The best places in Minneapolis to watch the Vikings game
So, it’s a game-time on Sunday. Need a great place to watch the Vikings play? Head to the nearest sports bar. Thankfully, there are some fantastic options in the Minneapolis area to do just that. Here’s our picks for the best spots to join in fellowship with your Viking brothers and sisters without actually going to the game.
JJ’s Clubhouse
6400 Wayzata Blvd.
Golden Valley, Minn. 55426
(763) 595-8771
JJ’s has over 12 giant TVs for your Vikings viewing pleasure, and its cozy vibe will make you feel right at home. They have shuttles to each and every home game, but you’ll probably just want to relax at the bar to cheer on the team. Come early for their famous pre-game breakfasts.
Joe Senser’s
Locations: Bloomington, Roseville
With two locations in the metro area, this is the ultimate sports bar. Owned by a former Viking, you can be sure the hometown spirit will be well represented here. They have plenty of huge 5-by-9 foot HDTV screens with speakers at each table! You’ll be able to switch to any game in the NFL, but you better make sure you stay focused on the Vikings! Joe Senser’s was ranked number 15 on a listing of the best sports bars in America by Sports illustrated, and on ESPN’s “Cold Pizza” they came in at number 18. There’s no doubt that this is one of the best of the best, with Viking-fueled good times you won’t want to miss.
Hubert’s Bar and Restaurant
601 Chicago Avenue
Minneapolis, Minn. 55415
(612) 332-6062
Hubert’s is just across the street from the Metrodome, which is as close as you can get to the gridiron without paying for a ticket. This place gets packed, as diehard Viking fans want to be as close to the action as possible, so expect long lines. As you would imagine in a place like this, the crowd gets pretty amped up, so it’s probably not the place to be if you want to bring the family. Once you’re in, you’ll enjoy plenty of beers on tap and some great grub.
New Hope Cinema Grill
2749 Winnetka Avenue North
New Hope, Minn. 55427
(763) 417-0017
This is an actual movie theater that screens all Vikings games. Without a doubt this is the biggest screen in town. It also functions as a bar and grill, so you won’t go hungry or leave thirsty. It’s home to the “Cinema Grill Skol Squad” a hilarious group of super fans that give this uniquely Minneapolis spot the feeling of actually being at the Dome. At every 1st down, they let out a wild cheer, and break into the Vikings fight song at every touchdown. It doesn’t get any more fun than this for die-hard Vikings fans.
In Minneapolis, not being able to go to the game is never a letdown. We’ve got some of the best sports bars in the country. Combine that with some of the most intense football fans, and you can be sure that when you head to any of the sports bars listed here, you’re going to have a blast!
*Updated June 2020. Originally published in October 2015.
