Located in an industrial neighbourhood of Minneapolis that is very much off the beaten path for most venues, Meteor’s building has been a bar for over 120 years. With that rich history came layers of decor, carpet and concepts that were all carefully stripped back to reveal the space as it is now, with some loving restoration and a few new features. In a space only the size of a train car, that sense of self and place that exudes from old buildings is in full effect, with guests often noting Meteor’s harmony and how the evening seamlessly flows.

Underneath the unique aesthetics found at Meteor was a beautiful brick interior that has now been preserved. New chequered black and white tiles replaced carpet and some existing booths were repurposed into banquettes. The bar itself is glossy wood, adorned with a simple two-shelved backbar and vintage speakers that ensure the sound feels comfortable in the space. A pinball machine and some modern lighting finish off the look that could be any great American bar but simultaneously only this one.

Meteor strives to be as down to earth as its surroundings, with the aim to make thoughtful cocktails accessible and affordable. Those in search of a beer and shot are welcome, but guests looking for a well-executed Daiquiri or Martini won’t be disappointed. Even those searching for something more bespoke will find plenty to enjoy, with the bar making upwards of a dozen ingredients in-house to tailor recipes precisely. This produce-focused ethos extends to the bar’s hot dog toppings, made in-house by staff – yes, this historic American bar naturally serves hot dogs. Perched at the bar, guests can peruse the venue’s great selection of Mexican spirits, with bar staff only too happy to chat and show off their collection of 100% agave tequilas.

Sat there, it’s easy to start to spot some of the more careful details of Meteor too. Look out for the black and white hand-made wallpaper of old show flyers and rock bands, the preserved tags carved into the original bar top, or the postcards and gifts mounted around the backbar from friends to the Meteor team. For those that want to learn, they host regular cocktail classes which focus on creating responsible and educated guests – not just how to shake or stir.

Taking care of the small, tight-knit team is intrinsic to operations, and Meteor partners with local Minneapolis organisation “Serving Those Serving” to provide counselling services free of charge. Mentorship and peer-to-peer learning are also held in high regard, with championing the next generation of bartenders central to the community the team is looking to build. Meteor has become known as a welcoming space for many underrepresented groups, fostered by a team who are both welcoming and diverse themselves. Much of the clientele is queer and/or nonbinary, and to celebrate this, the bar hosts a monthly drag show. This culture extends to their social media content, which the whole team collaborates on to ensure diversity and inclusion across everything they post.