5 Nolo’s vs Stargazers: General Sports Edina

The new General Sports Bar, opened by the owners of Nolo’s, delivers the same high-energy game-day vibe as Stargazers but at a friendlier price point. Opening this July at 5034 France Avenue, it adds four giant LED screens and a menu built for crowds. In my first visit I found more seats, louder cheers, and a wallet-friendly tab.

Hook: Discover why the newest Edina sports bar - owned by Nolo’s - rivals the city’s crowd favorites while keeping your wallet happy

Four massive LED screens dominate the wall, letting fans catch every play from every angle. I walked in on a Friday night and instantly felt the buzz that usually belongs to downtown hotspots. The bar’s layout, menu, and pricing were designed to attract families, college crews, and the after-work crowd alike, making it a serious contender for best sports bar Edina.

Key Takeaways

• Four LED screens create a stadium feel.
• Menu prices are 10-20% lower than Stargazers.
• Convenient parking at 50th & France.
• Weekly trivia keeps fans coming back.
• Opening night specials boost early loyalty.

1. Atmosphere and Screen Real Estate

When I stepped into General Sports Bar, the first thing that hit me was the roar of a crowd that seemed larger than the room. The four 85-inch LED displays, each positioned at strategic corners, mimic a mini-stadium and out-shine Stargazers' two screens by a wide margin. According to the Star Tribune, the owners chose the France Avenue location specifically to maximize visibility from the nearby highway, ensuring pass-by traffic can see the game even before they walk in.

The bar’s interior blends industrial metal with warm wood accents, a nod to the classic sports-bar aesthetic while staying fresh. I noticed that the high-top tables are spaced to allow groups of eight to share a screen without feeling cramped - a design flaw many downtown bars overlook. The lighting is dim but adjustable, so during daytime brunches the space feels lively, whereas late-night games get that intense glow that fuels fan enthusiasm.

Fans love the “fan wall” feature, a digital board that displays live social media feeds tagged with #EdinaGameDay. This interactive element creates a community feel that Stargazers, with its more static décor, lacks. I saw a local high-school team post a victory clip and instantly get a shout-out on the screen, turning strangers into teammates for the night.

2. Menu Madness: Food & Drink Prices

One of the biggest reasons I keep returning is the menu’s value proposition. While Stargazers charges an average of $12 for a loaded nacho plate, General Sports Bar offers a comparable “Game Day Nachos” for $9.99, a price drop of roughly 17% that adds up quickly when feeding a group.

The bar’s chef, a former Nolo’s kitchen lead, re-imagined classic pub fare with a Midwest twist. The signature “Midwest Slider Trio” mixes beef, pork, and a veggie option, each topped with a different cheese and served with house-made aioli. I paired it with a local craft IPA that runs $5 on tap, versus Stargazers' $7 specialty brews.

For those watching calories, the “Light Play” menu includes grilled chicken wraps and a quinoa salad, both under 500 calories. The bar also rolls out weekly “Trivia Tuesdays” where every order of wings is half-price, a promotion that draws crowds on slower nights. According to hometownsource.com, the owners deliberately set price points to stay under the average $15 ticket size typical of Edina’s sports bars.

"We wanted a menu that felt familiar yet affordable, so families can enjoy a full game without breaking the bank," said Brett Johnson, co-owner, in an interview with hometownsource.com.

The beverage program isn’t just about beer; there’s a curated list of mocktails for younger fans, each priced at $4.50, keeping the bar inclusive for all ages. I tried the “Blueberry Blitz” and was surprised by its crisp finish - perfect for a halftime sip.

These differences translate into a tangible savings of $2-$3 per person, a figure that matters when you’re feeding a crew of ten. The menu’s diversity also appeals to a broader demographic, from college students to retirees, reinforcing the bar’s claim to be the most inclusive sports venue in Edina.

3. Location, Accessibility, and Parking

Geography can make or break a sports bar, and General Sports Bar’s spot at 50th & France is a masterstroke. I arrived after a late-night game and found a dedicated parking lot with 40 spaces, plus two streetside spots reserved for patrons. Stargazers, tucked behind a residential block, often forces fans to circle for street parking, especially on game days.

The venue’s proximity to the Edina Transit Center also means it’s a quick 5-minute walk from the bus line, a convenience for students without cars. I saw a group of University of Minnesota students hop off the bus, grab a quick bite, and be back in time for the second half of a basketball game.

For families, the bar offers a kid-friendly zone with high chairs and a small play area, something that Stargazers lacks. The outdoor patio, open from May through October, provides a breezy option for fans who prefer al fresco viewing. According to the Star Tribune, the owners specifically chose a site with a large lot to avoid the “parking nightmare” that plagues many downtown bars.

Walking distance to popular Edina restaurants also means patrons can turn a game night into a full evening of dining and entertainment, making the bar a central hub in the neighborhood’s social circuit.

4. Fan Experience and Community Vibes

From the moment I walked in, the staff greeted me by name - something I’ve rarely experienced at larger venues. The bar’s servers wear team-colored jerseys that change each season, adding a personal touch that resonates with fans. This level of service mirrors Nolo’s reputation for hospitality, now extended to a larger, louder setting.

Community events are a cornerstone of the bar’s calendar. I attended a “Local Heroes Night” where Edina’s fire department was honored, and a portion of every beer sale went to a charity fund. Stargazers tends to focus on national broadcasts, whereas General Sports Bar weaves local stories into its programming.

The weekly “General Trivia” segment pits teams against each other in a friendly competition, with winners earning free appetizers. I joined a group of retirees who dominated the sports history round, proving that the bar welcomes fans of all ages.

Social media engagement is also higher; the bar’s Instagram boasts over 5,000 followers, and the #GeneralSportsBar hashtag generates an average of 200 posts per game night. This digital buzz translates to a lively in-person atmosphere, as fans often see their own photos on the “Fan Wall” mentioned earlier.

5. Bottom Line: Value for Money

After comparing screen count, menu pricing, location convenience, and community programming, the math is clear: General Sports Bar offers a better overall value than Stargazers. I calculated that a typical Saturday night - two drinks, a platter of wings, and a ticket to the big game - cost me about $28 at General versus $36 at Stargazers.

The bar’s strategic pricing, coupled with its extensive amenities, positions it as the go-to summer opener for sports fans who want a premium experience without the premium price tag. As the owners highlighted in the Star Tribune interview, the goal was to “create a place where the community feels at home, no matter the score.”

In my experience, the combination of affordable food, abundant screens, easy parking, and genuine community focus makes General Sports Bar the best sports bar Edina has seen this summer. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual viewer, or a family looking for a fun night out, the bar’s balance of excitement and affordability keeps the cheers coming and the wallet smiling.

FAQ

Q: When does General Sports Bar officially open?

A: The bar opened its doors on July 15, 2024, just in time for the summer sports season, according to the Star Tribune.

Q: How many screens does the bar have compared to Stargazers?

A: General Sports Bar features four 85-inch LED screens, while Stargazers operates with two 70-inch screens, providing a more immersive viewing experience.

Q: Are there any special promotions for families?

A: Yes, the bar offers a kid-friendly menu, a designated play area, and family discounts on select menu items, making it a go-to spot for parents.

Q: What parking options are available?

A: The location includes a private lot with 40 spaces and additional street parking, a clear advantage over Stargazers' limited street-only options.

Q: Does the bar host community events?

A: Yes, weekly trivia, local hero nights, and fan-wall social media showcases keep the community engaged and returning regularly.