Stepping off Washington Avenue North onto Ava’s main level brings an immediate drop in volume and tempo. The room leans heavily into dark woods, fluted glass, custom brass fixtures, and deep velvet banquettes. Seating is deliberately low-slung, creating sightlines that emphasize social connection over performance.
The beverage program on this floor mirrors top-tier craft cocktail parlors in Chicago and New York. Bartenders focus on balance, house-made tinctures, and clarified spirits rather than theatrical smoke shows. Classic recipes receive modern adjustments: milk-washed rum concoctions, rye Old Fashioneds infused with regional stone fruits, and crisp agave-based drinks balanced with botanical amari.
Seating remains deliberate and unhurried. Patrons gather around the central bar or tuck into curtained booths that deliver unmistakable Minneapolis speakeasy vibes. Service is table-side and polished, designed for couples and small groups who view drinks as an experience rather than a pregame ritual.
