Minnesota Has a Speakeasy Hidden Behind a Gas Station Drink Cooler

When you stop at a suburban strip mall gas station, you expect the usual things: snacks, drinks, sundry auto supplies, and, of course, fuel. If you're lucky, you may even find one that has a deli or even something more, like an eat-in restaurant. One Amoco station attached to a strip mall in Lakeville, Minnesota, however, offers something a bit more surprising. Spoiler alert: It's a speakeasy. You read that correctly. This Lakeville Amoco is home to a (decreasingly) secret speakeasy.

This Lakeville Amoco is no lightweight to begin with. It's a new outpost of The Farmer's Grandson, an Eagan gas station eatery that punches above its weight. So, you may not think you need anything beyond its solid meal options—but wait, look a little more closely, behind that out-of-place drink cooler near the coffee bar. If it's after 4:00 p.m., walk over and see if you can pull it open. If it swings toward you, step inside.

You'll find yourself in a romantically lit, chandeliered wonderland of leather barstools and cozy banquettes. Most importantly, you'll find a long bar staffed by talented mixologists with access to state-of-the-art technology and a veritable library of spirits.

Most folks who know me would expect an old fashioned to land on the bar in front of me shortly after I settled into my comfortable stool—and the version on The Farmer's Cellar's cocktail menu sounded awfully tasty—but it had been a sultry day here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and I was looking for something lighter and more refreshing. So, I went with a bubbly, tequila-based "Pepper to Squeeze," which, along with a cool glass of water, was exactly what I was looking for. My seat neighbor ordered a coconut milk punch mocktail, which she described as "tasty and refreshing" with a "coconutty finish." She gave it a "strong recommend."

The Farmer's Cellar offers a limited, but diverse, food menu that ranges from small plates and shareables, like chips and dip or charcuterie, to entrees, such as Detroit-style pizza and an espresso-rubbed ribeye. It was early evening—think, "Happy hour"—and I wasn't full-on hungry yet, but I was a bit peckish. So, I opted for a couple of smaller plates (which honestly, may have been too much). The "pickled deviled egg trio" turned out to be three full eggs, i.e., six halves, instead of the three I expected. I was surprised, but definitely not sad, because they were delicious, as was the bed of micro greens on which they were served. Unfortunately, that made my work eating the pork belly BLT sliders a bit more challenging—but I persevered and managed to devour each rich, succulent bite. I would definitely order both plates again... but not at the same time, or without additional assistance in the eating department.

You definitely don't want to miss out on this strip mall speakeasy surprise in Lakeville, Minnesota. Check out The Farmer's Cellar on the web to see its full menu, hours, and more information. Have you visited this secret spot yet?