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Nye's Closes This Weekend, But Pieces Of The Iconic Bar Are Up For Grabs

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Nye's Polonaise Room was once named "the best bar in America" by Esquire Magazine, and after 67 years in business, the iconic northeast staple is closing for good this Sunday.

However, there's a silver lining here: You can take a piece of Nye's home with you.

All the furniture and equipment will be up for grabs in an online auction.

General manager Kathy Nelson says the bar's old-style decor is a major part of what makes Nye's so special.

"They walk in here, and they say it's just like they're in another time zone," she said. "[E]specially kids, they've never seen anything like this before, so it's just like you're back in another day, another time."

From the sparkly gold semi-circular booths to the original handmade light fixtures, everything has remained unchanged. All of it will be put up for auction.

"We have had so many requests for everything you see, right down to the booths, the chairs...the tile in our basement," Nelson said. "This way everyone can go on and see what they want."

Included in the auction will be Nye's four bars, all of the vintage artwork, and the establishment's original piano lounge.

With all the memories and good times over the years, Nelson says the final closing is bittersweet. However, in the end it's reassuring to her that pieces of the iconic bar's history will live on.

Bidding for the online auction begins April 11 and ends on April 18.

For more on the auction, click here.

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