A Historic Building in Shellsburg is Now Home to a New Bar & Speakeasy
"Two bars. Two completely different experiences. One historic building."
That's the description for Shellsburg Speakeasy and Otis’ Saloon, the newest additions to Downtown Shellsburg! Both new bars are set to open soon at 113 Pearl St SE.
The Location
The building at 113 Pearl St SE dates all the way back to 1854, which is the year that Shellsburg, Iowa was founded. According to the Shellsburg city website, the town "originally contained 24 lots and two streets, Main and Pearl." Most recently, 113 Pearl St SE was home to a business called Treasure Cottage Coffee Shop, which closed in March of this year.
Brain and I actually got to tour the building while we were doing Listener Lunch across the street at Cranky Hank's Pizza Bank in early July! When Shellsburg Mayor Shadoe Vogt took us through, it was still a work in progress, but the space definitely had a very old-school feel to it. I can't wait to see the finished product!
Otis’ Saloon & Shellsburg Speakeasy
As we previously mentioned, 113 Pearl St SE is now the location of two separate bars. The one on the main level of the building is Otis' Saloon, which is described as "warm, nostalgic, social, and full of small-town personality." It's meant to offer a different vibe and experience than Shellsburg Speakeasy, the bar located in the basement of the building.
Shellsburg Speakeasy "will offer an intimate, hidden cocktail experience, a place with history, character, and just a little mystery." It'll be accessible from the staircase that's located towards the back of Otis' Saloon. And, unlike other speakeasys, it will not require any sort of password or membership to access it. All are welcome!
The Grand Opening
No official grand opening date has been announced for Otis’ Saloon or Shellsburg Speakeasy just yet, but you can follow the Facebook pages for both business for "opening dates, sneak peeks, and all the details you need to know." Mayor Shadoe Vogt says that the ultimate goal of the two new bars is to help make Shellsburg "a destination, a place where people come for a night out, grab a drink, check out the local shops, enjoy our amazing restaurants, and experience everything this community has to offer." Check out the links to the Facebook pages for both bars below:
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