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  Buster's on 28th

  4204 28th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55406 US +1-612-729-0911

  SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS. The cozy neighborhood spot, owned by "three guys who love beer," features what may very well be the best selection of brews in town. More than two dozen varieties are available on tap (predominantly domestic craftbrews and European imports), and the bottles list includes everything from PBR to Czechvar. Indeed, they take their beer so seriously that almost every one is served in its own customized glass, and some can top $15 for a single bottle. If the need to feed arises, Buster's kitchen serves pizzas, burgers, and even a few "blue plate"-style mains.

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  Calhoun BBQ & Blues

  3001 Hennepin Ave Calhoun Square Minneapolis, MN 55408 US +1-612-822-9900

  UPTOWN. Part of a chain of Famous Dave's restaurants, this establishment took a Chicago-style blues club as its model rather than the usual Southern eatery. Sandwiches and platters include Texas beef brisket, North Carolina chopped pork, and notable St. Louis-style ribs. You'll also find a full bar, along with live jazz almost every night thanks to local bands. National acts appear several times a month. On Sunday and Monday, the music runs from 8pm till 11pm; otherwise, performances are from 9pm till 12:30am.

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  CC Club

  2600 Lyndale Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55408 US +1-612-874-7226

  UPTOWN. Since Prohibition days, this dive has been around in one incarnation or another, serving strong drinks in a no-frills, locals-friendly atmosphere. Often smoky or crowded, it's a great place to ease into a gin & tonic while you jam to indie and punk tunes from one of the best jukeboxes in town (it's not really conducive to intimate conversation). Drink specials are frequent and worthwhile, and a pitcher of beer can usually be had for under $7. Sassy, smart staff and miniscule bathrooms add to the place's odd charm.

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  Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant

  1010 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 US +1-612-332-1010

  DOWNTOWN. Come for a late dinner and conveniently bypass the cover charge at this simple yet elegant music room and restaurant. A respectable roster of jazz and blues acts keeps folks, especially couples, coming back, as do the chef's innovative takes on Midwestern specialties. Sip a selection from the above-average wine list while you ease back amid smooth grooves in the relaxed atmosphere. An outdoor mezzanine provides opportunity to mix and mingle without disturbing diners and musicians. Call for jazz club schedule and pricing.

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  Dixie's on Grand

  695 Grand Ave St. Paul, MN 55105 US +1-651-222-7345

  GRAND AVENUE. The Cajun-style cuisine served up at Dixie's has gained positive publicity in the St. Paul area. Here, you can feast on traditional Southern dishes like barbecue ribs, country-fried steak, collards and the like. If you're hungry, the Cajun pork chops are a "must-try," and you can try and sweet-talk your way into a side of fried okra to go along with them. After dinner, find your way over to the bar area. This is the place to find full-scale Southern cocktails, like a Cajun-style Bloody Mary.

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  Dubliner Pub

  2162 University Ave St. Paul, MN 55114-1820 US +1-651-646-5551

  MIDWAY. Dubliner's, the closest thing to a traditional Irish pub that you'll find in St. Paul, offers a laidback option for those looking for something to do after hours. This is the type of place that enjoys a fair amount of popularity with both students and the locals. Our suggestion? Grab a table near one of the street-side windows, order a pint of Guinness, munch on the complimentary popcorn (you have to eat!) and watch the parade of traffic on University Avenue.

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  Fabulous Fern's Bar and Grill

  400 Selby Ave St. Paul, MN 55102 US +1-651-225-9414

  DOWNTOWN / CATHEDRAL HILL. The large bar at this popular grill stays packed during the week, accommodating business folks who come in after work and friends who hook up for drinks and good food. For a watering hole, Fabulous Fern's is fairly classy and is a great place to stop in if you want to enjoy a good imported beer or glass of wine over a game of trivia or while watching sports on the plasma screens.

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  First Avenue & 7th St Entry

  701 N 1st Ave Minneapolis, MN 55403 US +1-612-332-1775

  DOWNTOWN. A converted 1930s bus depot, this two-part club is a premier music spot in the Twin Cities. First Avenue attracts both national and regional acts, and depending on the night, you can catch a Jamaican reggae group, Texas rockers, a Seattle grunge band, or a high-life act from Nigeria. DJs play recorded music, mostly progressive and alternative, for nightly dancing. The tiny Seventh Street entry is accessible through the First Avenue venue or via a separate entrance.

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  Great Waters Brewing Company

  426 St Peter St Historic Hamm Building St. Paul, MN 55102 US +1-651-224-2739

  DOWNTOWN. Great Waters, one of downtown's few brewpubs, offers a laid-back setting ideal for watching the big game or just hanging out with friends. Great Falls brews eight beers on site, and management is dedicated to creating true English-style ales. As a result, the selection of handcrafted beers is impressive, and house specials include ales, bitters, and porters. The pub menu is unpretentious, offering dishes like "Rasta Wings," jerk pork loins, and black-bean chili. During warmer months, the patio is one of the town's livelier places.

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  Minnesota Music Café

  499 Payne Ave St. Paul, MN 55101 US +1-651-776-4699

  EAST ST. PAUL. Make no mistake, Minnesota Music Café lays proud claim to one of St. Paul's hippest bar scenes. Located just east of downtown, the bar boasts an imported dance floor (okay, so it's from South Dakota!) and banners and artifacts that pay tribute to famous Minnesotan musicians like Bob Dylan, Morris Day and the Time, and Prince. Each week, Minnesota Music Café hosts top-notch blues, jazz, and rock 'n roll acts, including nationally recognized recording artists like Walter Trout and Jonny Lang.