Had my first experience at The Saloon for Twin Cities Leather Weekend early November! The thing that struck me most is the impressive square footage of the place. It essentially has four-ish connected but separate "chambers." You come in on the corner into the first one which has a typical bar set-up with lots of bar stools to sit at. Further back there's more table-and-chair style seating because it's nearby their kitchen where they serve hot food; there's also a pool table and darts throwing in this section. Deeper in there's a couple more bars in smaller segmented dual rooms, which is nearby the main restroom (there are several, at least three restroom locations inside). Quite a lot of urinals in this establishment, but a lack of stalls to sit and do your business, which was a little frustrating for someone like me whose equipment requires sitting to pee. No gender segregation though, which I'd expect in this day and age of a queer bar, but still nice to see. The final room is by far the largest, as it has a bar but also a large open area like a dance hall and stage. For this particular weekend it was utilized for hosting the contest, but also a puppy mosh (iykyk). Even as big as it was, it was PACKED during the contest portion of the weekend, making it difficult to see or hear the contest. (I think they could use a more up to date sound system.) We got food while we were there, and it was great. I got a BLT for just $9 and it was piled high with bacon- they did not skimp. Eating it all was a challenge for li'l ol' me. Meals come with ruffled chips that are very salty, but you can upgrade to other side options like french fries, onion rings (which my husband did), etc. for $2. The food was honestly affordable, especially for the amount they give you; I think they do this to discourage you from leaving the bar to go somewhere else for food, which is a solid strategy, haha. Parking around here is... tough, as you might expect in downtown. There is a nearby garage though just across the street behind the bar that I think is just $5 for evenings? I'm sure I'll be back for future events. I myself am not a casual bar-goer, so I don't really go out to these types of establishments unless they're hosting something fun. Always nice when a place is a community gathering space in addition to their regular business. I appreciate this place exists and serves the queer/kink community in that way. read more

Went on Thursday night at 12. Not super a lot of people there. The dance floor was pretty empty. Seemed like most people were out on the patio. There were a bunch of different rooms, which all had different music playing. Didn't explore that much. Mostly just out on the patio and on the dance floor, but I saw pool and other bar games. There was also a photo booth, which we used. Overpriced, but I guess you have to expect that from photo booths. Drinks were so cheap ($4)! And good dance music from the DJ. Biggest complaint is that there is only one stall in the bathroom (the rest are urinals). So it was always busy because obviously there are a lot of people who are trying to use the stall. Had to plan your pees. read more

The Saloon - Fun screen they had with different videos playing. - Gay Bars Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

What you see is what you get here! It's a fun place to be.. there is a cover on the weekends (I think it's $10), but it's nice because when you walk in there is just a bustle of fun, exciting energy. I also love this place because there are so many different areas that you can go hang out, depending on what mood you are in of course. There are a few dance floors, one with a DJ, there are a bunch of bar areas (so you never have to wait too long to get a drinky) and there is an area where you can sit and talk and hang out. You can also get late night food.. this place just seems to have it all! I never feel unsafe here, the bartenders are great and it's a good time! read more

We just moved to Minneapolis and naively had no clue what downtown is like on a Vikings home game day. Having tickets for a concert at the Pangeas Theater, we wanted a cocktail at a lounge nearby. Good luck, Sammy! No way, Jose. We couldn't find a bar with any free seats. Not only was there a Vikings game, but a Lynx game had just ended, and a Louis CK performance was at the same time as our "Here Come the Mummies" concert. After checking out about ten bars, we stumbled into the Saloon and found two empty seats at the bar. Our bartender worked his butt off and was able to get us our drinks, recognizing my need for a cocktail. My wife pointed out the Saloon was a gay bar, and I almost stood up and applauded. As a straight, white, 75-year-old man, I have seen most of the world change. There was a time when gay bars were furtive, lonely places, avoided by straight people. The Saloon was a bar, and it didn't need any label. Bravo! I left the Saloon happy, buzzed, and refreshed by our changing world. Let's not regress despite what some people want to legislate. read more

Solid spot. Drinks are great, prices on point, and the crowd's chill without the chaos. I heard it gets pretty busy but it wasn't insane. Nothing mind blowing, but definitely a go-to spot when you want a good time without the fuss. read more

The vibes are right! With Friday, RuPaul Watch Party's to Sunday Shower Shows, Saloon has established themselves as a staple with the community. Super great spot to have a casual hangout with a group of friends on a weeknight or go out on the town with your girls for dancing, The Saloon has it all! Make sure to check it out if visiting the cities! Most nights have a sickening drag show with energetic and diverse per read more

Usually a great place to hang out, but this Saturday evening the service is lousy at the bars. Ordered a drink at one bar, but the bartender didn't have what he needed to make a dirty martini. Went to a second bar and had to wait for another bartender to get me a Diet Coke. The only one who seemed to be responsive and fast this evening was Dougie in the kitchen. Only 4:30 pm and the service by the bartenders was mediocre. read more

The Saloon - Bar area - Gay Bars Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Owners are greedy and homophobic trash. Stop charging a cover every day when nothing is happening and the bar is dead. It's highway robbery of the community you supposedly support. Drinks went up another dollar since I was there a few months ago. Last night I saw a security guard smash a glass over a patrons head. There was blood everywhere. So disappointed in the owner. How can you be so greedy? Coat check also got jacked up $3 recently. read more

Great time! Bartenders attentive & welcoming, it's always unnerving walking in a bar that you've never been to that has obviously a large number of regulars but we were given attention right away. It was 2 for 1 drinks but we weren't aware until later, they don't pour light or slow on refills just because of the special either. Great atmosphere, few different bars and sitting areas to choose from.... standard neighborhood bar vibe with amazing sexuality graphic but artistic photos everywhere, another bar is more club vibe with the glowing lit up bar and dressier attire on the bartenders and the "dungeon" area for the special events & dancing. The night we were there.... amateur shower dancing! It was a wonderful time, met some great people and would definitely return on next visit to the area. read more

The Saloon - Casual entry bar area art - Gay Bars Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

It's where it was all at when I was in my 20's, all my friends went there and we had so much fun. Party all night, and get up and go to classes at 8am! I'm wayyyyy too old for all of it now, enjoy! It passes by fast. read more

my time here was awful. they are great bartenders. food outstanding. crowd wise, full of hate with opposite gender

The saloon was ok. They charged me 4 dollars for a fountain soda which was really unfortunate. It was also fairly dirty but the shower show was enjoyable. read more

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Mixed emotions about my experience at the saloon. Entry fee was a reasonable $10. We quickly found our way to the bar located closest to the entrance. I practically had to raise my hand to get the not too busy bartender to acknowledge me. He walked away half way through my simple request for 2 shots of vodka...finally came back around to let me finish just to respond with "2 shots of vodka ?". Eventually I get my drinks after clarifying the brand of vodka I needed. I left a very generous tip but unfortunately that wasn't enough to get his attention again so I found my way to back of the venue. Thankfully the second bartender was much more inviting than the first. The crowd was a confusing combination of friendly and judgmental, im assuming it's a locals only kind of energy. I'm planning to visit again sometime soon, really hopeful that the second time around will be different... read more

Me and my friend are saloon regulars. We were trying to get a shot in the bartender was fine but Bobby that works there started screaming at me and my friend saying we could not be there because there's so many people at her table but when we looked around the bar there was way too many people at every table read more

It had a great atmosphere - amazing unique drinks, reggaeton music, the crowd was mostly locals.

I've heard story after story from other trans women about the violence and negligence they've faced at the Saloon from both patrons on staff. I've avoided it my entire adult like for this very reason. Tonight, two close friends were performing and so I decided to give it a chance for the first time ever. For reference, I am a disabled GNC transgender woman. Soon after the performance wrapped I went to use the bathroom; the only one I could find was a single stall with a sign outside that clearly said "ALL GENDER RESTROOM". I suffer from chronic digestive issues and was wearing a corset, so things were not moving well. I had been in the stall maybe five minutes when a woman came in and started loudly complaining about. the wait. She asked if I was OK and when I tried to answer she told me to "shut the f*ck up". She kept shaking and pounding on the stall door and demanding I "move" and "get up". She called security on me twice and instead of actually checking on me and finding out what was going on, security told me I needed to hurry up and get out of there. The entire time she kept loudly calling me "bro" and "man". I felt threatened and unsafe so I texted my (also trans and disabled) husband and asked him to wait in the bathroom for me. My husband came and stood in front of the stall and I was able to finish, even with the woman still loudly complaining at the door. I went to wash my hands and she rushed in the stall. While drying I happened to glance at the stall door; she must have seen this because she started yelling at me again, daring me to start something and telling me to mind my own business and walk away. When I asked her why I should be expected to do that when she couldn't do the same in the first place, she threatened me. She left the stall and instead of going behind me to get to the sink, walked right up next to me, as close as possible, and said "excuse you". I told her to excuse herself and that she could go around. As she walked behind me she pushed me into the wall; I reacted by pushing back, trying to maintain my safety and personal space. She went ballistic and tried to run at me; my husband got between us and told her not to lay a hand on his wife; she started attacking him instead. The fight spilled into the hall outside the bathroom. I jumped in between the woman and my husband and pushed them apart, trying to keep things from escalating further; she screamed for security and started walking away, all the while yelling insults at me, claiming I was "coked up" and started the fight. A man who claimed to be her husband walked up and got in my husband's face, telling him not to touch his wife; my husband told him to tell his wife to keep her hands off me. I once again got in between them to try and prevent things coming to blows; the man started grilling me about what right I had to touch or push him, and claimed I had violated his consent. When I pointed out his wife had done the same to me, he ignored me. Security told us we had to move to the patio; I ended up sitting on the ground and having a meltdown. My husband conferred with security and told them what had happened and asked that some kind of assault or incident report or complaint be filed and the woman be asked to leave; they refused to do anything and walked away. The woman and her husband stood on the patio less than 5 feet from me and loudly lied to the people around them about what had happened, throwing out insults and misgendering me whenever possible, all while ignoring me in an obvious state of panic. The staff and security of The Saloon turned a blind eye and refused to do anything. tl;dr: if you are disabled, trans, or gender non-conforming, you are not welcome at The Saloon, which is horribly ironic considering how much they spout acceptance. Avoid at all costs. read more

Cheap/reasonably priced strong mixed drinks. Staff is nice. Great happy hour/drink specials. I went to my first TANK night there recently. Sexy guys in underwear, lots of action going on around me and I got a very pleasurable experience in the corner at one point. read more

Great atmosphere! Great service and music I would recommend this gay bar and will be going back when I'm back in town.

I was on my period and went to the bathroom with my friends because it was a unisex only bathroom and I felt uncomfortable. Not only were the men aggressive in line, the men working the security were also INSENSITIVE and forced us out of the bathroom. I was rush while putting in my tampon and told I had to go to the front to explain to why I was taking so long. I do not mind the aggressiveness in line, but if I am a woman on their period, trying to insert tampon, they should have a little more respect. read more

the saloon mn is not safe or welcoming if you are not some iteration of man or a cis woman. my wife was harassed in the bathroom by two cis women who didn't appreciate her using the toilet. when I came to intervene they were standing menacingly in the door. I pushed past them to guard the stall and they misgendered me as well. when my wife came out of the stall to wash her hands one of the women forced her way past us and went into the stall continuing to verbally harass us, continuing to misgender my wife. when she came out of the stall she tried to force her way between my wife and the hand dryer when my wife refused to move she forced herself between and came into me we got into a physical altercation after the altercation was broken up security responded and all but refused to listen to myself and my wife and our friend. they only sympathized with the woman who harassed and then assaulted us. when I realized security was not listening I asked for management, management did not come and I'm certain the security person didn't even notify them. when security came back he continued fraternizing with the woman who attacked us and when he saw me staring asked if I wanted something i said I wanted to file a report and he walked away. nothing more came of it and my friend helped my wife and I call an uber and leave. we had been warned by multiple other trans women that the saloon mn is not a safe place for trans women and we should have listened. the saloon mn is not trans friendly and even if you are a trans guy the establishment still treats you as second to cis men read more

Best Totchoes anywhere ! But the need for $10 cover charge to reach the grill is ubsurd, the door staff justified this fee as a need to generate income to pa the salaries of said door staff, but given the annual liquor sales of this particular establishment that was more than insulting. Please stop promoting yourselves as a community gathering spot and admit your greedy drug dealers (alcohol is a drug) ..... And stop with the cover charge for now apparent reason other than you think you can.... read more

They know a gay pour iykyk Kitchen is always a plus The shower is a lil traumatic for the wlw but it's okay read more

If you're looking for cheap drinks, you got it. But everytime I go there, the bartender is really rude. Last time I went, my friend was really drunk and I wanted to get him a bottle of water and the bartender said that's not up to me, so he refused to give me one. Some random guy came up behind me in the bathroom and started sliding his hand down my pants while I was peeing and got mad at me when I told him to stop. And then another time some dude was drunk and peeing on the floor so I held him by his back helping him pee in the urnal but one of the staff chewed me out cause he thought I was making a move and refused to listen to me when I was explaining that I was trying to help. I've given this place plenty of chances and I always end up humiliated walking out of there. I don't plan on going there again anytime soon. read more

When I asked if I can get my fries as to go the response was very cold and rude... then the fries were thrown in trash when I asked about it the response was worse the bartender Brian took my picture without my permission and said he would make it sure that I don't enter the place again just because I wasn't happy with the service he called security and they asked me to leave! didn't even let me use the washroom I am amused at the ruden of the entire management and it's obvious that they treat customers like doormat please be careful about visiting this place I am obviously not doing that read more

The cute bartender--he's in other photos--has gotten fat and old. He still has his face. Other than that, this bar is a sad reminder of what the bar was in the good ol' days. The days wherein coming home might result in a DUI or a car crash wherein one would help the victims out of their totalled car and wait for 9-1-1- to arrive. The good ol' days were Doc was tending bar and would let regulars (just a select few) place their winter coats behind the bar (back when there was no coat check). Back, when Doc crafted us "pink drinks" (his own creation) that kept us coming back for more. We weren't there for naked dicks in a shower. We weren't there for crappy music and a subpar sweaty dancefloor. We were there for the experience of a world-class neighborhood bar that served excellent drinks and had fun theme nights. Not so much, anymore. I will give a star to the newest "New York"-style bar (instead of the crappy gaming cafeteria)--that seems a step in the right direction. But could the bar please close the doors during warmer weather so we don't have to suck in that second-hand smoke?! read more

For over three decades, The Saloon has been a great dance club and gay bar. Great staff, cool space, strong drinks, fun dance floor, usually great music (and a variety of music on different nights), good bar food, and a cool crowd. The Saloon has multiple areas with different vibes; so, people can find their space. The Saloon stands out for being a bar that has always seemed welcoming to everyone, but that has kept its identity as a gay bar firmly intact. The Saloon's block party is the best Pride celebration in town, and there is something going on pretty much every other night. read more

This is place you say you won't go to, but deep down you know you'll end up here after a few drinks. It is truly the gay 20-something's playground. The drinks are some of the strongest that I've had anywhere in Minneapolis and i don't think I've ever had to buy more than 1 or 2 to have a great time. THE FOOOD!!! The menu at the Saloon is an absolute hidden goldmine for CHEAP late night eats in Downtown Minneapolis! Seriously if you are downtown and hungry after midnight and don't want to settle for long lines at a pizza place, go to the Saloon and head straight to the back for a delicious basket of chicken tenders and fries for only $4.50! (Those tenders have saved my life countless times I swear.) The one biggest issue I have with the Saloon is that the music is extremely hit or miss. There is either a great assortment of current dance songs and remixes or there is a constant barrage of long drawn out electric music that sounds like every gay club scene shown on tv. On the nights that the music is popping though, there's not anywhere else I'd rather be! read more

The Saloon - The food here when you're decently buzzed is: 1. DELICIOUS! 2. Damn cheap! - Gay Bars Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Every time I've gone here the staff has been very nice. It's a nice comfortable and fun place overall. But, they seem very inconsistent with the cover charge on Sunday. The first few times I went there was no charge; then a few weeks ago it seemed they wanted to charge a cover. I don't know, maybe there was a time difference that I showed up, not sure. And, admittedly the charge is only $5.00. But really? A cover charge on a Sunday? You would think they would want the business (buying drinks and food) rather than charge a cover on a night that is usually only moderately busy. Last night they advertised a special Valentine's Eve event with no cover charge. But when I got there they tried to charge me $5.00 saying "oh, that free admission was only for a limited number of people.". That is pretty bogus. I probably won't go back just on the principle of it. read more

Went here and got accused of being under age after I showed ID when being kicked out. The reason I got kicked out was because a drunk gay guy was saying I wasn't "following the rules" meaning I got in their way to simply get a drink at the bar. Don't ever go here for any type of release or relaxation. Go to the gay 90's. At least there they will treat you as a human being that is being truthful and not being lied to. read more

The Saloon serves up fun with a side of fun. We wandered in here after dinner across the street at Crave. We had never been to The Saloon before and had zero expectations. This place has everything you could ever want: tavern bar, edgy bar, club. Friendly servers and a diverse crowd make for a great experience! And if you're there on a Sunday, stick around for the shower competition! read more

OH MY GOSH I LOVE THIS PLACE. Yes I am a straight woman and love to go dancing and this is my new place for dancing in Minneapolis. I went on a Thursday with two friends who go often and it was pretty empty on the dance floor but I know that is normal anywhere for a weekday- I will have to go back on a weeknight and wear my best most sparkly outfit. However, drinks on Thursday are $1... a beautiful thing. TIP your bartender(: Everyone working was super cute and smiley and nice and chatty and I loved them all. The drag queen was chatty and goofy and made you feel special. AND let's talk about their food- I am really obsessed with fries. I know. I don't give a fuck about low carb diets. They have a burger and fry basket for $3.50- what the hell. and it's really goood and fresh and hot. Maybe it's more spotty on the weekend? I will have to give it a shot. SEE YOU ALL ASAP. xoxoxoox read more

The Saloon - At the Saloon on a Thursday and we're sober. It the best company so who cares! - Gay Bars Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This was one of the best gay bars we visited while in Minneapolis. There are several different rooms/bars with different vibes, which I enjoyed...a club space with a dance floor and stage with a shower, a more intimate video bar, a dining space, and a more traditional bar. The cover was a bit steep certain nights, and the drinks weren't amazing, but the food is incredible, and the various theme nights make it more interesting to visit multiple times. The front staff, coat check staff, and bartenders were very friendly, and it was nice to see a security presence throughout. If you are looking for a fun night, this seems like the best bar for it, but not the best if you are looking for a drag show or want a more chill vibe to meet and mingle with people. read more

I've been here a few times and have always had fun. Sometimes I dance, usually I drink and always, always I ogle boys with fake ID's. Yeah, I'm dirty. But so what? I used to be 19 and I feel like I've paid my dues and the world owes me some innocent ogling of 24-year-old men. So one time, I was here with a friend and a couple other acquaintances. We were scoping the place out and trying to find a place to land when all of a sudden, an unattractive 46-year-old man leaned into me and said, "You and I are invisible in a place like this." I was like, "Um, I guess." And he said, "And it's not fair. Because you and I are good people. But just look at them," he made a sweeping arm gesture towards all the boys on the dance floor. "They could care less that you and I are standing right here, watching them, lusting for them." "Yeah," I said, and I could feel the creepy tingling I get at the back of my neck whenever I'm approached in a bar by a depressed stranger who's just over shared. "I hate being invisible," he said. "I've been watching you since you came in so I saw your friend and I think he's very cute. Will you introduce me to your friend? I'm very lonely and you seem like a nice girl." WTF? UGH. Or perhaps Uffda. read more

The Saloon - Gay Bars Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Because we were from out of town, and also because we walked up to the building from an angle that didn't allow us to see the photo-mural on the side of the building, my buddy and I had no idea what kind of bar this was when walked in. In fact, it wasn't until after we'd already plopped down at the rectangular front bar and ordered our beers that we noticed the artistic photos of nude men adorning the walls. "Ummm... uh-oh," my buddy said. "Don't worry," I replied. "we already ordered, just act natural." After all, when it's your hobby to travel around and visit every bar in a particular area, surprise gay bars are bound to happen. :) All in all, the bar didn't really make us uncomfortable at all. However no one would talk to us, which is rather unusual compared to other bars we've been to. We wondered if it was because we somehow were unknowingly broadcasting that we didn't belong here, or if it was because people though we were a couple and didn't want to bother us. It wasn't until my buddy needed to use the restroom that either of us really got a chance to explore the bar. Finding the restroom took him into the back and allowed him to see the other side of the establishment. "It was quite a bit more adventuresome back there," he told me. We got a kick about the fact that the bar was selling its own branded bottled water, so we returned a couple of days later to buy some as souvenirs. I still have one of them unopened on my desk. read more

The Saloon - Gay Bars Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

We had a amazing night here!! 18+ after 10pm they had one side with pool and karaoke and the other with a drag show lights and music! 5/5 definitely will go back!! read more

The Saloon - Gay Bars Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Always loved Saloon. Super nice. great drink poor. Used to hide drinks in back bare bushes., after bar hours. They eventually caught on. The staff is great. One bartender works at Alibi in wilton Manors, we spend our winters in Floridia. He used to go up for pride, cancelled this year, bummer. Mark&Ron read more

We came here for NYE and it was the place to be! $15 cover which I didn't love, but the place was packed, music was bumpin, dancers were jivin, and everyone got a small bottle of champagne at midnight! I saw a couple reviews saying that the drinks were weak. Maybe I just got a good bartender but our drinks were great and poured strongly! I would definitely recommend this place! read more

I grew up in the club practically. Late 70's to late 80's. Typically a young mans club later in the evenings. Definitely a college crew. HiNRG music on dance side of bar. Great "bar" food. Some nights -naked boys in the glass shower. Most nights have some sort of event going on. Well managed. Clean. Safe. Large socializing bar in addition to dance bar & cruzing bar. 3 bars total. Kink night monthly. If you're young & queen & wanna get laid. Come here Same cool owners for decades read more

Drinks were trash, couldn't even get a good long island ice tea. The bartender was okay but the drinks were also over price for what they were. read more

A catch-all bar for the twin cities gay scene. I've been here many times (usually with others or to meet up with someone there) but have never left with a great feeling. The place lacks a common theme, unless you count sleazy men staring at other guys. Drinks are decent -strongggggg - and I'm glad they re-modeled what used to be an outdoor smoking patio into a high-ceiling lounging room. Why a 2-star rating? I don't like going there because I leave feeling cheap and dirty. Nude shower nights, staring creeper men, and urinals with spotlighting - no thank you Saloon. It would be nice to see another banner outside on the corner of the building instead of the same one with a group of guys together that's been up there for the past 5+ years. read more