Perhaps thanks to Minnesotans' appreciation for simple, hearty fare done right and the local craft-beer awakening, the Twin Cities are going gaga for gastropubs.
Ward 6
858 Payne Av., St. Paul • 651-348-8181 • www.ward6stpaul.com
This St. Paul newbie has Minnesota pride aplenty, with only a single selection in its draft lineup lacking a lake-state connection. The East Side eatery gets happy from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, serving $3 pints, rail drinks and wines. Looking to do a little suds sampling? Go the half-pint route at $2 a pop.
Buster's on 28th
4204 W. 28th St., Mpls. • 612-729-0911 • www.busterson28th.com
This south Minneapolis staple boasts one of the best burger and beer lineups in town, so it's no wonder the comfy pub is often crawling with neighborhood dwellers and destination diners alike. Stop in between the tab-shaving hours of 4-6 p.m. Monday to Friday, when all taps are a buck less.
George & the Dragon
813 W. 50th St., Mpls. 612-208-1047 www.ganddpub.com
Despite its fairytale-like moniker, G&D's menu is rooted in nonfictitious English pub classics, with a few Asian options (ah, what the hell) sprinkled in. As easy as it would be to get soccer-hooligan loose with $3 taps and wines, and $1.50 bottles of Finnegan's during its 3-5 p.m. and 9-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday happy hours, remember: This Lynnhurst hangout is a family-friendly establishment.
