A Fixture of the Minneapolis Music Scene is Buying Cedar-Riverside’s Beloved Dive Bar

Tony Zaccardi, well known in the local music as the dreadlocked, spectacled bass player for Romantica, and bartender at Grumpy’s Northeast is in the process of taking over ownership of Palmer’s Bar in Cedar-Riverside.

Zaccardi has so long been a part of the local music scene that he’s woven his way into the tapestry of the city’s sound with bands like Romantica, Kruddler, and the Guns N’ Roses cover Appetite for Zaccardi. He’s also long been found behind the bar at the Northeast dive bar and musician magnet, Grumpy’s Northeast. It makes sense that he would be the one to take over daily operations at one of the most storied bars in Minneapolis’ history.

Palmer’s opened at 500 Cedar Avenue South in 1906, made it through Prohibition and served as the setting for a couple of scenes in the locally filmed Charles Bukowski biopic, Factotum. It’s a landmark of a neighborhood bar and Zaccardi understands what makes this place so special. That’s why, according to a Star Tribune article, owner Lisa Hamner chose him to carry on the tradition. Hamner had been looking to sell the bar after the unexpected death of her husband Keith Berg in 2015.

Eater File Photo

Zaccardi won’t change much, but it’s expected that the live music might get a little more interesting as the changeover happens. For now, Zaccardi has signed a purchase agreement and the deal is expected to be finalized in May.

• Palmer’s Bar to be sold to a similarly indomitable Twin Cities bassist [STRIB]
• Palmer’s Bar, a West Bank institution, will be bought by Grumpy’s NE bartender Tony Zaccardi [CP]
• The Most Iconic Minneapolis Dive Bars [ETC]