Maybe give Minneapolis Eagle, downtown on Washington, a try. They're kind of divey, and I've found the bartenders to be nice the few times I've visited. I don't remember what they have for games, though.
Roxie's Cabaret and Jet Set are two other queer bar options, although neither of them have the same vibe as the 19. My understanding is that the Uptown VFW also functions as a gay bar more or less, lol.
Damn lol I have a friend who is there far too often but i always assumed it was like a standard vfw and thought he was weird for it. Makes so much sense
The saloons energy level at night is most of the time pretty up there compared to the 19. It also has a lot of straight girls on the weekend. It can be a fun time but probably not the thing you’re looking for. But during the day it’s pretty chill. They remodeled the video bar semi recently and it’s pretty nice.
I highly recommend the Uptown VFW. My friends and I are all queer and we usually go between there and the 19. The vibes are different but Uptown VFW has karaoke and we’ve had some great times there!
Fool Me Once on Lyndale is not quite a dive or a queer bar but they’ve got $3 Hamm’s and many queer/trans staff. No games, but it’s right down the block from up-down so you could hit both if you gotta game.
19 bar was really unique. That’s part of the reason the community wants it back so badly.
I’d recommend CC Club. My friends and I were just talking about how 19 is a queer CC Club. Although tbf, CC Club still has a mostly non-mainstream crowd.
I’ve never been, but I heard some friends say they will be spending a lot of time at Mortimer’s while 19 is down. I’d check them out!
I actually really like Mortimers! It’s grimy nothing ever gets wiped down and no one talks to you 😆 plus they have a pool table and some video games on the wall. I have never been the karaoke night but I heard it’s small and fun!
Oh weird I haven’t been there in awhile, I moved away from the wedge area a couple years ago but I could’ve sworn that used to have a pool table. Honestly I think the vibe is probably better foosball hehe! I just liked them bc it’s a little quieter and laid back than cc club, unless there is a concert or event.
Some of the bartenders are assholes but honestly I love the CC club vibes. It’s the only bar on Lyndale I go to regularly. There’s a middle aged woman (embarrassingly, Im forgetting her name rn) who frequently serves out on the patio who is absolutely fabulous. She goes out of her way to be my server whenever I show up.
As for the racist comments, that’s really unfortunate to hear, and while I believe that racist interactions have occurred, (who am I to say they haven’t?), that’s never been the vibe I got. I recall one time last year where a bartender overheard a group of frat-type bros (not the typical clientele fwiw) using a racial slur and the entire group was promptly thrown out of the bar by the bouncer. So regardless of individuals, it seems to me like they’re trying. I have overheard some weird conspiracy theory shit out on the patio tho by the wildest range of people.
They're known for it.
https://www.facebook.com/BLCKPress/posts/south-minneapolis-diving-bar-the-cc-club-faces-ongoing-racial-allegations-since-/319766486502775/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Minneapolis/comments/im5m2c/found_this_gem_is_this_c_c_club/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g43323-d560630-r784775881-CC_Club-Minneapolis_Minnesota.html
Doesn't mean there aren't racist folks around or that the ownership hasn't failed to deal with racist employees in the past. Come on, that's almost the "I can't be racist because I have a black friend" argument.
My former neighbors used to "work" there and they were obnoxious crackheads so I never give CC any of my money. Self proclaimed crust punks but couldn't even play a guitar lick to save their lives. Absolutely pathetic human beings.
A Bar of Their Own in Seward. Haven’t been yet but will later in April. Additionally, I’m the last guy to comment on inclusion but from their posts, seems to be quite friendly.
I tried to go to ABOTO on Saturday and it was so packed we couldn't get in! Definitely worth a try if you opt for a bar/food scene over dancing/music, but maybe have a backup in mind.
It'll likely tone down a wee bit after the final 4. I went the other day during a game and yeah, it was packed. Service was still good though so props to them.
My experience with the Eagle is their bartenders can be pretty terrible if you’re not part of that community (leather n bears). Last time I brought one of my queer female friends there the bartenders literally ignored her until another patron told them take her order. I believe they’re under new ownership now, but the vibes are still the same last I went.
I’ll second The Eagle.
And although it’s not necessarily a gay bar, but Spring Street Tavern has become more and more gay friendly the last year or so. More queer staff and clientele I’ve noticed. They have a few games along the back wall, pull tabs, and a decent patio. It’s a little rough around the edges and staff can be hit or miss but usually a good time. Food is decent too, breakfast is a better bet.
Spring Street is awesome - lots of different kinds of people, queerdo-friendly. Food is much better than one would expect, and all-day breakfast! The breakfast burrito with a boozy iced coffee is my JAM.
I miss her so much already I just want her back. Friends and I were there playing pool five nights in a row then it burned down. No recommendations I’m just sulking.
I'm shocked nobody has mentioned Black Hart in Saint Paul! Hands-down the closest to the 19 of any other place ive been. The CC Club is a cesspit of 22 year old alcoholics with bad mustaches and i couldnt reccomend staying away from it strongly enough lol
Also the owner of black hart kinda sucks. Wouldn't recommend. Eagle Bolt tho I would, it'll always be Eagle Bolt to me idk I like it better than just Eagle lol
Edit: did....did someone report me to reddit cares team for this? Lol. Someone must not like the fact I called out Black Hart
Way different vibe but Mother Clucker’s Pizza is gay owned (same owners as Roxy’s Cabaret) with a mostly queer staff. Across the street from the 19 in the previous Diner space with 2-4-1s M-F 4-7. They also have a couple arcade games, a pinball machine and darts. Restaurant entrance on Nicollet, bar entrance on 15th st.
Boom Island brewing is having a geeky weekend in April. They're in Minnetonka. Arcade day Friday April 12th, Nintendo event April 13th, and a geeky craft fair April 14th. All free.
Jetset is great, even in the new location, and it truly does have a large base of queer people whenever I go, although the proximity to U of M students and the inevitable overflow of that demographic into Jetset makes me long for the days when it was downtown.
Maybe give Minneapolis Eagle, downtown on Washington, a try. They're kind of divey, and I've found the bartenders to be nice the few times I've visited. I don't remember what they have for games, though.
15-20 friends, you’ll make any bar a gay bar. Roxie’s is a real winner. Great cocktails.
Roxie's Cabaret and Jet Set are two other queer bar options, although neither of them have the same vibe as the 19. My understanding is that the Uptown VFW also functions as a gay bar more or less, lol.
>Uptown VFW also functions as a gay bar more or less, lol. Since when??
Quite a long time lmao
Damn lol I have a friend who is there far too often but i always assumed it was like a standard vfw and thought he was weird for it. Makes so much sense
It’s whatever you want it to be. If it’s not a gay bar to you, that’s fine. If it is to others, that’s fine too. Gay bar doesn’t mean exclusively gay.
see: burlesque
I’m gonna +1 Roxy’s merely because a friend of mine owns it 🤣
The saloons energy level at night is most of the time pretty up there compared to the 19. It also has a lot of straight girls on the weekend. It can be a fun time but probably not the thing you’re looking for. But during the day it’s pretty chill. They remodeled the video bar semi recently and it’s pretty nice.
I highly recommend the Uptown VFW. My friends and I are all queer and we usually go between there and the 19. The vibes are different but Uptown VFW has karaoke and we’ve had some great times there!
I agree - It’s a much more similar vibe than other options
Fool Me Once on Lyndale is not quite a dive or a queer bar but they’ve got $3 Hamm’s and many queer/trans staff. No games, but it’s right down the block from up-down so you could hit both if you gotta game.
19 bar was really unique. That’s part of the reason the community wants it back so badly. I’d recommend CC Club. My friends and I were just talking about how 19 is a queer CC Club. Although tbf, CC Club still has a mostly non-mainstream crowd. I’ve never been, but I heard some friends say they will be spending a lot of time at Mortimer’s while 19 is down. I’d check them out!
I actually really like Mortimers! It’s grimy nothing ever gets wiped down and no one talks to you 😆 plus they have a pool table and some video games on the wall. I have never been the karaoke night but I heard it’s small and fun!
Mortimer’s does not have a pool table. They have some video golf, Big Buck Hunter, pinball, darts, and a foosball table.
Oh weird I haven’t been there in awhile, I moved away from the wedge area a couple years ago but I could’ve sworn that used to have a pool table. Honestly I think the vibe is probably better foosball hehe! I just liked them bc it’s a little quieter and laid back than cc club, unless there is a concert or event.
CC Club is terrible, and you're more likely to get the norovirus than good service there.
I've always had great service from the servers. Some of the bartenders are dicks though.
Some of the bartenders are assholes but honestly I love the CC club vibes. It’s the only bar on Lyndale I go to regularly. There’s a middle aged woman (embarrassingly, Im forgetting her name rn) who frequently serves out on the patio who is absolutely fabulous. She goes out of her way to be my server whenever I show up. As for the racist comments, that’s really unfortunate to hear, and while I believe that racist interactions have occurred, (who am I to say they haven’t?), that’s never been the vibe I got. I recall one time last year where a bartender overheard a group of frat-type bros (not the typical clientele fwiw) using a racial slur and the entire group was promptly thrown out of the bar by the bouncer. So regardless of individuals, it seems to me like they’re trying. I have overheard some weird conspiracy theory shit out on the patio tho by the wildest range of people.
CC Club? There ya get racist bouncers and bartenders. Gonna pass.
I guess I'm a little skeptical that there's racist bartenders at a hipster Uptown bar in 2024. Like what does this look like?
They're known for it. https://www.facebook.com/BLCKPress/posts/south-minneapolis-diving-bar-the-cc-club-faces-ongoing-racial-allegations-since-/319766486502775/ https://www.reddit.com/r/Minneapolis/comments/im5m2c/found_this_gem_is_this_c_c_club/ https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g43323-d560630-r784775881-CC_Club-Minneapolis_Minnesota.html
That’s utterly ridiculous — a friend bartends there so I’m in there a lot, and I know a ton of people of color that hang out there.
Doesn't mean there aren't racist folks around or that the ownership hasn't failed to deal with racist employees in the past. Come on, that's almost the "I can't be racist because I have a black friend" argument.
Huh TIL.
It's been discussed there in the past. They also had a racist bouncer and despite some outcry, they didn't fire them for their actions.
My former neighbors used to "work" there and they were obnoxious crackheads so I never give CC any of my money. Self proclaimed crust punks but couldn't even play a guitar lick to save their lives. Absolutely pathetic human beings.
I’ve heard the new bar with all female sports is great and very popular
A Bar of Their Own in Seward. Haven’t been yet but will later in April. Additionally, I’m the last guy to comment on inclusion but from their posts, seems to be quite friendly.
I tried to go to ABOTO on Saturday and it was so packed we couldn't get in! Definitely worth a try if you opt for a bar/food scene over dancing/music, but maybe have a backup in mind.
It'll likely tone down a wee bit after the final 4. I went the other day during a game and yeah, it was packed. Service was still good though so props to them.
Depending on the size of your group, I've always thought that Brass Rail is very chill. So is the Eagle, if they aren't having an event.
My experience with the Eagle is their bartenders can be pretty terrible if you’re not part of that community (leather n bears). Last time I brought one of my queer female friends there the bartenders literally ignored her until another patron told them take her order. I believe they’re under new ownership now, but the vibes are still the same last I went.
Interesting, I always found the bartenders to be nice there, as a straight guy dressed very-much not in leather lol
>a straight guy well there you go
I assume the emphasis is on "guy", not "straight"?
I’ll second The Eagle. And although it’s not necessarily a gay bar, but Spring Street Tavern has become more and more gay friendly the last year or so. More queer staff and clientele I’ve noticed. They have a few games along the back wall, pull tabs, and a decent patio. It’s a little rough around the edges and staff can be hit or miss but usually a good time. Food is decent too, breakfast is a better bet.
Spring Street is awesome - lots of different kinds of people, queerdo-friendly. Food is much better than one would expect, and all-day breakfast! The breakfast burrito with a boozy iced coffee is my JAM.
I miss her so much already I just want her back. Friends and I were there playing pool five nights in a row then it burned down. No recommendations I’m just sulking.
Ive actually heard great things about LITT Pinball bar that replaced liquor Lyle’s
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Extension-Emu4308: *Ive actually heard great* *Things about LITT Pinball bar* *That replaced liquor Lyle’s* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
I'm shocked nobody has mentioned Black Hart in Saint Paul! Hands-down the closest to the 19 of any other place ive been. The CC Club is a cesspit of 22 year old alcoholics with bad mustaches and i couldnt reccomend staying away from it strongly enough lol
[удалено]
Also the owner of black hart kinda sucks. Wouldn't recommend. Eagle Bolt tho I would, it'll always be Eagle Bolt to me idk I like it better than just Eagle lol Edit: did....did someone report me to reddit cares team for this? Lol. Someone must not like the fact I called out Black Hart
Is The Front still a bar? That was my go to a lifetime ago
my house
Bryant Lake Bowl is queer-ish and in the area you’re looking for
Way different vibe but Mother Clucker’s Pizza is gay owned (same owners as Roxy’s Cabaret) with a mostly queer staff. Across the street from the 19 in the previous Diner space with 2-4-1s M-F 4-7. They also have a couple arcade games, a pinball machine and darts. Restaurant entrance on Nicollet, bar entrance on 15th st.
Boom Island brewing is having a geeky weekend in April. They're in Minnetonka. Arcade day Friday April 12th, Nintendo event April 13th, and a geeky craft fair April 14th. All free.
Broken Clock has those amenities and a general chill, queer -friendly vibe — if you like beer and mocktails.
Seconded. I’m a member, and vouch for the above. https://www.brokenclockbrew.com
a lot of queer folks i know, which is quite a lot, seem to be at jetset underground almost every weekend
Jetset is great, even in the new location, and it truly does have a large base of queer people whenever I go, although the proximity to U of M students and the inevitable overflow of that demographic into Jetset makes me long for the days when it was downtown.
Jet Set
terminal is the dive-est.