Raise a glass to Minneapolis’ Basement Bars

Basement bars are taking on a new life in Minneapolis.

No longer relegated to being just another seating area, restaurants are expanding to their lower level with new concepts that are offering their own distinctive ambiance and menu.

As the demand for intimate social venues grow, these subterranean spaces are drawing in crowds seeking unique experiences throughout Minneapolis:

Flora Room: The name says it all: this cocktail bar below Porzana steakhouse in the North Loop is a dark, moody, elegantly botanical spot.  Sip crafted cocktails, like the Salacia, with rhum agricole, cane sugar, champagne yeast, lime leaf, shio koji and lime. When you’re hungry, there are hand rolls and snacks available until midnight.
Billy After Dark: This sort-of speakeasy underneath Billy Sushi in the North Loop is known as “B.A.D” and accessible only via the main restaurant. It closes at 11:59 p.m. because “nothing good happens after midnight.” Neon, ’90s hip hop and banquette seats welcome you and a whiskey wall including a complete collection of the Ichiro’s Malt line of Chichibu will intrigue those in the know.
Travail Basement Bar: Tucked under Travail’s main dining room is another intimate dining space, with dark woodwork and speakeasy vibes. It hosts a revolving tasting menu. Beginning April 4, guests will step into the iconic world of “Friends” with a flashback episode themed dinner experience they’re calling Buddies Bar. It turns the basement bar into the iconic purple apartment serving a 10-course chef’s tasting menu and beverage pairings celebrating the characters and moments from the TV show.
Maison Margaux: In the lower level of this “Paris in the North Loop” destination, the underground bar, Salon Rouge, has ambient red lighting and red velvet booths with a Bordeaux cellar– originally a tunnel connecting to the Mississippi River to funnel fish into the fishery.
Masa & Agave: Hidden below the stairs of downtown’s historic Hotel Ivy restaurant Breva, this basement bar has a collection of over 200 Tequilas, Mezcals, Raicillas and Sotols that showcase the incredible diversity of Mexico’s agave-based spirits.
Parlour Bar: Underneath Borough restaurant, the “neighborhood cocktail den” made its name on the overnight sensation of their voted-best smashed Parlour Burger.
Volstead’s Emporium: Considering itself to be a “proper” speakeasy, the entrance for Volstead’s can be found hidden in an alley in the Uptown neighborhood. Once you locate the entrance, head down the stairs to find yourself in a cozy basement bar reminiscent of the Prohibition era and enjoy the finely crafted libations and live music.
The Basement Bar: This aptly named bar can be found under NOLO’s Kitchen in the North Loop and promises hand-crafted cocktails and local beer partnered with live music and DJs. A private VIP “Records Room” is available for groups up to 25.
Hell’s Kitchen: The OG basement bar and restaurant in Minneapolis’ central downtown is located just off Nicollet on 9th Street (you can’t miss the marquee lighting your way). Expect a 35-feet Bloody Mary and mimosa bar, live music and “damn good food,” including their homemade peanut butter, Mahnomin Porridge, sausage bread cheese curds and more.

For more information on where to drink and eat in Minneapolis, visit here.

For more on dining in the Minneapolis Cultural Districts, visit here.

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