What it is: Nestled in the Twin Cities suburb of Eagan, right next to a motel—it doesn’t look like much from the outside—Ansari’s Mediterranean Grill & Lounge is an oasis of the unexpected and arguably the best craft-beer bar in Minnesota. Owner Ramsey Ansari is an enthusiast who’ll wait in line for a special release and throw tap takeovers by the likes of breweries such as Other Half and WeldWerks. On Black Friday or the restaurant’s June anniversary, the taps are likely to be pouring rare barrel-aged stouts from the likes of Bottle Logic or Drastic Measures. If Ansari’s in the mood, he might suddenly tap a keg of Surly Darkness from 2010.
Why it’s great: Ansari knows a lot of the brewers in Minnesota and wider Midwest, and he has a knack for getting beers that others can’t. Kegs of rare beers that normally wouldn’t escape the taprooms of breweries such as Barrel Theory, BlackStack, Forager, Lua, and Modist have been known to suddenly appear here. Despite its 30 taps, the place feels like a dive bar on one end, with 20 to 30 cans and bottles plus lottery pull-tabs, while the restaurant end includes a stage that often features belly dancers. Even without all that, the food would be worth the visit, with dishes such as garlic gyro pasta, brandy-flamed pasta, and fire-roasted shish kebabs. Finally, after dinner and drinks, you can share a hookah with friends.
Hours: 11 a.m.–midnight, Sunday–Thursday; 11 a.m.–1 a.m., Friday & Saturday
Address: 1960 Rahncliff Ct., Eagan, Minnesota
Web: ansarisgrill.com
