Rochester After Dark: The Ultimate Guide to Rochester’s Best Nightlife Hotspots

You know what drives me crazy? People who say there's nothing to do in Rochester, MN. There are so many cool things going on all the time! So I curated a list of places to go specifically at night if you're wanting to have a little fun.

I've gone out with friends to many of these places myself. There are also others that I still haven't been to yet. But here is my ultimate guide to nightlife in Rochester!

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Nightlife in Rochester, MN: The Guide

Kathy's

Kathy's has been around for quite a while and is your classic dive bar. Loud music, cheap drinks, pool, but there's also a rooftop area that I have never made it up to before, but I hear it's awesome.

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Lucky's

One of the newer places in town, Lucky's opens things up on Friday and Saturday nights with loud music and dancing. Sometimes they have live music, too.

North Star Bar

Another spot that has been around for a long time, the North Star is another dive bar in town. I haven't been here yet, but I'm told there's lots of live music and is the perfect dive bar scene.

Speakeasy/Cocktail Lounges

We actually have a ton of these: Bitter and Pour, 1928 Cocktail Lounge, The Palmetto Room, Shhhh..., and the newest, Pereira's Wine and Whiskey Lounge.

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The Workshop

They have a DJ and a dance floor on the weekends and karaoke every Friday night! I went on a weekend once for 90s night, and it was packed.

Thesis

If it's not every Friday, nearly every Friday, Thesis Beer Project has a live band playing. From what I've seen, it's always packed. Heads up, there is a $5 recommended cover charge that you'll be charged when you buy a beer.

Breweries

I know I just mentioned Thesis, but I wanted to shout that one out separately because I feel like the other breweries do live music just a bit differently. At Thesis, it's more of a concert vibe; at the other breweries, the performers are still loved, don't get me wrong, but it's more something to enjoy while hanging out with friends and eating/drinking. The breweries in town with live music include Little Thistle and Forager. I don't believe LTS does live music,c and the same with Kinney Creek, but still great places to check out.

The Tap House

This isn't really a spot for dancing, but there are good drinks, loud music, and it has always been super busy when I go on a Friday or Saturday night, filled with younger people around my age just looking to have fun with friends!

LC's

As long as the venue isn't booked out for a private event like a wedding, LC's hosts a big ole dance party on Friday and Saturday nights! I haven't been to one of their events yet, but I need to check it out sometime.

Did I miss a spot? Let me know!