Scooter's Bar Journal » Downtown

W XYZ Minneapolis

scooterj — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1636th bar, first visited in 2023.

After returning to my hotel and getting settled in, I remembered that one should always make an effort to visit their own hotel’s bar. Since this would be my last night here, I headed back down the elevator to the lobby.

I had a Nevermore (oatmeal stout) by Rush River Brewing.

The bartender was a lot of fun and it was clear from the banter that at least some of the customers were regulars, something I don’t usually expect to find in a hotel bar.

900 S. Washington Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55415
United States
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(612) 455-8400
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Pog Mahone’s Pub & Grill

scooterj — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:20:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1626th bar, first visited in 2023.

With the blizzard beginning to come together within minutes after I returned to my hotel, it became clear I would need to find someplace for dinner within very close walking distance. Fortunately, this place was right across the street. My entrance surprised a handful of dining guests when they saw how much snow had accumulated on me just from crossing the street.

I had fish & chips for the second time today, and a Guinness.

903 S. Washington Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55415
United States
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(612) 236-4724
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Lyon’s Pub

scooterj — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:20:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1615th bar, first visited in 2023.

Since I now had a second wind, I decided to Uber over to a small cluster of bars I enjoy downtown. I considered Kieran’s Irish Pub since I hadn’t been to the “new” location yet but it was already closed, and debated Gluek’s next, but ultimately chose Lyon’s Pub since it was one I had not been to yet.

This was a lovely English-style pub. The bartender was very friendly, and steered me toward the Lyon’s Lager (brewed for this bar by Schell’s Brewery) as opposed to one of the traditional more commonplace beers I was about to order instead.

On advice of the bartender, after I was finished here I walked around to the block behind the building to see the Bob Dylan mural.

And since that in turn put me in the right direction to do so, I decided to revisit two other bars that I had visited the first time I came to Minneapolis in August 2006. The first, Brass Rail, was already closed quite a few hours ahead of its posted closing time. No worries, though, I could see the lights were on at Loon Cafe so headed there next. Door locked! Also a couple hours ahead of closing time. It was thunderstorming by this point so that possibly killed business, but still. This ruined my mood and I decided to stop wasting time walking around looking for something open and went ahead and got an Uber back to the hotel to call it a night.

16 South 6th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
United States
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(612) 333-6612
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Pryes Brewing

scooterj — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1614th bar, first visited in 2023.

After walking the past several breweries, it was back to an Uber ride for this one. I started to get a second wind here so I really had to restrain myself hard from ordering more than I did because there were so many interesting choices.

I had the Drops of Time (barleywine) and the Bourbon Barrel Aged Lost Moon (2022)(BBA imperial stount). There were at least 3 more on the menu I wanted but I had to force myself to be good.

It was too dark (and rainy) for me to tell for sure but I think the patio might overlook the Mississippi River.

1401 West River Rd N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
United States
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(612) 354-8041
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Modist Brewing

scooterj — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1613th bar, first visited in 2023.

Modist Brewing reminded me enough of Fulton Beer that I had to double check to make sure I hadn’t wandered back to the wrong place by mistake. (Though that would have been a tough feat since Modist is right across the street from Bricksworth.)

I had the Honeycomb Catacomb (honey porter) and the Ritual Night (2022) (Mexican dark chocolate stout), and sadly that’s about all I remember about this place because I was pretty hammered.

505 N 3rd St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
United States
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(612) 454-0258
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Bricksworth Beer Co

scooterj — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1612th bar, first visited in 2023.

I had picked this place out for dinner weeks before this trip because the pizza looked good and because of its location.

Along with my pizza I had the Trick Question, a DIPA, brewed by Bricksworth Beer. I didn’t even know until I saw it on the menu that they had their own beer.

BTW if you visit here immediately after 13 beers at 6 prior breweries and you get up to go use the restroom, leave a trail of breadcrumbs because the restrooms are not in the restaurant but elsewhere in the building and I got so lost coming back.

Apologies for the terrible patio photo — while I was having my dinner the weather changed form light rain to downpour and I couldn’t get water to stay off the lens.

305 N 5th Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55401
United States
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(612) 886-1848
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Fulton Beer

scooterj — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1611th bar, first visited in 2023.

I almost cut this brewery at the last minute because I was running out of stamina, but I’m glad I didn’t because I enjoyed this place a lot.

I had the Snow Emergency (stout) and Persistence (barleywine). I regret that I didn’t buy any merch here, but I did at least remember to get a sticker.

By the time I left it had started raining. Fortunately my next destination was only a couple of blocks away.

414 N 6th Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55401
United States
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(612) 333-3208
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InBound BrewCo

scooterj — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1610th bar, first visited in 2023.

After 6 (half pours) of double-digit ABV stouts at the previous three breweries, I was a bit off my game here so I don’t remember a whole lot about it apart from the two long parallel bar counters facing each other with the taps and bartenders in-between.

I had the Contains Bees: Peanut Butter Honey Blonde and a Thundersnow (Winter Warmer). Though I am now starting to wonder if I was poured the wrong thing instead of the Thundersnow, because nobody else with check-ins for that beer in the weeks before or after my visit mention it tasting buttery like it did for me.

701 N 5th St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
United States
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(612) 294-0375
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Finnegan’s Brewing Company

scooterj — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:11:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1606th bar, first visited in 2023.

Because I didn’t initially notice this brewery when I was planning this trip, I added it at the last minute as a possible first stop “only if I get to my hotel and get checked in before 5pm”.

Apparently it was meant to be, because:

My plane landed 20 minutes early.

I walked directly to baggage claim and the bags started coming down as soon as I got there.

My bag was the second one to come down the ramp.

My taxi encountered zero traffic on the way to the hotel.

Along the way I checked into the hotel through the app so walked straight to my room.

So, after getting unpacked and settled in, it was only 3:30 and I had plenty of time to add Finnegan’s!

I had the Irish Amber since that seems to be their flagship beer, and the Dead Irish Poet (Cork-style stout.)

817 S 5th Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404
United States
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(612) 208-3374
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Gluek’s Restaurant & Bar

scooterj — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1149th bar, first visited in 2016.

Nice German restaurant / beer hall with a small sidewalk patio. As we approached we noticed a number of people walking around in Royals gear, and soon discovered that the Royals were in face going to be playing the Twins in a couple of hours just a block away. (We opened to stick with our original barhopping plans, however.)

We had a delicious “sausage flight” for lunch. As for the beer, they brew their own, and I enjoyed their 4-ounce beer mugs that allowed me to try more varieties. I had their IPA, their Red, and their Golden Lager.

16 N 6th St
Minneapolis, MN 55403
US
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(612) 338-6621
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The Local

scooterj — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1148th bar, first visited in 2016.

Beautiful and large Irish pub in the heart of downtown with a big sidewalk seating area. I was disappointed to see I didn’t take more pictures inside.

I had the Finnegan’s Irish Amber (red ale).

931 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402
US
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(612) 904-1000
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Cuzzy’s

scooterj — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:10:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1145th bar, first visited in 2016.

Downtown dive bar, plastered with dollar bills, that opens early for breakfast. I had pancakes and Wild Burnette (brown ale) by Barley John’s Brewing. We were pretty hung over from the previous night and neither of us could finish our breakfast or even our drinks.

507 N Washington Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55401
US
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(612) 339-6211
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Town Hall Brewery

scooterj — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1144th bar, first visited in 2016.

This wasn’t a planned stop as we had thought it closed at 11pm on Thursdays, but when we passed by the door on our way back to the hotel we found it still open (turns out until 1am on Thursdays) and went on in. I had their Black H2O Oatmeal Stout and also most of AJ’s Hefeweizen.

1430 S Washington Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55454
US
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(612) 339-8696
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The Corner Bar

scooterj — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 17:16:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

44.972875, -93.247651

Scooter’s 1143rd bar, first visited in 2016.

Spacious sorts bar with an attached comedy club. Large rectangular central bar island. I had the Bent Paddle Black Ale.

The daytime picture was taken from our hotel room.

1501 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55418
US
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(612) 339 4333
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Maxwell’s American Pub

scooterj — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 17:15:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1142nd bar, first visited in 2016.

Small, popular restaurant + bar. As with most places we visitied in the Twin Cities, it was bustling. I had a Grain Belt Premium.

1201 S Washington Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55415
US
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(612) 354-7085
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Day Block Brewing Company

scooterj — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 17:14:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1141st bar, first visited in 2016.

Local microbrewery across the street from the hotel we were originally supposed to stay at before a transformer blew. I had their Frank’s Red Ale and grew sad that I’d already eaten when I noticed a pizza on their menu made with ghost peppers.

1105 S Washington Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55415
US
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(612) 617-7793
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Republic

scooterj — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 17:12:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 1140th bar, first visited in 2016.

Craft beer bar with a good selection of local beers. I had fish & chips, which were good, but I regretted it when I discovered that the next bar I went to had ghost pepper pizza.

I had the Shake Chocolate Porter by Boulder Beer, and the Rainmaker (red ale) by Steel Toe Brewing.

221 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454
US
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612) 338-6146
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Kieran’s Irish Pub

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:28:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

MOVED – No longer at this location.
Moved to 600 Hennepin Ave, Ste 170, in March 2010.

Scooter’s 157th bar, first visited in 2006.

Big Irish-theme restaurant/bar downtown.

Though it was on our list we hadn’t specifically intended to come here, we were actually on our way back to the hotel. But we were lost and going the wrong direction, and really needed to use the bathroom.

This was our last stop of the night, as the beers in this area were too large and too pricey for us to continue our marathon. Plus, we had a big day of drinking ahead of us bright and early in the morning!

I wish I could remember more about this place, but we were pretty sloshed when we arrived. None of the pictures of the interior on their web site ring a bell at all!

330 2nd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55401
US
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(612) 339-4499
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Brass Rail

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:27:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 156th bar, first visited in 2006.

We had noticed a large group in a fenced area in front of The Gay 90s, a place we had assumed was a gay bar both from the name and the techno beat coming from inside. Brandon asked the bouncer at the place next door about that fenced-in crowd and he said it was a smoking area. Brandon then asked him where a good place was to get a beer and the bouncer said “right on inside here”. We stepped in and found this to be a gay bar with a stage and poles.

422 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55401
US
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(612) 333-3016
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New City

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:26:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Went out of business sometime between 2007-2009.

Scooter’s 155th bar, first visited in 2006.

This place had several pool tables and we played a game or two. An upscale pool hall, actually.

25 N 4th St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
US
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(612) 332-6289
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Sawatdee Bar & Cafe

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:25:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

OUT OF BUSINESS
Closed in March 2010.

Scooter’s 154th bar, first visited in 2006.

It’s funny… we remember this place for it’s funky name, but that’s all we remember.

118 N 4th St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
US
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(612) 373-0840
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Pizza Luce’ Downtown

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:24:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 153rd bar, first visited in 2006.

People ordering whole pizzas were directed to the left, people ordering by the slice were directed to the right. The guy in front of us in line had an open box of Skillet Helper with him. We each grabbed a big, tasty slice and had a beer.

119 N 4th St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
US
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(612) 333-7359
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Brothers

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:23:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 152nd bar, first visited in 2006.

Downstairs bar, next to “Refuge”. Square shaped bar. As we were chatting and getting rather lit, two young Asian people came in with a large camera. We didn’t pay much attention at first until there was a tap on my shoulder.

Them: “Excuse me, do you guys like White Castle?”

Us: “Yeah, in fact we had it today.”

Them: “Have you tried chicken rings?”

Us: “Yes, today, for the first time, and we loved them!”

Them: “Great! Here are some coupons for some free rings and sliders.”

Us: “Thanks! We’re from Kansas City and they closed all of our White Castles so we’re glad you have them here.”

Them: “In that case, here’s a whole pile of coupons, get as many as you can before you go home.”

Us: “Wow, thanks!”

Them: “Mind if we take your picture for our promotional materials?”

They then snapped our picture and had us sign releases.

430 1st Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55401
US
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(612) 333-8100
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Loon Cafe

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:22:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 151st bar, first visited in 2006.

These were the most expensive draws of the night, $11 for 2 Miller Lites! I can’t even imagine what it would have been for imported beer.

500 1st Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55403
US
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(612) 332-8342
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Champps Sports Bar & Cafe

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:21:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 150th bar, first visited in 2006.

This was a cool stop — a long outdoor bar in an alley. Mary was our bartender. We then found, while trying to locate the restroom, that this alley bar was actually part of a much larger indoor bar.

100 N 6th St
Minneapolis, MN 55403
US
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(612) 335-5050
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O’Donovan’s Irish Pub

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:20:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 149th bar, first visited in 2006.

This was a pretty upscale place but not snobbily so, and was one of our most expensive beer tabs of the night.

700 1st Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55403
US
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(612) 317-8896
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The Saloon

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:19:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 148th bar, first visited in 2006.

Facing several artistic wall photos of nude men, we glanced around the room and noticed that this placed sold its own private-label bottled water. (We would return later to get some as souvenirs.) This was one of the first bars we had been in where no one talked to us, and Brandon wondered if his wedding band was causing people to believe we were a couple. Finding the restroom here was an task, it was way in the back through a dark area and around a smaller bar that was a little more, um, “adventuresome”.

830 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
US
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(612) 332-0835
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Mackenzie

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:18:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 147th bar, first visited in 2006.

Located in the Orpheum Theater building, this bar boasted two levels plus a patio out back. Our bartender was Gary and he was assisted by Hillary.

918 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
US
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(612) 333-7268
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Lee’s Liquor Lounge

scooterj — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:17:00 +0000

(Downtown, Minneapolis, MN)

Scooter’s 146th bar, first visited in 2006.

This was a good quality dive, the kind we love. Another place with a rectangular bar. A Spuds Mackenzie lamp helped light the bar.

101 Glenwood Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
US
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(612) 338-9491
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