Wilebski's Blues Saloon

We enjoyed great music at a divey style bar. They have a nice stage and large dance floor. Seating is basic and hardly enough. Good beer on tap.

It's like your favorite dive bar with excellent music! Parking lot gets crowded when there's a good band (like last night with Drinkwine & Friends Band)-parking IS available in the shopping center across the street! Lower level has pool tables. There is a separate food vendor on site (wings were good, as well as the unusual fries). Bar service at the bar, no wait staff tonight. It may have its shortcomings (cold bathrooms, messy floors) but you can't beat it for a music venue!

This place is one of those great dives that turns out to be a hidden gem. Full disclosures: I didn't try the food, and I don't know my beers, so if you're looking for that, this isn't the review for you. On the other hand, if you like live blues bands, seedy bars, grease and West Coast Swing, I highly recommend Tuesday nights at the Blues Saloon. Every Tuesday, they host the "Greatest Jam On Earth" from 7 - 11 pm, no cover. You can show up, sign up, say what you're there to do, and play. Or, if you're like me, just show up and watch what happens. Located at 1638 Rice Street in St. Paul, just off of Wheelock Pkwy, you'd be forgiven for missing it. You'll see the Popeye's sign, but probably not the half burnt, dimly lit clunker of what is probably antique motel signage for this place. Also, pro tip, the door is in the back of the building behind a weathered plywood partition. You'll feel like you're approaching a liquor shop during prohibition. Once inside, though, you'll be treated to a cavernous space with multiple rooms, a bar, a big dance floor, a pool room - but the pool tables don't work, apparently abandoned by the previous owner - gritty restrooms (think rural gas station), and a feeling that you may have made a wrong turn. Until, that is, about 9 pm. What happens at 9? The most diverse collection of people I've seen since my days in New York start trickling in about 8:30. By 9, they're dancing to the music. I don't mean club dancing, though. I mean sweet West Coast Swing - and some of them are quite phenomenal, as were the live bands. I was too shy to try, at first, but my date (far more extroverted than I) pulled me out and we kind of moved around a bit - and no one cared. It was so accepting, and fun, and filled with so many different people just filling the space and having a good time. If you're looking for a place to practice your steps, add this one to your list. Oh, but don't try the hard cider on tap. It's bleh.

Great live music, good fast service even when busy, multiple bars open on different levels, fair prices.

I enjoy this saloon because of the live music and space to dance The ambiance is not remarkable.

Last night I went here for the first time ever. A couple of years or so ago I used to live right next door to this place. It has always seemed a little intimidating! I mean where do you enter? Is there a main door? How many stages are inside? How many acts perform in a night? What Acts perform here? What's the cover, if there is one? After living in McCarrons Village as intriguing as this place seemed, I never got the courage to go inside and check it out. Thankfully last night I had the opportunity to do so! DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS were performing! A coworker invited me to come along as she was attending Wilebski's to swing dance with some friends.Apparently Davina started around 7, but I didn't get there till 8-ish. Perfect timing though, the group was on a break so I was able to walk in pay my $15 cover charge and find my coworker with no hassle or confusion at all. There were many stairs leading to different tables, and sections of tables. There is a black light booth area where my coworker and her friends were sitting close to the stage. There is a nice open dance area for people who want to swing, jump and jive along to the music. There were 2 bars and a kitchen inside that I saw. One bar looked open while the other by the kitchen seemed to be closed. There is also a pool table section of this establishment. Seemed to be 2 or 3 tables for guests to entertain themselves. After this night I don't know why I was so intimidated before. I'm glad I went and I know I will not be shy again to attend. Especially if Davina and the Vagabonds are going to be there! For sure a night to remember!

I love Wilebski's! Biggest and most poppin' dive I've seen. Without a doubt, this is my favorite nightplace in the twin cities.They play a variety of music - both live and recorded - to get you out on the dance floor. They're steady busy so it stays lively; drinks are strong and cheap, and their food is sooooo good.And I've only seen a couple of fights break out! Lol.

I loved this place the moment I stepped inside. It's definitely a dive, but it has a certain quality about it that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Tuesday nights are my jam, blues jam to be exact! No cover and lots of great blues music to dance to, or just listen if dancing isn't your thing. Can't tell you how many great nights I've spent here recently, hope this place stays around forever!

Tuesday night blues was great. No cover would come back next week! Kitchen with standard bar food.

This place has the worst policies I have ever come across. I will never return to this place and suggest you don't as well. I paid $20.00 at 8:30 pm and was told at 10:00 pm I had to leave my table. They said my event was over. This is a horrible policy and just a rip off of a paying customer.