Rochester, MN Speakeasy Closes Its Doors… For Now

I was sad to learn this weekend that, at least for now, a speakeasy in Rochester, MN has closed!

They had just opened in mid-October of 2024. I've been there a few times with friends, and it's a really cool spot, but now we can't just pop in for a drink.

ALSO READ: All of Rochester's Secret Speakeasies and How to Find Them

Speakeasies in Rochester, MN

Speakeasies in Rochester have seriously taken off.

For a few years, it was just Bitter and Pour, which is easily one of my favorite spots in town.

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Then, in the past few years, others have popped up like Shhhh... in the basement of Thai Pop and 1928 Cocktail Lounge above Bebap.

The other one that we're missing is the rum-focused speakeasy in the basement of Our Paladar, called The Palmetto Room. But now they've closed! At least for the time being.

The Palmetto Room in Rochester, MN Closes for the Season

I didn't realize that The Palmetto Room is only a seasonal thing. However, looking back at their post announcing The Palmetto Room opening, I guess you could infer that this was the plan all along.

A portion of the post reads:

Patio season is officially over ... Fear not! We our proud to announce the opening of The Palmetto Room in our lower level starting this Wednesday, October 16th!

Originally, I never thought that this meant when the patio re-opened, that it meant The Palmetto Room was closing, but I guess it does.

Our Paladar announced on Friday, June 27th, that The Palmetto Room is now closed "as we shift our summer focus to the patio!"

Once patio season is over, that's when The Palmetto Room will re-open.

I get it, but personally, I wish they'd keep it open. The Palmetto Room is more for grabbing a drink and hanging out with friends, maybe having a bite to eat. A bit more casual. To me, the patio is for people having lunch or dinner at Our Paladar, not just grabbing a beverage. It's not the same vibe, if that makes sense.

So I'm sad that The Palmetto Room is closed for the summer, but I'm glad they aren't gone for good!