Good Luck, Uptown Bar!

I still feel the most at home in Uptown. It was the area I missed the most when I went back east. It has always had a different feel from everywhere else here - the lake nearby, the variety of people, the trendy, fun atmosphere. I understand that the area is getting revamped, but a lot has been lost in the process. I'm glad some things are staying, especially my favorite bookstore, Magers & Quinn, but I'm sad to see some of the landmarks go. Soon to go is the Uptown Bar & Cafe. As stated on their site:

The Uptown is closing and in the process of finding a new location. The last day open for food is Saturday, October 31, 2009. The last day open for music is Sunday, November 1st, 2009.

Established in the 1930's as a beer and burger tavern, the Uptown Bar has changed its look a number of times to keep in step with the changing times and changes in the neighborhood.

Although times and neighborhoods change, we want our present patrons to enjoy our atmosphere, food and beverages just as our customers have for over 50 years.

Relax, be comfortable, and feel welcome. You are important to us.

Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune

So, good luck to you, Uptown Bar. It isn't that you're the fanciest place to go have a drink, or that you offer the most elaborate and expensive food or that the clientele is the social elite. But that is exactly the point. Wedged in between many great places in Uptown, it really is in a league of its own - and should be a landmark. It has been there for all those years....

They can move it and the people will move with them. But it would be cooler if they just left it alone.