Part of the Gay Minneapolis Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
One of Minneapolis's oldest gay bars, on Hennepin since 1977.
Gay-owned and running on Hennepin Avenue since 1977, The Saloon is one of the oldest continuously operating gay bars in Minneapolis. It opened as the Y'all Come Back Saloon, and co-owners John Moore and Jim "Andy" Anderson were behind the bar on day one before buying the place in 1981 — they marked 45 years in business in 2022. This was an era when police still raided gay bars, and Moore has called it "a sacred place where people could come and tell their stories." The main room runs a long bar, a large dance floor with dance boxes, and go-go dancers, while two back bars give you a lower-key spot to actually talk. Touring drag queens, guest DJs from around the country, and the annual Pride Block Party keep the calendar full, and the room turns 18+ on weeknight late nights. It remains the high-energy anchor of downtown's Hennepin strip — worth building a night around if you want to dance.
Have feedback on this description? Let us knowDrag brunches, circuit nights & every party worth knowing in Minneapolis — in your inbox every week.
$79
$110
$195
$72
$35
$60
$10
$480
Experiences powered by Viator
Get the full experience — check in, follow this venue, and connect with the community.
The complete LGBTQ+ guide to Minneapolis & St. Paul — bars, Pride festival, neighborhoods, events, and everything you need to plan your trip.
Robbie S.
The North Star gay rodeo, a Taylor Swift Eras drag brunch, and Cruel Intentions the musical at LUSH — plus the week's queer pop-culture briefing.
Robbie S.
Bottomless mimosas, themed rooftop shows and a $10 seat in Northeast — here's where to find drag brunch in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and how to book the good ones.
Robbie S.
From Gay 90's LaFemme revue running since 1964 to Sunday drag brunch on a downtown rooftop, here's where to see drag in Minneapolis and St. Paul — and which night to go.
Robbie S.
The Twin Cities have one of the oldest, most organized leather communities in the country. Here's how the scene actually works — the clubs, the bars, and the space that ties it together.
Robbie S.
The Twin Cities lost their last lesbian bar in 2008 — but the sapphic scene is thriving, anchored by a women's sports bar, a queer community center, and a growing roster of roving parties. Here's where to go.
Robbie S.
