Most Exclusive Twin Cities Nightclubs

Don't let anyone tell you it's not happening in the Twin Cities. Sure, the club scene is on a smaller scale than on the coasts, but there's just as much swank and swagger behind the velvet ropes of these exclusive Twin Cities hot spots.

Aqua

400 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis, Minn. 55401
(612) 232-3232
(612) 483-1742 (VIP)
Directory | Website

A cool blue glow illuminates this water-themed lounge and nightclub. But with special nights like Latin Heat Mondays, Ladies' Night Fridays, Liquid Saturdays, the vibe at Aqua is always red hot. Expect regular celebrity drop-ins; this is a favorite hang spot of sports figures and music moguls. And don something dapper – leave the sporting wear and baggy clothes at home. A full dress code is available on the website. Hours: Monday, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Thursday through Sunday, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Envy

400 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis, Minn. 55401
(612) 673-9694
(612) 338-2222 (VIP)
Directory | Website

Envy brings sophistication, savvy and a sybaritic flair to the Twin Cities club scene with a modern décor and state-of-the-art sound system. The front lounge's DJ, dance floor and go-go girls keep the energy at an optimum level while VIPs in the Living Room Lounge look on; in the back room, techno and house beats throb while VIPs take their bottle service while lounging on cabana-style beds. Check the dress code on the website and plan to dress for the occasion. Hours: Monday, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Karma

315 1st Avenue N
Minneapolis, Minn. 55401-1609
(612) 333-3200
Directory | Website

The aura at Karma aura is chic enough to rival clubs in Vegas or South Beach. An elegant décor features oversized chandeliers, plush furniture, and sultry lighting, and the DJs keep the dance floor packed and pumpin'. This place takes its – and its clientele's – appearance seriously, so dress to impress. Details are on the website but suffice it to say leave the kiddie and street clothes at home. Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

The Living Room at W Hotel Minneapolis – The Foshay

821 Marquette Avenue S
Minneapolis, Minn. 55402
(612) 597-2413 (The Living Room)
(651) 328-9425 (Group and VIP reservations)
Directory | Website

The Living Room at the über-hip W Hotel plays Clark Kent by day, serving cocktails and light fare. But on Fridays and Saturdays its superhuman alter-ego takes over at 9:30 p.m. A DJ and dance area brings pulses up and inhibitions down. And as with anything the W touches, any- and everything is possible; just ask. Bottle service is available and private spaces can be cordoned off upon request. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. to midnight.

Spin

10 5th Street S
Minneapolis, Minn. 55402
(612) 333-5055
(612) 805-8133 (VIP services)
Directory | Website

A multi-level nightclub in downtown Minneapolis, Spin is a feast for the eyes with 40-foot ceilings, a giant water wall, and state-of-the-art lighting. And a top-notch sound system pumps out a continual groove of hip-hop and R& B mixes. Bottle and VIP service are available to step up the evening's ante, and themed nights and drink specials keep the vibe fresh. Plan to look good and if you need help, hit the dress code on the website. Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.