Ground Zero Nightclub — Restaurant in Minneapolis

This place used to be a haven for alt folx with varied interests, with incredible shows, talented artists of all sorts, dope music, welcoming staff who made you feel safe, and an awesome vibe. I went there a fair amount when I was younger and loved it. I recently went back for a show with an EDM headliner, and had the complete opposite experience. The staff were, uninterested and unengaged at best and downright rude and snappy and insulting at worst. I make it a point to be very kind and welcoming to all kinds of people (learned it from a young age, and as a young adult, in part FROM places like GZ), so I hope that I'm always polite to everyone, especially so to staff anywhere I go (I know what the service industry is like, and I go the extra mile to be a good patron in general). The staff here was shockingly rude. Whenever I went to order a drink, every bartender I interacted with (a total of 3 I believe) actually sneered as they barked "What do you want?" before I could even say hello. I also tip fairly well, at least 20% (usually more) and did so despite the rude treatment, but one bartender in particular scoffed when looking at the receipt I placed back towards their side of the bar. (The drinks were pretty bad as well) Security was needlessly rude, yelling at people who honestly didn't appear to be doing anything wrong (including in our group). Someone even come into the bathroom--apparently to check on its occupants--and screamed at a couple of people in a stall (one was feeling ill and the other was clearly helping them) that only one person could be in a stall. The show itself was phenomenal, but the whole experience was so very much the opposite of what I used to find there--I actually felt less welcome and even safe in some ways than at most other venues in the Cities. Ground Zero is no longer a haven for anyone, least of all alt crowds, it seems. I won't be going back or encouraging anyone else to visit unless I hear about some big changes...

I have to say I was very disappointed in the staff at Ground Zero. The atmosphere and decor was different and interesting but the music sucked as well as the drinks for how expensive they were, and the staff were very unwelcoming and rude. My group arrived at around 10:15 Saturday night on November 1st and had been there no more than an hour when one of my friends in my group had a fainting spell or seizure, we are not really sure what happened, one moment he was standing next to me at the bar ready to order a drink for my friend ,his fiancé, in the group and the next thing I know he’s on the ground and he hit his head pretty hard, there was absolutely no drugs and very little alcohol in his system, luckily he woke within a few seconds we brought him to a chair to get him some water and so he could rest for a bit while we assessed him, his vision was blurry and we could see his skin was clammy and face was pale, before we could ask him if he was okay or get him water two staff rudely came up to us and kicked us out, stating “it’s time to go.” “you need to leave.” And “You guys gotta get outta here.” not even bothering to ask if he was okay or needed medical attention, my friend at this point was still recovering from the episode and his vision still wasn’t back to normal and he was still feeling dizzy and faint so we had to basically hold onto him and guide him as we walked out, myself and my friends are very disappointed and upset with how we were treated as we all paid for the cover charge, drinks, were absolutely not causing any problems or doing anything wrong, and were just looking for a good night out. He was also already embarrassed enough with what happened and for them to kick us out as if he was trying to fight someone or was causing problems was very unprofessional, we were going to be leaving anyway once he got some water in and he could walk and see, I will not be going here again and will be telling people to not waste...

Been attending Saturday night's Bondage A-Go-Go for a month now, it's a comfortable scene. But more importantly, if you've got a slightly kinky bone in your body, it's worth a trip to Ground Zero on Saturday nights.

It can be a little isolating to realize you like being tied up and hit in Minnesota. We don't have much that's out in the open around here. Sure, you can find munches to go chat with other kinky people in plain clothes on FetLife. But Ground Zero gives you the opportunity to go watch some kinky fun with no commitment what-so-ever. For a small cover price, you can see people engaging in your wildest fantasies and see for yourself that there are other kinksters here in Minnesota.

Other relevant points:

Cover is only $6 if you're 21+, drinks are okay priced (5.75 for a Jameson).

The kinky show goes from 11pm until 2am, then lights go on and they usher you out fast.

There's usually regulars hanging out at the bar to chat with friends, but there's always an empty table in the middle if you'd like to come watch the show. No one bats an eye at the couple or solo person just there to watch, regardless of what you're wearing.

Contrary to the bathroom complaints I've seen below, the men's room is usually bright and clean.

They seem to alternate between a few regular Mistresses, whom usually have pre-arranged subs, and also allow anyone to sign up and play (with tip).

Seriously though - what else are you going to do on a Saturday night that's better than watching nearly-naked people get teased and beaten by attractive,...