Nye’s Polonaise Room

What… is the big deal about this place? As a Polish-​American, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Polish food is amazing, delicious, and my favorite cuisine. However, the ingredients are mostly very INEXPENSIVE. I can’t believe know much they charge for their food. Do yourself a favor: Walk out of Nye’s, cross the street, take a left, and enter Kramarczuks. The food is Ukrainian but essentially the same as most Polish food… and amazing. The portions are huge. It’s authentic. There’s booze. Stick to Nye’s for entertainment and a cocktail. Pass on the food.

We walked in and sat at the the piano and watched all the talented natives play and sing! One of the most interesting adventures I have had in a long time! I had no idea what I was walking into when I walked in and ended up being between songbirds singing tunes from Billy Joel, Elton John, and many more!
The staff was awesome and we felt very welcome and at home!

I loved the place so it saddens me to hear it is closing while I am so far away. It was a great place to hang out listen to the band (always laugh as they remind me of the band in the scene from the movie Swingers) while I worked in Minneapolis for a few years. Plus the piano side with the booths were the icing. Please have a drink for me;). You live on in good memories Nye’s Polonaise! Thank you!

At first there’s something charming about this windowless, 1950’s-esque, polka bar. There was even something charming in the surliness of the server staff and the vodka-​heavy martinis. But after a few years and a dozen visits, I can say that the charm has worn off. I used to pick Nye’s as a destination for any and all Northeast excursions. But at some point, paying $ 12 for a martini with too much vodka and another $ 25 for an entrée served up with a scowl, the charm kinda wears off.

Fun place for drinks. The piano bar seemed to be more happening than the bar next door with the live band. Did not eat there.

It saddens me to think I may never get to eat at Nye’s again. During a recent dinner I confirmed with our server that they will be shutting their doors sometime after Valentines day 2016. I’m sad because Nye’s truly represents old school dining in America. From atmosphere to the menu, it’s a time capsule from a bygone era.
Huge portions of a variety of meat and potato combos are available, along with all of the expected classic polish specialities like pierogis and polish sausage. I would recommend staying away from the prune pierogis…
The steaks are flavorful but be careful with the temps. If you like medium I’d suggest going medium rare. And if you’re going to get an end piece of the prime rib, expect things to get a little crispy.
Service is helpful but not super attentive, atmosphere is dimly lit with classic touches and the drinks are stiff. During the weekend there is live entertainment which totally seals the deal. Live piano and signing in the main room, and the «world’s most dangerous polka band» on the dance floor.
The dining room is huge but reservations are still recommended. Especially as they get ready to close their doors. RIP.

Check this place out before they close it! It’s kind of hilarious. Delightfully Tacky, Yet Unrefined. No wait, that’s Hooter’s. This place is definitely tacky though. Polka on one side, and a lounge singer on the other. Sparkly, vinyl booths! I felt like I was in a bar from Swinger’s or something.
I noticed the bartender had a large 3M container with ear protection. He said it was required by law. I assume because of the polka. Some people just want a beer damnit! What is the obsession with Polka in the Twin Cities?
All kidding aside, this place has character in spades. I have no idea what the food is like, but I enjoyed a local brew while listening to inept singers. (somehow, it was better than karaōke)
It was definitely fun to check out.

How did I live so long without experiencing Nye’s? What an experience! Slated to close in January, we decided to hit Nye’s on a Saturday evening. I’m glad we did so before they closed. It’s like stepping back in time.
First off, our server, Annie was excellent. She provided some history on the restaurant, and shared her take on different menu items. She was great.
The place was really hopping, with each of the various sections filling up shortly after we arrived.
We ordered a variety of dishes, the Polish sampler, the humongous macadamia nut crusted chicken breast with mashed potatoes, the Polish pasta dish. It was so much food they had to roll us out of there. Okay, not really, but almost. I’ve never seen a chicken breast as large as they one they served. The mashed potatoes were scrumptious. The meals were served with little dishes of garnishes — onions, carrots, pasta salad. There were also some loaves of round onion bread. The Polish sampler was terrific — tasty sauerkraut, a delicious multi-​dimensional Polish sausage, wonderful pirogi and less-​than terrific potato dumpling. It was a lot of food. The Polish pasta with mushrooms was great, too.
I had a Polish ale with my meal, and it complemented it perfectly.
Unfortunately, we were there too early to enjoy the live music. That was a disappointment. The place has a kind of Mad Men, or mafia boss feel. It’s so retro that it’s appealing. The bathroom was awful, unclean, graffiti-​ridden. I was thankful for the lower light conditions in the dining room, for fear of what stronger lights might reveal.
If you’ve never experienced Nye’s, do so before it closes. It’s a Northeast Minneapolis institution that has to be experienced to be believed. And if you go, don’t order a burger… order something Polish. It’s what mamma would have wanted.

in town on business and had heard of this place and finally dropped in for dinner and drinks. This place is fantastic! Original 1950’s with sparkly gold plastic booths and tons of charm. I asked for a drink menu and the bartender said «We’re old school, we just make what you ask for». So I had an Old Fashioned, two actually, and it was as good as any new hipster bar. I ordered the specialty polish sausage and sauerkraut and it was excellent — the best I’ve had. Bartender and service was great. Afterward I read they may be closing soon to make way for a high rise development but the neighborhood is fighting back. I hope they win. This place deserves to be here for another 70 years! Go while you can

Wow, where do I start…
I was in town on business and some of my colleagues were all excited on going to Nye. So we went with a large group (10) and the journey began…
This place is like stepping into a time warp… The décor hasn’t been touched in 45 years. This could be charming… But…
Service was abysmal. The place was dead and it took forever to get seated. We stood there for 10 minutes before anyone even came over to help us. This was a sign
Of things to come.
It took an eternity (over an hour) for our food to come out. There was a general lackadaisical vibe coming from our waitress the entire time. Not impressed.
In the end, the food was pretty good. So, if you’re looking for some slow ass service and decent food. Jackpot!

This was my last stop after a night of bar hopping. Surely something to see and experience, especially for an out of towner like myself. My favorite thing about this place? The shiny upholstered seats. (I know, I’m weird.) After our visit here, I can understand why it’s been branded an iconic place. Definitely a throw back with the décor. Not my scene really and the bartender was a bit on the stiff side. The staff, the entertainment, and the clientele come together and viola! Everything makes it how it is. Sad to hear Nye’s will be closing unfortunately.

I was very disappointed with the polish food, wine list, cleanliness, and the polka band.
The polish sausage soup was very tasty. On the other hand, the polish sampler plate was very disappointing. The cabbage rolls had no flavor and the pierogi had little filling.
The wine selection was so so bad.
The want to be polka band in the bar was a disgrace. Their song selection was far from classic polka. The singer had a terrible voice.
The bar tender was a very friendly festive guy. Our food server needed to be retired.
I know you are closing your business soon Nye, but why not do it in style?
Skip this restaurant Polish food and music lovers.

Just a classic ambiance and landmark of the neighborhood. The polka bands are always swingin’ and not to mention the servers are veterans. If you are a fan of the old fashioned then get theirs because it is a masterpiece. I got the prime rib for my entrée and it was one of the better prime ribs I’ve eaten in the cities. Get to Nye’s before they alter it for good.

Part of me loves Nye’s part of me is «meh». I haven’t eaten here before, so I can’t review the food. People always talk about Nye’s martini, so I stopped in after work one day to get one. Its big, mediocre and not cheap for being mediocre.
We sat at the bar and received some gruff service, but enjoyed taking in the old school space that is Nye’s. They’re apparently closing for good in January, so I’ll give them another chance for food options. But I’m not totally sold.

Goodbye Nye’s…you threw one hec of a farewell party! So sad to see this iconic Minneapolis bar leave NE soon. I came here a few times in my adult life over the years to sing karaōke with people of all types. I am pretty sure I ran into my grandpa with his friends here before too. It was a place that could attract the young 20-​somethings, yet still serve the old diehards who had been coming since their 20’s! When you walked into the dim lighted, bright carpet and wooden bar, you couldn’t help but smile!
I was not impressed, actually appalled, that t-​shirts were selling for $ 50 and mugs for $ 40 at the goodbye party. I’ll just take away the free memories in my brain, thank you very much! I am sure they could have sold more if it was selling all for $ 20!

Yes, its well known and so many people have grown to love this NE staple. However, when I visited, I was surprised at how many normal varieties of beers and liquors are not carried at this bar. Their selection was looking a little meek.
Prices are a little high, especially if you order a large drink… just stick with the regular because it isn’t worth the upcharge price per large drink.
The spinach dip was AMAZING! Those garlic pita chips… PURE BLISS!
The bathroom situation is so weird! There are bathrooms downstairs that no one seems to know about and the one on the main floor has like this secret door.
Would I return, if i was in the area, but i would likely go to another location to get the variety and maybe not spend a months rent in cocktails.

This is definitely not your average place! From their Mad Men era Lounge to their polka band in the bar you are sure to have an entertaining time!
My first time here, I sat in a booth in the lounge for food and drinks. They had karaōke going and the singers were amazing. One duet (male and female) did «Baby It’s Cold Outside» and I felt like I was in a movie it was so spot on with the singing and whole atmosphere! It was so entertaining! It was during the winter so they had some specialty martini options. Mine was called the Curious George (I think) cause it had a hint of banana in it and it was very good! Ordered the Spinach Artichoke Dip for an app and remember liking it.
Came back and this time roughed it up on the other side where the «World’s Most Dangerous Polka Band» was playing. We danced and really enjoyed the music! (I am Czech and grew up in a Czech town so I have polka in my blood!) I loved all the songs they played and everybody around was having a great time dancing and singing along.
I would recommend this place just for the whole experience. My friends were happy I brought them and loved the uniqueness. It is sure to entertain you!

Come early, stay late. This place is packed for a Saturday night and we didn’t make a reservation. 1 hour until you get a table? No problem. Pull up to the piano bar or go listen to The Worlds Most Dangerous Polka Band. Strike up a conversation with Harry Carey at the bar. Try a fine selection of beers. Table still not ready… gotta wait another ½ hour? Who cares! Order an appetizer and have another beer, but wait for that table.
Now, for the food. House soup is excellent, along with the bread & relish dish. For the main courses we had the braised beef short ribs & the polonaise plate. Listened to some fine singers at the piano /​karaōke bar while we dined. Great ambiance. Great food. The polish, short ribs, pierogi’s, kraut, heck, everything was fantastic including the service. Too bad I waited so long to come here.

I’m going to preface this by saying I’m from Chicago. More times than not you can probably throw your shoe and it’ll hit an awesome Polish restaurant. That’s why I was so excited to come here when I had a weekend trip to Minneapolis planned. I left kinda disappointed.
The atmosphere inside screams old school lounge. It could be cool, but everything just seemed really kitschy. I couldn’t find any mention of polish beer on the menu, they did have bottles of Zywiec though. The food was kinda forgettable. I had the pierogi, and the prime rib dip au jus. I ate it but wasn’t too thrilled with it. It was like an Italian beef from back home that you can get at any corner place, except this one didn’t come with giardiniera.
I think it’s my mistake though. I came in with really high standards of Polish food that were not met. It’s definitely more 50’s lounge than Polish restaurant.

A Pacific North-westerner’s view as an on business traveler:
It’s like Seattle’s Vito’s, but Polish, and in Minneapolis.
Everything is dark red, well preserved from a time well before me. It’s not a dive, quite, but some might think so on first glance. The ladies working are older, but still got their game faces on.
The martinis are stiff and come as dirty and wet as you like.
The food isn’t your polish momma’s, but is a damn fine substitute when she’s not around to make you pirogies from scratch. Or if like me, your momma isn’t polish. The sauerkraut is piled on and filled with caraway seeds. The pickled beets make your tongue tingle.
There’s live piano music, even on a tuesday. The patrons can sing with a mic, live piano karaōke style, which is amusing if not horrifying. The pianist can sing Elton John though.
You must get pirogies, and prime rib, and martinis. Do it. Don’t expect a gourmet modern fusion dining experience, but don’t expect to wait long to sit order and eat either. Go enjoy, eat, drink, loosen your belt!