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It's a Saturday night in downtown Minneapolis and you'e looking for somewhere new for a hip and happening place for a cocktail. Your instincts tell you to hit up the Warehouse District, but your instincts are wrong—there's a new hotness in town and it's much closer to the river.
Two blocks off the bank, and one Guthrie parking garage over, is Aloft, the newest shi-shi hotel in Minneapolis and home of the WXYZ bar. Everyone (this is not an exaggeration) EVERYONE hanging out at this lobby/lounge/bar is beautiful. Hair-polished; shoes-shined; dress-pressed; brows-groomed—the works!
At first the atmosphere is a little intimidating, but then the cheerful Crayola-meets-warehouse vibe grows on you and you're soothed by comfy touches; a pool table, some chess stations and a fire place.
At first the furniture appears too modern to sink into, but on second glance you see the Ikea-esk furniture is swathed in cushy batting and funky prints. It's the same on the outdoor patio; sharp looking corners give way to lime-green plastic and you can enjoy your smoke without fear of puncture.
The WXYZ Bar (which, by the way, is simply written, but really doesn't roll of the tongue) is Minnesota chic. The signature drinks are made with infusions and garnished beautifully, but they're still approachable. You're not going to be digging sprigs of evergreen out of your bevy here.
What you will dig out is some fruit, with a clever spoon/straw device, or a cheekily arranged garnish from your filthy martini.
As for the appetizers, the Metromix pick is the shrimp cocktail. It's served on ice in a paper bucket with clothes-pin chopsticks. The shrimp are hearty, while the tater tots (at $7 for what appeared to be out-of-the-grocer's-freezer) are less impressive.
With all the swank and bustle, it's easy to forget you're in a hotel, which is both good and bad. Good, because you feel like you're getting away for the night; bad because it's easy to be caught off-guard by a weary traveler looking for s little local action.
Over all, the elixirs and atmosphere are what make WXYZ a great place to start a classy night. The ever-sparkling bar and friendly staff are sure to please—just be sure to wear your freak'em outfit when you go—and you'll fit right in.
