The Saloon

The Saloon is one of Minneapolis’ best-known gay clubs and a fixture of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife since 1977.

Set on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, the venue is much bigger than a standard neighborhood bar, with several bars, a dance floor, performance spaces and an outdoor patio. The crowd leans heavily gay male, but lesbians, trans people and other LGBTQ+ visitors are common too, especially for bigger parties and special events.

The Saloon is known for drag shows, dance parties, karaoke, open-stage nights and major Pride events, with the annual Saloon Pride Block Party drawing big crowds.

There’s also a more cruisy side to the venue, with parts of the bar traditionally attracting leather and fetish crowds, particularly later in the evening. That mix of dance club, neighborhood bar and old-school gay nightlife is a big part of why The Saloon has remained such a Minneapolis institution.

If you want a proper gay night out in downtown Minneapolis with dancing, drag and a strong gay male crowd, The Saloon is one of the key places to know.