Best Nightlife Spots in St. Cloud, Minnesota

Known mostly for its college, St. Cloud is nestled right in the middle of Central Minnesota. Home to over 60,000 residents, there is plenty to see and do for everyone. From the college students to the active seniors, there is plenty to do for everyone. Whatever your tastes, there is something for you to do! Downtown is one of the fastest growing areas currently in St. Cloud in terms of businesses. There is a big push to bring in new companies.

Since this is a college town, many of the places have specials surrounding your being a student at any of the 4 local colleges. All you have to do is flash your student id and you can expect to walk out with great discounts from those retailers. Bars are no exception. From their 2 for 1 specials, to the free food and free pool on certain days, the businesses are all about marketing their business to the college crowd. On your birthday, as well as during your birthday month, you can get special treats such as a full tray of Jell-O shots and a pizza every Wednesday of your birthday month after 10 pm. In another place, you can get a huge glass boot filled with beer, and in another you can get a fishbowl drink, and a pizza for free on your birthday itself. Since most bars are located in downtown St. Cloud, it is a vibrant hub on the weekend.

One of the best places that cater to the college scene is The Red Carpet. With plenty of rooms boasting different music genres, you are sure to find what you are looking for. They have live bands and hold contests all the time. This is one of the better places to go. Cover charge is under $5, so you don't have to worry about breaking the bank. The only time cover charge happens is on the busier days of Thursday to Saturday. At the Carpet you will find an eclectic group of patrons, those who listen to Rap and R&B upstairs to the Hard Rockers downstairs. The drinks are made great, and the prices are normal for this area.

Next on the list is Rum Runners Bar. On Friday and Saturday nights for $8 you can go see a comedy show in it upstairs room. You can see stand up comedy at is best and allowed the opportunity to meet the comics right after the show. They also offer poker tournaments and super bowl parties. With the huge dance floor downstairs and a never-ending supply of bass thumping music, you will have a wonderful time! Don't forget to come here every Wednesday during the month of your birthday. You get a tray of Jell-O Shots, a pizza, and 2 tickets to a comedy show.

Other places downtown to mention would be McRudy's, who has awesome wing specials and drinks specials, DB Searles for its upbeat, yuppie look, and the Rox for it nicely sized dance floor. At Mc's dugout don't forget to try the Hairy Buffalo- a drink you will never forget.

The best place by far however would have to be the Martini bar directly next to the Red Carpet. It was a non-smoking bar long before not being able to smoke inside bars here in Minnesota. They offer signature Martini's and everything in between. The bar is decorated more like a lounge. With its comfy sofa's to it decorative fans on the walls, it is a very relaxing place to hang out and talk to your friends without having to yell over loud music. They also have an outdoor patio for the smokers open during the warmer times of the year. On Wednesday nights they offer Martini specials in the bar for the patrons.

In addition to the bars, there are a few great places to eat while downtown after the bars close. The first one, which seems to be biggest draw for the bar hoppers- is Erberts and Gerberts Sandwich Shop, located right across the street from the largest concentration of bars. It is usually open until way past the time the bar closes, so they get much of the business afterwards. Perkins is a strong second for those who choose to go out at night downtown. The only thing they ask if you are planning no eating in is that after 10 pm one of the guests has to leave a drivers license or ID at the front counter due to run-offs. Lastly, the Mexican village isn't open as late as the bars, but they still offer a large variety of Mexican foods, on special and off for your enjoyment.