Some places in North St Paul have been around a while, but one corner spot has been open since Grover Cleveland was in the White House. It still has its old ceilings, its old woodwork, and two famous frogs living in the front window.
Vintage lovers and history buffs keep finding their way here to see what 1887 looks like when it never closes up shop. Keep reading to learn its story, its quirks, and the practical tips that make a visit easy.
A Corner of North St Paul With a Long Memory
Downtown North St Paul is a compact, walkable area, and one of its oldest addresses sits right in the middle of it. Neumanns Bar is found at 2531 7th Ave E, North St Paul, MN 55109, in the United States.
The building houses a bar and grill that has become a local landmark. Its reputation rests on a simple idea: keep the history, keep the doors open, and keep the neighborhood coming back.
Plenty of people living nearby treat it as a true neighborhood hangout. Some can walk right over, which says a lot about how woven into daily life it is.
The surrounding streets also hold other local bars and shops. That makes the area handy for anyone planning a small afternoon outing rather than a single stop.
Vintage collectors in particular tend to appreciate the setting. Few businesses in the state can match the age of what is still standing and operating here.
The spot is open every day of the week, with a schedule that starts in the morning and runs late into the night. More on those hours later, because the story of how this place got here comes first.
The 1887 Claim on the Wall
Bragging rights do not come much older than this. Signage inside the building declares it has been operating since 1887 and calls it the oldest bar with the oldest fixtures in the State of Minnesota.
That title gets talked about constantly. Many people make the trip specifically because they want to say they have been to the oldest bar in Minnesota.
Some groups even plan a lunch outing around it. The history is the hook, and the friendly room is what keeps them in their seats.
The claim is not just about the business itself. It also points to the fixtures, meaning the physical pieces of the room carry the same long timeline.
For history fans, that detail matters. A space with original features feels like a working museum, except nobody asks anyone to stay behind a rope.
The age of the place also shapes its personality. It does not try to look modern or polished, and it does not need to.
Fun fact: 1887 was the same decade North St Paul itself was getting started. The bar and the town have essentially grown up side by side, which is a pretty good reason to stop by and say hello.
Ceilings Worth Looking Up For
Neck strain is a real risk here, and it is worth it. The historic plated ceilings are one of the most admired features in the whole building.
Those ceilings pair with plenty of wood throughout the room. Together they give the interior an unmistakably old-school character that newer bars try hard to copy.
Antique touches pop up all over the space. Vintage collectors will find plenty to study while they settle in at a table or along the rail.
The room is a single level, and it is on the tight side. That compact layout keeps everything close, so the details are never far from view.
What makes it special is that nothing feels staged. These pieces are part of a working business, used every day since long before anyone reading this was born.
Modern life has crept in a little, of course. TVs and a TouchTunes music box share the space with the old fixtures.
Somehow the mix works. The century-old craftsmanship stays the star, and the screens simply play a supporting role for anyone catching a game.
Bring a phone for photos. The ceiling alone tends to end up in more than a few camera rolls.
Moose, Caribou and Nostalgic Signs
Some walls display art. These walls display a caribou, a moose, and a crowd of other game mounts.
Mixed in with the wildlife are nostalgic signs from decades past. The combination gives the room a true Minnesota cabin-meets-corner-bar personality.
Vintage sign collectors will want extra time here. Old advertising pieces are a big part of what makes the interior fun to browse.
Nothing about the decor is curated in a fussy way. It reads more like a collection that grew naturally over many years of local life.
That organic feel is part of the charm. Each piece seems to have a backstory, even if nobody at the next table knows exactly what it is.
Asking around is encouraged. Regulars are known for chatting easily, and the walls give plenty of conversation starters.
Souvenir hunters have an option too. The bar sells postcards for $1, which makes for an affordable keepsake from the oldest bar in the state.
A postcard from 1887 territory, mailed to a friend, might just be the most Minnesota souvenir possible. It certainly beats another refrigerator magnet.
Two Famous Frogs in the Window
Most bars have a mascot painted on a sign. This one has two live ones hopping around the front window.
A pair of large bullfrogs actually lives in the window display. They have become one of the most talked-about details of the entire place.
Animal fans and herpetology enthusiasts tend to light up when they spot them. Kids usually do too.
The frogs are fully enclosed and kept separate from any food areas. That setup lets everyone enjoy them without any worry.
Nobody seems quite sure how many people stop on the sidewalk just to watch them. It is safe to say the frogs draw a crowd of their own.
They also add a dose of humor to the building’s serious history. A spot that dates back to 1887 could easily feel stuffy, and the frogs make sure it never does.
Little quirks like this are what separate a historic bar from a historic monument. People remember the ceilings, but they talk about the frogs.
Be sure to say hello on the way in. They may not answer, but they are clearly the most relaxed regulars in the building.
A Menu With a Story on the Back
Flip the menu over before ordering. The back holds a written history of the place, and it is known for getting a few laughs.
That story is a small but memorable touch. It turns a routine glance at the menu into a quick history lesson with personality.
The front side keeps things simple. Expect classic pub grub, the kind of casual fare built for a relaxed meal rather than a fancy night out.
Nobody comes here for a white tablecloth experience. The appeal is honest bar and grill cooking in a setting that has stayed true to itself.
Pricing is a big part of the draw. The food is described as priced right, and lunch deals in particular offer strong value.
There is a breakfast option on the menu as well. Some people order it to go, which is handy for early risers since the doors open at 10 AM.
Food-focused day-trippers will appreciate the combination of value and history. Few lunches come with a free story about 1887 printed on the back.
Save a moment to read the whole thing. It sets the stage nicely for everything else in the room.
Live Music in a Snug Room
Big arenas have their place. Some of the best shows happen in rooms where the band is practically sitting at the next table.
Live music is one of the defining features here. It comes up more often than almost anything else when people describe the bar.
The space is a smaller venue, which makes every performance feel personal. There is no nosebleed section when the whole room is one level.
Weekends are a popular time to catch a set. Some couples make a habit of coming specifically for the music and staying for the company.
The mix of locals at the rail and performers in the corner creates its own entertainment. Conversations and music blend into a lively evening.
On non-music nights, the TouchTunes box keeps the soundtrack going. Guests can pick their own songs and take a turn as the evening’s DJ.
Calling ahead or checking the website is smart before planning around a specific show. Schedules can change, and nobody wants to arrive on the wrong night.
Grab a seat early when a band is booked. A room this cozy fills up faster than the frogs can blink.
The Heated Patio on the Side
Minnesotans know how to squeeze every last minute out of patio season. A heated patio helps stretch that season a little further.
The side patio is one of the bar’s most popular spots. It earns nearly as much attention as the live music.
During warmer months, the patio opens up for seating. Servers bring food and orders out, so nobody has to keep running inside.
The patio has a reputation for being a great place to relax. Friendly regulars often spill out there too, keeping the social energy going.
People watching is another bonus. Downtown North St Paul has a steady flow of neighborhood life passing by.
The patio offers a nice contrast to the historic interior. Guests get both the old-school room and an open-air option in a single visit.
Winter is a different story inside. The building can run cold on very chilly days, so bringing a jacket is a sensible move.
That is simply part of the deal with a structure this old. Thick layers are a small price for drinking in 1887 architecture, and the patio heaters do their part when the weather allows.
Vintage Car Nights
Old cars and an old bar make a natural pair. Vintage car nights are part of the lineup here, bringing classic rides to the neighborhood.
The events fit the building’s personality perfectly. A bar that dates to 1887 is right at home surrounded by chrome from earlier decades.
Vintage collectors who love automobiles will find a lot to enjoy. The car nights add another layer of nostalgia to an already historic stop.
Motorcycle enthusiasts also feel welcome here. Riding gear and band tees fit right in with the relaxed crowd.
These evenings tend to draw people who enjoy conversation as much as the vehicles. Swapping stories about restorations and road trips is half the fun.
The event calendar can vary, so checking the website before heading out is a good idea. That way, the trip lines up with the right night.
Even outside of scheduled events, the bar carries a clear love of all things classic. The car nights simply bring that appreciation out onto the street.
Pairing a car show with a historic interior creates a very specific kind of evening. It is the sort of outing that feels like a trip through several decades at once.
Regulars at the Rail
Strangers do not stay strangers for long here. Within minutes, newcomers often find themselves pulled into conversation with the regulars.
The crowd is described as welcoming and full of characters. Sharing stories and laughs with locals is a big part of the experience.
The staff adds to that friendly mood. Servers are known for being kind, attentive, and quick with a joke.
Families have noted that staff members are good with kids. That warmth helps the bar feel like a true community spot.
It is an unpretentious dive bar at heart. Some people love that small-town feel, while others looking for trendy cocktails may want to look elsewhere.
Honesty helps set expectations. This is not a cocktail lounge, and it does not pretend to be one.
For those who enjoy local color, the rail is the best seat in the house. The conversations there are often as entertaining as any live band.
History buffs can learn plenty just by listening. Longtime locals tend to carry stories that never made it onto the back of the menu.
Pull up a stool and settle in. The regulars will probably take it from there.
Daily Specials and Raffle Days
Deal hunters, take note. Specials run every day of the week, covering both food and other menu items.
The weekday lunch special is a standout. From Monday through Friday, between 10 AM and 2 PM, the lunch deal runs about $8.
Prices like that are hard to find these days. Earlier versions of the deal were even lower, so the value has held up well over time.
Toppings can be customized on the lunch special. That flexibility helps everyone build their meal exactly the way they like it.
Lunchtime crowds can vary. A noon visit on a Saturday has been known to be calm, with quick seating and fast service.
Raffles add a bit of extra excitement. A classic Minnesota meat raffle has been part of the action, a beloved tradition at many local bars.
These little extras keep regulars coming back. They also give newcomers a taste of authentic neighborhood bar culture.
Food-focused day-trippers will appreciate a stop where the price matches the experience. A historic setting plus a weekday deal is a hard combination to beat.
Ask the staff what is on special that day. The answer changes often enough to make repeat visits worthwhile.
Cash, Cards and a Come-As-You-Are Dress Code
Leave the fancy shoes at home. The dress code here is about as casual as it gets.
T-shirts, denim, polos, cargo shorts, tank tops, band tees, and motorcycle gear all fit right in. Nobody is checking outfits at the door.
Payment deserves a quick heads-up. The bar has long been known as cash only, and that reputation still comes up often.
Cards have been accepted in more recent years. There is a small service charge for paying by card, though.
Carrying some cash is the easiest approach. It avoids the fee and keeps things simple, especially on busy music nights.
Families should know one more detail. Highchairs have not been available, so parents with toddlers may want to plan around that.
Restrooms are basic, with one for women and one for men inside. An outdoor portable restroom has also been available out back during busier times.
None of these details are deal breakers. They simply reflect a small, historic building that keeps its operation straightforward.
Knowing the basics ahead of time makes the visit smoother. A little cash and casual clothes are really all anyone needs.
Hours, Parking and Getting There
Late risers and night owls are both covered. The bar opens at 10 AM and stays open until 1 AM, seven days a week.
That schedule makes it easy to plan around. Lunch, an afternoon break, or a late evening stop all work on any day.
Parking takes a little planning. Most spots are on the street, which is typical for a historic downtown area.
A tiny lot out back offers a few additional spaces. There is also a labeled back door, which makes entry simple from that side.
Arriving early helps on weekends. Music nights and patio season can make spaces harder to come by.
The bar is in downtown North St Paul, just east of St. Paul. It works well as part of a wider outing, since other shops and bars are close by.
Hockey fans have stopped in before local games too. The location makes it a convenient spot before heading to nearby events.
Checking the official website before the trip is always smart. Event schedules and specials can change from week to week.
Once parked, the frogs in the window will point the way in. They are excellent greeters, if a bit quiet.
A Soft Verdict for History Hunters
Some places earn their fame with flash. This one earned it by simply staying put since 1887.
The bar offers a rare mix of history, value, and neighborhood warmth. Plated ceilings, wildlife mounts, nostalgic signs, and two famous frogs make the room memorable.
It is not for everyone. Those hoping for gourmet plates or craft cocktails may find it too simple.
Those who love authentic local spots will feel right at home, though. Vintage collectors, history buffs, and bargain lunch fans all have reasons to visit.
The live music and heated patio add plenty of reasons to return. Vintage car nights and daily specials keep the calendar interesting.
Bring cash, dress casually, and pack a jacket in winter. Leave room in the schedule to chat with the regulars.
A $1 postcard makes a fitting keepsake. It is a small reminder of a stop that connects modern Minnesota with its past.
There are newer bars in the state, and plenty of fancier ones. Very few can say they have been part of local life for well over a century.
For anyone curious about what 1887 looks like today, the answer is waiting in downtown North St Paul. The door is open at 10 AM.
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