Downtown West in Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Gluek's Restaurant and Bar

1902, 1979, 1989

— Historic Downtown —

Gluek's Restaurant and Bar Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, June 23, 2024

1. Gluek's Restaurant and Bar Marker

Inscription.

The Gluek Brewing Company was founded in 1857, on Marshall Street N.E. in Minneapolis and was operated by several generations of the Gluek family until it was sold in in [sic] 1964. It survived four wars, two depressions, and prohibition; and at its peak, Gluek's had five hundred employees. By 1937, it was the oldest manufacturer still in operation in the city.

In 1902, the Gluek building was constructed of brick and masonry with decorative terracotta. Note the carved "G" on the façade. Though built by the brewery, the bar has been privately managed and then subsequently owned by the same family. Charlie Fransen, ancestor of the current owners, had emigrated from Germany and worked at the Gluek brewery.

When remodeled in 1979, the building was restored to its original design. In 1989, the building suffered a major fire, and the family was again determined to restore the building. By 1990, Gluek's was back in business. In 2015, the Fransen-Holcomb family regained rights to the 160-year-old Gluek beer brand, and it was reintroduced to the public.

Erected by the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association.

Topics.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 44° 58.761′ N, 93° 16.454′ W. Marker is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It is in Downtown West. It is on N. 6th Street east of N. 1st Avenue, on the left. The marker is on the west corner of the building, facing N. 1st Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16 N 6th Street, Minneapolis MN 55403, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Masonic Temple Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Butler Square (within shouting distance of this marker);

Gluek's Restaurant and Bar Marker (left) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, June 23, 2024

2. Gluek's Restaurant and Bar Marker (left)

Lumber Exchange Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wyman Building (about 700 feet away); Westminster Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); State Theatre (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named State Theatre (approx. 0.2 miles away); Minneapolis YMCA Central Building (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minneapolis.

Also see . . . Gluek’s Restaurant and Bar (QR code on marker). (Submitted on May 7, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.