Sooooooo there’s a speakeasy in Eagan. Yeah, seriously, in EAGAN. My mind was blown, too. When we saw it on google maps we didn’t believe it was true and originally thought we were mistaken or that it had gone out of business because when we pulled up the restaurant said Burgers & Bottles, but low and behold, when we walked in we were directed to the red door and Volstead House Whiskey Bar + Speakeasy beyond.
Full disclosure: we actually ended up going back a second time on the following Sunday, because the bartender let us know it was half off pours so this Hipster Hack actually covers two visits and we are not, in fact, giant lushes haha.
Snacks:
Duck Wontons: Duck bacon / sweet corn / peppers / cream cheese
They have a small food menu consisting of mostly apps. The duck wontons were SO good. They do only come in threes so we actually ended up getting two orders…a his & hers if you will haha.
Blackened Tenderloin Tips: Mushrooms / horseradish sauce
These steak bites were delightful. We ordered them medium-rare (which is the only real way to eat steak) and the whole combo of mushrooms, onion and horseradish was really good.
Drinks:
Pistachio Cocktail & Old Fashioned
I can’t remember what my drink was called, but the bartender said he had one left so I ordered it and it was delightful. Husband had a rye old fashioned (per usual).
This whiskey list is PAGES long. Husband very quickly decided that he had not only found his mecca, but proclaimed to me on multiple occasions that he was going to move in there and never leave (which is also why it should be no surprise that we returned 6 days later hahaha).
Brine Time: Gin Mare, House Made Pickle Juice, Holiday Aquavit, Dolin Blanc Vermouth, Cocktail Onion
I very much stepped out of my comfort zone to order the Brine Time, but I love pickle juice and I’m a fan of gin so I decided to try it out. I was warned that people either love it or hate it and husband absolutely hated it haha. I didn’t exactly like it, but it wasn’t something I “hated.” The pickle juice and gin combo is just very unique. For me the thing that threw me off was the overpowering onion flavor. I could have done without that.
Ruby Rose: Cocchi Americano Rosa, Cocchi Americano Blanco, Grapefruit Syrup, Lemon Juice, Lambrusco Rose
This cocktail was definitely my favorite. I may not be a huge wine person, but I do love a wine cocktail.
Patagonia Parley: Trakaakal, Apricot Eau De Vie, Amaro Nino, Grapefruit Syrup, Lime Juice
In case you’re like me and had to google it, apparently trakaakal is a pear-and-crabapple liquor that is infused with locally grown herbs and berries. I loved that this was sort of bitter and citrus at the same time.
Atmosphere/Service:
Husband and the bartender basically became best friends. Pro tip – as mentioned, we were told that on Sundays they do half off pours so it’s a great opportunity if you’re wanting to try a higher tier whiskey at a more affordable price!
The whole experience was great. The speakeasy vibe is strong. They don’t advertise or even have signage out, which makes total sense since they’re a speakeasy and the decor is very 1920s which I love. There’s even a bathtub in the room haha.
Highly recommend checking it out.
Volstead House Whiskey Bar and Speakeasy
1278 Lone Oak Rd
Eagan, MN 55121
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Hipster Hack 