Wig and Bottle
The Wig and Bottle was located at 2501 Marshall Street NE at Lowry Ave. in Minneapolis.
In 1937 this was called the River Tavern
By 1946 it was Danny’s River Tavern, owned by Danny Bochnak.
Before 1951 it had become the Lowry Bar.
In 1951 John Skowronski bought the Lowry Bar.
THE WIG AND BOTTLE
Skowronski expanded the bar into an English-style bar and restaurant in 1965. Will Jones reviewed it on July 4, 1965, but only reported on the food.
Music was not advertised except on holidays. The ad below for a Valentine’s dinner promises a musical serenade.
Minneapolis Tribune, February 1970
From the collection of Mark Youngblood
Again, this special ad for St. Patrick’s Day below mentions strolling musicians:
Minneapolis Star, March 1971
Lastly, another Valentine’s Day ad specifically mentions Skeets Langley and His Music Makers, serenading you through your special dinner:
Minneapolis Tribune, February 1972
BURNED TO THE GROUND
On Friday, May 18, 1979, fire broke out in the basement of the building. Sprinklers were required and Skowronski was ordered to install them, but was given three extensions. Four firefighters were nearly lost in the basement before it collapsed. The fire started in a defective water heater that was about to be replaced. A waitress noticed the flames at 7:45 pm and the building, which was full of customers, was evacuated. The building was not rebuilt. (Minneapolis Tribune, June 1, 1979)
Skowronski sold the land in 1984.
The site became Betty Danger’s Country Club in November 2014. It is closing in 2022.