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1. Dakota Jazz Club

1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403 · 612-332-1010

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Music: Blues
Jazz
Dress: BC, TBC: Business Casual
T: Trendy
Food Served:

DOWNTOWN. Come for a late dinner and conveniently bypass the cover charge at this simple yet elegant music room and restaurant. A respectable roster of jazz and blues acts keeps folks, especially couples, coming back, as do the chef's innovative takes on Midwestern specialties. Sip a selection from the above-average wine list while you ease back amid smooth grooves in the relaxed atmosphere. An outdoor mezzanine provides opportunity to mix and mingle without disturbing diners and musicians.

2. First Avenue and Seventh St Entry

701 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 · 612-332-1775

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Music: Funk
Hip-Hop
House
Jazz
Latin
Punk
R&B
Reggae
Rock
Salsa
Soul
Varies
World
Dress: C, TC: Casual
T: Trendy
Food Served:

DOWNTOWN. A converted 1930s bus depot, this two-part club is a premier music spot in the Twin Cities. First Avenue attracts both national and regional acts, and depending on the night, you can catch a Jamaican reggae group, Texas rockers, a Seattle grunge band, or a high-life act from Nigeria. DJs play recorded music, mostly progressive and alternative, for nightly dancing. The tiny Seventh Street entry is accessible through the First Avenue venue or via a separate entrance.

3. Famous Dave's BBQ & Blues

3001 Hennepin Ave, Calhoun Square, Minneapolis, MN 55408 · 612-822-9900

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Cover Charge: No Cover
Music: Blues
Funk
Jazz
Rock
Salsa
Soul
Dress: CC: Casual
Food Served:

UPTOWN. Part of a chain of Famous Dave's restaurants, this establishment took a Chicago-style blues club as its model rather than the usual Southern eatery. Sandwiches and platters include Texas beef brisket, North Carolina chopped pork, and notable St. Louis-style ribs. You'll also find a full bar, along with live jazz almost every night thanks to local bands. National acts appear several times a month. On Sunday and Monday, the music runs from 8pm till 11pm; otherwise, performances are from 9pm till 12:30am.

4. 400 Bar

400 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454 · 612-332-2903

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Cover Charge: $$1 - $15
Music: Alternative Rock
Folk
Punk
Rock
Dress: C, TC: Casual
T: Trendy
Food Served:

WEST BANK. From his previous life as a producer, the owner of 400 Bar still has connections in the music biz, ensuring that quality local, regional, and national acts (including R.E.M. and Spoon) take the stage. Alternative, punk, indie, and straightforward rock are the genres of choice, and recent renovations mean improved quality and better views of the stage. Covers vary according to the act, and a cash-only policy is in place. While regulars occasionally grumble about drink prices, pints of Pabst Blue Ribbon are always on special, and mixed drinks tend to be on the strong side.

5. Fine Line Music Café

318 1st Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55401 · 612-338-8100

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Music: Alternative Rock
Blues
Folk
Funk
Hip-Hop
Jazz
Punk
R&B
Reggae
Rock
Soul
Dress: C, TC: Casual
T: Trendy
Food Served:

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. This sophisticated venue presents live music – local and national jazz, folk, rock, blues, reggae, and gospel groups. The early 20th-century brick building in which the club is located offers tables next to the dance floor and second-level seating overlooking the small stage. The Indigo Girls, Edie Brickell, Alanis Morissette, and The Cowboy Junkies have played here. The kitchen is open only for special performances, so call ahead.

6. Gluek's Brewing Company

16 N 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403 · 612-338-6621

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Music: Rock
Top 40
Dress: CC: Casual
Food Served:

DOWNTOWN. Four nights of the week are dedicated to an array of live music at this laid-back venue with the feel of a European beer hall. Wednesdays and Thursdays find the best local and national acts pleasing crowds while Friday is much-anticipated live band karaoke night. Backup singers and musicians take the place of a television monitor with scrolling lyrics in Gluek's version of the sing-along favorite. On Saturday nights, a DJ takes over with a mix of rock and pop. Add in a menu of hearty, German-inspired grub and 17 draft beers, and there's something for everyone.

7. Rossi's Blue Star

80 S 9th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402 · 612-312-2880

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Music: Jazz
Piano
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual
Food Served:

DOWNTOWN. Well-known for its adjoining steakhouse, Rossi's also lays claim to this classy, intimate jazz venue. Cozy booths line the walls, and the center of the uncrowded space is occupied by tables affording great views of the spacious stage. Jazz legends as well as local up-and-comers entertain patrons every night; there are even some lunchtime performances. Subtle lighting casts a cool blue glow over the proceedings, upping the hip factor. A plus is the modified menu from the restaurant, featuring gourmet nibbles and an impressive wine list.

8. The Cabooze

917 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404 · 612-338-6425

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Music: Alternative Rock
Bluegrass
Blues
Folk
Latin
Reggae
Rock
World
Dress: C, TC: Casual
T: Trendy
Food Served:

DOWNTOWN. Befitting its name, The Cabooze, a popular venue for live music in the Twin Cities, is located near an expansive railroad yard and is shaped like an oversized railroad caboose. Local and national bands offer rock, world beat, reggae, blues, and alternative music in a funky, bohemian atmosphere. Early arrival is recommended if you wish to be seated during concerts.

9. The Times Bar & Café

201 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414 · 612-617-8098

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Music: Big Band
Jazz
Latin
Lounge
Salsa
Dress: BC, TBC: Business Casual
T: Trendy
Food Served:

NORTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS. A classy interior of dark woodwork and brass chandeliers dresses up this pleasant restaurant, which regales patrons with terrific music throughout the week. In the evenings, a varied slate includes Latin, jazz, Caribbean, vocalists, and more. Along with great tunes, the establishment offers tasty food: burgers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pastas, and three kinds of fondue (cheese, hot-oil and chocolate). Sunday brunch also offers a great opportunity to catch live jazz; it runs from 10am till 2pm.

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About 10Best's recommendations for Minneapolis's Live Music:



The nightlife scene in Minneapolis is dynamic enough to suit just about everybody's taste. This is especially true in the case of bars and clubs specializing in live music. If you dig that kind of show – rock, blues, jazz, country, or R&B, it doesn't matter – do yourself a favor and check out the big-name acts and local bands scheduled to play at these spots.

 

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