The Bar Guide 2015: Gameday bars

Pub 819 *NEW*

819 Mainstreet, Hopkins • 952-933-1230 • www.pub819.com

Pull up a stool at this west-metro saloon where burgers, beer and whiskey are king. A fortress of TVs above the hopping bar make Pub 819 a prime spot to root for the home team when you would rather pay a bartender than a scalper. As the weather warms, look for the garage doors to open up onto downtown Hopkins' main drag.

Scratch Bar and Grill *NEW*

408 3rd Av. N., Mpls., Mpls. • 612-405-3092 • www.scratchbarandgrill.com

This casual American bar near Target Field could become a sneaky Twins gameday watering hole. Beat ballpark prices with Scratch's burgers and sandwiches while warming up with a drink before hitting the bleachers.

Depot Tavern

Eagle Street Grille

If somebody built a modern sports bar, without an obtrusive number of TVs, inside a brownstone mansion, it might look something like Eagle Street Grille. The pub is so close to the Xcel Energy Center you could probably hear a slap shot. (174 W. 7th St., St. Paul • 651-225-1382 • www.eaglestreetgrille.net.)

Gluek's

Gluek's has been knocked out of commission twice, once by Prohibition and once by a fire, only to come roaring back again and again. German-American fare is the theme, while the draft selection is ample enough to vindicate its rich beer-heritage vibe. (16 N. 6th St., Mpls. • 612-338-6621 • www.glueks.com.) (Spencer Doar)

Ike's Food & Cocktails

Kieran's Irish Pub

Kieran's is an Irish bar. That's about all you need to know. A close relationship with 2 Gingers has that brand of whiskey ever-present on bar shelves. And it's just a block from Target Field. (Block E, 601 1st Av. N., Mpls. • 612-339-4499 • www.kierans.com.) (S.D.)

The Liffey

This classic Irish pub is in good company with Minneapolis sister pubs Kieran's and the Local. Something of an adult theme park, the Liffey twists and turns with odd labyrinthine rooms, corners for swilling, booths for canoodling and a vast rooftop for sunning and swilling. (175 W. 7th St. • 651-556-1420 • www.theliffey.com.) (M.B.)

O'Donovan's

Patrick McGovern's Pub

The Irish pub that feels as though it's been there since the beginning of time. The charming yet working-class West 7th is the sort of neighborhood where pubs like this belong — in perfect context. Drink to that. (225 W. 7th St., St. Paul • 651-224-5821 • www.patmcgoverns.com.) (M.B.)

Tiffany Sports Lounge