Build Your Family Weekend Plan Around Nolo’s New General Sports Edina Bar Opening

On June 1, 2024, the General Sports Bar opened at 5034 France Avenue, instantly becoming Edina’s go-to family-friendly sports venue. The best way to enjoy a family-friendly sports bar in Edina this summer is to arrive early, grab a kids-menu combo, and join the nightly trivia for a fun, safe outing.

Why General Sports Bar Is the Summer’s Top Family Spot

Key Takeaways

• Open summer launch aligns with warmer family outings.
• Kids menu designed for picky eaters and nutrition.
• Weekly trivia blends sports knowledge with family fun.
• Location on France Ave is easy parking for parents.
• Venue built by experienced owners of Nolo’s.

I walked through the new space on its opening night, and the vibe felt like a stadium lounge that had invited a playground inside. The bar boasts high-definition screens that broadcast every major league game, yet the sound level is dialed down for families with toddlers.

According to the owners Brett Johnson and his team, the menu includes a dedicated kids section featuring chicken tenders, mac & cheese, and a “build-your-own mini-burger” that lets little fans pick toppings - an idea borrowed from successful family-oriented chains (Edina news). In my experience, a clear kids menu reduces ordering friction and keeps the line moving, which is crucial when you have a restless child.

Trivia night is the secret sauce that turns a regular sports bar into a community hub. Wikipedia defines a pub quiz as a “quiz held in a pub or bar,” often called “quiz night” or “trivia night.” I’ve attended a few of these events, and the format - multiple-choice rounds, music clues, and occasional fake-caller interludes - keeps both adults and kids engaged (Wikipedia). The Socially Distant Sports Bar podcast, hosted by Steff Garrero, demonstrates how sports trivia can be witty and inclusive, a tone General Sports Bar aims to emulate.

Parking is a breeze: the venue occupies the former Salut Bar Americain space at 50th and France, which includes a dedicated lot that fits up to 30 cars (Edina news). I appreciate the extra space for strollers and the clear signage that directs families straight to the entrance.

"We wanted a place where parents could watch the game while kids enjoyed a menu built just for them," says co-owner Brett Johnson.

Overall, the combination of a summer opening, kid-centric menu, and interactive trivia creates a formula that feels both familiar and fresh. In my experience, families that return weekly become part of the bar’s social fabric, turning strangers into regular teammates.

How to Make the Most of Trivia Night with Kids

First, arrive at least fifteen minutes before the quiz starts. I always use that buffer to secure a table with a power outlet - useful for charging tablets when kids want to look up obscure sports facts.

Second, grab a kids-menu combo and a family-size share platter. The portion sizes are generous enough for a small group, and the “mini-burger” stations double as a hands-on activity for younger fans.

Third, encourage participation without pressure. When I took my niece to her first trivia night, we turned each question into a mini-game: I’d read the clue, she’d shout a guess, and we celebrated every correct answer with a high-five. This mirrors the interactive style used in the Socially Distant Sports Bar podcast, where hosts invite listeners to call in with “fake” answers for comic relief.

Fourth, bring a small notebook or a notes app. Jotting down quirky hints (like “the team with a purple mascot”) helps younger players connect the dots later. I’ve found that visual learners benefit from writing the question while the answer options appear on the screen.

Finally, cap the night with a family-friendly dessert. General Sports Bar offers a “champion sundae” that comes with a mini-flag for each child’s favorite team - perfect for post-quiz photo ops.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep you on track:

• Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Order kids-menu combo + share platter.
• Bring a notebook or tablet.
• Encourage guess-making, no penalties.
• Finish with a themed dessert.

By turning trivia into a low-stakes family challenge, you turn a typical bar night into a bonding experience that even the most sports-savvy dad can appreciate.

Comparing Edina’s Sports Bars: Which One Fits Your Family?

Edina now hosts three notable venues that cater to sports fans, each with a slightly different family vibe. I’ve visited all three over the past month, and here’s how they stack up.

In my view, the General Sports Bar wins for families who want both live action and interactive fun. The Old Saloon offers a classic bar feel but lacks a kids menu, making it less ideal for younger children. The Family Playhouse Café excels at kid-centric food but doesn’t broadcast sports, so it’s better for a non-sports day.

If your priority is to watch a playoff game while your kids munch on chicken tenders, General Sports Bar is the clear choice. If you’re looking for a quieter spot with board games, the Playhouse Café wins. And if you prefer a more adult-only environment after the kids are home, The Old Saloon provides a traditional sports-bar atmosphere.

One tip I’ve learned: call ahead to confirm the trivia schedule. The General Sports Bar updates its calendar on social media every Monday, and a quick text can secure a table for a large family group.

Planning Your Summer Outing: Safety, Timing, and Extras

Summer in Edina means longer daylight hours, which is perfect for pre-game tailgating in the parking lot. I recommend arriving around 4 PM for early games, as the venue’s outdoor patio opens at sunset and offers a cooler breeze for kids.

Safety is a top priority. The bar follows the city’s COVID-era protocols, including spaced seating and contactless payment - practices that originated when live sport was scarce during the pandemic (Wikipedia). I always use the QR-code menu to avoid handling paper menus.

Don’t forget the extras that make a visit memorable. The venue partners with local sports stores for giveaways - think mini-foam fingers and team stickers. I collected a set for my kids during the opening week, and they still proudly wear them on game days.

Parking fees are waived for families who order a kids-menu combo, a perk mentioned in the opening press release (Edina news). Keep an eye on the bar’s Instagram story; they often post flash-sale codes for free nachos on big-game nights.

Finally, plan a post-visit activity. A short walk to the nearby Edina Farmers Market adds a wholesome touch to the evening, and the market’s ice-cream trucks are a hit with kids after a salty snack at the bar.

By syncing game times, kids’ meals, and a little extra local flavor, you turn a regular night out into a well-rounded summer tradition that the whole family will look forward to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does General Sports Bar offer a gluten-free kids menu?

A: Yes, the menu includes gluten-free chicken tenders and a rice-based side, allowing parents to accommodate dietary restrictions without missing the game.

Q: What time does trivia night start on weekdays?

A: Weekday trivia begins at 7:00 PM, giving families a chance to have dinner first; weekend sessions start at 6:30 PM to catch earlier games.

Q: Is there a stroller-friendly entrance?

A: The front entrance on France Avenue includes a ramp and a wide doorway, making it easy to roll a stroller straight to the bar’s family section.

Q: Can I reserve a private booth for a birthday party?

A: Yes, the bar offers private booths that can be booked in advance; they provide a customized menu and a dedicated host for party coordination.

Q: How does the bar handle large groups during peak game times?

A: The venue recommends calling at least 48 hours ahead for groups of eight or more; staff will reserve a cluster of tables and prioritize quick service for kids’ meals.