Minnesota music scene reels from loss of Muddy Waters, a ‘port through so many storms’

“I just want to say thank you,” said Dessa in an emotional video posted to Twitter on Sunday. “You’ve been an important port through so many storms.”
Her sentiments echoed those of many Minnesotans paying tribute to the Lyn-Lake restaurant Muddy Waters. It opened in 1987 as a coffee shop at 24th and Lyndale before, in 2011, moving a few blocks south to its recent location where it expanded to a full bar and restaurant. Yesterday, Muddy Waters closed its doors amidst the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In both incarnations, Muddy Waters was a popular hangout for members of the Minnesota music scene. It was particularly known for its association with indie hip-hop artists including the members of Doomtree and Atmosphere, who mentioned the venue in the turbulent track “Between the Lines.” In her video Dessa alludes to the venue’s history as a haven for those who need help, as well as mentioning Doomtree’s deep connections there.
On Facebook, owners Sarah Schrantz and Paddy Whelan asked “alumni” to share memories, prompting testimonials from many patrons. Below are some comments from members of the Minnesota music community on Twitter. In closing permanently during the economic shutdown, Muddy Waters joins other local institutions including the music venue Honey and the Fifth Element record store.
https://t.co/xVBPI1WDKC pic.twitter.com/nEJaMUbcW2
— Dessa (@dessadarling) May 3, 2020
not enough words in my vocabulary
to type out the influence this establishment had on me.
nothing awesome lasts forever.
thank you for the memz. https://t.co/xpI5btnzjx— ATMOSPHERE (@atmosphere) May 3, 2020
This one really hurts. So many memories eating the perfect food, deciding to move back to MPLS after a glorious all day patio hang here, setting off on tubing adventures, and meeting during the quiet times to commiserate, heal & bond friendships. Thanks, @MuddyWatersMPLS https://t.co/8Ue6HfWzIC
— Har Mar Super Far (@HarMarSuperstar) May 3, 2020
Best cheap steak in town. best Guinness chocolate cake I ever had. I turned 30 in that bar, I laughed my ass off in that bar, I cried once in that bar, i worked in that bar, I was always at home in that bar.
You’ll be missed, but not forgotten @MuddyWatersMPLS https://t.co/xMiYqfnXAI
— ASTRONAUTALIS! (@astronautalis) May 3, 2020
So much love and admiration for @MuddyWatersMPLS. A true MN institution and a place that especially raised up and looked out for @DOOMTREE since Day 1. Love you Sarah. https://t.co/Gqiw38mkiI
— LAZERBEAK (@_LAZERBEAK_) May 3, 2020
damn.. much love @MuddyWatersMPLS thanks for the memories…smh https://t.co/OPYk4RmLJw
— CHRLE BRWN (@dematlas) May 3, 2020
Incredibly heartbroken to hear about @MuddyWatersMPLS closing. They were always great to us during the festival and open to us trying weird one off screenings and events. Much love to everyone who was a part of it 💔💔
📷: @Darin_K_ pic.twitter.com/lUKhEWoqPq
— Sound Unseen (@SoundUnseen) May 3, 2020
Spent today reflecting on what @MuddyWatersMPLS meant to me and the twin cities community. Thank you for the laughs, friendships, late nights, and space where everyone felt welcome. The establishment may be no longer, but will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/wyn6X0zn1y
— TStregs (@taylorstrege) May 3, 2020
This makes me as sad as I’ve been in awhile. I will always love and support ANYONE associated with @MuddyWatersMPLS https://t.co/6sO3G3GAYz
— *️⃣*️⃣ (@doubleasterisk) May 3, 2020
I love you @MuddyWatersMPLS
Im still processing this and am so heartbroken. Losing you and @honeympls is too much!!! https://t.co/7ZpT9UBr9e
— DJ Shannon Blowtorch (@msblowtorch) May 3, 2020
I love my family that is @MuddyWatersMPLS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LETTING ME BE APART OF YOUR LEGACY! Fuck https://t.co/kVwUGxrfb6
— DJ Fundo (@DJFundo) May 3, 2020
I started going to muddy’s in high school when it was a coffee shop on 24th and lyndale and I’d order a raspberry ginger tea if it was too late for coffee and I’d overstayed my welcome on the coffee from hours ago. Muddy’s is so special.
— claire de lune (@ClaireMPLS) May 3, 2020
You were my go to for so many years … very sad, amazing obit , lots of lunches with beak and ols, ouch. https://t.co/jFHVPLivam
— blobtower (@blobtower) May 3, 2020
Sharing music and pastries with the youth @MuddyWatersMPLS, 2015 pic.twitter.com/5H43INcVsl
— Danny Sigelman (@paper_sleeves) May 3, 2020
Watching the Minneapolis Miracle with @scullness @bahroomn @alongerlook Dave Pirner, etc. at @MuddyWatersMPLS is still one of my favorite memories at any bar in my life. Among many others. So sorry @scullness 💔
— kyle matteson (@solace) May 3, 2020
Muddy Waters was the scene of one of my favorite interviews, when @thestaves and I gushed about the Riverview Theater, Gandhi Mahal, and many more Minneapolis landmarks. Missing all of the above. https://t.co/aE7EOm2TuI https://t.co/4aBbVJsg0K
— Cecilia Johnson (@lializjo) May 3, 2020