Merlins Rest Pub is a British Isles–style neighborhood pub at 3601 E Lake St, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America, in the Longfellow area. Its identity centers on British comfort food, Scotch and Irish whiskey, and live music rather than a nightclub atmosphere. Travelers come for fish and chips, an evening listening to musicians, or a leisurely introduction to the whiskey list. It works particularly well as a neighborhood dinner destination: arrive hungry, leave time for conversation, and build the evening around whatever is happening in the pub.
What to Expect at Merlins Rest Pub
The food gives you a straightforward starting point: fish and chips or bangers and mash, accompanied by imported or domestic beer. Inside, leather booths and tables support the public-house experience—somewhere to settle in rather than simply stop for a drink. Ask for a table that suits your plans: conversation over dinner and watching a performance can call for different seating. For a first visit, order a substantial meal before exploring the spirits selection.
The whiskey collection is the other principal draw, particularly its single-malt Scotch and Irish whiskey selections. The pub advertises monthly Scotch tastings from October through June, providing a more structured alternative to choosing an individual pour. Entertainment includes Irish music, open jams, jazz, blues, and folk, with Saturday-evening music and a Wednesday pub quiz among its recurring attractions. Check the official events listings before choosing your night; a quiz evening and a music evening offer distinctly different experiences.
- British comfort food: Fish and chips and bangers and mash anchor the pub’s culinary identity.
- Whiskey selection: Explore single-malt Scotch alongside Irish whiskey.
- Seasonal tastings: Look for monthly Scotch sessions between October and June.
- Live performances: Irish music, folk, jazz, blues, and open jams feature in the entertainment mix.
- Wednesday quiz: Make the recurring pub quiz the focus of a group evening.
Merlins Rest Pub at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3601 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Longfellow, along East Lake Street |
| Operating Hours | Posted opening times: Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. Call for closing and kitchen hours. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Free entry for regular pub visits; weekend live music is advertised without a cover. Food, drinks, and tasting events are separate. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5–2.5 hours; longer for a quiz or performance |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Use Lake Street and 36th Avenue S as your transit destination; check current stops and curbside parking signs. |
| Official Website / Phone | Merlins Rest Pub / 612-216-2419 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Choose an early meal if conversation matters more than entertainment; choose your evening around the events calendar if music or trivia is the reason for coming. Reserve through the official website, especially when coordinating a group, and ask whether a tasting needs a separate booking. For public transportation, enter the full address in the Metro Transit trip planner so your itinerary reflects current Lake Street service and the correct direction of travel. Drivers should read the signs on surrounding streets rather than assume unrestricted parking. In winter, allow extra time for the walk from your stop or parking space.
For an accessible visit, request table seating rather than a booth and discuss wheelchair dimensions or stroller space when reserving. Ask staff specifically about step-free entry and restroom access so the seating arrangement matches your needs. Before dinner, pair the pub with a walk through the East Lake Street dining corridor, starting immediately outside, or head south toward Longfellow Park, approximately a 10–15-minute walk. These pairings keep the outing neighborhood-focused without requiring another drive. Use marked crossings on Lake Street, and leave the park walk for daylight if you prefer to orient yourself before the evening’s entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Merlins Rest Pub open, and when should I visit?
Posted opening times are 11:30 a.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. Sunday. Visit early for a meal or select an evening event. Confirm closing and kitchen times by phone.
Is there an admission charge, and should I reserve?
Regular entry is free, and weekend music is advertised without a cover charge. Reserve a table through the official website; check tasting prices and booking requirements separately.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 1.5–2.5 hours for dinner and drinks. Leave additional time if you intend to participate in the quiz or stay for a performance rather than depart after eating.
Can families and wheelchair users visit?
Families should call about children’s dining arrangements and event timing. Wheelchair users should request table seating and confirm entrance and restroom access directly; describe any space or transfer requirements when booking.
When planning your Minneapolis travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Minneapolis, pair this stop with standout local spots including Alma, Ruth's Chris Steak House, P.S. Steak, and Sonora Grill (0.3 km away).
