Ava Opens in the North Loop: How the Two-Level Metropolitan Bar Came to Life
By James H. Sterling
Moving upstairs alters the entire sensory environment. A structural staircase leads guests into Ava’s second story, where the mood pivots instantly from subdued hospitality to electric nocturnal energy. The upper level was engineered as a modern discotheque, trading quiet corners for open floor space, precision-mapped LED rigs, and elevated VIP seating flanking the perimeter.
The sound system is the defining feature of the upper level. Rather than blasting uncalibrated volume, the room uses distributed directional audio that punches cleanly on the dance floor while permitting conversation along the outer mezzanine rails. DJs rotate through house, deep groove, disco edits, and electronic sets, eschewing generic top-40 tracks in favor of rhythmic, dance-driven programming.
The upstairs bar handles volume without sacrificing cocktail integrity. Draft cocktails, chilled sparkling wines, and premium spirit pours dominate service, keeping wait times manageable even during peak midnight rushes. It is an intentional, contemporary celebration of dance culture tailored specifically for Minneapolis nightlife.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
