- Attraction: The Basement Bar
- Location: 511 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Industry: Entertainment Venue
- Website: https://www.basementbarmpls.com/
Picture this: you’re strolling through Minneapolis’ trendy North Loop district when suddenly you discover a pulsing underground world that transforms ordinary evenings into unforgettable dance parties.
Located beneath NOLO’s Kitchen in a converted historic hardware building, The Basement Bar has been Minneapolis’ go-to destination for live music, dancing, and late-night entertainment since opening in 2017.
This subterranean hotspot perfectly captures the energy of Minneapolis nightlife, offering everything from live bands and rotating DJs to classic arcade games and craft cocktails.
Whether you’re looking to catch emerging local talent on stage or dance until the early hours, you’ll find yourself swept up in the electric atmosphere that makes this basement bar a standout in the Twin Cities entertainment scene.
Entertainment & Nightlife Highlights
Live Music Scene: You’ll experience some of Minneapolis’ best emerging talent performing right in front of you on weekend nights.
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Keep Exploring →The intimate stage setup creates an incredibly personal connection between performers and the audience, making every show feel like a private concert. Local bands and touring acts rotate through regularly, spanning genres from indie rock to electronic music.
Dancing & DJ Sets: The dance floor comes alive when DJs take over after live music sets, typically around 10 PM on weekends. You’ll find yourself moving to everything from top 40 hits to electronic dance music and hip-hop beats. The sound system delivers crystal-clear audio that fills the entire space without being overwhelming.
Arcade Games Galore: You can choose from an impressive array of classic games including six dart boards that stay busy throughout the night, pinball machines featuring titles like Godzilla Pro and Pirates of the Caribbean, beer pong tables, and a photo booth perfect for capturing memories with friends.
These games create natural conversation starters and add an interactive element that sets this venue apart from typical bars.
Records Room VIP Experience: For special occasions, you can reserve the private Records Room that accommodates 20-25 people with your own personal bartender.
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Discover MoreThis exclusive space features a projection screen for watching games, a garage door window that opens to the main stage area, and the ability to control your own music playlist when live bands aren’t performing.
Atmosphere & Décor
Underground Vibe: The moment you descend the stairs, you’ll notice the dramatic transformation from the bright, airy NOLO’s Kitchen above to the darker, more intimate basement setting.
The space feels authentically underground with exposed brick elements and dim lighting that creates perfect ambiance for both live music and dancing.
Spacious Layout: You’ll find plenty of room to move around despite being in a basement, with long couch groupings that provide comfortable seating for groups of friends. The layout cleverly separates different activity zones, so you can enjoy games in one area while others dance near the stage.
Historic Building Character: The venue occupies part of the historic Gardner Hardware Building, and you’ll notice subtle nods to this industrial heritage throughout the space. The building’s original character adds authenticity to the overall experience, making it feel like you’ve discovered a hidden speakeasy.
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Keep Exploring →Modern Sound & Lighting: While maintaining its underground charm, the venue features professional-grade sound and lighting systems that enhance both live performances and DJ sets. The lighting creates dynamic atmospheres that shift throughout the evening, from intimate during live sets to energetic during dance parties.
Other Considerations
Pricing Structure: You’ll find drink prices reflect the venue’s North Loop location and entertainment-focused atmosphere, running slightly higher than typical neighborhood bars but reasonable for the experience and quality offered.
The generous pour sizes help justify the cost, and the entertainment value from games and live music adds significant value to your evening.
Timing Your Visit: You’ll want to arrive earlier in the evening, around 9 PM, to catch live bands and secure good seating before the crowds build. Weekend nights draw the largest crowds, so arriving early helps you avoid longer lines and ensures you can enjoy all the amenities without feeling rushed.
Food Options: While The Basement Bar focuses primarily on drinks and entertainment, you can order food from NOLO’s Kitchen upstairs, which offers elevated comfort food that pairs well with the venue’s casual atmosphere. The kitchen can deliver orders directly to your table downstairs.
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Discover MoreParking & Access: You’ll find street parking available in the surrounding North Loop area, though spaces fill up quickly on weekend nights. The entrance is located on the left side of the NOLO’s restaurant building, making it easy to find once you know where to look.
Age Requirements: All events are 21+ only, creating a mature atmosphere focused on adult entertainment and nightlife experiences. This policy helps maintain the venue’s reputation as a sophisticated yet fun destination for Minneapolis nightlife.
The Basement Bar
📍 511 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
