By Tammy Galvin

Nowadays, you could throw a snowball and hit any number of establishments in the Twin Cities and surrounding ‘burbs that tout craft cocktails or brews, or both…that is IF we had any snow.

There seems to be a new micro-brewery or distillery popping up in nearly every corner of the metro with recent additions in Eagan and Burnsville to Roseville and White Bear Lake. But rather than supply you with a Google-search worthy laundry list of joints to try these latest concoctions, I’m going to take the focus off the beverage for a moment—yes, you read that right—and intrigue you with something other than a 12-ounce curl. For some great fun, try these establishments that offer far more than the trendiest of drinks: Good-old-fashioned fun…that’s what’s on tap here.

Bauhaus Brew Labs. Image by Erica Loeks

Pat’s Tap Gastro Pub: For the best (free) Skee Ball in town… not to mention the cheese curds.

Sisyphus Brewing: Yes their suds are amazing, but their selection of board games, not to mention shuffle board—yes I said shuffle board—is hard to beat.

Hop21 Table Tennis Club & Bar: Ping pong and pilsner. Excuse the pun, but it’s a match made in heaven.

The Herkimer Pub & Brewery: Corn hole during construction season and shuffleboard leagues during non-construction season. Need we say more?

Bauhaus Brew Labs: Blingo. The first Thursday of every month, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Be there. Because I won’t tell you what it is.

Tavern on the Avenue: Whether you crave pool, pull tabs, darts or video games, this is one of our favorite all-around good fun stomping grounds in St. Paul’s West Seventh hood.

Brit’s Pub: We’d be darn near crucified if we didn’t mention this downtown Minneapolis establishment with its rooftop lawn bowling, not to mention amazing fish & chips.

Half Time Rec: Bocce ball in the basement. Need I say more?

Turf Club: No frills. Just great live music.

Bryant-Lake Bowl: For just that. A great game of bowling, an eclectic theater experience or simply a great menu. How about all of the above.

Find more unique Twin Cities bars here!