Acadia Cafe

September 21, 2008
Cafe / beer bar between Town Hall and Blue Nile (walkable distance from the former). Lots of local beers on tap: 3 Surly, Flat Earth, Summit, etc. Seemingly more of a cafe than anything, but there are probably upwards of twenty taps and plenty of local and Belgian bottles available. They seem to have seasonals available longer than other places, if only because they’re a coffee shop and small music venue doubling as a beer bar. Probably got the last pour of the Surly Hell anywhere nearby, which was a nice surprise.

May 6, 2008
I came here after the relocation to the West Bank. Fairly close to Town Hall on Cedar. Visited for the grand opening and 2006 Surly Darkness release. Luckily we arrived early, but still, at the time of entrance it was standing room only. Service overall was decent given the chaotic environment. One of the waitresses in particular was excellent in providing us with Darkness samples for a couple of friends who hadn’t arrived yet. A cafe environment where the tap/bottle selection was good. Would like to revisit when it’s not so busy.

March 29, 2008
Another good bar near the U of M West Bank. The ’06 Darkness release probably could have been handled a little better, but they got things done. The staff seemed friendly after things started to calm down. Pretty good selection of both taps and bottles. I did not have any food but from what I saw it looked pretty good. I’ll have to go again some time when there is not a special release so that I can better judge the place.

March 29, 2008
The place was completely packed with standing room only because of a release of Surly Darkness. It looked like it would be a nice place if it was not busy but tonight there was definitely not enough seeting. The selection of beer was nice but not overly impressive. The service was good for the circumstances. I would like to see what this place is like when it is a bit calmer.

February 20, 2008 [ Updated May 24, 2008 ]
Relocated from East Bank (1931 Nicollet Ave. S) location which is now closed. Opened for business officially on 2/16/08, although they are currently in a soft open status, meaning they are open in the evenings from 6pm-close. Soon they will expand their hours to open prior to the lunch hour. It’s a relatively small place. Pinkish-red walls, brand new wooden bar. Bar is pretty good sized. There’s a stage at the far end of the bar for live music they’ll have Fri. and Sat. nights from 9pm-close that will require a cover charge. 26 taps with a pretty good selection including: 3 Surly’s (Furious, Bender, Two), several Rogues (Charlie, Dead Guy, etc.), 2 Flat Earths, Maredsous 8, Sierra Nevada ESB, Furthermore Knot Stock (tasty!), Rush River Bubblejack, Bell’s Two Hearted, Shiner Bock, Beamish, Boddington’s, Brau Brother’s Scotch Ale & more. Spoke with the beer mgr who, in addition to being a very friendly & knowledgeable, welcomes suggestions for their beer taps. The lines are brand spanking new & clean & they have a weekly rotating tap line schedule. There is no street parking to speak of, but there’s an uncovered lot & a parking structure behind the building, I believe both of which will accept 2 hours of validation. Located a short walking distance from Town Hall brewery (0.2mi) & also close to the Blue Nile (0.7mi). Walking distance from the Cedar-Riverside Light Rail station. Town Hall is easily the better spot despite the similar ratings.

December 17, 2007
This is an interesting little cafe/bar. I guess they have music at night, but i was there for HH. Nice selection of taps that you need to go up to the counter to get. It is more like a cafe than a bar...a cafe with really good beers.

March 18, 2007
First visit was a good one. Had a Rachel sandwhich (standard, loads of kraut stood out) and an Anchor Porter. The selection was really incredible, but it was like 1PM and I could only get the Anchor. I will certainly go back.

March 12, 2007
Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon while visiting the twin cities. There is something for everyone here as my wife wanted an espresso, and so did the rest of our group until they saw all of the taps. Very good and relaxing place, especially for the late afternoon.

November 10, 2006
Righty-o. Lots of great taps in one cool cafe where you can read, chat, study, or cause commotion all you want and do it comfortably. Acadia also represents the Twin Cities music scene quite nicely, too. I’ve seen some great shows there, and, to echo the last opinion, some damn awful ones as well. My grilled cheese sandwich was well over-cheesed, but with 24 taps and plenty of interesting musicians there’s no reason to stay away for long.

April 16, 2006
It’s an art-school (MCAD is a few blocks away) coffee shop that happens to have a fantasic beer selection. They have live music that ranges from pretty good to damn awful (and I have very broad tastes). Most of the beer is available elsewhere, but they do have a lot of great taps in one place. We usually only go to Acadia for the Surly Furious. Though I haven’t eaten there, people say the food is very good.