One of Minneapolis's oldest dive bars is closing.
In a social media post, Palmer's Bar at 500 Cedar Avenue South says it'll close September 14 after 119 years of slinging beverages in the West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Palmer's opened in 1906 and was originally named Carl's Bar. It was renamed Palmer's in 1950.
The West Bank institution has been a popular stop for live music for years. Esquire Magazine once named Palmer’s Bar one of the “Best Bars in America” in 2014. Esquire noted the clientele and their famous beer and a bump.
"The urinal is a trough. There are punks at the tables and there's punk art on the wall," wrote Esquire. "The drinks are cheap (make sure to get a beer back with your shots, which are poured double), and the garden pleasant, at least in those three months of the year when you can stand to be outdoors in central Minnesota."
There is also their "Wall of Shame" of uncooperative customers - and more.
The bar is along a stretch of Cedar Ave. that used to be packed with bars and clubs. The Viking Bar, the Triangle, the 400 Club, and Blondies on the Avenue/Triple Rock all used to inhabit the neighborhood which Palmer's was a part of. They were the last one standing.
Palmer's Bar will operate as normal with what they say is a "jam-packed" calendar until bar close in mid-September. You can see their full music schedule here.
After that, the bar's famous signage, "Sorry, we're open," needs to change.
Their post on social media reads:
"It is with heavy hearts that we must finally announce that Palmer’s Bar last day of business will be September 14th, 2025. This has been an incredibly difficult but necessary decision and we are devastated to do so.
Thank you so very much to everyone that has been keeping this bar alive since 1906, especially our very faithful regulars, and the incredibly talented musicians that have played our stages over the years. Above all else, our staff - who make the place so special and who really are the best in the business. We wouldn’t have made it this far without you all.
We will be open regular hours until bar close on September 14th with a jam- packed calendar and plenty of time to party and say farewell. Please join us in saying goodbye to a West Bank institution, raise a glass to all the good times and great people, and make it a last summer to remember here at Palmer’s Bar."