Minnesota Music Cafe

I was there last night on the 7th for the Johnny Brown event, paid my $20 cover charge, he didnt show up for personal reasons and the organizers didnt even offer a refund! We stayed and sat through a 2 hour disaster, my opinion of the band singing some hits. The 3 band group were using their cell phones to look at the lyrics, too many times not even on beat or saying the correct words! I was highly disappointed. It was a rendition of some high school kids starting their first band. We ordered the chicken wing basket with fries, the chicken was fair, the fries were cold!! I told the waitress about them, she asked me, do you want me to take them back so they could reheat them!!I said, no, how about some fresh hot ones!! Who wants reheated fries from the bar!! I was with my daughter and we had a good time anyway, however, how do you water down cranberry and pineapple juice?? I guess you get what you pay for, $20 for live music, because even that was too much for that band!My review of the Minnesota Music Cafe would be a 3! Ive been here before for other shows, but tonight, they should have given all of us our cover charge back as the artist that we paid to see did NOT show up!

A fantastic live music venue with a great stage, light system, sound, huge dance floor, smoking patio, great prices on food and drinks and great staff! Always fantastic live music! Free parking too.

They have a great stage for music. Seating was excellent as well, and theres a generous dance floor in front of the stage.

Great atmosphere! Very friendly! Great band playing The Westside Band

Nice that it exists. Disappointing it doesnt have competition. Exceedingly complacent. Below average food, underwhelming drinks, atmosphere that stale and more thinks others could point out. The music is fun. The musicians are entertaining. Changing the pace is needed to kick it in to gear.

Saw the Janelle Burrell Band and they were great!

We were there the evening of free and easy July 10 they are amazing service is good and they have a very good sound selection everybody can get up and dance And being outdoors in a nice summer evening is the greatest thanks Minnesota music café and thanks Karen for always being so kind and taking the reservations and be exact with him

The main draw is the live band and dance floor. The crowd was older, 50 and up. Drinks and food were average

Now my favorite happy hour! Came to watch my neighbors band and left happy, full, and new friends. Love the food, great drinks, and great atmosphere! Bartender was amazing! Cant find enough good things to say! Thanks for a great experience! I will be back!

THANKS to everyone who came out last night to celebrate, we had an awesome time at Jr. Trejos 70th Birthday Bash.Karen and her staff provided excellent service at MMC. 🎵Please continue to Support Live Music!Be sure to come check out DISCO KINGZ next performance coming to a city near you! 🎼 🥁 🎤 🎶 🍹🎉 ☮

Great little place for live music! Fridays and Saturdays are the best days to go for bluesy/funk/soul/dance music. Food is decent dive bar fare. Drinks take a long time when busy, but did i mention the music is great?

I go out to enjoy my surroundings and meet pleasant people. Music cafe has a lot to learn about customer satisfaction. You can’t get a glass of ice water they will charge you. Excuse was because people sit around and drink water and don’t spend money! We paid 15.00 to get in then bought 12.00 drinks and was told I had to buy water. I proved I was not sitting in the bar Not spending water. Where is the support to designated drivers! There was a bartender that was rude and taunting all evening prompting us to leave early after spending up to 100.00 in less then three hours .... I do not recommend this establishment unless you plan to not be appreciated for your business!The waitresses were great!

The spirit for this place is there, but the service and atmosphere isn’t. It’s dark, but not like a proper nightclub dark where light is distributed evenly. Takes forever to get any service from the bartender because they can seem to only do one thing at a time... very slowly. Gives you attitude.There was a fire at the location tonight and it was quite significant. No fire alarm, no warning. The venue smelled like fire afterwards and they didn’t evacuate the building or notify any guests. The only people who noticed were with me and we were just shocked. No fire alarm or anything.The only thing I like there is live music but you can also go and get that at other venues for a better experience.

The venue is great for music and the bands are awesome... But dont go unless you like sweating! I love the place but just did my last night there. I do not appreciate almost getting into fights over fans because it is pushing over 90 degrees inside. Fix the air and I may be back.

Many coworkers and I went here after work to celebrate a birthday. We arrived before 5:00 and pretty much had the place to ourselves, with another group on the patio.The bouncer / guy at the door told us we all had to pay the $10 cover charge if we were still there at 8:00pm or hed close the bar, kick us out and wed have to come back and pay the cover charge.At 8:00, only two other (non-birthday party) customers were there. The streets around the place were under construction.The bouncer guy came back to our section and told each of us (approximately 20 people) to pay the $10 cover fee. Or wed have to leave.Bad business. Bad customer service. Not creating loyalty. (The band was good)

First time visiting. Enjoyed dancing the night away to the music of the Johnnie Brown Experience. Excellent music! Excellent vocals!

My new favorite place! Went to see GB Leighton on Friday night, atmosphere was great, drink prices and service were good and of course Brian and the band were phenomenal, as usual. I saw they had a band playing Sunday 4-8 JB and the Revolution. I decided to go by myself to just listen to some music, that sealed the deal for me. The band was really good and entertaining, other musicians were there that play during the week, one Blues singer did sing a song with them. I cannot say enough about how great they were. I dont know anywhere that you can go and see such talent for so cheap! The only reason I am knocking off one star is because of the temperature in there both times. They do have fans and I was fortunate enough to sit in front of one and was comfortable but I know Brian (GB) brought his own Friday night and put on the dance floor for the fans dancing and there was one there Sunday, too but those performers have nothing up there. They were pouring sweat. I know the stage gets hot anyway but it was HOT. They need some air blowing their way, other than the small oscillating fans way back on the ceiling. Thats my only suggestion. I will be back, again and again.

Very limited and awkward seating. Ordered nachos with cheese the nachos were stale cheese was actually hard onions were cut up like you would put on a hamburger and just thrown on and when we complained about the temperature and the hard cold cheese was told thats just how they are and we couldnt get them any better music was good but wont be returning due to service seating and food.

Karen and the staff are working really hard to provide a safe and enjoyable experience! She makes sure all of the orders from the governor are being followed, so we can hear live music again!! There is social distancing set up both inside and outdoors. Karen is one of the kindest people I’ve met in this very hard business. The food and drinks are great! And the chance you get out and hear live music is priceless! Please support Minnesota Music Cafe!

Had a great time with my friend, and a great dancer. The fun doesnt begin until 10 but come early and we can drink and enjoy the atmosphere. 🍻🌷

Drinks and band was good but the wait staff for the food never came after 2 hours of being here, really wanted fries but left with no fries feeling disappointed. please try to employ more than one person to get food orders. very disappointed.

This place has always treated me fairly and seems to stay out of woke politics. As long as I am allowed to watch shows here and hang out with friends here as I have always have my 5 stars will persist. Please come here to support artists!!!

My band sang there for the first time that night, so l was very focused on making our performance worthy of this very special place. The experience was awesome and I give credit to the owners and staff for making it so special. Well be performing there again on 01/06/18. Looking forward to being there again!

Always loved going to this place for music, but the service was horrible last Friday night. Walked in with a friend around the time the band was wrapping up to grab a beer, it was not bar close yet and was greeted from an older man with have a good night ladies in such a tone like get out of this bar. He proceeded to say it again in a very rude way. Asked if we could by a beer with cash and the lady behind the bar was very catty about how they were closed. Yet there were still people in the bar! Rude black man/white lady who obviously do not know how to approach a person with respect. Will never go back and have let many family/friends who go there quite often know about the incident.

Walked in for 5 minutes with a child and realized there was no food, waiters or waitresses on the patio, or anywhere to sit inside. It was extremely busy which we understood so we decided to leave. Tried to get our $20 cover charge back and they simply refused and tried to beat around the bush about how Joe wasnt going to refund us anything. Quite ridiculous for us being in there for 5 minutes. I hope $20 was worth losing customers and receiving a bad rating.

The music is great! However the service is the worst I have ever experienced. 3 months in a row that they havent been serving food because there are too many people. Having to wait 5 minutes standing at the bar to even be acknowledged. If you arent going to regularly serve food, dont offer it!

Id give this place negative stars if I could. I paid 12 dollars tonight. I stood around at the bar for 45 minutes and nobody even said. Ill be right with you Probably because they didnt have time because they had like 2 bartenders for 500 customers. I make recommendations to out of town folks in town consulting for us all the time. Additionally I live 6 blocks from here. Id drive 30 miles before I ever went back. Ive never felt more scammed out of a cover charge to not even get a single drink in my life. Absolutely failed me.

Very unique place. Band was awesome. Dancing experience was a lot of fun. Food selection was limited to be called a cafe. But overall it was a great experince. I would go back.

Main band High & Mighty didnt even start until about 8:40 ... then they had the nerve to say goodnight at 9:45! Thought they were scheduled from 7 to 10?!? What gives? And I payed 20 bucks for this??? Never again...

Love this place. Its always an older crowd and the live Music is worth it..Good RnB bands..

A historic venue that has showcased artists of many musical genres. Friendly environment and staff, too.

Favorite local place for top quality local bands. Large stage, lots of room, never feels oppressively crowded. Ypu can park easily. Great patio, friendly staff, good food. What more is there?

We were going to stop in and see the international reggae allstars tonight and asked the attendant at the door what time Music started and he rudely told us he didn’t know he’s not in the band. We left too bad love that band but I did not feel welcome and chose not to patronize a place that’s not welcoming considering reggae is peace and good vibes and that guy was not. This was not the bands fault but the guy at the door. I’d rather patronize bunkers and see them there.

The person at the door was really rude to several people we met there for my husbands birthday this is the 2nd year we had this problem. The people he was rude to were younger and obviously they could have gone to a more hip place than a place that is mostly and older crowd why would you need to be rude for that reason is beyond me! Please fix his attutude!

The owner Karen is a drunk and a liar. She promised to book a DJ and throw some dance parties but lied about it to the DJs manager. Besides jellybean playing there on tues its not worth coming too ever

This is my favorite place to go on the weekends for live bands and music along with dancing!! The crowd isn’t so young with a good mix. The bands brought in play awesome music to dance to and food and drinks are reasonably priced!

I absolutely love this venue! We have had a few shows here. The staff is great and it is well managed.

I went to MMC with a friend for their birthday. They had to see a special band and said band was playing at the MMC.FACILITY RATING: 2The place was dirty and the clients were...the guys hit on my friend all night. It was annoying.SERVICE RATING: 2It was a busy night so service was rather slow.OVERALL RATING: 2If my friend hadnt wanted to see this specific band I would never have gone to the MMC and wouldnt have missed a thing.

Live music and fun for everyone. If your in Saint Paul East side neighborhood and looking for a nice experience with affordable prices then the MMC is the best place to get engaged with the vibe that is only available in Saint Paul East side

Wonderful venue, with great staff and live music. I would reccomend to anyone looking for a great place to spend an evening.

We just love Roxy Hall band, so great and perfect dance floor. I think I loose 5 lbs every night they play.

Just outside of Downtown Saint Paul, the Minnesota Music Cafe is one of the best rooms in the Twin Cities for live music. But dont take my word for it, go catch a show yourself...

Great Venue ! Great staff ! Went tonight for Thor and had a great time and our server was great he was super friendly and also in to show! Super Awesome hope to see more shows their

Ive been here on a Wednesday for the 2nd time in a month the music is great but the waitress service is horrible and unacceptable its ridiculous no one never came to check on us we had to run him down even after that he still took 20 minutes unbelievable

Great place to catch some Blues or Jazz. Deceiving from the outside, but really cool venue once you get in. Has a dive bar feel on a larger scale.

Stopped in on a Tuesday afternoon, waited 15 minutes at a table without being acknowledged, went and stood at the bar for 5 minutes, still no acknowledgement of my presence. Waited at the table for 5 more minutes, then just left. It was dead in there, and even as we left, not one word from the host as we walked by him. Wont be back

Great and friendly place to stop in for a drink. Dont miss the Roxxy Hall Band every first Saturday of the month. They are killer!!!

Service is greatThe place itself has some amazing memorabiliaThe whole place is filthy and smells like a musty basement, 🤢

The bartender also cooks the happy hour food, I hope this is why he is not very personable. But the food is good and the prices are all around good.

MMC is always a great time.The Bands are fun and the dance floor is good side!!

Nice atmosphere.. loved the mature crowd. Music was on point

Always great shows if you like Blues/Funk/Rock music. Not many better on the east side of the river

Had a fabulous time. The Good,the Bad and the Funky were amazing. GreAt music!

Music is often good.Service is ok.Dance area is awesome!Food is average.

Good for music but charge 2 dollars per water and no refills on soda for designated drivers. Not very accommodating!!

Went for my Uncles wake, besides some of the seating being awkward, everything was great! Good stage, good music, good service.

I love Live Music, the Food and the Atmosphere. Ive Volunteered in a Community Event, as well as, Sister Spokesman.

Such an amazing place! Great bands, great staff, great at supporting the people of the community!

Good music, fun time, friendly staff, nachos was dry not enough cheese. Other then that i keep going back for good time

You just turned away 12 customers ready to have a good time. Never recommening and discouraging future patronage from friends.

First time here ... love it! Best damn chicken wings that I ever had!! Good sized basket of chicken !!

Great music & great room!

Just started going here.Have not had a bad time yet.I tell my friends in NY about MMC all the time.

Classic dive bar. Decent food, helpful bartenders, great music.

Best local music with terrible service.Bartenders are rudd.Takes forever to get a drink.

Had an amazing time at Midwest Death Fest!

Awesome band....loved them. Way too hot...why is the a/c NEVER WORKING?!?!?!

WeSTSIDE BAND delivered a great show, I enjoyed dancing the night away!

I love MMC! Good food and great venue for dancing.

This place is dirty. I would not eat the food there. The bathrooms are bad. Other then that its not a bad place

Great heated patio for a night out during a live music festival.

Great place for live bands and great service.

Historical music venue. Friendly staff.

Great music and great Happy hour prices.

Beautiful ❤️😍..

Good music, great atmosphere!!!

Awesome venue for seeing bands.

See some of Minnesota’s finest musicians.

The night I was there the band wasnt that good

Great for music & getting together with friends

Had a blast listening to VIP Boyz

GREAT MUSIC AND EXCELLENT STAFF

EXCELLENT PLACE AND BAND NOT GUILTY.

Always great bands

Good variation of Minnesota music groups

Good stop

Great music

Always love the MMC!

Always a wonderful experience

Good

Good music and people

Its the music!

Music

Boogiewonderland

Great music.

Great music

This place has AMAZING BANDS! Like literally some of the best musicians and singers. Real talent every time. I think $20 is a decent price for the high quality . I love it here. My waitress rocked the crowd ! She had a great attitude and so attentive. She really made the experience great. If I had to critique something it would be the music they play between breaks. It was hard to go from upbeat to a break for 40 mins with just jazz music. Also, my catfish was very fishy and not really battered at all. Catfish is something you cant make unless you really know what your doing . Mine had tons of skin. But I didnt come for the food! Came for the best music!

Whoohoo