Best Bar Near the Stadium?

[pattersaur]

Where's the best spot to hit before or after games? The more Vikings fans the better, obviously.

I'm coming in town for the Lions game, it will be my first one at US Bank. I'm pumped!

Any other tips for inside or around the stadium are also much appreciated. Specifically- how early should I start lining up to grab our seats? Do they still have the Vikings fan zone area like they had at the Dome, with the food trucks, beer gardens, and dunk tank? Loved that.

We'll likely be Ubering to the stadium, so parking I won't need. Thank you for any advice you can give!

[Guest]

Honestly, since this is your first time at the stadium, you are going to want to get there early so you can walk around and take it all in. Seriously. Its gorgeous and huge. Grab a beer there and go for your own walking tour before the game starts.

I'll leave it to the local experts for after game bar. 

[Guest]

Hubert's. 

[Guest]

Hit Johnny Randles newer bar/restaurant downtown...It's on Nicollet Ave. 

http://www.johnrandles.com

A lot of the watering holes are on the West Side of town, near the Twins & T Wolves stadiums. Light Rail from the east side of town where USB is.

And Sticky is right, give yourself plenty of time before or after the game to walk the stadium, hit the Vikings shop, see the museum there. 

[Guest]

@purplefaithful said:
Hit Johnny Randles newer bar/restaurant downtown...It's on Nicollet Ave. 

http://www.johnrandles.com

A lot of the watering holes are on the West Side of town, near the Twins & T Wolves stadiums. Light Rail from the east side of town where USB is.

And Sticky is right, give yourself plenty of time before or after the game to walk the stadium, hit the Vikings shop, see the museum there. 

I walked into Randles without making the connection. Didn't realize it was John Randle's place until I saw the URL on the menu. Nice, big place with a lot of TVs, but Johnny needs to work on his breakfast burrito. 

I've always found it strange that there is no real bar and restaurant scene around the stadium, except for Huberts I guess. The dome area was a ghost town. Thought that would change with USB, but it hasn't. The real scene is up by Target Field. 

[Guest]

Well.. the best bar hasn't been "Anthony's" for a couple of years I can tell you that. 

And I agree with Sticky before hand go in early and walk around, after hitting the tailgate that's pinned above. 

[Guest]

Bar Zia is about 3 blocks up 4th St. from the stadium. It was pretty fun and we got a table when we went immediatey after the game. a few tables outside too if it is nice. Before the game the band starts around 9AM or so outside the stadium. plenty a beer venders and a few other things to do.  The Longhouse is also there in case of bad weaether but it will probably be packed. 

[Guest]

see the tailgate thread at the top of the page... best party pre game is the tailgate lots by far if you are looking to hang around with other fans.

[Guest]

PurpleFaithful can give you a list. 

Also there are lots of bars within 3-4 blocks of stadium. 

[Guest]

Thank you everyone, this has been super helpful! I really appreciate all of the tips and I'll definitely let you know what we end up doing.

I'm going to Target field on Saturday night for the game so if that area is really cool (sounds like it is), maybe I'll take some of you guys' advice and go there on Sunday AM too before ubering/shuttling/bussing to the stadium. But I do definitely want to be in the stadium early too, so thanks for that recommendation as well.

I'm mostly a lurker but I'm on this site every day and knew you all would come through. Much appreciated!