There were two Smuggler’s Inns in the Twin Cities.  They were part of a chain that originated in Beverly Hills, California.

ST. PAUL

A Smuggler’s Inn restaurant opened in the new Kellogg Square complex in St. Paul in about November 1972.  The address was 111 E. Kellogg Blvd.

Will Jones didn’t have much to say about the entry to the establishment, but once he got inside he was pleasantly surprised:

Inside, it’s amazing how much Instant Atmosphere can be ladled inside those concrete slabs.  The first grabber is a vast square of a fireplace burning real wood logs at least 5 feet long and providing warmth and wood-coal smells to both the dining and the drinking area, between which it is nestled.

The dining area is dimly lighted, sporting a candlelight effect without the nuisance of candles on the table, with heavy, high-backed chairs of Spanish influence and a table setting dominated by a heavy pewter plate to set the mood.  (Minneapolis Tribune, November 20, 1972)

An article dated December 3, 1973, noted that:

In a corner room, rock music groups from California perform Monday through Saturday nights, and you don’t have to be under 30 to dance.  (Minneapolis Tribune)

The St. Paul location became a popular after-work drinking spot, and in the late ’70s it was a disco that was not as crowded as the more chi-chi Oz.

The last wantads for help found in a Strib search were in 1986.

NORTHTOWN

The second location was in the Northtown Shopping Center in Blaine, where it was called the Smuggler’s Inn Dinner House in an early article.  It opened in about September 1983.

This location, based on wantads in the paper, appeared to have lasted until 1981.