You’re walking down Hennepin Avenue, past the theaters and the neon, and there it is. The chrome rhinoceros. Most people in the Twin Cities have a specific image in their head when they think about Spearmint Rhino Minneapolis. They think of it as just another loud, dark room in the North Loop/Warehouse District corridor.
But honestly? It’s a bit more complicated than that.
Since opening its doors in late 2015 at the 725 Hennepin Ave location, the Rhino has tried to bridge the gap between a gritty local dive and the high-end corporate "gentlemen's club" vibe the brand is famous for in Las Vegas. Some nights it works. Other nights, it’s just a place where you pay $20 for the privilege of standing in a room with five other guys.
The Reality of the "Rhino" Experience
If you’ve ever been to the Spearmint Rhino on Highland in Vegas, wipe that from your memory. Minneapolis is its own beast. Here, the vibe is heavily dictated by whatever is happening at Target Center or U.S. Bank Stadium.
Take the recent "Valhalla Denied" event in January 2026. After a Vikings season ends—usually in heartbreak—the club leans hard into the local misery. They offer free entry for anyone wearing purple or Vikings gear. It’s smart marketing. It turns a sports bar crowd into a club crowd. You see guys in Justin Jefferson jerseys sitting next to guys in tailored suits. It’s a weird, very Minneapolis mix.
The layout is classic three-story architecture. That’s one of the cool things about downtown Minneapolis; these old buildings have character that new builds can’t touch. The Rhino spans about 10,000 square feet. It’s big enough that you don't feel claustrophobic, but on a Tuesday night, it can feel a little like a cavern.
What does it cost to get in?
Cover is a moving target. On a slow Monday, you might get in for $10, or even free if you’ve got a same-day ticket from a nearby show. On a weekend or during a major event, expect to drop $20 at the door.
Pro tip: They actually have a "Manager Special" at the door fairly often. Usually, it’s something like $30 for your entry plus a $20 "Rhino Chip." It’s basically their way of pre-selling you on a dance or a drink, but it saves you ten bucks if you were going to spend that money anyway.
Dancers, Drinks, and the Infamous "Upcharge"
Let's talk about the talent. The club uses something called a "Visual Roll Call." Basically, you can see who is working before you even walk in. It’s a bit like a digital menu. It's helpful because, let's be real, the talent level varies wildly depending on the night.
A lot of the local complaints—and you’ll see these if you dig through Reddit or TUSCL—revolve around the "hustle."
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It’s a business.
The dancers are there to make money, and the waitresses are there to move bottles. In 2026, a beer is going to run you about $10 to $18 depending on the brand. If you head into the private VIP rooms, the price of "admission" jumps significantly.
"I thought I was paying for a dance, but then the waitress showed up with a $50 drink requirement for the room," is a common refrain.
Is it a scam? Not legally. Is it a surprise if you haven't been to an upscale club before? Absolutely. If you go into a private suite, you are paying for the real estate. Every minute you’re in there, the club expects a certain "rent" in the form of over-priced cocktails.
The "Peppermint Hippo" Drama
You might have heard about the legal war between Spearmint Rhino and a competitor called Peppermint Hippo. It sounds like a joke, but the Rhino’s corporate lawyers weren't laughing. They sued, claiming the Hippo name was "confusingly similar" and riding their coattails.
In Minneapolis, this mostly just led to a lot of jokes among the regulars. Whether it's a rhino or a hippo, the end goal is the same: providing an escape from the Minnesota winter.
Practical Details for the Uninitiated
If you're planning a visit, don't show up in your gym clothes.
Dress Code:
They call it "upscale casual." Basically, avoid the following:
- Sweatpants (unless you're a pro athlete, maybe).
- Jerseys (except on Vikings game days).
- Flip-flops.
- Excessively baggy "streetwear."
They want you to look like you have money to spend. If you look like you just rolled out of bed to grab a Gatorade at Kwik Trip, the bouncers might give you a hard time.
Parking: Parking in downtown Minneapolis is a nightmare. Period. There is no dedicated lot for the Rhino. You’re looking at street parking (good luck) or one of the nearby ramps. Most people use the ramps near Hennepin or the parking structures for the theaters. Just remember where you parked; those ramps all look the same at 2:00 AM.
Hours:
They are open daily from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
Some websites claim they open at 3:00 PM. They don't. Showing up at 4:00 PM expecting a show is a great way to end up sitting at a nearby sports bar waiting for the doors to open.
Is It Worth It?
It depends on what you're looking for. If you want a quiet drink, go to a speakeasy in the North Loop. If you want a high-energy, slightly chaotic, very expensive night where the music is too loud and the lights are too bright, the Rhino is the spot.
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It’s a landmark of sorts. It’s survived the changing face of Hennepin Avenue, outlasted several competitors, and managed to maintain a "premier" reputation despite the occasional grumbling about drink prices.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Visual Roll Call: If you’re picky about the vibe, check their site or social media before you head out to see who's on the floor.
- Screenshot the Guestlist: They often have a "House" guestlist on their website. Screenshot it. Showing that to the door staff can often waive a $20 cover.
- Bring Cash: Yes, they have ATMs. No, you do not want to pay the $10 ATM fee. Get your $1s and $20s before you hit the downtown core.
- Set a Hard Budget: It is very easy to lose track of spending when a "round of drinks" for the table ends up costing $150. Decide what you’re willing to lose before you walk through the chrome doors.