A Weather Legend's Next Chapter
One of the most recognizable names in Minnesota weather is about to become one of the most talked-about names in downtown Stillwater dining. Dave Dahl, who forecasted the weather at KSTP for 43 years before retiring in 2020, is opening Tornado Room Bar and Grill at 324 South Main Street by the end of fall.
Dahl, who lives in Woodbury, is not going it alone. He partnered with two Stillwater locals, live-music promoter Paul Barber, who previously owned Ziggy's in Stillwater and Hudson, and David Eichten, who runs Eichten's Service and Repair and has invested in several Stillwater restaurants. The trio built the concept after the previous tenant in the space closed earlier this year.
Weather Puns, Half-Price Sirens, and a Piano Bar
If you are going to hand a bar to a meteorologist, the theme practically writes itself. A TV inside will stay tuned to the forecast. The roast beef sandwich is named the F5 after the highest tornado rating. The Bloody Marys are rebranded as Hail Marys, complete with round ice cubes shaped like hailstones.
The centerpiece may be the tornado siren in the corner. When it goes off, every drink drops to half price for five minutes. Beyond the gimmicks, the plan is a genuine gathering spot, roughly 200 seats indoors and out, live music inside and outside, a strong Minnesota sports focus, and a Friday night piano bar.
Why the Grand Garage Matters to Downtown Stillwater
The Tornado Room is landing inside the Grand Garage, a Main Street landmark first built in 1882. Over the years the building has been The Chicago House, then Stillwater Motor Co., before being converted to its current use in 1970. A building with that much history tends to anchor a block, and a busy, year-round tenant helps keep the surrounding shops and sidewalks active.
What It Means for the East Metro
For the Twin Cities east metro, a 200-seat live-music venue is more than a fun headline. Downtown Stillwater already draws visitors in warmer months, and a spot built for sports nights, live music, and a Friday piano bar gives locals a reason to keep coming back through the slower seasons too. More foot traffic on Main Street tends to lift the businesses around it, which is good news for anyone who loves this stretch of the river town.
Love keeping up with what is opening around the Twin Cities east metro? Follow along, text Darin Bjerknes at 612-702-5126, or DM on Instagram @darintheminnesotan.
