A beloved local bar and restaurant, Haskell’s, was severely damaged in a fire that broke out around 1:30 a.m. on May 6, 2026, in Excelsior, Minnesota. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the establishment’s future within the community.
The fire reportedly started on the patio outside the building, which houses both a bar and a liquor store. Firefighters from five departments worked for approximately 90 minutes to control the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries were reported; however, the damage to Haskell’s bar is extensive, with the ceiling having collapsed inside.
Established in 1934, Haskell’s has long served as a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike who frequent Lake Minnetonka. Ted Farrell, a community member, described it as the local place to go where people relax in sweatpants and enjoy casual activities like bingo on weekends.
Excelsior Fire Chief Nate Basinger acknowledged that this incident would likely have an impact on the community. Currently, officials have not disclosed what caused the fire or provided any details regarding further investigations into the matter.
The restaurant will remain closed for the foreseeable future as assessments of smoke and structural damage are conducted. Fire crews stayed on site to evaluate any ongoing risks associated with smoke and potential structural instability.
The future of Haskell’s remains uncertain; no timeline has been shared regarding when it might reopen or if it can recover from this devastating event. The community now waits for further updates as investigations continue into the cause of this unfortunate incident.
