Urban Charm Meets Historic Cozy: Happy Hour at the Stone Arch Bar

Story and photos by Julie Craven

The last train rolled out in 1971, but the old Milwaukee Road Depot, now The Depot and Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, continues to be a hub in the city, just as it has for over 100 years.

At its peak in the 1920’s as many as thirty trains crossed the Stone Arch Bridge to reach the Depot each day. The converted space has many functions today, including a gathering spot for drinks, small plates, soups, salads, sandwiches and signature dishes at The Stone Arch Bar. In true Minnesota fashion, there's walleye on the menu.

On this night, Mill City Commons hosted a monthly happy hour at the The Stone Arch Bar and about 30 of the group’s members mingled with hosts Penny Hunt and Pat Hoven. One of the great things about The Stone Arch Bar is the people watching. On any given night, it's a combination of “who’s in the house” and folks from the neighborhood. When I asked how often groups scheduled events there, the bartender replied there is a small group reservation about twice a week.

Later, Doug and I ordered the cheese plate and the Sticky Toffee Almond Cake. The cheese plate had a variety of the expected and the unexpected. Smoked bleu cheese and a chipotle-flavored cheddar, as well as yummy truffle almonds, pure honey and an assortment of fresh berries. The unexpected item was a wonderful yogurt cheese that was spreadable and well paired with crispy lavash.

A poll of the waitstaff provided a short list of food favorites: the fish tacos, available with either walleye or tuna, the charcuterie plate and the cheese plate are some of the most frequently ordered items. Shareable and familiar, with a twist.

I'll confess that any food spot located in a restored railroad depot automatically gets my vote. I love trains. My dad was the General Agent for the Chicago Great Western in Waterloo, Iowa and he had a passion for the railroads. That meant, in the Henderson family, rail cars were the equivalent of moving flash cards and we learned the logos for all the railroad lines about the same time we learned to count. When the family station wagon was stopped at a crossing for a train, the shouting erupted, “Rock Island, Santa Fe, Canadian Pacific!"  It was one of those times when being the oldest and loudest was an advantage when it came to being the first to identify the cars on a fast moving train!

Happy Hour specials, Monday - Friday, 3pm - 6pm

Food service from 2pm - 11pm daily

Location:  Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, 225 South 3rd Avenue

Website:  http://www.thedepotminneapolis.com/

Julie Craven can be reached at julie@millcitymedia.org

Above, one of the many life-size statues you'll find loitering about the property.