Only One Week Left!

To piggyback on past recent reviews (including mine), there is a drop-dead date for BJ's. The bar's last day of operation is Monday, December 23.

I am surprised that there hasn't been a news article published about this place. It's been around for almost 40 years (on its marquee it says it's been in business "1980-2020," but it's not going to see next year, they just didn't want to say they lasted only 39 years), and this is, as far as I know, the last place in the state where you don't have to pay a cover to see topless women. This is a Minneapolis institution as well as a home away from home for me. For those reasons I wish the city would grandfather BJ's in despite city codes and creeping gentrification. But time marches on, whether we like it or don't.

And I for sure don't. The vibe remains chill. You can play pool or watch TV and no one will give you shit. The drinks remain reasonably priced compared to strip clubs in the heart of downtown. And the strippers there remain, as a whole, just as hot as other places. The dances are tame and one-way. But lately I have loosened my wallet and gotten lap dances from a couple, even a few, of the four girls that work every three-hour shift. A pleasant time with dancers sets you back $50, maybe $70 total, including drink and stage tips. For a place that has given such safety as BJ's, I don't spending that in its last days.