The Circle Inn is just over the bridge in N Mankato. It’s minutes from downtown, but light-years from the crowds and pretense. The place has a great cast of friendly regulars and irregulars, and a friendly, attentive staff. Its diversity may cause you to sit with some cute blondes or some toothless, grizzled greyhairs. The bartenders pour strong drinks, and the cost is way better than merely affordable. Its not a place to take a date or drink a fine wine, but is an excellent spot to get away from the masses and the college kids for a cold beer, some peanuts and pull tabs