The Best Places for Live Music in Minneapolis

In the two-story industrial setting of Icehouse, visitors get the chance to sink their teeth into some fantastic new American cuisine and music. The brick building originally was the loading dock for the Cedar Fuel and Ice before becoming incorporated into Icehouse Studios, a recording venue for both video and audio mediums. Now this chic space is great for high-quality food and hearing new music acts. Many release parties are held for bands celebrating their first album here, and on a regular basis, guests will encounter new musicians.

Committed to promoting the arts and being a place perfect for entertainments, First Avenue & 7th Street Entry is the place to go for the best music in the city. This music club is a stepping stone for helping new musicians start off, such as Soul Asylum, and for furthering more well-known musicians like Eminem and U2 in their careers. Almost every night of the week, local artists can be heard playing up a storm, and, on a regular basis, the club hosts nationally known bands. Historically a Greyhound bus depot, the legacy of First Avenue has seeped into the music culture of the city and is now a veritable institution.

Featuring world-class music seven nights a week and a delicious menu of fantastically prepared food, Dakota Jazz Club is a fabulous music venue to visit while in Minneapolis. While serving as an important milestone in many bands’ music careers, the club also holds a philanthropy of preserving and continuing the jazz tradition. This contribution to the community has helped make the classy restaurant a pivotal part of the music scene in the Twin Cities.

A professed haven for those looking for the best beer, Acadia Cafe hosts live music seven nights a week within its sleek yet cozy setting. The bar features 30 rotating taps to appease any hops head, and guests will find a pleasant menu to sate any hunger that might arise. Music here focuses on providing guests with a cultural connection to what used to be the landmark New Riverside Cafe. The combination of beer, food and good tunes makes this a fun, fantastic place for live music in Minneapolis.

A presence in Minneapolis’ art district since 1899, this club has undergone a massive transformation, becoming a prime social community for artists and musicians. Every night of the week the events here feature some medium of live entertainment, from music to trivia to bingo. After being remodeled, the bar’s original tin ceiling is now exposed and the seating is expansive and comfortable. In 331’s sleek atmosphere, visitors can enjoy tasty drinks while snacking on affordable food as local music fills the air.

Flashback Cafe is located inside Memory Lanes, a lively bowling alley. With delicious food options that are surprisingly different from the typical bowling alley, as well as live music on selected evenings, Flashback is a great venue to not just have a good time but also enjoy some new tunes from the Twin Cities. Don’t miss the annual block party that sets this bowling alley apart from all the others!

By Michelle Schmid
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