Turf Club

1601 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104, USA

Address:	1601 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
Phone:	+1 651-647-0486
Site:	turfclub.net
Rating:	4.3
Working:	Closed 5PM–1AM 5PM–1AM 5PM–1AM 5PM–2AM 10AM–2AM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 23

Lucas Zeidner

Despite being a historical landmark for music in the Twin Cities, First Avenue is behind the times. In the past month I have seen at least two incidents of mistreatment by male staffers of female/female-identifying patrons. First, they confiscated the ID of a woman who was of legal drinking age because the bouncer "didnt believe she was 21". The staff then tried to get the womans friend to go on a date with a staffer to get the ID back. This is of course illegal and constitutes as theft and blackmail. Last night a transgender female-identifying customer attempted to use the womens bathroom, and was blocked by staff, who insisted that a transwoman had no right to use her preferred choice of bathroom. This is Minneapolis, we have a giant Pride festival every year. This should not be any issue for anyone, and to see this behavior perpetuated by members of the arts community is unbelievable. All that being said: BOYCOTT FIRST AVE. AND ALL ASSOCIATED VENUES! FIRST AVE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE SAFETY AND RESPECT OF ITS PATRONS!

Patrick Sweeney

Always have great music. They provide decent enough food for a club and an awesome beer selection. Id actually prefer to give it only 4.5 stars since they ran out of vanilla ice cream during the last show... I mean, dont get me wrong the chocolate is great too, but its just not the same. Do I want to put chocolate drizzle on chocolate ice cream like a weirdo? Heck no. To quote Seinfeld, you dont get the "two races of flavor living side by side in harmony." I just wanted to enjoy my vanilla ice cream with chocolate drizzle whilst listening to some crunchy tunes like a normal American. Instead I had to settle on double chocolate. Luckily the music was so good that night nobody noticed my embarrassing predicament...

Gabriel Douglas

the most iconic club in St. Paul, MN. capture a show on the main stage upstairs,before the show or in between bands, funnel down to the Clown Lounge for some food and merriment. There are bathrooms both behind the stage on the 1st floor and in the basement around the corner from the Clown Lounge, so you can usually find an easy stall up or downstairs at a packed show. The staff are always friendly and usually at a busy show there is table service, so watch for a waiter or waitress for quick service and you wont have to leave your seat! Highly recommended.

Heimerdinger God

Best part of the whole place is their live bands that play more towards the weekends. Other than that, the atmosphere is very odd. Like a "clown bar" down in the basement. That doesnt weird me out as much as the musty old smell that wafts around the building when you enter it. But if you like live bands and are into rock/ hippie vibe, then this is the place for you.

Aaron Furuseth

First ave took it over and did a great job remodeling it. They kept all the wonderful art deco design and really elevated the food menu. The drinks are very reasonably priced, the sound is great and, if you can get in early enough, you can actually sit down to watch a show! Free parking in back is a bonus. I love seeing shows here!

Amita Ramachandran

Found a dead mouse next to my seat when the bar had just opened for the evening, server apologised once and didnt offer to reimburse us for the food or drink. Service continued to be terrible for the rest of the night. Have always been a turf club lover and supporter but this was really disappointing!

Anthony Maki

A historic music venue now owned and operated by First Avenue. Its kind of dark and nondescript inside, save for the old show posters plastered on the walls which add a nice touch of nostalgia. In a way, it really focuses attention onto the well-lit stage for the musical act youve come to see.

Jenifer leidelmeijer

The bouncer didnt read my friends ID properly and thought it was expired. He "let him in" because he felt like being "nice." Okay music. The bartender said he knows the photo booth doesnt work. And yet they still have it out for customers to feed it money. Good luck getting a refund.

Erik Pasco

The four stars is mostly for the acoustics. When Im going to see live music, thats at the top of my list. I dont care for the drink or food offerings, but I also dont care that I dont care for the food or drink when I am just too busy taking in the music.

Judy Park

Great place for live music and drinks. Good for groups. I would recommend carpooling because the parking lot is a bit small for the cluster of businesses around the club. Looking forward to checking out more local bands and artists at the Turf!

Victoria Stromme

GREAT DIVE BAR/ VENUE. This place has deep rooted history in St. Paul. You can find so many fun local and national artists who appear on this stage. Drinks are slightly overpriced, but this is very easy to get to and a fun Twin Cities find.

C Johnson

Full bar with good tap diversity, intimate music experience, creepy clown lounge in the basement is definitely a highlight, and surprisingly has one of the best breakfasts in the area when they offer it (winter needs tunes and toons too!)

Charles C

My girlfriend and I came here for breakfast one day and we were both pleasantly surprised. I wasnt expecting a small music venue to have good food but I really liked it. The prices were also very fair which I always appreciate.

Henry Nieberg

Atmosphere is phenomenal, and the artwork around the whole building is great. Burgers are good, but the pretzels and mustard are a MUST because that mustard is addictive. The salted caramel ice cream is also worth it.

Brian Wene

The Turf Club is one of my Favorite venues in the Twin Cities! Its on the light rail, so no driving needed and the artists booked are the best in the world! You will be highly entertained. Great space & wonderful sound!

Joshua LaMere

Great sound. Clown Bar. An institution, the coolest place to check out a band in the Midway neighborhood. Recently acquired by First Ave. so the shows are well promoted & are quality local & national acts. 10/10.

Brent Perreault

This place is awesome. The live music is often excellent, and the beer prices are like a normal bar (for very good beers). As for the brunch - the service was poor and the food was great but cold.

Chris Kraft

Pretty good food, with a good variety of local and regional "up and coming" acts to keep you rocking. 4 stars only because the crowd tends to be "meh" and its hard to see the stage from the bar.

Bryon Wheaton

Best Live Music Venue in Saint Paul. Very intimate feel allows you to get close to the performers as the stage is very close. Food is really good actually, and beer selection is impressive.

Jay Moe

Cool place. Good service. Door staff were friendly. Servers were friendly and timely. Great place to see live music! Clown lounge downstairs is also a nifty little nook

Tim Smith

Great place to see a show! Acoustics leave a lot to be desired from anywhere past the dance floor... Just the right size venue for great up and coming artists!

Eric Ebbesen

First Ave of Saint Paul. If the band you want to see is playing here does it really matter how many stars it has? Food options much better than they used to be.

Robert Madison

Excellent place to go for a show or a drink. The clown lounge is a cool, divey hangout in the basement worth the trip. Staff is great in both parts of the bar.