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A variety of images come to mind when I think of the term, “dive bar.” I used to think it had to be a real seedy place that made you question your safety and using the restroom was not maybe the best idea. My thoughts on this have evolved over time and now I think of a “dive bar” as a place that’s not trying to be anything it’s not. They aren’t making a statement with cuisine and they don’t have a cocktail program.
Tapper’s in West St. Paul fits this bill perfectly! Their sign outside advertises them as the “Home of the Coney Island Pizza.” The idea of a pizza with hot dogs, chili and mustard sounds terrible, but honestly? It’s pretty great! The game of the moment is usually on tv and they’ve got a Touchtunes if you like to make your own entertainment. If you’re feeling especially sassy, they serve an incredible dirty martini!
If you happen to be in North Saint Paul, be sure to check out Neumann’s. They have a stage
and live music schedule, plus karaoke on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Their food
specials include burgers, tacos and...Coney dogs. When there’s no live music, entertain
yourself with pull tabs, Touchtunes or by checking out the mounted deer, wild boar and various
other wildlife. Plus! There’s a patio, so now that it's warmer, you can get a little sun
with your dive bar.
I couldn’t forget Saint Paul proper. Skinner’s, on Randolph, doesn’t disappoint. They are known
for their pizzas, in fact, while we had dinner and watched the Wild game, several people
stopped in to grab their take out pizzas. There was nothing “Coney” on their menu, but they do
have a patio, plus busses to take you to Wild, Twins, Vikings and Gopher Football games.
Are you a dive bar fan? What’s your favorite? Anything special you’d like to see covered here?
Reach out! We’d love to hear from you!
