8th Street Grill is a long-running, family-owned American grill and hometown bar at 800 S Marquette Ave, Unit 107, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, United States of America, in Downtown West. Established in 1992 by Kim Gruetzmacher, it has spent decades at the corner of 8th Street and Marquette Avenue, becoming a familiar stop for downtown workers, game-day crowds, and visitors looking for casual food, draft microbrews, and a heated patio in the center of Minneapolis.
What to Expect at 8th Street Grill
This is a restaurant and bar rather than an exhibit-based attraction: the main experience is settling in for casual American grill fare, beer, conversation, and televised sports in a central downtown setting. Its identity is closely tied to the 8th-and-Marquette corner, where a street-facing patio gives diners an outdoor option beyond the summer season. The patio is heated, making it especially useful during Minneapolis’s cool spring and fall days and on milder winter outings.
Inside, expect an unfussy neighborhood-bar atmosphere shaped by a longtime local clientele and the nearby office, hotel, theater, and event districts. Draft microbrews are a core part of the offering, while the official site also lists happy hour and Trivia Night among its programming. Check the official menu for current food and drink selections and the restaurant’s channels for the date and timing of trivia or specials.
- 1992 family ownership: Established by Kim Gruetzmacher and presented as a family-owned Minneapolis institution.
- 8th and Marquette location: A downtown corner address convenient to Nicollet Mall and the central business district.
- Heated patio: Outdoor seating designed to extend patio season beyond warm-weather months.
- Draft microbrews: A beer-focused bar program paired with casual American grill dining.
- Happy hour and Trivia Night: Recurring bar-centered reasons to visit outside a standard lunch or dinner.
8th Street Grill at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 800 S Marquette Ave, Unit 107, Minneapolis, MN 55402 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown West, at 8th Street and Marquette Avenue |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Wed 11am–9pm; Thu–Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–7pm |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission or tickets; food and drinks are purchased separately. Expect a $$ price level. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 90 minutes for a meal or drinks; allow longer for trivia or a game. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Nicollet Mall light-rail station is a short walk; downtown public ramps and metered street parking are nearby. |
| Official Website / Phone | 8thstreetgrillmn.com / 612-349-5717 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For a quicker meal, arrive near the 11am opening or between the main lunch and dinner waves. Thursday through Saturday nights can suit a more social bar visit, while the heated patio is a strong choice when outdoor seating is comfortable. There are no tickets to book. For a larger group, patio seating, current happy-hour details, or a trivia-night visit, call ahead at 612-349-5717; the restaurant can provide the most current seating and event information.
The restaurant occupies street-level Unit 107 on South Marquette Avenue. The Nicollet Mall light-rail station, served by the METRO Blue and Green lines, is within an easy downtown walk; use the sidewalk grid to reach the 8th Street corner. Downtown ramps are the practical choice for drivers, particularly during events. Strollers and wheelchair users should contact the restaurant before arrival to confirm the step-free entrance, patio-table configuration, and restroom access for the day. Pair a visit with a walk along Nicollet Mall, about five minutes away, or continue roughly 10 minutes to Orchestra Hall, the Hennepin Theatre District, or the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 8th Street Grill’s hours, and when is the best time to visit?
It opens at 11am daily. Closing is 9pm Monday through Wednesday, 10pm Thursday through Saturday, and 7pm Sunday. Visit at opening or mid-afternoon for a calmer meal; evenings are better for drinks, sports, and the bar atmosphere.
Does 8th Street Grill charge admission or require reservations?
No admission fee or ticket is required; guests pay for their food and beverages. Reservations are not presented as a ticketed requirement. Call the restaurant directly for group seating, patio requests, and current availability.
How much time should I plan for a visit?
Plan 45 to 90 minutes for lunch, dinner, or a round of drinks. Build in extra time if you are meeting friends for a televised game, happy hour, or Trivia Night.
Is 8th Street Grill suitable for families and wheelchair users?
The casual restaurant format can work for families dining downtown, though it also operates as a bar. Its street-level Unit 107 location simplifies arrival; call ahead to verify accessible seating, patio conditions, restroom access, and any needs for children or mobility devices.
When planning your Minneapolis travel guide or comparing verified american restaurant and bar & grill in Minneapolis, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Sonder Shaker, The Bungalow Club, Chateau Student Housing Co-op, and Foshay Museum and Observation Deck (nearby).
