Vintage Minnesota: Fire destroys Minneapolis landmark Harry's Cafe

No one was injured, but it was the end of a long culinary tradition.

January 17, 2019 at 11:13PM
Mrs. Fred McNee, of Wayzata, surveyed the damage Sunday at HarryÕs Cafe at 11th and Nicolette Ave. Her father, Harry Doust, founded the restaurant. HarryÕs Cafe, a downtown Minneapolis landmark for more than 50 years, was destroyed by fire Sunday morning, Jan. 8, 1978. (Richard Olsenius)
Mrs. Fred McNee surveyed damage at Harry’s Cafe, the restaurant founded by her father, Harry Doust. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Photo originally published in January 1978:

From 1926 on, Harry's Cafe was a landmark in downtown Minneapolis. It became a favorite haunt of Minneapolis Tribune "After Last Night" columnist Will Jones, who frequented "this Minneapolis institution" for its "a long and substantial chophouse menu," and for being "one of the places I think of almost automatically when I yearn for a good steamed live lobster." He wrote, "The giant Harry's martini is the original Minnesota White Death."

For its 50th anniversary, the cafe, which was founded by Harry Doust, offered special celebration dinners: prime rib or cod à la capers for $5.50; New York cut sirloin for $6.50. In early 1978, the restaurant, at 11th Street and Nicollet Avenue, was destroyed in a fire. No one was injured, but it was the end of a culinary tradition.

about the writer

about the writer

Connie Nelson

Senior editor

Connie Nelson is the senior editor for lifestyles for the Star Tribune. 

See More