Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge: Everything You Need to Know (Review 2023)
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, then you most definitely should head to Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge in Minneapolis.
This well-known restaurant sits on the banks of the Mississippi River and lets you escape to a Polynesian paradise without even having to leave Minnesota.
And as soon as fall hits, it transforms into one of the most epic Christmas celebrations you’ll ever attend, Mary’s Christmas Palace.
In this post, I’ll tell you everything that you need to know about visiting, and whether or not I think paying Psycho Suzi a visit is worth it or not.
What is Psycho Suzi’s?
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge is a Polynesian-themed bar and restaurant, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
While most people do go for the food and drinks, it’s also really just a part of the experience, because the decor and vibe will make you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere new.
I would honestly consider it more of an experience than just going out for dinner, because of all that you get to see!
Everywhere from the inside to the outside is decked out in tiki huts, glowing lanterns, and palm trees.
You can also enjoy their large outdoor patio, which is again, decked to the nines, and lets you relax by the great Mississippi.
Where is it Located?
The restaurant is located along the eastern banks of the Mississippi River in Northeast Minneapolis.
The physical address is 1900 Marshall Street NE in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
What is Mary’s Christmas Palace?
Although a visit to Psycho Suzi’s is fun year-round, the real fun begins when Mary’s Christmas Palace rolls into town!
Mary’s Christmas Palace is a 4-month long holiday celebration, where it almost feels like Christmas barfed all over Psycho Suzi. Yep, you read that right.
Holiday decor is found from floor to ceiling, “Frosty the Snowman” is on repeat, and lights are twinkling everywhere you look.
Even the menus are turned into a holiday feast, and every drink that you order has a funky Christmas-themed name.
It’s really the best holiday celebration that you’ll attend, so it’s okay to skip those boring work get-togethers that we all dread… and come here instead.
Reservations vs. Walk-Ins
Because of how popular Psycho Suzi’s Christmas celebration is, there is a reservation system put in place, and it’s recommended to follow it.
You can purchase a seat reservation for a small fee per person, and it guarantees you 1.5 hours at your table. The fee does not go towards any food or drinks, and just strictly covers the table fee.
These reservations come out a few weeks ahead of time, and I really recommend booking as soon as possible, because they fill up! Don’t wait until the last minute!
Reservation fees are more expensive in October, November, and December. In January, they are about cut in half.
If you can’t find a reservation time that works for you, you can always try walking in, but there’s no guarantee that you’ll get a seat.
A server told me that someone walked in without a reservation and waited for 3 hours and there was still nothing available for them. Don’t be like them!
You can make reservations here.
When is Mary’s Christmas Palace Open?
The holiday celebration typically takes place from October until the end of January, but this could vary from year to year.
Is Mary’s Christmas Palace Worth It?
In my opinion, yes, visiting Mary’s Christmas Palace is worth the reservation fee and time to visit.
It’s really a unique experience, and it truly can’t be done anywhere else in the Twin Cities area.
While you do have to pay a small reservation fee, it all goes towards the experience and makes for one great way to spend your holiday season.
What to Order From the Menu
What you choose to order will greatly depend on when you visit, as the menu changes with the seasons.
During the Mary’s Christmas Palace holiday party, there is a Christmas-themed menu for both food and drinks.
They serve a variety of pizzas, as well as appetizers, and a few burgers.
I ordered the ‘Yuletide Wagon’ pizza, and Tyler got the ‘Suzi the Burger Savior is Born’ burger, and they were both pretty decent!
Many people comment on their tator tots (which are great!), as well as the cheese curds. So those are both must-tries.
As for drinks, they also change with the seasons, so give the ‘Punch in the Boob From Drunk Uncle Glen’ a try at Christmas.’ And in the regular season, get yourself any of their fun tiki drinks.
How to Order Food and Drinks
There is no table service here, so to order food or drinks, you’ll need to either walk up to the bar or use their QR code system.
The QR system is really handy. Scan the code on your table, and it’ll bring you right to the menu. You can select what you want, and leave your tab open until you’re ready to leave!
Or, if you’re more old school, you can always head up to the bar to place your food or drink order.
But remember, they won’t come to you, and you’ll only have about 1.5 hours at your table. So order as soon as possible!
How to Make Reservations for Psycho Suzi’s
If you’re wanting to make a reservation to ensure that you get a seat, you will need to pay a small fee and reserve online.
Reservations really aren’t necessary unless you’re visiting on the weekend or during Mary’s Christmas Palace.
During the Christmas celebration, I personally wouldn’t even try visiting if you don’t have a reservation.
And during the normal season, try your best to get one if you’re going on a Friday or Saturday night as this location can get pretty busy. Reservations aren’t necessary for patio seating.
But Sunday through Thursday, it’s pretty likely that you’ll get a seat by just walking in.
Reservations can be made here.
Parking
Parking is fairly easy and is free, as the restaurant does have its own designated parking lot.
Although it is pretty tiny, so if you have a large party or are visiting on the weekend, consider arriving a bit early to find a spot.
You may need to park on the road if the lot is full.
Pros of Psycho Suzi’s
Fun Experience
Of course, the number one pro of dining here is the fun experience that you get to have during your visit.
Whether it’s during the holiday celebration when the entire restaurant is decked out in holiday decor or on regular days when the tiki huts are open and torches are lit, it’s all a great time.
Beautiful Location
Located right on the Mississippi River, Psycho Suzi certainly has a great location, compared to some other restaurants in town! You can even sit outside and enjoy those views and Minnesota’s beautiful summers!
Great Outdoor Seating Area
I also love that there is such a large outdoor seating area that allows you to enjoy the sun.
And you won’t lose any of the experience, because the entire outside is also decorated in tiki decor!
It’s even a dog-friendly patio, so you can bring your pup with you.
Fun Atmosphere
The atmosphere inside the building is just great. Everyone is happy and enjoying the experience. The decor makes it feel better than just your average bar, and there’s always fun music playing.
Overall, it was one of my favorite aspects of the restaurant!
Cons of Psycho Suzi
Food isn’t the Best
While the experience is great, the food really wasn’t the best. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it’s just your average bar food. And it’s a bit pricey for what it is.
Can Be Crowded
Because of the popularity of the place and because there is so much decor, it can get really crowded inside. This isn’t a problem if you’re just hanging out at your table, but if you want to get up and look around, it can get to be a bit much.
Hard to Get Reservations
Reservations can be really hard to get, especially during the holidays. In fact, if you don’t book a month in advance, you may not even get one.
This can be tough for those of us who don’t schedule our dining plans months in advance.
Reservations Cost a Fee
If you’re looking to book a reservation, you’ll find that you need to pay a fee for it. This was new to me, as I’d never seen it anywhere else.
The reason for it is to keep the experience going and be able to pay for all of the extra costs that come along with those experiences. From the 1,000s of holiday lights to tiki torches, it all costs money.
Is Visiting Psycho Suzi Worth It?
You may be wondering if visiting Psycho Suzi’s is worth it or not, and I’ll tell you that the answer is absolutey!
It’s such a fun experience and is just really different than the average restaurant that you would typically visit.
While you do have to pay a small reservation fee (during the holidays and on weekends), you’ll get to spend time admiring the work that they’ve put into the place.
From the silly Polynesian-themed decor to the beautiful views of the Mississippi River, it’s truly a great experience.
The only downfalls are that the food isn’t necessarily the best and the menu is pretty limited. But they make up for it with their unique drinks!
So if you’re looking for a unique way to spend your evening, then yes, a visit to Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge is worth it!
FAQs
What is Psycho Suzi’s Rated?
The restaurant has a rating of 4.2/5, according to Google Reviews.
Is Psycho Suzi’s Closed?
No, Psycho Suzi’s is currently open. Although it was recently listed for sale.
Can Kids Go to Psycho Suzi’s?
Yes, kids are welcome to attend, but do be aware that some of the decorations have adult sayings or are aimed more toward adults.
Is Psycho Suzi’s Dog Friendly?
Yes, the patio overlooking the Mississippi is dog friendly.
What was Psycho Suzi’s Before?
While Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge has been open since 2003, it used to be a hip-hop club called Gabby’s.
What Kind of Food Does Psycho Suzi Have?
On the menu, you’ll find single-serve pizzas of all sorts. There are also a few different burgers and appetizers, including cheese curds and tater tots.
Was Psycho Suzi’s on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives?
Yes, the restaurant was featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives back in 2007. It was on Season 2, Episode 5.
What is Betty Dangers Animal Farm?
Betty Dangers Animal Farm was Psycho Suzi’s sister restaurant. It was another kitschy restaurant with eclectic decor and a working Ferris wheel outside. It has since been listed for sale and closed.
Wrap-Up: Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge Review
If you’re planning to visit the iconic Psycho Suzi restaurant in Minneapolis, then there are a few things that you’ll want to consider.
Reservations, the Christmas holiday party, and what to order are a few things that you may be thinking about.
I hope that this full review and guide will help you plan your visit to this epic experience.
