Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Bloomington West, MN

UPTOWN. Named in honor famed French circus performer Vander Clyde, this edgy-yet-cozy neighborhood spot is a terrific...

UPTOWN. Named in honor famed French circus performer Vander Clyde, this edgy-yet-cozy neighborhood spot is a terrific place to soak in some European vibes, enjoy expertly-prepared cookery, and sample amazing selections of wine. Local and organic ingredients figure prominently in the daily offerings, whether it's a delicious breakfast-something or free-range organic pork. Other tidbits worth noting: great happy hour prices on appetizers, wine and taps Monday-Friday and frequent live music.

Hours: Sun-Thu 8am-1am; Fri-Sat 8am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

UPTOWN. Nitty-gritty seafood favorites like fried Florida grouper sandwiches, beer-battered shrimp baskets, and PEI...

UPTOWN. Nitty-gritty seafood favorites like fried Florida grouper sandwiches, beer-battered shrimp baskets, and PEI mussels in champagne cream sauce pepper the dinner menu at this casual uptown spot. Of course, the raw bar fare in the Prestige Oyster Bar is a big draw, too. During the summer months, their rooftop dining area is a great place to watch the sunset and look out at the skyline. Stella's Oyster Orgy features outstanding prices on everything from tacos to peel-n-eat shrimp.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30am-1am; Fri-Sat 11:30am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Zelo successfully brings the scintillating atmosphere, tastes, and aromas of Northern Italy to downtown...

DOWNTOWN. Zelo successfully brings the scintillating atmosphere, tastes, and aromas of Northern Italy to downtown Minneapolis. The sophisticated restaurant's rich, dramatic interior is marked by bold bronze and black tones, intimate booths, and a trendy bar scene. The menu includes pastas, pizzas, wood-grilled pork and steaks, fresh fish, veal scallopine, and even an ahi tuna burger. Complete a meal with molten chocolate cake, artisan cheeses, or a tripartite gelato sampler.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight; Sun 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

UPTOWN. This comedy theater combines traditional comedy revues like "Minnesota: It's Not Just for Lutherans...

UPTOWN. This comedy theater combines traditional comedy revues like "Minnesota: It's Not Just for Lutherans Anymore" with new ideas and energy. Improv, satirical skits, and songs are typical of the slate of offerings. BNW spawned the careers of folks like Al Franken and Penn & Teller. Plenty of audience interaction is a trademark but without the confrontational style found in New York and Chicago comedy companies.

Hours: Box Office Mon-Wed 10am-5pm; Thu-Sat 10am-9pm
Event Dates and Times Vary

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Known for serving its own fresh, homebrewed beers, Rock Bottom delivers camaraderie and coziness in equal...

DOWNTOWN. Known for serving its own fresh, homebrewed beers, Rock Bottom delivers camaraderie and coziness in equal measure. Beers, from pale ales to full-bodied stouts, are produced in large copper vats in the middle of the restaurant, which also boasts oak booths and English-style pub signs. The imaginative menu features everything from sandwiches and pastas to steaks. Fantastic for low-key, casual outings.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CHANHASSEN. For a good night of laughs, Stevie Ray's is the place to go. The house troupe engages the audience and asks...

CHANHASSEN. For a good night of laughs, Stevie Ray's is the place to go. The house troupe engages the audience and asks for suggestions to create their brand of fast-paced, clean, and hilarious improv comedy. Classes and performances are at The New Chanhassen Dinner Theatres 501 W. 78th St. Chanhassen, MN 55317 Shows are PG13.

Hours: Shows Fri-Sat 8pm
Box Office Mon 10am-5pm; Tue-Sat 10am-6pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

Chanhassen presents three theaters showing Broadway musicals and comedies. Complete meals precede shows, and dessert is...

Chanhassen presents three theaters showing Broadway musicals and comedies. Complete meals precede shows, and dessert is typically offered during intermission. Food is excellent; shows, outstanding ­ a thoroughly professional experience. Prices vary based on day and time of performance. Past productions have included Irving Berlin's "Easter Parade," "Singin' in the Rain," and "Grease." If you opt for a show without a meal, you must book at least ten days in advance.

Hours: Box Office Mon 10am-5pm; Tue-Sat 10am-6pm
Event Dates and Times Vary

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Six connected bars and dance floor areas make up Gay '90s, Minneapolis's gay nightlife smorgasbord. The decor...

DOWNTOWN. Six connected bars and dance floor areas make up Gay '90s, Minneapolis's gay nightlife smorgasbord. The decor has a tarnished charm that the clientele seems to love, or at least not to mind. Come early for a chicken dinner special in the main dining room and bar, and then choose your poison: Retro Bar, La Femme, the Men's Room (accessible only through the men's restrooms ­ sorry, ladies), Dance Annex, and Happy Hour await, each with a different mix of music and attitude. Having reached iconic status in the Twin Cities, this club is worth visiting just to say you've been.

Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-2am; Sun 10am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. A hot spot for stand-up comedy, this club showcases nationally recognized comics as well as unknown...

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. A hot spot for stand-up comedy, this club showcases nationally recognized comics as well as unknown locals and well-worth-seeing newcomers. Acts range from energetic and clean (but sarcastic) observations of life and relationships to witty, risk-taking commentary. Dinner and show packages are available; call for details.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, 5pm-1am; Sat 5pm-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club