We learned first hand that the people in “Nordeast” Minneapolis sure do love their neighbors.  We received a warm welcome from many by way of gift baskets, lavish treats, and our closest friends, Keegan’s Irish Pub, even named a burger after us!  After getting settled we wanted to get to know our neighbors with a little more depth, but instead of delivering the typical Bundt cake we decided to have a little fun.  We traveled through the neighborhood and had candid interviews with some of the area businesses.

NYE’S POLONAISE

Q:  Nye’s in a word.

A:  Unique.

Q:  How long have the booths been gold?

A:  Since 1964—décor from the 60’s; it has that “supper club” feel.

Q:  Tell us the story behind the “world’s most dangerous polka band.”

A:  You have to see it to believe it!

Q:  Has anyone ever tried to sign Lou (the piano lady) to a record deal?

A:  No deal yet. She does have her own Indie Record though.

Q:  We just moved to the neighborhood.  Any words of wisdoms for a newcomer to Nordeast?

A:  Get to know the neighborhood. More businesses than ever before. It’s all about “Minnesota Nice” in this neighborhood.

KRAMARCZUK’S

Q: Where does the name Kramarczuk’s come from?

A: Wasyl and Anna Kramarczuk, the founders; now owned by son, Orest Kramarczuk.

Q: How much has Kramarczuk’s changed over the years?

A: The people that work here have changed. It used to be mostly Ukrainian and Russian people that ran the store and they spoke solely Russian and Ukrainian.

Q: What are you famous for?

A: Famous for Krakowska sausage.

Q: What is the hottest selling item on the menu?

A: Cabbage Rolls and Perogies (also known as a Varenky).

Q: If you were to phonetically spell out Kramarczuk in English, how would it be spelled?

A: Kramarczuk’s–(Krah)-(MAR)-(Chucks).

Q: What are your thoughts about advertising?

A: We don’t do advertising. We think word of mouth does the trick, which is how most people find out about us.

Q: What kind of music is played throughout the day?

A: During the day we play old Polish Folk music. Lots of Eastern European Music

Q: You’re not Packer fans here are you?

A: No, but we get a lot of people that come in on game days to buy meat for grilling.

Q: What is your favorite TV commercial right now?

A: I would say…the Geico advertising.

KEEGAN’S PUB

Q: How did an Irish bar end up in Northeast Minneapolis?

A: Terry and Virginia Keegan opened Keegan’s in 2002 after traveling to Ireland.

Q: Where did you get the recipes for Keegan’s authentic Irish food?

A: The owners, Terry and Virginia, gathered ideas while traveling to Ireland. They brought the best recipes back with them. Our most secret recipe is our famous “Bread Pudding.” We also try and put items on the menu that will appeal to all of our customers.

Q: Favorite soccer team?

A: We don’t play many soccer games. We play what the customers want to watch.

Q: What makes Keegan’s different from other area pubs?

A: Everything in this entire bar, minus the plumbing and building, is from Ireland. You can’t get anymore authentic than that.

Q: How is the Guinness?

A: We clean our taps two to three times per week. It makes our beer taste better, especially the Guinness. People love the Guinness.

Q: Do you advertise?

A: We do some advertising at the U of M. We have some radio ads too, but we mostly just use word-of-mouth.

Q: As an employee, what is your favorite memory at Keegan’s?

A: The customers!

BIBELOT

Q: How long has Bibelot been around?

A: Bibelot has been open for 42 years and the location in Northeast has been open for seven.

Q: What is the most attractive product in the store?

A: The jewelry done by local artists.

Q: Where does the name Bibelot come from?

A: Bibelot is a French word that means, “small special object or knick knack.”

Q: What advice do you have for us about the neighborhood?

A: The neighborhood has really changed. It is like the new Uptown and is very up and coming. The face of the neighborhood has really changed.