The much anticipated Stanley's Bar Room is in the space formerly occupied by the haggard (but favorite) Stasiu's in Minneapolis has arrived. With the death of Stasiu's owner last year, the space was picked up by Steve Benowitz, owner of The Rail Station in South Minneapolis. Stasiu's was somewhat of a sentimental place for many, being a representation of the old and new hipster Northeast alike. Hearing of it's demise had people feeling sad, and even resentful of a new opening. And indeed, Benowitz has really shined up the place. There have been no extreme renovations to the structure itself, but the interior has been completely rearranged. The previous bar area has been revamped into a kitchen. The new bar now sits in the center of the space, where there used to be pillars and floor space with a few tables and chairs scattered about. Now you see a circular bar, and the surrounding space is lined with radiator tables and booths for dining. A section of the parking lot has been refurbished into a patio space, with a gas operated fire pit. Lining the concrete patio is some shrubbery and landscaping...not leaving a lot of room for an arrangement of tables and chairs.
Stanley's is modern, but comfortable. Dark wood and dim lighting add character at night, and it is clean and inviting during the day. Versatile too, as you could just as well snack at the bar, or plan a special night here. Stanley's boasts many unique and locally brewed beers on tap, which adds refinement and is a cherished focal point. They provide a beer list that many enthusiasts are sure to rejoice at, and offer craft beer night each Thursday. Stanley's also offers modern american fare, a $12 brisket and gouda stuffed burger, a few small plates (sausage stuffed olives, wings e.t.c.) and comfort food entrees such as meat loaf. The food, ambience and overall flow of Stanley's is modern, earthy, and a complete departure from it's dive roots, save for the antique urinal fixtures which were wisely sustained by the new owners!
Stanley's is a nice laid back place where you can kick back and have a nice glass of Pinot for $5.50. But not everyone sees it that way. There is some controversy surounding the new business sense . Aside from the people who really want their good old dive back (and apparently hate change), there are others who are downright angry. Stanley's had marketed itself as a live music venue upon opening, with the booker being local rocker Christy Hunt. After a short month of being opened, Stanley's yanked the music, along with the karoake with Joel Stitzel and his Infernal Singalong Machine. In it's place, they have issued a new karoake set, and bar bingo nights, and weekend live music. The management claims they are in works to revamp the upstairs space, where the nightly live local music will resume. Some don't buy it.
Say what you will, Stanley's is here to stay. More of a Sample Room than a Stasiu's, but not quite upscale, Stanley's will be waiting to offer you a soothing change from a dive-centric Nordeast. Happy hour offers $2.75 domestic bottles and well drinks, and $1 off ALL taps from 3 PM-7 PM Mon-Sun, and 10 PM - 12 AM Sun-Thurs.
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