm.
    • The Dakota: Sit back and enjoy some live tunes with farm-to-table fare at the city’s most storied jazz club—but the music doesn’t stop at jazz. The all-ages calendar sees the cabaret-style stage packed with a wide variety of genres, from soul and blues to gospel and afro-cuban rhythms.
    • Brit’s Pub: The perfect spot for the late-night anglophile, this piece of the UK in the Twin Cities has something British for every season, from lawn bowling on the rooftop deck in the summer to cozy nights by the fireplace with a pint of Boddingtons with the snow falling outside. Join the crowd for soccer football and rugby events and monthly pub trivia, close your eyes, and picture yourself across the pond.
      • Hours: Fri 11:30am-1:00am, Sat 11am-1am, Sun-Thur 11:30am-11pm

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