Watch CBS News

Best Open Mic Nights In The Twin Cities

The notion of the open mic is quite an interesting one. So many different people take part in this event: the young and old, the skilled and the not-so-skilled, the nervous and the cool. Anyone can showcase their creativity.

While I admit that this could be looked at as a grandiose description, I believe my words are true. It's debatable, but I'll contend that everyone deserves to share their music, comedy, poems, etc. with the world -- and an open mic is the perfect starting point.

So, if you would like to get in front of strangers and take over the microphone, here's my list of some places around the Twin Cities that will let you do just that!

Pazzaluna
(credit: www.pazzaluna.com)

Moto-I

2940 South Lyndale Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-821-6262
Website

Tuesday Nights (8 p.m. to 2 a.m.)

Located on the second floor, Moto-i's open mic stage is surrounded by comfy couches and local artwork. Come and show your skills at the first sake bar outside of Japan!

Pazzaluna
(credit: www.pazzaluna.com)

The Coffee Grounds

1579 Hamline Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55108
651-644-9959
Website

1st And 3rd Sunday Of The Month (6 p.m.)

According to its website, the Coffee Grounds' open mic is one of the longest running in the Twin Cities. Come in early, because the deadline for signing up is 5:30 p.m. Music starts at 6 p.m.

Pazzaluna
(credit: www.pazzaluna.com)

Chatterbox Pub

2229 E 35th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-728-9871
Website | Directory

Tuesdays (8:30 p.m.)

Much like the name suggests, this place is a chatterbox. So, if you're not quite ready for an intimate, hang-on-your-every-word kind of place, this would be a good place to begin.

Pazzaluna
(credit: www.pazzaluna.com)

Famous Dave's

3001 Hennepin Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-822-9900
Website | Directory

Sunday Blues Jam (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.)

This open mic night is for the blues players. Come and jam with Moses Oakland and his great band!

Pazzaluna
(credit: www.pazzaluna.com)

Acme Comedy Co.

708 North 1st St. #G31
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-338-6393
Website | Directory

Mondays (8 p.m.)

According to the website, doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the first 290 people. So, if you can make a joke or two (you'll probably need more), try your shot at a comedy open mic! This is an 18-plus show.

Pazzaluna
(credit: www.pazzaluna.com)

Ginkgo Coffee

721 North Snelling Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-645-2647
Website | Directory

1st And 3rd Wednesday (7 p.m.)

Sign up for this open mic starting at 6:30 p.m. According to the website, the open stage is run with a lottery system, meaning names are drawn to see who will perform in each slot. This means you don't have to try to get there too early to be the first to sign up!

Vincent
(credit: www.vincentarestaurant.com)

Wilebski's Blues Saloon

1638 Rice St.
St. Paul, MN 55117
651-331-0929
Website | Directory

Mondays (6 p.m. to 1 a.m.)

Try out the open jam with Kyle Fletcher. As the establishment's name implies, this place welcomes blues players, but will accept basically anybody!

W.A. Frost
(credit: www.wafrost.com)

Plums Neighborhood Bar & Grill

480 South Snelling Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-699-2227
Website | Directory

Sundays (9 p.m.)

The open mic starts at 9 p.m., but make sure to sign up early, as it fills up quickly!

Bar Lurcat Burger
(credit: CBS)

Dunn Bros On Grand

1569 Grand Ave.
St. Paul, Minnesota 55105
651-698-0618
Website | DirectoryDESCRIPTION

2nd And 4th Sunday Of The Month (8 p.m.)

For another classic coffee shop open mic, check out Dunn Bros On Grand. Apparently, the open mic host is very accommodating and the atmosphere is great.

As with all our lists, there are many other great places to go. If you have a suggestion, or if one of these open mics unfortunately shut down, please let us know by commenting below.

I hope you found my list helpful, and rock on!

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.