The Varsity is hands-down my favorite venue in the TC. It all starts in the bathroom. It is this beautiful pirate's grotto-esque space. It should be sought out, not avoided like at most venues. The chaises are particularly useful when waiting for a friend or taking a breather. That feeling continues in the rest of the updated venue. It's cozy and intimate everywhere you look, even the stage. I prefer going to shows where they've set up couches and seats along the perimeter of the room. I've gotten old and want to enjoy my music seated, okay? The sound is really lovely, at least for a know-nothing like me. Pro tip: the sound is always best behind the soundboard near the back of the room. If you're there for the music more than crowd interaction or are a misanthrope like me, you know where to stand. I like how they cater to all events - rock shows, weddings & receptions, dance nights. The Varsity has lived up to my expectations for each kind of experience I've had there. It's the only thing keeping me coming back to Dinkytown (unless Kitty Cat Klub is cover-free). My one complaint is the drink prices, but that's going to be an issue at any concert venue. Put that overpriced Strongbow in the air and say "Cheers!" to the best, most intimate venue in town! read more

I was here for Todrick Hall. The staff were all so kind and patient even when things weren't very organized they made sure to get things in order. Great show. Great staff. read more

We had seen at least a half-dozen shows here, with each one better than the last. Fantastic visuals, great sound and an excellent bar. The remodel in the last few years has taken a beautiful venue and made it a must-see for any music junkie. Even better, they do AMAZING wedding receptions - anyone who is thinking of working with them, do not hesitate. We had ours there years ago and it was truly the best night of my life: delicious food from Loring Pasta Bar and they cleared the stage for our live band for some dancing on the rug in front. I could not have asked for anything better. read more

Beautiful venue for a show or a wedding reception. I saw Glasvegas here and it was the perfect setting. My boyfriend's friends held their reception here and it was also great. The decor of this place sets it well above most. Small details are everywhere! Beautiful floors, wonderfully decorated walls, everything here is just absolutely gorgeous. The lighting is great too, large antique gothic chandeliers. I hate to overuse the word, but it's all beautiful. There are couches set up around with Persian rugs all over. It gives it this sort of old french gothic bohemian feel. The Loring Pasta bar catered the reception. Delicious food! The spread was amazing, I thought the table was going to collapse! They have the food set up on a table that is covered with tapestries and large urn-like flower pots. The stage was open for speeches from wedding party guests and the groom set up a video montage that was great with the sound and projector screen. The bride and groom's names were announced on the marquee outside, which I thought was a cute touch. Imagine seeing your name together for the near-first time all lit up on a marquee that usually boasts well-known artists. Pretty nifty. I love this place. Beautiful. read more

This place is so rad. Even the bathrooms are cool as hell. This place is the epitome of cool. The essence of "cool" means everything to me, and this place is the coolest. Some of the best concerts and shows in the Twin Cities area. This is truly a hidden oasis in a miasma of garbage venues. Go here if given the opportunity. PLEASE CHECK OUT MY BLOG AND OTHER REVIEWS. read more

The challenge of being a new residence to MN is knowing where to find all the cool "spots"... When some friends asked if i wanted to check out a cover band from So Cal in Dinky Town, I said "sure, why not!"... First of all, this was my first visit to "Dinky town" so my initial assumption was that i was going to a cheap run down venue with a bunch of faded college kids... But that assumption was tossed right out the door when i stepped into The Varsity. Ah, never judge a book by its cover I tell ya... this place had somewhat of a European look to it. I was definitely impressed by the interior set up. The bar was stage near the entrance- that was a smart profitable move. The stage however was across the room as you crossed a short set of marble looking stairs. both sides of the room had couches and lounge chairs that were packed with people of all sorts of ages. It was a packed house for Delta Spirit, the band who was playing that night. The guy next to our group was a "trip." I'm pretty sure he had a massive headache after all that head banging and circling he had done that night - in which i tried to mimic a few times. The bartenders are pretty quick with the drinks. The drinks are more expensive here but average if you're in the city... but of course, cheaper than what you'd expect to pay in Los Angeles. My favorite part about the Varsity's venue is- the coed bathroom. and i truly meant to say bathroom than washroom for the "bathroom" was a large room with marble sinks. the men's stalls were on the opposite side of the ladies.. and if you stared long enough, I'm sure you can see the person peeing (that's if they are peeing) why? because the cracks between each stall door where large because of the way it was designed. it was still pretty though, and if you're drunk enough, it wouldn't even matter if anyone is looking. ha ha I'm definitely looking forward to another visit. read more

Choosing the Varsity Theater as our reception location was one of the easiest decisions my husband and I made as we began to prepare for our wedding. As avid concert fans, we had been there many times for shows and knew the atmosphere well: the décor is inspiring, the wrap-around bar is gigantic, acoustics superb and dance floor plenty big for the party we were imagining. Logistically it was a perfect fit because the price tag was all-inclusive. No messing around with linens, chair covers, china or silverware. And because candelabras were included in the deal, we didn't have to worry about table centerpieces. In addition to featuring catering from the Loring Pasta Bar (another favorite), we would recommend this venue because the seating arrangements allowed guests to be as social (or anti-social) as they liked--art deco couches of various sizes are situated on different levels throughout the room and an array of tables that fit 2 and others that fit 12 meant couples could enjoy the evening together or with friends--their choice! read more

This place is a pretty awesome venue. The interior isn't run down looking like some concert places and has a lot more character. I like seeing plants and couches around the floor :) The sound isn't as good as I expected, but it's decent. I swear the best accoustics is in the upstairs bathroom stalls! I look forward to going to another concert here. I'm lazy though, so I'll try to get there early so I can have one of those seats on the side! read more

This place is a really fun place to take in a show. I have seen some notable artists come through and play this place (most recently, The Temper Trap). Think of the Varsity as First Avenue's-cute-and-well-behaved-little-sister. It's clean, the bar is easy to get to, the bathrooms are super funky and fun, they have a good drink selection with good prices, and the overall decor is vintage and quite cozy. I have never been too thrilled about the sound, but maybe that is because I am used to being spoiled over at First Avenue. Other than that...it's a great venue to hit up if you are looking to see/hear some good live music... read more

I've been going to shows in the TCs for 20 years. Whoa. Let's just reflect on that for a minute because I could have sworn I was still a kid. Huh. Anyways. All that time I had never been to the Varsity. It just never happened until 2015. And now I can say it's one of my favorite venues. It has a classic atmosphere without feeling out of date. All the staff I've encountered have been friendly. The sound is very satisfactory, loud and clear. Bar service is great and they have had a specialty drink deal the last few times. And of course those bathrooms. Only downside is parking can be challenging. If you have an early show, you'll be bound by the meters that are enforced to 10pm with a 2hr max. Skip that noise and hit up the underground pay lot next to Burrito Loco. read more

Varsity Theater - Wavves - Music Venues Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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I LOVE the Varsity! The disco ball, the strings of white lights, the thrift store chic couches and mishmash collection of little side tables and chairs. I've been to two concerts here and adored them both, the Ting Tings and Corinne Bailey Rae. Prices are always right - $15 per show, yes please! The Corinne crowd was sitting on the floor, lounging on the couches, very low key, chill vibe. At the Varsity I end up feeling like I have the "in" and am watching a great band play in someone's very cool basement....in a good way. read more

The Varsity is among the top concert venues in the TC. I love how classy and cute it is with the rich, vintage decor. They even fixed up the bathrooms recently and they are just as adorable as the downstairs. If I remember correctly, there are seashells involved on the mirrors... I'm always impressed by their booking people (and little to no Ticketmaster interference). I've seen tons of phenoms on that stage (Janelle Monae, Jamie Lidell, the Noisettes, Joseph Arthur, Amazing Baby, etc.). Phoenix last June was one of my favorite shows of all time. It was like, 150 degrees in there but nobody could care less. read more

This venue is cool! My wife and I saw Marc Roberge from OAR here. Not only did Marc put on a great show Varsity Theater is a great intimate spot to see a show. The bathroom is notable, trendy and fun. Drinks where reasonably priced, the seating was plentiful for a sold out show. We had a great time, and would happily go back again. Next time we would go earlier to secure a seat in balcony. read more

Whoa!!! Cheap drinks (considering other music venues) and an awesome place to see a show. What more can you ask for? $4 wine in plastic juice glasses = awesome Cool ambiance as it's been said before vintage/classy motif. I ordered my tickets online and had to pay the extra $2 fee because of this but I was in the door, id checked in no time at all. There isn't a "will call" window just a guy at the table with a list. Very Easy. read more

I'm a little obsessed. I've never been to a show here, but after attending a wedding reception here I really, really want to make it a point to do so. It's a jaw-dropping space with a lot of character. Lots of quirky, vintage items and a definite retro lounge vibe. The bathrooms are also rad, kind of a shipwreck/grotto feel with shared sinks for maximized inter-sex socializing. The catering was delicious, the bartenders saw we were all dance machines and thus lined up row after row of water glasses so no one had to wait to rehydrate, and there was plenty of room to sit, dance, and mingle. Can't wait to return! read more

WOW! Talk about a makeover - I hadn't been in for about a year until heading over for Lili's 6th anniversary show last night, and - man alive! - I was surprised. It's even more gorgeous than it used to be and very, very strongly resembles its sister establishment, the Loring Pasta Bar (one of my favorite places on this planet). Bathrooms are elegant and ethereal and have the same shower head sink faucets, exposed brick and barely-there doors. The main room has an assortment of disco balls and pretty chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Raised platforms with armchairs skirt the room, and the bar is beautiful. So pretty. read more

What a fantastic venue! Super cool ambiance, nice bartenders & clean. Had dinner at Loring Pasta Bar next door (same owners) prior to our show. Great food/drinks, w/excellent service. Same kickin ambiance as theater. Only difficulty was lack of parking for area businesses. Did finally manage to locate a garage nearby. Don't use metered City parking. Cops ticket everyone-even meters w/time left. read more

We attended the Mumford and Sons show on the 25th, which falls into my top-5 all-time favorite shows. The only downer to the night was the fact that the ventilation system could not keep up with the crowd. I would estimate it was 90 degrees inside, with 75% humidity. The band was visibly uncomfortable and made a couple of light comments about it. I worry it was a cause for them to only play an hour, and miss a few songs I was hoping to hear. We were top to bottom sweat, as well as everyone else. We attended a free show last night for Rogue Valley, and despite the lack of a large crowd, it still managed to get warm in the building again, but only slightly uncomfortable. Hopefully, with the ongoing improvements they have made, this is rectified. read more

Wow! We were at the Varsity for a wedding celebration for some friends recently. I don't know what else to say! This was probably the best venue I've been visited for a wedding. It was beautiful, comfortable and a really great venue for this evening. The staff was cordial, the food delicious, the atmosphere gorgeous, and the restrooms were super cool. I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone! Thanks for the great time at the Varsity. read more

I finally stepped foot into this venue last week to catch some Tuesday night standup from one of my favorite comedians - Michael Ian Black. It is currently surrounded by new construction, so parking is extra sucky at the moment. But I pulled the, "Are you leaving???" to every person w their car lights on, and then locked stares until they pulled out of my new coveted parking spot. We got to the show about 45 mins early to grab a good seat and a drink. The key is to get as close as possible but not the first row, so that you can see closeup but the comedian won't point you out and joke about how ugly you are. Drinks are cheap and not weak! Under $5 for mixed rail. This was GA seating but not open floor. So the Varsity employees kindly guided the guests to their preferred seating and kept everyone and everything organized and orderly. The acoustics were perfect for its purpose - every joke came out as crisp and hilarious as they should have. The setting and lighting was lovely. MIB himself even commented on how nice of a venue it was (because he was expecting "Minnesota to be a shithole" ouchh). I got to use "America's Best Restroom" (2013). But I don't know, I just don't think it's awesome that the women's stalls are pretty much out in the open in the common sink area. I just imagine a couple on their first date after their dinner at Shuang Cheng, where she realizes that nature is calling and it's calling NOW. So they go upstairs to use the restrooms and the poor girl is forced to take a dump in the open-layout bathroom, worrying if her date is either right outside her stall washing his hands in silent disgust to the tune of her toilet music, or if he's already got his keys in the ignition, fleeing the scene of his first and last date with Poop Girl. Otherwise, I love this venue and cannot wait to catch some bands here. read more

Varsity Theater - Bathroom - Music Venues Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Such a uniquely beautiful venue!! We saw a concert there on NYE (Brandi Carlile, in all fairness, she would be amazing anywhere!) and it was such a fun experience. The space is beautiful, the sound was great, and that bathroom! As a very short person in a sea of MN tallness, even I could see the stage from most general admission spots. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, quirky experience! Oh, 1 thing; if you want to check your coat, make sure to wait in line early. It fills up. read more

Love it here. Always good service and obviously the bathrooms are a huge bonus. They book really great acts and bands here. Good part of town. read more

Worst place I've ever seen a show. Pete was good. This place sucked dolla dolla bills y'all

I love the aura of this place. I love what they did with it when renovating it too. The place is huge, and plush, and all too good! Tons of comfortable places to sit, and tons of walk around/dance room. It doesn't matter what you are coming to do.. do it, there is plenty of room! The shows here are always affordable too, which is really nice. I hate paying so much and not being happy with my experience or just being overly crowded. I hate it/ love it though.. on the outside, it looks completely un-enticing, but don't let that fool you, the inside makes up for everything Dinkytown lacks and then some! Oh I cannot wait to go back! read more

I love the Varsity Theater as a venue, but I'm sad to say that every time lately that I come here, I'm nostalgic for the old, grungier less swanky Varsity theater. The new bathrooms, while beautiful and redone, seem more awkward than they used to be and the upper level is just weird to me. Grumpyness and being hesitant to change aside, I love how this venue accommodates the different crowds for each type of event here. I've sat in folding chairs for one of the Citizens Leagues' Policy and a Pint events, lounged on a couch for a few Stuart Davis shows, been in essentially a revival mosh-pit (well, kinda....) to see Cowboy Mouth and have walked around mingling at networking events. Parking sucks given its location but that's a given. If it ain't broke, then don't fix it. I wish we could unfix the remodel on this one, guys... read more

I love the varsity theater. The Minnesota opera had a Moulin Rogue style opening event spectacular SPECTACULAR! there a few weeks back. I was lucky to have been chosen as their Fortune Teller, Madame Pamela. I really look forward to working with Varsity again! read more

Something to do with the way the Varsity sells tickets (mostly at the door and through the Loring Pasta Bar (which is only convenient if you go to the U since driving in Dinkytown is painful)) has meant that I've spent more time waiting outside the Varsity doors than outside any other club doors in Minneapolis. I'm remembering particularly an M.Ward show (which was amazing) where the doors opened late (because he was paranoid about cameras or something) after we'd already been waiting an hour. The point being, once I finally bought my ticket and go inside, everyone of the couches, all twenty-two of them or however few there are, were taken and the crowd decided to sit on the floor up front for the opener (whose name eludes me). Sitting on the floor is never something I want to see at shows that aren't for children. The space at the Varsity confuses people I think, and they don't necessarily make clear choices about their behavior. Which actually makes it a more interesting as a venue. I've never seen people sit down at the Turf Club, or the 400 Bar, the Fine Line or First Ave... The room itself is magical, a dark den whose carpets and davenports hug the already well-mixed sound. This is a little bit strange for rock shows, but perfect for an M.Ward whose voice sounds like the Varsity's space looks - lush, intimate, old and broken in spots. I love the little bar in the back, which serves up beers in plastic cafeteria cups. And the upstairs bathrooms must be legendary - maybe someone else knows their story. They make me feel like I've stumbled on the VIP area and are a nice place to wait out a shaky opening act if you didn't snag a couch. read more

My first time to the Varsity Theater was just this month when I was scheduled to work a Vita.mn event. The staff was so friendly, and answered all my questions and didn't treat me like the newbie i was. I was pleasantly surprised by the decor and setup of the varsity, most venues have little to no seating, and you often feel really dirty when you leave, but thats no the case for this place! From the sideline seating, and the balcony by the bathroom, everyones getting a good view of the stage. They often book mid-sized bands that aren't big enough to fill First Avenue but can still sell out a show and they don't go through Ticketmaster. Im pretty sure they also have tickets available for purchase at Electric Fetus. The only real problem for me, which is always a problem in Dinkytown, is that i had to be dropped off due to the sparse parking in the area, and that is NOT the problem of the Varsity Theater. read more

The venue is spacious, unique and has character. I would love it except that the sound system SUCKS. Not a good space for dance music because of that rather major detail. Might be good for other events, but def not for music if you want quality sound. Also, the staff are anal. Really uptight fools. Guess that's just how they are since they are babysitting 18 year olds most of the time. read more

I love this venue for music shows and private parties. Go for the music and stay for the vintage theater ambiance. Be sure to go on a kitschy decor walkabout to the Kitty Cat Klub and the Loring Pasta Bar to see how well the interior of the Varsity fits in with it's neighbors 'round the corner. I have seen a few music shows here and the sound and sight-lines make for a wonderfully intimate venue. I wish the parking situation was a little better, but I can deal. I'm not a grump from the suburbs that can't figure out meters/valet/ramps. read more

I ventured to Varsity Theater this past weekend for the White Light Riot CD Release Show and was blown away by the majesty that is Varsity Theater. The seating area in the entrance is cozy and inviting, the wrap around bar is well maintained and lively, the concert floor is decently sized and not too large, and the seating options of the elevated booths that flank the concert floor are an extra bonus. The lighting is also pleasantly dim and accentuates the unique and timeless decor. Don't forget to check out the pseudo unisex bathroom with a great waiting area and fancy tile work! The only thing I don't care for , which ends up not being a big deal, is that the drinks are severed out of the same plastic cups I used to drink milk and orange juice out of in college. Brings me back... I agree with Abby L. in that parking is somewhat tricky. However, there's a very reasonably priced lot about two blocks down on 13th Ave and 5th St. With so much student activity in the Dinkytown area, especially on weekend nights, car, foot, and drunk traffic can get overwhelming. As an added bonus it's an easy walk to Mesa Pizza where you can grab a giant slice of heaven after your Varsity commitment expires. All in all, I couldn't stop looking around, admiring, and coveting the beauty that is Varsity Theater. It's is a topnotch venue that I will have to frequent more often. read more

Spacious, yet intimate venue. The setup was very fun and interesting. I loved sitting on the stairs. I saw Delta Spirit play there in June 2010 and was able to get right up front. Good cocktails...kinda pricey. read more

One of my favorite concert venues in the Twin Cities. Intimate but not tiny, not a bad seat in the house. The vintage feel of the interior really lends a hand to the overall experience as well...who wouldn't love lounging on a couch between sets?! read more

An incredibly nice theater in Minneapolis that boasts its' hosting of an eclectic mix of artists. I was there for Emeli Sande that and she brought the house down for a sold out show! The theater is large but has a nice intimate feel to it, and the setting for this particular show was a bunch of seats in rows. I saw photos of there being round tables or sometimes having nowhere to sit, so I am grateful for this setup. It was a relatively chill and friendly so that added to the ambiance. I do have to take one star away because of the will call system. Most people are unaware that if you have tickets, you stand in front of one door, while the other you stand closer to the front door. And outside in negative weather. Close to the opening of doors many people had no clue they were in the wrong line the entire time because there wasn't much of an indicator. That and they made people stand outside for at least an hour wasn't a good help to the brains of those not used to their foreheads blistering and their beards freezing everyday. But once inside that feeling goes away for the artist to deliver a great show! read more

Love this venue! Full disclosure, I did go to the University of Minnesota and lived relatively near this location so every show that I went to at Varsity did not require any hassles relating to parking. I do not believe there are any dedicated lots for Varsity (I could be wrong), but barring this being an incorrect statement plan on getting there early to figure out the parking situation. Varsity theater is a unique place. From the outside the place looks like an old movie theater from the 50's or 60's. The setting is very grandiose, high ceilings, decorative tiling, and overall probably the classiest venue any hip hop group has or will ever perform at. There are lounging couches scattered about the edges of the show floor, with the majority reserved for standing space. The floor in front of the stage is so ridiculously wide and the floor seems to stretch back forever. I saw Brand Nubian here and EMPD, both were fun shows and I would defiinitely go back! read more

I was here two weeks ago to see Jessie Ware. She was so amazing amd got so much love from us! Lol. She was also very funny and took her time on stage. Her opener was a strange but soulful swedish band, but they were enjoyable. And Varsity? A totally cute venue in heart of dinkytown. I loved the hanging lights and am so glad we got balcony seats because entire place is standing room! read more

My most recent visit was for a wedding reception, and the venue was great! The flexibility of the venue created a great atmosphere. As great as it is for seeing a show, it is also great for other events, and offers great photo ops. read more

I usually hate people who write negative reviews without having actually being somewhere - sometimes people do this just because of the waiting, for example - but this time I am so annoyed and so disappointed with their ticketing service that I can't help it. Also, I don't know when/where else I could complain. I've been trying for three days to purchase a concert ticket not online (because the fees where unreasonable there, considering I was looking for just 2 tickets). I've been to both Electric Fetus and Loring Pasta Bar (where the guys were so nice in trying to help!) but they didn't have any ticket available. Everyone told me that I could probably have found something straight at Varsity, so I went there. They were selling the last tickets/passes for an event of that night, and they told us (pretty rudely, btw) that they couldn't sell us other tickets except for the one for that night, and to go to a reseller or online. What?! We came back the day after and - surprise! They were closed. We even tried to call, but nobody helped. We decided to risk and buy them at doors, but of course they went sold out just the they before the event. Can't judge ambience or drinks, but non-caring customer service, terrible selling system and poor staff's courteousness all deserve 1/5. In my experience, you can't trust them to purchase your tickets. read more

Everything about this place is exemplary! I've grown used to seeing shows at the Varsity and know with confidence that there will be a good sight line somewhere in the house. There are plenty of vantage points and seeing options, and the place is never packed beyond capacity. Servers are excellent and friendly. As an event venue, it gets two thumbs up. I can say this especially after attending a wedding with 1) live music 2) an open bar and 3) some excellent catered food, presumably from the Varsity 4) some great desserts. Find a show you like and go there now! read more

The Varsity is quickly becoming one of my favorite twin city venues. My first experience was for a Halloween Alaska show. It was a very good set. I've heard people dissing their sound system, but really, we can do way worse. Standing in the front of the crowd right at the stage is not the place to be if you care about the sound quality. But, when you're there to see one of your favorite bands, you wanna be right up in the mix. Something I really enjoy is how it seems, when a band is done with their set the crowd spreads out, and it is really easy to get back to the bar or to take restroom stop. I have only done PBR from the bar so I'm not sure on prices of other drinks. I'll try some next time and let you know! Here is my tip, after the last band, the bathroom is full of eager pee-ers. Even if you're not one, you shoud go hangout up there to cool down for a bit. There are windows that are almost always open and after being in the front row for a show even if you're not dancing or jumping around it feels good to relax and sit on their cute little couches or chaise lounges. Each time I have done this I have met some fun people, made some good poop racing jokes and thrown wet paper towels at strangers. So I'll see you there! read more