MN Craft Beer Week 2013

Minnesota's Craft Beer week kicks off around the state with most Craft Brewers Guild members!
Each spot has an event, but there will be lots going on and lots of great beers to try.
Pick up a passport at the MN Craft Beer week site or FB Page.

You can also win tickets to various beer fests, including the hugely popular and most well organized St. Paul Summer Beer Fest.

All week May 13-19!

Here are some events for MN Craft Beer Week 2013 in the Twin Cities

Monday, May 13

• Muddy Waters Lunch, Tapping a Founders KBS, Surly Pentagram... Plus win free tickets to St. Paul Summer Beer Fest!
• Then, after lunch, head to the Republic Uptown where over 20 MN Craft beers will be on tap for Happy Hour.

Tuesday, May 14

• various happy hours and events. Click here for full list.

Wednesday, May 15

• Pat's Tap Happy Hour with a Tap Takeover featuring WTF, Undercover Shutdown Ale... Plus win free tickets to St. Paul Summer Beer Fest!
• various happy hours and events. Click here for full list.

Thursday, May 16

• Nothing like some outside baseball! Help the Beer Dabbler launch their Dabbler Bullpen at the St. Paul Saints! Which will feature Badger Hill and other national and craft taps.

Friday, May 17

• Try the new 612Brew Taproom where they'll have live music, art from Dwitt, and special brews all part of NE Art-A-Whirl.

Saturday, May 18

• It might be a little bit of a haul, but beer lovers will skip Art-a-Whirl and head to Stillwater, where you can ride the riverboat Avalon and drink up some Brau Brothers, RingNeck, Sheepshead & Bancraegie (info)

Sunday, May 19

• Beer-Tasting for charity (Stillwater Rotary Club) on the St. Croix River. $35 gets you 4 hours of sampling over a dozen local breweries (and even some cheeses) on the River. Check it out

KEEP ON DRINKING IN THE FREE WORLD

KEEP ON DRINKING IN THE FREE WORLD
Robyn Schindeldecker

Whether you’re celebrating your candidate’s victory or commiserating with other backers of the also-ran, it’s time to toast the end of the election season. After all, irrespective of your partisanship, you deserve a reward after enduring months of mudslinging and muckraking.

(s)Election Night No-Parties Party
Behold the quadrennial election spectacle through jaded eyes at the party that eschews all political parties. Watch up-to-the-minute election coverage and enjoy snacks and hot chocolate until you’re consumed by the one-two punch of exhaustion and ennui. Cheering permitted, jeering preferred.
(6:30pm, Minnehaha Free Space, 3747 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis)

Election Night Trivia
Alternate between rounds of pub trivia and keeping an eye on the clubhouse’s big screens as the returns are announced. From 10 to midnight, drink away any lingering memory of scathing attack ads with $4 select pints and wines and $7 Bootlegs (Brit’s signature blend of mint leaves, lemonade, and vodka or gin).
(7:30pm, Brit’s Pub & Eating Establishment, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403)

Pat’s Tap and Bryant Lake Bowl
Watch the results pour in while you pour a few back as prolific restaurateur Kim Bartmann offers port-balloting bashes at two of her establishments. Satisfy your thirst with $3 Bell’s taps and watch democratic process unfold with live election coverage all night long.
(Pat’s Tap, 3510 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408 and Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408)

A Night of No
After voting against the Marriage and Voter ID Amendments, let DJ Jake Rudh amplify your double negative with a catalogue of songs in the Key of No. Whether the negation is found in the title or laced throughout the verses, the songs will reinforce the message that bigotry has no place in our state constitution.
(9pm, Kings Wine Bar, 4555 Grand Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419)

Curious about the political inclinations of your fellow imbibers? Let the beverage of their choice act as a liquid litmus test as to how they voted. According to statistics from the National Journal, liberals are more likely to reach for a Heineken, Guinness, or Michelob, while those who skew right prefer a pint of Samuel Adams, Rolling Rock, and Coors Light.

JUST VOTE NO

JUST VOTE NO

Robyn Schindeldecker

‘Tis the season for political activism, and in Minnesota, forces are gathering in support of marriage equality. As public sentiment is closely divided on the issue, there are numerous outlets for educating and encouraging inclusiveness before citizens line up at the polls to vote for the Marriage Amendment this November.

One way you can demonstrate your pro-equality passion is to pick your poison at the Vote No Pub Crawl this Saturday. Various Uptown establishments will offer specials to bar hoppers sporting either a Minnesota United for All Families or a Big Gay Race t-shirt. You can pick it up a Minnesota United for All Families t-shirt between 3-6pm at the Loring Park office (1629 Hennepin Avenue South). Or, if you’re an early riser, you can snag a shirt by proactively burning those empty calories at the aptly-titled Big Gay Race.

Participating bars and their offerings are:

Muddy Waters $3 Summit beer, open-close

Green Mill Happy Hour 11am-6pm, 10pm-1am

Stella’s Fish Café & Prestige Oyster Bar 2-4-1s, 12-6pm

moto-i Happy Hour menu, 2-6pm

Bar Abilene 2-4-1s, 2-7pm

Chiang Mai Thai $3 taps and rails, 3-5pm, 11pm-midnight

The Herkimer Pub and Brewery 2-4-1s , 3-6pm; $3 taps, 6pm-midnight

Lyndale Tap House 2-4-1s, 3-7pm

Social House half-price rails and calls, 4-5pm

Kinsen Noodles and Bar $4 select appetizers, 4pm-midnight; $4 select shots, 4pm-close

Roat Osha $1 off taps, 6-10pm

Sushi Tango $3 taps and rails, 6pm-midnight

Famous Dave's $2.50 PBR tall boys, $3 kamikazes, small plate discounts, free cover for band, 8pm-close

Primebar $1 off all drafts, 9pm-midnight

Bar Louie daily specials

Uptown Cafeteria and Support Group daily specials

It's time to put your money (and your liver) where your mouth is and support everyone's right to marry by defeating inequality through dining and drinking.

For more information and the latest updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/342637742497971/

BEYOND THE PURPLE AND GOLD: A GUIDE TO CHEERING FOR THE AWAY TEAM

BEYOND THE PURPLE AND GOLD: A GUIDE TO CHEERING FOR THE AWAY TEAM

Robyn Schindeldecker

We may live in the nexus of Vikings Territory, but in accord with our Minnesota Nice designation, there are plenty of places to seek refuge if you don’t cheer for the home team. Depending on what colors you bleed, head to one of these Twin Cities establishments that will welcome you and your ilk with open arms and fantastic game day specials.

Chicago Bears: Alary’s Bar, 139 7th Street East, St. Paul, MN 55101

Founded by former Bears player Al Baisi, St. Paul’s preeminent sports bar is your destination for ersatz Soldier Field tailgating. Arrive early for brats and burgers outside, then head indoors and select from a list of 55 tap beers before settling in to watch the Monsters of the Midway on one of 30 TVs. 

Cleveland Browns: Mackenzie Pub, 918 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Mackenzie Pub

This Downtown Minneapolis watering hole offers far-flung members of the Dawg Pound a gathering place to kick up their heels (or paws, as it were) and hunker down to take in a brawl à la Browns. Be sure to mark your calendars for a wing cook-off on October 20 and warm up with multiple servings of chili later in November.

Detroit Lions: Lions Tap, 16180 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

If you’re a devoted member of the Motor City Kitties diaspora, then you’ll brave the western ‘burbs to watch the boys in Honolulu blue battle their foe du jour. Grab a locally-brewed Cold Spring beer and choose from the list of “Famous Hamburgers” that will help erase any lingering memories of the Curse of   Bobby Layne.

Green Bay Packers: Herkimer Pub & Brewery, 2922 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

While there are numerous Packers bars piercing the heart of Vikings Territory (much to the chagrin of purple and gold loyalists), this German-inspired brewpub combines atmosphere, location, and sustenance like no other. A special game day menu fuels the assemblage of Packer Backers, while $4 beer taps and $5 shots provide lubrication for all four quarters. 

Patrick McGovern's Pub

Pittsburgh Steelers: Patrick McGovern’s Pub, 225 7th Street West, St. Paul, MN 55102

McGovern’s Upstairs is both a safe haven and machination station for the citizens of Steeler Nation. Want to eat like a two-time Super Bowl champion? Indulge in the eponymous Big Ben Burger, a half-pound of beef and Italian sausage topped with sauteed onions, scrambled eggs, lettuce, tomato slices, and mayonnaise. Wash that monstrosity down with a $3.75 20oz draft or $10 pitcher of Coors Light.

IT’S SKOL SEASON: YOUR 2012 VIKINGS GAME-DAY GUIDE

IT’S SKOL SEASON: YOUR 2012 VIKINGS GAME DAY GUIDE

Robyn Schindeldecker

With another Vikings season comes round after round of drink specials at local watering holes. Whether you’re catalyzing your Purple Pride or attempting to ease the blow of yet another heartbreaking loss, you don’t have to do it alone. Here are five places you can cheer and commiserate along with other diehard fans every Sunday.

Bunny’s Bar and Grill, 5916 Excelsior Boulevard, St.Louis Park, MN 

Take a page from former coach Mike Tice’s playbook and show your horns at the western suburbs’ foremost destination for the Vikings faithful. Every time the Purple scores, receive a ticket for a half-price drink (which, because of their rarity this season, will be quite the commodity).

Hubert's Cafe & Sports Bar

Cowboy Slim’s, 1320 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408

You can drown your game day solace with $3 light beer taps, but be sure to come up for air long enough to indulge in $5 buckets of wings and a free halftime taco bar.

Hubert’s Cafe & Sports Bar, 601 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Located a mere touchdown throw away from the Metrodome, you can almost hear the crowd’s cheers (or more likely, groans) from the patio. While Hubert’s doesn’t offer any specials, it hosts an early breakfast that is prefect for pre-game fortification.

The Loon Cafe, 500 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Situated right down the Light Rail tracks from the Sports Mecca of the Upper Midwest (yeah, okay), the Loon is ideal for Sunday Funday revelry. Jumpstart the hoopla with a $13 brunch buffet and spend the rest of the day washing it down with $3 Grain Belt potables.

Moose on Monroe, 356 Monroe Street Northeast, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Is gridiron suffering best treated in measured doses? Yes, according to the Moose on Monroe, which serves the remedy one quarter at a time. Broken down, the specials are: first quarter .50 12 oz. light beer taps; second quarter 2-4-1 rail and call drinks; third quarter 2-4-1 domestic bottles; and fourth quarter $3 23 oz. light beer taps.

A LABOR DAY SHOW WORTH ITS METAL

A LABOR DAY SHOW WORTH ITS METAL

Robyn Schindeldecker

A venue that boasts authentic Ethiopian cuisine and a beer list that makes hopheads swoon seems an unlikely place for an impromptu mosh pit. Yet somehow, heavy metal music blends easily, if somewhat oddly, with the atmosphere of the Blue Nile Restaurant & Lounge. This Sunday, get a colossal serving of high-speed, high-decibel flavor in you ears at the Labor Day Metal Smash, a show featuring some of the area’s most fervent thrashers and grinders.

According to King Goro guitarist Tory Nelson, the Twin Cities metal scene is extremely diverse and welcoming. “It’s not the typical scene bombarded with giant dudes with their arms crossed who look like they’re not having fun,” he says. Although those guys do exist, a general feeling of community prevails, as musicians come together for shows, lend equipment to each other, and arrange gigs and tours together.

Sunday’s show will feature Nelson’s project King Goro, which began as a novelty band but has since evolved into something slightly more serious. “Our music has progressed in the year we’ve been together,” he says. “It’s noisy, sometimes sludgy, sometimes fast and heavy. It’s metal.” Bassist Paul Hermanson adds, “We call it ‘Beef Grind.’”

Rounding out the lineup are the riffing, screaming, yelling Dissident Clone, thrash masters LocKGnaR, and Agitate, with its the no-frills mincing grindcore.

“There will be lots of hair, drinking, moshing, laughing, and good times to be had,” Nelson promises. In short, everything that defines Twin Cities metal.

What? Labor Day Metal Smash

When? Sunday, September 2, doors at 9:00 PM

Where? Blue NIle Restaurant & Lounge, 2027 E Franklin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55404

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/264808926958274/

NOSHING YOUR WAY DOWN MINNEHAHA CREEK

NOSHING YOUR WAY DOWN MINNEHAHA CREEK

Robyn Schindeldecker

Winding its way through South Minneapolis all the way to the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Creek doesn’t lack for food and drink establishments that are only a stone throw’s away from its banks. Whether its a full-on feast or a happy hour suds you’re hankering for, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. Here are five options, following the creek’s current from west to east.

Cafe Maude

Cafe Maude, 5411 Penn Ave S. Both casual and sophisticated, this Armatage Neighborhood favorite offers fare for couples and families alike (Leisure and Family Hours coincide from 5:00-6:00 PM daily). This destination spot is the perfect storm of fresh, locally-sourced menu items, inspired cocktails, and live jazz music. When to go: 5:00-6:00 PM daily for $3 select tap beer, $5 house wine, $5 featured cocktails, and appetizers starting at $1.50. 

Town Hall Tap. 4810 Chicago Ave S. Sharing a block with area mainstays Pepito’s and the Parkway Theater, the Town Hall Brewery offshoot more than holds its own. Embracing its beer-centricity, offerings include seven Town Hall beers, four ciders, and three beer engines (two for its own beer and one for a rotating local beer). Pair a pint with a generously-portioned meal and you’ll be planning another visit before you even leave. When to go: 3:00-5:30 PM Monday-Friday for $1 off all taps and most appetizers.

Buster’s on 28th. 4204 28th Ave S. ‘Tis the city for craft beer and juicy burgers, and this gastropub doesn’t lack for either. Whether you belly up to the bar or gather your group around a patio table, there’s a seat waiting for everyone at this neighborhood hot spot. For the hopheads among us, enjoy the Happy Hour price all day for the current Beer of the Week, Hinterland Saison. When to go: 4:00-6:00 PM Monday-Friday for $1 off all taps.

Buster's on 28th

Al Vento. 5001 34th Ave S. What do you get when you take authentic Southern Italian fare, add an amorous ambiance, and wash it down with a bottle of house red? A superb dinner for two at Al Vento, situated in the heart of the Nokomis neighborhood. Don’t forget to save room for dessert: A delicately-layered tiramisu or heavenly honey ricotta cheesecake with mascarpone gelato (among others). When to go: 4:30-6:00 PM daily for half-priced bottles of wine and $5 specialty cocktails; all night Sunday and Monday for half-priced bottles of wine.

Sea Salt Eatery

Sea Salt Eatery, 4801 Minnehaha Ave S. Located just steps from Minnehaha Falls, this dining spot provides the perfect confluence of setting and seafood. Open from April through October, the menu features fish prepared several ways, including tacos, po’ boys, oysters on the half-shell, and calamari. Choose from an extensive selection of wine or local brew to round out your al fresco experience. When to go: Specials vary daily.

This is one voyage that merits repeat trips. And a huge appetite.

TOUR DE FAT: HAVE BIKE, WILL TRAVEL

TOUR DE FAT: HAVE BIKE, WILL TRAVEL
By Robyn Schindeldecker

As the place that wears the spoked crown of most bikeable city in the country, Minneapolis doesn’t lack displays of two-wheeled exuberance. This Saturday, the revelry races into the hub that is Loring Park with Tour de Fat, a celebration of biking and sustainability.

Sponsored by New Belgium Brewery, the traveling festival is a perfect confluence of bikes, beer, and community. While the event itself is free, the proceeds raised from beer and merchandise sales and donations will be granted to bicycle-centric nonprofits. This year’s beneficiaries are Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, Midtown Greenway Coalition, Minnesota Off Road Cyclists, and Minneapolis Off-Road Cycling Advocates.

Wake up early, don a costume, and join in the family-friendly parade that will kick off the festivities. After returning to the park, participate in a host of activities, such as the Bike Rodeo Corral, a showcase of bikes with shoes, swivels, and other atypical features. Other noteworthy diversions include an oversized game of Connect Four, tire toss, and entertainment provided by the appropriately dubbed Yo-Yo People.

The Revival Stage will host musical acts Sean Hayes and Los Amigos Invisibles, as well as the Stunt Pepper Game Show. With the goal of leaving as small a carbon footprint as possible, the stage is solar-powered and adorned with recycled materials. The Car for Bike Trade will take this spirit of sustainability one step further as one person swaps his or her vehicle for a bicycle and pledges to live car-free for a year. Want to take the pledge yourself? Here's how to register for your chance to participate: http://www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat.aspx

Don’t forget to take a piece of Tour de Fat with you in the form of a handmade silk screen shirt or button before leaving the same way you came: Pedal-driven down the bike-friendly paths of our fair city.





What? Tour de Fat
Where? Loring Park
When? Saturday, July 28, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Schedule of Events:
9:00 AM Parade registration
10:00 AM Bike Parade
11:00 AM The Devil Dan Show
11:30 AM Yo-Yo People
12:15 PM Slow Ride
12:30 PM Sean Hayes
1:20 PM Stunt Pepper Game Show
1:40 PM SsssnakenStein
2:30 PM Car for Bike Trade
2:55 PM Los Amigos Invisibles
3:30 PM Finale

Summit Turns 26!

Summit Beer, our favorite and long-standing (and some credit with starting the craft beer craze in the Twin Cities) brewery in Minnesota turns 26! That's 26 years of serving EPA and many more.

Summit 26th Anniversary Party
Saturday, September 8th 11am-6pm - $14
Summit Brewery (Montreal Circle, St. Paul)
a Zero Waste Event in support of the Minnesota Music Coalition

If you were at the big 25th Anniversary last year, you know this is going to be a great event! Plus, there is a really nice bike route along River Road if you're going from Minneapolis.  This year, they'll have Doomtree, Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps, Halloween Alaska, Now Now, and our friends the Heartbeats.  Hosted by Mark Wheat and Hotpants DJ's

For tickets, info about if you get too drunk, and set times, view the event page at Summit's Website

Bike Riding to Stillwater... June 9th!

Just Announced: ThriftyHipster.com will be leading a crew of bikers to Rock The Vine 3 (Rock the Cause) at Stillwater's Saint Croix Vineyards.

We couldn't pass up combining 2 of our favorite things, Live Music for a good cause and Bike riding:)  So, when Rock the Cause asked us to sponsor their 3rd annual Rock the Vine, we volunteered to lead the bikers. 

We'll be announcing more details as they come in. The plan is to meet in Como Park and charge up with Vitamin Water, pump tires, and the like, then head up the Gateway Trail about 24 miles to Stillwater.
-TRAIL MAP-

This all day bash will feature wine tasting, food trucks, good beer, and of course, stellar musical performances all with the worthy cause of fighting hunger for the Compatible Technology International. 

St. Croix Vineyards in Stillwater, MN is a local winery formed in 1992.  Known for good wines and great weekend getaways:) This normally quiet vineyard will be partyin'.  We'll have a special bike lock area for those of you riding with us to the event and a volunteer to check in on the bikes from time to time.

BANDS play 12pm - 8pm!

• Halloween Alaska
• Solid Gold
• Haley Bonar
• Farewell Milwaukee
• White Light Riot
• Johnnyrook
• Lynhurst
• Savannah Smith
• Old Soul

The Gateway Trail we will bike June 9th! :)

A-List: 4/1-4/7

See all these events and more in the Featured Event Section of ThriftyHipster

4/1: 30 Days of Biking Kick-off Ride and Party

Come out and ride! The 3rd Annual 30 Days of Biking Challenge starts Sunday, 4/1!
Want to do the month challenge? The rules are simple. You must bike somewhere every single day, so you really CAN'T miss the kick-off ride! slacker.  Join some other hard-core local bikers and end at Grumpy's Bar, where you'll drink carbs and recharge:)

Each Thursday of April, Join the Bike Gang... meeting at 6pm on the Greenway in front of Freewheel Bikes (behind the Midtown Global Market).

And, what Everyone is looking for, the HOT PANTS BIKE RIDE!  That's right! Don your short shorts, hop on your bike, and ride up to ArtCrank with the crew. Saturday, 4/14.

Use hashtag #30daysofbiking when participating and sharing your biking adventures!

4/6: Pert Near Sandstone Takeover!

@ First Avenue

8pm, $15, 18+

It's a bluegrass take-over of First Avenue!  Pert Near Sandstone is headlining a star-packed showcase, including Charlie Parr and Elephant Revival.

4/7: Great Ale Fest

Session 1: 12pm - 4pm
Session 2: 5pm - 9pm
Price: $30 adv/$40 Door (tickets)

@ Ritz Theater

With the rise in popularity of local beer culture, you pretty much can't pass a weekend without a beer fest.  Good news for all those microbreweries, bad news for your liver.  These events let you sample to your heart's content for one price.  Includes lots of 30 varieties of local brew from Harriet Brewing, Lucid, Brau Borthers, Flat Eart, Lucette, Barley John's, and many more!