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 read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

mad hatter..and kelsey drink way too much. bad experience when your "dj" is handling karaoke and is all over the map..

Rebecca is awesome.. wonder place for out of town guests. Truly wonderful people.. I have never seen pull tabs in my life...

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!! read more

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. read more

Stopped here after the Twins Opener since they were the only bar in the neighborhood to have Nordeast. The bartender was cool and chatty (Matt?) but then again there was only about four other people in the bar, one was an old man that kept nodding off at the bar :) Have to go back some time when it's busier and see what all the karaoke talk is about. Nice dive bar. read more

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.... read more

Otter Saloon - mural outside...gotta love it - Karaoke Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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. read more

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. read more

Most of the time I have a good experience here, but the last couple times when I've sung here, the host has not been very cool. He is a bigger white guy and he was extremely rude the last few times I've come. He didn't start karaoke until 8:20 even though karaoke is supposed to start at 8. He also got upset when my friend asked when karaoke would start. I really like to sing karaoke here, but when he's the host I really don't like singing here. read more

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. read more

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! read more

Cheap, strong drinks in a small intimate but friendly corner dive bar with well organized karaoke, they actually have a rotation & stick to it! If you're there on a slower night, you might hear some local singers! Awesome Karaoke dj's & locals vibe! read more

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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 read more

I was visiting from out of town for a conference with a few friends who are karaoke enthusiasts. We had a BLAST! I loved the dive-y atmosphere and the overall vibe. Friendly crowd and staff. Will definitely return when I'm back in Minneapolis. read more

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. read more

Otter Saloon - Singing and carrying on is always fun at Otter's. Karaoke 7 nights a week. - Karaoke Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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. read more

Love this place. Bobby (the owner/bartender) is such a wonderful guy. A group of us have been going to the Otter weekly for years now. Great drinks, Heggie's pizza, and the best selection of karaoke around. And for the guy who said this place isn't wheelchair accessible, I beg to differ. One of the regulars is in a wheelchair, and he doesn't seem to have a problem getting around at all...plus, no stairs. If Robyn is working the karaoke, you're in for a treat-she's a blast. read more

LOVED this place! It was wall to wall people on a Saturday night with karaoke! I was designated driver and have never had so much fun being sober before. The perfect dive bar! read more

Otter Saloon - Girls night out! Killed it at karaoke with "Cecelia" - Karaoke Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Coming from Chicago, I am the Louis Bourdain of judging dive bars. I must say, Otter's Saloon always tops my list here in the Twin Cities. When I am nestled in that wonderful windowless ambience, amid all the neon beer signs, the high tops filled with people playing cards or cribbage, and the cheap drinks, I can swear that I am someplace in Chicago. Several beers with bourbon bumps and a Hegge Pizza and I'm good to go. read more

I LOVE karaoke and I HATE this place. I tried it 2x. The singer is right next to the front door so people come and go right in front of the person WHILE they are singing!! They serve drinks in plastic cups. It is soooo tiny. I once got stuck at a table where I had to actually move when someone wanted to get into the bathroom! i love dive bars but why go here? I prefer my karaoke at the Vegas Lounge, right down the street. read more

Holy crap. WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS PLACE??? It used to be so incredible. Funny name, hilarious mural, great karaoke DJ, tons of character. Unfortunately this is no more. It appears that a few months ago this bar changed owners, and the new owner is disagreeable and trying to completely change an iconic Twin Cities bar. First of all, he changed the name from U Otter Stop Inn (hilarious) to Otter's Saloon (far less hilarious). Secondly, and most noticeably, he covered up the incredible mural outside with a giant banner. A giant banner that, by the way, misspelled both 'close' and 'Thursday'. Which I understand, because those are two words that are extremely difficult to spell. When I asked the (extremely grumpy) new owner about this, he first said, "You like the mural? MAKE ME AN OFFER." Then, regarding the awful banner itself, he simply said, "Meh, you get what you pay for." Unfortunately though, covering up the mural outside was only the first of many character issues this place has now. The walls used to be filled on the inside with stuffed otters and funny albums and AOL free trial CDs. Stuff that, while divey, gave it character. Now, the asshat who owns the place ripped it all down, put up fake brick to nipple level, and painted the remainder of the walls beige. Oh, and the amazing DJ lady who used to sing 4 Non-Blondes at the end of the night is gone. I'm guessing that since the new owner is a complete jerk when it comes to everything else, he was awful to her, too. New guy? Loves him some Train. Plays it a lot. At least the other lady used some discretion. But then again, with the emptiness I saw when I went in there last Saturday night, I'm guessing the DJ is struggling to find people who want to sing. Oh, and they moved the 'stage' to the other side of the bar. Basically, if you loved the old U Otter Stop Inn, stay away. The ambience/decor/new owner of the place is going to crush your memories, and you are going to leave...quickly, and upset. No idea why this guy wanted to drive such a cash cow into the ground, but the word soulless comes to mind when I think of the newly-named "Otter's Saloon." And what's worse, if you ask the owner about it, my experiences have indicated that he's going to be smug and rude to you. Proceed at your own risk, but prepare to be disappointed, because all those great things you've heard? They're not there anymore. read more

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. read more

GEM!!!! This is how karaoke should be. All day, everyday. And the bartender, Kimmy, gets it exactly right. So much yes. And then more yes. Did I mention that they have karaoke 365 days per year?! You're welcome. read more

Ummm yeah I love this bar. My friend Eric and I go here a lot to belt our Madonna and Billy Joel karaoke standards. They also serve up a mean rum and coke for about 5 bucks. Check out the decor on the ceiling and walls; you can't really miss it. A fun dive bar that I highly recommend. read more

This bar was definitely interesting. Little otter memorabilia everywhere and alot of karaoke. The bartender was very nice, but kinda slow and when we ordered a jag bomb, she failed to tell us that they did not use redbull, so that was kind of annoying. A girl had locked herself in the one stall bathroom to be sick, so I had to have my friends guard the men's room door so I could pee. The crowd was definitely 21 year olds, getting really drunk, singing some bad karaoke, including screaming death metal to what used to be great songs. I did not hate the place, but it is not my first choice for a northeast bar. read more

Yes!!! This bar is awesome. If you get there early enough you can snag a table and watch the shenanigans ensue. Karaoke is amusing and drinks are cheap as your going to find around here. The mix of people is what makes this place the best. Locals, college kids... drunks... oldsters.. you name it... It's hot, stuffy and a hell of a good time.. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Great little place. From the outside you would think this was a big bar, but as soon as you walk in you realize just how small it is. Aside from that it is fun bar. Perfect to have a couple with friends and maybe sing some karaoke. If this bar was in a bigger location it would definately be even better. Go check it out. read more

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. read more

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! read more

Why anyone would go to this place is beyond me. The worst set-up for karaoke I have ever seen, it's packed, and has awful staff. I walked out before buying a drink the one and only time I was ever there. I have never been treated so horribly by a bartender in my entire life. I was trying to buy my first drink of the night and he wouldn't allow me to use a debit card. He had allowed of the rest of my friends use their debit cards, but would not let me. When I tried to use my credit card, he wanted a $10 minimum. He yelled at me and threw things around, until I finally just left. It was extremely embarrassing. Now, I was a server and a bartender myself for many years. I know what it's like to serve some out-of-control piece of work... but that was not me. I am just a regular, mid-twenties professional who just wanted to get a drink with friends. Don't go here. Ever. read more

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. read more

We walked into this bar on a Wednesday afternoon around 3:30, upon arriving we were immediately asked for ID's. My boyfriend ( who is well over drinking age) had forgot his wallet but was not planning on getting a drink. They refused our business and asked us to leave. The bar was very small and dark,every patron was sitting at the bar staring into their drinks. Very unwelcoming read more

This is by far my favorite place to sing karaoke and get drinks! Adrien, who runs karaoke usually on Wednesday and Saturday nights, is an amazing karaoke host! The bartenders are also my favorite and are so much fun! I love the décor and it can either be a nice place to chill and relax or get up and dance as well! It's always a good time at the Otter :) read more

First timer. I love this place, disco ball and all. Very eclectic mix of peeps. Great bartenders; service with personality!