Monday February 8, 2010

The 10 best drinks at Twin Cities bars List

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Red Dragon: Wondrous Punch 16 users
Chino Latino: Crack-ho Mojito 10 users
Tony Jaro's: The Greenie 9 users
Bar Abilene: Margarita 7 users
Town Talk Diner: Dreamsicle 7 users
Psycho Suzi's: Suffering Bastard 7 users
Temple: Jenna Jameson 6 users
The Local: The Big Ginger 6 users
Red Dragon: Zombie 5 users
La Belle Vie: Night of the Hunter 3 users

created by matt on Feb. 22, '08 at 2:06 PM

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	1. Temple: Jenna Jameson 2. Chino Latino: Crack-ho Mojito 3. Red Dragon: Wondrous Punch 4. Town Talk Diner: Dreamsicle 5. Psycho Suzi's: Suffering Bastard posted by Nsiemers on Nov. 14, '09 at 9:27 AM
	1. Bar Abilene: Margarita 2. Chino Latino: Crack-ho Mojito 3. Town Talk Diner: Dreamsicle 4. The Local: The Big Ginger 5. Temple: Jenna Jameson posted by kiwee87 on Jul. 13, '09 at 1:28 PM
	1. Azia - Hawaiian Punch in the Face 2. Red Dragon - Wondrous Punch 3. Tony Jaro's - Greenie 4. Town Talk - Bacon Manhattan posted by googaleemoogalee on May. 18, '09 at 12:56 PM
	1. Red Dragon: Wondrous Punch 2. Tony Jaro's: The Greenie 3. Moscow on the Hill - Red October 4. The Local: The Big Ginger 5. Red Dragon: Zombie 6. Psycho Suzi's: Suffering Bastard posted by DIGDUG79 on Jan. 22, '09 at 11:23 AM
	1. Moscow on the Hill - Red October 2. La Belle Vie - Valentino 3. La Belle Vie- Bela Lugosi's Dead 4. Joe's Garage - O-tini 5. The Local: The Big Ginger 6. La Belle Vie - True Sons of Liberty 7. Red Dragon: Zombie 8. The Black Forest Inn - Pfeffertini 9. Basinger - Zahtar 10. The News Room - Son Kist posted by CityGal on Jan. 20, '09 at 2:40 PM

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posted by leslie on Feb. 22, '08 at 2:27 PM

I love the Dreamsicle at Town Talk, but it is so big and so filling that it's almost a meal in itself. Just like the name implies, it tastes just like the treat from the ice cream truck that I loved as a kid. (OK, it tastes much better than that. But you get my drift.)

posted by leslie on Feb. 22, '08 at 2:30 PM

The Night of the Hunter is some sort of fabulousness that is buttery and savory and makes me warm and happy. Make sure you order it with extra olives -- they are stuffed with salty goodness, and they are divine.

posted by sopheava on Feb. 22, '08 at 2:51 PM

Seconded on Night of the Hunter. Hands down my favorite drink in town, and if I could hold my liquor in any way, shape or form I'd definitely order more than 1 each time I go. It's my "comfort drink."

posted by matt on Feb. 22, '08 at 4:38 PM

As you might have heard, we're using this list as the springboard for a contest to find the ten best cocktails served anywhere in the Twin Cities.

Post your picks for up to ten specialty drinks at local bars, then post a comment describing your choices. Eight lucky winners will get a spot with us on a vita.mn party bus to sample each of the ten top picks. We'll choose the winners by both their lists *and* their comments.

In your list responses, don't forget to list the bar that serves each drink! Also be sure to post a good comment.

posted by matt on Feb. 22, '08 at 4:57 PM

As for my drinks...

La Belle Vie's "Woman of Leisure" lychee cocktail is the sweetest, sexiest beverage I've had in quite some time. Normally, you get a good cocktail, you marvel at it for a while, then it becomes just another drink. With this confection, every time I took a sip, it was like a new revelation. I didn't want the drink to end, and I'm not even an alcoholic.

The Town Talk Diner's "Honeydew Me Right" is perhaps most notable for including the juices of fresh melons, prepared in some elaborate fashion by the resident mixologists. This drink is basically a play on the word "effervescent"; absolutely perfect in summer.

Lucia's white wine sangria wins bonus points for being available just a few blocks away from my house. I could drink a whole carafe of this endlessly refreshing sangria by myself, then amble on home on a cloud of happy.

Bar Abilene's tableside margarita is basically the perfect margarita, especially when paired with the joint's trademark chips and guac.

Red Stag Supper Club's Brandy Alexander is the only winter beverage on my list so far, although I love other winter cocktails. Just enough ice cream, just enough nutmeg, just enough brandy, and I palpitate just a little bit for the rest of the night.

posted by alexism on Feb. 22, '08 at 6:38 PM

I'm totally blanking on the two other cocktails I love so much at La Belle Vie, aside from Night of the Hunter (which is a magical combination of 43 Licor, vodka, salt and almond-stuffed olives).

posted by alexism on Feb. 22, '08 at 6:59 PM

I fell for Black Forest Inn's Krautini when Horgen and I did the weirdest drinks story together. He says it's an acquired taste, but my Polish palate loved the strained sauerkraut juice with caraway liqueur and gin that's so filtered there's not even a trace of juniper taste.

Masa's michelada is a spicy tomato juice and Negra Modelo cocktail that makes a perfect hangover remedy or a nice savory cocktail for a light meal. Their chimayo is Pisco brandy and apple cider served over ice; lightly sweet and highly addictive.

Solera's Ruby Red Slipper is a must-have when ruby red grapefruits are in season, as their sweet, muddled goodness lends all the flavor to this ultra-refreshing drink.

Jameson gingers are pretty common, but Temple's Jenna Jameson uses fresh sliced and muddled ginger, making it super snappy. Thom Pham's My Thai over at Azia will knock you on your butt if you try and drink two, which is easy to do because they're so fruity, tropically perfect on hot summer nights.

Cosmos' raspberry mojito is made with white rum, fresh raspberries and mint, then topped off with sparkling wine. It's elegant and delicious.

The Harvey Wallbanger is just a little bit better at Bar Lurcat because it's made with fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Nobody can make a mojito like Babalu, so naturally their caipirinhas are equally perfect.

posted by kdgrrl5 on Feb. 22, '08 at 7:38 PM

Purple Rain: It's big, purple, and tastes like lemonade. Good Stuff. We drank a ton of these before the Prince show at the Target Center this summer (of course)!

The Greenie: A MN classic. It's even painted on the outside wall of the bar!

Crack-Ho Mojito: A bit pricey, but an amazing mojito is kinda hard to find. Plus, you get three little vials of fruit puree to mix in your drink and make it your own.

Suffering Bastard: Suzi's has the best named drinks hands down! Their tiki cups are cool, too. You can buy them to take home to remember your evening. After drinking something called a "Suffering Bastard" do you really expect to remember anything otherwise?

posted by gretchenmary on Feb. 25, '08 at 11:03 AM

The Vita.mn party bus is really quite fabulous. A 1949 silver Greyhound, modified with a 70's-style bed in the back, surrounded by a U-shaped couch, as well as few rows of original seats. A spot for a DJ makes this experience so much silly fun, you'll want to ride it again and again and again. The bus was the original tour bus for Minneapolis band - The Suburbs - as well as an 18-peice traveling jazz band before them. Vita.mn user, Aurinko, was lucky enough to bring along a group of friends in the Party Bus after winning a Kharma contest - and I know she had a blast, as did her friends.

posted by ecg129 on Feb. 25, '08 at 11:15 AM

Okay...I'm definitly more of a fruity drink kinda drinken gal - but I like alcohol, so tempt me and I'll try absolutely anything. Haha I posted this on the other cocktails list first...so lets give this a go again!!

I decided to give some comments with my list for ya!

Lava Flow - Majors : Pina colada mixed with strawberry daquri. As a girl -what could be BETTER on a warm summer day??

Bajan Melon - Dave and Busters: Go to Dave and Busters in Maple Grove for a gooood time and some freakin amazing drinks. Prices were actually not too bad either!

Manhattan - Manhattan's. What's appealing about this place..is they take pride in getting an order for a normally challenging drink. They specialize in cocktails people!

Garden Tini - Bank. Because Tequila makes her clothes come off? No ...because if you go to banks website www.bankmpls.com You can make your own cocktail online! How fun! Now we can be prepared with what to order later ;)

Killer Koolaid - Harry's: I guess you're begining to get the drift that I like fruity drinks? Mmmm kool-aid yet you're gettin ever so tipsy!

Meltaway - The Newsroom. The News Rooms in a great location, good environment ...and tasty martini's! I like myself a basic White Russian now and then - but if we're talking fancy cocktail how can you beat: Godiva White Chocolate, Stoli Vanil, Crème de Cacao, Crème de Menthe, & Kahlua

Crack Ho Mojito - Chino Latino: Had to add a mojito to the list. Though I'm not a big fan..I enjoy a fruity one - such as this ;) and pomegranite ones too! I like the amazing cocktail selection at Chino too!

Ume - Origami - I love me some Sake. When I'm eating some sushi I love to drink it down with sake and a sake cocktail? With fresh plum in it? Delish.

Mulled Wine - WA Frosts - Frosts is a really elegant date place - and i wanted to add a wine cocktail to this list. This one is cabernet mixed with brandy. How rich do you feel now?

Margaritas - Pancho Villa: Cheap and delicious!

Hope I see ya'll on a party bus ;)

posted by alexism on Feb. 25, '08 at 12:50 PM

The Wonderous Punch is an honorable mention for me, since I couldn't fit it on my list. Where it lacks in flavor it more than makes up for in rum.

posted by tapqueen on Feb. 25, '08 at 1:44 PM

I am not throwing my hat in the ring for the contest but I have to second Alexis' Wonderous Punch comment- that is the most economical get-drunk-quick drink I've experienced in the Twin Cities. One and you feel wonderful, two and you better have a friend along to keep you in check unless you have a super tolerance.

posted by thewalk on Feb. 25, '08 at 2:11 PM

My list is still a work in progress, but have any of you ever tried any of the cocktails over at Restaurant Miami? Their "Scarface" themed drink titles are reason enough to include one on the list...not to mention the hilarious decor, extensive 80s playlist and cans of Olde E.

posted by alexism on Feb. 26, '08 at 5:01 PM

Expensive, weak and flavorless. Ditto the food and atmosphere.

posted by ecg129 on Feb. 27, '08 at 8:34 AM

Ok, won't be going there anytime soon ;)

posted by holstj on Feb. 27, '08 at 3:26 PM

Mmmm... beer

posted by maudlin on Feb. 27, '08 at 3:41 PM

Johnny Jump Up - McMahon's
Now childhood memories and drinking are intertwined. Smooth Jameson and crispy cider in a bar that's a bar. Ahhh.

Jackson Pollock Martini - Town Talk
Basil-oil splatters. Probably Lee Kasner's idea, originally.

Jameson Neat - The Dubliner
Somehow it tastes best here. Great place to argue with Bushmill drinkers too.

Vodka Martini - Monte Carlo
Nice drink, served especially nice de-iced on a serving tray.

Surly Furious (...and furiouser) - The Craftsman
The perfect mix of hops and woodwork.

The Bloody Mary Bar - Psycho Suzi's
Eat, drink...it's all nourishing!

posted by ajschneider7 on Feb. 27, '08 at 4:24 PM

Here is my list:
Ol Mexico: Long Island Iced Tea
Ol Mexico: Green Lanturn
Grumpy's: Purple Rain
Granite City: Southern Tea
Cheeseburger in Paradise: Double Trouble
Tiki Terrace: Lava Flow
Rock Center Cafe: Mojito
Vescio's: Trebbiano White Wine
Bubba Gumps: Bayou Surprise
Ol Mexico: Lemon Drop

I love all these drinks because the places know how to make them right. Not many places have mastered an LIT or variation of it but Ol Mexico always does them up right. I could put together an international best drinks list but I don't think that is what you are looking for!

posted by wood0162 on Feb. 27, '08 at 4:28 PM

You won't find the buffalo piss on the menu at Liquor Lyle's, but if you make fun of someone why can't take a Tequila shot, the barkeep will gladly poor you one out of the barmat. Kind of like the adult version of a swamp mix from a fountain pop machine.

posted by sexiskigrl1 on Feb. 27, '08 at 4:29 PM

The 'Uncle Pho' martini Chino Latino has in the summer is to. die. for. It's the perfect combination of sweet and tart and is oh-so refreshing on a hot summer day. The 'Crack Ho Mojito' is a wonderful substitute when they don't have the Uncle Pho around.

The best mojitos are at Cafe Havana though. A little piece of heaven in a glass. Not too sweet, not too minty. Just perfect.

You can't go wrong with a house margarita from Bar Abilene. There are endless variations to the flavor options - on the rock, no salt and I'm on a beach in Puerto Vallarta. The Pamatini at Independant is a thing of beauty. Baby Guinness is a shot that's gotten me into trouble from time to time....but I always go back for them on the way out of DT. The Wonderous Punch is about as dangerous, but it's on my way home.

For hotel cocktails, you really can't beat the White Grapefruit Cosmo at Bank. Actually, you can. The Cucumber Mint cocktail in the ice bar at the Chambers hotel. Both are outstanding....the atmosphere of the ice bar is tough to top - just bring a hat.

posted by blickness on Mar. 4, '08 at 10:24 AM

I love Tom Pham's mixology at both Temple and Azia. "When "Anton met Gwenevere" is a smooth sexy martini. The muddled strawberries are really nice and the champagne splash puts the french on it. At Azia it's known as a "Moulin Rouge". The "Witches Brew" tastes awesome and the dry ice gives it a real cool flair. The "Make Her Scream" really grows on you. The serrano pepper (yes it has to be serrano) really kicks it up but they get addictive. You can't feel your lips after awhile.

The "blackberry mojito" at Azia is my absolute favorite drink. They can get dangerous though because they go down like soda pop. The "Molotov Mango Margarita" is over the top. It comes with a little lime boat floating in thye middle with raw sugar set aflames with 151 proof rum. That's just decor but adds a fun flair. The "Saki Bombers" are interesting to say the least. Just make sure your purse is tucked under the table. Last time our table did the bombers 2 peoples beers ended up directly in my purse. The bartender places two chop sticks on a glass of beer and then rests a shot glass of saki on top. The idea is to bang the table until the saki shot falls into the glass of beer.

The drink menu at Restaurant Miami pushes the edge with it's names. They aren't for the prudish or faint of heart. It's all in good fun and pushes the scarface theme. Svetlana, the Russian bartender makes the place a great time. My favorite drink in there is "The Immigrant Spic Millionaire" because I like the honey and blackberry. The rest of the drink menu is good, fruity and fun(ny). I dare say I have never seen a drink menu with such provacative names for their drinks.

I hope I get to be one of the ten people. It sounds like a blast.

posted by clanderson16 on Mar. 4, '08 at 2:26 PM

Nothing can beat Brit's Vodka (or Gin) Bootleg on a summer night. The refreshing mint and lemonade mixture does the trick. I've tried to mix it myself at home and it doesn't come close.

Russian's believe that vodka should be *gulped* with all meals and not sipped. When in Rome...or Russia...

Circle booths, dark lighting, live music. Mancini's Wed - Sat nights. A Brandy Alexander is a perfect drink for the throwback atmosphere.

The Lyon's Pub bloody mary's are a meal in itself. On the rare occasion I feel guilty about drinking before noon, I make myself feel better by ordering a bloody and telling myself it's a salad.

Wonderous Punch, The Big Ginger - nothing needs to be said.

I didn't add this to my submitted list, but Cafe Havana has the best Mojito Martini and should be mentioned.

Happy Drinking!

posted by jdholan on Mar. 4, '08 at 2:27 PM

When I first saw the opportunity to gush about my favorite drinks, I thought "Great! I have so many!" Then as I got going, I realized I had been thinking of how many places I love to drink, and so many places I love to go I end up with a Miller Lite instead of a signature cocktail. So, I scrubbed my mind for the drinks I love that I also associate with a particular place. I don't always get them, but they're always there for me as a comfortable stand by.

Even as an obvious perennial local fave, the Bryant Lake Bowl tops my list of hats off with their Classic Bloody Mary. I'm not shy about how stellar I consider my own home made bloody mix, so when I find a place that can do a bloody like a bloody should be, I take note. Thick, spicy, peppery, and nicely garnished, the BLB Classic Bloody makes this Mary smile.

While the BLB has the veggies covered, Psycho Suzi's packs a knock 'em, sock 'em punch with the delicious and deceptive One Eyed Willy. Glaring at you with his cycloptic squint, he dares you to try and escape his grasp. He usually ends up getting the last laugh, so be careful!

A near match for Psycho Suzi's on the kitsch factor is our beloved Nye's Polonaise Room. Whenever I'm in the mood to slip into the past and marvel at the lingering past evident in the decor and personalities of what is probably the most stable set of bartenders and waitstaff in town. The old school Brandy Manhattan (usually a jumbo) is mixed as if they've been waiting for you all day, and only as a supper club could.

Taking a break from sipping long drinks, let's move downtown to The Loon. I was introduced to their original Grape Ape shooter a few years ago and have since taken many a rag tag crew through to grab a couple on our way around town. The two main requirements? 1) Buddy's Grape Soda (no exceptions), and 2) drink it all down at once - frozen headache and all.

Speaking of locally produced goods, it's almost heaven to take in a plain old glass (or three) of Grain Belt Premium (Schell's from New Ulm, same as Buddy's), while digging through a basket of deep-fried cheese curds at the CC Club. While I know it's not a mixed or specialty drink, we can't ignore it's lasting hold as our most classic historic beer. Sweet and smooth, just have another.

And another. But this time, get an Irish classic Black and Tan from Kieran's Irish Pub. The top-heaviness of the Bass and Guiness layers can lend to tipping it back a little too quickly if you're not careful. Die-hards say you can't get real Guiness in the States, which may be true, but the bitter to sweet-smooth contrast won't let you down.

Zeno Cafe is known for desserts and their great daily happy hour, but I think perhaps their most overlooked and most classic menu item is the Negroni. A bittersweet concoction, this martini takes a little getting used to. It has three things many people can't stand alone, let alone mixed together: gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. "What?!" you say? If you're daring, you may grow to love it. That, and a little more hair on your chest.

As a gin lover, I had to get at least two of the ten with gin. Spill the Wine, the new popular restaurant that offers wine flights, has a fun, stylish martini for those who can't make up their mind. Or for those trying to connect with the gin-lover in all of us. Their scrutini is a vodka-gin combo that curls your tail just enough to give you a shiver of "Oh, yeah."

Last but not least, Jetset's flirty, sitting-on-the-beach, grab-your-shades, glowing blue Belinda Carlisle whisks you away to the swim-up tiki bar in your head and lets you kick your legs in the water contentedly. Until, of course, you find yourself empty and need to nod for another.

St. Paul, I'll see you next time. Enjoy!

posted by jdholan on Mar. 4, '08 at 2:35 PM

I forgot one!

Taco Morales has hefty margaritas, but not for your wallet. A great price for a great drink also includes your choice of tequila. Yes, anything. Frozen or on the rocks, you can't go wrong. Grab a bowl of chips and some pico and go to town. Just remember to put the number for the cab on the table so the server knows who to call when they can't wake you up.

posted by mattsojt on Mar. 4, '08 at 2:58 PM

A lot of my choices attempt to match the drink with the ambiance of the bar, along with the food they serve. For instance, Ike's had the perfect decor for a Dirty Martini, along with their happy hour little roast beef sandwiches). And of course, Bar Abilene has the appropriate southwestern decor for Margarita's and the table-side guacamole. For strictly the drinks, Red Stone's Key Lime Pie Martini is incredibe! It tastes exactly like liquid Key Lime Pie, and the even put graham cracker crumbs around the rim of the glass! And the scooners of Grain Belt at Mannings are ice-f-in' cold and big enough to (almost) swim in! It's a beautiful thing!

posted by matt on Mar. 4, '08 at 3:03 PM

I'm throwing the Town Talk's "Silly Wabbit" on my list, 'cause it's basically the taste of pure childhood.

posted by thejackal on Mar. 4, '08 at 4:25 PM

Although Wonderous Punch is an actual "Signature Cocktail", I prefer the slightly more citrus tasting, less sweet Red Dragon Zombie. It packs the same "punch" as far as alcohol content, and I like the idea of drinking myself into a zombie-like trance. It seems a bit more masculine than drinking punch.

The appeal of Tony Jaro's Greenie is that it makes drinking vodka with some type of Kool-Aid concoction in it acceptable for the masses. Maybe underage girls can get away with that, but how can a 50 year old man do it? Head over to a genuine northeast Minneapolis townie bar, watch what ever is playing on ESPN Classic, and you'll find a few other guys just like you drinking this candy flavor cocktail any night of the week. Your fine as long as you don't order a pink one.

posted by ecg129 on Mar. 5, '08 at 9:16 AM

I have to admit...reading these descriptions make me soo thirsty. If I don't end up on this stellar bus-- I still plan on taking all of your suggestions!!