Here are several places that I personally know of and have ate at or stayed in the past and can vouch for, with comments in Italics. I have provided links where applicable but all you really have to do is type them into Google and you can get all the info you need. I have some others to post here but these were all I had time for right now. If anyone else has some places to suggest, post them here in this thread. John and I would like to get enough that we can move them to their own forum where people can use them as a reference.
Lodging
Days Inn MINNEAPOLIS
2407 University Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN, 55414 US
612-623-3999
Days Inn Website
Take I-494 West to I-35W North (approximately 10 miles) to University Avenue Exit, turn right/east (approximately 1 mile). Hotel will be on the right.
I-94
From I-94, take the Huron Blvd. exit, go approximately 4 blocks to Washington Avenue turn right go 1 block to University Ave., turn right. Hotel will be on the left.
From I-35W
Take the University Ave. exit, go East 1 mile, hotel will be on the left.
The Days Inn is where I stay now. I used to stay at the Econo Lodge there on Campus, but they are no longer open. It's a decent place and reasonably priced. Most times it's $99 through Days Inn's website or $61 from Expedia if the days you want are available. Walking distance to both Sally's and Big 10, along with most of the U of M Campus.
Radisson Hotel Metrodome
615 Washington Avenue S.E., Minneapolis Minnesota 55414, US
Reservations: (800) 333-3333
Telephone: (612) 379-8888 Fax: (612) 379-8682
Email:
rhmsales@usinternet.com
Link
Holiday Inn Metrodome
1500 Washington Ave S.
Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55454
For Reservations only:
1-800-448-DOME(3663)
• Easily accessible from both I-35W and I-94
• 12 miles (15 minutes) to Minneapolis International Airport
• 1/2 mile to downtown Minneapolis Business District
• 1.5 miles to Convention Center
• 10 Miles to Mall of America
• Five blocks to Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
http://www.metrodome.com/
Both the Radisson and Holiday Inn can be pricey at times, but if you want a really good place to stay, these places are it. My personal favorite is the Radisson. I have paid anywhere from $90 to $135 a night there. If you are going to go to just one game, I highly recommend it. They also have a shuttle to and from the Dome. The Holiday Inn is within walking distance.
Food and Drink
Sally's Saloon and Eatery
712 Washington Ave. SE
Sally's is located in the heart of the University, and features occasional live music and frequent drink specials.
http://www.sallyssaloon.com/
Big 10 Restaurant & Bar
606 Washington Ave. SE
The Big 10 Restaurant & Bar serves up great subs, burgers, and wings, and also plenty of brew.
JOE SENSER'S SPORTS GRILL & BAR
4217 West 80th Street, Bloomington, Minnesota - 952-835-1191
3110 Eagandale Place, Eagan, Minnesota - 651-687-9333
2350 Cleveland Avenue, Roseville, Minnesota - 651-631-1781
http://www.twincitiesdiningguide.com/re ... s_bars.htm
Bullwinkle's Saloon 1429 Washington Avenue South
612-338-8520 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454
Both Sally's and Big 10 are excellent places for Saturday night and after game dining. There are quite a number of places to eat on the Campus but these two top my list. Depending on where you are staying, Joe Senser's is a great place also. Excellent food and I know several people who have seen Viking players there and gotten autographs and pictures. If it is a Saturday and you have very many people, I would suggest you make a reservation. If you are staying at the Holiday Inn Metrodome, give Bullwinkle's a try. Right across the street and a really cool place.
Johnny Road Trip
http://www.johnnyroadtrip.com/cities/mi ... stbars.htm
And lastly, here is a link to Johnny Road Trip. Excellent site with several places Downtown to eat at. I can't vouch for all of them, but if you have eaten at any of them, post your comments here.