Erected in 1901, the familiar brick building with the turret at the corner of Second Street and Second Avenue has always been home to a liquor establishment, except when it housed the Garrick Theater and the United Food Store during prohibition. The business has changed hands many times with the current owners the longest-term proprietors.
Tracy Reese purchased the bar when she was just 21 years old. The business evolved into a family endeavor with sister, Miranda; mom, Brenda and partner, Bill Ringeisen. The family celebrated 20 years of ownership on September 28th with all-day drink specials and evening entertainment by Hayden Ashworth and Generation. The bar business has its ups and downs and varies with the seasons. Good snowmobile weather will bring customers in during the winter but one of the most memorable days was one summer when 300 motorcycles rolled in from the Metro area.
There is always something interesting on the schedule like the recent chili cook-off or trucker hat pop-up event. Melissa Ledford started her hat making business this summer. She offers a wide variety of hat colors and patches to mix and match to create your own style. Once you decide on a design, the patches are taped in place and heated with a hat press until they are adhered to the cap.
You can often find great local musical entertainment in the bar and also on the outdoor patio in the summer. Try your luck at the Friday night meat raffles or watch the game on Sundays. Sign up for a fun creative class such as the upcoming Rustic Sparkle jewelry making event on November 30th, or the wood mosaic class on December 20th.
Stop in the bar during the Kristkindle Market December 7th to warm up with soup, hot chocolate and a build-your-own S’mores bar. You can also enjoy other special things they have planned including cookie decorating, a holiday door hanger workshop, local crafters’ wares, and music from 4-7 PM. Share more holiday spirit December 21st with an ugly sweater contest that begins at 5 PM.
The Reese family invites you to step into the historical building that offers so many opportunities for contests and events. Don’t forget it’s a full-service bar and grill with daily lunch specials from 11AM-1PM. Popular specials include Taco Tuesday 11AM-7PM and Friday night fish basket 4-7PM.
