The Hardware Store Speakeasy

I’ve been to plenty of speakeasies, but this one definitely stood out — not exactly for the right reasons.

I could’ve tossed my menu at the backs of the four servers heads standing right next to my table, yet somehow I still had to get up and order my own drink at the bar. And every time, I had to close out because they don’t allow tabs? That system is awkward on its own, but especially if you’re trying to bring someone on a date. Why not let me start a tab, or at least give me a QR code to order from my phone? At least?

Then there’s the time limit. I get the logic if you want to keep traffic moving, but it feels odd when you’re paying a premium to be there and it’s full of empty tables.

To be fair, the drinks were great and the atmosphere was fun — I wouldn’t tell people not to go. But between the self-service ordering, constant closing out, and the countdown clock on my table time, once was enough for me.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 2

Amazingly cool Speak Easy. Great help and super fun!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is a gem for Anoka. We had a great time, staff was unbelievable. Drink were outstanding. Service was great. We will definitely be back for more.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

The drinks go HARD. Make sure to reserve in advance for some awesome cocktails! Beware, as someone where 3 standard drinks put me to sleep, I could only finish The Red Light and sip the 2nd cocktail just barely being able to drive home. Try to pace yourself, but with a reservation slot of 90 minutes, you’ll need to be tactical

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always great. Great food. Great service. They even brought water for our dog!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great ambience, great drinks, great service! What more could you ask for?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food options are limited but the drinks are fantastic. One frustrating thing is that kids are not allowed. We completely understand not having kids allowed however that should really be stated on the website. We showed up with our baby after looking at the website to see if anything about kids was stated and there was nothing so we showed up and were told we couldn’t bring him in. Really frustrating after making the drive out.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

Had a fun time at this speakeasy with an alley entrance. I wanted to go here for a very long time and met some friends for a cocktail. The interior is very appealing with patterned, high tin ceiling and charming lighting. Our server was quite pleasant and efficient. I would like, you go to the bar for ordering, and they deliver to your table. In a narrow space that causes a bit of a traffic issue, however they limit the number of patrons inside, and the situation of your visit. This helps with traffic but it shortens the experience. 90 minutes went very quickly, and as our conversation hadn't naturally drawn to a close, we ended up going across the street to another place afterwards. The cocktails are very creative and delicious. I had the Light Bulb, a citrusy vodka cocktail which allows you to take home the light bulb it's served in. (Hardware Store, get it?) It's loud, so difficult to hear a conversation unless you're right next to the person. Fortunately, it requires a reservation, so there's virtually no wait. Definitely worth another visit.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Everyone who works here is super nice. I've been back multiple times and never had a bad drink.

Love this place!! A go-to for the best old fashioned (get it smoked - it's awesome).

This place was so much fun! Great cocktails! Fun atmosphere. I had a great experience and will be back!

You will not be disappointed with the unbelievable selection of whiskey and catalog of delicious, unique cocktails. The mixologists take their craft serious and make great tasting drinks. The wait staff is over the top friendly and the owners take pride in their establishment. The Hardware Store is a must visit.

The drinks, the snacks, everything about this place is incredible. We got lucky and were able to have a walk in table. Ordered drinks and snacks and loved every minute of it.

Finally made a stop in a couple Wednesday nights ago, not long after 4:00 open! I had circled the block a few times, then continued straight on 2nd rather than turn on Jackson. There it was! The single red light above an alley door! Street parking was free, easy & close. Great, since it was a rainy night. I entered to a little lobby like area. Taising took my name and info since i told her i didnt have a reservation. Appreciative that there were several chairs so I could sit before I was allowed to go back. Someone arrived to lead me back to my seat at the end of the bar. I enjoyed looking around as we made our way. Once seated at the bar I was given a cocktail menu booklet. Taising appeared again to let me know i had about 90 minutes before i would have to leave. I asked her how much notice would i be given, so i dont order a drink? Taising said she'd notify me about 30 minutes prior. What i really liked is you have to pay for each drink, no running tabs. I didnt ask their reasoning but i liked it from the perspective of knowing what you're spending. I was seated at the end of the bar so bartender Tacy was right there, I took advantage and chatted him up. It was Whiskey Wednesday night so I of course opted for an Old Fashioned! The featured whiskey was one I'd never heard of, Angels Envy, but trusted that it was a good one if they were featuring it... I wasn't wrong. After my Old Fashioned I chatted up Claudia behind the bar, she deemed the Uncle Eddie's Egg Nog her go-to, so I ordered one. Whoa!! I told Claudia; well I think that's better than an Old Fashioned, whoa!!! I decided to do one last cocktail before I called it a night...consulting Mo and Tacy I opted for the Dons Old Fashioned. Thanks Anoka Hardware Store for a delicious evening and a really fun and informative evening @ your speakeasy, cheers!

This was our second time there, it was just as great as the first and we will continue to go back. Great service, great cocktails and great atmosphere. Highly recommend checking it out!!