“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…