CityPages released its “Best of the Twin Cities” list last week and several of Minnesota’s LGBT institutions made the cut.

Best place to people watch: Brass Rail

“The place recently underwent a renovation in an effort to class itself up a little. That effort was more or less successful, so now the stable of regulars is salted with after-work skyway types, disoriented tourists looking for a pre-theater drink, and of course the folks who are coming early to guarantee a seat for the Wednesday-through-Sunday go-go boys. It’s a friendly mix, and never boring.”

TheColu.mn can attest to that. On a recent Friday, editor Andy Birkey visited the Rail. Here’s a fun picture from that night:

Best gay bar: Jetset

“Though the bar generally opens each day around 5 p.m., don’t plan on getting there early. As with any hip bar, the party doesn’t really get started until after 10 p.m.”

TheColu.mn agrees. Weekends are usually a good party, and the dancefloor usually gets rockin’ by about midnight. The tallboys are the best deal, and Friday night are 18-plus for Locker Room.

Best lesbian night: Twilight at Kitty Cat Klub

“The fun and sophisticated event is a much-needed space for lesbians, queer girlz, bois, butches, femmes, bi-girls, and all the queer-friendly people in the Twin Cities to meet and have a good time.”

Best Store for Sex Toys: Smitten Kitten

“The shop’s stock is built around an extremely progressive attitude toward sex—earth-friendly sex toys, strap-ons of all sizes and colors, BDSM hardware, and pasties for any occasion. They even stream ethical porn on their website, putting those good vibrations to extremely good use. The knowledgeable and supremely uncreepy staff makes browsing a fun, exploratory experience—no trench coat required.”