Saint Paul’s Best Bars for Nonalcoholic Cocktails
Nonalcoholic Cocktails at Myriel
Where to Drink When You’re Not Drinking
The dry movement has never been more popular, with a proliferation of a taking-a-break-from-booze mentality. However, getting together with friends for a grown-up night on the town can still prove a little tricky when trying to navigate a bar menu. Whether alcohol is just not your thing or you're taking a break from spiked cocktails, Saint Paul has an array of adult libations built-for-booze to give you options beyond soda, juice or coffee.
Myriel
Chef Karyn Tomlinson’s romantic bistro in Highland Park has a few coveted, cozy walk-up seats in the bar that are the perfect place to meet an old friend for an in-depth reconnective evening. Everything about Myriel is understated excellence, including its beverage menu. For a wildly memorable experience, book the tasting menu and request n/a beverage pairings for a fun flavor adventure.
Highland Grill
Highland Grill is a lively neighborhood spot that offers great comfort food with warm hospitality. Choose from the several classic dishes and cocktails at this bustling mainstay with an upbeat atmosphere.
HOT TIP: Pair one of their specialty mocktails, may we suggest the Apple Ginger Crush made with apple juice, Earl Giles ginger beer, anise, cinnamon, and sugar, with their award-winning Turkey Burger or one of their amazing breakfast items.
Meritage
Sitting inside the bar at Meritage feels like stealing away to a favorite cafe in Paris, with high tables, a stunning bar with an Absinthe dispenser, and a raw bar piled up with the catch of the day. The cocktail list is a doozy, with artfully prepared beverages including those made entirely alcohol-free. The Black Tea Plum Shrub leans into those sublime dark tannic notes with a deep thread of sweetness from the fruit and a dry finish from the shrub.
W.A. Frost
All the charm of the historic Cathedral Hill neighborhood is encapsulated inside this bar. W.A. Frost impressive spaces also boasts an impressive low-proof and n/a bar menu. Slip into the Evening At Frost made with Gnista Wormwood and a housemade spiced orange syrup for a sophisticated moment.
Hyacinth
An utterly charming corner of the Italian countryside in a metropolitan setting, Hyacinth is one of the best date night spots in the city. Its intimacy lends itself to romance, and the beverage menu suits it. Try the "Flightless Paper Plane" which tastes like a cocktail: tart, bitter, and herbaceous without being too sweet.
Saint Dinette
Saint Dinette’s owner, and major hospitality force for good, Tim Niver was at the forefront of Minnesota’s craft-cocktail wave. N/A drinkers are safe in the capable hands of the bar staff in this Lowertown restaurant. Try the Shrub, a spirit-free cocktail made with blackberry, peppercorn and thai basil.
Tongue in Cheek
This Eastside bar makes great use of its talented beverage team in building any drink, including those without alcohol. On Tongue in Cheek's beverage menu is “The Placebo Effect.” The bartender will build a customized drink to your tastes that’s entirely n/a.
Red Rabbit
Casual and spacious, this Red Rabbit on Grand Avenue has a fabulous beverage book that’s packed with all kinds of options, including a sizable selection of liquor-free beverages. Get spirit-free options on cocktail classics such as a Spirit-Free Old Fashioned, Vir-Gin & Tonic, a Phony Negroni and much more.
Red Cow
Nestled in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood on Selby Avenue, Red Cow is sophisticated, classic and is a go-to destination for locally-renowned burgers to pair with delicious spirit-free cocktails. Shock your tastebuds with the Pollinator made with honey, lavender, lemon and sparkling water.
Hope Breakfast Bar
Hope Breakfast Bar is an ideal stop for those looking for a full-board brunch experience without having to follow it immediately by an Uber and a nap. Located just off West 7th this beloved all-day breakfast spot serves a wide selection of coffee cocktails as well as n/a cocktails. Sample the Peach and Rose Punch with a biting ginger kick balanced with peachy syrup.
Nico’s Taco & Tequila Bar on Como
Swing by this festive beauty of a bar for a dose of sunshine feels when the winter days get long. On Nico's menu is an entire “Feel Good Tomorrow” beverage selection that includes the usual coffee and Mexican Coke, but there’s also horchata, fresh-squeezed juices, and coconut water.