Plot Your Stop Along the Pride Parade Route

The Pride parade, which meanders West on Hennepin Avenue to Loring Park, is one of the perennial highlights of Pride Month. If the crowds/heat/noise gets to be a bit much, there are plenty of eateries, bars and cafes where one can find respite before hitting the park. This is by no means a comprehensive list, so please let us know your favorite in the comments below.

Marin

Marin Restaurant and Bar will host various events all weekend long, beginning with a kick off Happy Hour on Friday, June 24 featuring eclectic beats by DJ Shiek. During the parade on Sunday, June 26, take in panoramic views of the festivities along with music by resident DJ Lenka Paris at their ninth annual MiX Pride Viewing Party.

Crave

Hang out on CRAVE’s massive rooftop patio starting bright and early at 9 a.m.  Flip Phone's DJ Fancy Restaurant and Flipstyle TC will spinning for this long-winded dance party. Or, reserve a table on street level for a slightly mellower experience. Minimum purchase required.

The $10 cover includes $5 donation to OutFront Minnesota.

Rock Bottom

Start the day with a generous spread for just $15, including all sorts of breakfasty meats, Grand Marnier French Toast, fancy croissants, fresh fruit, hash browns and a couple egg dishes for extra protein. Rock Bottom’s patio area is reserved by Twin Cities Pride, which sells tickets for the primo location.

Union Restaurant

Union Rooftop

Union Rooftop will hold its Bubbles and Bass dance party hosted by Los Angeles drag queen Lady VaJayjay, featuring drag queens galore, dancers, avante garde fashion models, and bubble art along with a complimentary cocktail and brunch specials. VIP booths offer expansive parade views, complimentary brunch items and bottomless mimosas.

Espresso Royale

Espresso Royale coffee shop manages to somehow be both cozy and airy, with an intimate back room and an expansive and sunny front area great for people watching. How about a lavender cold press while you watch the goings-on? Planning a long night? Grab their massive 32 oz iced latte and you’ll be set for at least a few hours.

Seven

Seven will hold its 9th annual Bitch N’ Brunch event on their rooftop Seven Skybar or from the air conditioned comfort of the 2nd level floor to ceiling windows. There will be plenty of music as well from DJs Attitude City Moose Knuckle. $30 gets you brunch and bottomless mimosas.

City Works

City Work’ Sunday Funday specials run until August 21st and include drink and food specials until 11 p.m. Specialty Sunday Funday menu items include a rotating burger option and a flight of cocktails. As part of the weekly party, guests who purchase any food or drink item can enter a weekly raffle to win two VIP Twins tickets, including stadium tour and on-field access.

4 Bells Facebook page

4 Bells

The Southern flair eatery will be open longer hours (4 p.m. Friday and Noon on Saturday) on Pride Weekend, serving their Rooftop menu until 5 p.m. when the regular menu kicks in. On Sunday, 4 Bells will forgo its usual brunch offerings and serve fried chicken salad sandwiches boxed lunches and a succinct list of specialty cocktails designed especially for Pride Sunday.

Cafe Lurcat

Cafe and Bar Lurcat will host a Pride Party after the parade from 12:00-7:00 p.m. with food and drink specials along with DJ music. Lurcat Pride Weekend specialty cocktails will include Feather Boa- UV Grape, soda and lemon- and Pointer Sister Punch as well as beer and wine specials.