The 19 Bar

The 19 Bar is a gay bar located at 19 W 15th Street in the Loring Park neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota.[1] Founded in 1952, it is the oldest gay bar in Minneapolis and among the oldest in the United States. The establishment is as a cash-only dive bar that offers a classic jukebox, pool tables and dart boards. In 2012, the Minnesota Star Tribune named it the best "old-school gay bar" in their Best of Minnesota series.[2]

History

In 1922, architectural firm Magney and Tusler, best known for their work on the Foshay Tower, developed 19 W 15th Street as a laundry service. It was converted to the 19 Bar by Harry S. Kirshbaum, who sold the bar in 1952 to life partners Everett Stoltz and George Koch. The bar has been LGBTQ-owned since that time.[3]

Initially, The 19 Bar was a "3.2 bar" with a license to serve 3.2-ABV alcohol and below. This license this allowed it to stay open later than other bars, which were required to close at midnight on Sundays, causing large rushes on Sunday nights. This pattern persisted until their license changed in the 1990s.[4] In February, 1961, The 19 was robbed as part of a shooting spree by "Mad Dog Killers" Charles Brown and Charles Kelley, who went on to become the last people executed in Iowa. Alongside other 3.2 bars in Loring Park, The 19 was closed by law enforcement in 1963 under complaints that it drew local drunks to the area. During its closure, the Minneapolis Police Department's license inspector called it a "hangout for homosexuals"[5]

By the early 1980s, it had solidified its reputation as a neighborhood establishment and a popular Sunday-night alternative to larger spaces such as Gay 90s and The Saloon.[6] In 1980, the Loring Nicollet Community Council (LNCC) sought to demolish the bar in favor of a shopping mall.[7] When criticized by gay activist Robert Halfhill, alderwoman Barbara Carlson denied the existence of such a plan while describing complaints bout the bar's late hours and demolition did not proceed. It was remodeled in 1983 by then-owner Ray Onstine, who relocated the entrance to the north wall.[8] Later that decade, in 1986, the bar was briefly closed after targeted arson and vandalism.[9] Gary Hallberg bought the business in 1992 and the building a few years later before expanding the space; he owned the establishment for over 30 years.[8]

On March 22, 2024, the bar caught fire and was forced to close after a garbage truck collided with a nearby utility pole.[10][11] Owner Gary Hallberg sued the trash company for $2.8 million, citing a potential sale that was cancelled due to the fire.[12] In February 2025, just under a year later, the establishment reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.[13] Soon after, bar ownership was transferred to manager Craig Wilson.[14][3]

Further reading

External links