Twin Cities bars and restaurants hosting viewing parties for the big game (and even Puppy Bowl viewing parties)

Chances are you don’t have a ticket to see the big game inside U.S. Bank Stadium February 4. If you don’t want to sit at home, check out these Twin Cities bars and restaurants hosting viewing parties.

This list is growing! Know of a spot hosting a viewing party? Let me know!

It’s not just football viewing parties

puppy bowl.jpg — Puppy Bowl XIII will air on Animal Planet on Sunday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m. central. Don’t watch it at home! *Photo credit: Animal Planet*

Couldn’t care less about football? Head to The Howe Daily Kitchen and Bar in south Minneapolis to watch the Puppy Bowl. Your four-legged friend is welcomed to join you. Email dani@howempls.com to reserve your seat. The party goes from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
The Howe Daily Kitchen isn’t the only Puppy Bowl viewing party spot. Head to Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room in Minneapolis for a celebration with your pooch. The parties are run by the same team, Mutt Hut. Seating at Stanley’s is first come, first served. Get there at 1:00 p.m.

Minneapolis

Drag queens and football collide at LUSH in Northeast Minneapolis. A $10 ticket gets you complimentary popcorn, nachos and wings during the entire game! Plus, they’ll serve up free Jell-O shots with every touchdown. The party begins at 4:30 p.m. and tickets are $10. They should be purchased in advance.
UNION, located on Hennepin Avenue, is hosting a party spanning three levels, including their enclosed rooftop. A $200 ticket gets you access to an open bar and a buffet. The event is 21 plus and starts at 4:30 p.m.
It’s also $200 to get into the viewing party at Cowboy Jack’s near Target Field. For this one, you only get one complimentary drink, but organizers say it’ll be chock full of celebrities — their Facebook event says Kevin Hart, Randy Moss, Rick Ross and Busta Rhymes will show up. It’s hosted by former Vikings player Jack Brewer. It starts at 10:00 a.m. and the party goes all the way until midnight.
Add a splash of live music to your viewing party. Dueling piano bar, The SHOUT! House, is hosting a party from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. with no cover. It sounds like they’ll take a break during the game so you can hear all those commercials.
The Norway House on Franklin Avenue (read: not downtown) is hosting a Welcome to the North party. The indoor- and outdoor-event features an ice bar serving traditional Nordic drinks, a market selling wares and crafts along with a real-life Norwegian Vikings costume contest. The celebration goes from 2:00 until 9:00 p.m. This party also happens Saturday, February 3 from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Hazelden Betty Ford presents SoberBowl 2018 at Muse Event Center in Minneapolis. The no-alcohol gathering includes a support game and a viewing of the big game. Tickets are $20.
The Wells Fargo WinterSkate at Loring Park will have the game on a big screen while you burn off calories from all those appetizers you eat. Ice skating goes until 10:00 p.m. on February 4. Best of all, it’s free.

Saint Paul

Half Time Rec in Saint Paul starts things off at 1:00 p.m. A $50 Purple Package gets all-you-can-drink domestic bottles, pints and calls. You’ll also receive an appetizer and your choice of a cheeseburger basket or tacos. The $75 Gold Package (see what they did there) gets you access to top shelf liquor and a burger from their in-house restaurant, Paddy Shack, which is a hidden gem. Half Time Rec is upgrading their space, adding 13 flat screens for your game-viewing pleasure.