The Hardware Store

The Hardware Store

201 Jackson St #101, Anoka, MN 55303, United States

+1 763-316-6118

Cocktail bar, Live music bar
(518)
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About This Place

The Hardware Store in Anoka, MN, is an exceptional cocktail and live music bar that masterfully blends a speakeasy vibe with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Tucked away behind an unassuming alley door marked only by a single red light, this hidden gem surprises guests with its stylish old-school decor and thoughtfully curated ambiance. Upon entering, the unique layout instantly captivates — a small lobby space leads you into a cozy “speakeasy” where velvet chairs and moody lighting set the stage for a memorable night out.

What truly sets The Hardware Store apart is their dedication to craft cocktails. Whether you're drawn to classic favorites like the smoky Smoked Old Fashioned, the silky Tequila Diamond Old Fashioned, or the exotic flair of the Mexican Millionaire, each drink is a carefully composed work of art. The menu also features playful, creative twists such as the Birthday Cake, Gin Mai Tai, and the intriguingly named Not Your Average Mai Thai. If you’re feeling adventurous, the bar’s unique concoctions like the Bar Tender Whip Up or the Marilyn's Nightcap provide a sophisticated flavor journey. Pair your cocktail with a perfectly arranged Charcuterie Board or freshly crisp Veggie Sticks, and you have a full sensory experience that delights both the palate and the eye.

Customer testimonials consistently rave about the ambiance and service here. Cassidy La Clair calls it a “super cute place” with “endless choices for drinks,” while Kelly Royal highlights the “good quality drinks in a relaxing atmosphere,” praising the Wednesday Old Fashioned specials and the standout “Versace” cocktail. Haley S shares an unforgettable moment discovering the speakeasy door, describing the vibes as “fantastic” and the old-school seating as inviting and authentic. Abigail Reiter sums it up best, recommending The Hardware Store as the perfect date night venue with “fantastic music, amazing cocktails,” and a must-try $6 Old Fashioned on Wednesdays.

Whether you are an Anoka local or willing to make the drive, The Hardware Store offers a distinctive escape where expertly mixed drinks and live music create a vibrant yet intimate experience. Just be sure to make your reservation in advance to secure a spot, as the thoughtfully managed seating ensures an exclusive, relaxed evening for all guests. In every detail, from the moment you step through that secretive alley door to your last sip, The Hardware Store crafts an experience that feels both timeless and effortlessly cool.

Service options
Outdoor seating Dine-in Delivery Takeaway
Highlights
Fast service Great cocktails Live music Live performances
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Food Food at bar Happy-hour drinks Spirits Wine
Dining options
Seating
Amenities
Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Groups Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Free multi-storey car park Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    Closed
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    04:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday
    03:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Cassidy La Clair
    1 month ago

    Super cute place! Highly recommend going when they have live Music. They have endless choices for drinks!

  • haley s
    1 month ago

    My fiancee and I truly loved this place! When you first walk in you don't see the bar or seating, and then they open a door out of no where into the "speakeasy" area. Took us by surprise! Not to mention, the man that checked us in was absolutely awesome! You walk in and the vibes are fantastic, old school seating and decor. We walked up to the bar, they took our orders, and it was very smooth. Charcuterie board was tasty and worth the price. They also had a small band playing old music (may have been an event - it was a Thursday?), it added to the ambiance and we could still hear eachother talk. All in all it was wonderful and we will be back!

  • Nikki B
    1 month ago

    Finally made a stop in a couple Wednesday nights ago, not long after 4:00 open! I had circled the block a few times, then continued straight on 2nd rather than turn on Jackson. There it was! The single red light above an alley door! Street parking was free, easy & close. Great, since it was a rainy night. I entered to a little lobby like area. Taising took my name and info since i told her i didnt have a reservation. Appreciative that there were several chairs so I could sit before I was allowed to go back. Someone arrived to lead me back to my seat at the end of the bar. I enjoyed looking around as we made our way. Once seated at the bar I was given a cocktail menu booklet. Taising appeared again to let me know i had about 90 minutes before i would have to leave. I asked her how much notice would i be given, so i dont order a drink? Taising said she'd notify me about 30 minutes prior. What i really liked is you have to pay for each drink, no running tabs. I didnt ask their reasoning but i liked it from the perspective of knowing what you're spending. I was seated at the end of the bar so bartender Tacy was right there, I took advantage and chatted him up. It was Whiskey Wednesday night so I of course opted for an Old Fashioned! The featured whiskey was one I'd never heard of, Angels Envy, but trusted that it was a good one if they were featuring it... I wasn't wrong. After my Old Fashioned I chatted up Claudia behind the bar, she deemed the Uncle Eddie's Egg Nog her go-to, so I ordered one. Whoa!! I told Claudia; well I think that's better than an Old Fashioned, whoa!!! I decided to do one last cocktail before I called it a night...consulting Mo and Tacy I opted for the Dons Old Fashioned. Thanks Anoka Hardware Store for a delicious evening and a really fun and informative evening @ your speakeasy, cheers!

  • kelly royal
    2 month ago

    We enjoyed a couple drinks while here today. The old fashioned special on Wednesdays is really good. We also had the "Versace" which was amazing! All our drinks had really good flavor. Next time we'll try the charcuterie app also. If you want good quality drinks in a relaxing atmosphere, you won't go wrong choosing the Anoka hardware!

  • Abigail Reiter
    2 month ago

    Great vibes, fantastic music, and amazing cocktails. Don’t miss out on their $6 old-fashioned Wednesdays! This is the perfect date night, with mood lighting, comfy velvet chairs, and live music that does not disappoint for the perfect evening out. This is worth a drive out even if you are not nearby! As a heads up it does require a reservation in advance, and you get the table for 2 hours typically.

  • V
    3 month ago

    We checked out this speak easy in anoka The Hardware Store. You make a reservation, then have a few hours to enjoy cocktails. You're notified about 10 to 15 minutes before the end of your reservation. You walk in through a door with a red light in an aly and are greeted by a small clerk at a front desk with a room adorned with various tools. Once you approach the clerk, you tell them the special order, and you're escorted to your seat beyond a passage. Once inside, you're greeted by musice and a relaxing ambiance that takes you back in time. You're seated, and you review your menu and order from people taking orders around the bar, and then your drink is delivered to you. They have a few snacks and a great charcuterie board. The service is second to none and very fast. The bartenders work their magic to make your beverage and serve you at your table. Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. Thank you, staff, for an amazing evening, and we will be back. They have lots of swanky cocktails and an extensive whiskey list. There is a parking ramp a few hundred feet from the entrance. #anokamn #Minnesota #thehardwarestore

  • Susan Ramlet
    4 month ago

    Had a fun time at this speakeasy with an alley entrance. I wanted to go here for a very long time and met some friends for a cocktail. The interior is very appealing with patterned, high tin ceiling and charming lighting. Our server was quite pleasant and efficient. I would like, you go to the bar for ordering, and they deliver to your table. In a narrow space that causes a bit of a traffic issue, however they limit the number of patrons inside, and the situation of your visit. This helps with traffic but it shortens the experience. 90 minutes went very quickly, and as our conversation hadn't naturally drawn to a close, we ended up going across the street to another place afterwards. The cocktails are very creative and delicious. I had the Light Bulb, a citrusy vodka cocktail which allows you to take home the light bulb it's served in. (Hardware Store, get it?) It's loud, so difficult to hear a conversation unless you're right next to the person. Fortunately, it requires a reservation, so there's virtually no wait. Definitely worth another visit.

  • Eric Fritsche
    4 month ago

    The drinks go HARD. Make sure to reserve in advance for some awesome cocktails! Beware, as someone where 3 standard drinks put me to sleep, I could only finish The Red Light and sip the 2nd cocktail just barely being able to drive home. Try to pace yourself, but with a reservation slot of 90 minutes, you’ll need to be tactical

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