Bradstreet Craftshouse at MSP: Cocktails & Bites

The Experience

Bradstreet Craftshouse is a sit-down, bar-forward stop that feels refreshingly “not-airport,” even though you’re steps from Terminal 1. Think a polished hotel-lounge vibe: dimmer lighting, a comfortable hum of conversation, and a pace that encourages you to actually taste your drink instead of chugging it before boarding.

Travelers love it for two reasons: first, it’s a reliable place to decompress pre-flight (or reset after landing) without battling concourse crowds; second, the focus on craft cocktails makes it feel like a destination rather than a compromise. While the menu can vary, the draw here is the bar program—expect well-built classics, seasonal specials, and the kind of attention to balance you don’t always get in terminal bars.

Location & Access

• Exact location: Inside the InterContinental Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport (MSP) Hotel, which is connected to Terminal 1.
• Security: Pre-security (landside). Great if you’re meeting someone at the airport or arriving early and don’t want to commit to the gate area yet.
• Landmarks: Follow signs for the InterContinental MSP Hotel from Terminal 1; Bradstreet Craftshouse is within the hotel’s dining spaces.
• Seating & waits: Expect bar and lounge-style seating. Waits are typically lighter than airside hotspots, but it can tighten up around late-afternoon business travel waves and early evening.

Menu Highlights

• Craft cocktails: Start with a bartender’s seasonal feature or a properly made classic (this is the kind of place where spirit-forward drinks are usually the safest bet).
• Beer & wine options: A good fallback when you want something quick without sacrificing quality.
• Bar bites/small plates: Ideal for a “snack-meal” before security—order something shareable if you’re traveling with a companion.

Price range: $$ (moderate-upscale for airport-adjacent dining). Expect cocktail pricing in line with a hotel bar rather than fast-casual terminal counters.

Dietary notes: You’ll generally find at least a couple of vegetarian-friendly choices among snacks and sides, but options can be limited compared with a full restaurant. For vegan, gluten-free, or halal needs, plan to ask your server about current items and modifications.

Practical Info

• Mobile ordering: Not typically the point here; it’s more of a sit-down, bartender-led experience.
• Reservations: Usually not required for a bar stop, but if you’re aiming for a specific time window (especially evenings), calling ahead can save stress.
• Best times to avoid crowds: Mid-morning and mid-afternoon tend to be calm; the busiest stretch is often late afternoon into early evening.
• Power outlets: As a hotel lounge-style space, you may find access more easily than in packed gate areas—still, don’t count on an outlet at every seat.

Quick Verdict

• Best for: business travelers, couples, and anyone who wants a real cocktail (or a calmer drink) before diving into Terminal 1.
• Skip if: You’re already through security with a tight boarding time, you need the fastest possible grab-and-go, or you’re looking for a kid-centric, quick-service meal.