Students are back at the University of Minnesota, which can mean only one thing: Bars are once more operating at full tilt.
While the university is home to a plethora of bars, the nightlife scene close to campus has been slow to change, even at times a bit dumpy. But there have been some shake-ups in recent years.
Sadly, a longtime institution, Grandma's Saloon, closed this year. But the Varsity Theater continues to be a must-see destination for live shows. And while college students are known for their beer lust, the University of Minnesota has never had a serious beer bar (with good beer). With the rejuvenated Stub & Herb's and the Acadia Cafe, it now has two.
These venues -- where a savory experience is more important than getting smashed -- show us that a college bar doesn't always have to be a college bar.
That said, here are 10, traditional and nontraditional, that matter.
Stub & Herb's The scene: When new owners took over last year, they let head bartender and beer geek Jon Landers run wild. He's transformed the once ramshackle Stadium Village place into a great beer bar. To stick out, Landers keeps the draft selection all-American -- showing that this country's craft beer can stand on its own.
Who's drinking: Beer lovers, graduate students.
Best special: $3.50 pints during one long daily happy hour, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (plus 10 p.m. to midnight).
