Minneapolis Insider: GLBT Minneapolis

Things in Texas Are Always Bigger!

Wow! It has been a very long time since we have posted something.  Yes, Tim and I are still around.  No fear boys!

The prompt for this post is an e-mail received earlier this week.  A Kurt from Texas contacted us, wondering what was going down in the city this weekend.  Now mind you, Kurt is a fine young gentleman my age less two years or five years less Tim's.  This boy is one TALL drink of water.  His myspace profile says 6'4".  And thats not AOL inches, thats the real deal!  Anyways, we hung out with him last night at the Saloon on Thursday Night and plan on meeting for Happy Hour in a short bit.  Good times were had by all.  When Tim and I left the Saloon on Thursday night, the bar was getting a view of some fine Texas grub!

To keep with the Southwest theme, here are a couple of fun and great places to check out.

Masa is a fairly new place on Nicolette Mall.  Located in the Target building.  I unfortunatley have not had the chance to check it out, but Tim said it is quite good.  They have an excellent outdoor patio that affords a great people watching experience.

Bar Abilene is in Uptown.  This place is well known for their fun Margaritas.  I would highly recommend becoming a part of the Margarita Club.  $25 up front, and you get a card with 10 free Margaritas.  Standard Margi costs between $6-$10 when you dont have the card.  I love a good deal!

Little Tijuana's is on Eat Street, A.K.A Nicolette Avenue.  Tim took me here one night some time ago.  Apparently some boy Tim was dating a long time ago took him here, so Tim thought it was a good idea to bring me as well.  I felt like I was going to a hand-me-down sort of restaurant.  It was like getting a used pair of cute pants from your cousin.  You really didn't want to to wear them, but they fit so damn well and showed off your best feature(s), so you wore them!  I digress.  Tijuana's is not very visually appealing upon entering, nor on the outside.  But don't turn around!  The food there is actually quite good, and it's very hipster'ish.  In all likely hood your waiter or waitress will have more piercings than you can count.  All in all a good, cheap eat with very large portions.  On your way home you may need to pick up some Imodium AD for the Mexican Hangover to come the next morning.

Jayson and Tim, off to rope some steers!

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

Leveled Off

Level Nightclub was just voted by Citypages as the "Best Danceclub of 2006", check out the article here.  So, being that we ARE the one and only "Gay Voice of Minneapolis", Tim and I felt the need to check this place out and report back to you, our loyal readers!  Level has been resurrected from an old club called the Rouge.  Apparently Rouge use to be quite decadent and very forward.  Sounds like my kind of place-hot, sleazy and beautiful people!  This is exactly what Minneapolis needs, and I hope that Level takes Rouge's place and pushes the envelope to the extreme.  So kids, I would highly recommend checking out Level ASAP and I cant wait to go back myself.

Besides just having local DJ's, it looks like they will also bring in some big name DJ's from across the country.  Below is a pic of Superstar DJ Keoki.  Go speedracer go!

The dance floor......

Leveled forever-Jayson

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

2 Days to Go!

 Last Saturday Tim and I headed up to Duluth for a quick get away.  We stayed in  the Canal Park area of Duluth.  Cute little area.  Number of chain type bars, but they where all close to our hotel.  While we were at the famous Grandma's Saloon(the one that sponsors the annual Grandma's Marathon), we came across the "Pre- St Patrick's Day Pub Crawl", sponsored by Finnegan's Irish Beer!  They are they same people sponsoring the St. Pattys day pub crawl here in Minneapolis!  So, being the good party boys we are, we met up with the crawlers and proceeded to stagger to a number of water holes in Duluth!  Good times where had by all.

Locally, here is a listing of the bars that are on the Minneapolis version of the Finnegan's Pub crawl.  Check out my previous posting to find out further information.

11-11:45 O'Donovan's

12-12:45 Stellas's

1-1:45 The Local

2-2:45 Kip's Irish Pub

3-3:45 Mayslacks

4-4:45 Mario's/Gasthof

5-5:45 Kieran's Pub

6-6:45 Lyon's Pub

7-7:45 The Cardinal Bar

8 p.m The Local

After 8 p.m, call us to find out where we are.  Then again, we might not even know!

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

The Hot Zone!

Last week Tim and I met our friend Amy for happy hour cocktails.  Instead of old reliable, Figlio's; we opted for something semi-new.  Having been to Chino Latino on a Friday or Saturday night, we thought we would check out there happy hour specials.  We love a good happy hour, and that's what we found at Chino Latino's!

The happy hour a.k.a "The Hot Zone", offers some great deals.  $3 beer and wine specials as well as  excellent small plate food specials.  My personal favorite was the Tuna Roll ($4), and the Poblana Fundido($2).  The fundido was a creamy mixture served with chips.  One can never go wrong when eating a creamy mixture!

Check out Chino at 2916 Hennepin Ave South!

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

14 Days !

These may be the longest 14 days of our lives...

What am I talking about?  Well all you gay Irishman know damn well what I'm referring too!  ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

This year Tim and I thought we should be socially responsible while wetting our whistles on St. Patty's day.  So, we are doing two very socially responsible things:

1.  Based on experience from past St. Patty's days, we have decided to book a hotel room in Downtown Minneapolis.  The lovely Crowne Plaza will be our final destination for the night!

2.  Knowing that not everyone is as fortunate as Tim and I, we felt the need to give back to the community.  What better way to do so then by drinking!  Finnegan's, a local brewery in Minneapolis is sponsoring an Irish pub crawl both in Minneapolis and St. Paul, with the profits benefiting at-risk youth and the working poor.  Google Finnegan's Beer and you can find more information, as well as sign up for the pub crawl.

<------Tim's St. Patrick's Day outfit!

Keep on Drinking...

Jayson

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

Lets Crawl to Blanches

Checking out the Star Trib this morning I came across the "Nordeast Bar Hop" that's happening tonight in Northeast Minneapolis.  I hadn't heard of this event prior to this morning, but any event with 50 plus beer swilling str8 folk ought to be fun!  And besides the drinking, they mentioned something about a "fun meter button", what the hell is that? crazy...check out today's Star Tribune for more info.

On a gayer note...

Those looking for something a little more Homo-orientated, Tim and I along with our friend Josh, are going across the river to The Townhouse in St.Paul.  Tonight Lorri Dokken and the Girls are performing in Blanches Cabaret. For those of you that recently received your gay card in the mail, Blanches Cabaret is a piano bar.  Hence the use of the word CABARET!  I guess its Lorri's 10th anniversary performing at the Townhouse.  Some of you may remember her playing the piano at the Gay 90's some years ago, but honestly that's way before my time! 

Your Beer drinking, piano bar loving homo-Jayson

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

Heure Heureuse

In the language of love, "Heure Heureuse" means Happy Hour!  In German it is "Glückliche Stunde!"  The Spanish or Portugays (I mean Portuguese) translation suites me more "Hora Feliz."  But no matter which language you speak...  there's only one place to go to find the best Happy Hours, THRIFTY HIPSTER!  So, I turned to my friend Webster (no, not Emmanuel Lewis) the dictionary.  I wanted to see if Thrifty Hipster suited me.  Here's what I found:

Thrifty \Thrift"y\, a. [Compare. Thriftier; superl.
   Thriftiest.]
   1. Given to, or evincing, thrift; characterized by economy
      and good management of property; sparing; frugal.

            Her chaffer was so thrifty and so new. --Chaucer.

            I am glad he hath so much youth and vigor left, of
            which he hath not been thrifty.       --Swift.

   2. Thriving by industry and frugality; prosperous in the
      acquisition of worldly goods; increasing in wealth; as, a
      thrifty farmer or mechanic.

   3. Growing rapidly or vigorously; thriving; as, a thrifty
      plant or colt.

   4. Secured by thrift; well husbanded. [R.]

            I have five hundred crowns, The thrifty hire I saved
            under your father.                    --Shak.

   5. Well appearing; looking or being in good condition;
      becoming. [Obs.]

            I sit at home, I have no thrifty cloth. --Chaucer.

   Syn: Frugal; sparing; economical; saving; careful.

Who knew that "growing rapidly or vigorously", "well husbanded" and "well appearing" were all meanings of the word "Thrifty"?  That definitely suites me! 

Now the word Hipster:

hipster
     n : someone who rejects the established culture; advocates
         extreme liberalism in politics and lifestyle [syn: hippie,
          hippy, flower child]

Now, I'm a bit perplexed, because this doesn't really suite me at all.  However, I do feel that it would suite many of my readers...  So with this said I want you all to visit www.thriftyhipster.com.  You can find the best happy hours in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area at exactly to the day of the week and hour that you are looking for!  They even have a GLBT bar section (which I think is where the "hipster" comes in!)  Check it out, I "vivant et meurent" (for those of you that aren't bi (lingual) that means "live and die") by it!  l'amour, hipster économe, tim

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

A friend of a friend of a friend...

...has informed me that the Gay 90s, the Upper Midwest's largest Gay Entertainment Complex has been sold!  My source indicated to me, that his source indicated to him, this his source said that the 90's was sold to a developer who plans on leveling the 90's and building condos fit for a queen!  Is this true, or just viscous rumor started by a jaded queen?  Let me know ASAP guys!

Jayson

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

Bi Bi Wi-Fi!

Say it ain't so...  Wilde Roast Cafe is going Wi-Fi Free on evenings & weekends???  Here is the update from their website:

New Evening Mood at the Wilde Roast Cafe: Starting January 1 we will be dimming the lights and turning off the wireless internet in the evenings, to create a more social atmosphere (the wireless will also be off on weekends). We are sorry for any inconvenience.

SORRY Wilde Roast, I think the gay community's idea of a more "social atmosphere" is sitting alone chatting to someone across town at the Saloon on gay.com!  Don't worry, I'll still come see you for your half price apps Mon-Fri from 4-7pm!

love, the wired homo, tim

Tags: Travel Food and Drink MinneapolisMinnesota

Bring Your Hotsy Totsy Ones!

Everyone loves good company, and a good Tiki Bar!  Psycho Suzie's Motor Lounge is exactly that.  I read one quote that called it more "tikibilly."  That's almost as perfect as the Red Rocket appetizers!

Psycho Suzie's is located in NE Minneapolis near the intersection of Marshall & Lowry.  The website says "bring your cronies, your broads, your brother, your mother."  You'll see all of them at Psycho Suzie's and more!  Jayson and I like to go and wager on which "straight" boy there won't be so after a couple tiki cocktails (which you can buy the glass to bring back to your trailer!)  But don't just go to Suzie's for the cocktails, make sure to go on an empty stomach.  Peggy (actually Margaret but that just doesn't go as well, and where the h*ll did they get Peggy from Margaret?) whips up a mean deviled egg!  Also, the aforementioned Red Rockets which are beer battered deep fried weinies with an extra order of Trans Am Tator Tots.  I'm getting hungry just typing this!  I also must mention their pizzas, which are some of the best in Minneapolis! 

A trip to NE Minneapolis isn't complete without being introduced to one of my favorites, the "Greenie."  Almost right across the street from Psycho Suzie's is Tony Jaros, home of the Greenie!  What is a greenie you ask?  Who the heck knows!  It's a Vodka concocktion that's green & fizzy.  It tastes like lemon lime kool-aid, but kicks your bum after about 3 of them.  Now, don't be afraid when you walk into TJ's boys, the clientele is mostly local blue collar workers that like their greenies after a long 60+hour work week.  I believe that they have a growing homosexual clientele though, last time I was there they had introduced the "PINKIES!"

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

Strong. Hot. Full of Cream.

Wouldn't that be great if you could buy a t-shirt that says Strong. Hot. Full of Cream.  Well...  Good news, I know where you can!  Vera's Cafe is the quintessential gay coffee house here in Minneapolis.  Some of you may remember the days of Cafe Wyrd & Cafe Zev...  that was then, Vera's is now!

Jayson wanted somewhere to go late on Saturday morning to have a cup of coffee and study for his upcoming finals.  I gladly said that I would accompany him.  Coffee shops conjure up memories of when we first started dating 6+ years ago (for the straights reading that's like 25 in gay years!)  We would go to coffee shops 5 nights a week (of course he was also 19.)  Over the years I've never lost that coffee shop craving I got in college.  And by looking around at the clientele at Vera's, neither have many other Minneapolites.  All ages, all genders and all sexual persuasions are represented in the diverse clientele.  All searching for that one thing in life, good camaraderie and a good cup of coffee that's Strong, Hot & Full of Cream!

Lavender Magazine just featured Vera's in their latest issue in an article titled Urban Coffee Shops.  Check it out here http://www.lavendermagazine.com/artman/publish/article_1760.php for other coffee shop suggestions.  I have one suggestion for you Lavender.  You forgot one very important neighborhood hangout, Steamworks Coffee & Tea Co. in the Camden neighborhood of Minneapolis.  What other coffee shop can you go get your picture taken with Santa?

love, the hyper caffeinated homo tim

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

A new Mary is coming to town!

Hey Kids,

Looking at the latest issue of Lavender magazine, I ran across an add for the new Hamburger Mary's that's coming to town!  Hamburger Mary's are geared towards "alternative lifestyle" types, which really means Homo's.  The last time I checked out Mary's place was when I was in Vegas.  I was there kind of early in the night, so not much was happening but it looked like it could have had potential.  For those of you that remember the Rainbow Rooster next to Bolt Bar, hopefully Hamburger Mary's will have staying power.

Waitin for Mary....

Jayson

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

Polka...Not just for the Polish!

Yes dears, you to can be a polka queen at Nye's Bar & Polonaise Room in Northeast Minneapolis!  This throwback to the hey day of Dean Martin and my good friend Frank,is always a riot to check out any weekend night.  On one side you have your 1960's lounge featuring a wide assortment of Polish food, steak and seafood. On the other side through two swinging doors you have the Polka bar featuring Ruth Adams and the "worlds most dangerous polka band".

Finally finish the night up Sweet Lou style.  Grab one last Vodka Martini, Str8 up with two olives and the microphone and belt out your favorite tune.  To my surprise, it seems that Sweet Lou is a walking songbook.  She pretty much knows them all.  Frank Sinatra, Show-tunes, beer drinking songs and Billy Joel.  Watch out Mr. Joel, you got competition on your heals!

Not so Polish,

Jayson

PS.  The picture is the famed woman her self, Lou Snider! 

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

Wilde Bois!

Wilde Roast is a great little coffe shop in North East Minneapolis catering to the GLBT crowd with a few Str8's sprinkled in for good luck.  The setting is very intimate with a large, beautiful fireplace and  over-stuffed chairs scattered about.  Beyond the setting being excellent for sipping coffee and boi watching, Wilde Roast has a wide assortment of deserts, wine(every Sunday and Monday stop in and enjoy 1/2 price bottles of wine) and a nice selection of micro-brews.  I have also heard rave reviews of  items on there menu like salads, soups and sandwiches.   So if your just looking for someplace new for a little "coffe talk", or on a first date, check out Oscar's place!

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

Uncle Doug's Influence

Tim and I's friend Felicia has an Uncle named Doug.  We refer to him as Uncle Doug.  His other half is Aunt Fran.  Nice guy  (Doug that is).  Frugal guy, but I have been told that's how one becomes independently wealthy.  Doug is a guy who loves to clip coupons.  He has them for everything from laundry detergent to food to blow up mattresses. 

Now and again every self respecting gay male needs to take advantage of a good bargain, and we are no different.  Last weekend Tim and I went to Tuggs Tavern in ole Saint Anthony Main for burgers!  We had what they called there SIGNATURE burger.  Excellent is all I can say!  The meat used in the burgers was so juicy and moist.  Must have came from young cows!  Anyways, we had a 2 for 1 type coupon deal.  Lunch for under $15.00 was a steal and we are now well on our way to being independently wealthy!

View from Saint Anthony Main.  No, thats not Tim and I!

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

Gay on a Stick part deux

A few quick pics form our adventure at the Great Minnesota Get together!

Tim the Cream Puff!

Can anyone tell me where I can get a TWINKie?

A few more pictures !

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota

Take your Mamma... In!

Yesterday afteroon Tim and I decided it was time for Happy Hour!  Normally on a Saturday afternoon we head over to Figilio's for the $2 taps, wine and aptz, but we just weren't feeling up for beers and burgers!  That's when The Independent popped into our heads.  Hers the facts:  Happy Hour on Saturday is from 4-7 p.m and is a 2 for 1 type deal.  2 for 1's on pretty much anything and everything on the bar.  We opted for Absolut Mandarin's and sodas...eight of them between the two of us!  We just cant pass up a good deal.  In addition to good deals on libations, they also offer a small happy hour menu with typical Happy Hour food priced at $5 an entree.  We had chips, salsa and guacamole.  Nothing special.  Simple.  Pretty hard to mess up this.  The other morsel was the sweet potato chips.  Not bad.  Again, simple and Tim would have preferred to have had something to dip them in...but I'm not sure what you dip sweet potatoes in!~Jayson

Tags: Travel Food and Drink Minneapolis Minnesota