Sneaking into hidden spots makes tipping back a cocktail all the more fun. These bars might not be the easiest to find, but the search is half the fun. Duck in, past dark alleys and unmarked doors to find a whole world of good-time drinking.
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Where to Find All of the Twin Cities’ Hidden Bars
Drinking in secret is the best way to drink

1. Volstead's Emporium
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Follow the street address, walk down an alley, and keep an eye out for the red light above a door to spot this hidden bar. Not only does Volstead’s pour some excellent drinks, but they have an extensive food menu to compliment them and plenty of comfy seating that can leave guests lingering for hours, especially when it’s cold outside.
2. Cobble Social House
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Look for the golden eye painted on the dark brick building next to the Monte Carlo’s parking lot. This swank little bar serves gorgeous drinks and snacks for those clever enough to get in and snag one of these seats.
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3. Marvel Bar
Minneapolis, MN 55401
This North Loop hidden bar is at the top of the cocktail game in Minneapolis. It’s tucked away, behind and below The Bachelor Farmer. Open the unmarked door facing the pay lot parking long, walk through the short, unassuming hallway and open up to a chic dining space. This is the bar where other top bartenders come to be impressed. Order an exquisite martini, or check out the bevvy of impressive nonalcoholic drinks being served now through April.
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4. Young Joni
Minneapolis, MN 55413
This hidden bar behind Young Joni is just as popular as the award-winning establishment its attached to. To get there, walk down the alley behind the restaurant and look for the red neon light that indicates it’s open. There’s only a limited number of people allowed inside at a time, inside this room that somehow feels like the coolest basement in all of Wisconsin. Note the 70s-era reel-to-reel taped soundtrack playing. Cocktails are king, but there are a few basic Young Joni pizza also served back here.
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5. Al's Place
Minneapolis, MN 55418
either look for the door with the green light outside Stanley’s in Northeast, or sneak through the photo booth inside. Al’s has some pleasant happy hour specials from Thursday to Saturday in addition to live music most weekends. In true 1920’s fashion, there are burlesque brunches, too.
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6. Target Lounge
Minneapolis, MN 55415
While this spot isn’t exactly a hidden bar in the sense of a speakeasy vibe, it is a little known and largely overlooked spot inside the Guthrie that keeps it concealed from common knowledge. No ticket is required, but it’s only open on performance evenings so planning ahead is essential.
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7. The Nook Basement
St Paul, MN 55116
Also not a hidden bar in the traditional sense, but it the basement bowling alley it sits on top of certainly is. The best part? It’s contained in a train car that’s outfitted with something like $16,000 worth of one-dollar bills affixed to the walls and ceiling.
8. GREEN LANTERN COCKTAILS + MUSIC
St Paul, MN 55101
Once a literal gangster’s paradise during the prohibition era, Green Lantern’s history makes it a standout among the Twin Cities speakeasy crowd. Today the establishment meshes its vibrant history with delectable modern cocktails for an excellent hidden bar experience. To get there enter Lowertown’s Public Kitchen + Bar and head downstairs instead of up.
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