7 Great Spots for Cocktails in the Twin Cities Gateway

Sip in style at these Twin Cities Gateway cocktail spots. From build-your-own Bloody Marys to a Prohibition-inspired speakeasy, here are our top picks for places where you can find a new favorite drink (or two!)

Anoka’s Hardware Store offers a top-notch selection of craft cocktails in a modern speakeasy setting—look for the red light and give the attendant the password. The imaginative menu includes old fashioneds smoked tableside and flaming drinks, with a focus on locally-distilled spirits and unique whiskeys. The speakeasy frequently hosts live musicians in genres including jazz, swing, and blues, and guests can enjoy $6 old fashioneds on Wednesday and old fashioned flights on Thursday.

201 Alley, Anoka; 763-316-6188; anokahardwarestore.com

Nucky’s Speakeasy in Anoka’s historic post office channels a Prohibition-era vibe, with a hidden entrance and secret password. Guests are encouraged to wear 1920s attire, and the cocktail menu includes both Prohibition drinks like a Bee’s Knees made with gin and honey syrup and more modern concoctions such as a guava Cosmopolitan and tiki drinks.

300 E. Main Street, Anoka; nuckysspeakeasy.com

Crooners Supper Club in Fridley is inspired by the roadhouses of the mid-twentieth century and has a cocktail menu straight from the period, including a Casablanca Manhattan and a Crosby Sidecar. The martinis are a house specialty, including dessert variations like chocolate or salted caramel. While you sip your cocktail, enjoy live music ranging from jazz to American standards to classic pop.

6161 Highway 65 NE, Minneapolis; 763-760-0062; croonersloungemn.com

Oliver’s is a sleek modern restaurant in Blaine that offers cocktails all day long, whether that’s a Bloody Mary with all the garnishes for breakfast or an old fashioned for dinner. The cocktail menu highlights Minnesota-made spirits, including J. Carver Barrel Gin with pineapple and ginger ale in the fresh-tasting First Crush and Tattersall Americano and J. Carver amaro in the Black Walnut Manhattan.

10901 Baltimore Street NE, Blaine; 763-338-0884; olivers-blaine.com

Churchill Street in Shoreview specializes in perfectly executed classic cocktails like a negroni or sidecar, and also offers a handful of signature drinks like the rum and Scotch-based Happy Hygge. Stop by during happy hour (2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) for discounts on select cocktails, including a rotating punch and a weekly featured drink.

4606 Churchill Street, Shoreview; 612-466-2596; churchillst.com

Tavern Grill in Blaine has a fun build-your-own Bloody Mary option available any time—pick your vodka and spice level, and then load up on garnishes including vegetables, pickles, cheese, and more. The cocktail menu also includes picture-perfect martinis and refreshing drinks like a pomegranate mojito and cucumber basil gimlet.

10950 Club West Parkway NE #280, Blaine; 763-398-8100; thetaverngrill.com

Kendall’s Tavern & Chophouse in Coon Rapids is the perfect spot to celebrate after a round of golf at nearby Bunker Hills Golf Course, and it has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Tavern Old Fashioned is a local favorite, and the menu also includes everything from a sweet espresso martini to a jalapeno-spiked spicy mango margarita.

12800 Bunker Prairie Road, Coon Rapids; 763-755-1234; kendallstc.com

Conveniently located to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the ten communities of the Twin Cities Gateway (Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton, and Shoreview) offer tasty eats, trails and parks, recreational facilities, cultural attractions, and affordable hotels with free parking. Book your stay today!