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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Central Minneapolis

Cool spots

The energy of the night is defined by the spaces that feel different from the rest.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Berlin image 1
Berlin image 2
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Live music bar

Intimate jazz club with moody interior and thoughtful layout featuring booths and a small stage. Atmosphere stays quaint and romantic with live jazz performances by talented local musicians. Venue offers late-night music and a swanky vibe suited for relaxed evenings.

An intimate jazz club with a swanky interior and classic ambience sets the mood. It features excellent jazz talent, good cocktails, and great food like Dover Sole and Chicken Schnitzel.

Groovy vibes fill the space with an intimate layout and hip music creating a very cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The jazz vibe here is moody and intimate."

"The jazz music here is excellent, truly the best in the city."

"I found the venue to be cool with an intimate layout and hip music."

Good to know

1

Free jazz performances are available on many nights, with no cover charge before 7pm.

2

Arrive 20-30 minutes early to secure a good spot, especially for popular shows.

3

Street parking can be difficult to find due to the busy area around the venue.

02
Flora Room image 1

Speakeasy-style bar with intimate lighting and eclectic decor creates a cozy, classy vibe. Balanced cocktails and a unique seating arrangement encourage conversation in a tight, lively space. Valet parking adds convenience to the experience.

A semi-hidden basement lounge offers a speakeasy-style vibe with a cute ambiance and carefully crafted decor. The Flora Room stands out as a cool cocktail lounge with a distinct atmosphere.

Moody lighting, plants, and candles create a cool speakeasy vibe. Drinks feel cool and crafted, making it a popular spot for a romantic or friendly hangout.

People are saying

"Zach's service made the cocktails absolutely lovely."

"It's a cool spot with a romantic, moody vibe."

"The drinks here are creative and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; seating is first-come, first-serve.

2

Expect long wait times on weekends, especially after 6pm.

3

Arrive early to secure a table, particularly on busy nights.

03
Acme Comedy Company image 1

Intimate comedy club with all floor-level seating and low ceilings that keep laughter contained. The room fills with energy when comedians succeed, creating an electric atmosphere. Seating is tight, packed closely together, enhancing the up close and personal feel.

Classic comedy club vibe with an intimate setting draws well-known comedians who call it their home club. The venue holds an impressive history and stands out as a top spot for comedy in the Midwest.

The basement comedy cellar has a brick exterior that gives a comfortable and cool ambiance. The building and dining area both have a very cool vibe with other restaurants and businesses nearby.

People are saying

"The comedians here are great and kept us laughing all night."

"It's a lovely spot for a great date night."

"I found the venue and building to be really cool."

Good to know

1

Tuesdays offer free open mic nights with no cover charge.

2

The comedy club has a promotional "Birthday Club" for free tickets during your birthday month.

3

Parking is available in a paid lot across the street.

04
Star Bar & Bistro image 1

Space combines mid-century modern design with twinkling starburst ceiling and neon-lit walls creating a retro, artsy vibe. Live music fills the room, sometimes loud, adding energy to the atmosphere. Comfortable seating and cocktail tables encourage relaxed conversation and socializing.

A Retro Futuristic Lounge sets the tone right at the entrance. The bar and lounge area features a ceiling with constellations, creating a unique night vibe.

Decor shows a retro, eclectic, and artsy vibe with a mid-century modern feel. Comfortable chairs and cocktail tables create an effortless cool atmosphere for conversations.

People are saying

"The smashburger at this Lunch Spot is a must-try."

"The mellow groove and soft lights create a cool, mellow vibe."

"The nightlife here has a mellow groove with twinkling stars on the ceiling."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for happy hour to secure a table.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using public transport.

05
Rooftop at Hewing Hotel image 1

Rooftop bar offers stunning city views and an upscale yet relaxed vibe. It features a year-round hot tub and lively atmosphere that can get loud inside. Space is limited, making early arrival important for seating.

Upscale nightlife centers around the Hewing Bar & Lounge, offering great views of downtown and a spacious lounge area. The lobby and first-floor lounge provide nicer vibes and more seating, with a hot tub visible nearby from the bar area.

Rooftop offers a cool spot for a night cap with delicious drinks. The bar has a cool vibe throughout.

People are saying

"I loved the amazing city views from the rooftop."

"The rooftop nightlife offers great views and a nice atmosphere."

"The rooftop vibe here is really cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the rooftop to secure a seat during busy nights.

2

The rooftop bar is small, so arrive early to get a good spot.

3

Expect high prices for drinks and food at the rooftop.

06
Hewing Hotel image 1

Upscale casual hotel with a hip lounge and a popular rooftop bar featuring an indoor/outdoor setup and a heated pool and hot tub. Atmosphere is lively with blaring music and a grown and sexy vibe. Rooftop offers amazing views and a poolside cocktail bar that draws a 21+ crowd.

Rooftop lounge offers amazing views and a hip, trendy vibe. Friendly staff enhance the experience, while the sauna and pool add unique nightlife options.

Rooms and public spaces have a rustic and cool vibe with dark tones and cool lighting. The rooftop and upstairs bar offer a smoky, woodsy feel that stands out.

People are saying

"The rooftop hot tub with a poolside bar is a great relaxation spot."

"The staff here makes the nightlife feel so welcoming and friendly."

"The hotel's vibe and design are really cool."

Good to know

1

The hotel hosts various events, which can make the ground floor crowded.

2

Expect noise from events, especially on weekends and holidays.

3

The rooftop bar may close if it reaches capacity on busy nights.

07
Maison Margaux image 1
Restaurant

Historical building hosts a spacious restaurant with dark themed underground lounge and outdoor terrace featuring Paris and Monet imagery. Atmosphere blends high energy with classy, interactive vibes. Known for an exceptional Cognac and Armagnac selection and standout cocktails.

A dark themed underground lounge creates a classy yet relaxed vibe. Small plates and cocktails make the basement a fun spot for nightlife.

The basement bar offers a cozy and cool atmosphere with a speakeasy vibe. It stays quiet and not very busy, making it a nice spot for a nightcap.

People are saying

"The French Food, especially the short ribs and bouillabaisse, was perfectly cooked and flavorful."

"The downstairs speakeasy is a cool, cozy space."

"The nightlife service here is fantastic and top tier."

Good to know

1

Social hour menu is available until 5:45pm, with drink specials until 6:00pm.

2

Dessert orders should be placed early as the kitchen gets busy around 10pm.

3

Upstairs is a great space for small weddings and events.

08
AVA image 1
Bar

Venue combines upscale lounge upstairs with a disco dance floor downstairs, creating distinct vibes in one space. Atmosphere feels chic and elevated, with stylish design and a classy dress code. Music energizes the basement dance area, making it a lively spot for nonstop dancing.

Stylish, modern interior sets a dance club mood with a NYC vibe downstairs featuring a DJ, dance floor, and attentive bar staff. Friendly, down-to-earth owners create a good vibe that feels elevated without pretension.

Music sets a cool vibe and the downstairs hosts a dance area with a lively DJ. Staff like the funny bouncers and bartender add to the upbeat atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are friendly, quick, and always on point."

"The dance floor here is small and crowded, but the music is great."

"The music and dance floor downstairs were really cool."

Good to know

1

Dress code is enforced; no shorts or flip-flops allowed.

2

Expect long lines on weekends, especially after 10pm.

3

Happy hour runs from 5-7pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

09
First Avenue image 1
Live music venue

Venue offers an intimate setting with great sound quality and historic character. High stage and balcony improve visibility, while multiple bars ease drink access. Retro design from an old bus station adds unique charm.

An iconic club with excellent sound and a historic vibe hosts legendary performances like Prince's Gold Star. It stays clean and unsticky despite its large size.

Historic venue offers an intimate and classic concert experience with good sound. Walking outside reveals stars honoring bands that played there, adding to its cool vibe.

People are saying

"It's a cool historic place with a really great vibe."

"You can get closer to your favorite artists at live shows here."

"I saw an iconic club with an extraordinary history."

Good to know

1

European visitors may face ID acceptance issues at the venue.

2

Expect overcrowding during popular events, which can make the experience uncomfortable.

3

The venue has a rich history, being known for hosting iconic performances.

10
The Fillmore Minneapolis image 1
Live music venue

Live music fills a beautiful venue with intimate size and great sight lines from every spot. The atmosphere feels packed and energetic, creating a close connection between performers and audience. Multiple bars and a lounge offer convenient drink options despite high prices.

Shows include access to a comfortable lounge upstairs where food and pre-concert cocktails are available.

An intimate venue with good sound and a pretty cool layout creates a unique vibe. The upstairs bar features cool chandeliers that add to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here are nice and clean."

"I found the venue to be a really cool, unique place."

"The Fillmore is an intimate venue with great sound and sight lines."

Good to know

1

Drinks cost about $20 each, and only card payments are accepted.

2

Expect crowded conditions during sold-out events, making it hard to move.

3

There is only one set of restrooms for general admission attendees.

11
Last Call Bar & Grill image 1

Bar and grill with historic bar, large dance floor, and multiple game areas spread over two floors. Atmosphere is lively and crowded, especially on weekends and game days, with a DJ playing diverse music that energizes the crowd. Plenty of seating and large screens create a social space for sports fans and partygoers alike.

Lively crowds fill the bar and nightclub, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. A strict dress code sets it apart from other clubs, creating a unique vibe despite occasional overcrowding.

Big games upstairs create a lively spot for a younger crowd. The bar offers a cool vibe for hanging out while others do their thing.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are awesome and make you feel safe."

"I found the club and bar to be a super fun nightlife experience."

"I found the bar to be a cool place to hang out."

Good to know

1

The bar offers a 2-for-1 happy hour special every day they are open.

2

Expect long wait times for the women's bathroom, especially on weekends.

3

Dress code enforcement can be inconsistent, particularly for men.

12
Skyway Theatre image 1
Live music venue

Old movie theater converted into multiple event spaces with slanted floors and intimate stages. Atmosphere feels cozy yet rundown, with great sound quality and a rooftop balcony offering unique views. Venue attracts close-up live music experiences but shows signs of wear and limited accessibility.

A unique smoking lounge on the 4th floor called The Loft stands out. The club features a cool vibe with a small, intimate setting.

An intimate layout creates a cool atmosphere for live shows. Staff offer helpful touches like ice to keep things comfortable. Studio B adds a unique vibe to the overall experience.

People are saying

"This old theater is an amazing venue for performing arts."

"The nightlife here is hot, like over 100 degrees Fahrenheit."

"It's a cool and unique venue with an intimate atmosphere."

Good to know

1

The venue lacks adequate security measures like metal detectors and bag checks.

2

The building is not accessible for anyone with disabilities.

3

Parking options are plentiful in the area, including street and garage parking.

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Central Minneapolis, Minneapolis

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