Best Latin Dance Clubs In Minnesota
While known for its Nordic heritage (Skol, Vikings!), Minnesota also has a strong Latin community that has changed the state's food, drink and dance culture forever. And we're all the better for it. Dance floors abound in the Twin Cities to make sure the smooth moves and sexy sounds from south of the border keep Minnesota moving. For a little splash of Miami, a night that will transport you to the coasts of Mexico and beyond or simply for a warm experience on a cold Minnesota night, dance the night away at these local hotspots.
Mango Bar And Grill
501 E. Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 331-3360
www.mangobargrill.com
Northeast Minneapolis isn't known for its large Latin community, but on Hennepin Avenue across the bridge from downtown, around the corner from popular spots like the Bulldog, Nye's Polonaise Room and other nightlife joints, you'll find the colorful lights and sounds of Mango. Replacing Conga Latin Bistro, already a haven for Latin dining and dancing, the club has lost none of its flavor. Often with live music, the high energy and great vibes make Mango one of the coolest spots in the area. You're sure to leave drunk, happy and tired every time.
El Nuevo Rodeo
2709 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 728-0101
www.rodeominneapolis.com
On Lake Street in Minneapolis, this legendary club features live music almost every night. You don't have to wait for the weekend to grab a margarita and hop onto one of the busiest dance floors in Minneapolis. There may be a cover charge, depending on which night of the week you're there, but it's always worth it. You can't help but get up, throw your hands in the air and dance the night away. For some of us, this takes a few more drinks than for others. As an added bonus, hours are until 4 a.m. on the weekends, with the kitchen staying open until 3:30 a.m.
Loring Pasta Bar
327 14th Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 378-4849
www.loringpastabar.com
Not a Latin club at heart (various other acts perform throughout the week), the Loring needs to be included due to the continued success of its Friday and Saturday night salsa dancing. The trendy Dinkytown restaurant is filled wall to wall every weekend with people moving and grooving to the sexy sounds of Central and South America, and it's one of the most energetic dance nights of any genre. For a minimal cover ($8 on Friday, $10 on Saturday) you can be a part of one of the best dance nights in Minneapolis.
Barrio Tequila Bar
235 E. 6th St.
Saint Paul, MN 55101
(651) 222-3250
www.barriotequila.com
The original location lies on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, and there's now another in the 'burbs, but nowhere can you break it down and show off your moves like you can at the Barrio in Lowertown, St. Paul. Late-night food fuels the pulsing dance floor on Friday and Saturday nights. Filled with everyone from bachelorettes to tequila-swilling regulars, it's always a party; always a place where you can let loose and forget the troubles of the workweek. With the walls shaking through the night at Barrio, downtown St. Paul is no longer the dead zone it once was.
Las Sirenas
199 Plato Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55107
(651) 888-2233
www.lassirenas.net
In the shadow of downtown St. Paul and on the border of the city's Latin district, District Del Sol, Las Sirenas adds colorful energy to an otherwise sleepy block. Known for seafood (Las Sirenas translates to "The Mermaids"), the restaurant is also home to a dance floor where there is always something happening. Be it karaoke, special holiday events or just a much-needed night of Latin singing and dancing, this relatively new restaurant and club will make sure you're night is one to remember.
Related: Best Minneapolis Dance Clubs
Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.
