The waffles are the best in the area! The staff are consistently delightful and tolerant! Don't be deterred by the location. It is actually very conveniently located to the exclaimed Bandana Square along Energy Park Drive. Don't bother stopping in to the former Gabes. Or the wolf exhibit at the zoo. On your walk to Ted's after 11pm Be sure to talk about stopping back to check out the Japanese Garden and the conservatory! Well worth the chat. The Chicken fingers at the Halftime Rec are the most underrated in the greater metro. Pulltabs, bingo,meat raffle, slamming doors, etc. Info... Great place and way better than Applebees. Mel read more

Popped in for lunch and a cold bev. Hadn't been here in awhile so it was good to be back. Had a bacon cheeseburger and a side of their chicken wild rice soup. They both were so delish! Super fresh and hot. My server was really friendly and quick. The reason for one less star is the interior. I know they remodeled the women's bathroom not that long ago and it is not in good shape! Neither door has a working lock and the hinges are broke. This place is a Grumpy Old Men icon and I def recommend stopping in! read more

Half Time Rec - Burger and chicken wild rice soup - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

The bar is friendly and the staff are polite. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Always enjoy my food. They are always buzzing with customers but there is plenty of room. read more

Great neighborhood dive bar with good food and service. Like all dive bars, the inside has character which we all expect. They also have a good selection of beer. read more

I am giving four stars and I want so bad to give five stars. The food was probably about an eight. my girlfriend had tomato basil soup and it reminded her of marinara sauce. It did taste good but a little on the thick side, I love the hand cut fresh french fries;however, a little overdone and they were too salty, but that should be a remedied as I informed the server they were way too salty and I don't even like salt on my fresh cut fries. Also, the burger was really good. It was seasoned a little heavy. I will come back for sure. read more

Half Time Rec - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Good happy hour beer prices. $4.50 for taps. I had the bbq pulled pork sandwich. It had a tangy sweet taste that I didn't like. read more

Half Time Rec - Daily specials - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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We love the Friday Irish music during happy hour. Mike Wallace (sp?) is very enjoyable. I really enjoy when the drummer is there. Beers are only $4.00 The fish tacos were $13. And the chicken wrap was $11 The food is fine and the service was good. read more

They have a credit service charge, which I didn't see psted anywhere or on the menu but not surprised. The server was very nice, though busy as she was doing the bar and tables. The turkey parmesan was the star of the two sandwiches, though towards the end, he admitted it was too much american cheese. My burger was a thin smashed burger type, so it was dry and more bun than meat. The fries were fine they had a coated season type. The bathroons were not great at all, at least the ones I went to on the main bar side. Noticed after that there was another set on the other side of the bar, those maybe better. read more

Half Time Rec - Cheeseburger and fries. It is a smashed burger - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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We were in town for the MN yacht club festival and decided to get out of downtown St Paul and checked out this hidden gem. Great breakfast. Great music and friendly service. Cool hometown vibe with lots of regulars. read more

This is the spot! Excellent burgers, great size and flavor at fair prices. Kind, attentive servers & bartenders. Pull tabs, TVs with the game, good tunes on the jukebox, chill vibes and bocce ball in the basement. What more could you ask for?! Belly up to the bar like a man for the best experience. Order the Paddy Shack burger with an extra patty for the win! read more

Half Time Rec - Paddy Shack burger w/ added patty. You know you want to. - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Local bar in the area the drinks are good and the breakfast is great especially "The Shack Hash" ppl are nice lots of TV's with sports on each tv read more

Half Time Rec - Shack Hash with a bloody Mary $21 delicious - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Met a friend and some friends that are regulars last month. What a great neighborhood bar! I didn't ask if it was new or I just never noticed but besides street parking they have a small parking lot across the street! Our bartender was very attentive and friendly... kept stopping back as I couldn't decide if I was going to drink or not? The patrons are just a bunch of chill folks hanging out...definitely my atmosphere. Not like you would think... a dim lit bar... we had full lights beaming during our visit. I like that they have some regulars photos stapled along the bar....as a dear friend who passed several years ago.... I always look for his photos. Thanks Half Time Rec for being such a relaxing and inviting place to catch up w friends, cheers! read more

Good neighborhood bar with food. Service is always great. Fun bingo on Tuesday and meat raffle on Sunday and Friday. Good for a hearty breakfast as well. read more

Half Time Rec I used to dance here years ago when the left side was given over to Cajun and square dance. Everyone brought their own water, so the bar side didn't make much from us. Eventually it was turned into an Irish-flavored pub that served some Gaelic-style food (like actually yummy mushy peas). The Irish flavors are as gone as the dance floor. My sister and I both tried burgers. Hers, a special of the day was a bacon cheeseburger which she enjoyed. Mine was a California Burger. The meat was well cooked, a little rare as it should be, with cheddar cheese, lettuce, and a small slice of tomato. Inexpensive eats, nothing dazzling, just good plain food. read more

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Solid "dive" bar! Food is good for any appetite, and some cinematic history to go with it. "Grumpy Old Men" is a classic and forgotten Christmas movie, filmed here as "Slippery's Tavern" read more

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Food was ehh service even less so. Steak and cheese was just that steak and cheese nothing else. Menu stated it was the special for the day but was charged full price. Bartenders were not that friendly and they were very slow so didnt even bother to mention it. They have bocce ball downstairs in the basement. Was fun but its very cold dirty and not level at all. But is a plus to have something to do read more

Half Time Rec - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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We order food at once a week Today I ordered tacos they had to remake 3 times the 3 time the The waitress even Watts them make them and they were still wrong. And then, as you're walking out, you can hear them with the patrons. Talking about you that is They were in the wrong i'm sorry if i'm a bitch but you fucked up read more

The bartender was not attentive for over 20 minutes. Came by and didn't engage or stop when flagged. I was with a lady who had a disability and she had to go to the front bartender to get her drink. We were finally recognized. We use to be regulars and that is where they were attentive. I refused to order food but my friend needed some food. We then had to ask for go box and that took another 10 minutes. The bartenders need to learn how to look and engage the whole bar of customers. Not sure I will return if the wait staff doesn't improve. However, the 4:00 pm staff was incredibly efficient. read more

Wouldn't call it an Irish pub by any means anymore, just a very established Saint Paul dive. Strong drinks, bomb-ass smashburgers, daily menu specials, and cheap-but-decent weekend brunch. read more

Food is fine. Service is not good. Be ready to wait for each round and get dirty looks from busy servers when you order food. Sad. Used to be much better. read more

Greasy food, yellow beer and bocce ball. Sounds like an all around winner to me. Half Time Rec is a spacious St. Paul dive that's a great spot to spend a few hours at with friends. There're two large rooms upstairs, plenty of tables and chairs plus a long bar for you to prop up at when you're there on your own. Maybe the best selling point is the two bocce ball courts in the basement. Sure it's dingy down there and my friends kept telling me someone lives down there as well (basement dwelling bar owner--cool!), only adding to the allure. The courts are well-lit, though, and there're even a few spots to sit and spectate. Don't be surprised if some friendly locals challenge you to a match. Happened to us! I'd definitely go back. read more

We are from out of state and Half Time Rec was recommended by a friend. We walked in to a very loud, unfriendly setting. We found a place to sit and no one ever approached our table. We got up and left. We will not return! read more

A Dive bar with banging real deal bar food and a funkalicous menu of good eating. This bar is divey so don't expect restaurant quality seating and service although the staff is friendly. The Bar stools are falling apart and the heating isn't great for the winter but don't let that detract from the excellent quality flavors you will experience. I had the cork dog on a Thursday night for the $7 special. This dog is a home run! It's quality juicy beef wrapped in perfectly cooked bacon resting in a slit hoagie sized roll, topped with a smooth cheese coated elbow macaroni, mustard and chili pesto. The portion size is large and it's too messy to pick up and eat . The chili Pesto is a visual trick since it looks like relish but really tastes like basil and mild chili peppers. The bread is way above the average bun that detracts from the taste of so many America hot dogs. The cork dog blew me away for sure. This is an exceptional dog that you've got to try. I would love to put my face in front of more of there delicious sounding menu soon. read more

Half Time Rec - Free popcorn - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

The staff is really nice here. The drinks are reasonable. Good spot. I would recommend trying their food. Everything was made well that I tried. read more

The two must haves here are the green chile cheese fries and the breakfast toasty sandwich. The cheese on the cheese fries is a delicious beer cheese and the breakfast toasty sandwich is my absolute favorite. Worth stopping in. read more

I'll begin with the good. I've been here a few times to just grab a beer and go home. Those times have been fine, and the service has been sufficient for being a bar. The bartenders are very adequate. The bad is much longer. I went here because of a Thrillist article (https://www.thrillist.com/drink/minneapolis/minneapolis-world-cup-bars-2018) saying that it was a good place to watch football during the World Cup. It's near my work, so it was a good choice for me. This place made me intensely uncomfortable. First off, there was no soccer playing. While the bartender was very kind about changing the channel, there is nothing about this place that says, "we're playing World Cup games". More importantly, though, this place is populated by local regulars who are racist, homophobic, and generally assholes. I definitely heard the word "f****t" tossed around a few times, and complaints about Mexicans playing sports (hint: Mexico wasn't playing for the game I was watching). I was berated more than a few times with "way to make America great" for rooting for a mostly-white, European team, and told I wasn't watching a real sport. Not only is this not a place to watch soccer, it's not even a good place for anyone other than local, MAGA-loving regulars to hang out in. Would definitely not recommend to anyone. read more

A drunk friend wanted to go here for dinner, craving a Paddy Shack burger. The entire ride there this burger was talked up as being the best. How could I not order it? Burger was good, but not great. A bit messy. I'd really like if they sliced the picked tomato instead of wedges. It'd be much easier to eat! (The pickled tomato was a nice touch though, tasty). Fries were the bees knees! Yummy, potatoey goodness. Plus, POPCORN! You'll always win me over with popcorn. Pretty decent food for a legit dive bar (not a hipster 'dive' bar) read more

If your looking for a out of the way corner bar like the good ole days. Here's a place for you. The place is split in 2 for the bar and the bands. I have seen Irish music on Thursdays, a 60s cover group on a Saturday when the place was packed, a Beatles Tribute Band, and my personal favorite "The Party Army" have been there many times. As I don't drink I go for the free popcorn and live music. Oh yea they have this "Hammer & Nail" game there and bacchi ball in the basement. Tell em the ZERO sent ya. read more

Half Time Rec - Half Time Rec 55103 - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Wow! Their Fish & Chips basket - YUM! After a very long absence from this bar, I came here last Friday evening to try some of their beer-battered cod. Their evening special was a fried shrimp po-boy sandwich. Plus, "Irish Brigade" was playing until 7:30pm (it's a group I often came to this place to listen to, although this time, only Michael was playing). We got a table by the pull-tab booth, and noticed a beer advertised on a sign just above our heads - my companion had previously had the beer and liked it, so we each ordered a pint (there was a godzilla-like monster on the ad) when our server came around. And I ordered the fish & chips, and my companion ordered the shrimp po-boy. Our beers were delivered a few minutes later, and we munched on a few baskets-full of their free popcorn (terribly salty, as expected), available in their corn popper machine. A little while later, our food arrived, piping hot - just out of the fryer. I had to remind the server that I wanted some lemon wedges to squeeze onto my fish, and she returned a few minutes later with a few lemon slices. My fish was excellent - 3 logs of beer-battered cod - piping hot, crunchy on the outside and juicy-very tender cod fish on the inside. The squeeze of lemon juice elevated the experience to an even greater level. The tartar sauce is really good - with plenty of dill - I think it could be even better with some acidity - either lemon, or some malt vinegar mixed in. The "steak fries" were also piping hot, with a crisp, firm exterior and a tender-dry interior. Plus they have Heinz ketchup squeeze bottles at the tables. Mmmm! My companion said he really enjoyed his shrimp po-boy and steak fries - almost as much as the one served at Sea Salt in Minnehaha Park (but not quite, for that's pretty hard to beat). We each enjoyed a second beer before leaving for the night, since we were not up for making "a night of it" at the bar. read more

Went here today for lunch and was sadly disappointed after all the reviews and I had the beer Mac and cheese nothing really that special...got a side of mushy peas (that needed to be more mushy and less peppery)...my aunt got fish and chip which was very good with the tartar sauce killer! Not really Id be back! read more

I have spent many, many hours at this hole in the wall dive bar from high school (no one carded then), through college and post college years. I love that despite the music changes and new owners and upgraded food and lack of lingering smoke smell nothing has really changed here and that is good. Some Irish music mixed into a broader music program keeps things lively. The drinks are strong and relatively cheap. The bocce is still lake playing in your grandmas basement. Everything important is still the same. Now you add in a very nicely done menu for very little money and you have a winner. I loved my huge huge Paddy Melt with blue cheese and perfectly grilled bread. The Paddy Shack burger was up there with the best in town. The Fish and Chips ere lightly breaded and tasty with crispy fries. Everything we tried we liked. Nice job Scott and Steve on improving on a classic bar? read more

Half Time Rec - Countdown to the big day - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Very good meals! We had Irish Toasty with tomato and egg- The Cork Rec Dog- And a Paddy Melt. All were very good- interesting and awesome flavor combos, and really great bread! Our server, Colin, was friendly and attentive- and great at anticipating our needs. Also- the restaurant was very clean which is nice. I'd recommend dinner here- worth the visit! read more

Half Time Rec - Left is paddy melt -- top is toasty -- bottom/right is cork dog - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Ok, I was hungry... my friend Brook brought me to half time... for food? I think I've probably been here on a bender or three... but food? Got the Patty Melt... totally split, cuz it's huge. Delicious burger with an onion jam on RYE bread! Omg! Awakens my love for the melt-of-the-patty! Appetizers look amazing! Come for the food, the DJ is spinning some sweet tunes, stay for the people! read more

Never had such rude service. Troy, the barback, was great! Way more helpful than the bartenders. Move him up. Him and the girl selling meat raffle during the game were literally the only nice staff I encountered. Food was good once the correct order was brought out. A simple smile can go a long ways....just saying. read more

Total dive bar and proud! The atmosphere is lively, friendly and proud. What drew me here was to pay respect to my dad who loved the movie Grumpy Old Men, which had some scenes here. But the food! I had the Paddy Melt and it was GREAT! Burger was seasoned well and caressed in blue cheese on a layer of the onion jam! The onion rings were light, crispy and were not greasy. Very good! Just watch the step on your way out...trust me. read more

Half Time Rec - Yes...CA tourist at the Half Time Rec paying respect to my dad. #grumpyoldmen - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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The ultimate in dive bars. Good beer list, decent menu, surly servers, and amazing people watching. We liked the lobster grilled cheese and the fries with corned beef and coleslaw. Free popcorn, too! read more

Half Time Rec - Lobster grilled cheese and a pint of Lonely Blonde. - Dive Bars Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Excellent place to watch the Vikings game. We had a great server and the burgers and steak fries, yum steak fries, were delicious! Definitely be back! read more

Ehhhh....Not so good!!!! I was very disappointed with my experience here. Met my niece for lunch which I think was our first mistake. I think the food would have been better, hotter, fresher, had we came on Saturday night. She had the Beer Mac and Cheese with chicken and naturally, my fork veered over to try it, and it was mehhh....nothing great. It honestly looked left over from the night before and they threw in boiled chicken. Yes, the chicken is boiled. It almost looked canned to me but I really doubt it was. The temperature was not hot enough for me and the sauce was not saucy. It just did not look fresh to me nor did it taste fresh. I had the walleye which was excellent. My first time having mushy peas and I don't like peas but these were A'ight....Too peppery for me though...They were also runny....I am not sure they are supposed to be runny? I swapped out Champ which is basically mashed potatoes with onions. I love me sum spuds so something would have had to be horribly wrong for me not to like these taters. They were good but not great because they were luke warm. All of this adds to my suspicion that everything was a reheat except my fish. That would be WAY too noticeable. Ohhhhh I loved loved the tartar sauce!!! Definitely homemade! I really wish that this establishment would spend a little money and at least get some new bar stools. Every single one was cracked and old. Its sad when a place like this which has been around FOREVER doesn't care to put any money back into the business. I highly doubt this new food menu will be successful because the place is such a dump. The only reason I am giving three stars is my fish and the service. Our server was pretty good and she had the whole place. I will not go back but I am glad I tried it. read more

It still seems odd that a couple heavy hitters in the food scene chose a neighborhood bar to launch an Irish menu, but hey, it works. Came here on a Friday night for dinner. We had the stuffed jalapeños (small but crispy and gooey), lobster roll (rich and buttery) and fish n chips (soft and flaky, not overly battered and fried). This is NOT your standard bar food. It is delicious and well-crafted. A little pricier, sure, but such a treat for the midway area. Service was spot on. Biggest downside is the noise and some loud, tipsy types. Hopefully the Paddy Shack survives. read more

Is the music always unbearably loud? It's was 8:30 on a Wednesday! There was maybe 10 people in the bar. It was tough to have a conversation with my husband. And I'm not some blue hair complaining because my hearing aid was turned up;) It was just stupid loud so we left. read more