Get Your Dabbers Ready: Finding the Classic MN Bar Experience

Forget the trendy mixology and quiet corners for a minute. Sometimes, you just want a bar that feels like… well, Minnesota. We’re talking about the lively call of a B-9, the sizzle of a steak you just won, and the hopeful rip of a pull tab.

The Twin Cities Gateway is a goldmine for these classic neighborhood haunts. If you’re looking for that perfect trifecta of Bingo, Pull Tabs, and Meat Raffles, here are the real-deal spots to check out.

🥩 For the Love of Meat (Raffles)

A true Minnesota tradition, the meat raffle is a community event disguised as a game of chance. Here’s where to try your luck at winning this week’s groceries.

• Fridley American Legion (Fridley): A true community hub. You can find a Meat Raffle (and horse racing!) on Fridays. They also famously host a Bacon Raffle on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

• Maxx Bar and Grill (Ham Lake): This spot is serious about its raffles. They host a popular Meat Raffle on Fridays, Saturdays, AND Sundays.

• JRS Outpost (Ramsey): Head here on a Friday for their classic Meat Raffle, or show up on Saturday for the mysterious (and popular) “Better Than A Meat Raffle” event.

• Big Louie’s Bar and Grill (New Brighton): A fantastic neighborhood spot, Big Louie’s hosts its Meat Raffle on Thursdays and Saturdays.

🔢 It’s Bingo Time!

Whether you’re a serious player with a custom dabber or just enjoy the casual game, bar bingo is always a good time.

• Shortstop Bar & Grill (Fridley & Coon Rapids): This place is a hot spot for games. You can find Bingo on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, along with meat raffles on other nights.

• CR’s Sports Bar (Coon Rapids): Famous for its wings and atmosphere, CR’s hosts Bingo on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

• Trappers Bar and Grill (Lino Lakes): A go-to in the area, Trappers draws a crowd for Bingo on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

• Flaherty’s Arden Bowl (Arden Hills): The pub inside this classic bowling alley is a prime spot for Bar Bingo. They typically host it on Friday nights (around 6:30 pm) with a $1,000 coverall prize.

• MC’s Pub (Shoreview): If you want bingo, MC’s has it. They run games almost every day: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

🎟️ The Unofficial State Sport: Pull Tabs

You can’t have a classic Minnesota bar without the satisfying sound of someone ripping “cardboard crack.” While most of the spots listed above also have pull tabs, here are a few more where the tabs are a main attraction.

• Ole Piper Inn (Blaine): A true classic. You’ll find a dedicated pull tab booth alongside regular bingo nights and meat raffles. It’s the complete package.

• Barrel House Bar and Cafe (Coon Rapids): This spot has a full pull tab booth, E-tabs, and a Thursday night meat raffle.

• Welsch’s Big Ten Tavern (Arden Hills): A true local institution right on Highway 10. It’s a go-to spot for Pull Tabs and E-tabs daily. They are also known to host special event bingo games.

• 201 Tavern (Anoka): Located in historic downtown Anoka, this tavern mixes a modern feel with classic fun, including bar bingo and, of course, pull tabs.

A quick pro-tip: Event schedules (especially for bingo and raffles) can change seasonally or for holidays. It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check their Facebook page before you go!