Volstead House - Whiskey Bar & Speakeasy Eagan

Imagine a portal to the era of the "Roaring Twenties": Volstead House is an authentic whiskey bar and speakeasy, hidden from the eyes of casual passersby in the suburbs of Saint Paul. This place masterfully recreates the mysterious atmosphere of the Prohibition era in the USA, offering guests more than just drinks, but a true immersion into history.

The establishment takes pride in its collection, which includes over 350 varieties of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch. The interior is designed in a classic 1920s style with dim lighting, vintage furniture, and even a cast-iron bathtub in the middle of the room, which is a direct reference to the "bathtub gin" of those years. There are no bright signs here, and the entrance is securely hidden behind an ordinary red door inside another restaurant.

The popularity of Volstead House stems from its unique character: it is a place where bartenders treat cocktail making as an art. The establishment's rating and numerous reviews confirm that it is one of the most interesting nightlife locations in Minnesota for connoisseurs of quality spirits and an intimate atmosphere.

For those planning a visit, below is the essential contact information. It is recommended to check for availability in advance, especially on weekend evenings.

The first part of your adventure begins with finding the secret entrance through the red door, which immediately sets the tone for the entire evening. Once inside, be sure to take your time exploring the drink menu. It is recommended to try the signature cocktails, such as the classic Old Fashioned or the unusual Brine Time with gin and notes of pickle. For those who prefer a pure taste, the bartenders will be happy to lead a tasting of rare whiskeys from the collection.

The cuisine here deserves special attention. Visitors often order the duck wontons with bacon and cream cheese or the tender tenderloin tips served with horseradish sauce. If you find yourself here on a Saturday or Sunday morning, don't miss the Prohibition-style brunch, where exquisite dishes are served alongside themed drinks.

In the evenings, live music complements the atmosphere, and many guests embrace the theme by arriving in 1920s flapper and gangster attire. It is the perfect place for a romantic date or a quiet evening with friends, where you can enjoy conversation in a setting completely isolated from the bustle of the modern world.

Finding the establishment is something of a quest, as it has no external signs or advertisements. Head to 1278 Lone Oak Rd in Eagan. You need to enter the Burgers and Bottles restaurant and find the inconspicuous red door that leads into the world of Volstead House. Eagan is located just a 10–15 minute drive from MSP Airport and the main districts of Saint Paul.

If you are planning to sample the spirits, it is best to use taxi services like Uber or Lyft — this is the most popular and safest option for the bar's guests. For those traveling by private car, convenient parking is provided next to the main building.

Public transport is available via the Metro Transit bus system from central areas to Eagan, though a short walk may be required from the stop. The walk from the Eagan Outlet Mall takes about 5–10 minutes.

The name of the establishment directly refers to Andrew Volstead, the author of the famous 1919 Volstead Act. This document laid the legal foundation for the introduction of Prohibition in the USA. Ironically, the name of the man who tried to ban alcohol now graces one of the most popular whiskey bars in the region.

The history of the space itself is interesting: it once housed a bathtub repair shop. Today, this is remembered by a unique decor element—an actual bathtub installed right in the lounge, which has become a favorite photo spot for visitors. The bar's concept perfectly recreates the "front business" model, where a secret life was hidden behind a legal storefront.

The interior and philosophy of the bar are inspired by two types of speakeasies: those that hid in dark alleys and those that disguised themselves as ordinary shops or cafes. At Volstead House, the emphasis is on simple classic recipes from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, using ingredients that were available to the bootleggers and bartenders of that era.

To fully soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a couple of signature cocktails, guests usually need 1 to 3 hours. This is enough time to appreciate the interior, explore the impressive whiskey list, and order a few appetizers from the menu.

If your visit coincides with the live music program or if you decide to stop by for the "illicit" weekend brunch, you should plan for about 4 hours. The cozy and slightly mysterious setting encourages long, leisurely conversations, so time flies by unnoticed.

The bar opens its doors daily in the late afternoon. The standard operating schedule is: Monday to Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and on Thursday the establishment stays open until 11:00 PM. On the most popular evenings—Friday and Saturday—the bar is open from 3:00 PM to midnight, while on Sunday it closes earlier, at 9:00 PM.

Special attention should be paid to the brunches, which are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the speakeasy atmosphere during the daytime.

A visit to this secret bar can be combined with exploring other interesting locations in the vicinity. The Eagan area and adjacent Saint Paul offer many options for cultural and active leisure.