By Taylor Weeks

Vikings games are all about the atmosphere—screaming fans, epic touchdowns and, of course, tailgating. In addition to your normal pre-game traditions, try out some of the surrounding restaurants and bars in downtown Minneapolis. With plenty of establishments within walking distance from U.S. Bank Stadium—just 10 minutes or less away—you can get back to the action in no time. Get a feel for the options and take your pick from the 10 highlighted below.

Erik The Red Bar

Represent the Vikings on game day—or any other day—by ordering from the Viking-themed menu items at Erik The Red Bar and Nordic BBQ. Located across the street, this local favorite is practically in the shadow of the stadium itself.

The Vikings Longhouse

The Vikings Longhouse is an extension of the U.S. Bank Stadium, located on The Commons plaza just outside the stadium. It has floor-to-ceiling glass walls to allow you to be visually involved with the events on the plaza while inside the climate-controlled environment, too, and boasts many TVs and beer on tap.

OUIBar + KTCHN

Located within the Radisson Red Hotel Downtown, OUIBar + KTCHN is wildly colorful. It has bright yellow and red chairs and honeycomb-shaped dividing wall. Everything speaks “modern,” which complements their menu of out-of-the-box American bar food like stuffed tater tots and a long selection of local craft brews and cocktails.

Blarney Pub & Grill

Order your choice of veggie, walleye, steak, chorizo and hamburger options at this casual pub and grill. Blarney Pub & Grill also has an impressive selection of beers on tap, featuring 11 local brews and five non-local choices.

McKinney Roe

Try something new next time you go to a Vikings game: McKinney and Roe, with its dual level New American kitchen and bar, is both elegant and chic. Along with the excellent wine list, the restaurant is complete with a whimsical spiral staircase leading to beautiful views of the park near U.S. Bank Stadium and the skyline.

Bar Zia

Stop in for happy hour at Bar Zia from 3-6 p.m. and 10 p.m.-midnight Monday-Friday. This cozy neighborhood venue is accented with dark woodwork reminiscent of the 1930s. Dine on some from-scratch pizza, burgers and more while you sip your drink.

Day Block Brewing Company

Venture over to this Minneapolis microbrewery, Day Block Brewing Company. Their menu features handcrafted beer brewed fresh every week and over-the-top specialty pizzas. They also make sure to buy and source locally.

Crooked Pint Ale House

Find this urban pub Crooked Pint Ale House on historic South Washington Avenue within walking distance of not only the U.S. Bank Stadium, but the Guthrie Theater and TCF Bank Stadium as well. You can sample their large menu selection and 28 draft beers while viewing TV on one of the largest big screens in downtown Minneapolis.

Grumpy’s Bar & Grill

Grumpy’s Bar & Grill is iconic all the way down to the wraparound bar and neon sign outside. It has bike racks directly out front and has been known to set up the back parking lot for tailgating. Enjoy some classic American pub fare and some cold beers before heading to the game.

Maxwell’s American Pub

Described as warm and welcoming, and identifiable by its pinstriped corner awning, Maxwell’s American Pub is worth the 10-minute walk. Try the homemade pizza rolls, burgers or nachos while admiring the charm of the exposed brick walls and visiting with the friendly staff.