Vegas Lounge

Bar · St. Anthony East

Vegas Lounge

Bar · St. Anthony East

1

965 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

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Highlights

Nightly karaoke, cheap drinks, cash only, dive bar fun  

Featured in Eater
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965 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Get directions

vegasloungene.com
@vegas_lounge_mpls

$10–20 · Menu

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965 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Get directions

+1 612 378 1873
vegasloungene.com
@vegas_lounge_mpls

$10–20 · Menu

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payment cash only
reservations

Last updated

Aug 10, 2025

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The Twin Cities Best Dive Bar Karaoke | Eater Twin Cities

"It’s hard not to have more than a little fun at Vegas Lounge. With pull tabs, bingo, meat raffles and other typical bar entertainment all week long, the Vegas Lounge shines brightest well after dark, as one of the few spots in town with karaoke seven nights a week. And somehow, despite the place being packed on weekends, the bar manages to provide surprisingly reliable table service. The biggest mystery might be how that bachelorette party flawless pulled off that Spice Girls song with only one coherent singer." - Eater Staff

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/best-bar-karaoke-minneapolis
View Postcard for Vegas Lounge

Kristen “Wander & Nosh Mama” Wermerskirchen

Google
The Vegas Lounge is definitely a dive bar, but that’s exactly its charm! We went for the karaoke, which was fantastic — you can pick any song you want, and it was fun to watch a mix of musicians and brave singers hop on stage. The atmosphere is classic dive: a bit sticky, dingy, and rough around the edges, but that’s all part of the experience and vibe. It’s cash only (at least for cover, not sure about the bar itself), so plan ahead. There’s also an outdoor area, though I didn’t check it out. If you’re looking for a no-frills, fun, down-to-earth place with great karaoke and drinks, this is a solid spot!

Michael Oxley

Google
Absolutely trash establishment. Avoid at all costs if you plan on having a good time. Let’s start with the karaoke DJ, who flat-out refused to let us pay to sing sooner—but conveniently allowed others, particularly those dressed provocatively (both male and female), to skip ahead if they slipped some cash. Meanwhile, my friend and I (who weren’t dressed to their apparent "standards" and are both white males) were completely ignored when we asked the same. Apparently, fairness isn’t a concept they understand here. Then there’s the bartender—charging men significantly more for drinks than women. I literally heard the orders and counted the change. It wasn’t a mistake; it was blatant price gouging. On top of that, drinks were weak, overpriced, and the place is cash only (probably to make sure they can overcharge without dispute). The overall vibe? Shady, discriminatory, and a complete scam. This place caters to a select crowd while treating others like second-class customers. If you want fair service, decent drinks, and an actual chance to sing without being judged by your outfit or gender, go anywhere else.

Morgan Hodgson

Google
Has great potential if they get rid of their kareoke DJ. He will only play your song if you bribe him and makes it impossible to sing if you don’t. Also he is very rude. If you want a true karaoke experience do not come to Vegas Lounge.

Nicole Reiter

Google
Hilarious people, great atmosphere, just the regulars enjoying life!

Accidental Loaf

Google
Ordered a vegas bomb with Jameson. I watched the bartend named liz put a different liquor in it other people saw it too. I have multiple allergies hence why I asked for jameson. When I told her I saw her put something else in it. She got angry with me and said "if you have allergies don't ever order a shot here again". This is discrimination. Don't come here

Pene Hope-Digest

Google
I had so much fun! We were looking for a hangout spot… and bam! We came across this place form Google search, I did not regret being there, it was a great karaoke experience 😜 We had a wonderful time! Will definitely be back 🤗🤗

Mia Eubanks

Google
I went to this bar (26DEC2024) specifically for the karaoke with recommendations as I haven't lived in Minneapolisfor some years & while the crowd was lively & fun with people of varying talents but everyone was welcomed by the crowd. However, I do personally feel the DJ ruined the experience for those who wanted to participate in karaoke. I say this because the DJ was working off of a pay to sing system & not just giving regular tips but specifically if you paid him he would add you to the rotation of performers. I'm not against this as a system if it is put out front that this is the way things are done. I watched the DJ get handed money & put that singer to the front of the list were as people who didn't give him money their song requests were put in a discard pile. As someone who seeks out places for the karaoke experience when visiting, this is the first time that I have experienced this in Minneapolis let alone any other bar that I have been to in the US or internationally. Unless the current DJ changes his ways I cannot say that I would return to this establishment specifically for karaoke.

Deven Abraham

Google
Can’t speak on the food but the service was great during karaoke. Seems to be a lot of regulars and people are very friendly. Very small dive and definitely worth the trip. Also has a nice fenced in patio for all the dart smokers. Cheap tall boys as well which is a plus.
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Lucy J.

Yelp
Cash only!!! Besides that, great prices for any minneapolis bar. They have actually been voted one of the best five bars in minneapolis! Karaoke 7 days a week, which makes the environment extremely fun and energetic!! Cherry bombs $7 High noons $6.50 Vodka Red Bulls $ 5.75 Crown vanilla $6
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Emmie H.

Yelp
Cash only bar! There are ATMs. Fun environment with great bar tenders. We were here for a bachelorette party on a Wednesday and it was packed and energetic! There was even another bachelorette here. The prices are SO reasonable and the drinks are definitely not watered down. They are STRONG. Great song selections on karaoke and a great place for a good time.

Howard D.

Yelp
Don't listen to Jerry Springer BS Hazel Love is putting out there. Vegas Lounge is the best Karaoke joint in Minneapolis.
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Melissa H.

Yelp
What a blast! Karaoke is so much fun here! When you pull up there is a round about that you can be dropped off at or off the street. The bouncer checks your ID at the door. He seems cool as hell. So was the bartender. She was awesome. I placed my song in and was able to sing maybe an hour later. The singers here are incredible and it was such a fun vibe! Worth checking out if you are in the area. Pretty crowded but not standing room only. You can get in. We went on a Saturday night.
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Brian P.

Yelp
Great staff. Fun place. The karaoke guy needs to turn up the vocals. Every singer except when he sang could hardly be heard over the music. You shouldn't have to scream when you sing. Come on get it right.
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Mitch A.

Yelp
This is 5 star review because IF you're looking for exactly what Vegas Lounge has to offer, then it knocks it out of the park. It's a dive in the best way. Crowded bar(it's not very big inside), cheap drinks, and karaoke every night. Crowd is all over the place age-wise. If you haven't been it's a fun night with the right group. Avoid if you're looking for any food beyond a frozen pizza or a anything resembling a quiet ambiance.
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Jon H.

Yelp
Yup. This bar is everything and more. If you sing London Bridge by Fergie I will be mad because that is my song. FYI Cash only.
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Jon M.

Yelp
Found this place by accident, but it couldn't have been a more fun mistake ! Was really slow when we got there, but at 9 o'clock 25-30 people, from a convention, walked in and the party started !! Karaoke was slamming the whole night until they closed at 2am and we got kicked out. Had a blast and will be coming back
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Stephanie W.

Yelp
Dive bar karaoke at its finest. Nothing fancy about this place, and if that's what you are into it's perfect. Bar prices were low, there was pizza in the back, and singing. Not a lot more to ask for.
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Natalie S.

Yelp
Recently came here with a bunch of friends and family. The night started really fun drinking and singing karaoke. Unfortunately, things took a turn after someone roofied my drink. I know it's not the bars fault, and frankly, it's not my fault because I know I didn't set my drink down or accept drinks from strangers that night. We called the bar to let them know what had happened to me and my sister in law and they literally could not have cared less. We were just hoping to provide them with information so they can maybe keep an eye out for future incidents. Nope, didn't give a shit. They said "don't put your drink down". Apparently they have never gotten drugged to where you lose complete control over your own body, black out, and almost end up in the hospital. It's so unfortunate for a business to not give a flying f*ck about their patrons. But this is me warning you, if you do go here, buy the roofie preventative drink covers to cover your glasses the best you can and stay vigilant to project yourself. Clearly the people who work here and own the business won't watch out for you. We will never be going back here because of the lack of compassion they shared for us. We were fortunate to not get raped or murdered after our visit to the Vegas lounge.

Celia M.

Yelp
0 stars - we showed up to hang out have a few drinks and sing karaoke. We went to the bathroom and as soon as we walked in the bartender diedra walked in behind us and started shouting she should be first in line because she only gets 3 minute breaks and to get out of her way. When we told her we were just finishing peeing she called us twats, and told us she was getting us kicked out by the bouncer. We then got screamed by her on our way out and she started HITTING our friend. Our only saving grace was the understanding bouncer who escorted us out safely. will never return if she is working and will be letting as many people know as possible that this place isn't safe if she is working. Only come here if you want to be yelled at for using the bathroom and then swung at by the bartender

Emily N.

Yelp
The karaoke hosts here take bribes. When we went last night, people were paying a hundred bucks to get a chance to sing. I was so disappointed by this. it is extremely unprofessional.

Megan H.

Yelp
hosts take bribes. so, we had been there since before 9pm and don't get to sing because they are taking bribes from others? ridiculous. Host admits to it (and sang twice himself.)
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Aurah Gqunefere W.

Yelp
We've become regulars at this place, going about every other weekend. The DJ is AMAZING, does a great job with the rotation, and doesn't let you put in more than one song at a time, limiting people from 'spamming'. Drinks are cheap and STRONG! And the bouncers are all so fantastic and kind. A creep came onto my friend the last time we were out, started harassing her and wouldn't leave her alone. We told the bouncer and he not only immediately took care of it, but kept us in the loop on when the creep wouldn't leave the outside of the bar, and two bouncers walked us to our car. Come for the good Karaoke, stay for the drinks and the fantastic service.
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Neal D.

Yelp
This is the Divey-est of dive bars in NE. With karaoke and cheap drinks this place gets the job done.
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Will S.

Yelp
The best spot for karaoke in the Twin Cities, if not all of North America. It's a dive. They have pull tabs. They only take cash. Sit back and watch the colorful locals, from old men who talk too loud about how the Vikings blew it in the '90s to very drunk and loud Gopher fans who stumble in after a big win on the gridiron. Once it hits about 8pm, the karaoke starts and the real fun begins. This happens seven nights a week! I plan to bring my friends here whenever they visit me here in Minneapolis, my new home. But they prob won't ever visit. Jerks.

Tiana B.

Yelp
RUDE SECURITY WARNING!! Visited this place with a few friends and my friend needed to make a call outside. It was below freezing outside so I went to check on her and as we both tried to re-enter after the phone call, the bouncer proceeded to tell us that she was too drunk to re-enter!! WTF!! She never made a scene only left the bar for a few minutes!!!! He rudely PHYSICALLY handled me as I was trying to go get my purse that was still inside with our other friends and he kneed me in the back from attempting to restrain me from securing my belongings!! ALSO - who kicks people out in negative degree weather if you think they're drunk...Everyone at a bar is presumably drunk and we were wrongfully targeted! Never going here again -- not worth only paying with cash either! You should go to Lush across the street, much better experience, service, security, and vibes!
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Lorren C.

Yelp
Late night dive bar, cash only, cool karaoke. That's all fine. The two stars is because THEIR SECURITY IS THE MOST RUDE, DISRESPECTFUL employee I've encountered in a while. Their door is tricky. It says Entrance but looks like you're being punked by a private back entrance - solid door, off the parking lot, no windows, etc. My partner and I were visiting from out of state so aren't familiar with the place, or the tricky door you have to yank on with the power of Thor. When it didn't open we knocked. No one answered, so we knocked again. Nothing. Are they open? Gotta be. We hear music. Let's knock harder. Nothing. One more time. Suddenly the door comes FLYING open fiercely, nearly hitting my boyfriend in the face (a quick forearm block saved his face). Then this giant of a man yells, "THE GODDA%M DOOR ISN'T LOCKED, JUST PULL IT!!!" Immediately we are livid with this greeting. We yell back, explaining we did and he needs to calm down. The summary of the pointless conversation- it's not his job to open the door, only to check IDs; people keep doing that (knocking vs pulling harder) but he's not frustrated- though he cussed at us; he's sick of people (though still saying he's not frustrated); and we can't tell him how to do his job. Had it not been 11pm I would've turned around and spent my money elsewhere. Service beyond that was fine. Karaoke was fun to watch. But first impressions are everything and I can't get the stank out of my mouth.
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Kevin C.

Yelp
Well the staff is extremely rude. We went on a monday for bingo and I thought they had horrible customer service skills. Everything is in cash which leads me to believe somewhere the are skimming on taxes.Bingo was fun but the point last s were to low for my liking

Douglas K.

Yelp
I visited this establishment on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022 with two friends. Got there at 9:45 p.m. and immediately put in a karaoke song request after ordering drinks. I waited until 11:15 p.m. for my name to be called and saw several other customers being called on-stage twice during this period without any mention of me. After ordering a second round of drinks, I gave up and left. It looks like the DJ plays to his favorites (people and/or songs). Disappointing.

Amanda T.

Yelp
KARAOKE BOY JORDAN: very selfish and ALWAYs saves the last song AT BAR CLOSE when there are paying customers at the bar wanting to continue karaoke, for the next couple minutes. But nope, not an option when he's karaoke guy for the night.
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Jacob R.

Yelp
It's always fun here, even when it's packed and you can't move I still have a blast. It is cash only, but that's probably how they keep everything so cheap.
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Kara D.

Yelp
Essentially I'd like to re-iterate most of Barclay's review; well-said! For a freakin dive bar, this is quintessential and thus very much appreciated by me. 5 stars because I expected a good cheap time, and I got a great cheap time. I've been here a few times, and it will probably be stay in my frequent Nordeast rotations. It's cash only, dark but full of neon signs, casual AF, divey AF, cheap, and fun. There are killer drink specials like 2-4-1's twice a dang day, Happy Hour until 7pm on weekdays, "Frugal Friday", and more. They have karaoke every single night, plus pull tabs, meat raffles, and bingo. It's a totally mixed bag with the crowd, but I haven't wanted to punch anyone yet which is nice! For food, you guessed it -- Heggies Pizza. Plus they have tons of other bar food, though I haven't tried it. What's more, they have a parking lot! But this is one of those places you should probably Lyft to/from...
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Alex W.

Yelp
CASH ONLY. Hidden gem of a karaoke bar in Minneapolis. This is a classic local dive bar. Impossible to not have a good time. Karaoke 7 nights a week. If you're in town with co-workers or family, add this place to your list. It is a cash only bar. No credit cards.
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Whitney C.

Yelp
When I walked in, I didn't expect to like this place as much as I did. Our server was friendly, and when my friend's burger didn't come out as expected, she gave him a partial refund, which hardly ever happens! My Philly cheese steak and fries were to die for. This place offers karaoke, but be warned - this is a cash only bar!

Taylor B.

Yelp
This is the most sketchy bar you could imagine. We came in for a happy hour leaving work. They made us put our work laptop bags in the back cooler and not let anything be in the place. They made it look like we were about to be robbed and took all our items. They locked us out of the room and then would not let us get our items. The bouncers put on gloves and tried to become physical with us. They threatened us and basically wanted to fight. I've never felt more uncomfortable going to get a drink and felt like i needed to fight or flight for our safety. If anyone asks me to go to this place i would rather put my balls in a blender.

Lizzy L.

Yelp
Would give the bartenders 5 stars, but the guy that runs karaoke is a HUGE A-HOLE!!!! I would give him zero stars. He screamed at one of our friends for no good reason!
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Barclay W.

Yelp
This is a place where if you want a good laugh, read the bad reviews. Talk about petty problems. It is a dive bar people! If you are willing to jump in (or take the dive) and embrace the experience here you will have a great time. We came here with some friends after going to Lush and finding out it had a $5 cover. This is the quintessential dive bar. Cash only, cheap beer, loud music (or in this case karaoke), and a mix of people (both good and bad). Take it all in stride and with a smile. We had a couple of pitchers of beer and sand along with the karaoke. A couple of women who sang a number we enjoyed came and joined our table. We had a blast with them. The one waitress I saw working the floor is a take no shit kind of waitress. This is a dive bar after all, and she is here to serve you cheap drinks and move on. Don't expect her to bend over backwards for you. That being said, if you treat your server right they will laugh right along with you. If a group of gay men and two single mom's can laugh, sing, and dance poorly here, then I think anyone can. 22/100
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Tracy E.

Yelp
It is a dive bar - but I liked it. They had karaoke after 9 pm and it was a good time. It is not a bar where you will have fancy drinks in crystal goblets, just a good neighborhood bar. We will be back!
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Thomas H.

Yelp
I enjoyed it! Drinks were cheap on a Sunday and karaoke had a warm and welcoming crowd in terms of enthusiasm and applause. There were some creepy women who tried to steal my drink and stole my seat at the bar (when doing Karaoke) but they got thrown out promptly. I'll definitely be back when I'm up in MN next time!
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Brad V.

Yelp
Been to this place before. Last time there was a foot of snow outside. This time weather in the 50s. Nice. If you want to sing, stand in line. Rotations are long. Grease the KJ and he'll bump you. He sort of picks as he goes. If he likes the song you picked, he will push you forward. Too slow, too down or melancholy and forget it. He's throwing a party and he wants upbeat music to keep the party going. Got to go now, he's calling my name! Wish me luck!
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Jess L.

Yelp
I was just in the Vegas Lounge on Sunday for some post-wedding reception karaoke. The place was PACKED when we got there, but it thinned out as the night wore on. There was still an ungodly long wait to get to sing. This place is cash only. There are only a few things on tap, but they have a decent selection of bottled beers. I was suprised by how expensive my friend's mixed drink was for a dive bar - $7 for an Iron Butterfly?! The staff is pretty awesome, with our server coming out once in a while to have a smoke and shout at us to see if we want drinks. We had a great time, but decided to head to my place for the post-wedding reception karaoke afterparty of rock band until 3:30am. No waiting for the mic at my place! :)
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Anthony M.

Yelp
Worst Karaoke scene that I have ever witnessed. The bouncers where missing teeth and drunker than a skunk. The beer was warm and the sound system seemed like a 1980's station wagon with treble turned all the way up. A dive in Reno, NV seems like paradise compared to this place. I will not be back.
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Marisa A.

Yelp
if I could give this place a 0 I would. the server was not friendly and tried pressuring everyone to buy a minimum of 2 drinks. I ordered a burger that took a half hour to get. and when I paid for it with a $20, the waitress gave me the wrong change and claimed I only gave her a $10. I will not be coming the again. this place sucks and would not recommend it all. save yourself a mediocre night and go somewhere else.
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Hailey S.

Yelp
Vegas Lounge is by far my favorite bar in the cities. But tonight was different. The new karaoke runner was unattentive. She also shuffled singers according to if they "were new" or not. Which if you've ever done karaoke EVER.. that's not how it's done. When asked if I'd be up because I was leaving soon she told me to just leave. Rude. There was also no on-deck announcement so it was all a guessing game and overall hot mess. Please bring back the guy who was/has been there for years! If this is the direction Vegas Lounge is moving, I won't be back soon. As far as the bar goes, always amazing.
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Kari W.

Yelp
I went to Vegas Lounge at the request of a friend. She was leaving for an extended trip and wanted a karaoke night before she left. The atmosphere is dingy and old...but I expected that since I grew up in the neighborhood and it has ALWAYS been there. It's a cash only bar...and I expected that too, thanks to the heads up I got from Yelp!...but the drinks were weak and the karaoke list was long. There was a long wait in between my songs. The waitress was friendly in a snarky sort of way - but she was the only one in the place, so that would make me salty too. I'd probably go back, and I might like it better next time since my expectations will be different.
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Rosemary R.

Yelp
We're from Arizona here for a cardinal football game and we had so much fun! Cheap drinks, friendly employees . Everyone made us feel welcome despite our attire, haha. Great karaoke.
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J T.

Yelp
Firstly, I don't sing well... BUT, I LOVE karaoke dives because many talented singers will go there for their practice and all of the sudden, some random singer belts it! This place has talented singers most of the time... not always but guaranteed to hear one amazing voice at least. The only thing I don't particularly care for is the randomness of the rotation and there's no rotation posted as in some places. Therefore, due to what seems lack of organized singing (probably due to a large amount of wanna be singer and talented singers in the que) and the fact they don't take credit cards (ATM on site) and mediocre waiter service (typically 1 waitress), I've been to better karaoke places! It's good to try it because they have karaoke every night though.
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Annie D.

Yelp
The way I see it, there is only one reason NOT to go to the Vegas Lounge. It's if you don't have a designated driver... because you sure as hell are not getting a cab very easily up there at 2 a.m. Yeah, I might still be bitter about a cold night last year when I was stuck standing outside for at least two hours, but it's not the Vegas Lounge's fault. Moving on, the Vegas Lounge is just plain fun! You can sing whatever karaoke you want (as poorly as you want) and nobody in this dive is going to care. Yet there are some really good regulars who will make you feel like you're getting into a concert for free. It's very eclectic, like a lot of Northeast bars are. There's a patio where everyone is usually smoking, but when they aren't, it's sort of nice out there in the summer. Every time I've been, we've stuck to the high-top tables right near the karaoke so we don't miss our songs. There's always a long wait when it's busy or well into the night, so it might be beneficial for my friends and I to come before midnight sometime... Bartenders and servers are on top of things. The bar is cash only. ATM on-site.
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Amanda W.

Yelp
Vegas Lounge is awesome because it is the kind of bar that makes you forget you live in the city. They have naugahyde bar stools, meat raffles, and pull tabs. All that is missing is some mounted deer heads, and you could be in any small town bar in the Upper Midwest. Love. The clientel is always diverse and at any time you are bound to see mullets, leather jackets, and sequins all in one place. Super fun. The Karaoke is great, too. They have a bunch of screens around the bar with the lyrics, so really, you can perform dozens of songs at your table, which cuts down on embarrassment and allows you to maximize your karaoke experience, as it gets busy here. They don't accept credit cards, so I would watch out for that, but they do have an ATM in the bar if you forget to bring cash! Note: If you come here, you'll see that advertise something called 'Jerry's Cherries,' which are cherries soaked in Everclear. Be careful. They are potent and will give you a righteous hangover, but will also give you the courage to sing 'Son of a Preacher Man' in an over-the-top manner. Not that I am speaking from experience or anything.
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Jimmy K.

Yelp
Beloved Vegas Lounge. When I eventually leave Minneapolis, I might miss you most of all. Obviously, the big draw is the nightly karaoke. My friend has assured me that the Vegas Lounge karaoke is the absolute best in the Twin Cities, both in terms of selection and clientele. I'm inclined to agree. There are two unfortunate extremes on which a karaoke bar can land, both of which I disapprove, being the ridiculously judgmental person that I am. There are those karaoke bars in which the singers treat each song as if it's an American Idol audition. I don't begrudge anyone the ability to sing, of course. However, most people already need a drink (or seven) to even consider scrawling "BON JOVI" on one of those intimidating slips. It's not helping matters when you get all quasi-professional up there, because no one wants to follow that. Even worse are the karaoke bars where people refuse to take the karaoke even remotely seriously. They just go up there, pick some Aerosmith song to which they only know the half the words, and then grunt tunelessly while their buddies have a good chuckle about how above it all they are. You people, please die. (UPTOWN VFW, I'M LOOKING IN YOUR DIRECTION.) Luckily, Vegas Lounge accomplishes an acceptable middle ground. You still have your Idol auditioners, but you also have your run-of-the-mill-okay singers and your singers who couldn't stay on key if the figurative key was made of Velcro. I'd say that the distribution is about 30%, 50%, and 20% respectively. (Very precise mathematical formula, obviously.) Basically, feel free to suck at Vegas Lounge, as long as you suck with effort. The "KJ" does not tolerate f**king around. (Can you swear on Yelp?) I do have a personal gripe. When I first started going, singers would regularly interpret 90's alt-rock classics from such legendary acts as Stone Temple Pilots, Weezer, Everclear, and Live, which was a major reason why I fell in love. Lately, it's been non-stop power ballads or golden oldies, with the occasional cheesy country tune. This has proven a distressing turn of events. Whatever. Nitpicking. Vegas Lounge is not as cheap as you would expect for a "dive bar," with surprisingly limited happy-hour specials. However, people who aren't fortunate enough to be attractive young women can still have a decent night for about 20 bucks. Four dollar beers. Perfectly fine tap selection, although I'm your unfortunate Bud Light/MGD/Grain Belt drinker, so I may not be the authority on the matter. (Nordeast on tap and I'm good to go.) Mixed drinks go for about five bucks a pop, and are strong enough to get the job done. Bartenders are friendly, speedy, and unpretentious. Cash only, of course. The people watching is excellent. For those interested in checking out the local flavor, you'll become familiar with the awesome regulars soon enough. (Oh, Harmonica Guy, what to do with you?) Meanwhile, people inclined towards the more lustful kind of people watching could do worse than the Vegas Lounge on weekend nights, when the college kids in the U of M area take over the place, armed to the teeth with irony. Of course, if you hate it when college kids take over dive bars, this means that you should stay far, far away from the Vegas on weekend evenings, especially past 9 PM, and stick to off-peak hours when the vibe is much more locals bar. Just my favorite place, featuring cheap beers, the opportunity to sing out loud judgment-free, friendly locals, decent people watching, and without exaggeration the most amazing waitress in the Twin Cities. (Regulars know to whom I am referring, and are smiling accordingly.) Two small logistical issues to keep in mind. The Vegas Lounge is a smidgen out of the way, being a good ten blocks from the more popular cluster of Northeast bars (e.g., Keegan's, Whitey's, U Otter Stop, etc.). So be prepared to walk, and if you're going to get plastered, make sure you know in advance how you're getting back home. (Having overly forgiving friends with cars is a big help.) Also, the men's bathroom stall has no door, so... yeah.
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Madelyn S.

Yelp
Oh Vegas Lounge, you are like Christ's cup in Indiana Jones...completely plain and unassuming, but drinking from you will grant eternal life. I love you Vegas Lounge. After scoffing at the bland exterior of Vegas Lounge, I quickly shut my yap when I stepped inside. What an awesome "local's bar"! We were immediately greeted by a friendly bartender and given cheap cheap drinks. Karaoke was going all night and I had no trouble getting up to sing (nobody booed me offstage either haha). The place was crowded, but not sardine-packed on the Saturday night I was there. The best part about the Vegas Lounge was the eclectic group of people. At first, you will want to do a little people watching, but after a couple drinks, you will want to make those people your new best friends. If you are scared of a mixed crowd, this place isn't for you. I would highly recommend it if dives are your scene. So fun. Just remember to get cash ahead of time because they don't accept credit cards.
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Wayne R.

Yelp
The Vegas Lounge is a magical place. It is everything a great dive karaoke bar should be. I don't care what night of the week it is, drag your friends here and sing your hearts out. Cash only. Pool. Cheap strong drinks. A wide selection of songs ranging from Waylon Jennings to Fergie. Dozens of strangers who may become your fans. Terrible food...well the frozen pizza they serve isn't bad...who actually eats at a karaoke dive bar?!?! If you are going to the Vegas Lounge to intentionally eat you probably need to reevaluate a lot of your choices. I recently moved away from the Twin Cities and the VL is a place I will always miss. Bottoms up & Viva Las Vegas.
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Mariel L.

Yelp
Vegas Lounge is why I like dive bars. The clientele changes as the night goes on, the drinks and food are stupid cheap, the specials are questionable but delicious (like halal cart food in New York), and the people working there are just a damn hoot. My first time there, I spent five hours on a Wednesday night, and had an absolute blast. There are a lot of activities to do in just that one night, which may be why it feels like a small-town bar: when it's the only place for social gathering in smallville USA, you best be keeping the locals entertained. And the visitors, too, as we were dubbed the "new people" after hootin' and hollerin' at every bingo round. Yes, they have 10 rounds of honest-to-goodness, balls-in-a-cage-rollin', $24-prize-winning bingo on Wednesdays at $6. And I even won one round in 10 calls (cue collar pop). Even if you're not playing bingo, there's Dawn to keep you entertained for pretty much the whole night. She is the coolest cat with the craziest cackle, and if you make her laugh, she will make you crack up, too. She was so efficient with our LARGE group, taking everyone's food and drink orders, collecting cash like a pro, shooting the shit with the customers, and being gracious with an edge. BTW, get the tater tots; they are effing bomb. After bingo, there's a bit of a pause before they start Karaoke at 9 PM. It wasn't that busy, and we were able to go up to the mic pretty easily. The songs are pretty new, and the crowd's a boozy, friendly bunch. I mean, how could you not be happy/loopy at this place? Especially after a taste of Geri's Cherries? I'm just gonna leave it there.
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Jennifer R.

Yelp
Whoever coined the phrase "dive bar" surely did it while scooted up to the bar at Nordeast's Vegas Lounge. Sit there and look around, and I challenge you to come up with a divey-er specimen. We stopped by recently for their $2 taps and apps Tuesday happy hour. Honestly, how are you going to beat that? They even do a fun little drawing where you have a chance to get a free drink of whatever you're already drinking. (You're there for the $2 taps, so odds are you're drinking a crappy macrobrew... but, hey! Free is free!) The cherry on top is, of course, the toothless, inebriated nonogenarian behind you who keeps asking you to come sit next to him. He's harmless, really. Gives the place character. And hey, in the eyes of that particular ninety-something, you've still got it.
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Courtney W.

Yelp
Vegas - you are frustrating me...the way the bar and tables are placed, there is always this bottleneck of people blocking anyone from getting from one side of the bar to the other! Trying to get anywhere in the bar is insane on a weekend night. Now that it is getting too cold for the patio (the only place with room to move) I'm afraid I'll have to go elsewhere this winter. Geri - REARRANGE THE PLACE, I beg you!!!
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Jasmine B.

Yelp
Can't even begin to tell you how fun this place is... I have had the most fun at this place (on more than one occasion) than at any other! My top Dive Bar pick in the cities, perfectly disgusting and cheap in every way. Karaoke, cheap drinks, cheap snacks, video games, patio, pull tabs. You can show up in a cocktail dress or dirty jeans and a t-shirt and fit right in, no problem. The only downfall of the Vegas is how crowded it gets on weekends, so go early if you want a table or spot at the bar. Otherwise, avoid Friday / Saturday crowd and hit it up on Thirsty Thursday!
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Heather M.

Yelp
If you love karaoke then this place is for you. Pretty complete book of songs. A great mix of people. People sing along and dance to whatever people are singing. Drinks are 2-4-1's from 8-9PM. Eat before you go because the food isn't so good. The staff is amazingly nice. So nice. This is just a great Nordeast bar that makes you feel at home. There are pull tabs too. Who can beat that? In the summer there's a nice big deck that you can drink and smoke on and still hear the music. Ample parking.
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Alexandra H.

Yelp
The Vegas is literally a hidden--emphasis on "hidden"--gem in the Minneapolis dive scene. Last summer I used to frequent it with coworkers, but it seems more crowded now on the prime nights (Th/F/S) so if we're really looking to sing, we head there early or go elsewhere. Note: Although busy, you can still get drinks quickly, so no worries for those in need of liquid courage pre-performance. Also, just a heads up: It's a cash bar, so come prepared or pay the ATM fee. A couple of things I love: - The "anything goes" (some may dare to call it "tacky") atmosphere--I may or may not have sang Prince's "P. Control" one time - The waitress with the cackling laugh--the Vegas wouldn't be the same without her - Jerry's Cherries--don't ask what they are, just get them & trust that it's part of the "experience" It's worth checking out. The Vegas is a fun place that always draws a unique crowd.
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Andrea M.

Yelp
I'll try and be as unbiased as possible with this review....but Vegas is still getting 5 stars from me. I've had too many amazing nights here to not give it that. If I were to call myself a "regular" at any bar (which I hesitate to do...being a "regular" at a bar just sounds kind of gross) it would be this one. Is it because it's ridiculously close to me? That's part of it. But there are places more within stumbling distance that just haven't made the cut sooo Vegas, this drink's for you! Drinks are reasonably priced with a 2 for 1 happy hour from eight to nine every night. Gosh I hope I'm getting that time right. Every night around 11 they hand out little raffle tickets and draw for customer of the night and a free drink. I have yet to win...guess I need to keep going back. They also have karaoke every night that I thiiiink starts around 9 or 10? Yea, I'm not usually here until later. Their song library is impressive and although I'm too lame to sing, the people that have the balls to get up there are usually pretty good....or at the very least, entertaining. For the smokers they have a nice fenced in patio that they add a heater to in the winter months. I've only had the food here a couple times and while it's pretty run of the mill bar fare, it's always hot and fresh from the deep fryer. Dawn has the best laugh in the state. You'll know if when you hear it. Cash only but they have an atm if ya need it.