An open call for suggestions: what is the proper term for “the opposite of a dive bar”? You know what we mean — a place with couches, banquettes, flattering lighting, and a foliage-care budget. The Strib’s Nighthawk, or Nightrider, or whatever, unconvincingly refers to these places as “chill-out spots” in a run-down of the cities’ 10 best. One would expect The King and I Thai to make any list of first-class lounges, but who really kicks it at the Southdale Mall’s Louis XIII?
The Anti-Hex
Dec 2 2005 — 2:00am
16 Reader Comments
8:04 am
The opposite of a “dive bar” is a “dive bar”.
You just pronounce it differently.
8:24 am
I just call them “Eden Prairie.”
9:14 am
a lounge, perhaps?
9:34 am
I always thought the opposite was “a swank bar.” Or is that some sort of strip joint. I can never remember those things.
9:36 am
I think the in the 80’s that would be your garden variety “Fern Bar.” Where no macho, no quiche eating man would ever set foot.
10:22 am
The opposite of a dive bar is a diva bar, and the LAST place I’d be able to relax and “chill out” is in a mall. . . . .
10:39 am
Such places are called Zooland (as in, frequented by Derek Zoolander).
11:39 am
Isn’t the term “yuppie bar” accepted to mean somewhat the opposite of dive? You know, places with an abundance of suits and ties and over-priced drinks, where quiche eating men feel right at home.
12:10 pm
A friend of mine went to a preview party at the new “Trocaderos” Wednesday night. It’s where “Nikkis Cafe” used to be, and is owned by Shane Seagal (”Club Ashe”) and Ted Saxon.
Is this the sort of place we’re talking about? Does anybody else know anything about it?
3:33 pm
I keep trying to tell people that Mission American Kitchen is the best chill spot (I think chill is a lot different than yuppie, Kitty Kat v. Barbette) in Minneapolis, but no one listens to a damn word I say. Soothing lights, $5 fries with homemade dipping sauces, Mikey the weekend bartender is awesome, everthing in there was made in Minnesota, and on and on.
And I can’t believe Tom Horgen said to hit up Jitters on Saturday’s — and omit Erin Schwab’s cabaret!! Total loss of credibility.
5:48 pm
A new term–Swan Bars: Former ugly duckling bars/dives transformed into hip/swank (but still inexpensive) joints. A couple of examples: Polish Palace to Sample Room. 331 Bar to..well, the 331 Bar…
Wonder what Stasiu’s will be like after remodeling?
5:55 pm
I’m with Taylor. I miss Aquavit (it was tres chic and tasty), but Mission is actually quite good. That fuzzy couch by the bar was a new one, but it’s affordable and has good food.
7:42 pm
Yes. Thank you.
4:14 pm
I used to be a millionare. But then I paid my bar tab. That’s all I gotta say.
9:29 am
I think after being at Trocs, that it is what all the rage is about. There is nothing like it anywhere from Chicago to L.A.. I LOVE this place. It is a gold diggers paradise. Almost as good as Las Vegas. If you want to be someone then this is the place.
10:08 pm
The best bar in the Twin Cities, dive or otherwise, is obviously Patricks on Larpenteur near Hamline in St. Paul.
Seriously. Darts, pool, foose, low lights, smoke and an utter lack of pretention. Yuppies walk into the place and recoil in horror. Hot chicks (as society defines them) would never be caught dead in there. The art is Goodwill-chic, and the jukebox has Richard Cheese in it.
Seriously, if you are the type who has to shower before going out, Patricks may not be for you, but if you like to drink for the sake of intoxication and nothing more, Patricks is the greatest bar in the free world.