When you think of Monte Carlo, one conjures up images of dinner jackets and martinis, craps tables and spaghetti strap dresses, and fast cars navigating winding roads. Well in this Monte Carlo, the one in Minneapolis, none of that experience is available…save the martinis and spaghetti.

Nonetheless, Monte Carlo is a very cool place and one of the best hangouts in the Twin Cities. Located on the outskirts of downtown in the Minneapolis warehouse district, Monte Carlo claims to be the cities’ oldest bar and the inside of the place would support that claim.

The tin ceiling is high and decor is very retro chic. Sconces and chandeliers highlight the wallpaper and the oversized booths and tables. The copper top bar is backed by a towering bottle collection – over 250 in all and some bottles appear to have been never opened – that is accessible by a ladder folded behind the bar.

Martinis are must have here. They fit in perfectly with the room. The fare is solid – with steaks, burgers, or seafood the choices – and they typically serve late in a city that sometimes goes to bed early. They open everyday at 11:00 (10:00 on Sunday) and have a consistent customer stream from lunch to late night.

The collection of pictures on the walls is impressive. But my favorite shots are autographed photos of Minneapolis Lakers legend George Mikan, fan favorite Minnesota Twin first baseman Kent Hrbek, and if you look across as if you were “following the bouncing ball” you’ll find an signed photograph of the mirth-maker himself, Mitch Miller.

Service is friendly and attentive. Private parties can be accommodated upstairs. There is a valet parking lot on the left side of the narrow brick restaurant and a patio on the right side for al fresco dining, which has a very short season in Minneapolis.

So there is no need to dust off the white coat, practice rolling the dice, and set sail across the Atlantic to get to Monte Carlo. The one in Minneapolis is a very satisfying excursion, and the food, drinks, and service never crap out. D.M.