Minneapolis Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Minneapolis.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Minneapolis! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Minneapolis has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Minneapolis. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Minneapolis offers over 87 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Tom's Watch Bar - Minneapolis
Highly rated American in Minneapolis with 4.9 stars from 10012 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 609 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Volstead's Emporium
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.6 stars from 1207 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 711 W Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Char Bar
Highly rated Restaurant in Minneapolis with 4.9 stars from 86 reviews.
📍 901 N 3rd St Suite 195, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Meteor
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.8 stars from 450 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2027 N 2nd St #2202, Minneapolis, MN 55411, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Local - Minneapolis
Highly rated American in Minneapolis with 4.5 stars from 2530 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Brit's Pub
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.5 stars from 5517 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Parlour
Highly rated American in Minneapolis with 4.6 stars from 1277 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 730 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
The Sidecar at the Tap
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.5 stars from 100 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4812 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Milly's Wine Bar & Bistro
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.9 stars from 294 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1129 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
On The RoX
Highly rated Restaurant in Minneapolis with 4.6 stars from 113 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1333 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Spring Street Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.4 stars from 1357 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 355 Monroe St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Upstairs Circus MPLS
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.5 stars from 438 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 135 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Ground Zero Nightclub
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.2 stars from 371 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 15 SE 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
REV Ultra Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 3.7 stars from 52 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 731 Hennepin Ave #1, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Saloon
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.2 stars from 672 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 830 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Union Rooftop
Highly rated American in Minneapolis with 4.1 stars from 2145 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 731 Hennepin Ave #1, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Vanquish Nightclub
Highly rated International in Minneapolis with 2.9 stars from 104 reviews.
📍 315 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Sneaky Pete's
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4 stars from 1356 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 14 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
AVA
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.2 stars from 387 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 124 N 3rd Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Last Call Bar & Grill
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4 stars from 709 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 26 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
331 Club
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.4 stars from 401 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 331 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Jetset Underground
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4 stars from 81 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 205 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
First Avenue
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.7 stars from 4761 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 701 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Hook & Ladder Theater
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.7 stars from 746 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3010 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Icehouse
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.5 stars from 1751 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2528 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Fine Line
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.4 stars from 1448 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 318 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Armory
Highly rated International in Minneapolis with 4.7 stars from 7437 reviews.
📍 500 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Cabooze
Highly rated International in Minneapolis with 4.4 stars from 1619 reviews.
📍 913 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Dakota
Highly rated Bar in Minneapolis with 4.7 stars from 2000 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Fillmore Minneapolis
Highly rated International in Minneapolis with 4.3 stars from 1159 reviews.
📍 525 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Spoon and Stable
Highly rated American in Minneapolis with 4.7 stars from 2967 reviews.
📍 211 N 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Maison Margaux
Highly rated Restaurant in Minneapolis with 4.4 stars from 587 reviews.
📍 224 N 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Monte Carlo
Highly rated Steakhouse in Minneapolis with 4.4 stars from 1685 reviews.
📍 219 N 3rd Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
Tom's Watch Bar - Minneapolis
Highly rated American in Minneapolis with 4.9 stars from 10012 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 609 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Devil's Advocate Minneapolis
Highly rated American in Minneapolis with 4.3 stars from 235 reviews.
📍 1070 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Mara Restaurant and Bar
Highly rated Mediterranean in Minneapolis with 4.3 stars from 500 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 245 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Mediterranean cuisine
Demi
Highly rated Restaurant in Minneapolis with 4.9 stars from 469 reviews.
📍 212 N 2nd St Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
Giulia
Highly rated Restaurant in Minneapolis with 4.2 stars from 506 reviews.
📍 215 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Acme Comedy Company
Laugh the night away at this popular Minneapolis comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
State Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Minneapolis venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Pantages Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Minneapolis venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Orpheum Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Minneapolis venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
The Comedy Corner Underground
Laugh the night away at this popular Minneapolis comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Roxy’s Cabaret
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Minneapolis venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
The Rabbit Hole
Explore Minneapolis's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Ground Zero Nightclub
Explore Minneapolis's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
331 Club
Explore Minneapolis's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Sneaky Pete's
Explore Minneapolis's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Last Call Bar & Grill
Explore Minneapolis's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Saloon
Explore Minneapolis's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Minneapolis varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Minneapolis range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Minneapolis offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Minneapolis cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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