What to Do Around Target Center

In town and staying near the arena? Need to fill time before a Lynx or Timberwolves game? Don't want the end of the concert to be the end of your night? Located in Downtown Minneapolis, Target Center is close to dozens of things to do in your free time!

1. See a Show


State Theatre


Hennepin Avenue south of 5th Street is often referred to as Downtown's Theater District. 6 main spots for your theater and entertainment fix include Illusion Theater (socially charged original plays and educational works), The Cowles Center (performing arts and dance center), Brave New Workshop (improv, satire and comedy) and Pantages, State, and Orpheum Theatres (Broadway, international, national and local entertainment). All within 4 blocks of one another, you're sure to find a show that suits your fancy!

Looking for something less along the lines of theater and more in tune with your musical interests? First Avenue, Skyway Theatre and the Dakota Jazz Club are all within immediate and walking distance to Target Center and boast some impressive acts.

2. Wine & Dine


Prime Tomahawk, Seven Steakhouse Sushi & Rooftop


We're in no shortage of fancy restaurants for those wishing to splurge. Restaurants like Fogo de Chão (upscale Brazilian steakhouse), Butcher & the Boar (American eatery), Seven Steakhouse Sushi & Rooftop (upmarket steakhouse & sushi bar), Firelake Grill House & Cocktail Bar (upscale New American), Cosmos (sleek all-day eatery), The Oceanaire (high-end seafood and steak) and Murray's Steakhouse (prime cuts & signature cocktails) are all top notch choices for a top notch meal.

3. Keep It Casual at a Bar or Pub


Kieran's Irish Pub


Yes, fancy dinners are not for everyone's budget or preference. But perhaps beer and bar food can satisfy your craving! With handfuls to choose from, some of the best near Target Center include Kieran's Irish Pub (upbeat, old-fashioned and family-friendly), Gluek's Restaurant & Bar (bustling old-world beer hall), Maruso Street Food & Cocktails (funky space with tacos, burgers, craft beers and spirits), O'Donovan's Irish Pub (vibrant Irish pub), Sneaky Pete's (high-energy sports bar and nightclub), Brothers Bar & Grill (Midwestern sports-bar) and Cowboy Jack's (Wild West themed bar). Dress down or up, hop from one to another or just stay put, these spots are perfect beginning-or-ending-your-night kind of places. 

4. Stay Out Late


Pourhouse


Post-dinner, after-dark Minneapolis is hoppin' with stellar nightlife. For an energetic nightclub experience, try the Gay 90's (vibrant LBGTQ nightclub with multiple bars and dance floors), Pourhouse (sports bar and nightclub with live music), Union Rooftop (lively multi-level bar and grill, home to many a drag brunch), or Seven Steakhouse Sushi & Rooftop (high end dining meets electric nightlife).

5. Have a Shipyard Experience


Looking for the ultimate unique dining experience? How about a restaurant set up like a shipyard with colorful graffiti filled walls. If this sounds intriguing, make a stop at the Cargo Food Authority restaurant and bar in Target Center. This spot took shipping containers and set them as up food stations. Take your pick from four different stations that offer Mexican and Asian favorites, as well as twists on pizza and wings. On many nights you can catch live music, play bar games like beer pong or basketball hotshot or just hang out at one of the communal tables fashioned from shipping pallets and watch a game on TV. 

Map It Out

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