Always in search of a nice speakeasy experience, we came across Anoka Hardware Store while in Minneapolis before heading off to visit friends. It was a bit of a trek through rush-hour traffic from our hotel but so completely worth the trip. Discretely located through a door marked only by a red light above it we were warmly greeted by gentleman behind the hardware counter. We were prepared to answer with the password to let us in but for some reason it wasn't asked. No big deal. You are then sent through a door into the beautifully dimly-lit space of the speakeasy. There is plenty of seating, with small tables and some booths. We were shown to our table and greeted by one of the great, friendly hostesses. Drinks are ordered directly at the bar with one of the attendants. You immediately pay for your order which will then be brought to your table. Different but really a nice idea. The music was also nicely unique, with a mix of oldies from the 50's and 60's. An old black and white James Cagney movie played silently on one wall. In terms of the cocktails I have to say these are some of the most delicious and finely crafted drinks I've enjoyed. I began with the Start Your Engine, a delicious gin-based drink. My wife had an absolutely fantastic smoked Old Fashioned, smoked in a large box for a minute or two. Wow! Probably the best we've ever tasted. My second drink was another gin cocktail, the Last Word, which I'd been wanting to try for some time. A fine gin supported by green Chartreuse and lime, this was simply sublime. Highly recommended. The bar and menu is quite varied and extensive, so you're sure to find something to your liking. The space has a great vibe and mellow ambiance. Sufficiently dark, cozy and very nicely and eclectically decorated. Service was outstanding and informative. Reservations are recommended. Like many such places you are "limited" to 90-minute timeframes, which sometimes seems like not enough but ultimately works quite well. The quality of the cocktails, space and service all make for a really enjoyable time. Well worth many visits. read more

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Such a fun vibe! My husband and I finally got a date night, and we decided to try it out. There's a red light over the door in the alley, and that's where you enter. We didn't have a reservation (and we would highly recommend that you make one before going), but we were lucky enough to get the two seats at the end of the bar. Beautifully crafted cocktails with high-quality ingredients, really friendly floor manager, awesome ambience and decor. I can't wait to go back! read more

Anoka Hardware Store - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

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Minneapolis's best kept secret ;) a hardware store with a lot to offer. I especially enjoyed the beautiful charcuterie board and the breakfast at Tiffany's drink - wasn't too alcoholic, it was sweet and yummy. Ambience is spot on, a beautiful spot. Your reservation is timed, but you can hang out front afterwards if you'd like! Also, love the shovel supplies. read more

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Perfectly executed speakeasy! Obsessed with the concept, the red light, the secret phrase, the amazing door/portal into cocktail heaven. Unreal drinks and lovely service. Cheers! read more

Anoka Hardware Store - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

This place is just absolutely amazing. My coworkers and I decided to check out this place before Christmas since it's all decked out for Christmas. The waiting area was decorated with a grinch theme. Looked absolutely amazing. We all got drinks and ordered a charcuterie board. Everyone enjoyed their drinks and the charcuterie board was enjoyed by all. It's for sure a must try place. read more

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I seen AHS on social media a few times and wanted to check it out. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended as it's a smaller more intimate speakeasy. They text you code word when you confirm your reservation which is a fun detail. The entry was decorated grinch theme which I thought was part of the speakeasy, super cute but when you enter its regular also really cute! Loved the decor overall. We ordered a few drinks - Marilyn's Nightcap, Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Red Light & White Russian w/ Love. All the drinks were really good and reasonably priced. Staff were nice and helpful! Overall the menu was fun, vibes were great. They do have a stage and looked like they setting up for live music as we were leaving. read more

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Super cool space! Friendly staff and delicious drinks! Get reservations to see what you need to "buy" when you get there. read more

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This place is seriously awesome. From the outside, it looks like a regular old hardware store -- but once you're in, you realize it's actually a speakeasy bar, and a really cool one at that. The vibe is super chill and cozy, with a dark, moody atmosphere and a glowing green "Shhh..." sign that totally sets the tone. The ceiling is all tin and shiny, and the whole place just feels like a hidden gem. Drinks were amazing -- you can tell the bartenders know what they're doing. Super friendly staff, great music, and just an all-around fun, low-key spot to hang out. Definitely a cool twist for Anoka. Highly recommend if you're into unique spots with good drinks and good vibes. read more

Anoka Hardware Store - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

This is one of my favorite places in Anoka, hands down! The cocktails are fantastic. There are not many places around where you can order a cocktail like the ones served here! The Prince Symbol is my favorite (pictured). The inside is so cozy and inviting. I definitely recommend getting a reservation ahead of time. If you are looking for a fun night out - I definitely recommend the Anoka Hardware Store. read more

Anoka Hardware Store - The Prince Symbol - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

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This place is so cool. Tucked away with a red light like a true speakeasy and you are even given a secret code to enter. We used to live downtown and this truly feels like a fun downtown speakeasy bar. Very unique drinks. Expensive drink list, including other liquors. The bartenders are very well-versed and could come up with any drink that you like or giving them the type of vibe of drink and they can make it for you on the spot. The service was fast, very approachable. They have food options, but we did not try this. We are definitely coming back with friend! read more

Anoka Hardware Store - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

We checked out this speak easy in anoka The Hardware Store. You make a reservation, then have a few hours to enjoy cocktails. You're notified about 10 to 15 minutes before the end of your reservation. You walk in through a door with a red light in an aly and are greeted by a small clerk at a front desk with a room adorned with various tools. Once you approach the clerk, you tell them the special order, and you're escorted to your seat beyond a passage. Once inside, you're greeted by musice and a relaxing ambiance that takes you back in time. You're seated, and you review your menu and order from people taking orders around the bar, and then your drink is delivered to you. They have a few snacks and a great charcuterie board. The service is second to none and very fast. The bartenders work thier magic to make your beverage and serve you at your table. Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. Thank you staff for an amazing evening and we will be back. They have lots of swanky cocktails and an extensive whiskey list. There is a parking ramp a few hundred feet from the entrance. #anokamn #Minnesota #thehardwarestore read more

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I thought that this place was reservation only but we were in the area and figured we'd try and do a walk in. We got seated right away by a very nice man. Ordered a Marilyn's Nightcap, a White Russian with love and a smoked old fashioned. Everything was sooo good. There's a parking ramp right behind it with free parking. If you're in the anoka area I recommend checking this place out for a delicious cocktail. We got lucky but I recommend making a reservation. read more

Anoka Hardware Store - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

A two drink review Silencio por favor Cool lil speakeasy Drove up to Anoka to have a couple beers in their Social District. Got one beer at nearby 10K and started roaming the streets. Came across this place by happenstance. It was kind of on my radar, but not really. Saw some people go in a backdoor in the alley and saw the Hardware store sign and put two and two together. Finished my brewski and headed in not knowing the protocol. Empty room with the sign and a curtain. Peeked behind the curtain and a dark stairway going up. Decided to do some research on my phone but staff member was out shortly. Some obligatory speakeasy coyness. Told her first time here and can I get a beer. I don't know. Asked if I could go behind the curtain and up the stairs. I don't know. Eventually, the facade broke. She asked for full name and phone number and brought me in. Not up the stairs but behind an iron door next to the stairs. Cool, hip, chill spot. 1920's throwback vibe. Drink prices are what you would expect. Nothing crazy. Old Fashioned for 9 and Bourbon drink called Bee Crusher for 13. Both were great! Would give the edge to the Bee Crusher. I like the sweet stuff. No running a tab as far as I can tell. Tap your card each time. Long run on paragraph. Sorry. If it were in walking distance of home, I would be a regular. No reservation or password or code required anymore. At least not early on a Friday. read more

I love the ambience of the hardware store. It's so sexy.love the lighting. Service was great. Drinks were amazing!! read more

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Everything! Everything about this place is exactly as you've heard...fabulous! They did an awesome job accommodating our group of 10, the decor (Christmas) was delightful, and our drinks.... well, they're worth every penny. read more

Anoka Hardware Store - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

This speakeasy bar is so cool. Reservation recommended, they will text you day of for confirmation and send your password once you arrive. The entrance is in the back alleyway and find the red light. Open the door and you come to what looks like a reception area with a bunch of tools on the wall. Behind the curtain is a sliding door that leads to the bar. We went on Thursday night and they had Thursday drink specials to choose from. Not many food options, we did order the charcuterie board. Order your drinks at the bar and pay at the bar. Definitely recommend checking this place out. read more

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Finally made a stop in a couple Wednesday nights ago, not long after 4:00 open! I had circled the block a few times, then continued straight on 2nd rather than turn on Jackson. There it was! The single red light above an alley door! Street parking was free, easy & close. Great, since it was a rainy night. I entered to a little lobby like area. Taising took my name and info since i told her i didnt have a reservation. Appreciative that there were several chairs so I could sit before I was allowed to go back. Someone arrived to lead me back to my seat at the end of the bar. I enjoyed looking around as we made our way. Once seated at the bar I was given a cocktail menu booklet. Taising appeared again to let me know i had about 90 minutes before i would have to leave. I asked her how much notice would i be given, so i dont order a drink? Taising said she'd notify me about 30 minutes prior. What i really liked is you have to pay for each drink, no running tabs. I didnt ask their reasoning but i liked it from the perspective of knowing what you're spending. I was seated at the end of the bar so bartender Tacy was right there, I took advantage and chatted him up. It was Whiskey Wednesday night so I of course opted for an Old Fashioned! The featured whiskey was one I'd never heard of, Angels Envy, but trusted that it was a good one if they were featuring it... I wasn't wrong. After my Old Fashioned I chatted up Claudia behind the bar, she deemed the Uncle Eddie's Egg Nog her go-to, so I ordered one. Whoa!! I told Claudia; well I think that's better than an Old Fashioned, whoa!!! I decided to do one last cocktail before I called it a night...consulting Mo and Tacy I opted for the Dons Old Fashioned. Thanks Anoka Hardware Store for a delicious evening and a really fun and informative evening @ your speakeasy, cheers! read more

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Fabulous! My husband and I stopped in here for the first time to grab drinks before dinner, even without a reservation we were able to get seated at the bar right away. Drinks were beautiful and delicious; the menu is huge and the names of the drinks were hilarious, we loved just reading through it. The ambiance was very fun; I loved the decor and secretive atmosphere. Just a note the entrance is down and alley by the parking ramp and there is a red light over the door; we NEVER would have found it if someone hadn't seen us wandering around and asked what we were looking for. He directed us to the alley that looked a little sketchy; lol I never would have pulled on that door handle read more

Anoka Hardware Store - "How about them apples" and "nothing but a peach thang" - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

Since Anoka is the Halloween capitol, I decided to visit this spot during October for a cool spooky cocktail experience. Loved the speak easy vibes, needed a password to get in that was texted to me before my visit. Intimate seating, I reserved a spot for 2 but they gave me a section with seating for 5. Dim lighting a chill. Enjoyed my cocktails and will be going back. read more

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A little disorganized, go to the bar to order but someone will bring it to you? Let's be real if I am dropping 20bucks a drink you can take my order at my table Everything else is on point nice place comfortable seating, nice drink selection, small bites could use some improvement for the quality of the drinks don't match the snacks, well polished drinks read more

Another great night at the Anoka Hardware Store! I made a reservation about a week before our party of 8 was going to be in town, and we knew this had to be one of our stops. Jason was a fabulous host and held our large table a couple of extra minuets, big shout out to him! The staff is always so pleasant and fun here, eager to please! read more

Amazing place!! Delicious cocktails I'm a cocktail person! And adventure around the metro area for the best places and this is one of them forsure read more

What a cool spot. Our friends have been raving about the Anoka Hardware Store for months. I figured it was time to check it out and we went for my husband's birthday. I made the reservation online and overall it was pretty easy to find (just look for the read light in the alley). When we walked in another party was being helped and it was taking forever. A soild 10 minutes before we were able to be helped. This was probably the worst part of the visit. I love speakeasys because they commit to the bit. They make it a process to get in but that's where they fell short. We were given a code phrase but it apparently wasn't needed. (that's normally my favorite part.) That's the one piece of advice I would give, front staff should stay turn to the speakeasy vibe. Once inside we got a table near the front of the stage where we enjoyed music for about an hour. We started with chips and salsa (plus a birthday cupcake), while sipping on a Mile High Club and a Cloak and Dagger. Both were good and both would be ordered again. We moved onto a Marilyn's Night Cap and an Infamous El Guapo. The second round of drinks is where this place shined! The Marilyn's Night Cap was the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate. In a world where I wasn't drinking I could have had 4 of these. The Infamous El Guapo was served and the waitress lit the lime on fire- just really cool stuff happening here. I cannot wait to return. Drinks are reasonable if you're coming from the cities and the parking garage is across the street for easy access. read more

Such a cool place. Fun vibe inside, old time movies playing, nice decorations. Staff were very friendly and fast. Also, prices are very reasonable! We got a bunch of different drinks while here, mostly NA drinks because a lot of our group doesn't drink. All the drinks were great, my favorites were the Influencer and their NA mixup, which was a bartender special creation every time! Others got some beer, cocktails, and a Japanese whiskey flight. Everyone was very happy! We even got a charcuterie board too, pretty good. Will plan to come back here again! Great drinks and cool vibes! read more

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A literal hidden gem in Anoka! Going to a Speakeasy has always been on my bucket list, and I went with some friends for the first time. I was in awe of how inconspicuous the location is yet it opens up to a beautiful room with gorgeous ceilings, live music and good vibes all around. Even the bathroom was decorated with swan sink handles and floral wall paper. Our group had a 1.5 hour reservation and we were given a section with couches and tables. We ordered different cocktails, and we got to be a part of the smoking experience for the old fashion. They also served instaworthy backdrops if you have a good camera (keep your flash off) and we caught some cool pic. Apps/snacks were also available but our group didn't get any. 10/10- will def come back read more

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The Hardware store is a nice place to go get a drink with friends. Their cocktails and Old Fashioned's are second to none. The room is on the smaller side so make a reservation. Be aware that because of the limited space, there is a time limit. They don't have much for food, mainly just snacks and such, so don't come hungry. One other drawback is that it is loud. We have not been here with live music which we're told can be even louder. Overall, a nice place to go to get your drink on! read more

Anoka Hardware Store - The "entryway" - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

Excellent speakeasy located somewhere in Anoka *wink* This place does an fantastic job with the theme using a hardware store as it's front for the cocktail room. You are going to need reservations for this spot so plan ahead. Once you make your reservation you will receive a text with your secret code or phrase to enter. Super fun! After you enter the hardware store and give your phrase you are brought beyond the door into a beautiful space with a pre prohibition era feel. There is a small stage immediately for live music with a projector behind it playing old time silent movies. In the back you will find the bar. Once you are seated you will need to approach the bar to place your order and then your drink is brought to your table. No tabs are opened and you will need to pay as you go. Personally I'm not a crazy fan of this and I'm also not sure why they can't just take your order at your table as they bring the order to you. Slightly inconvenient but not enough to stop me from going. They have a really nice cocktail menu with all the traditional classics we know and love as well as some house originals. The drink prices are way more then reasonable for the quality you are getting. I would even say they are cheap in comparison to bars with lower quality drinks. BONUS on Wednesdays they offer up Old Fashioneds for $6. That is a steal of a deal! They can also smoke your drink upon request. That comes at a cost of $3 which I think is a little steep. However, again, the base price of the drinks are fair enough that the $3 hit doesn't seem that bad (especially on Wednesday). read more

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The Anoka Hardware Store became one of my favorite cocktail lounges after just one visit. The atmosphere is immediately captivating as soon as you enter the alley where the entrance is. There's something so cool and unique about the speakeasy vibe, it transports you into a completely different era! The interior is a perfect mix of modern and 1920's vibes. We were treated to some live jazz music and once that had ended, Charlie Chaplin silent films were played on a projector screen on the main wall. Absolutely phenomenal! Now for the drinks. The Hardware Store has an extensive menu of both original and classic cocktails and an incredible catalogue of whiskeys. There are so many drinks to try! I had the Flame-Ingo, the El Guapo, and the Marilyn's Nightcap, all off the original drinks menu. Each cocktail was amazingly crafted, and some even come with a bit of a show! The El Guapo includes a lime that gets lit on fire right at your table. My boyfriend had a smoked Old Fashioned, which gets smoked right in front of you! Along with that, he had a gimlet as well as a Bartender Whip-Up. The Whip-Up is a really neat feature of the menu where you choose your spirit and what you get is a complete surprise - no complaints or returns! He chose a mezcal one and it was phenomenal. I'll definitely be trying a Whip-Up on my next visit! On an added note, I really appreciated that the Hardware Store uses spirits from many local distilleries in their cocktails, including Du Nord, Vikre, and Tattersall. Overall this was a fantastic experience and I will 100% be going to the Hardware Store again and again. Can't wait to try all of their drinks! read more

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This is a fun speakeasy complete with a secret entrance, password and lots of different drinks. Make a reservation, we did and were there early. You get an hour and a half seating. The drinks are good and strong. They have entertainment. The service was good. It's definitely a place to try if you want a fun and a bit different experience. read more

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We went to the Hardware Store a few months ago, and it was a fun speakeasy expedience. DRINKS: Our group got the Flame-ingo, El Guapo, and Mayor Lorraine. They were all inventive and quite tasty!! It was fun to try something different, and they were all at a reasonable price point. AMBIANCE: The place leans into the speakeasy vibe, where you enter in a "hardware store" entrance and then have to give a password to get inside. The sitting areas were quite spaced out which gave it a private feel, but some were so spaced out (plus the loud music) that it was hard to hear your friends across the table. Given that it is a little tricky to get a reservation, I think they could add some more seating and improve both issues. Also, the lighting (especially at our table) was pretty green which took a little away from the visual appearance of our drinks. SERVICE: Great and prompt, although you do have to go to the bar to order drinks they will bring them to your table when they are ready. PARKING: Easy street parking or free ramp nearby. read more

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Fun prohibition style bar. When you make your reservation you get a password that you will need to say when greeted by the host. Live music and good drinks. read more

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First time coming to Anoka Hardware Store and was pleasantly surprised. Good drinks and great atmosphere, really unique craft cocktails, they even have one where they put an old fashioned into a glass box and smoke it in front of you! They had a live band in the front and we were seated towards the back wall which I liked a lot. Great spot for groups, they even have curtains to pull back to separate people which gave it a feeling of exclusivity even though it was extremely loud in there. Place is very Instagram worth for taking pictures and I would definitely come back next time I'm in Anoka. read more

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Awesome vibe. Great staff, wonderful drinks! I can't wait to go again and I wish I lived closer! read more

Anoka Hardware Store - Cloak and Dagger - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

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This place is so fun and such a great addition to DTA! The staff is so friendly and so helpful when deciding what to order. I got The Red Light which is served in a lightbulb that you get to take home and The Orange County Housewife which was a delicious mocktail. The drinks my friends got were also delicious and they have such a big drink menu! I can't wait to go back and it has a fun theme and great ambiance. I recommend making a reservation, especially if you have a larger group! read more

Anoka Hardware Store - Entrance - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

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I can not recommend the Hardware Store enough. It is easily the most beautiful cocktail bar in the Twin Cities. The Bartenders are knowledgeable and creative. I can either grab a great drink off the menu or give them ideas of what I am looking for in a cocktail and they can make a unique and special cocktail. Perfect for a romantic date as well! read more

Anoka Hardware Store - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

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Amazing amazing amazing. The ambiance is perfection, the staff clearly loves working here, and the drinks are all phenomenal. Cannot recommend enough. read more

Anoka Hardware Store - Infamous El Guapo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

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Great speakeasy with a really fun and quirky theme. Love that you have to mention the passcode to enter, and that the lobby area is designed to look like a hardware store. We tried a few different drinks - my favorite might have been the Prince Themed one. It was purple (of course!) so super pretty, but also really delicious! read more

This speakeasy is so fun! Who doesn't love a speakeasy. It gets a bit loud with the live music so go here for a few fun drinks and to enjoy the music! read more

Anoka Hardware Store - Lavender martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Anoka, Minnesota

What a neat idea for a speakeasy! It's a hardware store...nope actually just a neat cocktail bar! I liked the vibe a lot & the oldies music. The cocktails were well priced, but I did think it was silly they charge $3 to smoke a cocktail. I also was not a fan that you have to go up to the bar, order, and close out immediately. It takes time to make the coktail & then a server comes & brings it to you. I think they would do better with table service as the servers weren't always at the bar or available & you had to stand & wait. You will find this location by the red light in the alley. It's a super fun concept & I will definitely return. The staff was friendly and great with asking questions. read more

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Awesome hangout - 5 stars! The Hardware Store has a great cocktail menu (and wine). Some drinks arrive in flames. Some cocktails can be fumed in a smoke box. The snacks are definitely way above average. We ordered the Charcuterie Board (see photos). Finally - live music! When the band isn't around, they show silent movies - very cool. It's the perfect vibe. But first you have to find it and get inside... 1. Make reservations. 2. The door is in the alley. It's a plain metal door with a simple light above it. On the evening of our visit, the light was red. They say you need to knock but the door isn't locked. You just walk in. 3. The front foyer looks roughly like an old timey general store. It's setup like a lobby with black sofas & chairs. Everything is dark & dingy. You need to give the folks at the counter the secret phrase of the night and you'll be escorted inside. On the night of our visit, "I'm looking for a bird feeder." 4. Order drinks & snacks and enjoy the music or a silent movie. FYI, you need to order at the bar and they deliver everything to your table. They're really good about bussing the tables and getting things out of your way too. More room, more drinks & snacks! 5. When you leave make sure you use the side door. They don't like it if you try to exit through the secret lobby. Thanks for a great experience, The Hardware Store! -Maxx read more

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