The small town liquor store or bar rates as more than simply a place to grab a cold one or wolf down bar food.

Oftentimes, these rural establishments serve as community gathering spots. Locals belly up to trade stories, talk crops, solve the world’s problems. There’s a certain comfort in that, in the familiarity of sharing gossip and opinions and woes within the confines of a dark space, sheltered from reality.

Sometimes these places remain as the sole business along an otherwise vacant Main Street. On a Friday or Saturday, vehicles line the streets. Folks gather to shoot a little pool, drink a little beer, tell a few jokes.

For awhile, troubles vanish, the body rests, a sense of community togetherness prevails.

All of this I imagine as I photograph the exteriors of small town Minnesota bars and liquor stores. Unique signage, creative names, architecture and more draw me visually to these watering holes.

Each holds a story. And if you, a stranger, venture inside, heads will swivel, eyes will bore and the locals will wonder. What is your story?

BONUS BAR PHOTOS:

This post is cross posted at mnprairieroots.com.

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