City Pages Best of the (Queer) Twin Cities 2005

The City Pages Best of the Twin Cities is out! And I'd like to highlight the queer establishments that top the list:

Best Queer Coffee Shop: Wilde Roast Cafe.

Best Adult Video Store: Smitten Kitten

Best Gay Bar: 19 Bar
Reader's Choice: Gay 90s

I wrote about the 19 Bar last year, and I've changed my mind significantly since then. The 19 is the definitive neighborhood gay bar, and I'm there at least once a week for a pitcher with friends and some Erotic Photo Hunt, pool, or darts. Of course, the Gay 90s is the popular choice among queer and straight folks who don't mind rude security, dank decor, and throngs male and female Paris Hilton wannabes. It's also the only 'gay' bar in the Twin Cities that charges a cover before midnight.

Best Lesbian Bar: Twilight
Reader's Choice: Townhouse

This is a tough one, and later in the week I'll be posting a lengthy writing on the queer women's scene in the Twin Cities. Twilight is fun, and ironically not a bar at all. The Townhouse is THE queer place to be on Wednesday nights with $1 domestic beer and well drinks with a $3 cover. Wednesdays at the Townhouse really does have the best mix of queer folks in the city.

Best Place to Meet Single Men (Gay): Vera's Cafe

Best Place to Meet Single Women (Lesbian): Lynx Games

Best Bookstore (Independent): Query Booksellers
Reader's Choice: Bound to be Read

Almost everything I read has HTML tags around it, so as far as bookstores go, I'll leave it to paper readers. But I have had personal and professional dealings with Lyle from Query, and he's got to be one of the most helpful and knowledgeable book-people ever. And it really is a cute, cute place. Oooh, and they have the best cards for any occasion.