Cheers to U2, before seeing U2

What kind of outdoor rock concert doesn't let you drink during the show?

Oh, just the biggest one in 30 years. On Saturday, U2's 360 Tour will pack 58,000 people into TCF Bank Stadium -- a venue that forbids alcohol (and smoking, too).

But have no fear. The University of Minnesota campus is filled with enough bars and restaurants to get you properly revved up before this mega-spectacle.

The closest hubs of activity will be in Stadium Village and Dinkytown, just blocks from the venue. And don't worry: These two areas offer a lot more than beer-swilling college bars. There are sit-down restaurants, ethnic gems and yes, plenty of places to drink.

My suggestion: Arrive early and make this an all-day affair (which you'll likely have to do anyway, with the area's construction projects and parking hassles). You could even start super-early with pancakes at Al's Breakfast.

Here are your best bets for filling up before U2 blasts off.

Of all the college bars within walking distance, Stub & Herb's has the best beer selection. On Saturday, it'll have 32 taps dedicated to boutique American brands inside, and a busy beer garden outside. The beer truck will be pumping Summit's Honeymoon Saison (from its Unchained Series) and Finnegan's Irish Amber.

If Lewis Carroll got drunk and designed a cushy lounge, it might resemble the Kitty Cat Klub. The vintage sofas, heavy draperies and gaudy artwork make it an ideal spot to drink before experiencing U2's own version of eye candy. (Opens at 4 p.m.)

Besides being Dinkytown's most attractive sit-down restaurant, the Loring Pasta Bar is (sort of) connected to a piece of rock 'n' roll history. Bob Dylan lived on the second floor of this building 50 years ago. Mull that over while sipping a cocktail and munching the restaurant's famous artichoke ramekin.

The burgers at the Five Guys chain in Dinkytown aren't bad. But locally owned Annie's Parlor offers a comfort-food trifecta that you won't want to pass up: a quality cheeseburger, hand-cut fries and a great chocolate shake.

Although there are no white tablecloths, Kafe 421's menu is maybe Dinkytown's most sophisticated. And apparently U2 fans dig it. Reservations are going fast at this wine bar. While you'll find a burger and other sandwiches, there are also scallops, Alaskan salmon and mussels.

Stadium Village's best-looking Chinese spot is also one of the Twin Cities' most authentic Szechuan-style restaurants. While the Tea House offers all of your Americanized favorites, think about trying something different. Pork ear in Szechuan spicy sauce, anyone? Wash it down with a cocktail from the chic bar.

Of the myriad pizza joints surrounding the U of M, two stick out. Punch in Stadium Village serves up craft beer and Neapolitan-style pizza (with super-fresh ingredients) cooked at 800 degrees. Mesa in Dinkytown is run by hipsters and plays obnoxiously loud rap music. But its by-the-slice pizza features wild toppings (macaroni and cheese!) you won't find at other places. The pies at the Leaning Tower of Pizza won't win any awards, but it has a full bar and is closest to the stadium.

Typically, there's never a good reason to recommend a Buffalo Wild Wings (unless you want to watch 50 flat-screen TVs at once). But this location happens to be the closest bar to TCF Stadium. It's right across the street. So that's convenient (not sure if that makes it cool).