Forum Restaurant & Bar
Originally a movie theater, then a beloved cafeteria, The Forum in Minneapolis languished as a series of clubs and restaurants since the early 1970s before being restored to its pre-war wonder under its original name as a chophouse earlier this year. (Don’t you love the retro riche of the word “chophouse”? I always do.)
With its mirrored murals and towering tiles, local historians now cite the refurbished Forum Restaurant and Bar as the best example of art-deco design in the Twin Cities.
As well, it glistens like an Epcot-style tribute to everything über-Minnesotan, with Vikings and Indians and pinecones as the main themes of the glasswork, and sparkling cocktails splashed with rhubarb syrup.
Aside from the woodwork and upholstery everything appears to be perfectly period, right down to the diamond doodads laid into the jadeite walls.
I think I was maybe wearing shorts when I first went, but next time I best break out a fedora, or at least some flannel.
The entire establishment is so Northwoods natty, I wanna look like I belong.
August 3rd, 2010 at 11:44 am
looks wild! are there remnants of the movie theater?
August 3rd, 2010 at 11:49 am
Aside from the high ceilings that give it the feeling of a former fancy theater lobby, there’s nothing really that indicates it was once a movie theater – unfortunately. Not even a marquee type exterior/front, and those seem to always last long beyond a theater’s demise.