The best happy hours in the Twin Cities (according to a broke college student)

Friday, March 04, 2016

For many of us young people, finding a good yet cheap drink at the bar can be a challenge. With happy hour usually being 4-6 pm (and sometimes even early starting at 2pm) you need to have planned going out to happy hour far in advance with your friends to save a good amount of cash. Fortunately, I have done my research on finding bars and restaurants that not only have cheap drinks during reasonable hours, but that also can get leave you pretty buzzed.

#1) Salut Bar Americain, 917 Grand Avenue St Paul MN

Happy Hour Daily 3-6pm and 10pm-Close Friday & Saturday Night

Picture from Salut Bar Americain Grand Ave Location, From website

     This is one of the few places that has a happy hour in the Cities on the weekend. A glass of wine will vary during happy hour from $4 -$5. Grab some oysters for an extra $2 or truffle fries for $6 and you'll be set. Don't forget that you get served some awesome bred with garlic butter that makes Olive Garden's bread-sticks taste like something from McDonald. 


#2) Pretty much any bar at Mall of America

Happy hour 3-7pm, various locations 
Picture from Tripadvisor.com
If you're really up for some fun then I highly advise you to go to Mall of America and barhop during Happy Hour from 3-7pm. Remember that there's over 50 restaurants at Mall of America, so that really gives you endless possibilities to try different drinks throughout the Mall. My favorite deals at Mall of America include Tucci Benucch ($3.99-$5.99 menu), Crave (ranging form $4-$5 drinks, with over 20 options), Cadillac Ranch (one of my favorites, $3 pint), and Hard Rock Cafe which has $3 Mimosas on Sundays. Remember too friends that Mall of America is connected to the light rail, so you won't have to fight over who's going to be the DD for the night.

Check out more deals here! https://www.mallofamerica.com/dining/happy-hours-specials

#3) The Pourhouse- Free drinks for college students

Free drinks on Thursdays and Sunday with ID 10-12pm, Warehouse District Minneapolis 
   You're college ID is finally going to good use. Check out the Pourhouse on Thursdays or Sundays for some free drinks from 10pm-Midnight. Remember though to RSVP on the website before 9pm and you won't have to pay for a entry fee (which can go towards your $5 uber ride home). Thought the drinks aren't magnificent they are free and that's fine by me. This venue has a lot of different events that can involve one free drink or theme nights so make sure that you're informed before you hit the town!


#4) Wild Onion- Facebook never looked so good before, 788 Grand Ave St Paul

2pm-6pm Monday-Friday, 3-6pm Saturday 
 

If you like to profit when it's your birthday or get a BOGO drink for showing the bartender that you posted a status that you and your friends are having a girls night on Facebook this is the place to be. Each day the bar has various specials both in the afternoon as well as at night.


#6) Axels Bonfire- Various Locations

3-6pm and 9pm-close
Photo from Bonfire
If you're like me and love to treat yourself to not only good drinks, but great food as well Axel's Bonfire is a must. During happy hour wine, cocktails, and beer are $2 off along with half priced flat breads, pizza, and appetizers. #Yesplease 


#7) O'Garas- 164 N Snelling, St Paul MN

Happy Hour: Monday - Friday 3-6 pm, Sunday - Thursday 10 pm - midnight
You might feel like this after a couple drinks from O'Garas, painting by Michael Birawer

 What I love about going here is how chill this place is. A generally quiet bar, this is a great place to have a conversation while having a great drink. Even when it isn't happy hour the drinks here are priced well ($5 a class of house wine isn't bad now is it?). My favorite- come in on Mondays from 4-10 pm and get 1/2 a bottle of wine. 


#8) Kitty Cat Klub, 315 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Cheap drinks throughout the night 

Photo form Star Tribune

Located on the U of M's Dinky Town, this bar is a great hideaway after a stressful week of exams. The majority of the drinks here are all under $8 (a glass of wine is $4) and there is usually a live band playing. Just make sure and check if there is a cover charge before you enter in. I'm all about supporting local artists. Just only the ones that I like. The bar has a large seating area and has a pool table along with some arcade games to answer. This is a great spot to go while bar hopping around the U of M. 

#9) Sally's Bar & Grill, 712 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Daily Happy Hour everyday 3-6pm and 10pm-Midnight, $2 Rail Drinks and Domestic Beer
Photo form Tripadvisor.com
If you're ready for a deal then this is the place for you. As a vegetarian it can be a bit hard to find something on the menu other than donuts to eat (and for cheap compared to our meat-eating friends who can have a $3 burger). That being said, the location of the bar as well as the fact that there are $2 drinks does improve the situation. If you're into scavenging for cheap meaty food this is also the place for you. Each day the bar has a different special- from $2 Ramen on Tuesdays to 2lbs of wings for $5. Warning though: There is usually a large crowd here, so get ready to make some friends, especially on game day. 

For more info: http://sallyssaloon.net/

#10) Brothers Bar and Grill- 430 1st Avenue NorthMinneapolis, MN 55401


Too many deals to count

From Goldstar.com
You are almost guaranteed to find a good deal at Brothers whether you come at 2pm in the afternoon or 11pm. Though the drinks at times that are discounted can be rather-well harsh- they do make the nigh a fun time. Just remember to drink water friends. If you're really into getting the most out of your money and love a particular drink- check out what daily specials your location has in order to profit most.

For more info visit: http://www.brothersbar.com/minneapolis-mn/


Until next time,





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