7 Shocking Secrets Of Kiss Lounge & Rooftop: The $25 Cover, Hidden Levels, And The Owner’s Bold Vision For Minneapolis Nightlife

The Kiss Lounge & Rooftop stands as one of the most talked-about and dynamic nightlife venues in Uptown Minneapolis, a premier destination that has completely redefined the city's late-night scene as of December 15, 2025. This multi-level establishment, situated at the bustling intersection of Hennepin and Lagoon, is far more than just a bar; it is a sprawling, four-story entertainment complex that caters to a diverse crowd seeking high-energy music, craft cocktails, and an unparalleled rooftop experience.

The venue's unique position in the market—blending a chic rooftop lounge with a high-octane basement club—has made it an immediate hotspot, albeit one that comes with a premium price tag. The combination of its vibrant atmosphere and the mystery surrounding its ambitious operations is exactly what draws thousands of patrons to its doors every weekend, making it an essential entity in the Minneapolis nightlife ecosystem.

Kiss Lounge & Rooftop: Venue Profile and Key Entities

Kiss Lounge & Rooftop is a venue with a rich, if slightly complex, history, building on the legacy of its predecessor to become a modern marvel of Minneapolis entertainment. The key to understanding the venue lies in its multi-faceted structure and the ambitious vision of its management.

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• Official Name: Kiss Lounge & Rooftop
• Former Identity: Uptown Ties (and previously Ties Lounge & Rooftop)
• Location: 1400 Lagoon Ave, Uptown Minneapolis, MN 55408
• Venue Concept: Multi-Level Entertainment Complex (Four-Level Venue)
• Key Figure/Co-Owner: Gene Sanguma (Associated with the venue’s foundational vision)
• Venue Levels: Restaurant Space, Main Bar Area, Basement Lounge, and Rooftop Patio
• Cuisine Partner: Northern Soul (Offering elevated bar bites)
• Signature Dish (Example): Bourbon BBQ Pig
• Primary Focus: Late-Night Spot, Dance Club, and Specialty Cocktail Lounge
• Estimated Cover Charge: Up to $25 (for peak weekend hours)
• Peak Operating Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• Notable Theme Nights: Karaoke, LGBTQ+ Dance Party, and various DJ-led events.

The Four-Level Experience: Unpacking the Venue’s Structure

One of the "secrets" that gives Kiss Lounge its topical authority is its massive footprint and multi-level design. Unlike many smaller rooftop bars in Minneapolis, Kiss Lounge & Rooftop is an immersive, four-story experience where each level offers a distinctly different vibe and purpose, catering to various nightlife intentions.

The Basement Lounge: The Heart of the Party

The lowest level of the venue, the Basement Lounge, is where the high-energy club atmosphere truly ignites. This area is specifically designed for dancing and features a rotation of local and regional DJs spinning everything from Hip-Hop to EDM. It is also the designated space for the club’s popular theme nights. Entities like the LGBTQ+ Dance Party and dedicated Karaoke nights are hosted here, providing a vibrant, inclusive space that goes beyond the typical weekend club scene. The commitment to diverse, curated events ensures a fresh experience for regulars and a strong draw for specific communities.

The Main Bar and Restaurant Space

The ground and main floor areas serve as a sophisticated entry point. This space is home to the restaurant concept, which has been associated with Northern Soul, a culinary entity that elevates the standard "bar food" offering. Patrons can enjoy "elevated bar bites," with a notable mention being the rich Bourbon BBQ Pig dish, setting a tone of quality before the late-night transformation. The main bar focuses on a deep selection of premium liquor brands and the venue’s Craft Cocktails program, offering a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the pulsating basement or the bustling rooftop.

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The Rooftop Patio: The Ultimate Minneapolis View

The crowning jewel of the establishment is the Rooftop Patio. This space provides a stunning vantage point over the Uptown Minneapolis area. The rooftop is consistently reported as being "very busy" during club hours, especially in warmer months. It is the perfect spot for patrons to enjoy a specialty drink while taking in the city lights. Reviews often praise the rooftop's vibrant late-night spot ambiance, a key LSI keyword that captures the essence of the venue's appeal. The combination of fresh air, music, and the skyline view makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city's nightlife.

The Price of Exclusivity: Cover Charges and Pricing Strategy

One aspect that frequently sparks curiosity and discussion among potential patrons is the pricing structure, particularly the cover charge. Kiss Lounge & Rooftop operates on a premium model, a strategy that arguably contributes to its air of exclusivity and perceived quality.

The Steep Cover Charge

The most shocking secret for first-time visitors is the entry fee. Reviews confirm that the cover charge can be "extremely steep," often reaching up to $25 on peak weekend nights. This high price point is a deliberate strategy to filter the crowd and maintain a certain level of clientele and atmosphere. Furthermore, patrons have noted the existence of additional card fees when paying the cover, a detail that is not always clearly communicated upfront, leading to some dissatisfaction but ultimately reinforcing the venue's premium pricing model.

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The Value Proposition: Security and Ambience

The steep cover charge, however, is often justified by the experience. The venue is known for its ample security, a crucial entity in a high-volume late-night club, ensuring a safe environment for all guests. The investment in a beautiful and unique interior across all four levels, coupled with the high-quality sound system and the curated music selection, delivers a superior experience that many feel warrants the cost. The focus is on providing a full-service, immersive club and lounge experience that few other spots in the area can match.

The Legacy and The Vision: From Uptown Ties to Kiss Lounge

The current iteration of the venue, Kiss Lounge & Rooftop, is built directly upon the foundation of its predecessor, Uptown Ties. Understanding this history is essential for appreciating the venue's long-term vision for the Uptown Minneapolis nightlife scene.

Gene Sanguma’s Influence

The venue’s ambitious, multi-level concept is strongly tied to the vision of its co-owner, Gene Sanguma. Sanguma and his partners have been instrumental in creating large-scale, dynamic entertainment spaces in the Twin Cities. The decision to maintain a four-level structure—which includes a restaurant, bar, lounge, and rooftop—reflects a commitment to providing a comprehensive entertainment solution, not just a single-floor bar. This approach demonstrates a bold confidence in the resurgence of Uptown as a premier destination for both dining and high-end clubbing.

A Hub for Community and Events

Beyond the weekend club nights, Kiss Lounge & Rooftop has established itself as a major entity in the local events circuit. Its confirmed participation in high-profile events like the 2025 Minneapolis Halloween Bar Crawl demonstrates its capacity to handle large crowds and its importance as a key stop on the city's event map. Whether it's a themed holiday event, a private party, or a weekly LGBTQ+ Dance Party, the venue's versatile structure makes it a go-to location for diverse and large-scale gatherings, cementing its role as a central pillar of the Minneapolis nightlife landscape.