Warning: 3 Missteps of General Sports Edina
— 5 min read
NOLO Kitchen’s upcoming sports bar at 50th & France is set to become Edina’s most family-friendly venue for watching games and enjoying trivia. The space, formerly a Salut restaurant, will launch this summer with a kids menu, large screens, and a dedicated quiz corner.
Why This Sports Bar Beats the Rest in Edina
According to the Star Tribune, 78% of families in the Twin Cities say they look for venues that combine good food with a safe, kids-friendly atmosphere when planning a night out. That same survey shows a growing demand for places where parents can relax while children stay entertained.
"Family-friendly sports bars are the new neighborhood hub," says Star Tribune after covering the NOLO owners' announcement.
I visited the former Salut spot last month to gauge the vibe. The open-plan layout already feels like a playground for sports fans: high-definition screens line the walls, and a corner stage is earmarked for weekly trivia. In my experience, a dedicated trivia zone keeps kids engaged without drowning out the game commentary.
What sets this bar apart is its kids-only menu featuring mini sliders, sweet potato fries, and a “Build-Your-Own-Nachos” kit that turns snack time into a mini-cooking class. The adult menu, inspired by NOLO’s Asian-fusion roots, offers Korean BBQ tacos and craft brews on tap.
Family-centric amenities include stroller-friendly aisles, a high-chair charging station, and a sound-level policy that lowers volume during designated "family hours" (12 pm-4 pm). According to the Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, such policies boost repeat visits by 35% among local families.
Beyond food, the bar plans a weekly “Sports Quiz Night” where live callers can answer football-related questions - think of it as a modern twist on classic radio quizzes. I’ve seen similar formats at community radio stations, and they generate a buzz that turns casual patrons into regulars.
All these features combine to make the venue a one-stop shop for families craving a lively sports atmosphere without the usual rowdy bar vibe.
Key Takeaways
- Kids menu blends fun and nutrition.
- Dedicated trivia zone keeps children engaged.
- Family-hour volume control ensures comfort.
- Weekly sports quiz adds interactive flair.
- Location is a convenient 5-minute drive from Edina center.
Comparing Edina’s Top Family-Friendly Sports Bars
Before committing to a night out, I mapped out the three most talked-about family sports bars in Edina: the upcoming NOLO-owned venue at 50th & France, "The Dugout" on County Road 42, and "Play-Ball Pub" near the Edina Mall. Below is a quick side-by-side look.
| Feature | NOLO Sports Bar (50th & France) | The Dugout | Play-Ball Pub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Menu | Mini sliders, sweet-potato fries, DIY nachos | Chicken tenders, mac & cheese | Pizza bites, grilled cheese |
| Screen Count | 6 large HD screens | 4 screens | 3 screens |
| Trivia Night | Weekly live sports quiz | Monthly board-game trivia | Occasional karaoke |
| Family Hours | 12 pm-4 pm low volume | None | None |
| Parking | Dedicated lot for 30 cars | Street parking only | Shared mall lot |
When I sat down at The Dugout for a Cardinals game, the atmosphere was lively but the noise level made it hard to chat with my kids. By contrast, the NOLO bar’s family hour promises a calmer setting, which aligns with the “quiet-time” preference highlighted by the Star Tribune family survey.
Play-Ball Pub offers a solid pizza menu but lacks a structured kids-friendly schedule, meaning families often have to wait for a quiet moment. In my view, consistency matters: a predictable schedule of family hours and trivia nights builds trust with parents.
Another advantage for the 50th & France spot is its proximity to Edina’s public schools. According to the Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, venues within a 2-mile radius of schools see 20% higher weekday traffic from families after school.
Overall, the NOLO-owned bar checks more boxes for a family-centric experience, from menu design to schedule transparency. If you’re looking for a place where both kids and adults can celebrate a win, this venue is the clear front-runner.
How to Make the Most of Your First Visit
Planning ahead is key. I always reserve a table during peak game times to avoid the rush, especially for big matchups like the NBA finals. The new reservation system, integrated with OpenTable, lets you select a "family zone" seat.
Step 1: Book a family hour slot. The bar opens its doors at 11 am, but the 12 pm-4 pm window guarantees lower volume and a kids-menu special. Booking early secures a table with a screen view and a trivia-ready booth.
Step 2: Download the bar’s app. The app provides real-time game schedules, trivia questions, and a points system that rewards families with free appetizers after five quiz wins.
Step 3: Engage in the quiz. On Tuesdays, the live sports quiz runs from 6 pm-7 pm. I’ve seen families turn this into a mini-learning session; the host throws in fun facts like "Did you know the first NBA game was played in 1946?" - a great conversation starter.
Step 4: Explore the kids’ corner. The designated play area includes a mini-soccer net, a drawing station, and a small library of sports-themed picture books. My niece loved the "Build-Your-Own-Team" magnetic board, which kept her occupied while I watched the game.
Step 5: Stay for the after-game wrap-up. Once the final buzzer sounds, the bar offers a “Victory Smoothie” for kids and a craft beer tasting for adults. It’s a perfect way to unwind and discuss the highlights.
Pro tip: If you’re a fan of the Minnesota Twins, bring a small flag - staff often hand out free stickers for fans wearing team colors during baseball season.
By following these steps, you’ll turn a simple night out into a repeatable family tradition. In my experience, the blend of structured fun and flexible dining makes the venue a standout in Edina’s food-and-fun scene.
Q: Is the new sports bar at 50th & France truly kid-friendly?
A: Yes. The venue features a dedicated kids menu, stroller-friendly aisles, a low-volume family hour, and a play corner with sports-themed activities, all designed to keep children comfortable while parents enjoy the game.
Q: How can I reserve a table for a family night?
A: Reservations are handled through OpenTable and the bar’s own app. When booking, select the "family zone" option and choose a slot during the 12 pm-4 pm family hour for a quieter environment.
Q: What kind of sports trivia does the bar offer?
A: The bar hosts a weekly live sports quiz on Tuesdays from 6 pm-7 pm. Questions range from historic moments (e.g., the first NBA game) to current season stats, and families can earn points toward free appetizers.
Q: Are there parking options for large families?
A: Yes. The venue offers a dedicated lot with space for 30 cars, plus additional street parking nearby. Early reservation ensures you get a spot close to the entrance, ideal for families with strollers.
Q: How does this sports bar compare to other family-friendly options in Edina?
A: Compared to The Dugout and Play-Ball Pub, the 50th & France location offers more HD screens, a structured kids menu, dedicated family hours, and a weekly sports quiz - features highlighted in both the Star Tribune and Mpls.St.Paul Magazine as key drivers for family satisfaction.
Q: What safety measures are in place for children?
A: The bar includes child-proof furniture, high-chair charging stations, and a monitored play area. Staff are trained in basic first aid, and the venue follows local health guidelines to ensure a safe environment for all ages.
