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Drinking Spots for Coping with Target Layoffs

1,700 people are being let go, but there is severance and 60 degree temperatures. We're searching for a silver lining.

by Joy Summers
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by Joy Summers
1 comment / new

No matter how far ahead you see it coming, no matter the safety net in place or the support system that surrounds you: getting laid off sucks. Reports of workers leaving the downtown Minneapolis headquarters with white boxes filled with belongings are already pouring in. Might we suggest that you embrace this unseasonably warm day with some lemons turned into vodka lemonade? Here are a few downtown drinking spots that will hopefully ease the blow.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

The Local

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No one throws a wake like the Irish. There is plenty of outdoor seating and it's never too early in the day for a Guinness. Plus, if you don't feel like facing the world, there are a myriad of dark nooks and crannies for squirreling away with a whiskey and privacy for airing your honest opinions about this day. [Photo courtesy The Local Facebook Page]
931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 904-1000
(612) 904-1000

Brit's Pub & Eating Establishment

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One of the most glorious patios in downtown feels like a sanctuary on any sunny day. There is also plenty of sidewalk seating to gather any friends you might see wandering down the mall. [Photo courtesy Britt's Facebook page]
1110 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 332-3908
(612) 332-3908

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Vincent A Restaurant

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Good luck finding a finer wine list in this corner of downtown Minneapolis. Chef and owner Vincent Francoual announced this morning that happy hour will begin at 2 p.m. inside the restaurant, "In moral support for our neighbors." [Photo courtesy Vincent - A Restaurant]
1100 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 630-1189
(612) 630-1189

Kieran's Irish Pub

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No one charms quite like Kieran Folliard and the pub named for him carries on the Irish charm. Today they're running a Big Ginger for $4.50 special through happy hour.
601 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 339-4499
(612) 339-4499

Devil's Advocate

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The beer selection stretches out for days and the bar itself has that easy wear, perfect for elbows ready to settle in for a good, long day drink. Target employees will receive their first beer, a Widow Maker IPA or Black Widow Porter, for free. The bloody Mary also counts as a meal.
89 S 10th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 843-2260
(612) 843-2260

The Third Bird

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Sometimes a walk helps. Sometimes getting out of downtown is necessary. A meditative hike through Loring Park to this gorgeous restaurant ends in a spectacular drink list.
1612 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 767-9495
(612) 767-9495

Brasserie Zentral

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The wine and cocktails are top flight and the soothing atmosphere helps. [Photo by Katie Cannon]
505 Marquette Ave A, Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 333-0505
(612) 333-0505

Barrio Tequila Bar

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One word: tequila. Tons of tacos and a little queso fundido doesn't hurt, either.
925 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 333-9953
(612) 333-9953

Butcher & the Boar

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Unquestionably, one of the best outdoor drinking spots in downtown Minneapolis. Maybe if the staff is feeling charitable, they'll light up the outdoor fire place and allow a pyre of now useless business cards. (The only caveat is that they don't open until 4 p.m.)
1121 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 238-8888
(612) 238-8888

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The Local

931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402
No one throws a wake like the Irish. There is plenty of outdoor seating and it's never too early in the day for a Guinness. Plus, if you don't feel like facing the world, there are a myriad of dark nooks and crannies for squirreling away with a whiskey and privacy for airing your honest opinions about this day. [Photo courtesy The Local Facebook Page]
931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 904-1000
(612) 904-1000

Brit's Pub & Eating Establishment

1110 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
One of the most glorious patios in downtown feels like a sanctuary on any sunny day. There is also plenty of sidewalk seating to gather any friends you might see wandering down the mall. [Photo courtesy Britt's Facebook page]
1110 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 332-3908
(612) 332-3908

Vincent A Restaurant

1100 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Good luck finding a finer wine list in this corner of downtown Minneapolis. Chef and owner Vincent Francoual announced this morning that happy hour will begin at 2 p.m. inside the restaurant, "In moral support for our neighbors." [Photo courtesy Vincent - A Restaurant]
1100 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 630-1189
(612) 630-1189

Kieran's Irish Pub

601 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55403
No one charms quite like Kieran Folliard and the pub named for him carries on the Irish charm. Today they're running a Big Ginger for $4.50 special through happy hour.
601 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 339-4499
(612) 339-4499

Devil's Advocate

89 S 10th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
The beer selection stretches out for days and the bar itself has that easy wear, perfect for elbows ready to settle in for a good, long day drink. Target employees will receive their first beer, a Widow Maker IPA or Black Widow Porter, for free. The bloody Mary also counts as a meal.
89 S 10th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 843-2260
(612) 843-2260

The Third Bird

1612 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Sometimes a walk helps. Sometimes getting out of downtown is necessary. A meditative hike through Loring Park to this gorgeous restaurant ends in a spectacular drink list.
1612 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 767-9495
(612) 767-9495

Brasserie Zentral

505 Marquette Ave A, Minneapolis, MN 55402
The wine and cocktails are top flight and the soothing atmosphere helps. [Photo by Katie Cannon]
505 Marquette Ave A, Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 333-0505
(612) 333-0505

Barrio Tequila Bar

925 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402
One word: tequila. Tons of tacos and a little queso fundido doesn't hurt, either.
925 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 333-9953
(612) 333-9953

Butcher & the Boar

1121 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Unquestionably, one of the best outdoor drinking spots in downtown Minneapolis. Maybe if the staff is feeling charitable, they'll light up the outdoor fire place and allow a pyre of now useless business cards. (The only caveat is that they don't open until 4 p.m.)
1121 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 238-8888
(612) 238-8888

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