A Minneapolis Institution Destroyed

Yesterday morning, around 10:30 Am, a 2-alarm fire broke out in a building housing several apartments and a furniture store connected to Maxwell's American Cafe at 1201 Washington Avenue S in downtown Minneapolis. The blaze was likely accidental, but there is no confirmation on how or where it began. Flames quickly engulfed the complex and spread to the bar.

The establishment has been my personal hangout for over three years of college, then beyond and holds special meaning to many students and locals that found the bar both comfortable, welcoming and genuine. It was truly the only drink joint I felt I could claim as 'my bar' and one I was proudly planning to take out-of-town guests to this weekend. That plan, sadly has changed. No one was injured in the event, but one resident of an apartment located above the bar believes their cat perished in the fire.


Maxwell's Fire - Minneapolis, MN

Maxwell's is everything the clubs and mega-bars aren't. It's tiny, filled with regulars and staffed with a group of loyal servers and bar tenders that truly do remember your name, face and favorite drink. The wings are phenomenal and moderately priced on Tuesdays & Thursdays; the pub's busiest times next to their lunches. Given the proximity to the Metrodome, Maxwell's is also known as a popular pre and post-game location for Twins, Gopher & Vikings fans. Most importantly, their tap selection of beer is always rotating, they offer great TVs for viewing games and their outdoor patio provided the perfect location to sip an ale under the summer sky.

What's to happen with Maxwell's now that it has been virtually demolished? Maybe just that, the complete destruction and then reconstruction could be the only option. Time will tell if the building can be salvaged (unlikely) or if the owner's will be able to rebuild at all. Regardless of what happens, loyalists such as myself will do everything in our power to see Maxwell's standing yet again.

Email Maxwell's to wish them the best following their loss at maxwells@maxwellsbar.net or join the Facebook group: 'Mourning Maxwells Pub- We Must Rebuild!' to connect with others that want to help ensure Maxwell's resurrection after this tragic event.

Disclaimer: The pictures and video are copyright of their owners and were borrowed for this post without permission. Photos were taken from Maxwellsbar.net and the video filmed by Ed Kohler.
Other resources: Star Tribune Article