I still have not figured out how one area can have so many amazing live music venues but the Twin…read moreCities and live music go hand-in-hand. That said, if you like live music as I do), this place needs to be on your list to check out. Back in June, I attended a Prince tribute performance (Nothing Compares 2P) here and neither the venue nor the music disappointed. The layout is great; starting with an elevated staged and just below that is a dance floor and beyond that area is seating (tables/chairs). There are great views of the stage from mostly anywhere in the space and most importantly, the sound system was on point. Because of demand, for this performance, the dance floor was converted to seating and while understandable, other than in your seat, it made dancing virtually nonexistent. So much so that if someone stood up to dance at their table, the staff working the event would quickly swoop in ask them to be seated so as not to block the view of the people behind them. While relatively large, there is a single bar which was well-stocked and staffed when I was there. I am not sure if it the norm, but on the night I was there they had a $20 minimum for credit card use. Also, the only water they were serving was bottled (no cups of water) so be mindful of that. While this was my first visit to the Minnesota Music Café, it won't be the last. I will gladly return here for future performances.

This place is a dive in a bad way. The drinks are watered down only get beer. Its a dive but not…read morein a good way. I don't know how this place is still in business it has no redeeming features whatsoever. Negative 5 stars.

This is a fabulous music venue, as seen dozens of shows here. It's an old dive bar, literally been…read morearound for decades. Easy to find, light rail will take you to the front door or there is parking in the back. Food is always good, big portions, menu is limited to apps and handheld sandwiches, but has a fair amount of options to please everyone. Love the servers, bartenders and door staff as well. They all appear to be happy when at work and are certainly friendly and helpful. Make sure you check out the clown bar in the basement!

It has been 8-years since I visited this venue. The Turf Club is an established staple to MN as…read moreit's part of First Avenue on the Saint Paul side. I was pumped when my upcoming wedding band Clean Plate Club (CPC) got to open here which is my reason for visiting. I'm not much of a concert girly so this was a big step for me. There is a tiny parking lot in the back, otherwise, a few blocks down in the residential streets there is complimentary parking - just ensure you follow the sign rules as it goes by odd and even sides based on the date. To lead with parking confusion is why I'm giving this venue 4 stars. Walking as a single woman for a night show by University is not something I would ever suggest unless you have a buddy with. For this venue, I would recommend the buddy system or Uber. The venue has a normal bouncer, ID check and tickets can be purchased in advance via the AXS app or onsite. Once inside, the venue is breathable and long. The stage sits at the opposite side of entry and there is a long bar on the side wall, a few tables in the back, and then standing room for most concerts. My friend and I ordered a drink from the bar and then weaseled our way to the front to support CPC. The sound, lighting and stage was the best! We had a great time. Looks like there is a basement here (I never visited it) and that food is served. Also can't speak for this but something to look into. Thanks, Turf Club!!

Bad Julia. I was so busy enjoying myself that I failed to take pictures. Anyway, this is an awesome…read moreplace. I came in to enjoy some live music with a couple of amazing local bands, and I am absolutely sold. Highlights include: tons of street parking nearby, superior selection of drinks (more on this later), and awesome people. Everyone, from the folks behind the bar to the other patrons, was ultra welcoming. I'm pretty sure this is the neighborhood Cheers. Seriously--amazing vibes, and it's great for solo people. (I realize that might be ambiguous, so what I mean by "great for solo people" is that you won't feel uncomfortable coming here alone. It's easy to chat with people if you want to; it's easy to just enjoy the music if you want to.) Okay, I know you want to hear about the drinks. They have a great selection of beer on tap. They have tons of cocktails, including a selection of barrel-finished cocktails. Not drinking tonight? They have plenty of THC and even a CBD-only option (winning!), along with some non-altering choices that include switchel(!). There's a huge outdoor patio with fire pits that I will probably check out next time. Anyway, this is a great spot!

The White Squirrel Bar was just okay to me. There was live music going on, which was a nice touch…read moreand probably the highlight of the visit. The inside of the bar is pretty small and felt a bit cramped, especially with how busy it was on a Sunday. They do have a back patio that is fairly large, which I appreciated, but during the day it did not feel very inviting. Without lighting or much going on, it came off a bit plain. As for drinks, I tried a non alcoholic half and half with lemonade and iced tea, which I actually really liked. I also had a mojito style cocktail that was not my favorite and tasted a bit too strong for me. The overall vibe just was not really my thing, but I could see it being more fun at night or with a bigger group.

I absolutely love coming to events at the Varsity Theater. It's in the perfect location in dinky…read moretown with lots to do before and after a show. I've attended a bunch of concerts here and the atmosphere is chill, fun, and intimate. Bar staff is fast and I like the selection of drinks they offer. Most recently they even had 2 huge jugs of ice water and cups for self service was a huge plus in my opinion. I never have to wait to get into this venue and really have never had a negative experience.

We aren't kids, but had a great night dancing in a crowd of them!…read moreWe had seat tickets in the upstairs balcony just in case we wanted to rest or have a drink. Worth the extra cost. Plus the people up there with us were older. (Not older than us, but older than the kid crowd. ;) Neat venue and area! Would go to another concert here again!

Awesome place to see a show intimate and close up…read more Cutting edge bands from many various cities around the midwest. One of the last great underground locations to see new live music!

We enjoyed great music at a divey style bar. They have a nice stage and large dance floor. Seating…read moreis basic and hardly enough. Good beer on tap.

It's like your favorite dive bar with excellent music! Parking lot gets crowded when there's a…read moregood band (like last night with Drinkwine & Friends Band)-parking IS available in the shopping center across the street! Lower level has pool tables. There is a separate food vendor on site (wings were good, as well as the unusual fries). Bar service at the bar, no wait staff tonight. It may have its shortcomings (cold bathrooms, messy floors) but you can't beat it for a music venue!

Decades Dance Party 2/7/26 with DJ Shane Kramer was a blast! Dance floor is right-sized, intimate…read morewithout overcrowding, with DJ on stage, taking song requests. Music videos on large screen added to the fun. Very welcoming vibe, for all adult age groups. With a comedy show next door, this venue offers something for everyone. Free surface lot parking behind the building made visiting a breeze, unlike downtown.

Halloween 2024 - Service at bar was top notch. Ambiance was…read morestellar. Bathroom was clean.

My first visit to The Mudd Room last night for an acoustic gig. After some googling to confirm,…read moreMudd Room is below the Lucky's 13. When you arrive there Mudd Room is painted on the east side of the building above a small four space parking lot. Fear not; you can park on the west side of the building, also an overflow lot right there as well, a few spaces on the street in the front or across the street from there is designated parking. I entered through the west side of the building that noted Lucky's, fear not, when I entered and told the host I was looking for the Mudd Room she gave me precise directions to get downstairs! Once downstairs I came upon the nice single toilet ladies room. I proceeded in to the bar, asked the blonde bartender where the music would be? She pointed to the stage @ the end of the bar and said it could be loud right by the speaker so she'd recommend sitting a few tables away. She said the parties near the stage were tabbing out if I wanted to sit there? I said I would take a seat @ the end until they were through. Shortly after I sat down the very friendly brunette server brought me a glass of ice water... thanks! She remained attentive all night, filling my water three times. Despite not looking over the menu she was very thoughtful when she popped by just to say it was last call for the kitchen, did I want anything? I meant to get the gals names, I did not, sorry. Music wasn't too loud; the acoustics and lighting were great since the speakeasy is already dimly lit. I don't anticipate this was my last visit; very much looking forward to catching another gig here or meeting friends for drinks! The friendly and attentive service are my number one fast and hard rule for a venue... no matter how good or bad the drinks or food are.... they 90% determine if I will return. These two knocked it out of the park... thank you for such a welcoming and attentive inaugural visit, cheers!

I love that I discovered this place. I have been going to Lucky's for years and did not realize…read morethis existed. I came around the holiday period and they offer fun festive holiday drinks. By the time we arrived, they were no longer selling small bites. The entertainment for the night was a live band. I enjoyed a few songs and then ended up night upstairs at lucky 13.

The only Cabooze I'm interested in is the fake one belonging to my adult movie star gf that you all…read moreknow as the girl in the heels who never shows her full face or her tats. But this isn't about her. Although everything is, if you ask me. This is a pretty cool plaza where they have bands and shows and Awolnation played here which I didn't see, and what could be better than that? Although you can't really Sail to Minneapolis. I like hanging out here and catching some nice Hindi music shows. That was meant to say Indie, but the Indians should totally play here too. What a Sikh idea. Buddha dunno if they would actually come. It's so damn cold. Minneapolis is a massive music town and really awesome in that regard.

Outdoor shows here are really cool. Indoor shows are very meh. In a weird spot in Minneapolis. Most…read moreartists skip this one for small- mid size shows

This is a more chill corner of the Fair. I kind of like this area more for grabbing a beer vs the…read morebeer garden. You can get flights which is nice. They also have a few merch vendors tucked away in the back. There's indoor and outdoor seating as well as a stage for live music inside. This year they had the urban growler with mocktails so there's something for everyone. A nice place to grab a drink and wind down a bit from the crowds. I'm saying it wasn't crazy busy when I was there but it probably can get packed at times.

Every time I come to the fair I HAVE to come here for a fight of good local beer! Great music and…read moregreat drinks