There's nothing like having a hot dog and a beer at a Twins game. But if paying $6.50 for a Bud Light sounds totally insane, maybe a pre-game trip to one of the Metrodome's surrounding bars is in order. This guide to nearby bars should help you out, and provide a couple of surprises.
Hubert's
Located right across the street from the stadium, this sports bar has basically had a monopoly on pre-game partying. Like the Dome, not much has changed here, except that the place is still packed, the beer is still cold and sports memorabilia still covers every square inch of the place.
Sneaky Pete's
It's almost 10 blocks from the Dome, but on the light rail it's only a few minutes. This party bar opened last year and quickly became a favorite for its crazy happy hour, which includes $2 beers and appetizers starting at $1 (3:30 to 7 p.m. daily).
Spill the Wine
The folks at this nearby wine bar said they do pull in a few Twins fans. For a nice tasting, check out a wine flight.
Wasabi
Nothing says baseball like sushi and sake, right? OK, maybe not. But this stylish Japanese restaurant has a happy hour that's gotten the attention of Twins fans (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.). There's also a late-night happy hour for post-game fun (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.).
The Little Wagon
The good ol' Wagon has a regular happy hour and after the game you can bring in your ticket stub to get two drinks for the price of one.
Town Hall Brewery
Beer geeks abound at this brew pub, which has house-made beers and plenty of seating.
Preston's Urban Pub
This West Bank staple has a new name and a new look (see ya, Sergeant). Right now you can get $7 beer pitchers before games, and in the summer they'll be grilling brats and burgers on the huge patio.
