Palmer’s Bar
500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55454
Palmer’s Bar Menu
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Address :
500 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN, 55454 - Phone (612) 333-7625
- Website https://palmersbar.net/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : No
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Very Loud
Music : Live, Juke Box
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Has TV : Yes
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Lesley G.
This dive bar is pretty small and narrow in shape, which makes for a lot of bumping and shoving. Live performances take place on the itsy-bitsy stage, and the sound quality is pretty lousy. The area around the bar is a bit iffy, and the crowd inside is pretty crunchy. I don't think I would make my way back here.
(2)Keith S.
I've long been annoyed by people calling nearly every bar that doesn't serve craft cocktails as a "dive bar." They're not dive bars. They're just bars. Palmer's. Palmer's is a dive bar. In the best possible way. Cash only. Cheap and strong drinks. The most eclectic group of customers you will ever see, guaranteed. Bizarre but good mix of music. Random, small fluffy dog running around. You might meet your new best friend here. You might also get stabbed*. Totally worth it. *kidding. Kind of.
(4)Danny H.
Palmers Bar was a massive disappointment. I arrived with my fiancée with the intention of seeing some friends who were making their debut performance with their band and my night began with me being screamed at by the doorman to pay the cover charge. Paying the money was no problem, but I did not appreciate being cussed and yelled at, or being ordered to flatten my bills out for his convenience . Any customer would not know who the doorman actually was. He was just sitting in a shady corner on a bar stool in street clothes. He had no hint of professionalism at all. Also keep in mind that this establishment does not accept credit cards. This can be somewhat of an inconvenience for customers who do not carry cash while walking around in a bad neighborhood, which this bar is definitely in. The overall atmosphere of this bar is dingy and stale. It is mostly a beer bar that attracts lower income riff raff than anything else. If you are in your early 20's or college student, this bar is for you but do not expect much else in the area of a respectable atmosphere.
(1)Judith I.
I don't come here because I expect something out-standing, or some perfect service or drink; I come here because it's the kind of place where they get to know you. The drinks are nice and strong too ;-)
(4)Ruth D.
The patio may have a strict "no smoking crack," rule, but smoking weed appears to be fine. Maybe that's fine -- just not my thing -- your mileage may vary. If you look up "dive bar" in the dictionary, there's a photo of Palmer's there. Here's what I can say for sure about it: - There is no "type" of person who frequents this bar. You'll see hippies, students, businesspeople, gangbangers, bikers, vegans, old folks, young people -- it is sort of astonishing how diverse the clientele are. That's pretty cool. - The drinks are STRONG. I have a high tolerance for alcohol, and brushed aside my friends' warnings about the drinks here, but DAYUM. Be prepared. - The neighborhood is sketchy. Having grown up in NYC, please believe I understand the problematic racialized assumptions often inherent in assertions about the West Bank's "sketchiness." But this neighborhood is Objectively Sketchy. Trust me. Prepare for street harassment if you're a chick wearing a skirt. And maybe have someone walk you to your car.
(3)Rosie H.
Oh, Palmer's. I had lived on Cedar Ave for ten months before I mustered the courage to visit Palmer's. This bar has a reputation for being a rough-around-the-edges (and slightly sketchy) dive bar, but I think that's what makes it so awesome. 1. The bartenders are incredible. They're lively and fun and they always remember my "usual" drink. 2. The patio is absurd (in a good way). A typical Palmer's patio crowd usually includes a handful of hippies from several generations, someone from a foreign country telling somewhat unbelievable stories around the fire, surprisingly intelligent grunge-punk kids, and maybe a college girl wearing a skimpy dress and looking uncomfortable because she'd rather be out clubbin'. Top-notch people watching. 3. The liquor is cheap. If you order a shot, expect it to be a double. On Monday nights, pitchers of Hamm's are $8. Tips: Palmer's only accepts cash, and the ATM is often out of service on busy nights. There's always a $5 cover on Fridays and Saturdays, and usually on Thursdays, too. The bands are usually worthwhile, but I'd check the schedule on the Palmer's website ahead of time.
(5)Sally M.
Great/interesting mix of people in here. Friendly bartenders. Cheap drinks. A patio out back and okay music playing. This was a great place to cap off the night. I also greatly appreciated being served my Crispin without ice in a pint glass, with a glass of ice on the side. That way it wasn't a total rip off! Beware, cash only. I'd definitely come again.
(4)Elyse M.
Back when I was a drinker, Palmer's was a sure bet to get me drunk. Stiff drinks for cheap. The regulars are an eclectic mix, there's always someone being entertaining in some ridiculous way. Plus the bonfire outside is always going, and it's great to have on cold fall nights.
(4)Justin V.
Palmer's is a dive bar. With that said, if you're looking for cheap drinks & to meet some crazy characters, Palmer's is the place for you. The drinks are cheap & you'll usually end up with 50-75% alcohol pours, so it's a good place to start (or end) your night. They don't take cards here, so bring cash unless you want to get snapped with ATM fees. They have live bands here sometimes and the bouncer will try to charge you a cover, but it's usually negotiable enough to warrant coming in still. Lack of food & ability to pay with cards are the only thing that keeps me from giving this place 5 divey stars.
(4)John B.
I went here one night after the Metrodome. I enjoyed the game, was happy the Twins lost, etc. But the most memorable thing about the night (and really, the entire weekend) was Palmer's. There was a man who introduced himself as being Liberian. For some reason he bought us two Grain Belts. He disappeared shortly thereafter and was later seen in deep commune with a homeless man who looked like Dan Hedaya and talked like Tom Waits. Also involved in their conversation were an Asian guy who looked like a grad student and a woman with two missing front teeth who was smoking Kool 100s. We were young and stupid then and determined to cram the night full of other bars. Palmer's turned out to be the best, by far. Even though we later got to listen to a very drunk man mournfully sing Johnny Cash ballads at U Otter Stop Inn. There used to be bars like this in Brooklyn, where I grew up. Not any more.
(5)Keith M.
Went here on a quiet afternoon, so there were only a handful of of patrons inside. The interior certainly shows its age, but felt somewhat cold where I was expecting character. The bartender was a nice older lady who could probably be just as un-nice and kick your ass to the curb. It seems much more bar than live music venue, but hey it's definitely there and not just as an after thought. I do my share of heading out solo and drinking alone, but meh, I was expecting more. Just had a strange vibe I wasn't digging. As far as the "sketchy" factor of the neighborhood, if West Bank were plopped overnight into any other Great Lakes city it would be considered "good", since sketchy neighborhoods elsewhere are actually sketchy and not filled with decent bars and restaurants. Case in point, a bar in a sketchy Columbus neighborhood had a drunk patron out front threatening to break my camera while I was photographing the neighborhood and just before I passed by there a woman of the night was being seriously chewed out by her pimp and a swat team was trading gunshots with drug dealers at a house a few blocks up: all within one hour in the middle of the day. Just sayin'.
(3)Mischa F.
Palmer's is a great place to get shitty. 7$ pitchers of Hamms on Mondays did me in earlier this week. In addition to cheap beer, the shots poured here are massive. The bartenders look tough and they don't really put up with shit, but they're a bunch of sweethearts when it comes down to it. My only complaint was one of the regulars wouldn't leave me alone. She was thrown out later in the evening, but I can only take so much touchy feely from a forty something toothless meth-head burnout.
(5)JARED T.
There is a reason the lanky mustachioed man in the bowler hat is leaning against the wall, it's because he's too f*%king schnookered from being served drinks at Palmer's to depend on his own two legs to support his drunk ass. This is a bar for serious drinkers. Don't judge, just drink.
(4)Dan S.
Palmers isn't my favorite bar, but I'm going to give it 3 stars anyways because it can be an interesting experience. Its a narrow dive bar on the west bank. The bartender is an a-hole, they only accept cash, and it is frequented by the homeless, neighborhood drunks, and ironic hipsters. It is as busy on Monday at noon as Saturday at midnight. They never have a happy hour, so you are paying $4-5 a beer. I think that when you go to a dive bar, you should pay dive bar prices. But if you are in the area, you should stop in for one drink. You'll probably get a funny story out of it. They used to have a good blues band that would play on Sunday nights.
(3)Erock R.
Best dive bar in this city. The crowd is a mixed bag of random degenerates, hipsters, hippies, and just about everything else... I've never left Palmers without having a story to tell the next day. The staff is fucking awesome, anyone that says different belongs at Block E. If you go into this place and don't order a shot of some kind you're missing the point. Get fucked up!
(5)Hether S.
I love dive bars. Really, I do! But.... ...I don't care for this dive bar. I have been here a few times now, and each time is as equally as "un-good" as the last... It's crowded. If it is a Friday night + they have live music = this place turns into something it should never be allowed to turn into. It's like a Dive Bar's Evil Twin. First off - the stage is located in a corner. The same corner that shares it's space with part of the bar, the restrooms, the door to the outdoor patio, and a well displayed stuffed pheasant. So, if you come to Palmer's to *hear* live music...you are in luck (the sound system is pretty great). If you come to Palmer's to *see* live music...be prepared to be knocked around and have beer spilled on you constantly. Few other tid-bits... The bar area gets quite crowded - so if you are timid - you will never get a drink. No ATM. Interesting & eclectic clientele. Sketchy part of town. Grouchy bouncer.
(2)Krista F.
Well, the one thing I can say for sure is that I left with good stories! Strong drinks, fire pit in the back, live music, fantastic and completely weird mix of clientele. Great place to wrap up, or kick off, a night out.
(3)Susanna B.
Every time I come home I ALWAYS drink at Palmers. This was definitely my favorite bar when I lived in Minneapolis and one of the reasons i miss MN.... The bartenders are friendly and will pour your drinks VERY strong. Any and every time i am here i get very drunk!! Plus they have an outdoor patio that's great in the summer time.
(5)Bubba Z.
Reminds me a lot of Alphabet City, NYC, circa 90's. Lots of dreads, some rats, some punx/anarchists, and a few people on the shady side of life (they can get you anything you can't get at the local pharmacy). White, Black, Asian, Indian, & now Eritrean. For Mpls. this is truly a great racial mix though not really mixed in class. But that's ok -- yuppies sucked in the 80s early 90s and still do. Gotta let you all know that on Sundays they have a house band kickin out some sweet blues. And like the man said their jukebox is deep. But Sunday's really turns it into a nice gumbo of people all spicy and stewed. OK beers on tap, cheap local swill, and great shots. I say it's a "back" bar -- order a shot (large in a tall glass) and get your favorite chaser "back" and you're on your way. The make a strong mixed drink too. But, don't piss and moan about the sweet pungent smell around the fire pit. If you don't like it leave. If you need some, someone will share -- or a shady will get you squared away. I've been a reg since I've come back for a visit a couple weeks ago and I've never seen, or felt, any static. Just good vibes, from oldsters to young kids. Used to hate (hard-core clubbing dayz) now I appreciate. Stop in and see what it was like to be in Alphabet City, during it hay day , changed to embody what remains of the West-Bank of Mpls. Palmer's is last drinking establishment on the Bank. The West-bank has always been multicultural, anti-establishment, pro-legalization, and generally time-warped with all the marginalized of every era. Anti-smoking and catering to college money killed the others. Only four stars cause the dance floor is small and seating is limited inside.
(4)Sarah T.
Palmer's is one of the most *eclectic* bars in the T.C. The last three times I have been here they've had random food sitting out on the table right when you walk in the door. Folks in the bar (and people coming in off the street) have grazed on a buffet of food in take-out containers (Mexican I believe...with lots of wilted lettuce, if I remember correctly), a box of produce, or some chicken wings. Has Palmer's become something of a neighborhood bar/food shelf? If so, that's awfully nice of them to be supporting their clientele in such tough economic times. I was surprised to see the clientele switch gears at about 10:00 pm the last time I was here. It went from die hard locals to hipster college students. Interesting-- but since Palmer's welcomes people of all walks no one batted an eye.
(3)Sadie H.
A wonderful little bar. Perfect for extinguishing your youth. The bartenders are great, and after frequenting there for awhile, they know your drink by heart.
(5)Leticita C.
If you're looking for an unpretentious, awesome, eclectic dive bar, look no further. The drinks are ridiculously strong. I warn you, ordering shots will result in immediate drunkenness--I swear their shots are at least 3 oz. The staff is completely, utterly, awesome. Damn, I love that place. Some interesting facts: there is a tunnel under Cedar Ave connecting Palmers and the Nomad that was used during prohibition (it has been bricked over). It used to be a bordello. Also, it's haunted as hell. Just ask the staff.
(5)Nick C.
Dirty P's is a very fitting nickname for this bar (as I have heard it called). Somehow, it feels cozy yet kind of gross....sort of like a relatives house that very faintly smells of cat urine. This place doesn't smell of urine, per se...it has that patented weird Cedar Riverside smell that 80% of the neighborhood smells like. This place is best for the environment. Drinks are not as cheap as other neighborhood purveyors, so if you're on a budget or you're a tightwad...show up half in the bag. I am told they make stiff shots, but cant confirm or deny this.
(4)kiki d.
This is a true dive bar. Drinks are strong. The space is small. The crowd is eclectic.
(4)A B.
I was here on a visit a few months ago. I have never seen an outdoor fire pit at a bar. Ever. It was the perfect introduction to one. And Seneca was extremely nice (I still remember her name...it's unforgettable). She gave my friend a shot, but I can't take liquor, so I felt really bad that I refused a free shot from her (she gave me a shot of beer). And by the way, this establishment should not be categorized under 'dive bar'. I've been to a good few dive bars. In my honest opinion, this place is far from it.
(5)caitlin n.
Great, generous bartenders when they aren't dealing with a crowd. One made my friend's shitty birthday night great with a round for the three of us, another said 'no prob' when I couldn't fully front my after-work beer. I came back a month later and paid him back with interest, he just grinned.
(3)Ralph M.
Palmer's is a good test for people who claim to like dive bars. On the continuum of hipster/ironic to actual dive bar Palmer's fall a few stops closer to actual dive than many. The neighborhood is sketchy, the clientle can be shady and the staff seems ready to stomp out problems (perhaps too ready, according to some accounts here). You don't have to worry about bumping into any suburbanites or sorority sisters here. They pour the drinks STRONG here, but let me tell you, you won't notice at first. Using some supreme bartending jujitsu, they can pour drinks that don't taste unpleasantly strong but still knock you upside the head. Be warned: drink that first one slowly. The back patio is a wonderous little maze of tables, chairs, couches, and booths. Dogs roamed freely. Be warned: the patio has a strict "no smoking crack" rule. My last visit was a sunday night. They had some live blues/old-time bands, which suited the prohibition era feel of the place. It was damn good. Dancing erupted. It was relaxed and friendly. Drinks disappeared and minds turned hazy. Good times. I believe my sunday nights are booked for the foreseeable future. The West Bank/Cedar-Riverside neighborhood has been in my good graces lately, and Palmer's is an integral part of it. It's the real deal. No pretenses, no bullshit, just an honest neighborhood bar.
(5)Laura P.
I dig this joint. It's the epitome of dive. The place is so cramped that I usually won't go in if it's busy. Everything is covered with grimey layer of charm. There are random awesome decorations all over. They customer demographic is impossible to pin down, you get people from all walks of life here. Definitely a good place for people watching. The drinks come strong and the personalities are even stronger. There is a girl that bar tends there, I think her name might be Brooke(?) She has long brown hair, usually has it in a pony tail and she wears glasses. Petite girl with a punch, I love her spunk and her sense of humor. Seriously, if she isn't working, I don't even want to go in. I love their patio area! They have a fire place out there!! How cool is that?? I don't smoke, but I enjoy sitting out by the fire any chance that I get. You can see some bands play here as well, which is always a perk.
(4)Sara C.
What a trip of a place. To start it off, the door guy flipped out when he saw the hometown on my Massachusetts license - turns out he grew up in a nearby town. Small world. Lots of punks, bikers, and even a pet rat that was hanging on the shoulders of a nearby customer. Two DJs near the front of the bar were spinning a wacky mix of 70s funk and 80s pop - including Purple Rain, which was appropriate while visiting Minneapolis. $2.50 mixed drinks that were 80% alcohol and 20% mix got me liquored up, stat. There were plenty of characters, indeed. Typical rundown dive bar decor - including an old Prohibition sign hanging over the bar. The back patio is also wonderful - Minneapolis loves those back patios. If this place were in Philly, I'd be here all the time.
(5)Curtis B.
hired as a musician and i was loading out and the Owner tried to break my Winshield with his arm !! it did not break and i know he had to hurt .i parked on the city side walk to load up my equiptment. as every time i been there which i aint no regular only doing this here for my all time musician buddy's to play some music..never again ..... friends Please.............
(1)Lauren H.
I have been fortunate to have kept myself off of the 86'd list. The people here are what the Triple Rock, CC and any other bar in the MPLS want to be. The largest mix of people in a part of the country that is thought to be primarily white. Yeah, someone recently was shot at here. It is truly a dive, there's always a chance of insane behavior. Which is why it's so fucking rad. And the Hamms on tap sort of helps out. I went to Palmfest 2 years in a row; one year some one opened a can of mace- an experience indeed, and then a nother year I saw the Knotwells inside the tiny bar. I have not been to such a united, painful punk rock show in years. The kids that frequent are standoffish, but get to know 'em - they'll help you up in the pit.
(5)Sven T.
Ok, if you don't know what this place is like find out before you come here. I've heard it said that the Cantina from Star Wars is an apt metaphor. This is NOT the same as the Triple Rock. You've been warned. I remember watching The Murder City Devils warm up for Modest Mouse about 8 years ago. Right before Modest Mouse takes the stage (not at Palmers but a bar very close to it) Isaac says, "They'res a bar over there called Palmers. We had a F****ng great time at Palmers. So there you have it. Don't wear your NASCAR jacket into this place if you want to walk out in one piece. Check out the fire pit out back and be sure to stay off the 86'ed list. Now that the Viking is closed Palmers has the best juke box in Minneapolis and the surrounding area by far. West Bank at its finest. Hands down.
(5)Kevin H.
This is a bar where you drink straight Jameson and stumble home smelling of cigarettes and campfire. The jukebox is straight out of an alternate history that seems to resemble Fight Club set in a Tarantino universe. Drinks are the strongest in town, and the staff is actually quite friendly as long as you're not an ass. Starting to have more live music as well. Not for the faintest of heart, but you'll be fine. Don't miss the patio. It really is a great time.
(5)Joseph W.
I don't know if everyone who patronizes this place has a story about it, but it seems like it. It seems like I get a good story pr'near every time I go! There was one time that I opened the door to walk in and a guy was getting punched out the door. I walked over him like it was nothing but inside I was like 'this is my wild wild west moment!' Then there was this other time that the cutest Mexican grandpa with full ranchero nudie suit on with cowboy hat and everything kept on passing out on his bar stool around last call. Such a precious memory, he really was the best and his kids were keepin' track of him. I really could go on but I'll use one more story as a word of caution: one time I got chunks in my Guiness here... so keep it simple. Cheap beers, simple mixed drinks this place is a blast!
(5)Matt R.
Wandered into this awesome dive bar looking for a restroom. Apparently there was a cover charge for the band but it was waived if I promised to "tip the bartender well". After I relieved myself I took a seat at the bar. Very diverse clientele. There was some awful electronic artist performing. Appreciated the effort, not so much the music. Asked for a shot of Jameson and got a LARGE shot plus Hamms beer chaser. Awesome. Overall has all the elements of a great dive (grimy, interesting clientele, strong cheap drinks). Worth checking out if you're on the West Bank.
(4)Christina B.
There is nothing like Palmer's on a Sunday night. A word to the wise- be extra careful with the mixed drinks. Palmer's pours strong! The ambiance is unique and the patio a true melting pot. Enjoy!
(4)Kelsey K.
eek. I think I was informed when I went over to this place that someone had gotten stabbed recently inside. Oh well. Inside I went. Agreed it is the dive bar of dive bars. I am jealous to hear that Ralph got to hear some blues while he was there. I think I might have been wearing a white dress the first time I went (I have been a few times) and was sure I was going to walk out pretty much covered in grime. The backyard is a trip ( a quality bonfire was going which we sat around and enjoyed for a bit each time I have visited Palmers). I guess my advice would be its interesting but enter at your own risk.
(3)Lacey P.
The ceiling is creepy. Palmer's is old and has a jukebox and a firepit in the back. You may find yourself talking to someone you usually wouldn't get a chance to. Last time I was there everyone was talking about libraries. A very important topic. They have an 86'd board and a lot of old stuff there. It is fun. Their drinks are strong and there are pictures painted outside of leaning drunk dandies.
(5)Bigby S.
The best bar in America? Well, I'm not sure. I'm also not sure about a lot of things, like dysentery and women. But as far as I can fathom, it is the best bar in America, which puts in the running for best bar worldwide. Warning: those used to posh bars will probably not like it here and will probably not feel welcome. Why is Palmer's so great? Well, it is the only bar I have ever been to where the people are themselves. It is the only place where patrons actually seek out other cool people to talk and get drunk with. It is the only bar where you are guatanteed to leave with an interesting story to tell. Plus you can buy beads, weed (just kidding), or booze. The stiffest drinks in America are sold here for the cheapest price you can find. Beer selection is subpar, but whatever (Bells Two-Hearted is often on tap, so that's good). Otherwise sneak in one of your craft beers and buy a whiskey. Wonderful patio. Great music when they have it (3 or more days a week). Plus it is in the West Bank, the best area of Minneapolis. Hard Times, The Wienery, Triple Rock, and various restaurants devoted to Somali and Ethiopian cuisine lurk around the corner. This is the central place of West Bank that ties everything together. Either you get it or fuck you. P.S. don't get too drunk and belligerent here or you may be 86'ed. I have seen it happen on a couple of occasions.
(5)Jodi S.
best bonfire in the city, great place to sit and sing a round. order a mommy milkshake from seneka, delicious. great place, people, and music.
(5)kiki d.
This is a true dive bar. Drinks are strong. The space is small. The crowd is eclectic.
(4)Ralph M.
Palmer's is a good test for people who claim to like dive bars. On the continuum of hipster/ironic to actual dive bar Palmer's fall a few stops closer to actual dive than many. The neighborhood is sketchy, the clientle can be shady and the staff seems ready to stomp out problems (perhaps too ready, according to some accounts here). You don't have to worry about bumping into any suburbanites or sorority sisters here. They pour the drinks STRONG here, but let me tell you, you won't notice at first. Using some supreme bartending jujitsu, they can pour drinks that don't taste unpleasantly strong but still knock you upside the head. Be warned: drink that first one slowly. The back patio is a wonderous little maze of tables, chairs, couches, and booths. Dogs roamed freely. Be warned: the patio has a strict "no smoking crack" rule. My last visit was a sunday night. They had some live blues/old-time bands, which suited the prohibition era feel of the place. It was damn good. Dancing erupted. It was relaxed and friendly. Drinks disappeared and minds turned hazy. Good times. I believe my sunday nights are booked for the foreseeable future. The West Bank/Cedar-Riverside neighborhood has been in my good graces lately, and Palmer's is an integral part of it. It's the real deal. No pretenses, no bullshit, just an honest neighborhood bar.
(5)Keith S.
I've long been annoyed by people calling nearly every bar that doesn't serve craft cocktails as a "dive bar." They're not dive bars. They're just bars. Palmer's. Palmer's is a dive bar. In the best possible way. Cash only. Cheap and strong drinks. The most eclectic group of customers you will ever see, guaranteed. Bizarre but good mix of music. Random, small fluffy dog running around. You might meet your new best friend here. You might also get stabbed*. Totally worth it. *kidding. Kind of.
(4)Dan S.
Palmers isn't my favorite bar, but I'm going to give it 3 stars anyways because it can be an interesting experience. Its a narrow dive bar on the west bank. The bartender is an a-hole, they only accept cash, and it is frequented by the homeless, neighborhood drunks, and ironic hipsters. It is as busy on Monday at noon as Saturday at midnight. They never have a happy hour, so you are paying $4-5 a beer. I think that when you go to a dive bar, you should pay dive bar prices. But if you are in the area, you should stop in for one drink. You'll probably get a funny story out of it. They used to have a good blues band that would play on Sunday nights.
(3)Danny H.
Palmers Bar was a massive disappointment. I arrived with my fiancée with the intention of seeing some friends who were making their debut performance with their band and my night began with me being screamed at by the doorman to pay the cover charge. Paying the money was no problem, but I did not appreciate being cussed and yelled at, or being ordered to flatten my bills out for his convenience . Any customer would not know who the doorman actually was. He was just sitting in a shady corner on a bar stool in street clothes. He had no hint of professionalism at all. Also keep in mind that this establishment does not accept credit cards. This can be somewhat of an inconvenience for customers who do not carry cash while walking around in a bad neighborhood, which this bar is definitely in. The overall atmosphere of this bar is dingy and stale. It is mostly a beer bar that attracts lower income riff raff than anything else. If you are in your early 20's or college student, this bar is for you but do not expect much else in the area of a respectable atmosphere.
(1)Judith I.
I don't come here because I expect something out-standing, or some perfect service or drink; I come here because it's the kind of place where they get to know you. The drinks are nice and strong too ;-)
(4)Ruth D.
The patio may have a strict "no smoking crack," rule, but smoking weed appears to be fine. Maybe that's fine -- just not my thing -- your mileage may vary. If you look up "dive bar" in the dictionary, there's a photo of Palmer's there. Here's what I can say for sure about it: - There is no "type" of person who frequents this bar. You'll see hippies, students, businesspeople, gangbangers, bikers, vegans, old folks, young people -- it is sort of astonishing how diverse the clientele are. That's pretty cool. - The drinks are STRONG. I have a high tolerance for alcohol, and brushed aside my friends' warnings about the drinks here, but DAYUM. Be prepared. - The neighborhood is sketchy. Having grown up in NYC, please believe I understand the problematic racialized assumptions often inherent in assertions about the West Bank's "sketchiness." But this neighborhood is Objectively Sketchy. Trust me. Prepare for street harassment if you're a chick wearing a skirt. And maybe have someone walk you to your car.
(3)Rosie H.
Oh, Palmer's. I had lived on Cedar Ave for ten months before I mustered the courage to visit Palmer's. This bar has a reputation for being a rough-around-the-edges (and slightly sketchy) dive bar, but I think that's what makes it so awesome. 1. The bartenders are incredible. They're lively and fun and they always remember my "usual" drink. 2. The patio is absurd (in a good way). A typical Palmer's patio crowd usually includes a handful of hippies from several generations, someone from a foreign country telling somewhat unbelievable stories around the fire, surprisingly intelligent grunge-punk kids, and maybe a college girl wearing a skimpy dress and looking uncomfortable because she'd rather be out clubbin'. Top-notch people watching. 3. The liquor is cheap. If you order a shot, expect it to be a double. On Monday nights, pitchers of Hamm's are $8. Tips: Palmer's only accepts cash, and the ATM is often out of service on busy nights. There's always a $5 cover on Fridays and Saturdays, and usually on Thursdays, too. The bands are usually worthwhile, but I'd check the schedule on the Palmer's website ahead of time.
(5)Lesley G.
This dive bar is pretty small and narrow in shape, which makes for a lot of bumping and shoving. Live performances take place on the itsy-bitsy stage, and the sound quality is pretty lousy. The area around the bar is a bit iffy, and the crowd inside is pretty crunchy. I don't think I would make my way back here.
(2)Sally M.
Great/interesting mix of people in here. Friendly bartenders. Cheap drinks. A patio out back and okay music playing. This was a great place to cap off the night. I also greatly appreciated being served my Crispin without ice in a pint glass, with a glass of ice on the side. That way it wasn't a total rip off! Beware, cash only. I'd definitely come again.
(4)Elyse M.
Back when I was a drinker, Palmer's was a sure bet to get me drunk. Stiff drinks for cheap. The regulars are an eclectic mix, there's always someone being entertaining in some ridiculous way. Plus the bonfire outside is always going, and it's great to have on cold fall nights.
(4)Erock R.
Best dive bar in this city. The crowd is a mixed bag of random degenerates, hipsters, hippies, and just about everything else... I've never left Palmers without having a story to tell the next day. The staff is fucking awesome, anyone that says different belongs at Block E. If you go into this place and don't order a shot of some kind you're missing the point. Get fucked up!
(5)Hether S.
I love dive bars. Really, I do! But.... ...I don't care for this dive bar. I have been here a few times now, and each time is as equally as "un-good" as the last... It's crowded. If it is a Friday night + they have live music = this place turns into something it should never be allowed to turn into. It's like a Dive Bar's Evil Twin. First off - the stage is located in a corner. The same corner that shares it's space with part of the bar, the restrooms, the door to the outdoor patio, and a well displayed stuffed pheasant. So, if you come to Palmer's to *hear* live music...you are in luck (the sound system is pretty great). If you come to Palmer's to *see* live music...be prepared to be knocked around and have beer spilled on you constantly. Few other tid-bits... The bar area gets quite crowded - so if you are timid - you will never get a drink. No ATM. Interesting & eclectic clientele. Sketchy part of town. Grouchy bouncer.
(2)Bubba Z.
Reminds me a lot of Alphabet City, NYC, circa 90's. Lots of dreads, some rats, some punx/anarchists, and a few people on the shady side of life (they can get you anything you can't get at the local pharmacy). White, Black, Asian, Indian, & now Eritrean. For Mpls. this is truly a great racial mix though not really mixed in class. But that's ok -- yuppies sucked in the 80s early 90s and still do. Gotta let you all know that on Sundays they have a house band kickin out some sweet blues. And like the man said their jukebox is deep. But Sunday's really turns it into a nice gumbo of people all spicy and stewed. OK beers on tap, cheap local swill, and great shots. I say it's a "back" bar -- order a shot (large in a tall glass) and get your favorite chaser "back" and you're on your way. The make a strong mixed drink too. But, don't piss and moan about the sweet pungent smell around the fire pit. If you don't like it leave. If you need some, someone will share -- or a shady will get you squared away. I've been a reg since I've come back for a visit a couple weeks ago and I've never seen, or felt, any static. Just good vibes, from oldsters to young kids. Used to hate (hard-core clubbing dayz) now I appreciate. Stop in and see what it was like to be in Alphabet City, during it hay day , changed to embody what remains of the West-Bank of Mpls. Palmer's is last drinking establishment on the Bank. The West-bank has always been multicultural, anti-establishment, pro-legalization, and generally time-warped with all the marginalized of every era. Anti-smoking and catering to college money killed the others. Only four stars cause the dance floor is small and seating is limited inside.
(4)Sarah T.
Palmer's is one of the most *eclectic* bars in the T.C. The last three times I have been here they've had random food sitting out on the table right when you walk in the door. Folks in the bar (and people coming in off the street) have grazed on a buffet of food in take-out containers (Mexican I believe...with lots of wilted lettuce, if I remember correctly), a box of produce, or some chicken wings. Has Palmer's become something of a neighborhood bar/food shelf? If so, that's awfully nice of them to be supporting their clientele in such tough economic times. I was surprised to see the clientele switch gears at about 10:00 pm the last time I was here. It went from die hard locals to hipster college students. Interesting-- but since Palmer's welcomes people of all walks no one batted an eye.
(3)Sadie H.
A wonderful little bar. Perfect for extinguishing your youth. The bartenders are great, and after frequenting there for awhile, they know your drink by heart.
(5)Leticita C.
If you're looking for an unpretentious, awesome, eclectic dive bar, look no further. The drinks are ridiculously strong. I warn you, ordering shots will result in immediate drunkenness--I swear their shots are at least 3 oz. The staff is completely, utterly, awesome. Damn, I love that place. Some interesting facts: there is a tunnel under Cedar Ave connecting Palmers and the Nomad that was used during prohibition (it has been bricked over). It used to be a bordello. Also, it's haunted as hell. Just ask the staff.
(5)Justin V.
Palmer's is a dive bar. With that said, if you're looking for cheap drinks & to meet some crazy characters, Palmer's is the place for you. The drinks are cheap & you'll usually end up with 50-75% alcohol pours, so it's a good place to start (or end) your night. They don't take cards here, so bring cash unless you want to get snapped with ATM fees. They have live bands here sometimes and the bouncer will try to charge you a cover, but it's usually negotiable enough to warrant coming in still. Lack of food & ability to pay with cards are the only thing that keeps me from giving this place 5 divey stars.
(4)John B.
I went here one night after the Metrodome. I enjoyed the game, was happy the Twins lost, etc. But the most memorable thing about the night (and really, the entire weekend) was Palmer's. There was a man who introduced himself as being Liberian. For some reason he bought us two Grain Belts. He disappeared shortly thereafter and was later seen in deep commune with a homeless man who looked like Dan Hedaya and talked like Tom Waits. Also involved in their conversation were an Asian guy who looked like a grad student and a woman with two missing front teeth who was smoking Kool 100s. We were young and stupid then and determined to cram the night full of other bars. Palmer's turned out to be the best, by far. Even though we later got to listen to a very drunk man mournfully sing Johnny Cash ballads at U Otter Stop Inn. There used to be bars like this in Brooklyn, where I grew up. Not any more.
(5)Keith M.
Went here on a quiet afternoon, so there were only a handful of of patrons inside. The interior certainly shows its age, but felt somewhat cold where I was expecting character. The bartender was a nice older lady who could probably be just as un-nice and kick your ass to the curb. It seems much more bar than live music venue, but hey it's definitely there and not just as an after thought. I do my share of heading out solo and drinking alone, but meh, I was expecting more. Just had a strange vibe I wasn't digging. As far as the "sketchy" factor of the neighborhood, if West Bank were plopped overnight into any other Great Lakes city it would be considered "good", since sketchy neighborhoods elsewhere are actually sketchy and not filled with decent bars and restaurants. Case in point, a bar in a sketchy Columbus neighborhood had a drunk patron out front threatening to break my camera while I was photographing the neighborhood and just before I passed by there a woman of the night was being seriously chewed out by her pimp and a swat team was trading gunshots with drug dealers at a house a few blocks up: all within one hour in the middle of the day. Just sayin'.
(3)Mischa F.
Palmer's is a great place to get shitty. 7$ pitchers of Hamms on Mondays did me in earlier this week. In addition to cheap beer, the shots poured here are massive. The bartenders look tough and they don't really put up with shit, but they're a bunch of sweethearts when it comes down to it. My only complaint was one of the regulars wouldn't leave me alone. She was thrown out later in the evening, but I can only take so much touchy feely from a forty something toothless meth-head burnout.
(5)JARED T.
There is a reason the lanky mustachioed man in the bowler hat is leaning against the wall, it's because he's too f*%king schnookered from being served drinks at Palmer's to depend on his own two legs to support his drunk ass. This is a bar for serious drinkers. Don't judge, just drink.
(4)Krista F.
Well, the one thing I can say for sure is that I left with good stories! Strong drinks, fire pit in the back, live music, fantastic and completely weird mix of clientele. Great place to wrap up, or kick off, a night out.
(3)Susanna B.
Every time I come home I ALWAYS drink at Palmers. This was definitely my favorite bar when I lived in Minneapolis and one of the reasons i miss MN.... The bartenders are friendly and will pour your drinks VERY strong. Any and every time i am here i get very drunk!! Plus they have an outdoor patio that's great in the summer time.
(5)Nick C.
Dirty P's is a very fitting nickname for this bar (as I have heard it called). Somehow, it feels cozy yet kind of gross....sort of like a relatives house that very faintly smells of cat urine. This place doesn't smell of urine, per se...it has that patented weird Cedar Riverside smell that 80% of the neighborhood smells like. This place is best for the environment. Drinks are not as cheap as other neighborhood purveyors, so if you're on a budget or you're a tightwad...show up half in the bag. I am told they make stiff shots, but cant confirm or deny this.
(4)Laura P.
I dig this joint. It's the epitome of dive. The place is so cramped that I usually won't go in if it's busy. Everything is covered with grimey layer of charm. There are random awesome decorations all over. They customer demographic is impossible to pin down, you get people from all walks of life here. Definitely a good place for people watching. The drinks come strong and the personalities are even stronger. There is a girl that bar tends there, I think her name might be Brooke(?) She has long brown hair, usually has it in a pony tail and she wears glasses. Petite girl with a punch, I love her spunk and her sense of humor. Seriously, if she isn't working, I don't even want to go in. I love their patio area! They have a fire place out there!! How cool is that?? I don't smoke, but I enjoy sitting out by the fire any chance that I get. You can see some bands play here as well, which is always a perk.
(4)Sara C.
What a trip of a place. To start it off, the door guy flipped out when he saw the hometown on my Massachusetts license - turns out he grew up in a nearby town. Small world. Lots of punks, bikers, and even a pet rat that was hanging on the shoulders of a nearby customer. Two DJs near the front of the bar were spinning a wacky mix of 70s funk and 80s pop - including Purple Rain, which was appropriate while visiting Minneapolis. $2.50 mixed drinks that were 80% alcohol and 20% mix got me liquored up, stat. There were plenty of characters, indeed. Typical rundown dive bar decor - including an old Prohibition sign hanging over the bar. The back patio is also wonderful - Minneapolis loves those back patios. If this place were in Philly, I'd be here all the time.
(5)Curtis B.
hired as a musician and i was loading out and the Owner tried to break my Winshield with his arm !! it did not break and i know he had to hurt .i parked on the city side walk to load up my equiptment. as every time i been there which i aint no regular only doing this here for my all time musician buddy's to play some music..never again ..... friends Please.............
(1)Lauren H.
I have been fortunate to have kept myself off of the 86'd list. The people here are what the Triple Rock, CC and any other bar in the MPLS want to be. The largest mix of people in a part of the country that is thought to be primarily white. Yeah, someone recently was shot at here. It is truly a dive, there's always a chance of insane behavior. Which is why it's so fucking rad. And the Hamms on tap sort of helps out. I went to Palmfest 2 years in a row; one year some one opened a can of mace- an experience indeed, and then a nother year I saw the Knotwells inside the tiny bar. I have not been to such a united, painful punk rock show in years. The kids that frequent are standoffish, but get to know 'em - they'll help you up in the pit.
(5)caitlin n.
Great, generous bartenders when they aren't dealing with a crowd. One made my friend's shitty birthday night great with a round for the three of us, another said 'no prob' when I couldn't fully front my after-work beer. I came back a month later and paid him back with interest, he just grinned.
(3)Christina B.
There is nothing like Palmer's on a Sunday night. A word to the wise- be extra careful with the mixed drinks. Palmer's pours strong! The ambiance is unique and the patio a true melting pot. Enjoy!
(4)Kelsey K.
eek. I think I was informed when I went over to this place that someone had gotten stabbed recently inside. Oh well. Inside I went. Agreed it is the dive bar of dive bars. I am jealous to hear that Ralph got to hear some blues while he was there. I think I might have been wearing a white dress the first time I went (I have been a few times) and was sure I was going to walk out pretty much covered in grime. The backyard is a trip ( a quality bonfire was going which we sat around and enjoyed for a bit each time I have visited Palmers). I guess my advice would be its interesting but enter at your own risk.
(3)Lacey P.
The ceiling is creepy. Palmer's is old and has a jukebox and a firepit in the back. You may find yourself talking to someone you usually wouldn't get a chance to. Last time I was there everyone was talking about libraries. A very important topic. They have an 86'd board and a lot of old stuff there. It is fun. Their drinks are strong and there are pictures painted outside of leaning drunk dandies.
(5)Bigby S.
The best bar in America? Well, I'm not sure. I'm also not sure about a lot of things, like dysentery and women. But as far as I can fathom, it is the best bar in America, which puts in the running for best bar worldwide. Warning: those used to posh bars will probably not like it here and will probably not feel welcome. Why is Palmer's so great? Well, it is the only bar I have ever been to where the people are themselves. It is the only place where patrons actually seek out other cool people to talk and get drunk with. It is the only bar where you are guatanteed to leave with an interesting story to tell. Plus you can buy beads, weed (just kidding), or booze. The stiffest drinks in America are sold here for the cheapest price you can find. Beer selection is subpar, but whatever (Bells Two-Hearted is often on tap, so that's good). Otherwise sneak in one of your craft beers and buy a whiskey. Wonderful patio. Great music when they have it (3 or more days a week). Plus it is in the West Bank, the best area of Minneapolis. Hard Times, The Wienery, Triple Rock, and various restaurants devoted to Somali and Ethiopian cuisine lurk around the corner. This is the central place of West Bank that ties everything together. Either you get it or fuck you. P.S. don't get too drunk and belligerent here or you may be 86'ed. I have seen it happen on a couple of occasions.
(5)Jodi S.
best bonfire in the city, great place to sit and sing a round. order a mommy milkshake from seneka, delicious. great place, people, and music.
(5)Sven T.
Ok, if you don't know what this place is like find out before you come here. I've heard it said that the Cantina from Star Wars is an apt metaphor. This is NOT the same as the Triple Rock. You've been warned. I remember watching The Murder City Devils warm up for Modest Mouse about 8 years ago. Right before Modest Mouse takes the stage (not at Palmers but a bar very close to it) Isaac says, "They'res a bar over there called Palmers. We had a F****ng great time at Palmers. So there you have it. Don't wear your NASCAR jacket into this place if you want to walk out in one piece. Check out the fire pit out back and be sure to stay off the 86'ed list. Now that the Viking is closed Palmers has the best juke box in Minneapolis and the surrounding area by far. West Bank at its finest. Hands down.
(5)Kevin H.
This is a bar where you drink straight Jameson and stumble home smelling of cigarettes and campfire. The jukebox is straight out of an alternate history that seems to resemble Fight Club set in a Tarantino universe. Drinks are the strongest in town, and the staff is actually quite friendly as long as you're not an ass. Starting to have more live music as well. Not for the faintest of heart, but you'll be fine. Don't miss the patio. It really is a great time.
(5)Joseph W.
I don't know if everyone who patronizes this place has a story about it, but it seems like it. It seems like I get a good story pr'near every time I go! There was one time that I opened the door to walk in and a guy was getting punched out the door. I walked over him like it was nothing but inside I was like 'this is my wild wild west moment!' Then there was this other time that the cutest Mexican grandpa with full ranchero nudie suit on with cowboy hat and everything kept on passing out on his bar stool around last call. Such a precious memory, he really was the best and his kids were keepin' track of him. I really could go on but I'll use one more story as a word of caution: one time I got chunks in my Guiness here... so keep it simple. Cheap beers, simple mixed drinks this place is a blast!
(5)Matt R.
Wandered into this awesome dive bar looking for a restroom. Apparently there was a cover charge for the band but it was waived if I promised to "tip the bartender well". After I relieved myself I took a seat at the bar. Very diverse clientele. There was some awful electronic artist performing. Appreciated the effort, not so much the music. Asked for a shot of Jameson and got a LARGE shot plus Hamms beer chaser. Awesome. Overall has all the elements of a great dive (grimy, interesting clientele, strong cheap drinks). Worth checking out if you're on the West Bank.
(4)A B.
I was here on a visit a few months ago. I have never seen an outdoor fire pit at a bar. Ever. It was the perfect introduction to one. And Seneca was extremely nice (I still remember her name...it's unforgettable). She gave my friend a shot, but I can't take liquor, so I felt really bad that I refused a free shot from her (she gave me a shot of beer). And by the way, this establishment should not be categorized under 'dive bar'. I've been to a good few dive bars. In my honest opinion, this place is far from it.
(5)