Al’s Liquor

For all you lovers of Al’s (and I know there are loads of you out there), tonight is Al’s «Last Call». After 2 am, Al’s will officially be no more.
It’s rockin right now, and is sure to get even crazier as the evening goes on. The wonderful eclectic mix that is Al’s can be seen in full force. Bikers, Yuppies, Blue Collars, White Collars, Families, and everything in between has shown up for today’s last call. You can even buy a commemorative T-​shirt and print. Loads of cameras, and even news groups are trying to capture footage before their interviewees get too loaded.
I wish I could be eulogizing with the rest of the crowd all day, but, alas, a wedding is taking me away. At least I got to have my final drink at a place that holds a special place in my pitcher-​downing heart.
One question remains (and all Al’s devotees with understand)…where will «The Todd» go now? Not my house, that’s for sure.

BAH to condo projects. BAH!
I’m bumping my review on the news that Al’s is all done. sometime soon. The rumor mill has been flying for a long time about the demise of Al’s and now it’s imminent. Per the bartender today, once the developer has financing for the condo project then Al’s is done. No firm date but the clock is ticking…
Before it is too late, get over to Al’s and have a drink. I will truly miss this place.

This place has characters but not much character. The walls are bland but the drinks are stiff and well priced. The outside seating area is always social and fun.
Though it’s right off France and Excelsior it’s often a stop for the NON-​edina crowd.
The bartenders have been there forever and Kevin often has a good joke to share. So saddle up to the bar and make new friends.

Al’s IS awesome. If heaven is a dive bar, I hope it’s like Al’s. They have decent parking, good pizza and friendly bartenders. If you hate on Al’s, someone is liable to cut you.

Heggie’s pizza. Amazing people watching. One of the best dive bars. Ever. (PS: Bring cash)

Tom C. is 100% correct: anyone who doesn’t like this place is stupid. This place is hands down, the best dive bar I’ve ever been to, and I grew up in northern mn so I’ve been to more than I can count.
My basic deduction is that the bartenders here hate livers. They must. There is no other explanation. I’ve had to hide my gasp for air more than once after taking that first sip so I don’t look like a douche.
Great Al’s example: I order a Jack and Bull (it’s a beast but it really grows on you…). He fills a glass of ice to the brim with Jack and slides me the can across the bar. WTF! Felt like I was in some insanely cool movie.
Someone needs to post some better photos of this place btw! I’ll try an get on it tonight… BEFORE my first drink.

Simply the perfect dive bar in St. Louis Park. Full of colorful characters, great bartenders, STIFF drinks and it has all the usual games (darts, golden tee, etc.). If you are in need for a fun/​relaxed night or early tusday afternoon, Al’s is your place. All for the right price… dirt cheap! The food consists of frozen pizzas (which the regulars will argue are the best pizzas in Minni) and they don’t know the meaning of the word «mixer,» but that just adds to the charm.

i love this place. it is pure genius. not only cause it is walking distance from my friends house but more importantly, on my most recent visit we saw a man at the bar with a crimped, mullet ponytail. i
f you want to feel young and beautiful, this is the place. if you want to talk to locals unlike other locals, this is the place. if you want a cheap ass drink from a nice old man and drink it in a small plastic cup on a parking lot that is now the «patio» this is the place.
everything about this place is beyond right. go.

Quite simply: Anyone who does not like this bar is stupid. Dive bars do not, and I’m serious, do not get any better than this. Even the name of this bar is divey: Al’s Liquor. I’m quite sure Al meant to open a liquor store, got lazy and thirsty in the process and said ‘Fuck. Let’s just drink.’ And for all intensive purposes, this is the most telling evidence considering Al’s Liquor.
The drinks are stiff. Other bars sometimes run out of mixers. Al’s is the type of place that never even stocks them. If you want a cranberry vodka, leave. If you want a chaser, purchase a frozen Jack’s pizza, Oberto beef jerky or Old Dutch potato chips. I’m serious. You know those little labels that read ‘Not Eligible for Individual Resale?’ Al doesn’t care.
Furthermore, the drink specials rock. You can buy an amazing Al’s beer mug and get $ 1.75 refills for life. Forever. Additionally, they have dart boards, that totally amazing bowling game, photo hunt, a crappy outdoor patio and free, over salted popcorn. I miss you Al. I miss you dearly.