There have been a lot of bars and restaurants open in town over the past couple years. It's great to have more of a selection than we used to have. But where are the best places for a drink in Rochester these days?

According to the review website Yelp, these are the 5 spots in Rochester that top the list for drinks. It's an eclectic mix, really. Everything from a whiskey hotspot, to a pub with tons of great beer, to a Prohibition-style bar with specialty cocktails, as well as a couple places with a wide range of drink options. No matter which one you choose, you won't be disappointed. At least if these Yelp reviewers, from both near and far, are to be believed.

What do you think of the list? What is your favorite place to grab a drink on a night out with friends? Or an intimate evening with that special someone? Do you have a favorite beer, wine or cocktail that's simply a "must-have" when you're out on the town?

  • TSM Rochester
    TSM Rochester
    loading...
    1

    The Half Barrel

    304 1st Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902

    One Yelp reviewer, Sally Jo C., from Madison, Wisconsin, said she “started with the smoked Old Forester old fashioned. It arrives in a carafe with a glass on top, preventing smoke from escaping. Then the bartender comes by and pours it in a glass and adds a twist. It's so good!” She gave it five stars.

    Another reviewer, Jennifer A., from Ames, Iowa, commented, “Do you like whiskey? Look no farther. Half Barrel has something like 400+ whiskeys, bourbons, and scotch. Don't like whiskey? Cocktail offerings are lovely and the beer selection is good.”

  • TSM Rochester
    TSM Rochester
    loading...
    2

    The Doggery

    18 3rd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902

    Yelp reviewer Cheffrey D., of Beverly Shores, Indiana, said, “The drinks are all 100% top flight where new school meets old school. They serve a lot of classic ‘unforgettables’ but often with their own twist with a tincture of this or an extract of that. Creativity is not lacking here.”

    Reviewer Sean B., from Chicago, said, “I would give this place 6 stars if I could! I love this bar! The ambiance is a bit quirky, but works. It's hidden like a speakeasy and is very relaxing inside. The Philadelphia Collins is my favorite drink, like, ever. It's made with Death's Door gin, basil, lemon, agave nectar, bittercude bolivar and soda. The next best is the Green Bastard, which is made with Cognac, chai, lime, cinnamon, green chartreuse and rosemary.”

  • TSM Rochester
    TSM Rochester
    loading...
    3

    The Tap House

    10 Historic 3rd St SW, Rochester MN 55902

    Yelp reviewer Paige T., from Rochester, said, “The taps are rotating and there truly is something for everyone. You could probably go every day for a year and have the opportunity to drink a different beer every day.”

    Another reviewer, Danika W., from Rochester, said, “Great cheese curds and happy hour. I recommend the salted Carmel chocolate martini!  It tastes better than it sounds.”

  • Google Maps
    Google Maps
    loading...
    4

    Chester’s Kitchen and Bar

    111 S Broadway, Rochester, MN 55904

    Reviewer Rebecca B., from Dallas, Texas, describes Chester’s as “a very popular spot, with great food! I've been here for brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, and this place never disappoints. My favorite drinks are the Classic Cuban Mojito, the Cranberry Peach Red Sangria, and the Cucumber Ginger Fizz.”

    Reviewer Rob M., from Tustin, California, adds, “Ben's rye old fashioned is also very, very good.”

  • Google Maps
    Google Maps
    loading...
    5

    Thirsty Belgian Bar & Kitchen

    2650 S Broadway, Rochester, MN 55904

    Reviewer Alice G., from Rochester, says simply, “Amazing bar!!!” She then adds, “Great selection of beer and decent selection of wine and cocktails. This is the best bar in Rochester, hands down!”

    Rochester Yelp reviewer Andi S. said, “The Bunny Mary was excellent! If I ever end up back there, I will definitely be ordering another!”

    Another local reviewer, Bob J., said he “really enjoyed (the) selection of Belgian brews both on tap (try the Maredsous Brune) and in bottle (Affligem).

  • TSM Rochester
    TSM Rochester
    loading...
    6

    BONUS: Yelp's 6 Best Places for Tacos in Rochester

    After an evening out drinking, you're probably going to be hungry. So why not hit one of Rochester's great local taco places? Here's the 6 best, according to Yelp!

More From 106.9 KROC-FM