Shortlist: Eight Bars In Red Wing (Minnesota) That Locals Love!
A charming river town on the Mississippi, Red Wing is a true representation of the Midwest. While the town is quaint and small, there is no dearth of things to do from outdoor adventures, shopping experiences, art exhibits and a thriving bar scene to enjoy too.
Shop downtown at thrifty places, boutiques or brand name stores. Catch local artists performing at one of the many parks, the amphitheater or Sheldon Theater. Visit one of the six museums dedicated to things like pottery or history. Spend time outdoors golfing, fishing or just lazing around on the marina.
However as we mentioned, the bar and dining scene in Red Wing is pretty happening too, with cocktail bars, lounges, rooftop patios, live music bars and even a brewery!
But to help you out, here’s a few of our favorite bars in Red Wing, Minnesota to unwind in after a day taking in the sights.
CONTENTS:
- The Best Bars For Craft Beers
- The Best Bar For Live Music
- The Best Sports Bars
- The Best Bars For Cocktails
- The Best Bar For Wine
The Best Bars In Red Wing For Craft Beers
1. Kelly’s Tap House Bar and Grill
Plenty of craft brews and American comfort food in a tavern setting with great river views
Winner of the Red Wing Chamber of Commerce ‘Restaurant Of The Year’ in the past, Kelly’s also features one of the widest selection of taps in town!
The bar features exposed stonework and wooden accents which work together with spot lighting to create a rustic, relaxed ambience. There are plenty of flat screen TVs above the bar too, which is perfect if you want to catch the game. That being said, you’ll probably be drawn to their covered patio which offers great views of the Mississippi River.
Kelly’s boasts a selection of 83 beers on tap with everything from ales, lagers and stouts to pilsners and ciders. There’s a whole host of styles and flavor profiles with many breweries being featured.
If beer is not your thing, don’t worry – they have a modest wine selection and a list of house special cocktails too! The menu here is massive as well, featuring appetizers, entrees, sandwiches, burgers, wraps and pizza. Try their Angus steak bites, they pair perfectly with a nice cold beer!
Service is great, and it’s the perfect place to visit with a large group of friends so you can sample as much of the menu (and beers!) as possible.
Kelly’s is open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, with closing hours extending to 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to midnight on Sunday. When it comes to beer, this is easily one of the best bars in Red Wing, Minnesota.
Address – 1530 Old W Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066
2. Red Wing Brewery
No-frills pub with in-house brewed drafts on tap and specialty pizzas
Minnesota has long been known as the grain belt, so it’s only natural that it would develop a culture of brewing beer. Red Wing Brewery was actually the first brewery in Red Wing, and they’ve been in operation since 1951.
The pub itself has a compact vibe with simple posters and pictures along with a chalkboard menu adding a bit of flair to otherwise easy-going interiors. Its located right next to the brewery too, so you can peep through a window and look at the vats in which they brew their beers.
Red Wing Brewery has a rotating list of in-house brews and we heartily recommend the Stoneware Stout – which is incidentally what they use to make their famous beer cheese pizza sauce. If you like a particular Red Wing Brew, you can even take a growler to go!
Apart from that, they have guest beers as well, and a few wines. Not sure what to order? Don’t worry! Just ask for a sample flight and taste what they have on offer before placing your order, or just ask the bartender for recommendations.
There’s limited seating here, so it’s best to call ahead and see if its crowded, otherwise it’s a great place to visit with a few friends or with a date! Service is great, the beers are cold and the pizzas will have you wanting more.
The brewery is open from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with closing hours extending to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and reducing to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Address – 1411 Old W Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066
The Best Bar In Red Wing For Live Music
1. Red Wing Barrel House
One of the oldest bars in Minnesota featuring a cozy, swanky vibe, extensive whiskey list, gourmet food and live music
Red Wing Barrel House is the first bar established in Minnesota and dates back to 1886!
Such a pedigree brings with it an old school aesthetic that’s really pleasing to the eye. There’s plenty of old photographs dotting the walls and wood paneling that adds to the feel. The lighting is subtle and subdued, making for rather intimate surroundings – you could spend your next date night here! The lengthy floor plan features tables, booths and barstools, so you have your choice of seating too.
This bar has a very ‘Cheers’ style feel and the owners – who can often be found behind the bar or interacting with patrons – will make you feel right at home.
There’s a decent selection of beers, wines and cocktails here, with a limited kitchen that dishes out fresh made to order from scratch pub food. We’ve heard great things about their beer cheese and sausage pizza – so why not try it!
And when it comes to live music, they feature plenty of local artists and showcase a variety of musical styles, just follow their socials to see who’s playing when you’re in town.
Friendly staff, cold drinks, live music and a great vibe, what more could you want from a bar?
Hours of operation are from noon to 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, with closing hour extending to 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday, so make sure to include them in your weekend plans if you’re looking for one of the funnest bars in Red Wing, Minnesota.
Address – 223 Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066
The Best Sports Bars In Red Wing
1. Andy’s Sports Bar & Grill
Lively sports bar with HDTVs, classic décor, activities and an outdoor patio
You’ll feel like you’ve walked into an old school saloon the moment you walk into Andy’s, and that’s no surprise as this place is done up in a very retro style. Neon signs add a dash of brightness to the walls and a quaint fireplace takes up one corner.
The place itself is spread across two levels around a central bar. There’s plenty of seating available and if you want to enjoy the good weather, you can even choose to sit outside on the patio.
The atmosphere at Andy’s is warm and friendly, in fact the only cold thing you’ll find here is the beer! There’s a decent selection of beers too, along with a few on tap. And the people behind the bar clearly know their stuff, because the mixed drinks are great too.
Don’t miss a chance to try their wings which are hot, crispy and perfectly sauced or their delectable burgers (we’ve heard they’re some of the best in the city). Andy’s runs trivia nights and even runs specials all throughout NFL season, so if you’re a football fan, make sure you visit!
Andy’s is open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, with closing hours extending to 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.
Address – 529 Plum St, Red Wing, MN 55066
2. Home Plate Grill & The Dugout Lounge
Trendy sports bar that features plenty of entertainment, elevated farm to table food and an upbeat atmosphere
If you’re looking for a place to catch the next big game, look no further than Home Plate Grill. Cheer on The Vikings, The Twins, The Aces or The US Olympic team in this lively sports bar – if you’re a fan of baseball or football, you’ll love this place!
There’s plenty of flat screen TVs on the walls, so you wont miss a minute of the action and the far end of the wall even features a scoreboard. It’s sleek and happening, with a backlit bar and plenty of low hanging lighting adding to its modern feel. There aren’t any booths here, but you can always pull up a stool by the bar or relax by a comfortable table. And if the weather’s good, then dine outside on their patio!
There’s a great drink selection at Home Plate too, featuring craft cocktails and some wonderful inventive eats. The Bahn Mi burger is a standout, combining the flavors of Vietnam with a good ol’ US of A smash burger.
So why not visit with a few likeminded sports fans, settle down, order a beer (don’t forget their famous cheese dice as an appetizer) and just enjoy the game. You can even play a few rounds of pool if there’s nothing on. Plus they even host karaoke nights and feature live music, so there’s always something to do.
Service is great here, being attentive and quick, so your beer will be cold and your food hot.
The establishment is open from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday. As a bonus, visit on Sunday to enjoy their delectable brunch!
Address – 227 Bush St, Red Wing, MN 55066
The Best Bars In Red Wing For Cocktails
1. The Port
Cocktail lounge in the lower level of St. James Hotel, perfect for after dinner drinks or an intimate get-together
If you’re looking to enjoy happy hour or just a few mixed drinks after a good meal, look no further than The Port.
The ambience here is rustic, yet somehow modern, with exposed brick and stonework working with candlelit tables and mood lighting to create a warm and inviting feel. The back bar is a particular delight with intricate mirrorwork and mahogany finishing proudly displaying the drinks they have on offer.
Choose to sit at a table and enjoy a romantic night for two or just pull up a few stools at the bar and enjoy one of their signature cocktails.
Being a cocktail bar, there is no dearth of them to choose from, with a variety of bases, mixers and garnishes. You can experiment and pick one of their signature house cocktails or just go classic, and if you do, choose the whiskey sour – it’s gotten a lot of plaudits.
That being said, we recommend the prohibition cocktail Scofflaw, which features Bulleit Rye, dry vermouth, grenadine and lemon juice – simply delectable! As with a lot of lounges, there is a charcuterie board if you’re feeling peckish and it’s a great accompaniment to what they have on offer.
Service here is fantastic and if Lori is working the bar, she’s got you covered with excellent skills and personalized recommendations. The Port is open from 4:00 p.m. to midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Address – 406 Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066
2. Bayside Tap & Steakhouse
Locally owned bar and steakhouse with creative martinis, pub grub and a rooftop patio with great river views
Bayside boasts a vibe that’s upbeat and trendy without being overly so. Simple spot lighting works with neon signs to shed light on paintings, merchandise and memorabilia on the walls. It really is a great place to visit with a bunch of friends and catch up over creative cocktails and great food.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to seating options too – there’s the outdoor patio, an expansive rooftop patio with fantastic views, stools by the bar or regular tables and booths.
If you’re a fan of martinis, or just mixed drinks in general, you’ll love Bayside as they’ve got an entire menu dedicated to martinis with creative flavors such as key lime pie and salted caramel nut roll!
Apart from this, they’ve also got a large selection of whiskeys and a modest selection of beers and wines. The steaks here are excellent as well, USDA choice and cooked to perfection – a great way to complete your Bayside experience.
Service here is great and the servers are informative and ready to make suggestions. Bayside Tap & Steakhouse is open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 10:00 p.m. Sunday.
Address – 1516 Old W Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066
The Best Bar For Wine In Red Wing
1. Scarlet Kitchen & Bar
Elevated bistro at the St. James Hotel with an extensive wine list, fine dining and great river views
Scarlet Kitchen & Bar exudes class and charm with its spacious interiors. Though it’s probably the exteriors that will catch your eye, thanks to the massive outdoor patio.
The place is quite large and white plaster walls rub shoulders with exposed stonework and hanging lights work with strings of Edison bulbs. Seating options are wide and varied with formal upholstered chairs, molded furniture and sofas with throw cushions.
The patio, though, is the place to be and it is beautifully done up with plenty of garden features, smart yet casual furniture and great views of the river.
The wine list here is massive and if you’re an oenophile it will be an absolute dream. They feature everything from reds, whites to bubbly sorted by varietal and flavor. If wine isn’t your thing, fret not – they serve excellent house margaritas, specialty cocktails and seasonal mixed drinks along with a great selection of spirits.
The food menu is pretty special as well, featuring new American eats and classic comfort food elevated to the style of a fine dine bistro.
Service is fantastic and personalized, everyone here goes out of their way to make sure your experience is noteworthy! Just make sure to check their socials for when the patio is open and call ahead for a reservation if possible.
Scarlet Kitchen & Bar is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday with separate menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. If you love wine, this is easily one of the best bars in Red Wing, Minnesota for you!
Address – 406 Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066
