Minneapolis Music & Nightlife - Dance Clubs & Nightclubs

This upscale dance club attracts the glitterati (The Quest was formerly owned by Prince). A drop-dead gorgeous main stage is one of four separate interiors, each more glamorous than the next. The Galaxy Balcony has an indoor solar system glowing in 3-D ultraviolet black light, while the intimate setting of the Ascot Room is cozily perfect for jazz or live acoustic music. The breathtaking Garden Room has a European feel with an indoor fountain and topiary murals painted by an apprentice of Andy Warhol. Music acts include international DJs, world class hip-hop, funk, soul, and full-blown rock shows, making the Quest a surefire stop for knowledgeable fans.

Martini Blu, located in the luxurious Grand Hotel in Minneapolis, isn't cheap, but it is one of the classiest places to have dinner and a drink in the Twin Cities. Entrees have Japanese roots and include the pan roasted Chilean sea bass, rack of New Zealand lamb and grilled ahi tuna steak. Martini Blu also has an extensive sushi menu featuring fresh sashimi and delicious rolls. The drinks are pricy but expertly mixed and most use premium spirits. To save some cash, check out Martini Blu's happy hour, which is from 4-6pm and 9-11pm nightly. For a classier club experience than those found in downtown Minneapolis, head over to Martini Blu.

Drink is a local favorite Warehouse District hotspot to simply drink. The half-price drink specials have made Drink a popular pre-party destination for those planning on going out in Minneapolis. On Thursday and Friday nights, bar goers can enjoy the free appetizer buffet before hitting the dance floor or getting more drinks. Since this bar mostly caters to those in the mood to drink heavily, it is a great place to meet new people once the social lubricant has kicked in.

Bar Fly is a huge, modern kind of club with a trendy feel and an energy that makes people want to dance. When there isn't a band entertaining the masses, Top 40 and club music keep the dance floors pretty packed. Bar Fly's Wednesday night parties are 18+, which is pretty cool for younger hipsters who've had little luck procuring the coveted fake ID. At any given point, this club will have up to three DJ's spinning in various rooms, giving folks a chance to find just the right groove. On most Mondays, Open-Mic night is a popular spot to see up-and-comers doing everything from reading bad poetry to performing some downright sexy R&B numbers.

An absolute "see and be seen" hotspot in the warehouse district, Envy is the kind of massive, cosmopolitan nightclub you might see in a movie. Since it's opening in early 2007, the bold, beautiful and mischievous members of the city have flocked to this gorgeous hangout to hold court from barstools and sip on one of the 25 specialty martinis or one of the devilishly strong cocktails. With blue, gold and red glowing bars, candles strewn about and hanging colored lights that dangle over lilies or unique tidbits of art, the décor here is much like the patrons: nothing less than raw, sassy and beautiful. Monday nights are especially hot for women, since they drink for free and don't pay cover until 11pm, and the 18+ parties on Thursday nights are good for scenesters who are under the age of 21.