This old bar in an emerging neighborhood has made for an inspiring story of the pandemic, a dream determined by expert barmen and co-owners Robb Jones and Elliot Manthey. Stop by for a dark interior, smooth bar, and classic cocktails Wednesday through Saturday. Although, Monday night might just be the best night to stop by. Every week the bartenders pick up whatever they’re obsessed with at the moment, and build a whole menu around it.

It’s almost hard to remember a time back when drinking was just for fun. Sanjusan’s cocktails come with a welcome dose of whimsy, like a cotton candy cloud garnish. Don’t be fooled into thinking that means this this is sweet city of drinking. Inside the glass are wonderfully balanced mixes that can only be made by those who have seriously studied the craft. It’s just that enjoying them requires no work at all. Sanjusan is a mix of Italian and Japanese cuisines, and the same flavors, a balance of bitter and crisp, dominates many of the drinks.

Located at the base of a historic, and elegant condo building, P.S. Steak’s bar lounge, and back bar are two jewels in rooms dominated by old-world opulence. It’s a welcome bit of luxury, especially after an extended season of drinking at home. Allow the bar to lead the way, through classic cocktails made with studied precision and interesting new mixes. The service is fantastically polished. Plus, this is a fantastic spot for happy hour, with a reduced price menu. All this, and there’s free valet.

Bar seats inside Sooki & Mimi feel like an insider’s best friend: while the dining room at Ann Kim’s new restaurant is a highly sought-after reservation, the bar and patio seats are all first-come, first-served. The cocktails here are mixed to perfection, under the guidance of Adam Gorski, beverage director for Kim’s restaurants. Wrap your hands around an icy collins and order from the limited menu of snacks - like fancified totchos. The cocktails are clean, fresh, crisp and utterly delightful.

This old school bar has re-opened with a refreshed cocktail menu. While some of the old favorites remain, there are also two new sections that demand attention. The low-proof and no-proof cocktails are some of the best temperance drinks are a refreshing change to the booze-forward beverages that have dominated many menus in recent years. The Spanish tonic is an herbaceous refresher perfect for dinking all summer long.

This little restaurant in Saint Paul has the impressive cocktail skills of Tim Leary, whose talents can be traced back to the legendary Strip Club. Grab a drink inside the cool of the dining room or outside on the patio.