Jason Suss spent 15 years in tech before leaving the corporate world to pursue his passion for proper cocktails. He's spent the last 12 years on both sides of the bar at many local restaurants. This month he's launching a new column called "Why Go?" to highlight interesting reasons to visit and support our neighborhood bars and restaurants. Jason lives in Lowry Hill and owns @AProperPourJason.
Fun for the whole family — imagine Liquor Lyle’s, but kid friendly.
It may sound like a stretch, but hear me out: LITT Pinball Bar is exactly that. It’s the new spot in the old Liquor Lyle’s building (pour one out for Lyle) on the tricky Franklin-to-26th Hennepin corridor. Fortunately, parking and access instructions are posted on their website.
Yes, it’s technically a bar, but it’s all-ages until 8 p.m. That means you can bring the kids, grab lunch (check out their $10 lunch deal: burger or dog, chips and a drink) and play some pinball.
The refreshed but still “Lylesque” space serves apps, burgers, sandwiches, and 10 creative hot dog options — including vegan and gluten-free. There’s also a full bar with specialty cocktails and craft beers for adults, plus brunch on weekends.
It’s surprisingly wholesome given the building’s history. They even have a private party room that seats 30. For those looking for more of a nightlife vibe, DJs play on weekend nights.
LITT began as TILT on 26th Street near Nicollet, with a focus on pinball, hot dogs and drinks. When the old Lyle’s space became available, the owners expanded both the menu and the number of machines.
Speaking of machines, they have more than 45 pinball tables ranging from the newest hits to vintage favorites. Plays cost 50 cents to $1. Pinball might be one of the few things besides Arizona Iced Tea to resist inflation — $10 should keep a couple of kids busy long enough for you to enjoy a beer.
Like any hobby, pinball has its serious fans. At LITT, you’ll find regulars who are loyal to a machine, compete in tournaments and track scores through apps that scan the QR codes on the machines.
Then there are casual players like me, wandering from table to table.
My main reason to go?
If you search Google Maps for full-service restaurants in our neighborhood open after 11 p.m. on a Tuesday, you can count the results on one hand — even if you lost a few fingers in a fireworks mishap.
I tend to work late, and non-chain options for a sit-down meal are scarce. LITT to the rescue. They serve their full menu until at least midnight every day. Sometimes you just need Buffalo wings or a French dip in the wee hours.
So, dig behind the couch cushions or empty the change cup in your car and head to LITT with those quarters. I think you’ll have a flippin’ good time.
