Dark Bars: Twin Cities

Folks looking for the light head upstairs, where a bar is well-lit and patrons chat over brews and wings. But just a few steps downstairs, thick, dark curtains cover the windows to the outside, turning the 501 into a cozy and dark spot to grab a cocktail or two.

This downtown joint offers a much more laid-back neighborhood feel than most downtown bars, which are often packed with well-dressed patrons in hunt of a good DJ. Instead, Eli's is dark, cozy and homey, serving up strong cocktails and a killer mac `n? cheese.

With a great late-night happy hour (cheap apps and drink specials galore), Azia draws folks looking for a cheap date and a dark, relaxing environment. Sit at the bar or one of the tables and enjoy a sushi special or head in the back and chill to the sounds of the DJ.

For a typical Minneapolis ?dark bar? experience, look no further than Cuzzy's, a Warehouse District joint that's old-school Minneapolis all the way. There's nothing fancy here, save for how high the plate of fries, cheese and peppers can get. Instead, patrons come simply for its lack of light.

This Westin Hotel bar is all about swank--specialty mojitos, martinis, and bellinis are what the ?Gold Bar? here is known for. But it's also a dark and quiet getaway among the hubbub of downtown. And private booths and tables make it feel even more intimate.

Known for its Bondage-A-GoGo nights, this dance bar/neighborhood hangout/cafe in Northeast Minneapolis offers up plenty of darkness to go with your black leather attire. And even if you're not outfitted in black leather, the Front is still the perfect place to go deep into the dark of night.