We wanted to eat at Nye's before they shut down for good. I saw a Food Network show that went behind the scenes and showed how they prepare the meat for this French Dip sandwich a while ago and HAD to try one before they are gone for good. SOOOO glad I did, it was awesome! And even better was the vegetable soup that my daughter had as a started, and the Pierogis and Polish Sausage that my wife ordered. Her sauerkraut and sausage was sublime! The Pierogis were yummy too. I don't think that I'll be able to make it back before they close, but if I did, I'd get the Pierogis and Polish Sausage myself. I deeply regret not coming to the neighborhood gem more often, and it's so sad that they will be closing and the building will be torn down for the sake of "progress". As for as their Polish sausage is concerned, they get it from nearby k Polish Deli, so I'll need to pay them a visit! Here's a link to the FoodTV show that I saw: http://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/mn/minneapolis/nyes-polonaise-room-restaurant/nye-s-polonaise-room-videos.html Tell me that you don't want to taste that beef! So, they needed $250K to fix things up to avoid closing. It's too bad that I didn't win the Powerball. Problem solved!!

It's a very sad day to lose such an amazing piece of history in NE. You will be very missed!

Welp, this weekend is Nye's last. This time I think it's for real, and I'm still pretty sad about it. Did you know that Nye's was the first place I've ever been to in Minnesota? Dating in MN 101: Expose date to Polka Bar, gauge their response accordingly. I came here for the history, people, and entertainment foremost. The drinks and Polish food are pretty standard. I'm not sure if you'd be super into the narrow windowless split-venue unless you've made some memories here. Or got to chat with some of the dedicated staff who have been there for decades. Or bounced your accordion-loving ass around shamelessly in the little Polka Lounge. Or spit out your beer laughing when someone covers a Kermit the Frog song during karaoke. I mean, if you're truly not into any of that, then idk if Nye's is the problem... Bye, Nyes.

A classic bar and cocktail lounge that will be closed by the time most people read this review. A Minneapolis institution and the type of place that could only be found in the upper Midwest. I saw Nye's on a Food Network show and did a little Internet research. Sadly, I found out it was closing in a month. What I saw compelled me to fly to Minneapolis to see this icon in person. It left me satisfied as to why Esquire Magazine called Nye's the "Best Bar in America" a few years ago. The bartenders are a little surly and the beer is overpriced, but you can't have it all. Go see it before it's lost to "progress", whatever that means. I've included a few photos so that people can reminisce about the 50 plus years of Nye's.

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.

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 karaoke 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!

A Polish bar with a piano player cabaret man? Are you serious, son?! If you boiled down Annette into an essence that is what it would be--Polish Judy Garland wannabe. I loved this bar before I even walked in. Didn't try the food but the drinks are strong-ish and not terribly expensive. The bartenders weren't overly memorable but I didn't really attempt to interact with them so I can't comment either way on politeness. The fella behind the piano played some mean keys and I had a blast with my buds Corey D and Rachel C pulling up a seat and singing old standards and musical tunes through the night. Super fun. Bonus props for being the home of the World's Most Dangerous Polka Band, all decked out in KISS makeup. I wish I were in town to see them play (and eat some tasty Polish eats).

Wanna know what da hoopla's all about der? Den getchure fanny over here! Review #3800.... Gayle, Meg, Ron, and I stopped in at Nye's Polka Lounge for a drink after dinner at Kramarczuk's (across the Street). We were immediately transported back in time to the old neighbourhood days of red carpeting, dark woods, dim lighting, deep vinyl booths, year-round Christmas lights, and the stale smell of long banned cigarette smoke that still lives in the pores of this place. I also half expected younger versions of my Parent's to walk in for a drink! At first our reaction was - "Why are we here?". However, we quickly warmed up to the place and had a great time chatting, making friends with the Bar staff, trying to pronounce the name of the Polish Beer (Zywiec) whose poster was on the wall, and enjoying the Polka Band playing in the corner (shades of the John Deere Bandwagon!). Gayle did wonder why I ordered a Whiskey Sour, but did agree with my assessment that this was definitely a hard liquor kind of place. The next time we may even eat here, starting one of their pierogies. This place was founded the "Nordeast" neighborhood of Minneapolis in 1949 by Al Nye. It's actually 2 Bars for the price of one. There's Nye's Bar, known as the "Old Side" and the upscale bordello kitsch of the Polonaise Room. Both are connected through their shared fire wall by a pair of swinging doors. So you're either Nye's or you're Polonaise, making this place a kind of crossroads inside and out. The patrons seem to be universal, including "Tourists" such as us and lots of young and old Nordeasters. The Culture and Cuisine remains proudly Polish. Nye's is a real Hoot and You're Darn Tootin' that we'll get our fanny back here!

How can someone have the audacity to bad mouth this place? This is a Minneapolis institution, which I endorse, and it easily lives up to the billing, which for some is good, and for some bad, but certainly classic either way. Those that yearn for a dance floor and a more updated decor are missing the point. Nye's is a virtual time machine, how far back it takes you, or exactly where it takes you is what you need to discover for yourself. One half of this bar is a piano bar, and the other half is where you will find the Worlds Most Dangerous Polka Band. The two sides are separated by a wall, and seem to exist on their own, depending on how you feel, you can go from one side to the other. Make sure you take the time to enjoy both aspects, each is equally "special". I was in MN on vacation, and I have no regrets about stopping by this place on Saturday night. Great people watching and an absolute blast, I can't wait to visit again.