Jamie,

I live in Sioux Falls, SD. When my friends and I visit Minneapolis (almost always to see the Twins) we only have two non-baseball priorities: Play the Nascar game in the Mall of America and go to strip clubs. I hope this helps.

Florida

P.S. I suggest sitting in the left field general admission seats. Best seats in the house for the money.

I actually think sitting in the upperdeck on the infield is the best seat in the house for the money. My personal fav section is 228. $15 not too bad. After enjoying several pro ballparks around the country I would say that the dome has some of the worst food around but famous dave's makes some damn good bbq and they are at the dome.

If you are hanging out in St Paul I would check out the Turf Club on Snelling and University, always seems to be good local music there.

I frequently try to make games on Wednesdays, since that is Dollar-a-Dog night. But you have to get there early, because they generally run out of the dollar dogs by the third or fourth inning.

The food is terrible, but my kids and I always share a walkaway sundae (a hot fudge sundae with whipped cream and a cherry, served in a waffle bowl). We generally smuggle in our own peanuts and have yet to be hassled.

I concur that the upper deck reserved seats are the best value. If you can score seats in one of the first ten rows, they're really the best deal.

Also, we have taken the light rail train from Fort Snelling the last couple of trips. The cost of fares, even for a family, is very reasonable comparted to parking--$1.25 for each adult, $0.50 per kid--and the trains zip you right to the dome and back with no hassle. I'd recommend catching the train plenty early, though, because they get very crowded before games. Also, consider buying a round-trip ticket at Fort Snelling so you don't have to wait in line after the game.

Here is my input. Knowing the age/sex of your group and what type of things you are looking for would make it easier to give advice.

If this is the first time ever in the Cities (and not just first for the Twins part) I am sure you have heard of the Mall of America. Few people leave without seeing it. It is big. It is so big in fact that even with his blazing speed it takes Guzman 4.5 seconds to run across it. It is so big that even Dr. Morneau and his hulking mass can fit inside at the same time as Matt "more of me to love" LeCroy. It is so big that if Double I were to leap as if he were taking a homerun away, he could only barely get his glove over the wall. It is so big Koskie's words to describe it were "That's biger then a moose eh." You get the idea. They also recently build an Ikea store right next door. Ikea is the modern version of Swedish viking invasions. It is their contries plan to one day rule the world. www.ikea.com if you dare. (not recommended if you are bringing females with credit cards)
If shoping is not your thing, I highly recommend the scuplture garden at the Walker Art museum. The Walker itself is closed, but the sculpture garden is wonderful, a great way to enjoy the outdoors. I am sure you will recognize the cherry on the spoon.
If you like pristine towns and antique shops I would recommend visiting scenic Stillwater. Although I avoid my hometown like the plague, whenever someone finds out I am from Stillwater they always compliment it for being a great place to visit.
All of these things are rather touristy, sorry I am the wrong person for hidden secrets.
As far as the Dome itself I too recommend lower outfield seats. I have yet to find and shorter lines or cleaner bathrooms, but overall the facilities are decent. Twins ticket checkers are pretty hard core.....I used to be one. Getting into a section that you do not have a ticket for is not an easy task. Of course there are always weak links, but since personel duties rotate you never know who they might be. Look for college age guys, they tend to work at the dome so they can see the game and don't care as much about enforcing policies.
After the games there is Hubert's, just south of the Dome. It is a sport's bar. If you want a wider variety of night life, Hennipen Ave, about 12 blocks west of the Dome has a very active night scene.

we are 3 guys in the late 20s/early 30s age range. 2 married, 1 single. all of this is gold so far, so keep 'em coming everyone. thanks!

TwinsGoddess,

You have yet to be hassled because you're allowed to bring outside food into the Metrodome. Just not outside beverages! :) Being a season ticket holder with no desire to Dome-food myself into a dress several sizes larger than I now wear, I almost always bring my own dinner, no smuggling required.

Jamie,

A little place called "The Cantina" near the gate on the third-base-line side of the left field lower general admission seats has the best nachos, and if you ask for extra jalapenos you'll be lucky to find the chips underneath 'em. I usually find the shortest food and bathroom lines for the lower level in that area, too. Enjoy!

--infield

Oh, yeah...and the Famous Dave's barbeque sandwiches are really tasty, too.

If you're going to hang around downtown after the game, you should check out a restraunt called Mission. It's located on 7th street a couple blocks down from the Dome, and has a really cool bar with a strip of permafrost to keep your beer cold. Their happy hour, $3 pints, is from 10-12. Also, if you walk over the Stone Arch bridge just north of the dome, you'll end up on Main street. Pranca has $2 pints from 9-11.

Short lines for the bathrooms? Ha! Good Dome food? Ha!

However, the Dome does have one cuilinary perk: Decent beer. You're gonna overpay for beer anyway, so you might as well overpay for good beer. To do this, before game time go to the upper concourse behind hime plate. There you should be able to find vendors with Newcastle Brown Ale, a couple of varieties of Summit, James Page, and Grain Belt. Take your pick, it's all good.

As for the Cities in general, here are a few things that were on my agenda on a recent visit home:

1. Minnesota History Museum, St. Paul - an excellent museum on regional history that nobody knows about. Beautiful building, informative exhibits, and great views of St. Paul.

2. Cossetta's Italian Market, St. Paul - a St. Paul tradition for like 25 generations. Order the chicken marsala with red noodles on the side.

3. Historic Fort Snelling - Another often overlooked historical site that preserves a bit of flavor from territorial days when Minnesota was the frontier and St. Paul was called Pigseye. Plus they shoot cannons!

4. Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis - A bucolic park exactly half way between the equator and the North Pole.

5. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen - The single best place to take a walk in any Midwestern metro area.

6. Davanni's Pizza & Hot Hoagies, everywhere - Order the pizza hot hoagie on white. It's a pizza in sandwich form, better somehow than the sum of its parts. It's better than a pizza; it's better than a sandwich. There's a lot of good food in the Twin Cities - Scotch eggs with a house ale at Sherlock's Home, sukiyaki at Kikugawa, saganaki and the daily special at It's Greek to Me - but if I could only eat one meal in the Cities, I'd make it a pizza hot hoagie on white from Davanni's. Plus most Davanni's have good juke boxes.

7. Any of the Twin Cities many, many used book stores. Coming of age in Minnesota, I just assumed that there were used bookstores everywhere. But no, most other cities have maybe one good used book store. Maybe. The Twin Cities have dozens of them. They're the only place you'll ever find a copy of Sadaharu Oh's out-of-print "A Zen Way of Baseball."

For other good, often off-the-beaten-track suggestions, check out http://www.citypages.com/bestof2004/.

1) Keiran's Irish Pub - 2nd Ave and 4th Street.
2) Lyon's Pub - 6th Street between Hennepin and Nicollet.
3) Skyway Lounge - Very seedy, but look for the one armed dancer.
4) Shiek's - Bring your wallet.

Dear infield--

That would 'splain it. But I usually smuggle in a couple of bottles of water, too. Under the peanuts, of course.

And a note about arrScott's Minnesota History Museum mention--there is a swell Minnesota Twins display there...

This may sound a bit odd, but I enjoy visiting Lock & Dam #1 on the Mississippi River.

http://www.nps.gov/miss/maps/model/lock_dam_1.html

If you are lucky, a boat may go through the lock while you are watching.

As for the Dome, I agree that Upper Club seats are the best value. I'm particularly fond of Section 222, which gives you a great view of the pitcher.

Smitty

No question where to go for local flavor.

http://www.nyespolonaise.com/

Be sure to check out both the Polka band and the Karaoke bar part. And be a local and order a "Premie", (Grain Belt Premium).

Or go bowling where they filmed, "Let's Go Bowling" at the Stardust Lanes, 26th & 26th.

Dear Smitty,

222 is the best!

Yours sectionally,
She-Ra, P.O.P.

Post game Tatter Tots and pints at Grumpys!

It's on Washington, two blocks north of the HumptyDome.

All very good suggestions above.

There are a variety of ethnic food choices Nicollet Ave just south of downtown (between Lake and Frankin).

Walking around any Minneapolis lake or park is a good way to kill some time...there is always some interesting people watching.

I've never had a problem walking into the Dome carrying a bottle of pop/water, but I might have just gotten lucky.

Downtown Mpls options:

Rock Bottom Brewery is one of my favorites for pre-game activities. It is located in LaSalle Plaza (about 6 blocks?) and has great food, a classy décor and great atmosphere. You and your guests can park in the LaSalle Plaza lot, go to rock bottom (see the #1 below) where the beer and food are great and then walk or cab to the Metrodome. http://twincities.citysearch.com/profile/5573133?cslink=search_name_noncust&ulink=search__searchslot1_520__0_profile_5_1

If you're looking for something a little swankier there is always Martini Blu in the Grand Hotel (where the Yankees are most likely staying). Its one of the new “hip” restaurant/bar locations downtown and they have pretty good food including decent sushi. You’ll get the yuppie crowd in there and its no smoking. You can park across the street in the Northstar ramp. http://twincities.citysearch.com/profile/35672786?cslink=search_name_cust&ulink=search__searchslot4_520__1_profile_5_1

Capital Grille –marvelous food including great steak bring lots of money. Its also in LaSalle plaza. http://twincities.citysearch.com/profile/5573078?cslink=search_name_noncust&specialty_id=27&ulink=boc-results_27_searchslot5_520__0_profile_2_1

Buca – great Italian food (huge portions), very nice place to take a group. http://twincities.citysearch.com/profile/5578214?cslink=search_name_cust&specialty_id=27&ulink=boc-results_27_searchslot1_520__1_profile_2_1

There are, of course, always the establishments in the seven corners area. This area is about 6 or 7 blocks from the dome as well and has restaurants such as Grandma's and Bullwinkle's. Bullwinkles is more of bar while Grandma’s has great food although it is more of a college hang out due to its proximity to the U of M.

If you want the best Pizza you should head to Pizza Luce. Its nothing fancy and its on the opposite side of downtown but the food is great and the people are interesting.
More exciting lunch option? Rick’s Cabaret has pretty good buffet and very “nice” staff. Many of them will stop by your table but none of them will be bringing food.

Gameworks – in the former block E development. Lots of games, good food, drinks, lots of people. It’s a great place to blow a few hours. Prices aren’t too bad. http://www.gameworks.com/locations/01_mainpages/loc_minneapolis.html

Away from downtown:

Soccerfan suggested Stillwater. As a fellow Stillwater resident I will concur – it’s a great place to visit for out of towners. It’s a nice place during the day with the river, antiques and history and a pretty fun place at night with the bars and all the hot people.

Along the same lines, you might want to try an afternoon or evening at Lord Fletchers on Lake Minnetonka. Always a great place to watch people – again bring a full wallet.
http://twincities.citysearch.com/profile/5568916?cslink=search_name_noncust&specialty_id=100&ulink=boc-results_100_searchslot7_520__0_profile_2_1

Misc:

Here’s a list of 10 “must see” Twin Cities experiences from CitySearch:
http://twincities.citysearch.com/roundup/40071

Like Jazz? Try Dakota Jazz Club (Mpls), Artist’s Corner (Mpls), Brilliant Corners (St. Paul) and possibly O’Gara’s (St. Paul)

Finally, no trip to Mpls is complete without a night at Liquor Lyle’s - (Mpls at Hennepin & Franklin). Cheap drinks - no frills. If you're going to try the cheese - do it early in the night. You must go here at least once!!!!

Dave

And if you wanted some culture....go buy a couple of bottles of your favorite beverage and walk across the Stone Arch bridge about 3am.

arrScott - I think Sherlock's Home closed up a year or two ago. They did have some great beer though and an amazing single-malt scotch selection. I never had the scotch eggs, but I really liked the shepherd's pie and the fish & chips.

Jamie - Another really good pizza option that's downtown is Pizza Luce (LOO-chay, www.pizzaluce.com) on 4th St in the warehouse district, you can also get some serious drinking in there if that's on your mind. I don't think they deliver so if you're looking for someone to bring you food then DaVanni's is good. They have good pizza and a lot of locations.

If you've never had cheese curds find the cheese curd stand outside by the light rail station. They're awful for you, but good. Famous Dave's (www.famousdaves.com) was mentioned at the Dome, and I agree it's the best food you'll find there. However there are Famous Dave's locations all over the Twin Cities where you can settle into some serious ribs. I suggest the Uptown location in Calhoun Square some night when they have live music as well ($3-5 cover). Get there a little early if that's what you're going to do, as I've paid a cover before and then never been able to find a seat anywhere and nothing opened up because people were there for the music as much as the grub.

The Uptown area also has a couple of good sushi options, like Fuji-Ya and Batgirl fave Sushi Tango, also in Calhoun Square. No trip to Uptown is ever complete for me without a stop at Magers and Quinn Used Books (new and used books, prints, etc) Cheapo (new and used CDs, etc-HUGE selection), and Ragstock (lots of used clothes with an eye for the retro-hip). Bryant-Lake Bowl (www.bryantlakebowl.com) a few blocks east of the Calhoun Square area on Lake is a pretty cool place too on the right nights. Not only is there bowling but live music and/or theater along with good food and a decent beer selection.

I'll also second The Turf Club over in St Paul as a good place for music. It was built in the 40s I believe, and it shows, but there's not a bad seat in the admittedly small house and I've liked every band I've seen there. Former Replacements guitarist Slim Dunlap seems to play there once a month and always puts on a good show.

The Sculpture Garden at the Walker, as mentioned is a nice free way to spend some time. They've also got a mini-golf course going through it this Summer, which I find intriguing. I've yet to see it and how it works with the modern art sculptures they have there, but I've heard good things about it. The Minneapolis Institute of the Arts is a worthwhile way to spend a day as well, there are too many good exhibits to mention. For personal reasons I'll always have a soft spot for the Maxfield Parrish they have there.

There's plenty more, and there's no way you'll see everything I and everyone else have mentioned, but that should get you started.

I like left field lower deck GA but I can see the wisdom of the upper deck behind the plate.
I like eating at O'Donovan's which is across the street from the target center. 1st ave and 7th street.
The upside to going to Kieran's is that Shieks is right across the street. Kieran's is also walkable to the dome.
Being as you are men, I'd recommend skipping the mall of america.
In St. Paul, I like the Dubliner, (university and cretin/vandellia). Down the street from Midway Stadium is Half-Time Rec. Truly a dive but given you hang out here might be your cup of tea.
Sweeny's is a great bar with good food (Selby and Dale). There some other good restaurants in the Cathederal Hill area. If you are a vodka fan, Moscow on the Hill is great.
I'd also recommend stopping by the Cathederal itself. Its spectacular with a great view of downtown St. Paul.
As a general rule, I'd try to spend as little time in Minneapolis as possible.
Paddy

I'd stop in at Brit's Pub on Nicollet Mall (at 12th street?) and sit outside for a few drinks before the game - don't forget to check out their roof garden for lawn bowling. After the game head to the warehouse district and Pizza Luce for late night food. Grumpy's on Washington Avenue always has a good crowd and is close to the dome too. If you're in St. Paul looking to hang out prior to (or after) the Saints game check out the Turf Club on University & Snelling or Half Time Rec.

Dome food - they're not gourmet or anything, but I personally adore the little smokies at the Ambassador (?) stand near gate E. Good BBQ sauce.

I usually take a couple of my friends down once per summer on a trip ike yours. We're younger guys (18 - 21) but here's our answers to your questions.

I'd sit in the upper deck behind the infield. Great view, cheap (relatively) price. Try to get towards the bottom if possible. Other good seats are the Left Field GA.

We spend a night downtown usually, there's plenty of stuff to do around the Target Center on the west side of downtown (the dome is on the east, i think you can take the train across downtown but I haven't been there since it was finished). There are plenty of bars/restaurants/nightclubs over there and around the "Block E Entertainment District" which you can find directions to.

We also usually spend one night at Mystic Lake Casino, about 45 minutes or less South of Downtown. It's a decently nice place.

During the day, you should go to the Mall of America at least once, just to see what it's all about. You could park there and take the train up to the games.

Valleyfair (MN's equivalent to Six Flags) is also nearby if you have a whole day to kill. They have some cool roller coasters and a nice water park.

Pizza Luce does deliver but going there (the 4th St location) is half the fun.

Brit's has good scotch eggs too.

and instead of Grandma's at seven corners go to Sgt. Preston's and sit in the sidewalk area. Great for watching underGrads from the U of M.

O'Gara's in St Paul, before or after the Saint's game.

One more thing,

Don't forget to check out the Stadium club while you're in the dome - better food and a full bar. It lost a little of the coziness after the remodeling during the off season but at least now its non smoking.

They are supposed to only let season ticket holders in there but you can usually make it in if you just walk in like you know what you're doing.

Its on the lower concourse right behind the football press box - between gates B and D.

Dave

Jordan/Jamie - Actually, they haven't opened the light-rail line from the Mall O' America yet, that section is supposed to open in December I believe.

Jamie - SDave is right, I completely forgot about the Stadium Club in the Dome itself. It's a must for me after every Twins win to stop in for a celebratory beer. Also it lets you delay having to deal with the immediate traffic once the game is over.

This thread is great.

I live in the bumpkin land known as southern Minnesota. A classy restaurant for me is Applebees. hahah

but I am taking notes down, so when my friends and I want to go to a Twins game again (hopefully soon, bloody work scehdules are not working out) we can have a little extra fun win the Twins victory

Dearest readers,

Truly, Batgirl is again in awe with your creatively, generosity, and love of your fellow BatLing. Thank you all.

Love,
Batgirl

The RD tour would include:

Tootie's on Lowry in north Minneapolis for hamburgers. (Go to the end of Wirth Pkwy and hang a right. It's about 3 blocks down.)

A walk through the deserted State Fairgrounds after a Saints game, especially after a few extra beers.

Wee hours at Mystic Lake, where you can see the hard-core players and playas. Then a stop at the Canterbury Card room to play Texas Hold 'Em.

Park at Fort Snelling and take the light-rail line to the game.

O'Gara's Garage on Snelling Ave. in St. Paul for good, low-profile local bands.

Upper deck seats between home plate and first base. Buy cheap seats and try to sneak into the good ones. (A good trick: Have yourself paged to Fan Accomodations by calling the main switchboard.)

Enjoy.

RD, Paging yourself is a classic! I love that one.

Tooties is good but if you looking for great burgers you HAVE to go for the Juicy Lucy at Matt's Bar.

Mystic Lake is OK but no alcohol. The drinks flow freely at Treasure Island.

Dave

Uptown:
I like Chiang Mai Thai (Thai food). It is also at Calhoun Square, but not through the inside.

Downtown, West of Dome:
I like Kierans. Their happy hour fries/chips have to be one of the best bar food deals.

Seven Corners, East of Dome across 35W:
I like Sgt. Preston's or Town Hall (beer brewed on site).

I also concur on Matt's and fries are cheap there, too.

I didn't see anyone mention anything in Dinkytown, so let me just mention the Loring Pasta Bar for some good (if slightly pricey) eats in an interesting atmosphere.

Also, Sally's and Stub & Herb's in Stadium Village are maybe the two most popular bars on the U of M campus (or at least they were when I was there). But I don't think school would be in session yet, so it probably wouldn't be worth going for a few weeks.

But, above all else, make sure you go to Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown (on 14th Ave. between 4th and 5th St.) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/travel/index/stories/haines01311999.htm

St. Clair Broiler. Snelling @ St Clair by McAllister College. Breakfast or lunch, can't be beat.

Lots of great info here--my favorite section was right behind home, 225. Now it's a family section (no beer), but for nondrinkers it's a great option and comes with a coupon for a free pop. (It wasn't one last time I attended by myself; that was several years back.) Last time I went I was in one of the okay sections down the first base line on the lower level--don't remember which.

And, TD, it's spelled Macalester, though the suggestion is right on the Broiler. (Must have gone to Hamline or something.) And fond memories of Davanni's for me too during my Mac days, where I would always eat at the branch near Augsburg before attending Minnesota Monarchs games. (Anyone remember? Ruth Lawanson, Jill Halsted, Walt Weaver--still at Apple Valley!--coaching, and a packed-to-the-gills Si Melby Hall?)

Currently up 2-0 on the Yanks in the 3rd, according to the Steinbrenner Channel--keep it up, guys!

If this is your first game at the dome, plan on a beer either before or after at Hubert's (right across the street from the main entrance of the dome). Just for all the pictures on the walls (we search out all the Killebrew's) it is worth it. (And on a related note, if you go to the Mall of America, you must find the old Met Stadium's site of home plate (now a brass one on the floor and imagine how hard Harmon hit that homerun where the stadium seat is hung on the ceiling).

My recent stadium must is the Chicago dog with the works (only at a few spots) and ask for them to cut it with a knife if you are trying to keep your mid 70's jersey clean.

Ice cream in the Twin's hat along with the stadium cups you use or pick up as you leave, make handy and affordable souvenirs (especially if you have kids you left at home)

Sandee (envious of my friend who will be sitting behind the Yankee's dougout Thursday night--I wonder if he will wear the cool Bat-Girl shirt I gave him today for his birthday)

Mostly good advice here. The beer booth behind homeplate is the best (Newcastle et al). And Nye's is a must-see.

Cheap eats on Eat Street (Nicollete between I-94 and 28th)...especially Quang and Jasmine Deli.

BUT....HUGE OVERSIGHT BY EVERYONE SO FAR....the best seats, dollar-for-dollar, are the upper GA sections in foul territory down the first-base line. For six bucks you are pointed directly at the mound with a bird's eye view of everything except the visiting dugout and the extreme deep right filed corner. Get there at least an hour early to get into the first five or so rows and take in the end of visitors BP and infield practice.

Oh, and the best nudie bar is King Of Diamonds down in Inver Grove Heights. After a Saturday day game (which are rare), you can get in down there without cover and table dances are just ten dollars.

Boomer has a very good point - most of the seats at the Dome point straight at nothing in particular. (They're lined up for football.) Those right behind home plate point at the mound. Perhaps there ought to be a list of which sections feature seats pointed directly at the mound, home plate, or any of the bases.

As for Stubb & Herb's (Sturb's to regulars back in the day), it's a great campus spot. Try the beef and gravy on toast, which used to be called the Tony Dungee. And it's your best bet for running into reporters, especially U of M alums like the Strib's Mike Rand.

Does no one else make a beeline for the kettlecorn stand before entering The Dome That Has No Edible Comestibles? And please, Jamie, be sure NOT to sit on the third-base side. You will end up with a crick in your neck (as BatGirl so eloquently described lo these many months ago).
Before the Saints game, you MUST tailgate in the parking lot. An experience not to be missed. And if you don't want to drive to the Saints game, Gabe's (east of the stadium on Energy Park Drive) has a bus that will take you to the game.

Gotta say: Minnesota nice is a very, very nice thing.

Another idea - Mario's Kellar, the basement bar at Gasthof Zur Gemutlichkeit (www.gasthofzg.com).

While the real Oktoberfest they throw every year is still a month away (and always a drunken good time), the Kellar is like a mini-Oktoberfest year 'round, complete with polka music. Order a boot of Warsteiner for around $20 (you'll need to leave a credit card and/or driver's license so you aren't tempted to steal the giant glass boot-shaped drinking vessel, they're $50 to buy), sit down at one of the long tables with the most single attractive women, explain you're from out of town and have them explain the rules of drinking from the boot. I could explain them here but what's the fun in that? If you're really into it you'll have a mug of your own beer to drink from in between your turns with the boot. Also be sure to get a shot of snuff or two. It's free, just be sure to tip the waitress.

Bring cab fare. Ziggy zaggy ziggy zaggy, HOI, HOI, HOI!

It's a shame that the Museum of Questionable Medical Devices has closed its doors in St. Anthony Main. They have moved, so I'm told, many of the exhibits to the Science Museum of Minnesota. While the nocturnal emmission prevention ring and the prostate warmers may not be on display at the new location, there are a ton of interesting gizmos and gadgets there. Go to Sebastian Joe's for ice cream (it's on W. Franklin).

Jamie,

I think for offbeat eatery destinations, Downtown Pizza Luce on 4th Street, or Cafe Barbette in Uptown on Lake Street. Barbette is two blocks west of Hennepin and Lake on the north side of the street. If you want to indulge in some people watching, go to The Loon after the game, and grab a table by a window, especially on Friday or Saturday night. The Loon is at the corner of 5th and 1st Avenue. Take the light rail from the dome to the western end of the line, and it drops you off across the street from the Loon.

Can't believe I forgot about the House of Balls in the Warehouse District. Click above for more!

Ok, on Monday I went to the artist-designed minigolf at the sculpture garden, and it was not fun.
First of all, we decided that there should be an age limit. It's not easy. And these little kids in front of us were climbing all over everything and screaming and it took the parents 20 min. to get through each hole. Also there is a 6-stroke limit that no one seems to pay attention to.
Second of all, it's HARD. I almost had to cheat on the Pachinko hole.

Ok so we did have some fun, but it wasn't really that much better than regular mini golf anywhere else.

I've lived just outside of Minneapolis my whole life, and I'm still learning things about the city from this thread.

Yes to the Turf Club, Matt's Bar (for the Juicy Lucys, I like them even though I normally hate cheeseburgers), Nye's, Grumpy's, and Pizza Luce. If you go to Pizza Luce, go to the Urban Wildlife Club, too. I go there a lot, though mostly for the music. The Uptowner in St. Paul has an amazing Cajun breakfast thingy that hits the spot at like 2 a.m. when you're half in the bag. If you go to the Turf Club but don't like the music, they have a downstairs called the Clown Lounge. I hate it (I hate Clowns) but it is a nice escape if the music is bad.

Batlings,
I have Just read my others halfs post ( see first one by Florida) I really hope that he is kidding about the striip clubs or his weekends to see the twins play may be numbered. Lest that be a lesson to all the other batlings who travel with their friends and not their spouses to see the twins play in the big city.

Dear Mrs. Florida,

As per the ancient code of the Vikings: what happens in the Twin Towns, stays in the Twin Towns.

Jamie,

If you're going to the Saints game and feel a jones for some Famous Dave's BBQ, there is a good one on Snelling Ave. in Roseville (across from the Har-Mar, just a ways North of the Midway Stadium) which has the usual delicious Dave's taste in a more comfortable atmosphere than the dark, crowded Calhoun Square location in Minneapolis.

If you happen to be over by Calhoun Square/Uptown, however, I always like to take people to the Suburban World movie theatre, originally built in 1928 and recently restored, which has a restaurant menu and table seating, set in a theatre designed to resemble a Moorish courtyard. The ceiling even has twinkling stars and moving clouds to complete the illusion that you're enjoying your cinema 'al fresco.'

Best CD store in town is the Electric Fetus on Franklin Ave. in Mpls. It's one of the best music stores I've seen in my travels around the country, actually.

My favorite Thai food would be at the Ruam Mit Thai on St. Peter Street in downtown St. Paul, just off the corner of West 7th where the original Mickey's Diner stands (which is on the National Register of Historic Places). Get your picture taken outside Mickey's, then go up half a block for the best Thai food in the Twin Cities.

If you're over Roseville/St. Paul way and feel like some Indian food, get on Hwy. 36 East towards Maplewood and try the Taste of India. You'll see it just off the highway, short of the White Bear Ave. exit (if you're driving Eastbound). Exit on White Bear Ave., turn right, double back at the next right, and you should find it without much trouble. I started eating there recently (serendipitously, because the Ruam Mit was closed) and liked the food so much, I even bought a couple Indian cookbooks so I could learn to make some of the dishes myself.

Finally, if you are over by Maplewood (and if you're driving to Stillwater on 36, you will be going past it), there's also a good Mexican restaurant by the Maplewood Mall off White Bear Ave. called Acapulco. It's not as authentic as the restaurants south of St. Paul (in what is know, curiously, as "West St. Paul"), but it's spicier and more flavorful than some of the other watered-down Midwestern-Mex fare you'll find around here. Good stuff.

Hope you have fun, and good eatin' to ya!