If you grew up in Minnesota, you already know the sound of a spinning wheel and a hopeful crowd holding little numbered tickets. Meat raffles are a Midwest tradition where you buy a spot, watch the wheel spin, and maybe walk out with a package of steaks, brats, or bacon.
Most of them raise money for local causes, which means you get to have fun and help your community at the same time. Below are seven spots around Minnesota where the meat raffle is a genuine weekly event worth planning around.
1. Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub, St. Paul
Hockey fans in St. Paul already know this spot for its sweaters, sticks, and photos covering nearly every wall. It sits near the Xcel Energy Center, so it fills up on game nights and stays busy the rest of the week too.
The meat raffle here fits right into the neighborhood-pub feel. You buy your number, wait for the wheel, and cheer along with a room full of regulars who take the whole thing seriously in the most lighthearted way.
Because it is steps from downtown, it works well as a stop before or after an event. Parking can be tight on busy nights, so arriving early gives you a better shot at a seat and a good spot near the action.
2. The Nook, St. Paul
Famous around the Twin Cities for its Juicy Lucy burgers, this little tavern on the West Seventh side has been a St. Paul favorite for decades. The kitchen turns out some of the most talked-about burgers in the city, which makes it an easy place to settle in for a while.
Add a meat raffle to a place already known for beef, and the pairing practically makes itself. Locals show up for dinner and stick around for the fun of the spin.
The space is small, so seating goes quickly on popular nights. If you want the full experience, come hungry, grab a booth early, and be ready to jump in when the tickets start moving.
3. Shamrocks Grill & Pub, St. Paul
West Seventh Street has more than its share of gathering spots, and this Irish-style pub is one of the steadiest. It has a friendly, come-as-you-are feel that makes it comfortable for first-timers and regulars alike.
Meat raffles here draw a mix of neighbors, sports fans, and folks looking for a relaxed evening out. The energy picks up when the wheel starts spinning and someone realizes their number just came up.
What sets this stop apart is how easy it is to fold into a normal night out. You can grab a bite, catch a game on the screens, and try your luck without any pressure.
It is the kind of low-key routine that keeps people coming back week after week.
4. Wild Boar Bar, Coon Rapids
Up in the northern suburbs, Coon Rapids has its own reliable spot for a night of good food and a shot at some free protein. This bar and grill leans into the classic Minnesota tavern setup with plenty of screens and comfortable seating.
Meat raffles fit the suburban crowd well here. Families and coworkers roll in after a long week, and the raffle gives everyone a reason to hang around a little longer.
Because it sits away from the downtown rush, parking tends to be simpler than in the city. That makes it a smooth choice when you want the raffle experience without hunting for a spot on the street.
Grab a table, order some food, and settle in for the spin.
5. Neighbors on the Levee, Hastings
Down along the Mississippi in Hastings, the river setting gives this bar and grill a scenic edge that most raffle stops cannot match. Big windows and a levee view make it a pleasant place to linger, especially in the warmer months.
The community feel runs deep in Hastings, and raffle nights bring people together the way small-town gatherings always seem to. You will find a friendly crowd that treats the wheel like a weekly ritual.
If you are making a river-town day trip, this is a natural stop. Take a walk along the water, then head inside for dinner and a chance at the meat wheel.
It is a relaxed way to wrap up an afternoon exploring the area.
6. Buffalo Tap, Buffalo
West of the metro, the town of Buffalo keeps things easygoing, and its local bar and grill matches that pace. It is the kind of gathering place where you can settle in without any fuss and feel like part of the crowd fast.
Raffle nights here have a genuine small-town flavor. Neighbors know each other, the food comes out hearty, and the wheel gives everyone a shared reason to cheer.
For anyone road-tripping through Wright County, it makes a solid pit stop. The slower pace and friendly regulars are a nice change from the busier city spots, and you still get the same thrill when your ticket number lands on the winning slot.
7. The 331 Club, Minneapolis
Over in Northeast Minneapolis, the arts district has a personality all its own, and this corner bar sits right in the middle of it. Known for live music and a creative crowd, it brings a different energy than the classic sports-tavern setup.
A meat raffle in an artsy neighborhood spot might sound like an odd match, but it works. The mix of musicians, regulars, and curious newcomers keeps the vibe fresh and a little unexpected.
What makes this one stand out is the setting. You get the old-school fun of the wheel with the character of one of the city’s most creative pockets.
Pair it with a walk around the Northeast arts scene and you have got a memorable evening that feels distinctly Minneapolis.
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