In my late teens and twenties, my friends and I spent quite a lot of time hanging out at various nightclubs in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. There were so many great places to choose from, many with live music from a variety of bands – both local and famous.
If you’re from the Cities, take a trip down memory lane with me, and see how many of these places you remember. In no particular order…
The Mermaid (Moundsview)
“The ‘Maid” was a great place to go almost any night of the week! It was close to home for me and my friends, and had a pretty wide variety of clientele. Live bands were always downstairs, and we’d watch the North Stars hockey team play during the playoffs on satellite TV in the upstairs sports bar. Thursday evenings were “prime time” at the ‘Maid – it was always more fun there on a Thursday than any other night of the week or weekend. I remember meeting new people there and oftentimes when I asked where they were from, we found out we had graduated from the same high school class! Small world. And very large high school classes.
Boyd’s on the River (Minneapolis)
Boyd’s was known for it’s rock and roll atmosphere – and no other group drew a crowd like the local band Chameleon could! I remember their drummer spinning around on his rotating drum kit, while the light show and smoke billowed like a big time concert at the old Met Center! The cool thing about Boyd’s on the River was it had multiple levels and there were different bands playing on each level. The place was always packed, the music was always loud, and the drinks were always cold.
The Cabooze (Minneapolis)
The Cabooze always had a weird mix of bikers and college kids stuffed into one nightclub to listen to great live music. There was one band that played there often that had an almost cult-like following, the Johnny Holm Band. This was a unique band that was a blast to listen to. You couldn’t help but have fun when the Johnny Holm Travelling Fun Show was playing! Johnny Holm got you up and moving and was totally engaged with the audience. You can read more about Johnny Holm at “Johnny Holm, The Human Jukebox“. Ah… to go back to those days and relive all those fun moments…
Hoggsbreath (Saint Paul)
Hoggsbreath was a disco hangout that started back in the ’70s. During the 80s and 90s, my friends and I would go there for the great atmosphere and for the dancing. Well, okay. My friends enjoyed the dancing. I spared them the embarrassment with the way I dance – or don’t dance – LOL (I don’t have an ounce of rhythm in me).
Jukebox Saturday Night (Minneapolis)
I only went to this themed club a couple times, mainly to check out the club scene “downtown”, and I liked the retro atmosphere it offered. The nightclub was all about the 50s and 60s and had lots of old jukeboxes and arcade games. There were dance contests for the jitterbug and the twist, and the bathrooms were all decked out in tootsie roll wallpaper and photos of 50s and 60s beach movies. I wasn’t into “vintage” at the time, and I wasn’t into dancing, but it was a fun place to visit.
Bel Rae Ballroom (Moundsview)
Another club that was close to home, The Bel Rae Ballroom was THE place to go to see live bands, and theme bands like the Rockin’ Hollywoods. The dance floor was huge, and the place was always packed and rockin’! I remember buying “set-ups” – Coke, water, 7-up… whatever mixer you wanted to add to our own bottles of alcohol we were allowed to bring inside. Does anyplace do THAT anymore?!?
First Avenue and 7th St Entry (Minneapolis)
Did you know that Joe Cocker was the first live act that ever performed at what is now known as First Avenue? It’s true! Back then, it was called The Depot, and later became Uncle Sams, before eventually becoming First Avenue in 1981. While names like Prince, The Time, and Sheila E rocked the establishment in the 80’s, in the 70’s groups like Frank Zappa, Ike and Tina Turner, Chubby Checker, Rod Stewart and The Allman Brothers all played there. It’s a classic spot that still attracts would-be musicians from all over the globe who dream of making it big in the music business. While bigger names played First Avenue, there were some great alternative and local bands that played at the adjacent 7th Street Entry. First Ave was a favorite place of mine in the late 80’s and early 90’s. If you’ve never been to First Avenue – you really should plan a night out there.
Tony Jaros Rivergarden (Minneapolis)
Home of the Greenie! Tony Jaros is still in the same location in Minneapolis. It’s a sports bar with cult-status, not a nightclub. But it is definitely a place everyone should visit at least once. We’d leave other clubs early just to head down to Tony Jaros’ RiverGarden and cap off our night with a Greenie. Like I said, this place is still around – if you’ve never been there before, put it on your calendar!
The Nightclub Above Schieks (Minneapolis)
Okay. I simply cannot remember the name of the nightclub that was above Schieks in Minneapolis. As you might recall, Schieks was a very upscale gentleman’s strip club. But if you walked in the main door, you were met by a greeter and after you paid the cover charge (which was hefty), you could go up the stairs to the loft above Schieks. It was a very exclusive art deco disco bar. There were no bands, just a DJ and lots of funky, new age disco type music. I’ve already established that I’m not much of a dancer, but we went to this bar for the atmosphere and for people watching. This was one of the best places for people watching, that’s for sure! Because of the high cost of entry (and the even higher cost of drinks), this was not a typical place where many early 20-year old people hung out – which made it even more alluring to me. Now if I could just remember the name of the place…
EDITED TO ADD: The nightclub above Schieks was Graffiti’s. Thank’s to Mike (one of the DJ’s who started the club) who left a comment below. The club was founded by Mike, Gracie Lorenzi (long-time radio DJ, Disco104) and Luke Soiseth – and what a fun club it was!
Dibbos (Hudson, Wisconsin)
Remember Dibbos? It’s the place were practically every 18-year old Minnesota teen went on a Friday night to drink beer. The legal drinking age was 18 in Wisconsin at the time and 21 in Minnesota. A quick trip across the river from Saint Paul with a carload of friends was always a fun night. Until one of our friends decided to duck under one of the tall tables and threw-up all over the floor. Yuk! Amazing we survived our youth when I look back on it.
Want More?
Check out this link for even more great history on old music venues of the Twin Cities – Twin Cities Music Venues . This website is FILLED with great photos, stories, music programs, posters, and more – all from the 1920s up through current times. It’s really a cool website – a must-see if you’re from Minnesota!
If you’re from the Cities, what did I miss?
What were some of your favorite hangouts of the 1980s and 1990s?
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Some place by St. Anthony Main ??? My first time there was 1984 under age. You could see a big clock 🕰 n a different building from the dance floor. There was a restaurant on the first floor dancing on the top. Vanity 6 and The Revolution would go there. I can’t remember the name but I went there a lot. Any ideas?
Williams nightclub
Williams Nightclub was Uptown, not by St Anthony Main.
St Anthony Live? Was it a horrid, horrid place with crappy music?
Are you thinking of Grapes?
It was in the basement of the restaurant Pracna On Main at St Anthony Main.
Grapes played all the best British club music!
They never carded anyone.
I was a student at the U of MN and of age at 19, but many high schoolers were getting in.
Yvette’s? Maybe it was called something else before that, can’t remember. I loved going down to Saint Anthony Main in the early/mid eighties
Roxy s?
I remember a lot of Guido parties at Sheiks. Around 85-86 lots of fun. Dez Dickerson would play there. And Keith Lewis and Paul his side kick.
Hi JayDee! I came across your site and loved your coverage of classic clubs in Minneapolis. I have an answer to one of your questions, if you are interested? The nightclub ‘above’ Shieks was called, Graffiti’s (actual spelling). Your description was really good. My name is Mike Hopper and I was one of the (3) DJs that opened the club back in 1983. If you had any questions or wanted any photos, I’d be happy to share with you. Cheers!
Hey Mike! Thanks for your comment!
Graffiti’s!!!
I couldn’t remember that name and am so glad you posted.
That’s very cool that you’re one of the DJs that opened Graffiti’s. It really was an amazing place!
I loved watching the people that went there. You guys did an AMAZING job with the music and lighting. So many fun memories of Graffiti’s! Thank you for making it such a unique and fun place!
TNT’s was also popping in the 90’s
Graffitis was the best! I spent many a Monday night there and have great memories! I guess I owe you a big thank you JayDee!
My friend and I would go every Saturday. We had money for entrance and just one drink and had to make it last all night. Fun fact: I asked Prince to dance there.
Schieks was a disco from 1979 to roughly 1988. It was never a strip club at that time. They unfortunately kept the name after Schieks closed. I was one of the Djs there from 1983 to 1987.
Very fond memories of the place and Graffiti’s.
Before Scheiks was a gentlemen’s club, it was a fine dining establishment during the day, disco nightclub at night. I was a cocktail waitress there. Late 70’s, early 80’s.
Graffiti’s was an awesome night, packed everytime I was there.
Mike, is there a way to reach you via email? I moved to Mpls when I was 20 in 1984 and remember dancing there when it was a regular nightclub. Ironically, I would move from the Cities and later return, to work at Schieks in 1992 (as Solid Gold) and in 1994, both times as a cocktail waitress. I am writing a book and would love to speak to you more concerning the club as it existed in the 80’s. I lived at the Churchill Apartments back then; worked at Daytons and then Barbizon Modeling School. Had incredible memories then. Also, if anyone reading this has any recollections of the Whitney Hotel, please comment; that is a special place that will also appear in my book. Thank you so very much! I hope to hear from you, Mike. And thanks for the post, JayDee!
The Whitney Hotel had the best weekend brunch! The chef would roll a cart up to your table and cook your food in front of your eyes! Extremely elegant and delicious!
Zelda’s was upstairs in the mid 70’s
Hi Mike! I ran across your comment here and I would love to see any old photos you may have from Graffiti’s in the mid-80’s. From spring of ‘85 to the tail end of the club I was there almost five nights a week. Monday’s were Long Island Ice Tea night. Wednesday’s was college ID night. Thursday was Ladies night and then Friday and Saturday. I flunked out of the U because I was dancing too much. I’d love to get in contact if possible. Thanks!
Mike Hopper: I was just telling a friend today about graffiti’s in Minneapolis. I used to dance there from 1983 to about 1985 or 1986. I just saw your post. I used to go up to the DJ booth and ask what the songs were (if the video wasn’t playing on the screen). I often went on Wednesday nights which I believe was college night. It’s possible I may have spoken with you. One of my favorite groups was Scritti Politti. I ended up doing a little DJing myself, at the saloon on Hennepin and a bar in uptown that I can’t remember. Those were really fun days! I would love to see some pictures of the inside if you still have any. Or, if you ever had any top 10 or top 50 list of songs. I still have about 1000 12” inch singles from the 80s.
Was the uptown bar chaos?
I would love to see pictures from Grafitti’s in the mid 80’s! So many good times & memories!
That was a college place to go – and I have their original sign that was out front. The memories.
I would love to see photos! I spent several nights a week there religiously! Many Wednesdays, Thursdays and weekends and some Mondays too. My grades definitely suffered, but those were some of the most fun! Where can I see some pictures?
Graffiti’s was awesome. I loved that place. I eventually moved to NYC and Europe and nothing really compared to me. That place was epic and a classic for the 80’s
Sheiks was a lunch and dinner and night club back in the 80’s it turned into a strip club much later. Graffitis was not upstairs when it was a strip club.
Didn’t Sheiks use to be Spaghetti Emporium and Zelda’s was the bar upstairs where a girl danced in a cage?
Hi Karen, I don’t remember Spaghetti Emporium, but now that you mention it, I do remember seeing this building change to Zelda’s later on – though I never visited there when it was Zelda’s.
This building was the old Farmer’s and Mechanic’s Bank building originally. It sure was (is) a cool building! Thanks for the reminder about Zelda’s.
Yes!!
Oh my gosh, you’re the first person to comment on Spaghetti Emporium that I can find on Google! I was talking to my mom and asking if she remembered this place and while I was a youngster in the 70’s I was pretty sure it was in the old Sheik’s building. Thanks for kind of confirming I may be correct!
Yeppers it’s what I remember.
I love this! I stumbled upon it trying to figure out the name of an 18+ dance club in St. Paul that my friends and I went to around ’86 ’87…I think it was in the caves??! I love all things 80s!!
Thanks Lisa! I love all things 80s, too!
Would the dance club in St. Paul have been the Wabasha Street Caves? http://www.wabashastreetcaves.com/
IF this is the place you’re thinking of, they still have dancing and other events there.
I think the dance joint in the caves was Palace Royale? (sp). I remember going there a few times with my girlfriend from St Kates!
I remember going to a club in the caves back in the late 80s. I thought it was called The Library at that time.
I believe you are correct! It was a great place to have some fun during high school.
I went there when it was The Library, late 80’s.
The Library! Went there several times myself during high school days.
Wasn’t it called the library?
The Library?
The Library! That’s was it was called in 1988 anyway!
Was Misissipi live the name of this big place by the river inthe early 90’s?
Hi Susana – Yes!
The venue called “Boyd’s on the River” (in the 80s, mentioned here) became “Mississippi Live” in the early 90s. The city of Minneapolis revoked their liquor license in 1994, so they didn’t last long.
I haven’t been down in that area for a long time now, so have no idea what the place is now. I heard it was going to become an office building complex, but not sure if that ever happened.
I worked at Mississipi Live as an 18 year old when it first opened and was in New Orleans on Bourbon Street working at Billy Bob Barnett’s Wild Horse Bar and Grille (owner/investor in Mississippi Live) when it closed in 1994. Those of us hand picked from Mississippi Live to go work at Billy Bob’s bars during Mardi Gras came back to find the place chained and closed with no explanation. Crazy times indeed. Lots of stories from Mississippi Live!!
Sounds like you had a fun experience – I can imagine the craziness of working on Bourbon Street. I recall quite a few stories about Mississippi Live, too. The times sure have changed a lot since then.
Mississippi Live
Gluek’s!
Sirs, before it was Graffiti’s, it was called Zelda’s (after Zelda Fitzgerald).
Thank you for the trip down memory lane!
Can anyone remember what the rock clubs were at the corner of 26th & 26th in Mpls? I think Mr. Nibs was one of them. I played in a band (bass) that would open for the likes of Dare Force and Chameleon at those places, great memories…the ones I can remember! Our guitar player was only 17, so the agency had to get a waiver signed at a lot of bars stating that he would “refrain from consuming any alcohol while on the premises”. Incredible guitar player that went on to big things…
I Saw Slash in a band down there. It had low ceilings. Fire trap. I think it did burn. Norma Jeans was down there, I think.
Mr Nibs wad there and across from it was Duffy’s in the early 80’s that became Norma Jean’s.
I went to both Mr Nibbs and Norma Jean’s a couple of times. I think the Mirage was down there or maybe replaced one of them?? Loved the Mirage and saw a few decent 70s and 80s bands there like Blue Oyster Cult.
It was the hexagon bar. The hex for short
Norma Jeans.
Duffys
Yes, norma jeans! I spent so much time there, it was my first dance club when I was legal at 19(grandfathered in) although I was getting in at 18. They also had Pearson’s the biker bar across the street, those were great times!
Didn’t graffiti’s have a cage where the girls were randomly asked if they wanted to dance in the cage? I remember a blonde named Wendy that was a real looker that used to dance in the cage. Seems like it was Graffiti’s at the time . Awesome environment!! Wow time flys..
I found this because I was trying to remember the names of Disco places I visited back in the day of gaberdine bell bottoms and shiny shirts. I remember the Oz in downtown St. Paul. I was there for New Years Eve one year. And whatever Sheik’s was called when the main floor was a Disco – probably Zelda’s from what I’m seeing here. Who remembers Scotty’s on 7th in the old Forum Cafeteria building? I took a college girl (who was underage at the time) there one night – we’ve been married for 36 years now.
Can anyone remember the names of the nightclubs that WLOL used to broadcast from live on Friday nights (in the early 90’s– Like “PartyZone” or “Dance Party”). They used to have a few different ones that they alternated. Or, it may have been KDWB??
Party Zone KDWB at Burnsville Bowl Fridays 1989-1995.Saturdays at T-Birds(name then switched to “The Bird”)near Maplewood Mall.
TON E FLY?
Pacific Club downtown MPLS.
Filberts in bandana square
Early 80s Music Island huge in East St Paul.
Norma Jeans on lake street
Yes! Pacific Club was awesome! Spent a lot of time at Gatsby’s and Norma Jean’s too… and Glam Slam, Eddie Webster’s (Bloomington) and Linday’s (Dinkytown) as well … good times!
Probably know ya! Lol. Memories!
What was the bar downstairs at Eddie Webster called?
Yes. Pacific Club was one of my favorites. I was there a lot.
Also went to Acapulco (next to Gleucks) and South Beach.
We sometimes went to Nankin to get the famous Wanderer drinks (large drink that was enough for 2)
Loved the Nankin and those two person Wanderers!!! Certainly wandered after drinking those.
So many fun times dancing at The Pacific Club! My friends and I were all sitting at a table upstairs one night. Each of the tables had little candles on them, except ours. So I went over to an unoccupied table and grabbed the candle and brought it to our table. A short while after, what seemed to be an entourage of people came in and sat down at the table that I had taken the candle from. My entire teenage dreams came to life when I realized it was Prince sitting at that table. I didn’t want to be a total weirdo and bother him for an autograph or gawk at him, so I devised a plan to get close. I decided that it was the cleverest idea anyone had ever had and I set off to return the candle. I mean, why wouldn’t Prince fall instantly in love with me as I approached him with a flickering little light twinkling and gleaming in my green eyes! Too bad I’ll never know how happy we could have been together, because his three giant bouncers stopped me before I could place the glowing light of my love on his table as they proclaimed with outstretched palm ✋ “He doesn’t want that!” Oh, well. A girl can dream. I had to try.
It wasn’t until after he was leaving and he put his coat on standing near me, that I realized I was literally a foot taller than him. Meh, I still loved him.
Williams pub in uptown
Gatsbys dance club
South Beach dwntwn mpls, Sunny’s Chicago & Lake, and DeLisi’s Broadway & Penn
I vaguely remember partying at Thumper’s in Coon Rapids…
Oh my gosh! Thumpers. Thanks for sharing this – I had forgotten about Thumpers. Fun times!
Wasn’t it called the library? What about norma jeans off of west lake street.
No norma jeans was on 26th and 26th. Does as anyone remember after the gold rush in cottage Grove?
Yes Gold Rush the old roller rink converted to what was thr largest club at the time.
There was a place by Target field in the early 90’s called Tropics and then later on Cowboy. Or was it Cowboy first and then Tropics. IDK but it was a great dance club
I think you mean Tropix Beach Club. It was Tropix and then it became Cowboy.
Ah yes, the Tropix. Foam shot out on the dance floor and for a time you could buy body shots on the waitresses and maybe the waiters as well. Fun dance place!
Chaos in uptown that later became a cheapo that you’d have a flight if stairs to climb
Chaos!! Wow that was a flash in the pan. That swing over the dance floor looked like a fun time!!
The Perimeter (Now Choice Gentleman’s Club), which was like a mini first ave, was super fun at the time.
Rogue Bar… Kinda set the bar high, which has not been met since in my opinion.
The Pacific Club was awesome. wasn’t it owned by a Viking’s player at the time??
JayDee, thank you for sharing this. I am glad i stumbled upon it!!
The Perimeter I went to in the early 90s was not downtown but in the Warehouse District. Are you sure you’ve got that name right? Or have I lost my mind completely in old age?
In my humble opinion, the Warehouse District is encompasssed by Downtown Mpls:) We are talking about the same place. Its across the street from the entrance to Sex World. It became Mission after The Perimeter. And we are not old, we are Perfectly Seasoned Aged!!!
Maybe it was a different thing or I’m not remembering correctly, but I feel like the Chaos I went to in 1992-93 was a themed night at Williams Pub. Electronic, goth, industrial etc music.
I also liked Rupert’s club in Golden Valley. It had several levels and had a feel of a classy supper club. They had the Rupert’s band too.
Oh yes!!! I went there often!! Loved it there and top notch entertainment fir $5 cover. Thank you. I was trying to remember the name. Now I can’t remember the one in Bloomington! Had a great band and fun time. Restaurant attached. Does anyone know?? Older crowd.
The “Ramada Inn” had bands. It was off France Av, and 494. I used to DJ there.
Thank you so much for posting about RUPERT’S. I was dating my now husband in 1991 and we met there for a drink one night. Today, neither of us could remember the name of that place. It was driving me nuts! Was it also called Ruperts Americana? Or was there another place connected to it that started with a C?
Don’t leave us hanging Christopher? Who was your guitar player? I grew up in Wisconsin so only had a few foray’s of clubbing in the Cities, but hit up Dibbo’s quite a bit. Definitely remember Dare Force and Chameleon maybe at Boyds… it’s kinda a blur which clubs. I saw The Time at First Avenue and remember disco dancing at The Oz..
JayDee, thank you for sharing this and starting a conversation!!
Pacific Club – A+
Chaos – B+ (Only be cause of the swing over the dance floor)
Rogue Bar – A++
Cleo’s – A+
Club Metro Underground – A+
Global Go-Go & Platnium @ Mississippi Live – B+
Fahrenheit – A+++++
Infinity – A++++++++++++++++++++
Anyone remember a beach-themed place I think near Riverplace/St. Anthony Main? The wait staff used to dance on the bar every once in a while.
Yes, it was around in the late 80s and early 90s. They served beer, maybe two for ones, in plastic water glasses. I cannot remember the name though
Love this! Used to go to Dibbos even though I was old enough to drink in Minneapolis. Dibbos closed one hour later than the Minneapolis bars so it extended the evening! Loved the Bel Rae Ballroom! The Medina Ballroom had the setups like the Bel Rae and bands like Johnny Holmes and the White Sidewalls and went to both!
The Bombay Bicycle Club in Blaine was pretty fun! What about MT Pockets? I remember it was that was a cool place but don’t remember where it was.
MT Pockets was just east of Rice Street about a block south of Highway 36, roughly across from where Joe’s Sporting Goods is located. It had been called the Hideaway in the early 80’s. I remember Chameleon played there quite regularly.
Thanks Brett, I didn’t remember where MT Pockets was located. Ah Chameleon, yes!!! Fun times.
In the late 80s/early 90s we used to go to The Goldrush in Cottage Grove, and The Underground in Dinkytown for dancing. I also grew up in Mounds View, and would occasionally go to the Mermaid as well.
After The Gold Rush was my first real “club” experience, and a Senior in HS to boot!
The Underground i still miss to this day!!!
In 1987 I was going to McConnell School of Travel and staying at the Pillsbury Club at 819 2nd Ave. S.
My friends and I found the Jukebox!
It was either Tuesday or Thursday nights, women could get in for 5$ and have unlimited rail drinks.
We had the BEST TIMES THERE!!!
All the good old 50’s 60’s music. The retro decor. Hulahoop contests.
Thanks for those precious memories!
The jukebox was great for sure! Yes, Hulahoop contests! They also had that dunk tank also. I went there the first time in 1986! So fun there with great music!!
Pracna on Main…..good restaurant downstairs, great nightclub upstairs.
Who remembers Marsh’s Nightclub in the Lumber Exchange Building in the mid 80’s?
Marsh gave my father and I a tour of the venue just before the grand opening. I still have a branded shot glass. Curious how long it stayed open or if Marsh went on to other similar ventures. I moved to Hollywood shortly after and was soon working for the greatest clubs in the USA and Western Europe as a pioneering visual artist.
Marsh still lives in St. Louis park with his family. Groovy mid century house, funny guy.
How about the 494 strip…the private clubs with paid membership…places around the lakes…ohmygosh, miss those days!!!
I turned 21 in 1992. In the 90s I was too busy with my firm skin and curly hair to have a job or live places that cost actual money. Also, I was a maneater. My bestie and I frequented, on a rotating basis:
Glam Slam
Gatsby’s
Bunnies (and the irish sounding restaurant next door?) out on Excelsior Blvd
Club Metro
Gabby’s (I got kicked out for punching a guy who tried to pick a fight with me and ended up going out with the bouncer who escorted me out the door).
The 90s
The Saloon
Restaurants also turned into clubs after 8 or so that we frequented:
Williams
Figlio
Cattle Company in Eden Prairie
What was the name of the club in St Louis Park? They had a live band every night and brass rails everywhere and it was HUGE. I want to say something like Bennigans but that’s not it.
PS I used to be an “exotic dancer” at Dreamgirls in the 90s, right above the big red car!
I’ve got stories, man.
Your thinking of “Ruperts” it was on Hwy 12 which is now 394.
YES! Ruperts! Thank you! I remember having a fake ID and going there when I was 19 or so on ladies night and getting absolutely fall-down pass-out barf-in-the-parking lot drunk. I swear, if there’s a next life for me, I’m going to freaking college.
Wow! you must have been a lot of fun back in the day.
Haha I mean, I was fun. Until I wasn’t. Fortunately, AA was at its peak in the 90s haha.
Do you know Is the building still there? My dad was talking about a club/bar he used to go with my uncles around this area in the 80’s and he thought the building was still there but couldn’t remember the name, also what other clubs/bars would of been “the spot” to go? I want to tell him some names and see if he went there. One I found was was “Koogans Leaning Post” looked like a fun place to go
Bunnies….not too far from the Classic Motor Company! Both fun! The Classic Motor Company had a dance floor downstairs. Was the place you are thinking of in St Louis Park called Ruperts? It was on Hwy 12 at the time, before 394 went in, but maybe not in St. Louis Park. Ah yes, Dream Girls above Juke Box Saturday night!!
Yes! It was indeed Ruperts.
OMG THE CLASSIC! Now THERE’S a blast from the past. Maybe I was thinking of that, not Bunnies. My friends hated The Classic but I loved all things St Louis Park back then. Thanks for remembering both places.
Are you old enough to remember “The Leaning Post” in St Louis Park? I think it was at Excelsior Blvd. and Hwy 100.
Man, I don’t think so. I mean, I may be old enough to remember it (I’m 51), but I don’t think I ever went. What years was it popular? What kind of a place was it?
I totally forgot to mention the Cabooze too, and what was the place next to it? I’m not in MN anymore but I think they both closed?
And I know it isn’t a nightclub like the ones mostly referenced here, but the Valentine VFW in LynLake was THE coolest in the 90s and early 00s and deserves honorable mention. Few knew it existed. I think its location is erroneously being referred to as the “Uptown” neighborhood now, but we old codgers know better.
Leaning Post was sort of a “Roadhouse” type joint. You mentioned Classic Car, that was a disco before that and I’m straining my brain cells I think it was “Infinity” disco. And before that I Think it was “Georges in The Park”
I was the DJ at Schieks before it became a strip club, I also Djd at “Summerfield’s” out on the strip and the ‘Hippogriff” out on Hwy 12.
Yeah I don’t remember any of those places in SLP, but I remember Schiek’s (had a couple friends who worked there).
OMG remember Widgets? I was too young for that place but we (unsuccessfully) attempted to get in anyway when I was in High School in the mid 80s.
That’s really cool that you were a DJ. I knew a few of you guys around town!
We were lucky to be part of such an incredible scene back then. There’ll never be another 80s/90s Minneapolis again. I don’t even think many young people go to clubs anymore!
The Cabooze is still open as far as I know although I haven’t been probably since the 90s myself. The bar next door that you are thinking of is/was Whiskey Junction. They might be closed though. What about The Mirage? Did you ever go there? There were bands there and I remember seeing at least Blue Oyster Cult and Kansas there in the 90s.
OMG The Mirage. I haven’t thought of that place in ages. Right by Norma Jean’s, right? I would have LOVED to have seen those bands live. I did see the Monsters Of Rock (Van Hagar, Kingdom Come, Metallica, Scorpions, and Dokken) at The Metrodome. I maintain that I acquired hearing damage from the horrible acoustics in The Dome. That was back when we thought the dome only sucked for concerts haha. #Foreshadowing
There was this restaurant/bar in Block E around 2004 or so, something Italian. Luna something. Anyway, my friend and I were propositioned to a threesome by a one-eyed, morbidly obese Kirby Puckett. I’m honestly not sure what’s sadder. The fact that club life had gone that far down that far, or that I still bring it up as a sad brag.
Yes, the Mirage was next to Norma Jean’s. I that or the one where the Mirage was burned down at some point, don’t remember exactly.
Oh, so lucky to see the Monsters or Rock show (without the hearing loss)!!! Those were some great bands and I would have loved seeing all of them! Correct that the Metrodome had terrible acoustics. Funny about it sucking for other than acoustics in the years after that….
Wow, that is a sad brag but a great story about Kirby!! I’m guessing you passed on that offer!? Were you shocked or caught off-guard? He lived in Eden Prairie and I guess he would hang out at Redstone and hit on women (per friends). That would have been around that time I think.
Testing my memory on the Italian Luna place in Block E. I remember that Old Chicago was there or near there with a dance floor in the basement, Rosen’s and the Loon Saloon at the far end around 2004 but not that one.
I think it was like, Pazza Luna or Meza Luna or something like that.
Oh you’re right Norma Jeans DID burn down! And the last time I was in Mpls, The Mirage was inhabited by a bakery. How stuff changes.
Oh gosh I forgot about the Old Chicago! I know I was in there a few times but I must have been actively working on cirrhosis at the time because I couldn’t tell you what it looks like. I think there was an alley with tables too? And I remember the Loon too. I loved the atmosphere there. Then head on over to the Pickled Parrot for some hangover brunch the next day.
How have we not talked about Mississippi Live and the giant body spinner thing we’d all pay to step into after too much booze, and even more of us stood watching waiting for the vomit to fly. Took our lives into our hands. Or at least our outfits.
Yes Rosens for sure. Was that in Butler Square? They had an incredible turkey sandwich there.
So you’re telling me that Puckett wasn’t in love with us specifically, he was just categorically, indiscriminately pervy?! Dang it!! 😀
I almost said Pazzaluna!! It is still open but in downtown St. Paul. There could have been one in Minneapolis, don’t remember.
Sad about the Mirage turning into a bakery! Fun place!
Old Chicago did have an alley with tables, yes. It would get full of people talking and drinking. Yes!! The Pickled Parrot!!! Another great bar!! Funny about the hangover brunch. I believe I did that once as well. I am fairly sure Rosen’s was almost across the street from the Parrot on 1st Ave. That could be closed though.
Wow, forgot about Mississippi Live!! Definitely went there plenty also. OMG, I remember that body spinner!!!! I know I had one friend who tried it but don’t think he threw up! Too funny. It was great to walk between the bars there.
Darn, sorry to break it to you about Kirby like that. Still a great story! I’m thinking he was probably about 45 when that happened. 😮
So many great bars and clubs downtown and in the Warehouse district in those days. I don’t really remember which dance bar this occurred in but Prince asked one of my buddy’s girlfriend to dance. My buddy said he was thinking to himself “Great, Prince is going to steal my girlfriend!” but she turned Prince down!!! Speaking of him though, did you ever go out to one of his parties at Paisley Palace? I would have loved going and I remember having an opportunity to do so but can’t remember why I didn’t go. Probably would have been a blast!
I held a surprise 30th birthday party for my husband at the Pacific Club in Minneapolis back in the 80s. My girlfriend and I were given the keys to the place to decorate. We played music – loudly – while we decorated the uptairs for the surprise party. I had the party catered, and paid to have our guests allowed in. During the party, the manager at the Pacific Club came up to me and said “I don’t know what you did, but Prince is on his way here – we have to move the food from away from the back door”. We LOVED Prince back in the day (and always), so on a whim, I had called Paisley Park and invited Prince to our party. I never thought he’d show, but figured at least I tried. Well, he DID show! He and his entourage were allowed entrance to the upper floor where we had reserved space and he joined our party. It was amazing!!! It was definitely a party we will never forget. Prince was an incredible person. Gone too soon.
For some reason I can’t reply to your latest comment so I’ll reply to this one.
FANTASTIC memories!!!! I bet your friend was at Prince’s club Glam Slam (turned into Quest)!! We went there every single week when it first opened. It was amazing. You know, I never saw Prince there, but I danced with Brian Austin Greene one Saturday night lol!! OK well, I danced at the same time he was dancing. He had a whole group of “Star F*ckers” around him that I was not in the mood to join. That’s hilarious what your friend said, like, who wants to compete with PRINCE, FFS???
I WISH I would have gone to one of his parties. I wasn’t really in with the right crowd I guess.
Hey do you remember when International Market Square used to do the New Years Eve bash every year in the 80s? My friend Laurie was like, 16 and her dad was some wealthy big wig in Bloomington (The exclusive bedroom community of Bloomington was the place to be in the 80s, remember?), so she got in and drank herself silly every year. I’ve seen pictures and it looks LAVISH, but I always wished I could have gone.
Pazzaluna! That’s it! Haha Kirb will always be a legend to me, and I’ll remember him as a champ as I wave my commemorative Homer Hanky.
Hey remember the WLOL morning show? Hines and Berglund? I think Berglund got busted digging out Hines’ wife or something?!
Now I’m just freebasing any nostalgia I can find. Like, “hey! Remember when they redid that pothole on Hennepin?! Wasn’t that great!” a la Chris Farley and Paul McCartney.
Oh, SPEAKING of nostalgia and Chris, my friend was at Hazelden with him and she told me loooong after he died that he was absolutely hysterical in person. Doing stuff like giving the waiters shit for asking the “fat guy at the table” what he wants to eat before everyone else. TAKE ME BACK IN TIME!!!!
Mo, I saw your and JayDee’s posts so not sure why it didn’t let you reply. I believe you are correct about Glam Slam being the club where my buddy was worried about losing his girlfriend to Prince. I know I went there and Quest several times. I had forgotten about Quest!! I am pretty sure I saw Def Leppard play there once to a small crowd. I remember Prince owned Glam Slam and thought he would have been there more. So, you didn’t dance with Brian Austin Greene but on the dance floor. Did you meet him?
Yes, I remember IMS New Year’s Eve parties. Sorry you missed those. I went to them in the late 80s and most of the 90s! Great fun, definitely lavish and most of were hosted by Minnesota Vikings or other local Celebrities. One year Jesse Ventura hosted before he was Governor. There was general admission covered the band, dancing, New Year’s Eve party favors and some years, couple of drink tickets. There was a band and a countdown at midnight where they released balloons from the ceiling. I imagine your 16 y.o. friend could get in there back then.
Yes, I am with you about Kirby’s legacy! He was a GREAT athlete.
I do remember the WLOL morning show with Hines and Bergland!! However, I don’t remember the entire scandal. I think you are correct.
Sooo funny about “freebasing” nostalgia!!!
And what a GREAT story about Chris Farley. Sad that he died so young and even though he was in there, you friend was lucky to meet him!! I would imagine he was funny and always making jokes.
Replying to your latest comment Mike!
I love that you got to go to IMS NYE parties, that’s fantastic!! My junior prom (South High Mpls) was held there in 1988 so I did finally get to get gussied up and see the inside of that beautiful building at night. I rememebr a girl wore a thong and a prom dress so short that she could have had pants for it, so all the girls were mad at her because their dates were checking her out, but I just thought that sexy beast was plain awesome for it.
I said hi to Brian Austin Greene and he was friendly but not creepy or snotty. Just acted like a person, which was nice.
It is just marvelous to remember these things!!!
The place next to the Cabooze was called The Joint. Lots of bikers, great burgers!
Whisky jct is on the corner though
Do remember the name of the bar at the Hopkins House back in the 80s and 90s ?
No you were thinking of Timothy otooles
Gippers (The Irish sounding bar)?
Shoot me an email. two front flips at gmail dot com. 🙂
JayDee I can’t reply to your comment to Mike about your birthday and Prince but OMG YOU ARE A BALLER!! That is BANANAS. Why weren’t we friends!?? We could have had coffee at Cafe Wyrd together and I could have given you free passes to get into Dreamgirls and everything! What a fantastic memory, thanks for sharing and starting this conversation. To quote Molly in Pretty in Pink, I’m gonna OD on nostalgia!
I love reading all your comments, Mo – you definitely sound like one of my kind of people! Nostalgia is pretty damn cool. Those were some awesome times, for sure!
Ah thanks JayDee!! I discovered you with this post of yours that I stumbled upon. I will definitely take a deeper dive into your body of work here. Thanks again!
JayDee, I can’t reply to your story above about Prince going to your husband’s birthday party but THANKS for sharing it!!!! How great it must have been to party with him. Right, why not invite him because you had nothing to lose? That was very cool that he and his entourage went to party with you!!! The Pacific Club as well, great!!! Agreed, he was gone much to early! He had great music and was a Class Act!
WordPress has a weird setting to only allow threaded replies 10 deep – that’s the reason for not being able to reply to the above. But… I appreciate your reply here. It WAS awesome partying with Prince. He really was a Class Act and I believe he really cared about people. We went to several of his concerts before he joined us for the party, and I honestly feel pretty darn lucky that I had that experience. It was definitely a party I will never forget – and I don’t think our hundreds of guests will forget it either.
I was the Dj at Schieks before it was a strip club. There was a gorgeous girl that was the “Coat Check” girl that worked there. She was only seventeen and I used to sing the Rick James song “17” to her. One Saturday night one of Princes “hanger on,wannabees” approached her and said, “Prince asked me to ask you if You’ll dance with him” and seventeen replied “If he wants to dance with me, he can ask me himself” and that was that and she became an instant hero.
I only saw him once. He showed up at Cabooze to see Greazy Meal and was up in the mezzanine in the back. I tried to tell Fancy Ray he was here and facilitate an intro and he just ran down those metal steps past poor Ray who was disappointed lol
Good page! I am too young to have gone to some of these but I remember the radio ads
I would also add TNT/Mirage was huge and Sharky’s in Columbia Heights. If you were into metal/rock those both had lots of bands and good sound
No you were thinking of Timothy otooles
Does anyone remember the name of the nightclub on Grand Ave. in St. Paul with a big disco ball out front?
Goofy’s Upper Deck on 2nd St N. in Minneapolis. Punk scene ~ ’81-83.
I remember being like 16 and somehow ended up at Rogue on a new years eve. I had a cigar that would not stay lit. Took me a few minutes to realize it was wet, then a few more minutes to realize the ceiling was dripping. I think the ceiling collapsed soon after and that was that. I think we went back and a sign on the door simply said “rogue is closed forever”. Later in life I lived with a woman who happened to be Nick’s gf at the time of all the rogue stuff. Wild stories.
Wait, are you “Jo” who worked as a waitress at a certain downtown eatery/bar?? If so, I worked with you in the late 90s/early 00s 🙂
Cage nightclub on Lake Street in the early 90’s. Had goth/industrial etc dance nights, and live music also including some punk bands. It didn’t have a liquor license. It shut down right around the time Ground Zero opened.
Has no one mentioned the OZ? The Heart of Disco! So cool, met Eric Clapton there, I’m sure he remembers..ha
The Launching Pad? (Before Povlitskis) across from the Spermaid in Moundsview… I think it was a setup bar with local bands, the Torch on Rice St, Vadnais Inn (The Sadness) North End Depot
More?
I’m trying to track down a guy named Dale that said he was a stripper. This would have been 1985 – 1988 timeframe. He may have also frequented the teen phone chat lines. Any ideas where a guy would have been working as a stripper in that time frame anywhere near Minneapolis?
The 90s, Brass Rail, or maybe a company that did private parties? The Townhouse in St Paul may have had male strippers too. I worked for Dreamgirls and then a private company for a while called Peaches and Cream but we only had female dancers. There was also the King of Clubs on Hennepin and 5th but I’m not sure if that was open in the 80s.
I’m replying because I’m subscribed to this conversation but I gotta say, a male stripper hanging out on teen lines is….a bit yikes haha.
I didn’t see The Iron Horse in Crystal mentioned. Jumpstreet of which James Walsh formed and was part of Gypsy in the late 60’s and early 70 ‘s.
Austin Healy was the best.
Thank you so much for posting about RUPERT’S. I was dating my now husband in 1991 and we met there for a drink one night. Today, neither of us could remember the name of that place. It was driving me nuts! Was it also called Ruperts Americana? Or was there another place connected to it that started with a C? Cocolazone by chance?
Does anyone remember the name of the pizza place on the lower level of St. Anthony Main? It was next to a Haagen Dazs icre cream shop.