Minnesota is one of those fine states that doesn't sell alcohol or tobacco products at…read moresupermarkets, it seems.... at least the local grocery concern in Bemidji doesn't. Aside: Technically speaking, campers at State Parks in Minnesota are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages... not that this seems to be enforced or enforceable, but the inconvenience of an extra stop for a bottle of wine and a twelver of Bud Light seems silly. Whatever. That all being the case, I ducked in to Bemidji Discount Liquor on the way back to our campsite. It was raining pretty hard, so while I had ice slowly melting in the Tahoe, I wasn't in a giant hurry to get back to camp, soggy as it was. Signage prohibiting entry of anyone under 21 didn't phase my 40 year old self, and somebody's underage kid opened the door for me. Stay classy, Bemidji. I found me 24 pack of Bud Light without much ado, but it took me a minute to realize, while hunting for a decent bottle of Pinot Noir for Mrs. Picante, that the wines were all organized alphabetically, not by varietal. I grabbed a decent one, and headed for the register. Good prices, nice folks. Incidentally, if you're looking for tobacco... That's a third stop on your way back to camp or home in Minnesota. Lucky for you, there's a smoke shop next door to the west and a gas station next door to the east.... Because selling food, drinks, and smokes under the same roof is so damned California after all.

In town from Las Vegas for my grandmother a funeral. My older sister and I went into the store to…read morepurchase over $100 in alcohol. When asked for ID at the counter I presented mine (1987) and my sister presented her passport. They refused the passport and made her go back to the hotel to get her ID.. My sister is 35 years old. The women working here are rude as hell.. I'm Stuck at the counter waiting because they won't sell me the alcohol until she shows ID. Pretty pathetic. If I didn't have dinner reservations for 7:30 I wouldn't even buy here.

I don't know why I like this liquor store so much. Maybe it's because it feels like your rummaging…read morearound in a storage building....looking for a good find. The prices on wine are great. The staff is friendly. It's right near a boat dock. Yup, I'd driver across town to purchase.

I just moved into the area, and this store was close by. They were super nice, had a great variety,…read moreconsidering their smaller size. And the prices are very competitive. I'll make this my liquor store of choice in my new town.

The pretzel and drink were great. Allie's service was spectacular! We no longer live in the Bemidji…read morearea, but had remembered 209 as a solid choice for food and drink. We continue to be happy with the 209!

Food (4/5) | Ambiance (5/5) | Service (4/5)…read more We came here with a large group of about 40 and staggered arrivals so we wouldn't overwhelm the staff. Food was solid--my Tossed & Seared steak salad was tasty, and the Smokeshow burger is a must if you like bleu cheese and balsamic. The vibe was great for a modern bar, and the outdoor patio was super cute. Service was fine overall, though my friend's "large" walleye dinner came out as a small plate of walleye fingers, which seemed like a mix-up. All in all, good food + fun atmosphere = worth a visit.