The Midway Saloon — Restaurant in Saint Paul

Terrible discriminatory experience. I was just there today on 9/20/25. This is was my first time at this bar. I arrived with my husband at 5:30pm and placed a Hawaiian pizza order. My male cousin arrived shortly after and they both went to the bar to get drinks while I waited at a table. They got 1 drink each without any issue. I then went to get a drink of my own. The bar was not completely full of patrons so the establishment cannot claim it was too busy. There were still some empty stools. I waited behind some people and they were served by a white female bartender wearing a baby t-shirt with blonde hair in a french braid down the back of her head and a silver watch on her right wrist. As people were served I moved up closer to the bar as one normally does. Once I made my way to the front of the bar at a stool spot next to the draft beer with a card in my hand this same bartender completely ignored me, refused to make eye contact and continued to then take drink orders from the people behind me! As those people were served they would walk off and the next people who would have been even further behind me were served next by her. Once it happened 3-4 times it hit home that this bartender was intentionally not serving me. At this point I can only assume that she pretended like I didn't exist because I look hispanic and it was racially motivated or she hates healthcare workers because I was wearing nursing scrubs since I'd just come from the hospital. I waited over 20 mins in front of the bar. I had gotten the notification that my pizza was ready while standing in front of the bar watching this happen. At that point I gave up walked to my table where my husband and cousin had been watching me and also noted that they noticed the blonde white female bartender was not serving me but everyone around and behind me. I went to pick up the pizza and ate a cold soggy pizza without a beverage. This was a horrible experience. I walk away feeling discriminated against, and wishing I never gave this place a try prior to a loons game or gave them a cent of my money. I hope this reaches the owner and they look into this more deeply. - Signed a healthcare worker who really wanted...

I recently visited Midway Saloon, and regrettably, my experience was marred by deeply troubling issues that went well beyond inadequate service. The behavior I witnessed was not only disappointing but also discriminatory.

There was a noticeable pattern of unequal treatment towards Black patrons by the bartenders at Midway Saloon. The difference in how they were served compared to other customers was stark and discomforting. Such discriminatory conduct creates an unwelcoming and hostile environment, which is inexcusable.

Moreover, the handling of music choices was blatantly biased. Each time a Black rap song played on TouchTunes, the volume was significantly lowered, implying a deliberate act of marginalization. This subtle yet profound form of racism is entirely unacceptable.

In addition to these serious issues, the pricing for beers was inconsistent and seemed arbitrarily decided. When questioned, the staff lacked a reasonable explanation, suggesting a possible intent to overcharge certain customers.

The combination of racial discrimination in service, intentional lowering of music volume to minimize certain cultural expressions, and inconsistent pricing policies left me deeply disturbed. I visited Midway Saloon anticipating a pleasant evening but was instead confronted with overt prejudice.

I urge the management of Midway Saloon to address these issues urgently. This should include comprehensive staff retraining and strict anti-discrimination policies. Until substantial changes are evident, ensuring equitable treatment of all customers, I cannot recommend this establishment. Businesses have a responsibility to foster inclusivity and equality, and Midway Saloon has failed to meet these...

Great dive bar, basically a classic upper-Midwest tavern setup stuck in the 70's. The crowd is eclectic, but generally very friendly. You'll find good mix of college students, younger people, and regulars most nights, so you're likely to have a healthy mix of different age groups and personalities represented. The patronage is different every weekend depending on what happens at the nearby Turf Club shows, or if a group is playing on the stage at the back of the bar. (Big V's hosts metal bands a few times a month.) Drinks are cheap, especially pitchers of beer. They do have a full bar if you want something stronger. Staff is excellent at keeping trouble makers out of there, and fights are exceedingly rare, but like any bar there are times when people have to be asked politely but firmly to leave. They have a pool table, darts, several pinball machines, and a hunting game. Sports are usually playing on the TVs and the jukebox seems to favor country, classic rock, and blues, but really...