Best Theme Bars In the Twin Cities
Donny Dirk's Zombie Den
2027 N. 2nd Street
Minneapolis, Minn. 55411
(612) 588-9700
www.donnydirks.com
Dirk's Zombie Den is zombie-kitsch at its finest. The décor is vintage Vegas show lounge and features a leopard print carpet, smoked mirrors on the wall and vinyl covered chairs and booths. Zombie centered drinks are served up by bartenders straight out of Shaun of the Dead and brought to you by Morticia Adams look-a-likes. Oh, and if a zombie gives you any trouble, break the glass and grab the conveniently located chainsaw. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Nye's Polonaise Room & Nye's Bar
112 E. Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 379-2021
www.nyespolonaise.com
Nye's Polonaise Room and Nye's Bar, situated in Historic Nordeast, is as much a Minneapolis institution as you will find. Nosh on traditional Polish fare, sing along with Sweet Lou on the piano and dance an endless polka with the World's Most Dangerous Polka Band. Nye's Polonaise Room was named the best bar in America by Esquire magazine, but nobody there is bragging. They're too busy having a good time. Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Gasthof zur Gemutlichkeit
2300 University Avenue NE
Minneapolis, Minn. 55418
(612) 781-3860
www.gasthofzg.com
At Gasthof zur Gemutlichkeit, every day is an Oktoberfest celebration. At Gasthof's, patrons dine on schnitzel, wurst and other traditional German fare, drink imported German beer from a giant glass boot and are led in song by a man dressed in Lederhosen toting an accordion. Prepare to eat, drink and be very merry as Gasthof's is always a good time. Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
El Nuevo Rodeo
2709 E. Lake Street
Minneapolis, Minn. 55406
(612) 728-0101
www.elnuevorodeo.com
El Nuevo Rodeo is the hottest Latin hangout in the Twin Cities. The restaurant features tasty Mexican food and tequila themed drinks. After you've had your fill, dance the night away (literally, El Nuevo Rodeo is open until 4 a.m.) to live Latin music. Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m.
The Saloon
830 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, Minn. 55403
(612) 332-0835
www.saloonmn.com
The Saloon has a reputation for being Minneapolis' gay emporium. With four different bars, theme nights, karaoke and the occasional drag show, you'll find something to suit every gay persuasion. DJs spin tunes nightly and even the straight crowd comes here to dance. Hours: Monday through Wednesday, noon to 2 a.m.; Thursday through Saturday, noon to 3 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
