Otter Saloon
617 Central Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414
Otter Saloon Menu
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Address :
617 Central Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN, 55414 - Phone (612) 331-4169
- Website https://www.otterssaloon.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :12:00 pm - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Loud
Music : Karaoke
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Mon, Tue, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Has TV : Yes
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Ryan F.
Came here Saturday night, have a buddy going through some stuff and a night on the town was just what he needed. I am glad this place takes cards now as I was cash poor for the evening. Have not been in a while and was glad we came in! First off, it was not as packed as I remember so that was a good thing. The karaoke was entertaining as always, although none of my buddies wanted to do a drunken duet with me. Total dive, but you know that already. Bartenders were friendly. Go for a good time.
(4)Alexandra H.
To pay homage to Otter Saloon's former name, U Otter Stop Inn, I will write my review like so: 'U Otter' get to know Opal. My friends and I went in for an early happy hour once and she fed the jukebox 26 times for our quarter-less selves. 'U Otter' chat with the regulars. They will resemble "Friends of Santa Claus." They will cheer you on while performing. They will never heckle and frown upon anyone who does. 'U Otter' put the heels away. This is a down-home, we-don't-care-if-you-shower-daily kinda place and we need to keep it that way. Lastly, 'U Otter' perform a karaoke song. Just see yourself out if you have no singing plans. This place ain't for you.
(5)Katie G.
Karaoke and Northeast always seem to go hand in hand, and this place doesn't disappoint. U Otter Stop Inn is a bar full of character, and could fulfill the every element on the "Dive Bar" checklist. Cheap drinks, karaoke, friendly atmosphere, this place has it all! And apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so. The place was well filled, but not to an annoying level. If you're looking for a fun and crazy night...U Otter Stop Inn!
(4)billy s.
If you make it to the Otter before Karaoke starts they have the best Free Jukebox in Town. The guy behind the bar is the owner.
(5)Jaclyn H.
I love this bar They have fabulous bartenders like juhl, and the bouncer ben, and karaoke guy Kacey Great entertainment, great group of people Decently priced juhl and Ben are my favorites
(5)Amy R.
I've only been here for karaoke on Wednesday nights. It's a pretty decent place to get a beer, hang with friends, and listen to people belt out a few tunes. It's tiny, but there is plenty of street parking...on Wednesday nights, anyway.
(3)Sonja D.
The only reason I don't give it another star is because when it gets packed, it's packed. We walked over the other day and peeked in the door... and immediately turned around. I've had some great times here, and it is usually the last stop at the end of the night. I've also slapped my forehead in the morning and shook my head in a "what were you thinking" sort of way. But I guess that is the glory of this place! I otter stop inn when it is a tuesday night and it's just us drunken regulars! However, I do agree with another poster that I miss the otter memorabilia.. and the name change. ouch. ps they don't take debit.. only credit or cash!
(3)Joseph W.
This is a place that walks the razor of two inconsistent identities. It is a dive, university bar. As a fan of dive bars I would like this, but the clientele is too college. It's not just college; it's frat rejects. Anyways, this spot is known for it's karaoke, but it's always too overrun. So if you wanna hear drunk college kids do karaoke... then have at it.
(1)Brad V.
Oh you are going to love this little dive. Great people. Excellent karaoke host. Crowd gets into it. I recommend you try this place out often.
(4)Andrew H.
My friends and I went there tonight, and it was terrible. The bartender was drunk, and gave my friends card to some stranger, which said stranger made charges on. They also screwed up mine and all of my friends card, and the drunk bartender literally just gave us all of the cards and told us to pick out which one was ours. When confronted about this, they yelled at us, and called my friend a b***h. An employee who worked there, but wasn't scheduled to work tonight, was also taking cards and bills, and also intoxicated. After we walked out of the bar, both the bartender and the other employee came out, and got in our faces, even though they were wrong and they were the ones that gave our friends card away. Though they wouldn't admit this. I would not recommend this bar.
(1)Jojo J.
You walk in and maneuver around chairs and people. The singing all-stars are college kids and locals with a variety of taste. Gold mine in a karaoke joint. The only thing actually wrong is the bathroom. But that goes with a true hole in a wall. This is a legitimate karaoke dive bar. Kim, the bartender, is the best. The host seemed nice. I had a lot of fun, the place brings a fun crowd. It is not a dull place to sing at. Great music selection, unless you like obscure rock classics. If you're shy like me, this is a great place to start.
(5)Steve B.
This was the first time I have ever been to this bar. I've always been hesitant because I'm not a huge karaoke fan. Bar hopping in the neighborhood I stopped in with friends and surprisingly had a really good time. Everyone was excited about being there and the energy was high. This bar is about having having a let loose carefree time. The only negative was the lighting. This isn't a bar that I personally wouldn't frequent regularly, but definitely see it as a place to change things up. The bright flourescent type lights are a little much for a bar.
(4)Sarah M.
Sometimes you need a cheap beer and pull tabs. Come here for those needs. But for real, this little, angular bar reminds me of my home state of Iowa in a sort of endearing way. Seems like they have a lot of regulars, but we were treated kindly as we ordered our $2.50 Nordeast. I'll most certainly be back.
(4)John M.
This bar is phenomenal! The bartenders are friendly and make amazing drinks. We've been looking for a good karaoke spot since we moved up here and Cammy (the kj) was awesome! She sings amazingly, super friendly and tries her hardest to get the crowd involved! She sings hilarious parodies to grab the crowds attention, tells mini stories between songs and walks around making sure everyone is having a great time! We wish she hosted every night! Best host they have!!!
(5)Tony B.
The Otter is a karaoke bar in the shape of a triangle; it's a triangle because the building is at the intersection of Central and 1st in Northeast. I've been to the Otter probably more than 20 times. I have sang karaoke songs at the Otter both as myself as as Zombie Prince, and in both configurations of karaoke equipment (by the northeast and southwest parts of the bar). The Otter has pizza, kind of. Josh Hartnett once came to the Otter and heard me sing a Chris Isaak song; and then we asked Josh Hartnett to come hang out with us at The Vegas Lounge. Josh Hartnett did not hang out with us at the Vegas Lounge. Drinks at the Otter are cheap. Their karaoke selection is appropriate. The Otter exists and has a new sign because of humans drinking and singing. It therefore has flourished at doing exactly what it is supposed to do, and I will miss going there. If you don't like pizza or potato chips, and you are hungry after singing a song or asking Josh Hartnett and his cool friends to hang out with you; there is a White Castle across the street. I think everything in Yelp should be written in MS Comic Sans font.
(5)Lila C.
U Otter Stop Inn? Otter's Saloon? More like I otter not be going into work tomorrow. If you are not having fun at the Otter, please leave. This spot is a gem, its corner location on Central and 1st Ave make it the perfect place to get out of downtown and into the fun zone that is the NE. Plus they serve Heggie's Pizza, it's tasty and the real deal of zas, how can you go wrong! Pro - intimate space, cheap drinks, and Heggie's (trust me, it warranted another shout-out) Con - when packed it's the worst cluster and I can never see who's singing This place is quickly surpassing Vegas Lounge as my #1 karaoke joint.
(5)Chad K.
Every good dive should have three things: 1. Staff that are as moody as you are, but in the end take no shit and may end up confessing their darkest secret to you. (check) 2. A septic system so outdated that the odor has long left the pipes and resides about six inches from the front door. (check). 3. A no nonsense bar that is designed to get everyone to the starting line of "happily wasted". (check). Oh...and they also have Karaoke.
(5)Jesse I.
We felt at home the moment we walked in. Lynn (she, along with Bobby hold marital ownership) was bar tending. On our way to the bar there was evidence of a community potlatch and welcoming faces next to every open chair at the bar. This is far more than a dive bar. Friendly faces, great service, and an impeccable community atmosphere make this my a new regular destination for my girlfriend and I.
(5)Lauren G.
As I read down further, Kelly G. said it right : 'This is the place I almost lost my karaoke virginity. That cherry still has not been popped but it *could* have happened here.' I am in the same boat: after requesting song after song for Karaoke, my buds and I witnessed the usuals get up and sing multiple times until 2 a.m. Either way, I'm willing to stop by again and again to become one of these usuals and finally be able to take center stage at Karaoke. This bar was super cute and 'home-y' feeling, with friendly bouncers (who even call cabs for you at the end of the night!) and bartenders (except for one potentially drunk bartender who was just a mess behind the counter?). In the end, it is an all around good stop in anyone's NE bar trek.
(3)Annie D.
Not sure when this place stopped being U Otter Stop Inn and started being Otter Saloon, but I'm not a fan of the new name. I refuse to use it. Kinda like how I still call Macy's Dayton's. Other than that, I like the triangle-shaped U Otter. The drinks are cheap, they have karaoke and I always, always have fun here. If you come on a weekend, make sure to get your song in quick because it's usually pretty packed, especially later in the evening when everyone in the area feels drunk enough for karaoke. Weeknights are great if you just wanna belt it out over and over again though. As with a lot of karaoke bars, there are some regulars that are either super good or super bad. U Otter has both in spades, and there are plenty of odd ducks in the bunch too.
(4)Kelly G.
This is the place I almost lost my karaoke virginity. That cherry still has not been popped but it *could* have happened here. The most eclectic group of people packed into the smallest bar I have ever been in. The most random collection of stuff ever crammed onto a wall or pinned to a ceiling. I felt like I was in an alternate reality that mixed Ely with Uptown at a bar where everybody knows your name. The wait to get up there and belt it out is long, as is the bar line. Pick one or the other. Drinks were my priority and I was proud to sing unwanted back-up with every other person in the bar to the brave souls who held the microphone. Bathrooms are tiny and if you are claustrophobic or hate being touched by people, you probably wanna skip this spot. But if you do come, you will have a great time.
(4)Christina P.
Pump the brakes, hold the phone. Did I just stumble upon a gem of Minneapolis? Why yes, yes I did. The Otter is one of those places that is surreal in many aspects. Wooden, neon lit, clay figurines - all of otters - line this spot. I love the subway tiling and tin ceilings. Come here only with an appreciation of dive bars and a love of random Nordeasters. i was almost coaxed into singing Lionel Richie with a rando for karoake. In short, put on your drinking pants, slap on an open mind and positive attitude and prepare to rock this place
(5)Alexis A.
As a long time fan of the Otter, I'm not impressed with their recent "improvements". The bar is good, and I've never had an issue with the bartenders, but they took away the myraid of bric-a-brac & football memorabelia hanging from the ceiling & walls and the quirky otter related custom art inside and out. Now the decor is predominantly Budweiser related. There's still music records and stuff on the karaoke wall, but I was just kinda dissapointed when I walked in to notice nothing interesting on the (now) lavander walls or green ceiling. Not a big deal. Just sayin'. In any case....I'm not mad. I still like it when it's NOT busy (It's a small bar, so it only takes about 30 people to make it feel cramped). Where else can you go on a tuesday evening and on one side of you is a flaming 20-something male with thick glittery blue eye-shadow talking to a blue-collar black man, and the other side a pair of tipsy soccer-moms, and an elderly couple singing darn good karaoke? I just don't know! Dollar off happy hour goes 1p-7p. They have heggies Pizza, chips and jerky for food. Don't be surprised if smoking happens inside if it's slow, and cold outside. Bartenders tend to be pretty laid back about that. U Otter Stop Inn! Drunk bonus points for having a White Castle RIGHT across the street. : P
(4)Mariel L.
The epitome of a dive bar. :) Very kitschy with neon signs for Bud Light (or is it Coors Light? Or MGD? I don't remember, it's one of those what'll-get-me-buzzed-the-cheapest-way beers). Twins flags and a neon otter with sunglasses hang by the bar area, and the whole place is lit up so you know exactly what you're getting into....which is karaoke! It's awesome because their song selections are FAR more extensive than the VFW Uptown's, and there's not as many suspicious older men lurking about, just suspicious younger men lurking about. Just kidding: this is absolutely a college hangout. But, yeah, the song selections range from your classics ("Don't Stop Believing") to the modern ("Bad Romance") to the annoying ("Friends in Low Places"; yep, I said it) to the questionable ("[insert your own judgments here]"). My friend and I ended up singing -- well, rapping -- "Ride Wit Me," purely to hear people scream the line: "HEY, MUST BE THE MONEY!"
(4)Tishawna T.
I really enjoyed myself here! It was well lit, which was refreshing! They had heggies - which scores them BIG points in my book! AND karoke!! The friendly service made me right at home too! Like I was a regular, even though it was my first visit! I'll definately be back!
(5)Kendra P.
Tiny, tiny bar. Huge character. I love to sing karaoke here if I get there early, otherwise it is fun to watch. Make sure you have cash if you are drinking and if you want to hit up the White Castle across the street after bar close, make sure to bring your non-vegetarian friends with you.
(4)Val B.
One of my only complaints about this bar is that, for whatever reason, cab drivers never know how to get here. Twice I've checked my phone after a long night out to see the Otter Stop on my iPhone's Maps application. Come on, Minneapolis cabbies. Anyway, onto the review. The drinks are small (but good). Getting in the queue takes forever. The karaoke jockey (heretofore referred to as the "KJ") is sassy and stands too close when you sing. And yet, I love the place. Why would anyone love a place like this? Two words - No Diggity. The Otter Stop has, hands down, the craziest, funniest, most comprehensive karaoke selection in the city. I love me some karaoke, and this selection surely bests my other favorite, the Country Bar, and my most hated bar, Grumpy's (see my reviews for more karaoke details). Like I said, the KJ stands too close, and it takes so, so, so long to sing your song (you really only get 1, and you're definitely there for at least 90 minutes before that) - but, there's also a White Castle across the street if you're interested in being the drunkest person at White Castle (easier than it sounds). All in all - 4 stars.
(4)Lindsey P.
The Otter is one of the best places for people-watching and karaoke around. I love the dive bar atmoshpere, and the fact that the bartenders know their regulars. It's a place for anyone to go to have a good time, and occasionally hear a talented singer belt out a tune. One of my favorite dive bars!!
(5)Jen B.
This is my new favorite bar, despite the fact that I continue to be perplexed by its use of otter imagery. Do otters have a secret penchant for serving cheap drinks in plastic cups and hosting killer karaoke jam-outs that I don't know about? I guess they are pretty boss as far as semi-aquatic mammals go, what with all the sliding around on their bellies, but still, it seems like an odd theme for a bar. But on to more important things: The U Otter is a classic dive bar with sticky floors and a bunch of crap on the walls. It's also the size of a matchbox. A triangular-shaped matchbox, at that. In spite of this (or perhaps because of it), crowds of people pack themselves on the weekends to guzzle inexpensive drinks and act a fool on the mic. What sets this place apart from your Grumpys or your Country Bar is the people: There is a distinct lack of hipster attitude, fratboy douchery and bachelorette party nonsense. Just good people who wouldn't judge you for bringing your own can coolie. I had a blast on my maiden visit here, and can't wait to go back. Some key dets: Get in early if you want any shot at doing karaoke within a reasonable time. I waited almost two hours for my song to come up. They cut off karaoke at around midnight or 12:30, so keep that in mind as well. ***Update: I have since been told that karaoke was not cut off at midnight, as I fuzzily recollected. Apparently it gets cut off somewhere after bar time. So I was roughly 2 hours off there. I guess telling time is not my strong suit. At least, not after tequila shots and several greenies.
(4)Ella R.
Why do I always have a good time when I go here? Maybe it's the masterpiece of a mural outside the place...the stiff drinks...the never-ending sing along? Either way, a good bar with great people. U otter stop inn....
(5)Andy G.
I've been here now a couple of times and I have to say it's alright. The first time I went it was nice and empty with only a few people butchering the musical stylings of various recording artists. I also remember being told it was a cash only bar. The second time I went in I was on a pub crawl and the place was shit house packed. This time they were running tabs which was aces in my book. The bartender told me however that I had to have a 10 minimum tab to run one. Telling me I have to have at least a ten dollar bar tab is like telling a fatty he has to have at least two plates at the OCB. Wait, that's me too.... Anyway, it's a fun little NE dive with the only downside being it's the size of somebody's garage.
(3)Drew E.
not all dive bars are created equal. This bar has one good thing going for it in that it allows you to sing while you're enjoying your friday or saturday night. It's not my favorite dive bar but it is above average compared to most.
(3)Bigby S.
Cause there ain't nobody that can sing like me, ain't nobody that can sing like me.
(4)Brittany T.
I've been to this bar several times and each time has been so much fun. Its a small bar but if you go with the right people it will be fun. The karaoke is a blast its so fun watching all of the intoxicated people try and hit he notes haha. Lots of fun!
(5)Joseph O.
Still Great! Went last night!
(4)Will V.
Based on other reviews of this place, I'm clearly in the minority on my feelings.. This is pretty much the definition of dive bar. Why people enjoy places like this really is beyond me. Granted, I've never been much of a "bar goer" but this certainly isn't a comfortable atmosphere. It's small. How small? Well, without measuring I'd guess maybe 500 square feet or so. Let me put it this way, I live in a condo, and the place would basically fit in my living room. I didn't get beer, so I can't comment on that, though the prices may be reasonable as everyone else has stated previously, however.. for mixed drinks I certainly felt cheated. The cup is a small plastic cup, can't possibly hold more than 8 ounces or so. On the plus side it's not overfilled with ice, but given the tiny stature of the beverage container, the prices for mixed drinks shouldn't be as high as they are. Everything was at least $1-2 too much. That said, the drinks were mixed well, but if I'm paying $5 for a drink, that is supposed to BE a drink, I'd prefer it be larger and last a bit longer than a shot at most other bars... The karaoke selection is pretty good, everything I looked in the book for was there, but it's certainly not the kind of place I look forward to sitting around in for over an hour waiting my turn to do karaoke. I'll most definitely pass, I won't be back. By the way, for our wheelchair bound friends & readers, I've marked this as non wheelchair accessible because while I'm sure you could get in and out the door just fine in a chair, there simply wouldn't be anywhere to go once you did get inside. Too little room, too many people and tables/chairs -- everything was high-top too from what I saw, so that's not terribly wheelchair friendly.
(1)Guillermo H.
Not being a fan of Karaoke, it's tough for me to give this place a high rating, but as far as drinks are concerned, this place does alright. If I'm in Nordeast, looking for a drink, I'll go somewhere else, but if you're with a group of friends that want to do Karaoke and you're going to get dragged along, you could certainly do worse.
(3)Stephanie R.
They recently changed around the placement of the karaoke system. Although the songs seem to be a little more organized, the singers are now tucked in an alcove, and it is much harder to see who is singing. Thus, it's a lot harder to be an outrageous singing star...And isn't that what karaoke is all about? Change it back, Otter Stop!
(3)Kelsey K.
Ok I love this place for so many reasons. For a good chunk of time I was going here every few weekends. I haven't been much recently but I am sure nothing has changed. Things to love: cheep booze great people watching guy in flower hat that always sings the same song that changes up the words to fit what he wants to say. decor Its one of those places that doesn't feel clean. That doesn't mean its not a great time. Its perfect for holding birthday parties, drinking alone at the bar, last bar when your bar hoping, or if you are the karaoke sort they do it up here. Almost everyone belongs here. Hipsters, dirty people, nerds, frat guys, and goth all belong here. It is a little less collegey in the summer months. I have dated at least 2 guys that thought of this as one of their main bars. Also the pizza is pretty tasty after a long night of drinking or a long day of work when you are going to start drinking early.
(4)merideth b.
It was a freezing winter wednesday when I was dragged around downtown Minneapolis by my fiance and his UM gradschool friends. As we wandered into this place, it reminded me of my own favorite college bars. Dim, dirty, and so much sports crap hanging from the ceiling - it's gotta scream fire hazard. The highlights: karoake, cheap beer and pull tabs! Richie from New Jersey owned the mic this particular night - and by the looks of it, you might see him (and Pam) if you stop in midweek. He does a mean Billy Joel and dances too!
(4)Brooke S.
3.5 stars?!?!!? REALLY Yelpers? the otter is a gem. a tiny gem that serves up questionable karaoke, knick knacks galore and drinks served in plastic cups, but a gem nonetheless. perfect for a night out with the girls...or just a night out with anyone to appreciate some stiff drinks and off tune singin! feels like youre up north! so great.
(5)Guptan K.
can't comment on the drinks or food (if they have any) but i was too wasted when i got to Otter. Beautiful hipster women and a lot of bi-sexual women for some reason. (not complaining at all) They had a great Kareoke night. Small place, so it is always crowded. I would go here again just to be part of a completly unique crowd.
(4)Melissa L.
Even though I've lived so close, I'd never gone to the Otter Saloon. A lot of it was rooted in the fear that I would encounter inside the otter humanoids so prominently displayed on the murals outside. But last spring or so, I heard rumors of new management, taps returning, and the cleansing of potentially hostile otter humanoids. A friend really wanted to check it out, so after a few drinks at the Red Stag, we headed over. Though the location is small, it isn't dingy. In fact, it smelled faintly of bleach, like they just hose the place nightly. It was a Sunday night, so it wasn't crowded. Just got to watch some random strangers surprise us with great singing. Drinks are way cheap and cash only. I'd advise against the bartender's choice shot, it was pretty much poison and knocked me out for most of next day. Could have been all the other drinks I downed that night, but I'll blame it on the shot.
(4)Paola M.
Definitely not what I expected when I drove by. It was actually much better and much more fun! There was karaoke, friendly bar tenders and horrible singers... And some good ones too! A nice change from the "upscale" downtown scene.
(4)Jessica S.
Very loud atmosphere and pretty cramped seating. I will say, it is a great people watching place:)
(4)Shanna K.
Anyplace that has 2 for 1 screwdrivers at 11am on a Monday is alright by me. So what if it's well vodka in a plastic jug and quite possibly Tang instead of actual OJ... you love it. Definitely tops on my list of return visits next time I find myself back in the Twin Cities.
(5)Jeeya A.
Did we hit this place on its worst night ever or what? (It was a Saturday.) We were worried about hipsters, but Jeezus, any hipster would have been a welcome sight. The place was packed with dump-ass Vikings fans and stumbling drunk idiots. (And not the jolly, fun kind.) The karaoke host was a sweetheart but the time it took to get a song up was a joke. We had a party of 5, stayed for 2.5 hours and 3 of us got to sing 1 song each. There is no actual platform for karaoke- you are standing on the floor a foot or two away from the sea of chest-high tables and there are drunk fools wandering within inches of you the whole time. Everyone is screaming so you can't even tell if the person singing is worth listening to. God help you if you have to sit near the bathrooms. Only giving it 2 stars because the karaoke host was a nice guy and I've only been there once- otherwise I'd give it a flat-out 1.
(2)Emily L.
Small but fun bar. Karaoke is always a good time.
(4)Jen W.
Wait a minute....this place is called The Otter Saloon? Since when? I've had some good times here. I've had some bad times here. But lately, it's a safer bet that I'll have a bad time than a good time. My Otter days are over.
(2)Sara W.
Hey boy, sitting in your tree, Mummy always wants you to come for tea. If you can name the artist (*B-witched) or finish that tune, this may be THE place for you. Sketchy building, quirky crowd, & fun tunes. Oh, the U Otter Stop has so much character! Thanks to yelp, this place popped up on my radar when attempting to find a new place to go out in NE. If Karaoke is your game, then this is your go to spot, everyday of the week if you wish. C'est la vie, Jock Jams, Whoomp! (there it is), and Sweet Caroline were just a few performances of the night. However, as others have mentioned, be prepared to wait around an hourish or so until you get to sing, so please plan accordingly. This dive bar is a new favorite of mine, for singing, people watching, $1 chip eating, and cheap beer. Can't wait to be back U Otter. Next time I'm bringing Aaron's party back, if the Otter has this on file.
(4)Michelle F.
Great funky little dive bar, to hear drunken Karoke. Friendly patrons, just an all around good time. Stop by, you won't regret it.
(4)