GREEN LANTERN COCKTAILS + MUSIC

In the late 1920’s, the Green Lantern Saloon in St. Paul was where the best stickup men in America came to commiserate over drinks and share stories of life on the run. Police, news reporters, and city officials were also counted as regulars. You might even rub shoulders with John Dillinger, Verne Miller, Frank Nash, and the Barker Boys who were just as fond of the food as the illegal drinks. The original owner, “Dapper” Danny Hogan was known as the “Smiling Peacemaker”. He acted as a liaison between police and gangsters. Unfortunately, not even his charming personality could save him. On December 4, 1928 Dapper Dan was killed for violating the code of the underworld. After Dapper Dan’s death, his partner Harry “Dutch” Sawyer took over the Green Lantern. Dutch ran the Green Lantern as a front for bootlegging and a speakeasy for several years. In 1933, Dutch handed over control of the Green Lantern to two of Dillinger’s gang members, Tommy Gannon and Pat Reilly, but closed in 1934 after the end of prohibition. While the building may no longer exist, the legacy of the Green Lantern lives on and today is resurrected at the Park Square Court Building in Lowertown. Sure to become the newest home to rogues, crooks, and fine cocktails.