This local favorite serves up everything from good coffee to board games to live music. Coffee lovers are served their own personal French press by the friendly baristas; a variety of light snacks is also available. The Beat functions as a music venue for all ages; check the website for details of upcoming gigs.

Part cafe, part brunch spot, part music venue, the Acadia Cafe wears many hats and it wears them well. The food is decent, and well-priced; there is a formidable selection of domestic and international brews, many of which you can sample on the cheap at happy hour. For bigger groups, beer pitchers are also available. The cafe also proudly hosts many local music acts and is keen to promote local talent. Check the website for details of upcoming gigs and events.

Biffs Sports Bar & Grill is a bar-cum-restaurant that has something for everyone. Kickstart your day with a healthy and sumptuous breakfast with dishes like Steak and Eggs and Country Fried Steak and Eggs. The menu also features an amazing variety of items ranging from pizza, spaghetti to burgers; it also has a special menu for kids that will surely delight the young ones. As the day spans out, it transforms itself into a trendy and cool nightspot. The sports bar offers entertainment options like pool tables and dartboards. Talented performers staging their act further add to the fun quotient. You can also rent the space for private events and functions. For more details, check website.

Popular across the region for serving tasty grilled meals, the Renegades Bar and Grill is a regular hangout for several food and drink lovers. The bar features a range of exquisite beverages and hearty meals that abound in taste and flavor. In order to entertain its guests, the bar hosts DJ nights, drink specials and theme parties off and on. Patrons love to dance to the tunes of chart busters spun by popular disc jockeys. Call ahead to know more.

Located inside the Minnesota Zoo, the Weesner Family Amphitheater is often used to showcase concerts by famed artists. The place is also used to show other events like plays which provide an unique viewing experience with the backdrop of the zoo animals. Designed after the Globe theater, the amphitheater has wonderful acoustics. However, entry to the theater has strict rules and is restricted only to the pass holders. To know more about the events taking place here check the website.

Great Clips IMAX Theater provides a larger than life theater experience, perfect for the entire family. Tucked in the Minnesota Zoo, with state of the art sound and visual systems, the award winning theater brings fiction to life. In addition to science films, there are even 3D and 2D movies that is a feast to your senses. The theater adds more features to its name. From parties, social gatherings to business meetings, great clips IMAX provides much more than just viewing high definition films. For details on current shows, check onto the website or call ahead.

One thing that Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and the Backstreet Boys have in common is the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand. Perfect in size and atmosphere, it has held some of the biggest concerts of the Minnesota State Fair. It also has ample of floor space for exhibitions. After a recent renovation, its capacity has multiplied to accommodate 17,000 persons. But naturally, the Grandstand is the center of entertainment and joie de vivre of the Fair. Since the time the Fair has expanded beyond its traditional function of an agriculture and livestock exhibition, the Grandstand has emerged as the major attraction, especially for the youth of Minnesota.

Acme Comedy Company is a place to turn to when you are suffering from "no-laughter-in-life" syndrome. The company presents stand-up acts from known comedians in a venue that can accommodate around 290 people. It is a great place to spend a night out with friends in revelry and to ensure the same, one needs to book tickets which are sold two hours before the show. All in all, for a fun filled night sipped along with a spirit of your choice, which is served by the waiting staff, come to Acme Comedy Company.

This St. Paul building transports guests back to the old world with high, pressed tin ceilings. The menu is strictly Northeastern European with local meats delivered every day. The spatzle is fresh and handmade, and there's an impressive selection of hearty options. You may also snack on light fare or side dishes. Even the pretzels are noteworthy. With several imported selections on tap, the bar is also fully stocked with German beers, liquors and cordials. Locals know to come here for a late night happy hour.

This cineplex has 12 screens and stadium seating for your viewing pleasure. For a more enjoyable experience, sit back and relax with popcorn and a soda from the refreshment stand. Call for film times, ticket prices and further information. And do not miss on the Tuesday night discounts.