It took nine months, but a much improved Brass Rail will finally reopen tonight. The bar -- a gay institution on Hennepin Avenue -- closed in January. At the time, owner Peter Hafiz promised to remodel the shabby old place and have it open again by Pride weekend. After missing that deadline, some wondered if the Brass Rail would ever reopen, or if it would even be gay again. Hafiz also owns Sneaky Pete's, Deja Vu and the Gay 90s.
The good news: The Rail opens to the public at 8 p.m. tonight. I got a sneak peek on Thursday and I have to say, the place looks great. The bar's face lift is pretty thorough, giving it a comfy lounge feel. You'll find shiny granite throughout, including on the bar and even on the stage. There's a new tin ceiling, plush leather seating, new rest rooms. And the store front opens up so you can walk right out onto the sidewalk patio.
Also: It's definitely still gay. The drag queens were out in full force for last night's preview party.
Brass Rail: 422 Hennepin Av., Mpls.
