Nye’s may very well be the biggest contradiction in Minneapolis. It feels like an old-timer’s bar, with grand piano-accompanied karaoke, polka, wood paneling, valet parking, and giant booths for seating, but it attracts some of the youngest, hippest crowds in town. As my boyfriend says, "It looks like a Mafia hangout!"
No, that's not Jimmy Hoffa hiding in the back corner. Even though you won't spot any hit men, the bar's location makes it the perfect night out. It is close enough to everything to be very convenient, and if you’re bar-hopping, it is nearby several other hot joints. Nye’s is also one of the easiest bars to find, even if you’re not from the area – just head over the giant suspension bridge!
Nye’s can probably be best described as a supper club-style bar. The bar is not all that large, but it is quite easy to get waited on at the tables. Every table has a tablecloth and candles, and you feel like you should be smoking a cigar in here. Don’t try, though, as Minneapolis bars are nonsmoking! The martinis here are incredible – most every drink is super-sized and loaded with top-shelf vodka or gin.
There is a small lunch and dinner menu at Nye’s, too. They carry traditional American fare, like steaks and lobster, as well as Polish dishes, like sauerkraut and pierogis.
Parking here is easier to find than other local establishments. If you cannot easily find it on the street, accept their valet service. It’s only $2, and they are fast and courteous. Visit the Nye's website for a menu and reviews.