OMG! Love this place! Great people, music, and food in a small, fun, eclectic dive bar. What more could you ask for? We had an amazing time and are definitely coming back again (soon)! Bartender was awesome and so was server! Great little South Minneapolis neighborhood bar! read more

I was here for a local tango Marathon event and it was a great space for music and for dancing. Well I don't eat much fried food personally everything that the people around me were having looked and smelled amazing. read more

Driftwood Char Bar - American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

What a cute little South Minnepolis music bar! My sister's band was playing on a Saturday night so I had to check it out. It was my first time at Driftwood. Bands typically play for 90 minutes or so and there are often several in a night. Getting there was not too bad. There was adequate street parking nearby and we didn't have any issues getting close enough, however, we got there early. When you walk in the Driftwood, there's a $5 cover charge for the band that is collected. I made sure to come early because I wanted to get enough seats for my partner, parents, in-laws, and myself. An hour or so before the first band was sufficient. We were able to order some food (which was pretty good bar food!) and some drinks before the band started. The place itself is not huge. There are a couple tables that can fit 2-4 people that are able to be pushed together and a bunch of high tops about the same size. There is also a bar, a small stage area, and a bit of room between the stage and tables. Once the music started, servers definitely came around less often, so I'd suggest ordering any food and drinks before the band starts. There is really only beer, wine, and some ciders/seltzers, which honestly..is probably a good thing. Overall, there was a great atmosphere and it was a good time. Exciting to come back in a month or so to watch my sister's band play again. read more

See all

Larry sucks. Don't go. Plus, there's a cover, and food and drink are expensive and low quality.

An upsetting experience here. The door man was not present when we walked in. We ordered a quick drink before dinner and then were accosted for a cover charge. I tried to ask questions about what the cover charge was for as the band hadn't started, and the employee was disrespectful, mocking my questions and telling us we could leave if we wanted. We had already ordered our drinks (with a card) and didn't have the cash for a cover. My husband went to the ATM to take out cash to pay the cover and the employee continued to be antagonistic. We finished our drinks as quickly as we could then left. We were followed out by the employee who waved the money at us and said we could have it back if we had been polite and said we were only there for one drink. There was no way we could have known that clarifying that we were only there for one drink would have meant we didn't have to pay the cover, as he was so rude during the conversation and didn't give that as an option. Will not return, felt very uncomfortable. read more

I'm a little puzzled by the wide range of reviews for this place. I've been here a few times and a good friend of mine lives a block away and comes here regularly. It's a bar with a decent selection of bar food and a stage where there is usually a local band or comedy show going on. For that last reason, there is generally a cover charge (it was five bucks this last time), so bear that in mind. The sound quality for music has been surprisingly good in my experience. The food is fine; this last time I got some grilled shimp that was really good. That's probably the most unique thing on the menu; they also have a selection of burgers and sandwiches with enough variety that there should be something of interest to most. They have a pool table in a back room where it's a little quieter while bands are playing. I'll definitely be happy to come back here, and I think if you're in the market for a locally-owned (and apparently woman-of-color owned) bar to hang out in in this neighborhood, you should give them a shot. read more

See all

if it was just for the music, it would be five stars The problem is that you have a owner that doesn't know what hospitality is, a staff that doesn't know how to clean, a cook who is also the same owner buys the cheapest freezer to fryer food and processed crap and charges premium prices. I'll be honest with all you out in interweb land. It would be better to go next-door and microwave a frozen burrito at the gas station instead of eating here. This place could be amazing hopefully one day they will get their heads on their shoulders and hire a professional, or somebody that at least understands what it takes to run a music venue/bar. read more

We came in from Kansas City, MO and had the best time here. The bartender was amazing and even some of the patrons. It was a cool place to just chill and play pool and the atmosphere was so relaxed. Definitely will come back here if we come back to Minneapolis! read more

We had a fun time here as a band we knew was playing. The bar typically doesn't stay open that late from what I heard, but let the band play for another 10-20 minutes and we were super happy about that. The only thing is they didn't have any liquor the night we were there, just beer options. I'm not sure why, but they must have their reasons. ;-) read more

Walked in to grab a drink before dinner somewhere else with my wife. We got to the bar, ordered a drink, and out of nowhere the "door guy" approached my wife telling her there is a cover, he was in the bathroom. He proceeds to be the biggest jerk while we asked what the cover was for (there was a band but they hadn't set up yet) and he goes "It's for the band, what do you think?" I asked if they started yet and he goes "What do you think?" It was down hill after that. The bartender was super sweet and apologized and the owner came and scolded him about it. We went to leave I told him to have a great night (actually, nothing else), and he proceeded to follow us out of the bar. I told him in some not so kind words to leave us alone. Long story short don't go here. read more

Awful experience. I went to see my friends band perform there, and after I paid a $10 cover charge, the guy in charge of music cut them off after 20 minutes. Then they handed me my tab after I'd only purchased one beer. Like I was a paying customer and they kicked me out after the band I was there to see was done playing?? Also the kitchen was closed at 10pm on a Saturday night so idk read more

We arrived a little late a Saturday night for live music and were greeted by a very polite doorman. If you don't have cash for the cover, the atm is right there. I didn't order food, but helped our friends finish their chicken tenders and fries and they were delicious!! I wish we had ordered food. It wasn't clear who the server was, but they are all running around bussing tables like crazy, which I love. But our table was bussed three times before I finally went up to the bar to order a drink. Beer was cold and once one of the servers got in sync with me I never went thirsty! They are very efficient at the end of the night and get you your tabs before last call, but I don't mind - it helps with the hangover I recommend checking their calendar and planning a night when you know the band, you'll definitely enjoy this intimate venue! read more

Live music on a Tuesday with keyboard , guitars and a sax- all music donations for charity . Great neighborhood pub that anyone would like. Don't tell anyone. read more

Driftwood Char Bar - Where can you go on a Tuesday nite and hear live music? Laid back and good bar food. All music donations go to charity. Great small pub . - American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

What a dump driftwood charbar is. There was puke on the floor, bathrooms were unsanitary, and the service was poor. I will not bring my family here anymore. You lost a 5-year good paying customer. I'm at my doctors office right now making sure I didn't catch any diseases from my visit to your establishment read more

Everything a dive bar should be aside from the smell... A bar almost exclusively filled with locals, a stage where you imagine crazy stuff goes down after midnight, a pool table and great service even to us strangers. read more

Live music https://www.facebook.com/317426951602004/posts/4603283506349639/?d=n and food. Simple menu but fresh and tasty. No wilty lettuce on the Ceaser and a quality dressing. Chicken or shrimp and cause I prefer to save myself for sushi I got the chx which was not dry. "Wonderful...BLT" read more

I'll just jot down some notes as I sit here. Great music selection. Walked in was able to order a drink and they didn't keep me nore anyone else waiting Jessica not only got my glass out the way made sure to get the last drop into my new glass of wine. Great music. Good vibes. Didn't get to order food. I will next time for sure. Beer and wine. read more

See all

Really wanted to give this place a good review cause it is a nice local spot but the owner is a drunk nightmare. She was insanely rude to me and my friends our first time there not to mention her own staff. One of the regulars there gave me the run down on her and the she's always like this and "it's her party I guess". Probably won't be back which is too bad. read more

For overall rating I have a hard time going higher than 3 stars. For what it is, A divey neighborhood bar with tons of live music, you really can't ask for a whole lot more. I've been a few times now when a buddy is performing with his band and it is usually pretty damn crowded, especially on weekends. Service at the bar can be hit or miss, partly because the bar isn't very big, there are usually only 2 bar tenders and the place is packed. The space overall is pretty tight and on Saturday's there is a $5 cover, it doesn't take many humans to turn the bar into standing room only. They only serve beer and wine here, so don't come expecting Cocktails or Spirits. There are Pull tabs and the food looks good enough for bar food, although I have never tried it. For South Minneapolis Live Music on a consistent basis, the Char Bar is a solid choice. read more

A friend was playing here on a Saturday night with 7 pm set. I got there around 6:30 to grab a table and thank goodness because this place quickly turned into standing room only. I had never heard of the Driftwood but it's clear to see that it's got a following. There was a $5 cover for the band and they had some drink specials. The night started out pretty smoothly, but as it got more crowded the service got slower. I ordered a cheeseburger and fries, and for bar food it was decent. The atmosphere was fun and everyone was into the music. There's interesting art all over the walls for sale and interesting people to watch. Not sure I'd make this a staple in the rotation, but for a drink and some local music, it's not bad at all. read more

I been here several times to see bands. The place is small and feels like a dive neighborhood bar. There are several good beers on tap. The beer was fresh and cold. I have eaten here once and it was what I expected for the atmosphere. The problem I have with the place is the smell of the fryer. It smells like burned food and oil throughout the place. Very heavy. One of the bartenders was very rude on my last visit. They seem to get frustrated when it gets busy and then take their frustration out on patrons. The dude comes off as an old curmudgeon and blames the patron for his mistake and oversight. Not a lot of smiles from the staff. I will return if there is a band I want to see. Not a couples or date night place for me. read more

The place definitely has a neighborhood feel. The best part was the bar tender that was working when I arrived was sitting at the bar, drinking, by the time I left. I assume he was there working off a previous tab. The food menu is surprisingly classy. Sweet potato fries with aioli? (They are actually very good). But then they also have some dive-favorites like cheese curds and mini cord dogs. $2 pints of Grain Belt during weekday happy hour. Enough said. read more

Driftwood Char Bar - American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This is a little shack of a bar with live music and cool art all over the walls, but the star of this show is the wings. The fried chicken wings are quite possibly the best freaking wings I've ever had. Crispy, crunchy and so freaking juicy on the inside. I'm going to dream about these wings. I wasn't there when they had live music but I went on a Friday afternoon for lunch and the radio music was so loud. We also ordered ahead and when we got there they acted like they never received our order, which was kind of odd. But the fried chicken wings... they make up for it all. read more

Came to see a friend playing in a band on a Thursday night around 7:30pm. Walked in found an open table and was approached by a server a minute later she gave me another two minutes to decide on an order and came back. Drinks and my sweet potato fries were served quickly. Music was also enjoyable! A gentleman came by after our food was out to check in with us. Fries and beers were tasty despite the price($8 and $6.75) Then again we didn't pay the cover so it Solid experience for us! read more

See all

I had a terrible experience at driftwood. Came into driftwood with a friend to get a drink. We were discussing what we were going to order when we were approached by a worker, maybe the owner, who was a drunk a$$hole. We proceeded to leave as he was yelling rude comments. I have not had that awful of an experience anywhere else in Minneapolis. DO NOT recommend. read more

This is a nice little performance spot in this neighborhood. I really liked that the music was at a level that you could still hear the people in your group without having to shout over them. After reading some of the reviews, I still ended up ordering food and drink. Yes, the service could have been better and it seemed like it took longer than what is decent for it to come out, but it was still good. I would come back to this spot, but knowing what to expect. read more

This place is a fucking joke. My band played here and the sound guy rudely canceled our set after 15 minutes. When we asked why, we were told that our bass players sister brought in food. So the owner and sound guy freak out on her and kick her out, she tells him that her brother is in the band and wants to see him, so they go and cancel our set and told us to go fuck off. They never paid us and treated us like shit. The sound was also complete shit, the sound guy has no clue what he's doing. If your a band, do not play here. read more

It's unfortunate that I need to write this review- but my experience last night needs to be shared. It wasn't a one time event either. We love the bands but the owner creates an uncomfortable experience. We order food, drinks and apps (when they decide to serve them). Other people show up and May order one beer or drink water and listen to music. We were hassled to constantly put money in the tip bucket- which we did every time. $30 total. My tab was $112 for 2 people with one chicken sandwich. I questioned the total drinks and some of my money was refunded. That's when the owner showed up and hassled me "again" to donate money to band. Let me remind you- we ordered whatever food they had and drinks totaling more than $100. The person behind me drank water all night and tipped $0. The owner hassled me to the point that I chipped in another $15 to get her out of my space. We will never be back. And I will advise my fiends that use to go to never go back. If I do- I'll drink water, watch the band and claim to have no money like many others there. Instead of appreciating our business and generous tipping of the band- the owner wanted to exploit us to make up for everyone else. If you go to Driftwood, order one drink and milk it for hours, that way you'll stay under the radar and not get shaken down for more money. read more

Having lived in Chicago, I took the neighborhood bar for granted. I could walk down my block and BAM! Seven bars to choose from. Unfortunately Minneapolis is not yet this cool, so I was thrilled to find out I even HAD a neighborhood bar, on my street even -- the Driftwood! Friendly people, good food (but slow service on food orders - beware), they have breakfast on weekends, and the clientele is hilarious (quite a, um, diverse crowd, if you will). Live music almost every night, which is usually pretty good, but makes table-talk difficult - it gets pretty loud. Oh and a pool table?? Support the local bar! Especially this one. Maybe more will start popping up in South Minneapolis??? One can only hope. read more

Not a great first impression of the Driftwood. Almost comically, our waitress could not remember our order to save her life, repeatedly coming back and asking what we had ordered. In my head I'm thinking, "Why not carry around a notepad?" Easy enough, right?! The unfortunate result was my order not being registered, and thus I sat hungry while others at my table enjoyed their meals. In the end they did comp my food, so at least they atoned for their mistake. The food is not good, even for bar food. They indicated at numerous times they were easing into a new menu. Perhaps inexperience was the culprit, but the result was a dry burger drenched in some terrible sauce and tasteless fries. At least there is a decent selection on tap, and beers are only $2.50, right? Wrong! Though their website still boasts old specials, they no longer exist. I questioned the bartender, showed him the website, but to no avail. I mentioned the special written on the chalkboard ($1 beer with food purchase Sunday and Monday) but was told it only applied to employees of the service industry. Sure enough, hidden amongst the colorful writing was a small note saying "service deals," or something to that affect. I told him the way it was written was very confusing. He didn't seem to care. Two stars because although she was a bit on the disorganized side, it was clear that our waitress actually cared. She sincerely apologized for our experience as we left, which was considerate of her. If we return and things are better, I will update this review. read more

Essentially, my review echos everything that Troy P.'s says. A good neighborhood bar with live music, a definite "I'm a regular" vibe, and iffy service. I've been to Driftwood few times to catch a band I'm pretty fond of, and I've never had less than a good time. The place gets pretty packed on weekends during shows, and the manager of the place does an excellent job of making the rounds to chat and joke around with bar-goers. Service is definitely spotty, especially when things get busy and overwhelming for the 2 bartenders on staff. It's in your best interest not to ask them for a glass of water - they'll roll their eyes and point in the direction of the self-serve cooler next to the wall. They serve typical bar food staples, and I can attest that the fries and cheese curds are pretty good. Oh, and don't come here expecting a gin & tonic or a shot of whiskey (although this would be very appropriate, given the super divey aesthetic) - this place is beer and wine only. My typical game plan involves having one or two of their 6-7 beers on tap, then switching to those light American lagers we all love to hate, since they're about $4 cheaper. read more

Overcharged us for drinks that we didn't order. We have been to this bar a few times before and never had a problem. When we attempted to discuss being over charged we were immediately dismissed. We're in our late 30's, old and in the way, we're not trying to get out of a tab. As much as we love the Grateful Dead they're a despicable representation. Do NOT go here. read more

What a night! Super food, and amazing music! My wife and I shared grilled chicken nachos and a tuna steak melt. Pleasure programme headlined, they were perfect! Highly recommend. read more

Driftwood Char Bar - a group of people in a dark room - American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Extremely intoxicated waitress Heidi poses as manager and is extremely rude to customers and performers alike, terrible sound,terrible management, terrible prices, scams out of town performers by refusing to pay. Between the amount of yelp accounts that have been made just to leave a bad review and the amount of fake 4-5 star reviews tells you all you need to know about how the business is run. Would never recommend read more

This is a bar that I would greatly miss if it left my neighborhood, yet it's far from perfect. One, don't even consider the food unless it's a Heggie's frozen pizza at midnight. Everything else is basically frozen randomness which gets dumped directly into a fryer. And to be honest, I'm okay with that. The Char Bar is a place you go to with some friends on a Friday or Saturday night for a sloppy good time and live music, which is increasingly hard to find in South Minneapolis. The main problem, which others have alluded to, is that the beer prices are absurd. I think I was once charged $19 for a pitcher of Schell's. The pricing almost seems arbitrary and I've pretty much been told that there is special pricing for the "regulars." I think if they improved their beer selection and had consistently lower prices, it would go a long way. read more

A typical neighborhood dive bar. Cool art work decorates the walls, and the place has a cozy atmosphere. Great service, and friendly staff. I've been here a couple of times, and I love the sweet potato fries. I'm not a huge fan of the garlic mayonnaise which comes with the fries. Locals bands play here, and they have a small intimate set-up for the bands. They do have out door seating. The crowd is a bit older. They have free wifi. Overall, a cool place to hangout every once in a while. read more

Driftwood Char Bar - Sweet potato fries with garlic mayonnaise - American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This is a really neat little place to check out. Miscellaneous musicians linger in the crowd waiting to play on stage...kinda neat. The music was good and the food isn't too bad, deep fried pot stickers were actually very tasty. They also have Crabby Monday which I want to check out one of these days. The prices of everything were very reasonable and the beverage selection was fair. The bathrooms were kind of nasty and it's in a sketchy neighborhood so the crowd can be a bit creepy. A woman who'd had way too much to drink tried to guilt us into letting her sleep on our couch because her boyfriend just threw her out. Overall it is your average dive bar made better by great music and a pretty good menu. It's an interesting spot to check out but I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable (or safe) being a regular. It's one of those novelty spots to hit when the mood strikes you. read more

Such a great staff - I have been here three times now and the staff have always been friendly and just seem to be having a good time, enjoying the music and the company of the regulars. The art on the walls is a treat, especially the local artist prints for sale! read more

A great spot for a burger and beer. We went Ina Monday evening, so it wasn't overly crowded. I had the Rueben sandwich and fries and my guest had the Mexican Chubby and fries. We both enjoyed our meals. I particularly liked the fries as they were perfectly done in my opinion. I like my fries to taste like a potato, and soft. As far as the service goes, I appreciated that they employed a waiter who may have difficulties in finding a job. He was an older worker who tried hard to please,but was rather clueless in reading body language. That being said, this is a neighborhood beer and burger establishment with Anice following of customers, good food and adequate service. If I needed better service, I'd go to a more upscale place. This is a cozy little restaurant for a casual meal. If your looking to impress a date, chose another restaurant. They also have some sidewalk tables in the summer. read more

Folks.....I hate adding 5 stars for fear this place will be standing room only... Local bar-not dive- GREAT bar food (burgers, chicken sandwiches, wings, onion rings, fries, etc). Yes....eclectic crowd (u never know OR DO KNOW). We've had amazing service and local easy bands make this place a fun stop! Ps.. beer/Wine only....prices for both a bit high...but is the trend in this neighborhood. While I WISHED they served cocktails---lack OF and 50 cents more a glass or beer keeps the trouble OUT and FUN in. read more