Better Known as Matt’s

In 1954, Matt Bristol took over a dark, 24-by-55-foot 3.2 joint he bought from a guy named Nibs Martin. The bar could hold 78 thirsty patrons. A couple month’s after he changed the name of the place to Matt’s, a cook was flipping hamburgers on a two-foot-wide grill at the end of the bar and … Read more

The President Cafe

Welcome to the President, the most exciting new dining room in piano bar in the Twin Cities area. Our main dining room offers cuisine prepared for your pleasure… Be it a luncheon or dinner- whatever your fancy for food you’ll enjoy the fight in taste pleasing food and beverages. Our cocktail lounge will accommodate you … Read more

At the Ranch House

This postcard was originally published by an outfit called Midwest Specialties in the 1950’s. Back in those days you could find a little old place called the Ranch House if you pointed your car south on Lyndale and rolled out to the horizon. The owner, Harriet Long, advertised good food and an environment dedicated to … Read more

On the Gluek Wagon

Founded in 1857, the Gluek Brewing is the oldest manufacturer in Minneapolis. The keg wagon pictured is drawn by pure-bred Belgian mares, bred and raised on the Gluek Farms. Our story’s told and now you see how we brew beer of quality. Every step we watch with care, the perfect product to prepare. For well … Read more

The Rainbow Cafe

Located in the heart of Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes District, the Rainbow was opened in 1919, and it has been operated ever since by the Legeros’ and their fine staff, some of whom have been with the restaurant for over 25 years. Originally the Rainbow was as large as the present Coffee Shop. It has … Read more

Theo. Hamm Brewing Co.

Brewing and malting are amongst the great industries of St. Paul. The three indigenous and five agency establishments in this business have an invested capital of $5,000,000, and employ several thousand men. The Theo. Hamm Brewing Co., Minnehaha and Greenbrier, operates the largest plant. Following are a few interesting statistics relative to the business and … Read more

On Top of the Hilton

The official opening of the $13.3 million Saint Paul Hilton was planned and prepared down to the last introduction, everything but the ribbon. “We discovered last night that we had no ribbon to cut, ” one of the planners confided to reporters assembled for the big day. A ribbon was procured, appropriately cut, and the … Read more

Zahnen’s Affenkasten

A Grill Room has been unknown to Minneapolis men until Peter Zahnen opened his German Grill Room at 253 Hennepin. You cannot do better than to pay this excellent little cafe a visit. The sea foods are excellent. If you are tired of the ordinary restaurant, you will do well to try Zahnen’s German Grill … Read more

The Criterion in the Midway

According to the usual round up of unreliable sources, Ray Kroc found his way north to Minnesota in 1957 and opened the first McDonalds Roseville. A second franchise was in the works with Jim Zien, the owner of the Criterion on University Avenue. Kroc spent his evening time at Zien’s restaurant listening to the soothing … Read more