By Mitzi Beliveau
I have lived in Scott County for almost four years. I had always heard there are no music hot spots south of the Minnesota River. It was not until I lived south of the Minnesota River that I found two of the top hot spots for food, music, and dancing. My two top picks are bar and restaurant Neilson’s Sports Bar and Grill in Savage, Minnesota, and Prior Lake VFW in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Each is different in its own way.
The city of Savage, Minnesota has their music and good mega spot off Highway 13 it is called Neilson’s Sport Bar and Grill. You must have great food to have people come to your bar restaurant. Neilson’s, as the locals call it, calls all musicians and music lovers in the Twin Cities area. Once a secret hot spot for the locals, Neilson’s is known to many both north and south of the Minnesota River now. The music scene touches just about every top band in the Minnesota area. A smart move for the owner and the staff.
The weekend evenings are packed with fans and bands. Even other bands hit this remarkable venue, hoping to get a gig here. Since I go to Neilson’s often, I see many of my friends in many bands dance here, listening to their favorite bands.
I love the variety of music and bands that come through Neilson’s. Every band draws large fans. What a win-win for Neilson’s and the bands. Along with the music, there is great food and drinks at a good price. The staff is right on and loves their jobs! This is a mega hot spot for Savage, Minnesota. This is one of my hot spots for music and food in Scott County. The other is Prior Lake VFW! Their link is below this article.
Prior Lake VFW is located in town with its own parking lot. It is also off Highway 13 but farther south.
Almost every Saturday night, they have steak, shrimp, and music. Add some chicken to the menu, and you have a winning combination of food. Saturday night is their music night, with one of the most enormous dance floors I can compare to a ballroom dance floor. After five PM, there is a full restaurant floor with food. On Saturday night, the staff removed the table in the middle of the dance floor, and then many top bands of Minnesota played at the local hot spot of Prior Lake.
As a VFW, your money goes to the vets and their programs. Prior Lake VFW also has special food prepared for Friday nights, but no music. Almost every day is excellent food choices from lunch to bingo, and other events. They are a friendly bunch of people. No generational divide here. Both young drinkers and elders dance, eat, and drink together. I have danced with young men thirty years younger than me and they have no problem with respect for the local elders. Each is there to have a good time. Everyone is there to have a great time. A safe and respectful place to visit and enjoy yourself. Now known both north and south of the Minnesota River.
Most of their bands play rock and roll, country, and blues. I have a like below for more information.
So, there you have it, two great music venues south of the Minnesota River. So come on down to the new mega music venues you will love. Links is below for more info.
Neilson’s Sports Bar and Grille in Savage, Minnesota
https://www.facebook.com/NeisensSportsBar
4851 West 123rd Street, Savage, MN 55378
Prior Lake VFW in Prior Lake, Minnesota
https://www.facebook.com/PLVFWManager
https://vfw6208.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp
16306 Main Ave SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Music Experience With Mitzi Beliveau 