Viking/Gopher Pregame (St. Paul: bus, food, tickets)

[Oildog]

Im coming into the Twin Towns for a week and will be catching a number of sporting events. Gopher puck at the Xcel as well as Mariucci, also football with Vikes and Gophers. ARe there any good places to go for pregame drinks and food? If I recall there is almost nothing near the dome (thank you city fathers for wrecking a once fun tailgate). SUggestions?

Stub and Herbs or whatever its reincarnate was close to Mariucci, is it still there or a better suggestion?

What is good by the Xcel? Is it easy to get from the dome to XCel? Cab bus? (I dont want to drive so I can enjoy my cocktails).

[Slig]

If you're by the Xcel go to Tom Reids or Alary's. If you aren't with the wife I recommend Alarys.

[Jeanie Hoholik]

Slig! I have probably been to every bar in the immediate downtown St. Paul area surrounding the X. (My hubby and I have season tickets to the Wild.) However, I've never been to Alary's. The only thing I ever knew about them is that they didn't have more food than booze so you could smoke there. I don't smoke anymore, so it's a moot point. But...what's up with the not having a wife thing?

[Jeanie Hoholik]

Also, you can drive to the Kelly Inn on the other side of 94 and catch a mini bus over to the X. It'll drop you off and you can do whatever from there. If you go back after game time, and you are a little tipsy (too much to drive) you can just stay there! If you can't afford it, than don't drink in the first place!