Located a block off of Stillwater’s historic Main Street, you’ll find an historic, but nondescript, brick warehouse. It’s currently home to a popular event center, but if you look a little closer – and follow – the clues, you’ll notice there’s something else afoot here. Does that pique your curiosity? Raise an eyebrow? I sure hope so, because your closer attention will be rewarded with a visit to my favorite speakeasy in Minnesota, The Velveteen. This romantic, 1920s-themed speakeasy is not only a fantastic spot for a craft cocktail, it’s also a sweet place for a date night.

This old Stillwater warehouse was originally built in 1905 as the Connolly Shoe Factory.
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It was refurbished in 2016 and became the JX Event Venue, one of the largest in the state.
Not long after, cryptic messages started popping up nearby.
The Velveteen Speakeasy
And strange, Rorschach-like images began toappear.
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Eventually, the haunting echoes of 1920s music could be heard bouncing off the stone foundations of the buildings lower level.
The Velveteen/Facebook
If you follow the music, you'll be led down a staircase where you'll find a Victrola - the source of the music - and a curtain. It's what's behind the curtain that matters.

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When your eyes adjust to the dimly-lighted room, punctuated with the glow of candles...
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You'll see The Velveteen Speakeasy.
The Velveteen/Facebook
It's a swank, but whimsical, cocktail lounge with an inviting bar.
There are comfy banquettes and plenty of other cozy nooks where you can canoodle with your favorite folks.
The Velveteen/Facebook
Imagined as a place where you might go before or after dinner, you'll find that the food menu leans largely into small bites and sweet finished.
The Velveteen/Facebook
But if you get too comfortable and let your reservation at... wherever... fall by the wayside, you won't starve. The charcuterie board is hearty and offers plenty to share. The other bites are awfully tasty, as well.
But it's the bar program that's the star of the show at The Velveteen.
The Velveteen/Facebook
With a regularly-changing menu of innovative and classic cocktails, The Velveteen is sure to offer something to your taste. I'm rather fond of its riffs on an old fashioned, one of which - the Drink of Northern Aggression - is among my favorites anywhere. Watching the skilled mixologists prepare your drink is almost as entertaining as the occasional live music that play's on speakeasy's intimate stage.

So next time you’re hankering for an expertly-crafted cocktail or casting about for an intimate venue, be sure to check out The Velveteen Speakeasy. After you visit once, you’ll find it a secret that’s hard to keep. For specials and updates, visit The Velveteen on Facebook. Why not make a night of it, and book a room at the historic Lowell Inn, just across the street from The Velveteen?

Have you visited this romantic speakeasy in Minnesota? Tell us about your experience at The Velveteen in the comments!

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The Velveteen Speakeasy, 123 2nd St N, Stillwater, MN 55082, USA