Know Your Local Dive Bar - A Discussion with The Terminal Bar Manager, Joe Fleming

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The Terminal Bar opened in 1932, and according to their website, has been ‘Classic Nord East’ since that time. We talked to Joe Fleming, third generation managing the bar, about the history, ambiance and fun weekly events happening at 409 E Hennepin Avenue. Sounds like a great spot to me!

Above, Joe Fleming at The Terminal Bar

Q: The Terminal Bar is the oldest operating business in Old Town Minneapolis and has been family-owned since 1932. Can you please give us the history of your family’s ownership of The Terminal Bar? 

A: On March 21, 1932, my maternal grandparents Frank and Joann Narog, opened The Terminal Bar. They opened the bar so their friends could have someplace to go to relax, have a good time, and have a “cold one” or two. In 1965, my parents, C.G. “Flem” and Annette Fleming, purchased the bar from her parents.  My Dad had just gotten out of the Marines and the timing was right. In 2019, my Mom broke her hip and asked me if I wanted to manage the bar. Since I was already planning to retire from my day job in July 2023, I accepted her offer. While I manage the bar, my Mom who just turned 86, still owns the business (my Dad “Flem” passed away on May 14, 2016). 

When you’ve been in business for 93 years, I’m absolutely positive my grandparents and parents faced numerous challenges they had to overcome, too many to name. They had to continually come up with new and creative ideas to overcome the challenges and stay in business. Like everyone else in the city, the challenges we currently face are never-ending construction and lack of parking.

Q:  Did you consider another career or did you know at any early age that you would continue the family business?

A:  I did not know that I would eventually be the manager of the bar. I had a successful 28-year career working as a forensic auditor for the Department of Defense. I was looking for something to do in retirement, and this seemed like the perfect fit. 

Q:  I think it’s a great encore career. What does a typical day look like for you as manager of The Terminal Bar?

A: There is really no such thing as a typical day. I do most of the cleaning and stocking every day, plus all of the beer and liquor ordering. I also do a lot of running around picking things up that we run out of. I am usually at the bar on the weekends to help bartend or run the door or whatever else needs to be done. I have been fortunate to have such wonderful people come into my life since I started managing so we can keep the bar operating. 

Q:  How do you keep regulars coming back? Is there an ambiance you seek to maintain?

A:  For years we used to open at 8am and had numerous regulars from industry folks and retired people who worked and lived in the area. Since the area has changed, we had to pivot. Now we open at 5pm daily, and as always, are closed on Sundays. We have created a vibe that we think people will enjoy because believe it or not, some people still have never heard of The Terminal Bar. We also have fostered a very safe environment that is all-inclusive. Every night the vibe changes based on the crowd and who is performing on our stage, which I think is pretty cool and special. 

Q:  Congratulations to you for continuing the legacy of the family business! What are your future plans for The Terminal Bar?  

A:  We are looking forward to our 100-year anniversary, which is just 7 short years away. We enjoy every day and especially our customers. They are the reason we are still in business. Like the sign says above the front door inside the bar, “Through these doors walk the most beautiful people in the world, my customers.” 

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  You can find The Terminal Bar on Facebook or Instagram, and if anyone wants to perform on our stage on Friday or Saturday nights, they can send an email to terminalbar32@gmail.com. We also have a lot of fun during the week. We have Open Mic Music every Monday, Industrial Night every Tuesday, Live Music most Wednesdays, and Open Mic Comedy every Thursday. Come visit us at 409 E. Hennepin Avenue.