Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN
For Cocktails in Minneapolis–St. Paul, the local food press points to Meteor, The Monte Carlo, and Estelle. Picks from Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Minnesota Star Tribune, updated July 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Minnesota Star Tribune. Updated July 2026.
Meteor · Northeast Minneapolis
Meteor makes precisely balanced drinks feel at home in a century-old north Minneapolis bar. Mpls.St.Paul Magazine notes its national recognition, but the room remains loose, welcoming, and open late rather than ceremonial. The menu's inventive cocktails share space with hot dogs, preserving the exact place identity reused in the Twin Cities hot-dog list.
The Monte Carlo · Warehouse District
Monte Carlo serves classic cocktails in a Warehouse District room defined by dark lacquered wood, mirrored shelves, and a long bar. Mpls.St.Paul Magazine highlights the bartenders' ability to mix sophisticated drinks without turning the experience stiff. The enduring setting also supports a full food menu, making it useful for a drink that extends into dinner.
Estelle · Macalester-Groveland
Estelle pairs a modest Macalester-Groveland bar with a polished kitchen shaped by Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian ideas. Mpls.St.Paul Magazine emphasizes cocktails that borrow Mediterranean flavors and work naturally beside the restaurant's snacks and larger plates. The St. Clair Avenue address anchors the independent neighborhood restaurant rather than another venue with the same name.
Bar + Cart Restaurant and Lounge · Macalester-Groveland
Bar + Cart brings a cocktail-first neighborhood format to Grand Avenue, with a concise food menu supporting the drinks rather than competing with them. Minnesota Star Tribune's 2026 cocktail guide directly profiles the bar and its address. The room balances serious technique with an easygoing St. Paul atmosphere, making it suitable for both a quick drink and a longer visit.
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