Unveiling the Shadows: The Twin Cities’ Notorious Speakeasies of the Prohibition Era
In the roaring twenties, behind the facade of everyday businesses across the Twin Cities, secret revelries unfolded in speakeasies—hidden bars that defied the national alcohol ban. The Prohibition era, spanning from 1920 to 1933, marked a time when the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were illegal under the Volstead Act. Yet, this didn’t halt the flow of liquor. Instead, it catalyzed the emergence of an illicit underworld of speakeasies, each with its unique story.
The clandestine nature of speakeasies means that precise histories are scarce, as few records were kept and they existed in various forms—from jazz clubs to luxurious venues requiring formal attire. Yet, certain locations have stood the test of time, transitioning from their notorious pasts to become part of the vibrant heritage of Minneapolis and St. Paul. These establishments provided not just a haven for those looking to quench their thirst but also a cultural nexus that hosted gangsters and law-abiding citizens alike.
St. Paul’s Speakeasies and Notable Gangsters
Some of the era’s most famed speakeasies found their home in St. Paul, including the Green Lantern off Wabasha Street—a hotspot for gangsters to “check in” with the corrupt police force. This speakeasy epitomized the complex relationship between crime and authority at the time, offering a mix of danger and allure as citizens rubbed shoulders with notorious criminals such as John Dillinger and the Barker family.
Another hidden gem was the Castle Royal, nestled within the Wabasha Street Caves, where gin cocktails flowed freely from a distillery within the caves. Its unique location and operations highlight the inventiveness of those running speakeasies.
Minneapolis’ Underground Scene
Minneapolis boasted its own array of secretive drinking spots. Shaw’s Bar and Grill, for instance, served moonshine before its owner faced the consequences of defying Prohibition laws. Likewise, the 5-8 Club capitalized on its underground garage for discreet alcohol deliveries, showcasing the lengths to which proprietors went to satisfy the city’s thirsty populace.
As much as speakeasies were about clandestine drinking, they were also about defiance. The era’s prohibitionists hoped that eliminating alcohol would cure societal ills, but the result was far from it. Instead, a vibrant underworld economy emerged, propelling ordinary citizens and criminals alike into the bootlegging business.
Minnesota’s Contribution to Prohibition
Notably, Minnesota made its mark with the creation of Minnesota 13, a whiskey distilled by St. Cloud area farmers. The endeavor turned whole families into distillers, with local communities often turning a blind eye or actively protecting these operations from federal interference.
Prohibition in the Twin Cities was a time of contradiction and complexity, where the quest for alcohol spurred a culture of innovation, secrecy, and community. The legacy of these speakeasies—a mix of rebellion, resilience, and revelry—continues to captivate the imagination, reminding us of a bygone era that forever altered the social fabric of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
