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Nye's is awesome! My friend Amanda and I had never been there before, but decided to try it out on a whim. So much fun! As we entered there was a group of 10 people leaning around the piano to sing popular tunes. This would be a great spot to sit at, if we had gotten there earlier.
The only downside is the place is PACKED, there were no tables, so waiting in line at the bar took a long time. They have great martinis here, I got a cosmo and Amanda got a lemon drop. They cost $13, though. So we quickly switched to our usual Miller Lite for me and Rum & Coke for her.
I loved the polka band! "The most dangerous polka band" as they refer to themselves was made up of and elderly woman playing the accordian, and two grandpas-- one on the trumpet and one on the drums. These guys look they could drop dead at any moment, but were actually very entertaining! Good tunes, but very loud!
I would defintely come back!
After the debacle at Nami, I was anxious and hopeful that Nye's would not let me down in the "showing our out-of-town guests what real Minneapolis is like" activity.
It let me down in a BIG way.
Weird, almost noxious odors emanated from the bar area as soon as we walked in, but none of the other peeps seemed to notice (maybe they were the source?). Our server in the dining room seemed like a sweet old lady, but when my sister put in her beer order and then realized that her hubby had gone out to smoke, taking her ID with him, the server went quintessentially Midwestern passive-aggressive and sicced the manager on her without saying a WORD to us about there being a problem.
Then, Mr. Weird Gestapo Restaurant Manager who resembled Milton from Office Space (only in a position of authority), bore down upon us and basically pushed my sister out the door, repetitively mumbling "You can't sit here if you don't have ID!" She was shocked. We were shocked - we are all over 30, and while youthful-appearing and used to getting carded, this was beyond ridiculous. She promptly retrieved it, showed Mr. WGRM, and was allowed back to the booth.
All of this transpired in about the first 2 minutes and 45 seconds of our arrival. The nail in the coffin was hubby finding that Nye's charges $5.50 for a bottle of Pabst.
After a few seconds of silence, we were OUT OF THERE. Shan't return, don't even care about enjoying the kitsch, will throw mental Molotov cocktails at the place whenever I even go by.
This place is straight-up crazy. We went on a Saturday night and the place was packed with people that, I would assume, fill the "drunk uncle" and "drunk aunt" roles at holiday parties across the state.
When I walked into the restaurant area, I was transported into a 1970's club draped in red velvet minus the shag carpet. I kid you not: the people there have been hanging out there for the last 30 years. Only their clothes have changed, ever so slightly.
But, by god, their hairstyles have not.
It's as if you walked into the Annual Fran Drescher Fan Girl Convention.
The bar area is its own room separate from the restaurant section. The bartender (a man even older than most of the clientele) won't be winning any "Nice Person" awards any time soon.
Ruth's Polka Band was rocking the house with all the old folks crowding the small, 10x10 foot "dance floor." I got hit on a couple times by women who could be my mother.
It's a little bit of a shock going in there but it could be fun if you're in the mood.
My friends and I randomly ended up here on a Friday night, and it was one of the funnest nights I've had in awhile! We ditched the main seating area and went to the bar area where the World's Most Dangerous Polka Band was playing. Highly entertaining, so much fun. The drinks were reasonably priced and the kind bartender was nice enough to suggest a cheaper beer to us! Nye's isn't anything fancy but I think that's what makes it cool - very fun and lively entertainment! If you visit Minneapolis, you must go to Nye's.
This review is the reason that five stars was invented! WONDERFUL! The eclectic polka band, the high quality food, the lively night life are worth visiting Nye's however...the piano bar is absolutely my favorite. Is there anything better than singing to a live accompanist? Oh, and the Flinstone's-esk lighting always rocks my boat.
They have great martinis here, don't forget!
Perfection?
Where else can you find this kind of intergenerational fun? I can't say I've ever seen anything quite like Nyes. Go with no reservations and just have fun.
Relax with your friends as you listen to others karaoke to some of the oldies. Order a drink and try some of the Polish dishes. When you're ready head into the Polka room. On Fridays and Saturdays you'll hear Ruth Adam's World's Most Dangerous Polka Band. She barks, she raps, she plays the accordion - who says polka can't be revamped for the times? Not Ruth.
Truly Nyes is an experience and I usually have to force my visiting friends to go, but once we're there they always end up having a blast.
I hate to say it, but I think this place is a bit over rated. I came for dinner with a friend. It wasn't overly busy, and since everyone inside in the dining area was old enough to be our grandparents, we chose to sit out on the patio since it was a beautiful night. This is were the trouble began...well, if you don't count trying to manuver around their impossible parking lot!
It took TWENTY FIVE MINUTES for the waitress to come over and say even hello. We had to talk her into taking our drink order AND dinner order at the same time. Finally she agreed. She was friendly enough, but wasn't real...professional....? I guess that's the best word for it. Our food came and it was...ok. Mine probably would have been pretty good if it wasn't for the fact that the chicken was over done and rather chewy. The mashed potatoes were good, as was the white wine cream sauce.
My friend had crab legs. They were over priced. She also never received a little fork like they usually give you to assist you in getting the tiny bit of crab meat out. The waitress may have brought one over if she would have come and checked on us, but she never did. In fact, we didn't see her after she dropped off the food until we had been finished for quite some time. At which point, she screwed the tab up pretty bad. We specially told her how much to put on each card. She reversed it. Now, this wouldn't have been a big deal if it wasn't for the fact that my meal, drink and all was only $23 and my friend's tab was almost $50! She went in and fixed it, but acted like was our fault.
Needless to say she only got a 15% tip, and she didn't even deserve that much.
Will I be back? Probably. It's Nye's!
This place is an all-out Polish extravaganza. Maybe I don't get out much, but I haven't seen too many places with such consistent piano karaoke.
I am also consistently impressed by the deceiving size of the place. Room after room of dimly lit surprises. The food is solid. Let's face it, there's nothing like eating the Polish sampler platter while washing it down with an overpriced drink.
Speaking of the sampler, you may need a couple buddies. Highly recommended. It's something of a spectacle, cabbage and Kielbasa flying through the air.
Piano Karaoke playing softly in the distance.
"Yes Mam, another eight dollar Gin and tonic please."
Polka? Check. Old-photobooth? Check. Full bar? Check. Stepping back into 1970's? Check!
SOLD! Nye's is the place to be on any night! Stop by for a drink, stay for the polka dancing. Toss a couple bucks in the photobooth for some good laughs with friends!
I stopped by Nye's during my bachelorette party and laughed for a good hour while we were there. I'd been there a few other times, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time at Nye's. The staff is a retro staff that's worked there for YEARS, knows the local area and can play any song on the organ for karoke! :) SO fun!
This place is amazing. Had the polish sausage and my husband had the beef stroganoff. Both were really tasty, well seasoned, good portions. The atmosphere is really neat, kinda like you wouldn't be surprised if the polish mob frequented the place. The night we went, the was a piano player and several different singers. We will definitely be back.
A few friends brought me along and we popped into Nye's for a quick drink. Not my thing as far as the Polish-ness goes, but it's not a requirement. At least I don't think it is! All kidding aside, if your in the near-Northeast / St. Anthony main vicinity, don't hesitate to check it out.
I had a fantastic Saturday night dinner + lounging at Nye's.
The dinner: My date and I both ordered the cabbage roll, which came with the choice of salad or soup and of course, the relish+the warm bun. The food was good, but could have been better. But what deserves the high rating is the impeccable and friendly service. Our waitress had a constant smile on her face, didn't flinch upon our request for having the pickled herring for desert. By the way, the herring was rad.
The bar scene: Live polka cheers you up like nothing else. The bacardi and coke came with 90/10 liquor to coke ratio - fantastic. Strangers came by and joined our booth to share laughs - priceless.
Had Lunch; Great Steak Salad. It is dark inside and like walking back to the 50's.
I finally dropped by Nye's for drinks a few weeks ago curious to find out what all the buzz about this place was.
Upon walking in the front door, I knew this place was special. As soon as you arrive, the first thing you are greeted with is piano bar karaoke. After making your way past the crowded bar, you can go right to dance your booty away to live polka. You can go left into the dining room for a more subdued experience, or you can try and grab a table and listen to the sweet sounds of people who cannot sing.
I didn't have any food here so I cannot comment on the abilities of the kitchen, but on their list of drinks, I did find three authentically Polish beers: Zywiec, O...something, and Tyskie, which I thought was pretty cool. Of course, I ordered one of these, Zywiec , in case you were wondering.
Early in the night, the crowd is a little bit older, as the night progesses, the crowd gets a little bit younger.
The best thing about this bar is that it has a genuine atmosphere that only time can create, but is also welcoming to all types of bar goers so it is just as comfortable on your 1st visit as it is on your 100th.
A few years ago I picked up our 65+ waitress to thank her for outstanding service. She politely asked me to put her down and then brought our next round.
My Dad used to come her back in the late '60's and my guess is that not much has changed since then. Most of the people working there today were probably already vested in their pension plans back when my Dad came in.
You have to see the Ruth Adams polka band to believe it. One of their ads once said something like "great polka music, bad dental plan" and if you have seen Ruth, you know what they meant.
I can't comment on the food but dancing in the usually packed bar is fun and if you know how to polka, all the better.
Adam and I were snipping at each other as we crossed the Hennepin Bridge. Actually, I was snipping. He was snapping.
Then he hit Nye's.
Oh. My. God. We became the newlyweds once again.
Everything that need be said about this bar has probably already been said. Suffice to say I could drink here until I could expire, and then they could bury me under the piano, or perhaps under the pink neon accordions.
The bathrooms stink, the drinks are expensive, and the food is expensive as well. And I still rate this place 5 stars.
I am willing to pay more to go to place with as much character as this. I could picture my grandparents going on a date here, and having as good of a time as I did.
The food was delicious, and the drinks were strong. We left around 10, and it seemed to be filling with idiots. My review my be different if I stayed longer, but for now, it is the best place I have been in the twin cities.
I hope to be back, many times.
too expensive - too crowded.
I guess its, like, kind of interesting that they have a polka band, and the location is decent, but I wouldn't go as far as saying this is the best bar ever created in the Universe. Ever since that stupid-ass article came out people have been flocking to Nye's and, of course, agreeing that this was indeed the best bar ever. First off, there arent really any hot women there, second off, theres old people there. Sound awesome to you?
places like this make me proud to be a minnesotan.
Piano. bar. karaoke.
Im sorry but if there is anything cooler than that I would really like to know. the piano man does a truly amazing job tip him well and the singing talent from the amatuers can be impressive
also decor-
red. glittery. booths.
If this place dosent make you proud to be from Minnesota than nothing will and you should move
xoxo
This is the place I'm sure to bring out of towners too. It's like a Polish version of the Mall Of America. This bar is Minnesota/Minneapolis in every way.
Recently took my aunt, uncle, and cousin up there after a long day of sightseeing downtown to quench our thirst. I strolled up to the bar and ordered 3 Grain Belts if you please. When my uncle asked aloud "What's a Grain Belt?" One of the waitress at the bar shot back "You're not from around here huh?" Awesome.
I absolutely agree. As a first time visitor to Minneapolis my friends took me to Nye's for an after dinner drink. It was 4th of July weekend - and there were fireworks in town - so that was cool. Outside the tables were crammed with people - and inside was like a Lavern & Shirley episode complete with wise-cracking old-school bartenders and dimly lit formica decor.
What a gas!!!! What fun!!!
Nye's is a classic Twin Cities institution not to be missed. The food is good (not great - but who's had great Polish food?). The decor is post-supperclub chic like a 1950's Brainerd resort. And it is not super cheap.
But there is something about Nye's that draws you in. The boastful humbleness of the place. The super friendly but not so friendly waitstaff. The mixed crowd of hipsters and old regulars. The fact that everyone in there is in a good mood. The comfort food and well made cocktails.
Reading some of the other reviews (a) do not go if you are on first date, and if someone takes you there for a first date do not go on a second with this person if that's the best place s/he can think of, and (b) just because it is a bit of dump do not expect the food to be cheap.
My advice is to go with a group. Go with an open mind. And be in a good mood when you arrive. You will not be disappointed.
For me, Nye's has been hit or miss.
One time, I can remember going with a huge group of my co-workers after a company party, being pretty drunk, and watching people make all sorts of bad decisions. It was an awesome night and the polka band was rocking.
Another great night was spent bar hopping between downtown and Dinkytown on foot. We ended up at Nye's late and it wasn't too busy. As the polka band tried to step down from their final set, my friend started chanting, "ONE MORE SONG, ONE MORE SONG!"
The lead singer called him over.
"Yeah?"
"Shut the fuck up kid!"
Great memories. But I have been there equally as many times when the place is just too cramped for its own good. Moving on the bar only side of the establishment can be damn near impossible, and that makes for just a bad time.
Overall, this place is always worth checking out. Heck, Esquire named it "Best bar in America" a few years back. Just be prepared to have a back up option.
I was referred to Nye's by a colleague in Memphis recently... he said it was a "must visit" for my up-coming business trip. Unfortunately, my visit was on a Tuesday, so I wasn't able to experience Nye's in its full weekend glory.
Be that as it may, I had a great time and will most certainly be back -- hopefully on a weekend next time.
The pianist was a real pro, helping out on back-up vocals when appropriate, taking the lead when the karaoke singer struggled, and backing off when the true singers took the mic. His character brought a fun, light-hearted vibe to the bar too. The bar tender was also a very friendly guy.
Like I said, I'll be coming back.
Nye's is old school all the way. From the sparkly vinyl booths to the cute little ladies serving the drinks, to the dude sitting down at the piano bar tinkling the ivories, to the polka band jamming out in the next room. This place is a time capsule and a good one at that. I live to go to Nye's when I am looking for a little break from the norm. Fun, relaxed, and low-key, it's unbeatable!
First impressions: I felt like I had entered a 1920s Mafia Bar. Soothing big band music, old timey furniture, dark lightning. I loved it.
I was initially attracted to this place cause I read about the bumping Polka scene at night, but I arrived too early to experience it.
As per the Yelp reviews, I got a White Russian. I'm not the biggest fan of alcohol, but this was pretty tasty. The hazelnuts were a nice touch.
For my meal, I got some sort of Polish Sampler (if you've read my other reviews, you know that I'm a big fan of all things sampler). I don't quite remember all the things that were in it, but I know it had perogies, short ribs, sausage, some breaded meat product, and something else. And to top it off, they pwnd the dish with sauerkraut. I usually avoid sauerkraut like the plague, but since I had no choice in this case, my opinion of sauerkraut was changed for the better.
I'm not a Polish food connoisseur, but this was a great meal. TONs of food, it lasted me for 3 meals. Dinner and the following Breakfast and Lunch.
This is definitely a place to check out if you're in Minneapolis.
I've just got to add that I went back to Nye's last night and I couldn't believe it the Bartender remembered my name. I only have the chance to go there maybe 2-3 times a year and he remembered my name. I was so impressed.
My love of Nye's started one evening on an innocent enough flight back to Minneapolis from Chicago.… Read more »
Two, two, two bars in one! Feeling divey and anti-social? Don't worry, the live music will mute all conversation. Want a cheap, bland domestic beer? The door on your right, please. Feeling nostalgic and looking to croon? Want a nice Colorado Bulldog to forget the day? Left door, please. Anchor in, pick a song, and wait your turn to sing "live" karaoke with the nice piano man. And keep drinking.
Loving this place.
I have so much to say about Nye's. It's much much bigger than I expected. There is quite the story about our evening at Nye's, but I'll condense to the main bullet-points.
LOVED-
hazelnuts in the white russians, that everything was red, piano karaoke, the large booths for our large group, the musty old antique-ish carpets, the old-Europe speakeasy feel, and most of all... the polka room.
DIDN'T LOVE-
congested feeling around every corner, the "bro" crowd, that we were some of the only moderately young crowd appreciating the polka room, that i've been spoiled by hazelnuts in my white russians.
I will definitely make a stop at Nye's when/if I am ever in the Minneapolis area again. This was a stand-out for my trip, and if I'm lucky, I may just never forget it.
Came here once after a work party with some colleagues and was pleasantly surprised. The fact that I am 20+ years younger than my co-workers went totally unnoticed at Nye's because the mix of the crowd is so random: You've got grandmas doing the polka, frat boys pounding shooters, moms & dads out for date night, and young 20-somethings having girls night out. You can dress up, come straight from the office, or even from the nearest U game. It was truly a phenomenon.
The polka band was great and after a couple of rounds the whole place was singing along. I think I was singing in Polish. Somewhere I made friends with the nice suits at the bar and was treated to a couple of free drinks in exchange for impromptu polka lessons. I had decided I was an expert at this point. It was loud enough to not feel idiotic as you two-stepped around the bar and yet you could still hold a meaningful conversation at a low yell in one of the vinyl-encrusted booths.
The night commenced with all of my co-workers cramming into the vintage photo booth for around $3 and a long, slow walk up the hill to our parked cards. It was like stepping into an alternate, polka-fueled universe. Awesome.
When you are going to Nye's you are going for the experience more than the food. As said the food is ok nothing amazing but classic polish supper club food. But when you walk in you know you are in somewhere special. The sparkling vinyl booths karaoke piano bar and then there is the polka bar. This is really where the fun start. The polka bar is small but always crammed to check out The World's Most Dangerous Polka Band." They are all pushing well over 60 but bring an amazing energy level. People dance the polka on the little bit of a dance floor they have and just having a good time. You want to make sure you get there before they do the barking dog polka where Ruth Anne the accordion player adds the barks. When you go to Nye's you know you are going to have a good time.
I hate this place. Don't be fooled by the novelty polka band or piano bar. The only reason to go here is if you're into over paying for drinks or food, and enjoy sucky people.
Excellent gin martinis. Makes me feel older, which isn't always a bad thing. Sexy older men in suits - usually with their wives/girlfriends. Becoming a fratboy hangout. Which is annoying if they all wear sweatbands and cute if they all do the twist and sing along with Ruth and the gang.
The barmen are uncommonly dignified. Nobody really mentions the food, which is decent and very polish. The place tends to be crowded for dinner, which makes sense in this old Polish neighborhood.
Don't plan on a table on the weekend - dance it up instead, or stick to the main dining room. Think twice about shorts and short skirts, since you'll stick painfully to the booths. Make new friends and dance with someone twenty years your senior/junior.
I always see bachelorette parties here, which I really don't understand, but isn't it saying something that Nye's draws old Polish couples and young, sullen brides to be together?
I don't get it.
Every review seems to talk highly about this restaurant, but the food was ok, and the back room where we were seated was quite and did not have the ambiance talked about.
It's worth a visit once a year, not much more than that.
First, this is a terrible place for a first date. When I moved here I went on a date with a fellow transplant. My date had heard it was a fun bar and suggested we go there. I had no idea what to expect, but as soon as I entered the bar and heard loud polka music and witnessed a bachelorette party shakin' it on the dance floor, I knew this date was not going to end well. We quickly found out it was way too packed and loud to have a conversation.
I really can't fault the bar for a bad date, so I gave it another try this weekend. Surprisingly there were two seats open at the bar and my friend and I hoped right up and ordered a drink. The obnoxious polka music was fun for about ten minutes and then I was ready to head out. The bathroom is in an awful location. You have to budge your way through the dance floor to get to the door. Once I got into the bathroom and was waiting for the stall, I was in constant fear that the door would slam me in the back of the head in the event another woman tried to squeeze here way through the doorway.
I can see why people like it here and I agree it does have some character and charm about it, but just wasn't for me. Maybe next time I should wasted.
I just love Nye's. Great for dinner, or just for drinks. I love going there for lunch too.
Yes, of course everybody will tell you about the Esquire Magazine 'Best Bar in America' blurb. But if Esquire Magazine jumped off a bridge, would you? Here's what you need to know:
Some years ago I was seated up at the piano bar late one Tuesday night. My friends had begged off, and I stuck around to hear one last go round of the regulars singing their favorite old standards. We were closing the place, and there were very few people left in the house. The late pianist Ward (god bless him), decided that we should all sing together before they closed down, and so we did. It just happened that all of us left up at the piano were male, and yet we sang, hipsters and blue-collar retirees alike, 'Que Sera Sera' as the lyrics in the book were written ('when I was just a little girl I asked my mother what will I be...'. When the song was over and I was finishing my scotch, a couple of the guys actually embraced. It was an enlightening experience that I'm not likely to forget.
For those of you less sentimental out there, here's the facts:
Nye's, while a tad spendy, serves up fantastic pierogi. Not the Russian style, pastry kind (which have their time and place), but the Polish, boiled, slippery kind. They are delicious. Nye's has several rooms - the quiet dining room, the sometimes raucous front room with the piano bar, and the adjoining polka bar. All three offer fun times and stiff drinks. I love that there's a place in town where I can dance to a polka rendition of 'God Bless America,' eat some really satisfying Polish comfort food, and croon 'Fly me to the Moon' under the same roof.
UNBELIEVABLE is all you can say. We had the sampler and it was awesome. I spent some time at Bulldogs, so I had a pretty good drink going. Everyone there was extremely friendly and I drank my first Polish beer and it was great. If I ever make it back, I will go for sure.
A classic any time of year....but especially around the holidays! Festive but cozy and the drinks are generously poured. I highly recommend a good old fashioned Old Fashion for the holidays.
What can I really say about one of my most favorite places to go, for a good time in Mpls.
Back when I lived in Mpls I started going there before I was old enough to be in there. But Mikey is a great bartender and when I gave him a pretty smile he poured me the BEST White Russian's a girl could ask for. So for years I was a regular there even way back when Al Nye still owned the place. (God I'm getting old!) Over the years I took everyone I knew there and they all loved it. And how could you not?!
All I can say if your not careful this place will steal your heart. And if your not Minnesotan, you will be after you leave.
This place has everything! The Worlds Most Dangerous Polka Band, Roger the dancing fool who will give your ass a serious polka workout. I think he danced me sober plenty a time. The wait staff and bartenders are friendly and, professional to the T. The piano bar, so much fun. It screams Rat Pack lounge!
The decor in there is.......what's the word I'm looking for........1960's garage sale chic? It's gaudy, it's eclectic, it just works. The food is really classic of the Mpls area. I think the Walleye is to die for.
Although I haven't been there in a while since I live in AZ. I'm not sure what has changed. Hopefully nothing. My thoughts and my heart still yearn to go back there. I really had some of the best times there. With some of the best people on earth. Young and old. The mix of people there is the best.
Nye's is really special. It was cool to see Esquire Magazine thought it was too. It just goes to show, some times you don't need to change a good thing.
Just keep it classic and it'll work!
So try Nye's for me since I'm 1600miles away. And have a Nye's Night!
If anyone has been there recently and is a regular let me know what's up with the place I would love to know. Thanks!
Specials everyday!
Minneapolis, MN
U B R Bartender
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Steakhouses
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Lounges
Minneapolis, MN
Category: Bars
Minneapolis, MN
Category: American (New)
Minneapolis, MN
Category: American (Traditional)
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