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A guide to Woodbury’s nightlife scene.
With the back-to-school buzz of September now in the rearview mirror, life may be starting to feel routine. Check out this list of Woodbury’s most happening nightlife spots to spice things up again. Whether it’s a midweek poker game with friends or a full-on Friday night dance party, Woodbury’s after-dark entertainment scene has something for everyone.
For the true night owls out there, Cowboy Jack’s will keep you entertained long into the night. Live music starts at 9:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night, with acoustic acts like Twin Cities singer-songwriters Chris Lawrence and Javier Trejo.
If music and dancing aren’t your cup of tea, there are ample opportunities to have a good time, among them shuffleboard, ski-ball and arcade games. Happy hour appetizer and drink specials start at 10 p.m., but don’t get so full that you won’t want to take a ride on the mechanical bull.
According to marketing director Jesi Konen, guests flock to the restaurant to celebrate all manner of occasions, everything from birthday parties to business outings and beyond. Cowboy Jack’s never charges a cover, says Konen, “which makes for a very fun and affordable night out.” 1690 Woodlane Drive; 651.493.8887.
Leslie Olson rides the mechanical bull at Cowboy Jack’s. Photo: Tate Carlson
With live music offerings every Friday and Saturday night, Carmine’s is the go-to place to be serenaded while enjoying an Italian dinner. Now in its third year of business, the family-owned restaurant offers music from a variety of performers, including the Las Vegas-based Michael Paul Duo and acoustic guitar player and vocalist Terry Dubois.
The sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere at Carmine’s is a draw for many customers, according to owner Brenda Hafiz. Also, she says, there’s nothing corporate-feeling about the restaurant. It’s one-of-a-kind and aims to serve the local community. “We’re a neighborhood place,” Hafiz says. “If you don’t know someone when you walk in, you’ll know someone when you walk out.”
Music starts at 8 p.m. and goes until midnight. Although the restaurant doesn’t feature a late-night happy hour on weekends, the full menu is available until midnight, so guests can enjoy music and food all night long. 9900 Valley Creek Road; 651.730.4500.
Wild Bill’s Woodbury location offers a suburban twist on the urban club scene, according to Velinda Nienow, director of advertising and marketing. The western-themed sports bar takes on a dance party vibe every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, with live DJs, light displays and party anthem music until the small hours of the morning.
“It’s a great place to have a celebration,” Nienow says. “We get a lot of bachelor and bachelorette parties, 21st birthdays, even 30th and 40th birthdays, being celebrated here.”
In addition to its lively dance floor, Wild Bill’s offers a dizzying array of happy hour food and drink specials. On Thursday nights, known as “Lipstick & Lace” night, ladies drink free rail drinks and domestic tap beers between 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. For those who like to start the festivities early, Saturday Bingo begins at 1:30 p.m. and goes into the evening. 546 Commons Drive; 651.357.1050.
Live music starts at 9:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night at Cowboy Jack’s, with acoustic acts including Twin Cities singer-songwriter Chris Lawrence. Photo courtesy of 13twentythree
If you’re looking for a little entertainment straight out of the old country, look no further. O’Malley’s offers Tuesday night trivia, as well as Texas Hold ‘Em on Wednesday nights for those in need of a weeknight diversion. Players can win prizes, including in-house gift cards and free rounds of food or drinks.
On Saturday nights, guitarist Peter McKeown puts on a show for pub-goers to enjoy. Guests can sip a Guinness and listen to McKeown play everything from Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash to traditional Irish folk songs. “It’s great for people to hang out and have the music playing in the background,” says manager Sarah Nielsen. McKeown enjoys the Saturday night sets as well. “[The crowd] is always receptive and very warm,” he says. “Some nights it has even turned into a type of open mic, where people dining know how to play, and ask to play a song or two.” Other nights, he says, have turned Karaoke-style, with people requesting songs and singing along. “It’s pretty loose, always different,” he says. “Very Irish.” 1775 Radio Drive; 651.578.7007.
