Mayslack's Polka Lounge Tribute

This is a video/audio tribute to a Northeast Minneapolis landmark establishment from the 1950s through the 1970s era. Stan Mayslack was a local prominent wrestler who, with his brother Butch, opened this small bar on the SW corner of 15th Avenue and 4th Street.
This area of the Twin Cities had been settled mostly by German and Polish immigrants at the turn of the century. Of course, along with the people came their ethnic music styles.
The object of this song is Mayslack's Polka Lounge, well known for its huge roast beef sandwiches during the week and its lively polka music on the weekends. This restaurant/bar is still open for business although the venue has changed.
The music used in this tribute is one track from the cassette published by the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Minnesota Historical Society entitled "Minnesota Polka: Dance Music from Four Traditions". The full musical work encompasses sixteen bands representing many of Minnesota's best-known and widely respected musicians.
This song was composed and performed by "John Filipczak and the Classies", a traditional Polish band formed in 1983 by John (b. 1941). The images were gleaned from the internet to enhance the viewing experience. The pictures do not specifically represent Mayslack's establishment, but rather its festive atmosphere. These images are used under the Fair Use provision of the US copyright laws.
An interesting side note that may be of interest, the bar scene in the film "Grumpier Old Men" featuring Walter Matthau and Sophia Loren (in her stunning red dress), was filmed in Mayslack's bar. Here is a RUclips video of that scene: watch?v=aRKE4dg1OSw
LYRICS:
Instrumental Intro
Back in 1955 Stash and Butch they did decide
That the place to be was on the North East side
The rest is history and I am sure that you'll agree
We're so glad they made the special place to be
Stash is in the kitchen cooking up his specialty
We wish we had that secret receipt
So tomorrow we'll be here for beef sandwiches and cheer
As the jukebox plays a happy polka song
At Mayslack's Polka Lounge there'll be dancing all night long
As the bartender serves another round
That happy sound of polka music from the band plays on
And everyone will dance and sing along
Instrumental
Everyone is here as the band gets into gear
There are polkas, waltzes and variety
The happy sound of Polish music from the band plays on
As the blue light flashes around and around and around
At Mayslack's Polka Lounge there'll be dancing all night long
As the bartender serves another round
That happy sound of polka music from the band plays on
And everyone will dance and sing along
Instrumental Outro

[@anthonynelson9136]

I ate there a lot in the early 70s. The roast beef sandwiches filling up the whole plate. But I have to say the horse radish was hot enough to burn a whole in your sinuses! It was the good stuff.

[@rjwalker4153]

My dad took me there in the early 70's when I was about 12 or 13. I only had one hand on the plate initially, and Mayslack said "Two Hands" to me and I quickly got my other hand on it. I found out later that was a thing of his, that you needed two hands. It was a big sandwhich for a kid, I remember that, and I remember the taste too. It was the best roast beef sandwhich I ever had. Just a lovely flavor. Never forgot it, I also remember he had pictures of his former wrestling days on the wall.

[@rickr414]

Mayslack's was the best. The garlic sandwiches were so good that once I ate two of them (huge) and lived to tell it. Stan was making my sandwich and when I went to reach and grab an extra piece of bread, he whacked my fingers with his tongs. I didn't do that again. Good polka music too.

[@k0rc]

There was the rumor / tradition circulating that the smaller the gal in line for lunch, the more beef he piled onto her sandwich!

[@rickr414]

OK, I get it. That's why mine were smaller and I was able to eat two of them.

[@ss109guy]

My dad used to fly up here with a rich friend from Oklahoma for lunch. Crazy I know but it was the early 80's. I always wanted to visit but it does not sound like its the same place. Sorry I missed out.

[@astridpryor8638]

Stosh was my cousin. On visits to Mpls we always went to Mayslacks. I even helped his wife Butch prepare one of these magical huge roasts. But they took the secret to the grave. Part if it I’m sure is that it was probably the biggest roast I’d ever seen. At least 30 pounds and probably as big as they come. Two mason jars of peeled garlic. Peeling the garluc was my job. I have suspicions about the aus jus but I am unlikely to ever make a roast that large. Best ever for sure.