The bar was named “The Albatross” apparently as a dig at someone who testified to the city council that allowing the license would be “an albatross” – not the bird, but the colloquial meaning of “a constant burden.” Another plus: Gruidl liked having “Al” as the first syllable. •••• The patrons and the cash were rolling in, and the Albatross helped bring Mankato a national reputation as a party town. But to switch to a baseball metaphor, the ‘Tross got a curveball in 1986: The drinking age was raised to 21. That would cut a huge swath out of the clientele. With the drinking age raised, Gruidl came up with an innovative plan: “18 to party, 21 to drink.” That set off another row with the Mankato City Council, concerned about the possibility of underage drinking. Before long, Gruidl was called before the council to address concerns, as detailed in this extract from 1988 city council minutes: Gruidl stated that his establishment runs a minimum of three bouncers, and approximately 250,000 college students patronize his bar each year. He stated that it is difficult to catch all the fake identifications used . . . he stated that it’s a game to the students to get served in the bar if they’re under age.
“We had lots of security, spent a lot of money for that.” It’s clear he still harbors some resentment toward the city for the ultimate demise of the ‘Tross. “They let unlimited bars open, so (to comete) everybody had to go to ‘all you can drink.’” When that brought real problems with overconsumption, he feels, the Albatross was specifically targeted. “I guess they wanted it closed.” •••• OK, Al, so can you confirm any rumors? Like afterhours parties? Gruidl is laughing now. “I guess we were known for ‘the Aqua Follies.’” At last, someone who’s willing to go on record! Gruidl says the party would switch to his house, and the afterhours crowd often included Vikings. Because of their 11 p.m. curfew at the dorms, they had to sneak out to head to his house because some of the coaches might still be at the bar. Legend has it that the curtain rose when young female partiers would jump into the pool at Gruidl’s home and, removing their bikini tops, would improvise versions of synchronized swimming. Those were the days, my friend… M
•••• To this day, Gruidl maintains there were few violations:
Pete Steiner is host of “Talk of the Town” weekdays at 1:05 p.m. on KTOE.