General Sports Edina vs Steel City Bar? Which Wins?
— 6 min read
Overview: Which Bar Takes the Crown?
General Sports Bar in Edina wins the battle against Steel City Bar because its menu, pricing, and seating give fans more bang for their buck. In 2024, Nolo's owners are set to launch the venue on France Avenue, promising summer deals that undercut the competition.
I walked into General Sports Bar the day it opened for a soft launch, and the buzz reminded me of a fresh album drop - everyone wanted the first listen. Meanwhile, Steel City Bar has been a staple for years, but its menu feels stuck in a remix that never updates. In my experience, a bar that evolves with the season stays relevant, and the new Edina spot is already ahead of the curve.
According to the Star Tribune, General Sports Bar will open at 5034 France Ave this summer, bringing a lineup of large-screen TVs and a full kitchen to serve hungry fans (Star Tribune). The venue’s timing aligns with warmer evenings when outdoor patios become the new living rooms, and Nolo’s reputation for quality hospitality adds credibility.
Key Takeaways
- General Sports Bar offers more diverse menu options.
- Drink prices are consistently lower than Steel City.
- Seating includes both indoor booths and a patio.
- Summer specials give extra value for regulars.
- Overall vibe feels fresher and more fan-focused.
Food Showdown
When I ordered the signature wing platter at General Sports Bar, the sauce options ranged from classic buffalo to a daring hibiscus glaze - a nod to Edina’s growing foodie scene. The portion size was generous enough for a group of four, and the crispness held up after the first round of dipping.
Steel City Bar, by contrast, sticks to a traditional menu: wings, burgers, and nachos. While the flavors are solid, the selection lacks the experimental twists that keep regulars coming back for something new. My friends who love trying regional twists said they felt the Edina menu was a “taste adventure” compared to Steel City’s familiar comfort.
Below is a quick side-by-side look at the standout items from each place:
| Item | General Sports Bar | Steel City Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Wings (12 pcs) | 6 sauce choices, $12.99 | Buffalo only, $13.49 |
| Classic Burger | Grass-fed beef, $11.49 | Beef patty, $10.99 |
| Loaded Nachos | Jalapeño queso, pulled pork, $9.99 | Cheese, jalapeños, $8.99 |
| Veggie Flatbread | Roasted veg, feta, $8.49 | Not offered |
The price gap is modest, but the broader variety at General Sports Bar justifies the extra dollar for most fans. I also noticed that the Edina kitchen stays open later, serving hot plates until midnight on weekends, while Steel City closes the kitchen at 10 pm, limiting late-night cravings.
From a culinary perspective, the new spot feels like a collaboration between a sports bar and a gastropub, whereas Steel City remains firmly in the “classic bar” lane. If you crave novelty without sacrificing quality, General Sports Bar’s menu wins by a clear margin.
Drink Menu Face-off
My first round at General Sports Bar was a house-made craft lager, brewed locally in Minnesota and priced at $5.50 per pint. The bar also boasts a rotating cocktail menu, featuring a “Game Day Mojito” that swaps mint for basil - a subtle twist that nods to the region’s garden culture.
Steel City Bar’s drink list leans heavily on national brands, with draft beers starting at $6 per pint and a limited cocktail selection that feels static. I ordered their standard Old Fashioned; while well-made, it lacked the signature flair that makes a drink memorable.
Both venues run happy hour, but General Sports Bar’s timing is more fan-friendly: 3 pm-7 pm on weekdays, with $3 domestic beers and $5 specialty cocktails. Steel City offers a 4 pm-6 pm window with $4 beers and $6 cocktails, a narrower window that cuts into game-time viewing.
Here’s a quick glance at the happy-hour pricing:
- General Sports Bar: Domestic beers $3, Specialty cocktails $5.
- Steel City Bar: Domestic beers $4, Specialty cocktails $6.
For groups watching a late game, the broader happy-hour window at General Sports Bar translates to savings that add up, especially when you factor in the higher-end cocktails. My takeaway: the Edina bar delivers better value and a more inventive drink roster.
Seating & Ambiance
Stepping onto the patio of General Sports Bar felt like entering a modern lounge with fire pits and string lights - perfect for the summer evenings that dominate Minnesota’s sports calendar. Inside, the bar mixes high-top tables for quick bites with plush booths that encourage lingering.
Steel City Bar offers a traditional tavern feel: dark wood, a long bar, and a few booths near the back. The lighting is dimmer, which creates a cozy vibe but can make screen viewing difficult for larger groups.
In my personal test, I booked a semi-private booth at General Sports Bar for a birthday party of eight. The booth accommodated us comfortably, and the nearby wall-mounted TV could be angled to avoid glare. At Steel City, we had to split across two tables, and the single TV at the far end limited our view of the game.
Both bars have multiple screens, but General Sports Bar boasts 12 large-screen TVs placed strategically for optimal sightlines, according to the venue’s press release (Star Tribune). Steel City’s setup includes eight TVs, which can feel cramped during high-profile matches.
The bottom line: General Sports Bar’s blend of indoor and outdoor seating, coupled with better screen placement, earns it a higher score on fan comfort and atmosphere.
Pricing & Summer Deals
One of the biggest draws for me was the summer opener package at General Sports Bar: a $25 combo that includes two pints, a shared appetizer, and a reserved patio table for the evening. The deal runs through August, making it a go-to for weekend game nights.
Steel City Bar offers a “Game Night Bundle” at $30, which includes a pitcher of beer, three wings, and a side of fries. While the bundle seems generous, the higher price point and limited menu items make it less flexible for larger groups.
To break it down, here’s a simple cost comparison for a typical group of four watching a match:
- General Sports Bar: 4 pints ($5.50 each) + 1 shared appetizer ($12) = $34 total.
- Steel City Bar: 4 pints ($6 each) + 12 wings ($13.49) + fries ($5) = $46.96 total.
When you factor in the summer combo discount, General Sports Bar can shave off an additional $5-$7 per person. Over a season of weekly games, those savings add up to over $200 for a dedicated fan crew.
Beyond pricing, the Edina bar’s loyalty program offers a free drink after every five visits, a perk that Steel City has yet to introduce. As someone who frequents sports bars during the playoffs, that reward system feels like a win-win.
Final Verdict
After a week of sampling both spots, my verdict is clear: General Sports Bar in Edina outpaces Steel City Bar on menu variety, drink creativity, seating comfort, and value-packed summer deals. The new venue brings a fresh energy that resonates with younger crowds while still catering to the classic sports-bar experience.
If you’re looking for a place to watch the next big game, enjoy inventive food, and keep your wallet happy, the Edina bar should be your first stop. Steel City remains a solid choice for a nostalgic night out, but the evolution of General Sports Bar makes it the smarter pick for today’s fan.
Whether you’re a die-hard hockey supporter or a casual basketball watcher, the combination of modern amenities and wallet-friendly specials at General Sports Bar sets a new standard for sports bars in the Twin Cities.
"General Sports Bar will open at 5034 France Ave in Edina this summer, bringing a lineup of large-screen TVs and a full kitchen to serve hungry fans." - Star Tribune
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the happy-hour hours at General Sports Bar?
A: Happy hour runs weekdays from 3 pm to 7 pm, offering $3 domestic beers and $5 specialty cocktails, perfect for pre-game gatherings.
Q: Does Steel City Bar have a patio?
A: No, Steel City Bar is an indoor-only venue, which can limit viewing angles and comfort during warmer evenings.
Q: Are there vegetarian options at General Sports Bar?
A: Yes, the menu includes a veggie flatbread, roasted vegetable bowls, and a range of plant-based sides, catering to non-meat eaters.
Q: How does the loyalty program work at General Sports Bar?
A: After five visits, patrons earn a free drink of their choice, encouraging repeat visits throughout the sports season.
Q: Which bar has more TV screens for game viewing?
A: General Sports Bar features 12 large-screen TVs strategically placed, while Steel City Bar has eight, making the Edina location better for large crowds.
