The Saloon

On to the next place please.

In recent years, when I ask friends where they like to go to the answer is some straight bar, a dive bar or simply "not the Saloon". The friends are from the age range of 20 to 30, some who have gone out a lot and some who have not. I made a recent visit to the Saloon. The pluses that I found are great music in the video bar, great staff in the back area, and a nicely renovated back bar area which once used to be the smoking patio. I think these things are what help make a good establishment. Staff that helps you and makes you feel comfy and having great music is always a way to make the night seem lively. The downers and not to focus highly on them but rather state them so that hopefully it can be addressed and maybe changed. The staff elsewhere is just atrocious. I encountered customers not getting drinks. I had to wait 20 minutes to get a red bull, granted I know that is not the 8 dollar drink or "high tip" drink to be waited on, but yet after the first five minutes I noticed what the problem was. The bartender talking to his friends. No attention whatsover to his customers unless they were his friends. Now what kind of service is that. The security is an issue. I also noticed security people making fun of people. One was of a lady with breasts that were somewhat large but I felt like the motions and facial expression made behind her back were distracting them from their job which was security. It just made me feel gross inside to see that behavior. I'm not perfect but if you are gonna make fun of someone, talk about it later when the person is not around and definitely not in front of everyone. The panhandlers outside present a problem as well. Getting asked for money while outside smoking on the side patio is not ok. The people who go to this bar haven't changed from what I can see. Just a new crowd with the patrons who still cling on to the place. I can understand why. It used to be a great place. I find that what bothered me the most was the staff. The people that work there just are not friendly unless you have something for them or are their friend. This is with an exception to what I saw in the back. The back bar seemed to have great service. I think perhaps a staff change would help, or some sort of management control. Until I see improvements, my vote is to skip this place. There are plenty of other places to go that don't feel so gross like the Saloon. Most of my friends recommend straight places like the Local, Kieran's Pub, or dive bars like the 19 (though that place is a tad too dark for me)

Not to Miss !!

I loved this place. Went on Sunday night, pretty early..like around 10p.... only two dancers, but one was cute as hell...looked like a UMinn freshman...I tipped him a couple of times, not know what was coming later.....the shower show is great...the dancers lead off totally naked in the shower with semi-hards...looking great...made my day to see the cute twink dancer totally nude and wet....then a few patron get in the shower naked...all fun....this place has a little of everything....3 great bars...a hamburger stand....huge dance floor and naked twinks....what more could you want...!!

good place

Cool crowd, good atmosphere, huge space, decent music, some of the staff have too much attitude.

Top notch

In short, my favorite gay bar in the Twin Cities. Pros: Staff, drinks, crowd; Cons: Crowd, conformists; I always recommend this place to my friends who visit, given the (mostly) friendly & courteous staff, well-priced drinks, etc. If you're into a good skin show, be sure to show up after 10 on Sunday nights for the amateur shower contest. The music is delightfully varied from night to night, all depending upon your taste. The crowd at The Saloon is mostly younger guys, but there are plenty of mature gentleman & ladies of all ages as well.

best

best gay bar in minneapolis and st paul and knows how to please a crowd and also knows how to make drinks to your liking.