It is easy to envision Palmer’s as a turn of the century watering hole, particularly because the floor is original, a red and white emblem of Grain Belt Brewery, original owner of the space when the brewery did business as the Minneapolis Brewing Company. The ceiling may not be confirmed original, but it certainly looks it, patterned tile atop crown molding interspersed with wooden beams throughout given the same patterned treatment.
Inside the front door feels almost like a waiting area before entering the full scope of the space, an alcove that features a vintage piano and Wall of Fame with framed photos of Palmer’s favorites over the years. The shrine of sorts is accompanied by exposed brick walls and classic music posters tracing the history of Palmer’s as a past and present music venue of note in Minneapolis.
Vintage photos show the dive bar’s signature slender space as it once was, which is not far off from today’s angled footprint that stretches from the front door, tapering to a narrow point at the end of the bar. Though it doesn’t look it at first glance, the tip of the space is home to the dive bar’s stage, home to a rotating set of musical acts that surprisingly cram themselves onto a stage that looks like it might hold a musician, a guitar and not much else. Those working at Palmer’s assured this reviewer on a recent visit that the stage is more spacious than it seems.
