While you can find dive bars all across the country, the Gopher Bar is a favorite of Minnesotans. It’s a local joint perfect for a late-night snack and an unforgettable meal.
If you plan to visit the North Star State, you’ll want to add this dive bar to your travel plans. Between the delicious food and the unique environment, it’s a top-notch experience.
Today, we’ll share all you need to know about the Gopher Bar and why Minnesotans can get enough of it.
Let’s go!
About Gopher Bar
The Gopher Bar was first opened by Andrew Kappas in 1931. This dive bar is so old that Prohibition was still in effect, which meant the Gopher Bar couldn’t serve alcohol. Luckily, Prohibition ended in 1933, and patrons could enjoy a drink with their delicious meals. However, Kappas was forced to move his bar to its current location in 1955.
Andrew hired a beautiful server, Phyllis, to work as a server at his establishment. It wasn’t long before she caught his eye, and they married. They would set it to become an incredible business duo that served anyone who walked through the doors.
Over the years, the Gopher Bar developed a unique reputation. George Kappas, the son of Phyllis and Andrew, once described it as a “safe haven for anyone.” He told the Pioneer Press it was “a place where a working man with concrete dust on his jeans may sit next to a lawyer in pinstripes, where off-duty firefighters, cops and a crook or two all feel comfortable.”
HOT TIP
While we’re talking about gophers, check out these 10 Things We Learned About Buc-ee’s, with its infamous beaver logo.
Where Is the Gopher Bar in Minnesota?
Today, the Gopher Bar sits at the corner of Wacouta Street and Fort Road in St. Paul, Minnesota. Its address is 241 7th Street E., St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101. It’s a 15-minute drive from the Mall of America and just down the road from the Minnesota Children’s Museum and the Minnesota Museum of American Art.
Why Minnesotans Are Obsessed With Gopher Bar
If you frequent dive bars, you likely know that no two are alike. As you might expect, Gopher Bar is no exception. Let’s look at some of the reasons Minnesotans obsess over Gopher Bar.
Cold Beer
What is a dive bar without a cold beer? One of the most important characteristics of the Gopher Bar is its icy-cold brews. Whether you’re looking for a crisp lager, a hoppy IPA, or a smooth stout, it’ll be chilled to perfection.
The Gopher Bar is the perfect place to escape the summer heat or the frigid temperatures of a Minnesota winter. Luckily, you don’t have to be a seasoned regular to have a satisfying experience. You’ll fall in love with the Gopher Bar with every sip.
Friendly Environment
George Kappas perfectly described the Gopher Bar in the quote we mentioned earlier. The welcoming atmosphere of the Gopher Bar promotes a friendly environment. Patrons are typically kind, welcoming, and accepting of anyone who walks through the door. You won’t have to worry about feeling like you don’t belong or that the place isn’t for you.
The current owner, Cheri Kappas, is the wife of the late George Kappas. Her unique humor and love for talking to patrons add to the friendly environment. Whether it’s your first or five hundredth visit to the establishment, you’ll feel like family.
Great Coneys
In addition to cold beer, any good dive bar has to have a solid menu of food offerings. For the Gopher Bar, they’re most famous for serving some of the best coney dogs in the land of 10,000 lakes. On the other hand, they wouldn’t dare top these hot dogs with coney or chili sauce. Instead, they separate themselves from others using their homemade premium blend meat sauce.
These aren’t any ordinary coney dogs you’ll find at most eateries. Their coney dogs are so good they’ll knock your mittens off. You may even find yourself ordering one or two to go so you can enjoy them later when your stomach has a bit more room.
Cash-Only
Like many dive bars, the Gopher Bar is cash only. Many patrons love this because it helps maintain a sense of authenticity and nostalgia. The Gopher Bar and other cash-only establishments are a throwback to simpler times when patrons had to carry bills and coins with them anytime they wanted to buy something.
Additionally, they can keep their prices low because it’s a cash-only establishment. They can avoid costly credit card processing fees that often increase menu prices. They pass the savings on to their loyal customers and provide bargain prices for their food. It’s a win-win for both the management and patrons.
Relaxed Vibe
The relaxed vibe of the Gopher Bar draws patrons in and has them returning time and time. Once you step through the doors, you’ll encounter an environment like any other. The dim lighting and friendly staff at the Gopher Bar will make you feel right at home. It’s easy to shift into another gear and slow down while you enjoy the moment.
Is the Gopher Bar Worth Trying?
The Gopher Bar is one of the most unique and delicious dive bars you’ll ever experience. Despite this, we must warn you that it’s certainly not for everyone. If you’re easily offended or don’t like hearing F-bombs used regularly, think twice. This local favorite is a fantastic dive bar that needs to be at the top of your list of places to visit.
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