My Own Downtown - Joe's Liquor and Bar

Last Updated 12/16/2021


    Since 1961, Joe’s Liquor and Bar has been a popular hole-in-the-wall hangout in our community. It may be the smallest bar in town but they go big on service, drinks, music and great times. 
    According to Owner, Angela Gaensslen, her favorite part of owning Joe’s is the history and tradition.
    “I have worked hard to honor that while cultivating and developing my Downtown business,” she said. “The patrons who come to Joe’s are truly amazing and getting to know them is so much fun.”
     Angela’s best patrons are not just customers. To her, they’re family and she goes out of her way to treat them as such.
     “Our guests are family to us and the support they have shown us during this shutdown has been overwhelming from playing us songs on the jukebox to calling to chat or pulling up to the drive-up window to check in on us and say ‘hello,’” she said. “We cannot wait until Joe’s is filled with laughter and music of our Joe’s family once again and our smallest bar tradition continues.”
     Angela is proud to be a part of Downtown Rock Springs.
     “Downtown is the unique lifeblood of our community,” she pointed out. “These businesses represent hope, dreams, sacrifice, dedication, family and very hard work.”      She went on to add, “The people who own and operate businesses in our Downtown area are a special breed. They see a need and they step up to fulfill that need in our community with a special touch.”
     Through social gatherings in Downtown, we are creating, building and nurturing meaningful relationships. Two of Angela’s bartenders participated in the 2019 ARTini Fundraiser event.
     “The event was so well executed and everyone who attended and participated had so much fun,” Angela shared. “I also love to stroll all the shops in Downtown. They offer things you will never see in a big box store and are always so helpful and friendly.”
     Along with many others, Angela hopes more businesses will open in Downtown.
     “Be fearless but prepared,” she advised. “Look to other small business owners for help with questions, suggestions and concerns and do a ton of research.”
     Angela notices how helpful everyone has been lately.
     “While the future in general is a bit hazy at this time, I believe that Downtown Rock Springs will continue to grow and thrive,” she expressed. “Seeing how business owners have adapted and overcome our recent challenges speaks to the strength and ingenuity of our small business owners. The way our community has stepped up to support their own is truly humbling.”
     …And that’s why Downtown Rock Springs is My Own Downtown.
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