Myth: You have to go to downtown Minneapolis to go bar hopping.
Plymouth has lots of bars, many of which are grouped close enough together that it’s a short walk or drive (with a designated driver, of course) to hit two or more bars. And we are talking bars, here, not just restaurants with liquor service, meaning you’ll get a stool to sit on and a sympathetic ear at these places.
So why drive 20 minutes and pay $15 or more for parking when you can get dressed up—or down—and stay right here in town?
We hand-selected seven of our favorite joints in and around town, and grouped them into three themed nights out. Behold—the best paths to follow when drinking your way across Plymouth.
Cowboy Night
Get out your denim, put on your cowboy boots, and get ready for some rip-roarin’ fun. These bars are great for a fun night of letting loose and living the cowboy lifestyle without having to drive to Texas—or even Toby Keith’s in St. Louis Park. Before making your way to Axel’s Bonfire, start at Cowboy Jack’s to get all the beer and whiskey you desire, as well as the full bar service, of course. And come ready to dance to live music at both of these local watering holes.
At Cowboy Jack’s, the décor is full-on western, with plenty of leather, and a good black and brown color scheme. Country music can be heard overhead—that is, when a band isn't playing. 4120 Berkshire Ln. N.; 763.559.0257
Drink to try: Bottomless Bloody Mary Bar, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday and Sunday
Food to sample: Braised BBQ chicken sliders, juicy braised barbecue chicken sandwiches drowned in Cowboy Jack’s signature sauce; $8
Night to go: Tuesday fajita night
Happy hour: 3–6 p.m. and 10 p.m.–midnight; drink and appetizer specials
Number of seats at the bar: 40
Bar activities: Live music, trivia, karaoke (activities vary nightly)
If you were doubting anything could top Cowboy Jack’s décor, you’re in for a surprise. The bar stools in this hotel-adjacent cowboy bar are covered in cowhide. Alternating leather and fuzzy seats with rustic wooden bases are just as fun as the plentiful drinks and homemade pizzas. You can’t go wrong with live music in a country bar like this, which is on-stage from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturdays. 3000 Harbor Ln.; 763.398.7408
Drink to try: Monday (half-priced bottles of wine)
Food to sample: Tortilla soup, truly the best in the Twin Cities with chicken, corn and a plethora of veggies in a tomato base, topped with shredded tortilla chips and cheese; $4.95 cup, $6.95 bowl
Night to go: Thursday trivia night
Happy hour: 3–6 p.m. and 9–close; $2 off all drinks, half off pizzas
Bar stools: 40
Bar activities: Live music
The Regulars
There are two bars just outside the western Plymouth city limits where you absolutely can’t go wrong. These are the real insiders’ bars, where the crowd is as much of a draw as the drinks. Come looking for an exciting Saturday night with the girls for dancing to live music or for a carefree weeknight with some bingo and beers. Start out with dinner or a drink at Robert’s, or maybe a show at the Medina Ballroom upstairs, and then head over to Inn Kahoots just across Highway 55 for more live music. Come here more than once, and you’ll even start to recognize some faces.
Robert’s/Medina Entertainment Center
Two bars in one! The Medina Entertainment Center gets some of the best rock shows in town, but don’t forget about recently renovated Robert’s Restaurant and Bar downstairs. There’s even bar service in the bowling alley. Come out during the week for some bowling or bar bingo, and definitely stay for the chatty patrons and bartenders’ stories. 500 Hwy. 55, Medina; 763.478.6661
Drink to try: Pearl Vodka Cucumber, Surly Furious
Food to sample: Wild Turkey shrimp poppers, hand-breaded and fried tropical blue foot shrimp served with sweet bourbon molasses glaze and green-onion garnish; $10.29
Night to go: Wednesday and Thursday for a psychic consultant, Saturday for open bowling and dancing
Bar stools: 40
Happy hour: 3–6 p.m.; various drink specials
Bar activities: Pull tabs, Texas Hold ‘Em, bowling, live music in the Medina Ballroom
This hidden gem recently was remodeled with a more open feel, nicer countertops, better tap selection and more. See live music here on the weekends, or just hang out on a Thursday night for a round of BINKO—the hilariously adult take on bingo—or maybe stop by for a meat raffle and win some Von Hansen’s specialties. And definitely bring your motorcycle. 45 Hamel Rd., Hamel; 763.478.6070
Drink to try: Any beer in a special birthday glass
Food to sample: Pizza; $8.75-$13.25
Night to go: Friday or Saturday live music
Happy hour: 3–6 p.m.; $1 off all domestics
Bar stools: 12
Bar activities: Live music, karaoke, BINKO, meat raffles (seasonal), jukebox, pool tables
Game-day Bar Crawl
It’s Sunday. The Vikings are on, and you are looking for a big, friendly atmosphere to watch them win. Why not start out at Old Chicago with some pizza and beer, work your way down to Buffalo Wild Wings just before kickoff for some wings and beer, and head over to Joe Senser’s at halftime for some Senser Fries and the specialty hard tea? These bars will erupt with every play.
This pizza joint has a large bar section, which includes plenty of bar stools and many high tops. Some of the best pizza around can be found here, but with the most taps in Plymouth, Old Chicago is your must-stop beer shop. The folks here even offer a beer club that boasts a variety of perks, including additional beer for free—once you’ve achieved that reward. 3505 Vicksburg Ln.; 763.744.1221
Drink to try: Surly beers; $5-7
Food to sample: Chicago Seven calzone, filled with Italian sausage, pepperoni, fresh mushrooms, black olives, green peppers, red onions and melted cheese; $10.29
Night to go: Tuesday trivia
Bar stools: 20
Happy hour: 3–6 p.m. Monday–Friday, Noon–6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; discounted drinks and half priced appetizers
Bar activities: Trivia
This classic Plymouth bar is always loads of fun, featuring a variety of hard teas that are powerful enough to require a limit per evening. The game of the day will always be on, plus there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained during the week. And who doesn’t love Senser fries? 16605 County Rd. 24; 763.559.1990
Drink to try: Signature Senser Teas; $7.95
Food to sample: Bacon-wrapped tenderloin bites, skewered tips wrapped in applewood bacon, seasoned and flame-grilled with a side of horseradish; $10.95
Night to go: Sunday football games
Happy hour: 3–6:30 p.m. Monday–Friday, 9 p.m.–close daily
Bar stools: 30
Bar activities: Buckle (Senser’s version of bar bingo), jukebox
You won’t lack for a view of the game at this bar, no matter where you’re sitting and no matter which game you’re watching. With a good selection of drinks, conveniently placed big screens and some great buffalo wings—and a whole menu of other great stuff—this place is an easy hangout. (Even the wooden barstools are comfy.) 3505 Vicksburg Ln.; 763.551.9464
Drink to try: Knockout Punch; $6.50
Food to sample: Spinach artichoke chicken flatbread, crispy pizza crust smothered in a creamy spinach artichoke dip and topped with diced chicken and a mozzarella-provolone cheese blend; $8.29
Night to go: Every night
Happy hour: 2–7 p.m. and 10 p.m. –midnight Monday–Friday; food and drink specials
Bar stools: 20
Bar activities: Weekly bingo, karaoke, trivia, jukebox
Editor’s Note
Don’t forget to drink responsibly. Be sure to appoint a designated driver at the beginning of your tour, and if you do over-indulge, there are hotels at or near all of these local watering holes.
