It was a strange year. The nightlife scene in 2011 was filled with surprising stories, stunning new bars and plenty of head-scratching moments.

I never thought I'd receive a phone call from Kieran Folliard telling me he's leaving the pub business. But I did. I never thought we'd be discussing outdoor dining restrictions in a state that worships warm weather. But that happened, too. At the same time, there were plenty of moments that didn't surprise me. It was only a matter of time before our forward-thinking cocktail scene produced a bar worthy of New York City comparisons. And then there was the craft-beer juggernaut.

So here's my collection of 10 big moments that shook the nightlife scene -- for good and bad.

1. Karma vs. the city

Violence rang out on several occasions inside or near the troubled downtown nightclub this year. The city wanted it shut down, but Karma puffed out its chest and said no way. At the end of the summer, caving to pressure, it did close. Update: Various suitors are vying for the former Karma space. Also, owners John Barlow and Ned Abdul withdrew plans for a different club in the Lumber Exchange building.

2. The great patio debate rages

Maybe a cage match would have been better suited for this showdown. Minneapolis City Council Member Meg Tuthill locked horns with restaurateur Kim Bartmann (and friends) over a plan to tighten regulation of noise, occupancy and autonomy on patios. Update: Tuthill withdrew her proposal, but plans to revisit the issue in coming months.

3. Kieran leaves Kieran's

In July, Irish pub boss Kieran Folliard did the unthinkable. The Twin Cities' most popular bar owner sold his stake in four megapubs to go into the whiskey business full time. Update: Folliard's first batch of 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey sold out so fast you'd have thought "Harry Potter 8" was written on the label.

4. Marvel Bar: Best new bar

Eric and Andrew Dayton teamed with star bartender Pip Hanson on a cocktail emporium to rival the best in New York or Chicago. With hand-chipped ice, delicious drinks and style to boot, they succeeded. Update: Inquisitive drinkers are still lining up to try the ever-evolving cocktail list.

5. Drink files for bankruptcy

Notorious club owner Mike Whitelaw had a rough year: First he sold Spin, then put this party bar into Chapter 11. He blamed Drink's troubles on the legal costs of a class-action suit filed by former employees. Update: Drink marches on as it reorganizes.

6. New breweries in Minneapolis

Harriet Brewing became Minneapolis' first new brewery in almost a decade. Fulton followed, on the heels of the Surly Bill (which allows breweries to sell pints onsite). Update: Beer geeks await Surly's $20 million destination brewery. Will it land in Minneapolis, too?

7. TV event of the year -- at 4:30 a.m.

Forget the World Cup. The only international event that got people into the pub before sunrise was the marriage of Will and Kate. Enormous hats were donned. Tea was sipped. Tears were wept. Update: No Kim-and-Kris fiasco here -- they're still married. And I'm still tired.

8. Acme turns 20

It survived a boom-and-bust period early on and staved off competition later to become the Twin Cities' oldest stand-up club. Update: It celebrated 20 years with 20 national headliners in November, proving that it's also the best. Stars like Hannibal Buress and Patton Oswalt love the place.

9. Myth lives again

What if the Twin Cities' largest nightclub reopened and nobody cared? Closed since 2009, the Maplewood behemoth returned to putting on shows, but the place is a far cry from its heyday when stars like Lil Wayne and Kid Rock packed the 3,500-person venue. The club's previous owner is facing a six-month sentence for felony theft. Update: The last big show was Hairball on New Year's Eve. Hairball.

10. Beer bars dominate

Muddy Waters blossomed from a small coffee shop to a full-service, highly touted bar. Over at Seven Corners, a perennial college dump (Preston's) was transformed into the crafty Republic. Update: Beer fans respond favorably; Republic expects to sell its 100,000th beer this month.