112 E Hennepin Ave., Mpls. (612) 379-2021

We Twin Citians are loathe to forget our ethnic roots, which explains the polka lounge at Nye’s, but only partially explains the enduring popularity of this Polish bar. Now, you don’t need to be a fan of polka to enjoy toothless accordionist Ruth Adams and her World’s Most Dangerous Polka Band. And you don’t need to be from Eastern Europe to enjoy the delicious pierogies served up by the kitchen. And you certainly don’t need to be drunk to enjoy the piano bar, although God knows it helps. Instead, there’s a little something for everyone at this neighborhood bar, which, with its cotton-candy colored, plastic-lined interior decorating, looks like a corner dive in Vegas, circa 1964. Settle back and enjoy the oompa-oompa of the live music, baby; it don’t get more hip than this.

– Max Sparber