Bartender Builds Astounding Lego Models of Iconic Minneapolis Bars

The details of Ryan Fuchs Lego models of Minneapolis dive bars are astounding. From the familiar exteriors to the glasses placed on the bar tops, the models he builds in a program called Studio evoke everything, but the stale beer smell of these beloved institutions. On his Flickr account, under the handle Slye Fox, Fuchs has built models of the CC Club, Spring Street Tavern, Otter’s Saloon, the much missed Lee’s Liquor Lounge, and even Mickey’s Dining Car.

According to local radio station the Current 89.3’s blog, the designs went viral when Nate Dugan of Trailer Trash, a band depicted in one of Fuch’s designs, shared the work to his Facebook page. In the model, Trailer Trash is rocking inside Lee’s, a specific account of a night inside the much-missed bar is remarkably accurate considering the brick’s presumed limitations. Even the bouncer outside the door looks familiar to someone who’s enjoyed several shows and bumps inside the Minneapolis venue.

Perhaps part of the appeal of peeking inside these remarkable designs in the twinge of nostalgia for pre-pandemic days of live music and the late night allure of cheap beer and fresh friendships made in the dark of a dive bar. All Minnesota bars are currently closed under the second statewide lockdown in response to the coronavirus.

Fuchs said that building the CC Club model would cost anywhere between $5,000 to $6,000. The recreated building would be approximately three feet wide, four feet long, and 18 inches high.

• Minneapolis bartender wows internet with hyper-detailed Lego models of CC Club, Lee’s, You Otter Stop Inn [theCurrent]
• Minneapolis Man Immortalizes Nye’s in Legos [FOX9]
• 11 Iconic Minneapolis Dive Bars [ETC]
• Minneapolis Bars and Restaurants Pause Dine In Service Again [ETC]