i’ve been here a few times and had fun but the last two nights were very disappd really enjoyed the drag show but i ordered 6 shots at the bar and the bartender only gave me 5. i told him he was forgetting one and he tried to argue with me saying i was wrong. i was fully sober and know exactly what i ordered. he then got an attitude and rolled his eyes at me like i was inconveniencing him for having to make another shot that HE forgot in the first place, and then told me i needed to give him another $9.75 for it!! $10 for a shot? that was absurd after i had already paid him $52 for the ones he gave me so something isn’t adding up there. then i went on friday night, apparently it was “fet ish night” which we were completely unaware of and i honestly feel like they should’ve told us that at the door because we would not have paid the $10 to get in. what really turned the night bad was when we were going to go to the smoking area on the side of the building, and as we were walking through the doorway one of the male security guards grabbed me by my arm, squeezed it very roughly, yanked me backwards and started yelling at us because that area was “dress code only”. that was extremely unnecessary and made me very uncomfortable. i don’t know why your staff would ever think it was okay to grab anyone like that let alone a girl that is barely 5ft tall. i had no idea who was grabbing me or trying to drag me away and honestly it was scary. there were no signs anywhere saying anything about a dress code and we were just following another group of people in that were fully clothed so i don’t know what the “dress code” was or how we were supposed to know that but there has to be a better way to tell people rather than getting physical with them. that whole interaction made my stomach turn and we left almost immediately after that. please hire new employees because the staff you currently have are not good at their job and almost everyone i’ve encountered just seems like they do not want to be there. i honestly don’t know if i will come back anytime soon. very disappointing as this is usually a fun place to come to.

It was my first time at this bar tonight! I loved the fun safe space this bar provided, and all of the fun music. However, I was trying to leave through the doors I came in through and the bouncer let my partner through with a sweatshirt and pants and then proceeded to say I can’t go because I don’t meet the dress code? I was just trying to leave, and I said that a few times but he kept telling me to read the dress code and that I couldn’t go through the doors. My partner tried to get me through so we could leave but the bouncer grabbed me and pulled me away from them and told me I can’t and to once again read the dress code… I went through that door multiple times before that? Just confused why this bouncer couldn’t just tell me where the correct exit was instead of grabbing me and pulling me away from my partner trying to escort me out safely. Ruined my experience here unfortunately :(

I like this bar. By far one of the funnest clubs I've been to in the cities. Music can be hit or miss depending on the night/DJ. I do have to call management out on the amount I've PoC's experiences I've heard over the years. Many of my friends, who are PoC, have said their treatment by patrons has made them feel unwelcome in this bar. Several of my close friends, and including my partner, have felt unwelcome and discouraged by the treatment they've received in the bar, started by patrons but escalated by staff. One was told not to speak up by a bartender about being harassed. I could go on. I will have a very difficult time attending events here, if I choose to come back at all. Until I hear about better treatment, more PoC managed/focused events I'm not sure I'll be back anytime soon.

There are some ridiculous reviews here. This is a gay bar with multiple bar locations inside. The bar has been remodeled over the years and is modern and sleek. There is a large dance floor that's packed and open on weekends. As of this review, the bar hosts various drag shows on the dance floor side. The drinks are reasonably priced and are free-poured, which is wonderful. The bars hold various events throughout the week and weekend that are centered around the LGBT community. The staff and workers are friendly and attentive. This is the main gay bar in Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro. Come check it out.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken Tender, Mozzarella Sticks

I'd venture to say that I will spend a lot of my time here eventually. The people that work here are very friendly. The atmosphere isn't pushy or obtrusive. The music is loud, and there is always a video playing. If I could dance I'd be dancing all night! The food is great. The french fries are fantastically cheap, and they give you a decent portion to share with your friends. I've heard the burgers are fantastic as well. The alcohol is served very strong, which I like (you get what you pay for, and THEN some.) There are different parts to the Saloon, as well. As you walk from one to the other the music from the previous room appears to gently fade away into a new experience. Whoever designed this bar had everything in mind.

It's a hit or miss depending on the crowd. There are some regulars who are so extra on the dance floor/podium for no reason at all and it's a huge turn off. On a good night, it can be fun and I sometimes end up having a good time. The staff are friendly. Saloon did get me through some rough days. Thank you saloon. Tank nights are fun. They should consider adding new and interesting events on Friday/Saturday nights. Otherwise, I don't understand the cover. The podium for go go dancers is easy access and is often abused by the patrons. They should restrict access to the podium for patrons. In comparison to the caliber of gay bars filled with hot men in LA, San Diego, or Chicago saloon has a long way to go.

I sought out this place from looking it up on line ... The outside of the place looked tired ... then I was met at the door by a perky security guard who explained the bar/restaurant was a work in progresss and the exterior was to be renovated The inside looked tired too ... but I was waited on Imediately by a friendly bartender. The drink was inexpensive, strong and good ... the food I ordered was not expensive and tasty with a good selection of bar food I had a nice, nice visit to this place ... the patrons were friendly, the service was excellent and the prices were reasonable. What can I say other than I had a great experience and would definately return.

Was super disrespectful and discriminating towards my mom, and my three friends. For my first time being at this bar it was the WORSE experience I've ever had. The front door guy named Ricki wouldn't let us in. He couldn't give us a reason and was letting wveryone , men and women, gay and straight in besides us... Then he proceeded to roughly grab my arm and try to get me out the door, when I was already leaving. As a cosmetologist as a high end salon in downtown and having a lot of my clients come here, I would have to tell them all I wouldn't recommend it. I've never felt this way, horrible and just offended in my life..

The Saloon is a well-known local queer favorite! Sundays are a big hit with a shower show. My personal favorite part of this bar is the big front room dance floor, and the back room with the fireplace. The backroom has their grill/fryer window...with the BEST DAMN LATE NIGHT GRUB EVER Chicken strips, fries, sandwiches...all hot, cheap, and yummy! My friends and I love to stop in here to close out our weekends. They are usually staffed well. The drinks are great. I've never had a terrible time here. New in town? Looking for a decent gay fun spot? Check it out, you should not be disappointed

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.

I wonder why such a great place don’t offer a multiroom audio variety. So far this business count with 3 different entertainment rooms, but sadly all of them play the same kind of music. I think would be great if you guys would have one of your rooms dedicate to Latin Music on Saturday as the mostly of the gay clubs do as a part of their diversity. Would be great count with spot that supports our music and feeling included on the twin cities community. i’m pretty sure this will increase the amount of people visiting this night club as well the profits for the owners.

I don’t know why all the negative reviews, this club is hands down one of the finest in the entire country. I have been coming here every Friday and Saturday and the music is great, the bartenders are wonderful (SHOUTOUT TO BRAD, DANNY, MICHAEL AND COLIN) …they are always providing great entertainment and wonderful music. TO ANYONE WHO HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE, stop in again and try to put the past behind you and have an open mind and hopefully things will be better ❤️ Thanks for making me be myself in a world where we are all just trying to fit in.

This place has one of the best hidden gems of Hennepin Ave downtown bar/kitchens. It's kitchen sports the best prices menus I have ever found in the downtown area and is staffed by some of the happiest people I know... The prejudice of being a GBLT establishment should not deter anyone from adventuring into this establishment for after all it is 2019 and it is high time we all accepted each other for who we are and once you eat there cheeseburger and fries you won't worry people who ain't like you but respectful and friendly nonetheless.

Benny the bartender if you are reading this you are amazing! My boyfriend and I wanted to go to a bar for our 5 year anniversary and I picked this one. It was our first time going to a LGBTQ bar and we loved every bit of it. Even at 7pm when they started to play our favorite show- Friday Night Smackdown. Music was great and the people were amazing. We had fun! I had 4 or 5 drinks which came out to be $24.00! I highly recommend this place! Super fun!
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The DJ's on the main dance floor suck. There's no diversity in their music choice and they do not take any requests. One of the bartenders, a tall bald one with a furry beard, was extremely rude and lacked the knowledge to make the most basic cocktails. The clientele and staff are low-key racist. You know, that nasty kind where they aren't super explicit about it (though there are stories) but you could just see it bubbling inside them. Yep, I'm not going back ever again. This place rots.

BEWARE! I was traveling from out of town - went to this bar and as I exited, some patrons from this bar dragged me to the alley behind the bar, mugged me, assaulted me and took everything in my person. Then a group of 3 women "came to my rescue" one claiming to be a nurse for them to walk to my hotel and rob my room including all my shoes, a jacket, medication, laptop, and book bag. If you are going to this bar - be careful... criminals are looking to rob you.

5 stars. I was visiting while on a road trip from Canada. This place is exactly what a gay bar/nightclub should be. Multiple rooms, great music (I love House/circuit), strong drinks and gorgeous men. Honestly, I think on the whole that the guys were the hottest of any gay club in any city that I’ve ever been to. (Maybe Minneapolis men are just hot?) Our gay clubs in Canada could learn a lot from this place. Loved it and will be back!!!

Been coming here most Monday nights for 8 years. Went out last night and happened to lose my phone. Called today at open to ask if it was in the lost and found, bartender at the front bar said no. I asked if he would check the Fire Bar and he flat out said no and hung up on me. I didn't expect this after 8 years of patronage. Steer clear of this place. They've also lost my card while holding it for a tab before.

first couple times i went here i’ll admit i didn’t love it, but more recently i’ve come to appreciate it for what it is. they get some great drag talent here! the chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks are great, though i wish the latter were a couple dollars cheaper. would not recommend coming here two weekend nights in a row as it can get super overwhelming, but for me this place is fun in (very) small doses.

100% sure the bartender I had the night I was there stole my wallet. Had it all night, was sober when I left and noticed it was gone. I called the next three days asking if they found anything and got a rude "no" everytime. There were only a few people who could've had access to it. Aside from my own experience, I am now reaching out because I hear many others talk about how racist this company is. Don't go.

It's like a bunch of little bars all put together, and it has some of the best late night food in town. Ignore the shower on stage with the bill slot, and proceed directly down the middle to the back. You'll probably find a drag queen cooking burgers and fries, and they're delicious. Chicken fingers are also must. My favorite activity here is watching people walk in thinking it's a western bar.

Love having a good ol’ gay time with friends! They DJs always have the best poppin’ music to dance to and service is always fast and friendly! They have lots of bars so drinks are easily had and in a timely manner. It’s nice how they keep the dance floor darker than normal to keep the mood alive. Drag shows are always fun to watch!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Met somebody named Drew got pushed out of my Hotel room. Went and had coffee and a danish together. Made him a piece of origami something or other and never really came to Daytons department store again. Hopefully that wasn’t the end of Dayton’s. I think they had to many stores but still held a lot of value. Lots of ❤️ Love Minneapolis. Hope we can all keep it together

Absolutely one of the best places to go if your looking for a goodnight out: yes it’s a club scene but they also have different parts of the bar you can get different experiences. The kitchen has great prices for quick drunken-tasty-food. The drinks are double the trouble for the price of one. The staff is great once you find your favorite bartender. Overall a great place.

This is my favorite bar EVER! Im 43yrs old and I been around all the u. S. And checking places and people out, and I kid you not, my favorite place! The BASS on the dance club music side, bumps, boom!! Love it, I left that place with a lot of hotties back in the day and I enjoyed each and every experience!! Girls are beautiful !!! Stunning! Thank you The Saloon!

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) provided 144 vaccines and Visa gift card incentives to under served LGBTQA+ MN residence within 4 hours on November 12, 2021. This event was awesome and the staff was great! The Saloon Bar also, provided community with incentives for COVID-19 testing! If you get a chance visit them Downtown Minneapolis on Hennepin Avenue!

The shower contest was unwatchable because the hosts were too drunk/high to do a good job. They talked incessantly, didn’t get the audience to laugh once, and made the entire show about themselves and not about the contestants or audience. I have been going to the Saloon for 8 years and this was absolutely the worst experience I have ever had.

This was my first time going , i drove more than a hour just to check out this place and it was more than what i expected , the strippers are very nice and friendly and some people in there too . Theres all type of guys in here , whites , latinos, asians , ect. i came alone and end up making friends . I definitively will go for round 2 ❤️

Best LGBTQ bar in the city. Our bartender Brock is great, friendly, attentive, and will chat you up. Burger baskets are delicious and reasonably priced. Great spot to watch Vikings Games, with free food and a shot every time Vikings score a touchdown.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The staff are rude, I have been in about 10 times. 4 of which I "wasn't" removed. I have been not allowed in or pushed out the front more times tjan what I have stayed. I moved to MN in 2015. And this establishment is ridiculous. If you ever go in alone expect poor service with unwarranted attitudes thats if your able to stay.

Was here on New Years Eve, was not thrilled. The staff were rude, the security even more so, and they both seemed to have no interested in stopping someone from wandering around groping us. I get that it's a busy night at a popular place, but "don't be rude to someone trying to give you money" seems pretty simple.

This bar is for members of the LGBTQ community. Period. It's not for curious straights or anyone else trying to ruin our right to assemble in our own establishment. Everyone has the right to join us, but please understand that it is a gay establishment and you might be unhappy if you aren't with gay friends.

Much love to whoever found the wallet I drunkenly lost during the pride block party. They serve the drinks strong and are conveniently located a brisk walk from parking and the Cambria Downtown. No negative experience in the years that I’ve been going.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The bartender Brian threatened me that he won’t let me in next time and threw my food in trash Brian also took my picture without my permission and said I would be banned from this place for demanding good service Extremely rude service and can’t be trusted at all Be careful before visiting them next time

Nice mostly male gay bar/night club. The servers pour two shots for the price of one. That's a win. Very kind staff. I don't like pop music too much and that's what is played there. There's a big dance floor and several bars. Sometimes you can get food. Great place for socializing and dancing.

Very fun retro 70's Bar with tasty food selections, the likes of Donna Summers doing her Disco hits on several state of the art flat screens throughout the three bar areas! Very friendly attractive clientele and bartenders who are great! So let's face the music and dance …

Absolutely disappointed. Our whole group was looking forward to going to the saloon all night and they wouldn't let us in because we were a group of girls. They would have gotten at least $50 up front and we would have all bought drinks and shots. Tried asking why and he said it was policy.

The front door staff/security were really lovely. It was my first time here last night and it was a lot of fun, needed an atm and asked them if they knew where one was and they informed me there was one inside and even helped walk me back to it so i knew where it was. Thanks for the help!

This bar was fun! Saw a lovely Monday night drag show after some stand up comedy. The drinks were decent pours but some of the lower end beverages seemed to be of a less then great quality so think about that when ordering. Friendly bartenders, nice people around. Fun time!

I went in, felt like a house party w/ a bunch people who don’t wanna be around each other. Paid $20 for myself & my partner. And $17 for two drinks, like… how am I paying more for nothing? When in Chicago, it’s usually no cover & $12 for two drinks. Such a disappointment

A fun local gay bar, cheap yet strong drinks. The new addition was needed and adds a nice little bit of modernism to the bar. The bar is just as good on a Monday night as it is on a Saturday night, just depends on what you're looking for.

We love the Saloon as they are the host bar for the Imperial Court of Minnesota events. Thank you everyone for all you do. Thanks Billy for the space and your support! Ryan, Bobby, Reggie, Brandon and the whole crew you are amazing!

Viking Football watch spot!! On point! The camaraderie is everything! Michael and Ben the bartenders are fun and very attentive! The Saloon offers drink discounts, free touch down shots and a free football meal!! Thank you Saloon!!

My guy friends really enjoy this place but as a woman, the service is BAD! It has gotten to point that I ask my guy friends to go to the bar to get my drinks because I just don't get served.
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3

Always a decent time going to the Loony Bin (The Saloon) great drinks, staff is mostly friendly and provides great laughs. I don't make it down there too often anymore but whenever I do make it I feel like it's a warm welcome.

Its a nice after hours spot. Not far from where i live either. Staff is friendly. Dont gotta wait long for drinks bathroom not busy at all. I go their sometimes. Jus 2 chill. Nd have sum drinks with friends..! …

I was visiting from Seattle and was delight with how chill and fun this place is. This was mostly a male identified crowd, but I did see a fellow Ms Leather on the wall, so I'm looking forward to coming back in title.

The Saloon is the best gay bar in the Cities. Certainly the place to be during PRIDE. The drinks are pretty strong. Even though the bathrooms are "new and improved," there's still much to be desired about them.

Always a fun place. Lots of space, plenty of bars throughout the place. Karaoke and other things throughout the week. Good prices on drinks, low turnover with bartenders so they get to know ya. It's a staple.

Everyone seems to enjoy working there so being a patron was welcoming. Nothing pretentious just jolly good fun. Loved the bar section that played late nineties hip hop.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I had an amazing time at the Saloon everybody was so nice and available to answer any questions. Nick is the best bartender ever and he was so sweet!!!! I will always go there when I am in Minneapolis!!!!

Wow. I haven't been to a bar where i.thought the drinks were watered down. A double Cassamigous was nothing. Not to mention a basic double vodka soda.
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We missed you so much when you were gone. Can't wait for the update of the Fire Lounge. We love Brad (bartender) so much!!!! I just want everything to be normal again. The drag show was so much fun!

I went to the Pride block party on Saturday night and loved it so much that I went back on Sunday! Cover was $30 but it was so worth the experience. The bartenders were fast and friendly, loved it!

I'm old and so is my fiance. We had an amazing time. I loved the atmosphere and loved watching the crowd enjoy themselves.
Price per person
$50–100
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Although I didn't interact with anyone but the bartender I still had fun. He was great and the drinks were great! I was surprised as to how cheap the drinks were. I am definitely going back.

If I remember correctly, we always have an amazing time here. The drinks catch up to you, and the atmosphere is really energized by the bar. Video bar is fantastic, dance floor is decent.

We love Brad! Drag was super fun. Can't wait for everything to be back to normal. Hopefully by Pride everything will be fun again (fingers-crossed). We still love The Saloon nonetheless

Nick was a great bartender! He deserves a raise. I’m new to visiting the Twin Cities and he gave me a breakdown of the area. He went above and beyond and it’s much appreciated.

My friends and I were racially discriminated against in this place. Black people are allowed in but once you are in, you are racially profiled. That’s very sad and disgusting.

Best bar food downtown. The crowd is hit or miss but I usually just stop in for a chicken sandwich, a BLT or some tots.
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

Shower show on Sunday was and it is a nice venue with a lot of space to chat, drink, and dance. Everyone was friendly there. Great vibes and good music choices ! …

Staple downtown bar in the Twin Cities. Staff are always friendly. Seasonally decorated with many local fundraisers throughout the year. Make sure to stop by and see Danny.

An actual gay bar with lots to do. It's definitely a dance club; loud music, lots of people, multiple bartenders/stands. It's definitely out there but it was really fun

Bar staff were very kind and attentive to all customers. It was a very nice welcoming place. I enjoyed myself thoroughly. Both staff and patrons were awesome.

Great music, great dancing, great drinks, and great energy. All the staff are super welcoming and kind!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Amazing staff and great vibe. I tried their cheeseburgers and they have fun drag shows. Good spot!
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Stiff drinks at an affordable price and friendly bartenders. This place regularly hosts fun events like drag shows, burlesque shows, and even circus!

Not really disability accessible.... There are times at the place is too dark we can't see where you're going... And too many inclines in the floor

Bartender is spiking drinks with ruffys. Then knocking people out and robbing them. They left my son for dead. DO NOT GO THERE. VERY SKETCHY.

Great dancing, great drinks, got in easier here than at the 90s. Older crowd on a Saturday which was nice. not all the college students...

Pride Block Party was a success. Drinks were poured nicely, but the French fry food truck was serving undercooked food.

This place has some of the best shows and events in town. The staff here, are wonderful and the drinks are generous.

Great bar. Bartenders were on point and awesome. Dancers had great energy and vibe. Fun bar for all types of people.

Overall good experience, but one of the bartenders threatened to charge me for club soda!! :/

We enjoyed the drag show. Everyone was friendly. The dancers were super fun

Bunch of crybabies here. We want gay beer we don't want gay beer boohoohoo

Hot Pink on Fridays is AWESOME! So much fun! The drag show is FABULOUS!

Fun place, good music and vibes. Cheers …

Always will be a special place in my heart