The 5 Best Small Live Music Venues in the Twin Cities

What do Prince, the Replacements and Hüsker Dü have in common? They all got their starts in the thriving music clubs of the Twin Cities. Here are five great live music venues near our Springs Twin Cities luxury apartment communities where you might catch "the next big thing."

1. Venue 13
3120 W Hwy 13, Burnsville
952.277.0197
4.6 miles from Springs at Egan Drive

Each weekend, Venue 13 transforms from a casual neighborhood hangout to one of the hottest spots for live music. Different local bands play Friday and Saturday while Sunday is reserved for house favorites SOBS (Singers on Barstools), who take their show out on the patio during warm days. Venue 13 has full food and drink menus as well as a seven-days-a-week Happy Hour from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

2. Icehouse
2528 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis
612.276.6523
18.5 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

This popular two-story venue began life as an actual icehouse, and the current industrial-chic decor pays tribute to that origin. Icehouse spotlights an eclectic mix of music including jazz, folk, Latin and electronica, with some performers holding multi-show residencies. The food menu features upscale chef-created dishes such as duck lasagne, roasted monkfish and bison ribeye, while the bar has its signature "Robert Mitchum Collection" with dozens of premium whiskey selections.

3. Artisan Bistro & Bar
16731 Hwy 13, Prior Lake
952.447.1188
4.6 miles from Springs at Egan Drive

Artisan has a casually hip ambiance that's a perfect backdrop for its Friday (and occasionally Saturday) night live music shows featuring local rock, jazz and country performers. The creative bistro menu includes a wide range of soups, sandwiches and salads along with special dishes such as popcorn-topped beer cheese soup. Happy Hour is 3–6 p.m. daily, while Friday and Saturday are Date Nights with dinner for two and half-price wine bottles.

4. Cabooze Music Club
917 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis
612.338.6425
17.1 miles from Springs at Apple Valley

It's all about the music at Cabooze, an intimate but lively concert hall in the vibrant West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis. In addition to a wide range of local and regional bands, Cabooze hosts exciting theme nights such as tributes to Stevie Ray Vaughn, ‘80s music, and classic concert film The Last Waltz. Enjoy dinner beforehand at the adjoining The Joint Bar, which also has an outdoor patio BBQ open when weather allows. Tickets for Cabooze shows are general admission, so get there early to score good seats in the balcony.

5. Hell's Kitchen
80 S 9th St, Minneapolis
612.332.4700
20 miles from Springs at Apple Valley and Springs at Egan Drive

It's worth the drive to Hell's Kitchen, an award-winning chef-owned restaurant in downtown Minneapolis. Free live music plays from 6–9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as well as 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during Sunday brunch, which features a spectacular 35-foot Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar.

Do you have a favorite live music spot to add to the list? Share it in the comments!