Updated September 2026
Meat raffles are a Minnesota bar tradition, and the Twin Cities has plenty of places to spin the wheel for steaks, bacon, pork chops and other prizes. Here are five of my favorite Minnesota meat raffles in Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs, along with their current days, times and what to know before you go.
I went on a search for the best meat raffles around Minnesota and presented my findings on KSTP’s Twin Cities Live.
What is a meat raffle?
A meat raffle is a popular Minnesota bar and community tradition where participants buy numbered tickets for a chance to win packages of meat.
A paddlewheel or similar game is used to select the winning number. If the wheel lands on your number, you could go home with steaks, bacon, pork chops, chicken or another meat prize.
Meat raffles are often held at bars, VFWs, American Legions and other gathering spots, and many help raise money for local nonprofit organizations or community groups.
Minnesota meat raffle rules
Minnesota meat raffles are legal when conducted under the state’s lawful charitable gambling rules. Minnesota updated several rules affecting meat raffles on Aug. 1, 2026. For meat raffles conducted with a paddlewheel without a table:
- Tickets can cost up to $5 each.
- Meat and other merchandise prizes can be worth up to $200 per spin.
- Cash or cash-equivalent prizes remain limited to $70.
- Prize receipts are required for meat prizes with a fair market value of $100 or more.
Meat raffles are a form of lawful charitable gambling in Minnesota and are typically conducted by licensed organizations. Rules can vary depending on the type of raffle or gambling activity, so organizations should follow guidance from the Minnesota Gambling Control Board.
Best meat raffles in the Twin Cities: quick guide
Click the name of the raffle below to learn more.
| Meat raffle | City | When |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal VFW Post 494 | Crystal | Fridays and Saturdays |
| Rosetown American Legion Post 542 | Roseville | Sundays at 3 p.m. |
| The Narrows Saloon | Wayzata/Navarre | Saturdays at noon |
| Bull’s Horn Food and Drink | Minneapolis | Fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m. |
| Vegas Lounge | Minneapolis | Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. |
How I picked these meat raffles
I originally created this list after asking Minnesotans for their favorite meat raffles, visiting the top recommendations and featuring my picks on KSTP’s Twin Cities Live. I continue to check the featured locations and update their schedules as information changes.
Last verified September 2026. Meat raffle schedules can change, so check with the venue before heading out.
Crystal VFW Post 494 — Crystal
5222 Bass Lake Road, Crystal, MN 55429
- When: Fridays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.
- Good to know: Electronic horse races are also held during the meat raffles.
Crystal VFW Post 494 offers meat raffles twice each week, making it one of the most frequent options on this list.
Also on Give Me The Mike…
Hackenmueller’s named one of the best meat markets in Minnesota
Rosetown American Legion Post 542 — Roseville
700 County Road C W, Roseville, MN 55113
- When: Sundays at 3 p.m.
- Tickets: $1
- Good to know: Horse racing follows the meat raffle.
Rosetown calls its weekly event the “Fan of the Week Meat Raffle,” held every Sunday afternoon.
The Narrows Saloon — Wayzata
3380 Shoreline Drive, Wayzata, MN 55391
- When: Saturdays at noon
- Prize: Meat packs valued at $20
- Good to know: The first Saturday of the month also features live music during the afternoon.
The Narrows Saloon near Lake Minnetonka hosts its meat raffle every Saturday at noon, with $20 meat packs up for grabs. On the first Saturday of each month, the raffle overlaps with afternoon live music.
Bull’s Horn Food and Drink — Minneapolis
4563 34th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
- When: Fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.
- Good to know: The raffle continues until sold out.
- Beneficiary: Minnesota Youth Athletic Services
Bull’s Horn hosts its monthly meat raffle at the South Minneapolis neighborhood bar, with proceeds supporting Minnesota Youth Athletic Services.
Related: Everett’s named one of the best meat markets in Minnesota
Vegas Lounge — Minneapolis
965 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
- When: Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.
- Good to know: Charitable gambling benefits the NE MPLS Lions Community Foundation.
- Also offered: Karaoke seven nights a week
Vegas Lounge holds its meat raffle every Saturday afternoon and also offers bingo, pull-tabs and electronic pull-tabs.
Minnesota Meat Raffle FAQ
What is a meat raffle?
A meat raffle is a game where participants buy numbered tickets for a chance to win packages of meat. A paddlewheel or similar game is used to select the winning number.
How do meat raffles work in Minnesota?
Participants buy a numbered chance before each round. A paddlewheel is spun, and if it lands on your number, you win that round’s meat prize. The process usually repeats several times during the event.
Are meat raffles legal in Minnesota?
Yes. Meat raffles can be conducted as lawful charitable gambling in Minnesota when they follow state gambling laws and are operated by an eligible organization.
How much do meat raffle tickets cost in Minnesota?
Ticket prices vary by location. Under Minnesota rules that took effect Aug. 1, 2026, paddlewheel tickets without a table can cost up to $5 each.
What can you win at a meat raffle?
Prizes often include steaks, bacon, pork chops, chicken and other packages of meat. Some locations offer larger meat bundles or gift cards.
Where are meat raffles held in Minnesota?
Meat raffles are commonly held at bars, restaurants, VFW posts, American Legion clubs and other gathering places throughout Minnesota.
When are meat raffles usually held?
Schedules vary by venue, but many meat raffles are held weekly, often on Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoons and evenings.
Do Minnesota meat raffles raise money for charity?
Many do. Meat raffles are often connected to charitable gambling and may help support nonprofit organizations, veterans groups, youth programs or other community causes.
Where can I find meat raffles in the Twin Cities?
Meat raffles are held at bars, VFW posts, American Legion clubs and other venues throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul and the Twin Cities suburbs. This guide includes current meat raffles in Minneapolis, Crystal, Roseville and the Lake Minnetonka area near Wayzata.
Are there meat raffles in Minneapolis?
Yes. Minneapolis has several recurring meat raffles. Two featured in this guide are Bull’s Horn Food and Drink in South Minneapolis, which holds a meat raffle on the fourth Wednesday of each month, and Vegas Lounge in Northeast Minneapolis, which holds one every Saturday afternoon.
Are there meat raffles near Lake Minnetonka?
Yes. The Narrows Saloon in the Wayzata/Navarre area near Lake Minnetonka holds a meat raffle every Saturday at noon.
Did you enjoy this roundup of the best meat raffles in Minnesota? Check out my other Best of Minnesota guides
- 5 best places to play bingo in Minnesota
- Hidden gems at the 5 best museums in Minnesota
- 18 Mexican restaurants in Minnesota worth the trip
- The best ice cream shops in Minnesota
- The best restaurant, brewery and winery patios in Minnesota
- 17 best restaurants for breakfast in Minnesota
- 5 best holiday light displays in Minnesota
- 5 best coffee shops in Minnesota
- The best pizzerias in Minnesota
- 7 top spots for a margarita in the Twin Cities
- 5 best restaurants for fried fish in Minnesota
- 17 favorite bookstores in the Twin Cities
- The best Broasted chicken in Minnesota
While you’re here, take a moment to read how I adapted after losing both parents before I was 25 years old and my journey with epilepsy.
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