Ever wondered about the secrets held within a seemingly ordinary bar? Welcome to Palmer’s Bar in Minneapolis. This isn’t just any watering hole. It’s a living testament to the city’s vibrant history. Nestled at 500 Cedar Avenue Palmer’s has stood the test of time since its beginnings in 1906.
Initially a confectionery and cigar stand Palmer’s transformed into a saloon. It became a tied house serving only Minneapolis Brewing Company products later known as Grain Belt Beer. That distinctive tile floor you see today a remnant of that era. The unique red and white Grain Belt design is still a striking feature.
Prohibition hit. Palmer’s adapted. It briefly became a restaurant. The building even had a “for sale” ad. Then after Prohibition ended it reopened as Carl’s Bar. A century-old photograph shows the bar in its 1930s glory. This is when a woman came to celebrate her 100th birthday bringing photos of the bar from that era. This is when her father had owned it.
Later it became Boots Nelson’s Bar. One story tells of a stickup man demanding and receiving $55 from the manager. Then the bar’s name changed to Palmer’s sometime before 1948. Henry Edward “Bud” Palmer likely the namesake.
The years at Palmer’s weren’t always calm. There were robberies. A man once fell and suffered injuries on the stone floor. There were disputes resulting in violence even murder outside the bar. Despite this the bar persevered. A local immigrant Adam Folta owned the bar for 27 years. He retired in 1974 selling the bar to his son Roger. Even the bar’s location next to a mosque didn’t hinder its long-lasting appeal.
Palmer’s became a hub for the beatnik and hippie movements. It hosted renowned musicians. The legendary Bob Dylan’s mentor “Spider” John Koerner was a regular. So was blues legend Willie Murphy. Even Bonnie Raitt frequented the bar while recording her debut album.
In 2001 Keith Berg and Lisa Hammer took over. They kept it open every day a testament to its enduring allure. Palmer’s even served as a filming location for the movie Factotum. Its reputation grew earning it the title of one of America’s best bars in 2014.
Today Palmer’s Bar remains a vibrant Minneapolis landmark. It continues to attract locals and tourists alike. It’s a place that proudly displays its history a testament to the enduring spirit of the city and its people. It’s a place with a story on every corner and a drink for everyone. So raise a glass to Palmer’s Bar. To its history. To its future. To the enduring spirit of Minneapolis.