Really like this space for seeing shows. Â Great mix of small but not too small. Â Bar service has always been good even at busy shows. Â Sound quality has been great at the shows I've been to. Â Loud but leveled. Â
My favorite part is the "lounge" downstairs. Â I love being able to get away from the music if I want to have an actual conversation.
This is an iconic St. Paul venue and fantastic dive bar. Â Great local acts and the occasional national indie rock act grace the stage. Â Awesome ambiance. Â The clown lounge has to be experienced to be believed. Â Good beer list - has really improved under new management the last couple years - and solid prices. Â Always something decent on special. Â Definitely one of the great landmarks in the Twin Cities.
Review Source:Absolutely love this place. The decor is great. The prices are low. The crowd is eclectic. The staff is friendly. The music can sometimes be extraordinary and sometimes terrible but it is always worth the throw of the dice. Plus if you need to get away from terrible music, you can always go downstairs and relax while playing oldies on the juke box.
Review Source:Honestly, didn't know what to expect and I have to say yes, I'm a fan. Â This place is like stepping back in time where I imagine in it's early days you'd listen to big band swing music instead of the nearly teeth rattling volume pumped out by the various bands playing in the main bar. Â The downstairs lounge is a quieter 1970s-like reprieve. Â
Lots of great beers on tap, the bartenders are friendly and willing to suggest a new brew for your sampling pleasure.
Such a cozy little dive. Well, is it a dive? Too clean and well lit. Great place to see smaller bands like the Orange Mighty Trio, Peter Wolf Crier, No Bird Sing, Bon Iver (!) and on and on. The Clown Lounge is great. Everybody is nice. It's like you walk in here and it feels good. Like we are all on this little island so why ruin it by being assholes to one another?
Bathrooms are a little scary, but that comes with the territory, right? Lots of dirty hippies. Heather S is right. Many beards and freaky tight pants. But very neighborhoody feeling.
Love coming to shows here, but hitting Fasika for dinner first. Yum.
A dive bar to some, a place to swagger for others, the Turf is an authentic landmark of the Minnesota music scene. It's dark and grimy...and we wouldn't have it any other way. If you don't like it loud...you're too old for the Turf...oh wait...they made a clown lounge for you.
The clown lounge downstairs is a nice place to give your ears a rest while conversing with friends over a few drinks.
The music rolls through genres and accommodates the different music scenes around St. Paul and Minneapolis. The drinks are fair priced and the staff is always on top of their game.
The Turf Club is a staple visit for the music lover that happens to pass through...and any local music fan has already made it a home.
Dear Turf Club,
I love you. Â
Here is why:
You have welcomed me with open arms. Â You have welcomed many of my favorite bands with open arms. Â You embrace the dirty hippies.. and you embrace us hard!
Dead Man Winter has played here many many times, and I am eternally grateful for this. Â Charlie Parr will be playing here every Tuesday in July.. and this makes me so happy, I almost can't contain myself (seriously, I just peed a little because I was thinking about this).
I have seen so many amazing shows at your venue.. Bear In Heaven (oh-my-gosh!!!), Mountain Man, Freelance Whales, Erik Koskinen.. and so on.. and so on...
What I am saying is this:
I freaking love you, Turf Club!!!
You supply me with tables and booths-aplenty if I need to sit down, and there is ample standing room - the sound is superb no matter where I find myself in the joint. Â The door & bar staff is always friendly to me.. and they have a lot of great brews on tap (local stuff too)...
I just really dig you.. the only downfall.. is that you are in St. Paul. Â Don't worry Turf Club, it's not you, it's me... I'm a Minneapolis girl.. and I tend to feel a bit uncomfortable crossing that river.. but for you, Turf Club... I will come visit you anytime...
Love, your BFF, hether
If you are looking for a Dive Bar in Saint Paul, or heck, even the whole Saint Paul/Minneapolis metro then this is the place to go!
The establishment is located in an old building and the old wooden bar upstairs is pretty impressive. I don't necessarily come here for the drinks although they have a pretty good selection. I come here for the great live music. Live performances never disappoint, since the upstairs area has great acoustics. The ladies room on the other hand, well that's pretty much the worst I've seen anywhere, but that comes with the whole "dive bar" territory then, doesn't it?
Before you leave, you have to:
1) Play some pinball or check out the jukebox (if it is working? last time I was there it was out of order)
2) Head downstairs. The bar/lounge in the basement is a blast from a past that I'm too young to remember. It basically looks like the perfect setting for a party in your parent's basement.
3) Have fun with the photobooth, it definitely takes way longer to print than specified, however - have patience!
4) "Borrow" a book from the basement
5) Read on the plastic couch, if you are in decent enough shape to be doing any reading, that it is. Otherwise, pocket that book for later!
Well, I'm an old (54) yr old lady, three kids and a wonderful husband, and I kind of got started late in my club going years...actually, I don't even go out a lot, but have had the joy of seeing one of my favorite singers, Joe Pug, 3 times now at the Turf Club in St. Paul, the last time april 30, 2011.....it's a great venue, but I think Joe is outgrowing it, which is good for him! Â Â I don't drink, so the bar, lovely as it is, really isn't a big attraction for me, the sound is great, the stage is right there and it's always a joy to see Joe Pug there...a joy to see him anywhere.....it's getting a little small for him though, i'm afraid, but it's a great place to be...my good friend, Diane, goes with me, I've introduced her to Joe's music as well as the music of my long time hero Steve Earle......check it out....I bet you will enjoy it, too.....
Review Source:Don't let the seedy intersection of University & Snelling fool you, the Turf Club is a gem! Â
They boast that they're the "Best Remnant of the '40s" and when you saunter over to that gorgeous bar and examine the detail, you can tell. The rest of the Turf Club is a dive bar and as others have mentioned, there's a photo booth and pool table! The best of both worlds!
The service has always been attentive and friendly, and I love that the "come as you are" vibe draws a unique crowd. For those of you arriving in pairs, there are plenty of tables, but I suggest arriving early if you want to snag one for a show. As Annie D. mentioned, the Turf has musical acts from just about everywhere--I recently saw Wild Nothing and Nicole Atkins. If you're hoping to stop in on a non-musical night, make sure and check their schedule online beforehand!
I like to think of the Turf Club as the Triple Rock's St. Paul dwelling sister...it's just comfortable and awesome in all respects.
My favorite place to see live music in the Twin Cities! This place is small enough that it feel intimate but large enough that they get some great bands in there.
They have a good selection of taps and the bartenders are super friendly. I've also caught a couple of Trash Film Debauchery films here on Monday nights and it's been great
It doesn't get better than this for St. Paul music venues.
I come here for shows once every couple of months, but mostly to support a couple of friends of mine who are in bands. It's definitely worth checking the music calendar regularly, because they have great local, national and international acts coming through all the time (Zoo Animal, Wye Oak, Sissy Wish, etc.).
As far as non-music amenities go, they have pinball, an ATM, an old photo booth, slightly overpriced drinks, slightly overpriced cover charge, sidewalk full of smokers (hold your breath as you enter and exit the building) and framed music artwork and posters kindly smothering the walls. They also have a few non-music events too, like Trash Film Debauchery.
The bartenders are very nice, the booth vinyl is ripped to shreds and they finally take credit cards. Can you believe it?!
Though the acoustics upstairs are great, I prefer the quieter Clown Lounge when I have a chance to sneak away. It's so cozy and warm down there with vintage beer signs, wood paneling and mood lighting, like somebody's parent's basement.
The first time I went here was to see Mary Lou Lord, and what a great place nice & intimate setting, I love the Xmas lights they use for lighting (I used tom do the same in my own bedroom for many years).
Lately I have been there to see Paul D. & Mary Mac do their "Riot Act Readings" Â Paul Is A Genius Talent and he and Mary Mac together...
Watch Out !!!!!
That's what I think..................ZERO
Hands down the best local music venue in Saint Paul if not the Twin Cities. Â I've seen some great shows here (maybe even played some great shows here...okay, who am I kidding?) and love the Clown Lounge downstairs when I want to explore my expression of movement and jazzercise!
Great space that's not too big or too small and plenty of seating for those who are looking to chiiiiilllll along with a nice patio space out front with tables for the midnight smokers, jokers and tokers. It's a friendly environment open to anyone (21 and older ofcourse) looking to here some music and have a beer (or a coke).
I can't say anything bad about this venue...it's small, and it's a great place to catch a gig. Â The place is clean, the bartenders are very friendly...perhaps a product of having such an awesome bar to serve from? Â Really, it's a beautiful bar, and not overly decorated. Â
The Turf Club serves a nice wide-range of tap beers, many local...and had a special on PBR Tall Boys for 2 bucks during the show we attended.
Other cool points: they have a photo booth (tip: ask the bartender if anyone has reported it not working before using it), they have Moon Patrol, and a pinball machine. Â They take cash only, and have an ATM handy...but use it early, there's a chance it runs out of cash during a show (it did toward the end of the night when we were there) Â The lighting is perfect for intimate conversations, or watching the action on stage.
Only one semi-negative thing to say about here: sound feedback. Â I've seen a couple of shows here, and each one has had moments of feedback. Â Not sure if that is the fault of the band, or if the sound system has limits...it seems to happen during the height of the song. Â Additionally, there is a sweet spot about 15-20 feet back from center stage. Â If you stand too close to stage, you are unable to hear the full range of the song.
For shorter folks, there is a platform to the left of stage about 25 feet back that affords you a view over the crowd and an unobstructed view of the stage. Â And there is plenty of seating available around the bar with some "obstructed by pole" views.
This is a great place to catch a live show of an upcoming band on the cheap.
Quite possibly my most liked venue in the twin cities, main stage and clown lounge alike.
A-Strong drinks (sometimes too much so, but hey, who can complain?).
B-Great sound. I don't believe I've ever been disappointed with the sound in this place. Don't know if it's just that they chose a place with awesome acoustics, or that the sound peeps just work wonders. Likely a combination of the two. Makes one wonder how it is that the triple rock managed to screw things up so badly.
C-Bartenders are all super friendly, and never give me that "you're really inconveniencing me" attitude when I'm always asking for waters with my "drink" drinks.
D-Pinball. Thank God. In a world where Big Buck Hunter and Video bowling or whatever that is are taking over, it's nice to have a real arcade game still around.
E-Monday nights in the Clown Lounge. Need I say more? I need not.
Went to the turf for a benefit for my friend . . .this was a top five night bartender was right there, people were chill and best of all you can smoke outside with drink in hand. . .  all in all they did my buddy right so i will be back!! i respect any place that knows how to treat a person on hard times  . . . turf i am loyal forever
Review Source:Pretty cool dive bar, music club. I liked it when the Clown Lounge was open downstairs. The layout is a bit odd to me, but it's an older building, and probably made sense at the time. Bob Dylan used to play here, so that's pretty rad! Plenty of parking, cheap drinks, and a pretty good overall vibe in this place. They book kinda weak bands there now, and there's a cover charge every day, so that sucks. Overall, I'd say it's just okay, but definitely the best bar in Midway.
Review Source:I've gone here a couple times now, and I find myself wanting to come back. The clown lounge is in the basement, and it is a wonderful kitschy space, reminiscent of the 50s or 60s. Monday nights they have jazz down there, and for 5 dollars you get to see some of the best Minneapolis jazz musicians. Happy Apple played last week, and Fat Kid Wednesdays plays almost every time. The lights are dim, there are fun things on the walls. The booths are falling apart and the tables aren't the best, but who care's what you're sitting on when Dave King is falling off of his chair from drumming so hard.
The upstairs is cool too. It even has a photo booth! They bring in some really good live music upstairs, too. Its a smaller stage but the bar space is very big, and you can comfortably sit or stand for a show and see whats going on. The drinks aren't overpriced, and usually there are some good specials on the weekdays.
As a music venue, I like the Turf Club. It's a decent size, and the sound's not too bad. The downside to this place is that there is ALWAYS a cover, and they often hover around $10. That's not a cover, that verges on a ticket price. It's more money that I'm willing to pay to check out an unheard band. I love the Clown Lounge downstairs - it's an awesome, chill place to get a drink. BUT you have to pay the reg cover to get down there, so dumb.
Review Source:Best live music venue in town, as well as offering an oasis of a downstairs bar in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul. Â They consistently book the best in local bands and smaller touring acts. Â It's pretty quiet before 9:30 most nights, but gets hoppin' when the bands start around 10:00. Â Belly up to the bar, or go downstairs where the Clown Lounge is decked out in kitschy (in a good way) northwoods decor.
Review Source:It's been a while since I've seen live music here, but I was there 2 weeks ago for a couple drinks before heading to a party around the block and it still has that neighborhood bar feel to it that many speak of. I mean, if I hung out in bars, this might be at the top of the list. Â The food isn't but simple bar food so maybe eat later.
Full disclosure, I have a friend who bar tends part-time (maybe less than part-time) but I've been seeing bands and the like at this place before he I knew him.
Went there for the first time last night to see the Ike Reilly Assassination. Â It was easily one of my top five favorite concerts ever. Â The venue was perfect for his show and I loved every second of it. Â Cheap PBR tallboys kept me hydrated all evening. Â The only downside was it was extremely hot and sweaty in there. Â I'm talking two rats fucking in a wool sock sweaty. Â Regardless, I'll remember that show fondly.
Review Source:This is my favorite live music venue in the Twin Cities. Â Among other shows, I saw the Black Angels here last summer and it was soooo good. Â It was especially nice to have a stool to sit on, plus a table to set my drink on. Â This is hard to come by and a huge selling point for me. Â The bartenders are friendly and Grey Goose is cheap - which totally makes up for the crappy parking situation here.
The Clown Lounge downstairs is decked out in creepy taxidermy and ugly wildlife plates and such, but I you'll forget all about that if you're there on a Monday and the live jazz kicks in. (FYI, their website says it starts at 10, but it's really not til 10:30 or 11).
Ladies, you'll definitely like the bathroom in the lower level better.
Great place for live music and $3 PBR 16oz cans. Â Man-o-live!
Good sound and a small venue so you're "right there" with the band. Â Cover charges are usually pretty cheap (under $10).
The basement bar reminds me of someone's grandmother's (i.e. wood paneling, vintage wildlife art, animal's heads on the wall). Â So in other words it's AWESOME.
Ah, the infamous Turf Club. Â If only I could transport you to Seattle when I wanted. Â This place is old, dingy, and awesome. Â The upstairs is spacious, w/ seating at the bar, booths, and tables. Â It's a good place to see local acts, I've seen a couple good shows here. Â But we usually head straight downstairs, to the area that may or may not still be known as "The Clown Lounge." Â It's quieter, cozier, and has its own bar and bathrooms! Â What does suck though is if you come on a night where there's a band you don't want to see, Â you still have to pay the cover, even if you head straight downstairs. Â Unless you know the bouncer, which sometimes I do... Â Parking can be a pain, esp on the weekends. Â But all in all this is a great bar that I've been going to for years and find myself in every time I visit back home.
Review Source:This is a great place to play and a great place to see others play. Â I thought I'd eventually get sick of the place but it still has a hold on me and definitely goes down as one of my favorite bars/venues in the area.
Got people together for my 30th here this year and was able to secure a fairly decent section of the downstairs for people to hang in - on a Saturday night no less. Â It's definitely nice having an escape pod when you don't give a crap about who's playing upstairs. Â Sorry crappy bands, you know who you are.
The bartenders here have always been great to me and the atmosphere both upstairs and downstairs, while nothing special, makes you feel cozy. Â It can definitely get a bit claustrophobic if there's a big show and the booths are a bit tight but that is true just about anywhere. Â The photo booth is always good fun when it's working and they usually have at least one pinball machine that is worth a look if you're into that sort of thing.
The bathrooms here are one of the only things I would maybe make larger - as for the dudes they are pretty much just one tiny urinal/piss trough and one questionable stall. Â The stall does have a DOOR on it though unlike SOME places I go to. Seriously... Triple Rock*? Â Taking a deuce out in the open - in plain view of every sad shoegazer and crusty rock dude that stumbles in there is a LOSE-LOSE situation. Â No one wins. Â Ok, maybe YOU win Triple Rock - but no one else wins.
...and for those wondering why I spend so much time talking about bathrooms at various venues - let's just say I love to crap.
*Disregard this rant if they fixed it of course - but the bathroom by the stage was in this condition the last time I was there... which was a while ago. Love the Triple Rock.
A throwback to the 40's as soon as you walk in the door. Â That was my first impression of the Turf Club on Snelling. Â A popular place for relatively unknown local bands to cut their teeth, the Turf Club is a great spot to hang out if you like live music or the scene of a dive bar.
There is also a cool bar downstairs that is really conducive to kicking back and relaxing.
The bar's decor dates back to the 40's with a cool retro ceiling fixture being the centerpiece of it. Â I have gotten wasted here on more than one occasion and the bar is great for that purpose. Â It's more of a chill spot for friends and not a dance club. Â Parking is usually available out front on the street and after 10 the meters aren't enforced (yay!).
Ahh the Turf. Â So many fond memories. Â LOVE LOVE LOVE the black & white photo both, nobody looks bad in the photos reguardless of how much you have to drink. Â Good place to see a band. Â Alot has changed here since it changed owners a couple years ago, but I still like it quite well, its just a bit different decor. Â Other than that I didn't notice many big changes. Â Plus theres the bonus of Big V's being so close should the turf get crowded.
Review Source:
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