Minneapolis–St. Paul, MNDive Bars

CC Club is a Lyndale Avenue institution built around inexpensive drinks, straightforward bar food, pool and a lived in neighborhood atmosphere. The Minnesota Star Tribune's dive bar guide profiles the Whittier fixture and its enduring role in Minneapolis music and nightlife history. A broad mix of regulars and newcomers keeps the room active without sanding away its old bar character.

Grumpy's Bar remains a Northeast gathering place with a relaxed room, patio, drinks and unfussy food. The Minnesota Star Tribune includes the Fourth Street bar in its dive bar guide, emphasizing the kind of durable neighborhood identity that survives changing nightlife trends. Its fixed location and broad regular crowd make it a local bar first, with personality coming from continuity rather than decoration.

Mayslack's pairs a classic Northeast barroom with a menu known for roast beef sandwiches and substantial portions. The Minnesota Star Tribune's dive bar guide profiles the Fourth Street fixture as both a drinking spot and a place where the food carries its own history. Live music, neighborhood regulars and the longstanding sandwich tradition give the bar a purpose beyond inexpensive drinks.

Skinner's Pub is a St. Paul neighborhood bar where pizza, beer and a familiar room set the rhythm. The Minnesota Star Tribune's dive bar guide highlights the Randolph Avenue fixture and its unpretentious appeal. The food menu gives regulars a reason to stay beyond a single drink, while the West Seventh location retains the easygoing character of a community gathering place.

Tapper's Bar is a small West St. Paul watering hole with a strong regular crowd and little interest in polished nightlife trends. The Minnesota Star Tribune's dive bar guide profiles the Stryker Avenue bar as a durable neighborhood institution. Its compact room, straightforward drinks and communal atmosphere deliver the defining dive bar experience without relying on a themed makeover or destination restaurant menu.