Stay up to date on the latest from your favorite restaurants, bars and food purveyors. For a complete list of past openings and closings organized by month, scroll to the bottom of the page.
Now Open
Baba's Hummus House (2220 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., lovebabas.com) The sibling-owned Baba's Middle Eastern food company has opened a "hummus house," mana'eesh bakery and market in Minneapolis. On the menu are hummus bowls similar to those that became an instant hit at the Minnesota State Fair, and some additional Palestinian fare. Opened Aug. 5.
Fool Me Once (3006 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., foolmeoncempls.com) The onetime Country Bar returns as Fool Me Once, with a cowboy-meets-outer space design, smashburgers and Hamm's (and only Hamm's) on tap. Opened Aug. 4.
Seward Cafe (2129 E. Franklin Av., Mpls., instagram.com/sewardcafe) The nearly 50-year-old community-run cafe has relaunched after three years of closure, with fresh baked goods, brunch and daily breakfast. While it's been open since May, the collective held a grand reopening Aug. 5.
Northern Coffeeworks (4208 S. 28th Av., Mpls., northerncoffeeworks.com) After three months of renovations, this coffee shop and roaster has a new look. Grand reopening was Aug. 3.
Brazin Public House (6399 City West Pkwy., Eden Prairie, 952-600-5192, brazinpublichouse.com) A chef with experience at companies such as Taher and Lancer has opened a family-run restaurant serving three meals a day plus weekend brunch, with flatbreads, handhelds, tacos and more. Opened Aug. 1.
Boga Ice Cream & Burger (1440 E. Minnehaha Av., St. Paul) The onetime Dari-ette Drive-In location is now open and serving a menu of diner classics with a few Mediterranean flavors sprinkled in, like a gyro burger.
Bullvino's Churrascaria (5121 W. 98th St., Bloomington, 952-856-2412, bullvinos.com) After success in St. Paul's Lowertown, the Brazilian steakhouse has expanded to Bloomington. In both locations, look for a long list of all-you-can-eat meats, now including Hmong sausage.
In Vino Veritas (1080 County Rd. E W., Shoreview, i-v-v.com) In addition to plenty of wines to sample, there are charcuterie and butter boards for snacking, desserts, live music and a happy hour. Owners Farzana Sharmin and Cory Morrison told the Shoreview Press that they hope the bar builds back some of the human connection that was lost during the pandemic.
Goorgoorlu (2118 W. Broadway, Mpls., goorgoorlu.com) Get both African and American flavors at this new restaurant. The menu spans American classics like cheeseburgers, fries and catfish to Gambian dishes like chereh (similar to steamed couscous) or chicken Afra (seasoned chicken with sliced onions). Cousins and business partners chef Mo Kebbeh and Ousman Bah are behind the restaurant, which also serves breakfast with meat pies and American classics.
Puttery (240 Hennpin Av. S., Mpls., puttery.com) The adults-only mini golf chain is now open in the North Loop. The new location offers a swanky setting for those who love the putt-putt game and want to share a charcuterie board while doing it. Rounds are $18 per person and there are three courses — and three bars to experience. Food is largely fancy snacks, like a fig and burrata salad.
Rainbow Chinese Restaurant (2739 Nicollet Av., Mpls., rainbowrestaurant.com) More than three years after it joined every other Minnesota restaurant in shuttering its dining room due to the state-mandated shutdown for COVID-19, Rainbow Chinese Restaurant is finally joining those that reopened. The hours are snug for now, too. Just Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 9 p.m. Reservations, capped at parties of six, are recommended.
Read our coverage here.
Don Papi Chulo (7834 Cahill Av., Inver Grove Heights, donpapichulo.com) Don Papi Chulo has parked its food truck and opened a full-service restaurant. On the menu are asada fries, burrito bowls, tortas brimming with fillings, tacos and more.
Milly's Wine Bar (1129 Washington Av. S., Mpls., http://instagram.com/millysmpls) The building has been beautifully remodeled and wines and snacks are being added to the menu at Milly's Wine Bar ahead of a July 29 grand opening. Behind the project are Brandon Witzel (of Quinn Design), Jill Mortensen and Kay Phillips, who also co-own the Flock co-working space on Nicollet Avenue.
Read our coverage here.
Layline (301 Water St., Excelsior, laylinerestaurant.com) Unstoppable restaurant force Daniel del Prado is continuing to build his empire with Layline. The new restaurant has a modern American menu with pastas, sandwiches (lobster roll, burgers) starters (calamari, crudos) and mains (steak, salmon and more). There's also a chic patio for enjoying those picturesque summer nights. Layline is open for dinner seven days a week; reservations are available online. Opened July 2023. Read our coverage here.
The High Hat (485 Selby Av., St. Paul, 651-528-7941) In the hands of a longtime W.A. Frost manager, the former Bon Vie Bistro has become a neighborhood breakfast cafe, with a skillet cinnamon roll and a parfait-stuffed papaya. Read our coverage here.
Union Hmong Kitchen (901 W. Lake St., Mpls., unionkitchenmn.com) What was a commissary kitchen turned pop-up is now home to the second location of chef Yia Vang's popular quick-serve restaurant Union Hmong Kitchen. The changeover took place in July 2023. Read our coverage here.
D's Banh Mi (1848 E. 38th St., Mpls, instagram.com/ds.banhmi/?hl=en) The East 38th Street red, seasonal stand is now serving Vietnamese dishes, including the titular sandwich. Opened July 2023.
Luna & the Bear (18 W. 26th St., Mpls., lunaandthebearmn.com) The former Eat Street Social space has gotten a light-filled update as Luna & the Bear, a lunch-and-dinner spot with sandwiches, salads, a gin-and-jam program and abundant dog artwork. Keeping on theme, the large patio is dog-friendly. Opened July 14.
Egg on a Roll (201 5th Av. N., Mpls., eggonarollmn.com) Now open inside the 5th Avenue Market in the North Loop with egg sandwiches dominating the menu. All combinations come on a brioche bun, but there are wheat- and gluten-free options, too. In the kitchen is Adam Bresina, who has previously worked as chef at the Minneapolis Club. Opened July 2023. Read our coverage here.
Hi Flora! (2558 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., instagram.com/hiflorarestaurant) A new plant-based restaurant has taken over the space vacated by Common Roots Cafe, launching July 2023. In addition to seasonal, locally grown an regenerative foods, the menu will include "euphoric" nonalcoholic cocktails that contain THC. The restaurant is a project of chef Heather Klein of Roots to Rise. Read our coverage here.
Puralima (528 Washington Av. N., Mpls., pacoandlime.com) Steele Smiley's new fast-casual Mexican restaurant concept, on the site of the former Duffey Paper Co., opened July 2023. Read our coverage here.
Steady Pour (2125 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., steadypour.com) The private event space and beverage company opened to the public as a bar July 6, and to kick things off, has paired with chef Jamie Malone's Paris Dining Club to provide a French-influenced menu every Thursday through August. In the fall, look for a tapas-inspired menu from Jorge Guzman. Steady Pour is open Wednesday through Saturday evenings.
Badger Hill Brewing (2805 Winners Circle Dr., Shakopee, 952-230-2739, badgerhillbrewing.com) Badger Hill Brewing moved its brewery and taproom from an industrial park in Shakopee to the nearby Canterbury Commons surrounding Canterbury Park. Food from nearby Bravi's Craft Mexican Kitchen is also available in Badger Hill's taproom. Opened July 2023. Read our coverage here.
Bravi's Craft Mexican Kitchen (2815 Winners Cir. Dr., Shakopee, 952-600-5343, bravismn.com) Bravi's, the popular but tiny family-run Mexican restaurant in downtown Shakopee, has closed its first location (105 S. Lewis St.), and reopened in a much larger new home at Canterbury Commons.
Fawkes Alley Coffee Shop (1621 Harmon Pl., Ste. 150, Mpls., fawkesalleycoffee.com) The alleyway behind Lurcat and Gai Noi is now home to a coffee shop with grab-and-go sandwiches and pastries. Operating as a nonprofit, Fawkes will channel all profits into the Futsal Society. Conrado Badilla, of nearby Sonora Grill, has designed a lunch menu and the pastries come from chef Amber Curry.
Toma Mojo Grill (1700 E. 66th St., Richfield, 612-886-3446, tomamojogrill.com) The quick-service restaurant from Tilia veterans Paul Backer and Michael Knox, opened a location inside the retail complex at 66th Street and Cedar Avenue (near Target) in Richfield. This is the second outpost of the restaurant, which specializes in Spanish- and Portuguese-style slow-cooked meats and veggies with incredible sauces. (The first location is at 12977 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka.) Opened July 14.
Where's the Flour? (Eden Prairie Center, 8251 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie, edenprairiecenter.com) Relocating from its current home at Northtown Mall in Blaine, this spot will open in the upper-level food court at Eden Prairie Center. The celiac-safe restaurant focuses on fried fast food favorites, sans gluten. Cheese curds, fried chicken and dessert crêpes are on the menu. Opened July 1.
Announced - Coming Soon
Crasqui Restaurant (84 Wabasha St. S., St. Paul, crasquirestaurant.com) Soleil Ramirez, the chef behind Arepa Bar at the Midtown Global Market, is opening a new concept: Crasqui. The menu promises recipes using native Venezuelan ingredients, yet inspired by Spanish, French and African cuisines. Opens Aug. 10.
Ono Hawaiian Plates (2015 E. 24th St., Mpls., onohawaiianplates.com) Chef Warren Seta and business/life partner Jess Kelley are expanding the reach of their Ono Hawaiian Plates by opening a sit-down and takeout location within United Noodles by summer's end. Ono will have an additional presence in St. Paul by fall, when it launches a grab-and-go counter in the deli at Lunds & Byerly's in St. Paul's Highland Park. Ono's North Loop Galley location, at 729 N. Washington Av., Mpls., will remain open.
Mother Dough Bakery (205 Park Av., Mpls., motherdoughbakery.com) David Fhima's bakery will open at the base of the Vicinity Apartments building in Minneapolis' Mill District neighborhood in late fall. The French-influenced bakery and cafe serves pastries and coffee in the morning and a few sandwiches for lunch. The original two locations of Mother Dough are in downtown's Capella Tower.
Porzana and the Flora Room (50 2nd Av. N., Mpls. , porzanampls.com) Chef and restaurateur Daniel del Prado announced that he and business partner Ryan Burnet have bought the Bachelor Farmer space and will turn it into a modern Argentinean steakhouse called Porzana. The Marvel Bar space will become the Flora Room, a cocktail bar that will "stay true" to the beverage programs at del Prado's other restaurants, where Megan Luedtke is the visionary with Keith Mrotek leading operations. Plan for a late summer 2023 opening for both.
Read our coverage here.
Silver Fern (114 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., silverfernmpls.com) A cafe, bakery and wine bar is coming to East Hennepin, expected in September. They'll serve Tiny Footprint coffee, sandwiches, vegan items from Herbivorous Butcher, and a wine menu from Leslee Miller, according to the Business Journal.
Zhora Darling Coming this fall to the former Red Stag space in northeast Minneapolis, this lounge and restaurant has partnered with Five Leaves in Brooklyn, N.Y. on the food menu.
Brasa Premium Rotisserie (1728 Mainstreet, Hopkins, brasa.us) The fast-casual restaurant from chef/owner Alex Roberts, is adding a fourth location — the first outside Minneapolis and St. Paul. Known for locally sourced slow food served quickly, Brasa's menu features long-roasted meats like rotisserie chicken and pulled pork and sides that include collard greens, grits, beans, rice and yuca fries. The restaurant is slated to open fall 2023.
Cafe Meow (1718A Lexington Av. N., Roseville, thecafemeow.com) Minneapolis' first cat cafe is moving from Hennepin Av. to a Roseville strip mall with more space for kitty snuggles and parking.
On's Thai Express (718 Cleveland Av. S., St. Paul, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094725996836) University Av. favorite On's Thai is expanding with a second location in St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood.
Bebe Zito (Woodbury Lakes, 9120 Hudson Rd., Woodbury, bebezito.com) Woodbury Lakes will be the first suburban location for Bebe Zito, the scoop shop from Gabriella Grant-Spangler and Ben Spangler, when it opens later this year. The new location at the suburban outdoor shopping center, located at the Interstate 494-94 interchange, also will include a lounge area and private event space. Read our coverage here.
La Boulangerie Marguerite (300 13th Av. NE., Mpls., la-marg.com) The St. Paul bakery is expanding to Minneapolis, in the former Mary Ellen's Bistro space, with a late summer opening. Look for weekend pop-ups in the meantime.
El Sazon Cocina & Tragos (TBA, Mpls., elsazonmn.com) The wildly popular gas station stand, known for its convenience store tasting menu dinners, is expanding to a full-service restaurant in Minneapolis this fall. Read our coverage here.
King Coil Distillery (550 Vandalia St., Ste. 140, St. Paul, kingcoilspirits.com) The team behind Lake Monster Brewing Co. will launch a new distillery, cocktail bar and pizza restaurant this summer in St. Paul's Vandalia Tower, just across the plaza from the brewery. Matthew Lange, the brewmaster at Lake Monster, will be King Coil's head distiller. Lange has been experimenting with tinctures, botanicals and infusions for more than a decade, and has developed a selection of housemade gin, run, vodka, blended whiskeys and liqueurs that will drive the cocktail menu. On the food side, King Coil will bring Roman-style pizza to the table; the dough and mozzarella will both be made in-house. Read our coverage here.
Slice Brothers Pizza (641 University Av. W., St. Paul, sliceminneapolis.com) Plans are moving forward for a third Slice Pizza location at the intersection of University Avenue and Dale Street in St. Paul, with a projected soft opening for Aug. 25. Adam Kado and Hosie Thurmond's New York-styled Slice shop has two Minneapolis locations: at 519 E. Hennepin Av. and inside Midtown Global Market. Look for one more at Mall of America this fall.
Wrestaurant at the Palace (33 W. 7th Pl., St. Paul) Wrecktangle Pizza and the Palace Theatre are joining forces to open Wrestaurant at the Palace, a new full-service restaurant and bar with a walk-up window in downtown St. Paul. It will offer Wrecktangle's hallmark thick and cheese-crusted pizzas, plus sandwiches, slices, new dishes and a distinctive cocktail menu. Opening summer 2023.
Read our coverage here.
Public Domain (119 Washington Av. N., Mpls.) The long-dormant Haute Dish restaurant is finally getting a new tenant, and there won't be bartenders with a menu at this cocktail bar. Instead you'll find cocktail specialists, who will talk through what guests prefer and then craft a tailor-mixed drink just for them.
Red Cow (881 Lake St., Wayzata, redcowmn.com) Red Cow will open its sixth location this fall. The new spot will be a bit smaller than some of Red Cow's other locations, but there is a patio that will have space for 20 diners when the weather cooperates. The menu of burgers, sandwiches, fries, totchos and more will be identical to those at the other outposts, as will the drink menu, with 30 beers on tap and 28 wines available by the glass. Read our coverage here.
Keefer Court (Asia Mall, Eden Prairie, asiamallmn.com) On the first floor of Asia Mall, between Pho Mai and Home Taste, sits an empty storefront where 2,700 square feet is earmarked for a Chinese bakery. Before the end of the year, that space will be filled with the sights and heavenly aromas of one we almost lost: Keefer Court. Read our coverage here.
Pimento Jamaican Kitchen (354 N. Wabasha St., St. Paul, pimento.com) Tomme Beevas's Jamaican restaurant will soon open a third location in downtown St. Paul. The first two are on Minneapolis' Eat Street and at Keg and Case Market in St. Paul.
Animales Barbeque and Burger Co. (TBA, animalesbarbeque.com) After a tumultuous year, Jon Wipfli of Animales Barbecue and Burger Co. is ready for more stability. So he's packing up his massive meat smokers and is on the hunt for a permanent restaurant location and he's pulled in a fellow restaurateur as an investor — Billy Tserenbat of Billy Sushi.
Read our coverage here.
Soul Lao (2401 W. 7th St., St. Paul, soullao.com) The popular food truck Soul Lao is aiming for a year-round permanent location inside St. Paul's Sibley Plaza. The truck, run by Sabrina Boualaphanh and Eric Phothisanh, serves their take on Lao cuisine, cooked with plenty of soul, including wings and the crispy/juicy/craveable pork belly. Opening imminently this summer.
Diane Moua project (TBA) Celebrated Minneapolis pastry chef Diane Moua is leaving her post at Bellecour at the end of the year to begin work on her first independent restaurant. The cuisine will draw on her Hmong heritage and French training and will expand her cooking realm beyond pastry and into savory dishes. Her new restaurant is part of an ongoing conversation surrounding Hmong cuisine that's spearheaded by the children of those who immigrated here. While the cuisine at her new restaurant won't entirely be Hmong, during the growing season it will make use of the St. Paul Hmong farmers market, a favorite shopping place of Moua's. When the seasons shift, the restaurant will take its cues from what's fresh. Opening 2023. Read our coverage here.
Tim McKee project (121-125 N. 1st St., Mpls., thewesthotel.com) When James Beard Award-winning chef Tim McKee, the La Belle Vie trailblazer, announced in August his intentions to open a Spanish restaurant in Minneapolis' North Loop in 2023, details were hazy. Now, the picture is becoming clearer, with news of a new hotel opening in Minneapolis next year. Salt Hotels will launch the West Hotel in a development on the corner of 2nd Avenue N. and N. 1st Street. And there's more: In addition to a Basque-inspired restaurant featuring pintxos and other dishes cooked over charcoal, McKee will spearhead an Eastern Mediterranean-inspired bakery that will utilize a wood-fired oven. McKee is also overseeing the hotel's events and in-room dining. Expected to open fall 2023 or beyond. Read our coverage here.
Dahlia (TBA, eatatdahlia.com) Three former Travail staffers are bringing their fine-dining pedigree to breakfast and lunch. After traveling to other cities and noticing a trend in restaurants that hadn't made its way to Minnesota yet, they had an idea. Dahlia, a full-service restaurant, will apply the team's hospitality chops to daytime dining. The team is already hosting pop-ups each weekend at area breweries. Look for a permanent home around the end of 2023 or early 2024. Read our coverage here.
LBC on the Lake (Antlers Park, Lakeville) Redevelopment plans for Lakeville's Antlers Park will include a place to buy food and beverages — and that building will take the form of two 40-foot shipping containers sitting side by side. Earlier this year, two companies created restaurant proposals and the City Council chose a walk-up food and beverage counter concept from Lakeville Brewing Co. that would sell burgers, fish tacos, beer and wine. Lakeville Brewing has a brewpub in downtown Lakeville and also owns Inver Grove Brewing in Inver Grove Heights. Coming in spring 2024. Read our coverage here.
Paris Baguette (7855 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, parisbaguette.com) For the international chain's first Minnesota outpost, local business owner Brian Yi is aiming to "reestablish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the community around the world." The menu includes cakes, pastries, salads and sandwiches.
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café (Locations TBA, sweetparis.com) Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café will bring their slice of Paris to the Twin Cities with four locally owned franchise locations. On the menu will be sweet and savory crêpes as well as a few salads, paninis and other French-inspired treats. The company was founded in 2012 in Houston with the goal of bringing the art of eating crêpes to the state. Since then, it has grown to include locations all over Texas and is now expanding to Miami and Minnesota. Its first Minnesota location will be in Woodbury, opening summer 2023.
Litt Pinball Bar (2021 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. , tiltpinballbar.com) Tilt Pinball Bar in Minneapolis is on the move and will reopen inside the former Liquor Lyle's location as Litt Pinball Bar. Liquor Lyle's, the iconic Hennepin Avenue dive bar, had closed during the pandemic and went up for sale last year when the owners announced that the more than 50-year-old bar would not reopen. The expanded space inside Litt will allow for more pinball machines, more parking and more menu items beyond the beloved hot dogs served at the original location. Look for Litt to open sometime this spring; for now, visit Tilt at 113 E. 26th St., Mpls.
Gyu Mai Japanese BBQ / Ichiddo Ramen (Eden Prairie Center, 8251 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie, edenprairiecenter.com) A dual concept restaurant will open in the mall's entertainment wing, near the AMC Theatre. Gyu Mai Japanese BBQ will allow guests to grill their own meat and vegetables at their tables for a DIY yakiniku (grilled meat) experience. The other portion will be home to a new Ichiddo Ramen, a local noodle shop that has been rapidly expanding in the Twin Cities' suburbs since first launching on Minneapolis' Eat Street — with more coming soon in a handful of other states. Both are expected to open in December.
Lift Bridge Brewing Co. (Hudson, Wis., liftbridgebrewery.com) Lift Bridge Brewing Co. is expanding to Wisconsin — again. Last year, the Stillwater-based beer maker launched a New Richmond, Wis., brewery and taproom. Now, there's plans in the works to add another location in Hudson, just 10 miles down the river from the original. The Hudson City Council unanimously approved Lift Bridge's development plan for a new brewery and taproom, a 17,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden, a restaurant, event space for 300 people and increased production space. The 5-acre site, a decommissioned dog track, will also be home to a baseball stadium for the St. Croix River Hounds, part of the collegiate Northwoods League. After additional approvals from the city of Hudson, construction is estimated to begin this fall, aiming for completion in 2023. Read our coverage here.
North Loop tequila restaurant (113 N. 1st St., Mpls., nololovestequila.com) Local restaurateurs Josh Thoma and Kevin Fitzgerald are doubling down on their efforts in Minneapolis' North Loop with a second restaurant. The duo, which owns Burger Dive, Smack Shack and the Lexington, announced that their yet-to-be-named restaurant will open summer 2023 in the former Alliance Française and will have an emphasis on tequila. Chef Nick O'Leary, who's now at the Lexington, will run the kitchen. A menu is still being developed, but look for dinner and weekend brunch. Read our coverage here.
Burnsville Center food hall (1178 Burnsville Center, Burnsville) Burnsville Center could see an influx of new activity with a massive new Asian market and international food hall. The aging retail center had announced in 2022 its intention to lease the ground-level space occupied by Gordmans department store to the national Asian grocer Enson Market. But additional plans are now in the works to add a slew of both national and local food options, pulling flavors from China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea and Brazil. On tap is another location for Bullvino's, the Brazilian steakhouse in Lowertown St. Paul, which would offer indoor and outdoor full-service dining; Mango Mango, with blended fruit drinks and desserts; Pho2, which serves Vietnamese food; Chatime, a Taiwanese teahouse chain; Tours Les Jours, a French-South Korean bakery; another Bonchon Korean fried chicken outlet; and local bánh mì sensation Lu's Sandwiches. The proposed project would take over 60,000 square feet of mall space. Read our coverage here.
Ullsperger Brewing (2314 Louisiana Av. S., St. Louis Park, sites.google.com/ullspergerbrewing.com/home/home) A "neighborhood nanobrewery" with an 18-seat taproom is coming in 2023 to St. Louis Park.
Vinai (1717 NE. 2nd St., Mpls., vinaimn.com) Chef Yia Vang, of the pop-up Union Hmong Kitchen, will open a brick-and-mortar in northeast Minneapolis. Named for the refugee camp in Thailand where Vang was born, Vinai is a "love letter to my parents," Hmong immigrants who "taught me about grace, taught me about hope, and taught me to how to persevere," he said. Originally slated for 2022, the opening has been delayed. Read our coverage here.
Dayton's Food Hall & Market
(700 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.
) The massive former Dayton's department store in downtown Minneapolis is undergoing a $214 million renaissance. Most of the 12-story building will be transformed into offices, but retail is planned for the street and skyway levels, and the lower level (translation: basement) will feature a 45,000-square-foot food hall, connected to the two floors above with an atrium cut into the building's infrastructure. The ornate first-floor space that was the longtime home of J.B. Hudson jewelers is also being eyed for a restaurant, but no tenant has been announced. Originally slated for spring 2020, the project's plans are unknown, but a scaled-down local makers market with a couple food vendors, including the Salsa Collaborative, is now operating. Read our coverage here.
Steak and Ale (TBA) It's been 15 years since Steak and Ale and its signature herb-crusted prime rib left the Twin Cities. Now the restaurant is on its way back, and the first location will be in Burnsville. Texas-based Legendary Restaurant Brands announced in January that it will bring 15 locations of its Steak and Ale and Bennigan's to several Midwestern cities. An exact address for the Burnsville restaurant hasn't been announced, but it's expected to open in late summer or fall. Read our coverage here.
Northern Soul (MSP Airport, Terminal 1, getnorthernsoul.com) Justin Sutherland's Northern Soul concept will open at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport's main terminal later this year. It's the newest location for his Southern comfort food concept; another outpost just opened at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa. The initial Northern Soul debuted inside Uptown Ties in Minneapolis. Many of the dishes at Northern Soul are similar to those on the menu at Handsome Hog, the chef's flagship restaurant in St. Paul.
Closing - Changing
Psycho Suzi's (1900 Marshall St. NE., Mpls, 612-788-9069, psychosuzis.com) After 20 years of tropical drinks and months-long Christmas parties, a kitschy mainstay of Northeast Minneapolis is putting away the scorpion bowls for good. "All good things must come to an end and this Psycho Suzi is ready to hang it up and put on her retirement hat," owner Leslie Bock wrote. Closes Aug. 19.
Read our coverage here.
The Good Earth (1901 Hwy. 36, Roseville, goodearthmn.com ) One of the Twin Cities' earliest adopters of organic, farm-driven dining has closed. The Good Earth in Roseville served its last cashew chicken sandwich on July 31. The lease at the Hwy. 36 restaurant ended, according to operator Parasole Restaurant Holdings. "It's a sad day for us," said Donna Fahs, Parasole's chief operating officer. "But it was over 40 years we were in business, and the current lease expired, and we just said, we'd had a very good run." The Galleria location of the Good Earth remains open. Read our coverage here.
Momento (360 St. Peter St., St. Paul, momento-stp.com) After one year of pizzas and casual eats in downtown St. Paul, Momento from Morrissey Hospitality has closed. The restaurant opened in part of the space that once held Pazzaluna. It closed July 30 and plans to reopen September 6 with a new concept.
Fiddlehead Coffee Co. (8601 33rd Av. S., Bloomington, fiddleheadcoffee.co) Rochester-based Fiddlehead Coffee Co. closed all three of its locations at the end of July, citing ongoing health issues of one of its owner as well as "an array of other struggles."
Chicago's Very Own (2944 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.) The Chicago-themed popcorn and sandwich spot in Lyn-Lake has closed, Axios reports.
Taco John's (607 Marquette Av., Mpls., tacojohns.com ) In bummer news for other members of Olé Nation, Taco John's in the Minneapolis skyway has closed. While it was the last location in Minneapolis, there are 44 others in Minnesota. Read our coverage here.
Uptown Collab (3001 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls, uptowncollab.com) What was briefly Arts & Rec became, even more briefly, Uptown Collab, or UpCo. The multilevel restaurant, bar, rooftop and minigolf course inside Uptown's Seven Points mall has closed as of July 2023.
Breaking Bread Cafe (1210 W. Broadway, Mpls., breakingbreadfoods.com) North Minneapolis' Breaking Bread Cafe (1210 W. Broadway, Mpls.) has long been searching for its "forever home." Now Appetite for Change, the nonprofit that runs it, has announced that the cafe will close until they find it. Read our coverage here.
Ngon (799 W. University Av., St. Paul, ngonbistro.com) "It's been an epic run of 16+ years," wrote chef/owner Hai Truong on social media. In the time that it's been operating at 799 W. University Av., Ngon has been showered with accolades and had become a beloved neighborhood destination. Closed July 22. Read our coverage here.
The Lynhall, Minneapolis (2640 Lyndale Av., Mpls., thelynhall.com) The Lynhall's Minneapolis location has closed to become a full-time event center. The Edina location remains open for brunch.
Wineside (1641 Plymouth Road, Minnetonka, wineside.com) It's been less than a year since this liquor store adjacent wine bar and market opened and already it's closed for a rebrand. It will soon reopen with more pour-your-own wine options and snacks.
Rok Eatery (882 W. 7th St., St. Paul, rok-bar.com) Now a full music venue, Rok has ceased serving food.
Spring Break (Kellogg Blvd. and W. 7th St., St. Paul, https://www.purposerestaurants.com) A nostalgia-fueled homage to MTV shows about sun-soaked college parties that was slated to open in downtown St. Paul this spring is no longer in the works, its owner said. Purpose Restaurants, the group behind Spring Break, is shifting resources to one of its other brands, Hope Breakfast Bar, according to a statement from the company.
Apostle Supper Club, Duluth (505 W. Superior St., Duluth, https://www.purposerestaurants.com) In what they're now calling a "year-long pop-up," Apostle Supper Club has left the Duluth Radisson. The downtown St. Paul location is still in operation. Read our coverage here.
Bark and the Bite (2186 Marshall Av., St. Paul, 651-528-7928, barkandthebite.com) The Merriam Park barbecue restaurant that started as a food truck has permanently closed.
Big Dreams Pizza Co. (3712 Quebec Av. S., St. Louis Park) Two big names in Minnesota restaurants — Famous Dave's Dave Anderson and Steven Schussler of the Rainforest Cafe — are teaming up to launch this Chicago tavern-style pizzeria. But it's no longer slated for the former Galaxy Drive-In. Read our coverage here.
Kieran's Kitchen (117 14th Av. NE., Mpls., foodbuilding.com) It's not goodbye, just see you later for Kieran's Kitchen and Market inside Northeast's Food Building. The restaurant and retail spot has temporarily closed to reset, and expects to reopen in the spring with fresh branding and a tweaked business model. During this time, Red Table Meats is also exiting the building while Lowry Hill Meats moves in.
Galaxy Drive In (3712 Quebec Av. S., St. Louis Park) Plans for a pizza restaurant at Galaxy Drive In have been scrapped and the onetime Wagner's, and all the bright lights and baubles that have been added to it, is once again for sale. Dave Anderson, founder of Famous Dave's, and Steve Schussler, who gave us the jungle kitsch of Rainforest Cafe, were expected to open Big Dreams Pizza at the location, but are looking for a larger venue. Read our coverage here.
Vo's Vietnamese (3450 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., vosvietnamese.com) Owner François Vo told Racket that he is looking to retire and sell the restaurant and other real estate in order to move to San Diego. Vo's has operated in its current location for 10 years; there's no word yet on when Vo's will close.
Noyes & Cutler/Big Biscuit Bar (229 6th St. E., St. Paul, noyescutler.com) Two restaurants are temporarily suspending operations" as construction begins on a new luxury hotel in downtown St. Paul. Building owner Jim Crockarell told the Pioneer Press that times are tough for downtown St. Paul restaurants, but called these closures "not ideal, but necessary." Both businesses are expected to return and employees have been offered positions at other Madison restaurant properties.
June 2023
Openings
Bellecour Bakery (3945 Market St., Edina, bellecourbakery.com) This is the third location for the powerhouse business duo, but the first time they've built a retail space to suit each of their specific needs. The move marks a return to Edina for Cooks of Crocus Hill, which closed its original 50th and France location in spring 2017 after 18 years. Opened June 2020. Read our coverage here.
Indigenous Food Lab Market (920 E. Lake St., Mpls., natifs.org/ifl-market) Almost two years after it opened, the groundbreaking Indigenous restaurant Owamni is still booked up almost two months ahead. But with the opening of the Indigenous Food Lab, there's a way to enjoy a facsimile of Owamni's menu without a reservation. The Indigenous Food Lab is on the market's west side, and consists of a retail shop, grab-and-go fridges, a visible kitchen that spans the northwest corner of the market, and a clean, bright seating area that's been gussied up with planters of birch branches.
Read our coverage here.
bb.q Chicken (1328 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-352-2887, bbqchicken.com) This is the second local outpost for the Korean fried chicken chain; the other is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Minneapolis.
Star Bar & Bistro (618 2nd Av. S., Mpls., pinoli-mpls.com) Now open inside the new Hotel Indigo, Star Bar & Bistro by restaurateur Kim Bartmann is an all day cafe with a forthcoming cocktail bar. With meeting space, a bar for happy hours, and a crowd-pleasing menu, it's angling to be the new go-to downtown worker meet up spot. Opened June 2023. Read our coverage here.
Southern Social (1940 Rahncliff Ct., Eagan, southernsocialmn.com) The menu is stacked with fried comforts like green tomatoes, chicken, po'boys and more. There's also a patio situation and a wide beverage selection. The restaurant is the work of Trellis Hospitality, which also runs Barley & Vine in Lakeville and Tamarack Tap Room in Woodbury.
Tous Les Jours (6601 Nicollet Ave. S, Richfield, tljus.com) A South Korean-based bakery chain has brought its French- and Asian-inspired pastries to Minnesota. The state's first store joins more than 70 in the U.S. The cafe serves breads, macarons, sandwiches, smoothies and more. Opened June 2023.
Dave's Hot Chicken (1805 Plymouth Rd., Minnetonka, daveshotchicken.com) The family business of former Golden Gophers player Kris Humphries has transformed a former Starbucks near Ridgedale as the first Minnesota outpost of Los Angeles-based chain Dave's Hot Chicken. Opened June 2023. Read our coverage here.
Social Kitchen & Libations (Ridgedale Center, 12411 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, macysrestaurants.com/the-social) The new restaurant at Macy's Ridgedale pays tribute to the Oak Grill, the Dayton's (and eventually Macy's) institution in downtown Minneapolis that served business suits, ladies who lunch and parent-child shopping trippers with equal reverence until it closed in 2017 after a 69-year run (much longer, if you count its early years as a "tearoom"). Read our coverage here.
Howard's Bar (302 Main St. S., Stillwater, 651-439-9902, howardsbar.com) After quietly taking over longtime dive Whitey's on Stillwater's Main Street a year ago, couple Caroline Smith (a musician) and Adam To (a chef) finally unveiled the new Howard's Bar this summer. They intentionally kept it infused with the nostalgia of a beloved, old bar. Adam To's background as a chef at Michelin-starred restaurants in California had given him the idea to take things in a fine-dining direction at first, but he quickly refocused on making subtle improvements to a humble bar menu that leans supper clubby. Opened June 2023.
Hope Breakfast Bar (Diffley Rd., Eagan, hopebreakfast.com) Brian and Sarah Ingram have opened an Eagan location of the breakfast-centric restaurant, known for its inventive pancake and French toast creations. Opened June 2023. Read our coverage here.
Misfit Coffee Co. (207 Humboldt Av. N., Mpls., misfitcoffee.com) The Minneapolis-based roaster and wholesaler has opened a full-fledged "coffee garage" and retail space June 2023 in its 3,000-square-foot warehouse and patio in north Minneapolis. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Painted Turtle (Lake Nokomis, paintedturtlempls.com) The Minneapolis Park Board chose the Painted Turtle to replace longtime Lake Nokomis vendor Sandcastle. The ownership behind the new concept includes folks from Unleashed Hounds and Hops, the indoor/outdoor dog park and restaurant. The Painted Turtle partners with La La Ice Cream, Kramarczuk Sausage Co. and local breweries to offer scooped ice cream and hot dogs, along with scratch-made "classic Minnesota lakeside fare" like battered walleye fish and chips. Opened June 2023.
Bear Paw Pizza (9462 Dearwood Ln. N., Maple Grove, omnibrewing.com) A new mobile brick oven has parked at OMNI Brewery & Taproom in Maple Grove, serving artisanal pizzas.
Dream Creamery (520 N. 4th St., Mpls., grazenorthloop.com) The Northeast ice cream shop from Travail, has expanded to a presence at Graze Provisions + Libations food hall in Minneapolis' North Loop. That means its inventive sweet flavors and the fun buns (a hamburger bun warmed and sealed around the creamy cool treats) are all available there -- but not its popular burgers.
Cafe Viola (Eden Prairie Center, 8251 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie, edenprairiecenter.com) New at Eden Prairie Center is a kiosk on the lower level. Barista-made caffeine creations will be fueled exclusively by Lavazza beans. Plus, there are teas, pastries and prepared foods to go.
Spicy Feta (Multiple locations, eatspicyfeta.com) The owner of Naughty Greek sold his restaurants, which have reopened as Spicy Feta. Under the new brand, the restaurants continue to sell Mediterranean food. But it will offer a modern twist on the cuisine with doner fries and wraps, Greek bowls with salad and more, and is now halal. It has ties to the St. Louis Park restaurant Ariana Kabob & Gyro Bistro.
Tender Lovin' Chix (Food truck, http://instagram.com/tender_lovin_chix) The new cherry-red food truck hitting the streets this summer is Tender Lovin' Chix from Marques Johnson, who was part of the crew behind the buzzy Uptown chicken finger window CHX.
Closings
Lowry Hill Meats (1934 Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-999-4200, lowryhillmeats.com) The full-service butcher shop and deli known for its burgers, pantry selection and exceptional meat, closed at the end of June. Chef-turned-butcher Erik Sather opened the shop on Hennepin Avenue in 2016 with the goal of working with small producers and building a better neighborhood meat counter. With its whole animal butchery and classes in the art of animal breakdown, Sather and his team would share the dying art of getting up close and personal with your food. Earlier this year, it was announced that Sather would take over operations at the award-winning Red Table Meats as owner Mike Phillips ceased operations. Lowry Hill Provisions will continue to supply local retailers and restaurants with cured meats. Read our coverage here.
Birchwood Cafe (3311 E. 25th St., Mpls.) It's official: Birchwood Cafe will not reopen — unless someone buys the name, recipes and building, which are for sale in a package deal for $2 million. Tracy Singleton's groundbreaking Seward restaurant, which tapped into seasonal and locally produced ingredients before it was a trend, closed in summer 2021. The storied farm-to-table restaurant, beloved for its savory waffle, never revived.
Read our coverage here.
Alary's (139 E. 7th St., St. Paul, alarys.com) The iconic dive bar and place for Bears fans to commiserate, has closed. Founded in 1949 by Al Baisi, who played for the Chicago Bears in the 1940s, and Larry Lehner, the combination of their names gave the bar its moniker. In 2019, new owners Justin Greer and Nick Peterson added a kitchen and a full menu for the first time.
Wahlburgers (11852 Elm Creek Blvd. N., Maple Grove) The burger chain owned by chef Paul Wahlberg and his actor-brothers Donnie and Mark, has closed, leaving a vacant restaurant available in the Village at Arbor Lakes.
May 2023
Openings
Oro (1222 NE. 2nd St., Mpls., nixtampls.com) After much anticipation, Nixta, the Northeast tortilleria and taco stand from Kate and Gustavo Romero, expanded May 2023. Named for the Spanish word for gold, Oro is partly an extension of the Romeros' original takeout restaurant and tortilleria next door. Nixta opened during the pandemic, selling pre-ordered family meals and tortillas. Masa is at the center of the menu: dumplings with the chicken mole and tostadas with the vegetarian ceviche. The flavors are an exploration of regional Mexican cuisine.
Read our coverage here.
Herbst Eatery & Farm Stand (779 Raymond Av., St. Paul, herbstsaintpaul.com) The eatery and retail space, which opened May 11 on Raymond Avenue in St. Paul, is the result of long-percolating ideas and one very big dream from Jörg and Angie Pierach, and food from chef Eric Simpson. Read our coverage here.
Gai Noi (1610 Harmon Pl., Mpls., gainoimpls.com) Ann Ahmed's soaring and lush eatery on Loring Park brings back one of the most beloved rooftop patios with a better-than-ever setting. Dishes are inspired by Laos, with fresh, herbal and spicy flavors. Opened late May 2023. Read our coverage here.
Maison Margaux (224 N. 1st St., Mpls., maisonmargauxmpls.com) Father-and-son duo David and Eli Fhima have turned the former Ribnick Furs building in Minneapolis into a restaurant, speakeasy and event center. The speakeasy resides underground, where 12-foot ceilings are held up by thick, wooden beams that date back to the 1800s. The restaurant occupies the street level, and the upper-level event center features restored wood floors, which also date back to the 1800s. Also, 45 parking spaces come with the building, a boon for a neighborhood. Opened May 12. Read our coverage here.
bakehouse (4615 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, bakehousemn.com) Honey and Rye Bakehouse, the 10-year-old St. Louis Park bakery that enriches its baked goods with premium local ingredients, has expanded. The new venture is called bakehouse to streamline the fulfillment of the bakery's growing wholesale orders and allows for some fresh fun with baking inspiration. The original Honey and Rye remains down the street (4501 Excelsior Blvd., honey-and-rye.com). Opened May 2023. Read our coverage here.
Marc Heu Patisserie Paris (383 W. University Av., St. Paul, marcheuparis.com) Known as the home of some of the city's most gorgeous pastries, Marc Heu Patisserie Paris has relocated the bakery from its original Frogtown location to a historic, recently refurbished building near the intersection of Selby Avenue and Dale Street in St. Paul's Cathedral Hill neighborhood. The space has seating, and a summer patio. Expanded offerings are still in the works — including the possibility of a full bistro menu and beer and wine. Opened May 2023. Read our coverage here.
Big E (750 Grand Av., St. Paul, eatbige.com) The Justin Sutherland-fronted egg sandwich restaurant Big E opened May 2023. This is the second Big E outpost; the first launched in Portland, Ore., last year. Sutherland, who rose to national fame by winning "Iron Chef America" and competing on "Top Chef," is also the face and culinary force behind Cathedral Hill's Handsome Hog. Read our coverage here.
Lost Bay (135 Lakeview Av., Tonka Bay, lostbaytonka.com) From Memorial Day through Labor Day, this outdoor bar and restaurant specializes in tiki-style drinks and frozen cocktails from beverage director Brian Kunz. Yes, at least one drink is served in a pineapple. Food is simple and fast casual — think nachos.
Montego Blu (304 Water St., Excelsior, montegoblu.com) A tropical-themed eatery opened in the former Suburban in downtown Excelsior.
Paulie's (15641 Grove Cir. N., Maple Grove, mypaulies.com) Formerly Rock Elm Tavern, ALLY Restaurants co-owner Troy Reding has overseen a succession plan for the bar and restaurant in Maple Grove. Optimal Entertainment has taken over, installing two multi-sport simulators in a new event and entertainment space called Paulie's. Opened May 2023.
Poppy's Bagels/Custom Burgers (MSP Airport Terminal 1, Concourse G, mspairport.com/airport/eat-shop-relax/custom-burgers) The airport's first "transforming" concept serves breakfast as Poppy's Bagels, offering freshly baked New York-style bagels and homemade spreads, and after 10:30 a.m. converts to Custom Burgers, with options from cheeseburgers to Impossible patties and all the appropriate sides.
Mill City Tavern (MSP Airport Terminal 1, Concourse G, mspairport.com/airport/eat-shop-relax/mill-city) After a three-year hiatus, the restaurant returns to MSP with a refreshed space overlooking the airfield while continuing to celebrate hearty fare and local produce. The menu includes items such as wild rice-crusted walleye, fried cheese curds, roasted cauliflower and grilled rib-eye as well as locally sourced beers and spirits.
Crisp & Green (MSP Airport Terminal 1, Concourse G, mspairport.com/airport/eat-shop-relax/crisp-green) The local healthy fast-casual chain continues to be in expansion mode. Look for grain bowls, salads, smoothies and more, all handcrafted with consciously sourced ingredients.
Mochinut (Mall of America, Level 2 East, Bloomington, mallofamerica.com/directory/mochinut) Mochinut brings the mochi doughnut — a little chewy, a little crispy — to the mall. Available in different colors and in that distinctive, bubble/round shape, they make for an easy walk-and-munch snack while roaming. You'll also find Korean rice flour hot dogs, bubble tea and soft serve.
Master Noodle (Mall of America, Level 3 South, Bloomington, mallofamerica.com/directory/master-noodle) Master Noodle is the second location for the St. Paul-based Chinese restaurant known for its hand-stretched noodles. The menu also includes dumplings, fried rice and egg rolls.
Vitali's Kitchen (Mall of America, Level 3 South, Bloomington, http://vitalisbistro.com) The locally owned spot is a kosher dairy cafe that serves a menu of wraps, sandwiches and sweet and savory crêpes with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Mito (2801 N. Snelling Av., St. Paul, http://mitolatincuisine.com) A new Latin restaurant and bar has taken over the former Grumpy's in Roseville. Dishes range from wagyu birria, juge de carne with bone marrow, Peruvian ceviche and 24-hour-marinated octopus to an entire high-roller menu section, where big spenders can lavish the table with Tomahawk steaks, rock clams garnished with 24-karat gold and more. Opened May 1.
Sushi Train (3236 W. Lake St., Mpls., http://sushitraincalhoun.com) Sushi Train inside Calhoun Commons has fired up the conveyor belts and is now delivering little plates of freshly made sushi. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. While takeout is offered, it's just not as fun as plucking dishes off the rotating "train" and gobbling them down in the dining room.
Relish (700 Central Av. NE., Mpls., relishmpls.com) Breakfast is back in Northeast at the new Relish, now open in the former Bad Waitress space. The diner and coffee shop, from the owners of the Coffee Shop Northeast, have refreshed the interior and are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Harmony (501 NE 1st Av., Mpls., instagram.com/harmony_4u) A coffee and vinyl shop is located behind Together shop in noretheast Minneapolis. Misfit Coffee and Laune Bread pastries are on the menu.
Dutch Bar (2512 Central Av. NE., Mpls., dutchbarnempls.com) Former Modern Cafe co-owner Patty Grell and her son, Marco, are behind the project inside what was once an office space wedged between Fair State Brewing Cooperative and Aki's Bread. Important note for Modern fans: There is no pot roast. The small menu features a couple of sandwiches like a ham and Brie ($15) or sloppy joes ($14), while snacks include mushroom lentil duxelles ($9) and kettle chips with pimento cheese ($9). T
Closings
Rock Elm at the Grove (15641 Grove Cir. N., Maple Grove, http://mypaulies.com) ALLY Restaurants co-owner Troy Reding has overseen a succession plan for the bar and restaurant. Optimal Entertainment has taken over, installing two multi-sport simulators in a new event and entertainment space called Paulie's.
Monello/Constantine (1115 2nd Av. S., Mpls., monellompls.com ) Jester Concepts' dual restaurant/bar inside the Hotel Ivy closed May 31. A new restaurant group will take its place. Last year Hotel Ivy was acquired by New York-based Monarch Alternative Capital. The new ownership made the decision to move the food and beverage program inside the hotel in a different direction.
April 2023
Openings
Hackamore Brewing Co. (18651 Lake Dr. E., Chanhassen, https://hackamorebrewing.com) A new craft brewery and taproom opened in Chanhassen late April 2023. In addition to its hazy IPAs, it's also hosting an extended pop-up from the Salsa Collaborative crew. Read our coverage here.
Centro (St. Paul) (750 Cleveland Av. S., St. Paul, https://centrompls.com) Centro, the margarita and taco restaurant from owner Jami Olson and chef Jose Alarcon, opened its next location in the former Menchie's/Great Clips on Cleveland Avenue in St. Paul's Highland Park neighborhood. But that's not all. The 6,000-square-foot space means there was plenty of room for more, and the group's burger concept moved in, too. Like the original location (1414 NE. Quincy St., Mpls.), Centro and the burger stand is counter service. There also is a full bar. Opened April 28.
ALTBuRGEr (337 13th Av. NE., Mpls., https://www.altburgermpls.com) A new restaurant at to the site of what used to be the Sheridan Room and Modern Cafe in northeast Minneapolis offers crowd-pleasers that aren't necessarily made from animal protein, plus a full bar. The restaurant boasts Derik Moran as executive chef — he previously was chef at the Dakota and Augustine's — and is owned by Martina Priadka. Opened April 11. Read our coverage here.
Bogart's Doughnut Co. (5003 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, bogartsdoughnutco.com) Bogart's Doughnut Co., home to that fluffy, brown butter-frosted icon of fried dough, has expanded to St. Louis Park, in the Miracle Mile strip mall on Excelsior Boulevard, near Hwy. 100. Opened April 14. You can also satisfy cravings at the original Minneapolis location (904 W. 36th St.) or order online.
Pizzeria Social (14889 Florence Trail, Apple Valley, pizzeriasocial.com) The new restaurant takes the place of Mezcalito Butcher in Apple Valley and is the latest concept from Misfits Hospitality Collective, which also operates Farmer & the Fishmonger, the Bourbon Butcher, Volstead's House, Shakopee House and several others.You'll also find Curiouser Coffee & Conservatory (curiousercoffee.com), a combination coffee shop and plant-enthusiast nirvana.
Kruse Markit (4237 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., krusemarkit.com) The Kingfield neighborhood welcomed in April a new space stocked with retail goodies and a menu that ranges from breakfast bowls and fresh pastries to sandwiches, salads and charcuterie boards (plus beer, wine and coffee) as well as grab-and-go offerings.
Atuvava Bakery (3800 S 28th Av., Mpls., atuvava.com) This gluten-free bakery is open two days a week (Thurs. and Sat.) offering scones, cinnamon rolls, buns and more.
Wandering Leaf Brewing Co. (2463 7th St W., St. Paul, wanderingleafbrewing.com) Home-brewers turned pros, Wandering Leaf opened a taproom end of May 2023.
The Grateful Table (2804 Fairview Av. N., Roseville, https://www.gratefultablemn.com) The Grateful Table bakery and cafe in Roseville closed its restaurant April 1. The business is switching to wholesale and catering.
Bon Vie Bistro (485 Selby Av., St. Paul, 651-287-0112, bonviecafe.net/bon-vie.html) The owners of this St. Paul bakery and cafe have retired. Opening in its place in July: The High Hat.
Eagle Street Grille (174 7th St. W., St. Paul, 651-528-7994, https://www.eaglestreetgrille.com) The end of April marked the end of Eagle Street Grille, the bustling bar and restaurant across the street from St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center. First opened in March 2003 by Joe Kasel and Kevin Geisen, the business was later taken over by the Madison Hospitality restaurant group, which owns other notable St. Paul restaurants like Noyes & Cutler, Ox Cart, Handsome Hog and Gray Duck Tavern. According to reports, the building's landlord opted not to renew the Grille's lease.
PF Chang's (Southdale, Edina, https://www.pfchangs.com) Last call for lettuce wraps has come and gone in Edina. The outpost of P.F. Chang's inside the mall has permanently closed. That leaves one metro-area location standing, in Maple Grove (12071 Elm Creek Blvd.).
KinhDo (2755 Hennepin Av., Mpls.) For nearly four decades, the iconic family-run restaurant KinhDo served Vietnamese and Chinese classics in Minneapolis' Uptown neighborhood. It closed on Sunday, April 30. In a statement shared on the restaurant's Go Fund Me page, the owners' son, Jonathan Rowe, said that staffing shortages and issues with the building's landlord have hastened their decision to close.
Read our coverage here.
March 2023
Openings
J. Selby's (169 Victoria St., St. Paul, https://www.jselbys.com) The fast-casual vegan eatery in St. Paul is now a part of the Herbivorous Butcher's growing plant-fueled empire. Herbivorous Butcher's owners, siblings Aubry and Kale Walch, have pledged to stay true to the restaurant's roots with crispy fried Buffalo cauliflower and a Golden Arches-inspired burger. Fans can expect just a few more of those beloved vegan "meats" from the landmark butcher to creep into the menu. Read our coverage here.
Pinoli (1601 W. Lake St., Mpls., https://www.pinolimpls.com) The southwest corner of Lake Street and S. Irving Avenue in Minneapolis has been home to an Italian restaurant for three decades, and that won't change after its current occupant, Amore Uptown, closed Nov. 20. General manager Tim McHugh retired from the business and sold the seven-year-old restaurant. The buyer: Kim Bartmann, who recently changed the name of her restaurant group from the Bartmann Group to Placemaker Hospitality. Bartmann plans to carry on the Italian tradition, opening an "Italian-inspired" restaurant. Opened March 23.
Read our coverage here.
Broken Clock Brewing (1712 Marshall St. NE., Mpls., brokenclockbrew.com) The craft brewery moved to the Mississippi Riverfront, with the new spot allowing for a major upgrade to its production space and taproom. Grand opening March 24.
Big Biscuit Bar (203 E. 6th St., St. Paul, bigbiscuitbar.com) A breakfast-centric neighborhood diner opened March 2023 on Mears Park in St. Paul, in the former Handsome Hog. Read our coverage here.
Pizza Karma (15265 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley, https://www.pizzakarma.com) The restaurant known for its tandoor-fired, Indian-American fusion pizzas — with flavors like Saag Paneer and Chicken Tikka — added Apple Valley to its list of Minnesota locations March 21. The other restaurants are in Eden Prairie and Maple Grove; a Blaine location closed at Northtown Mall last year.
Wildflyer Coffee (St. Paul) (1362 7th St. W., St. Paul, https://wildflyercoffee.com) The second location of Wildflyer Coffee opened March 11 in St. Paul, inside the RS EDEN housing unit. The opening doubles the number of youth the coffee company employs.
Char Bar (901 N. 3rd St., Mpls., https://www.butcherandtheboarmpls.com) The new Butcher & the Boar in the North Loop is completely open — with the addition of Char Bar in March. Like most of the other restaurants owned by Jester Concepts, including P.S. Steak, Borough and Monello, this one has a secondary bar concept with a separate menu. Stop back at the Char Bar for a smoky pho-spiced tequila sipper or a frothy Pink Lady along with bar snacks like smoked onion rings, a double-decker burger or barbecue seasoned French fries.
Fogão Gaúcho (1901 Killebrew Dr., Bloomington, 952-564-6880, https://fogaogauchousa.com) A new southern Brazilian steakhouse is offering the full churrasco experience opened March 10 in the Best Western Plus neighboring Mall of America.
Green + the Grain (10 West End, St. Louis Park, greenandthegrain.com) Local salad chain Green + the Grain opened its first location outside of the Twin Cities this spring, at 10 West End. The St. Louis Park outpost follows its weekday-lunchtime business model, but "given the amount of residential + retail in such close proximity," they have extended their hours into the evening and weekends.
Jakeeno's (3555 Chicago Av. S., Mpls., jakeenos.com) Fans can once again enjoy the signature, tangy red sauce inside Jakeeno's. The pizza and pasta restaurant has reopened its dining room in March after a yearslong closure. Now, the cozy dining room is again serving up square-cut Midwestern style pizzas and all the red-sauce restaurant favorites daily starting at 3 p.m.
Zelo (831 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., zelompls.com) For three years, Zelo sat empty on Nicollet Mall as a hollow reminder of the "before times" in downtown Minneapolis. In March 2023, it came back to life for dinner and happy hour. Read our coverage here.
Café Cerés (100 Washington Av. S., Mpls., https://www.cafeceresmpls.com) Chef Shawn McKenzie's baked goods and warm-spiced lattes are now available inside the former Penny's location in downtown Minneapolis. This makes the third Minneapolis location of Café Cerés, with the other two in Linden Hills and Armatage.
Thaliwala (7850 Market Blvd., Chanhassen, https://www.thaliwalakitchen.com) The latest addition to the growing restaurant empire of Rashmi Bhattachan and Sarala Kattel is Thaliwala, which has quietly opened in Chanhassen in February. The owners are also the flavor force behind Gorkha Palace and Momo Dosa, which has locations at Market at Malcolm Yards and Midtown Global Market. The restaurant specializes in thali — a traditional platter of small, diverse dishes served on a large plate. Opened March 2023.
Official Fried Chicken (4010 E. 46th St., Mpls., https://www.officialfriedchicken.com) Jared Brewington's contactless fried chicken spot closed in January, then relocated in March to the takeout-only Currie Food Hall.
Eat Street Crossing (2821 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., https://eatstreetcrossing.com) The latest entry into the Twin Cities food hall scene is the work of two culinary power couples: Lina Goh and John Ng of Zen Box Izakaya, and Gabriella Grant-Spangler and Ben Spangler of Bebe Zito. The two couples operate five of the seven stands in the historic building, and a central bar serves cocktails and affordable wine picks that are available for sipping throughout the space.
Read our coverage here.
FRGMNT (1011 Washington Av. S., Mpls., https://frgmntcoffee.com) Frgmnt Coffee continues its expansion plans by opening inside the literary space. This is the fourth Frgmnt Coffee location; it joins the original North Loop shop in the Nordic Building and others in Eden Prairie and St. Anthony Main in Minneapolis.
Mother Clucker's Pizza (1428 S. Nicollet Av., Mpls., https://mothercluckerspizza.com) Nicollet Diner owners and spouses Sam and Dion Turner have turned over the diner's original space now that it has moved up to 1333 Nicollet Av. Their adjacent coffeehouse, Muffin Top Cafe, has expanded into a portion of the original diner's footprint, and the remaining square footage has been remade into Mother Clucker's Pizza, which focuses on pizza, Broasted chicken and sub sandwiches. Opened March 2023.
Closings
MB Foodhouse (861 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., mbfoodhouse.com ) The food venture owned and operated by chef/musician Kristen Martinez finished its run at Five Watt Coffee/HeadFlyer Brewing in northeast Minneapolis March 26. The business began as a pop-up serving El Paso-style Tex-Mex, then moved to Galley food hall in the North Loop before settling into its current trailer.
Bap and Chicken (1328 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-333-0929, https://www.bapandchicken.com) For more than three years, John Gleason's Bap and Chicken on St. Paul's Grand Avenue has been a destination for Korean fried chicken. It's also a space that celebrates adoptees and a popular lunch and dinner spot for neighborhood families. Closed March 25.
Read our coverage here.
Lemon Grass (8600 Edinburgh Centre Dr., Brooklyn Park, 763-494-8809, https://www.lemongrassmn.com) After 18 years in Brooklyn Park, Lemon Grass has closed its doors. Chef/owner Ann Ahmed opened this, her first restaurant, in 2005. Since then, she went on to launch two more critically acclaimed restaurants, Lat 14 in Golden Valley in 2018 and Khâluna in Minneapolis in late 2021. With one chapter closing, Ahmed is already focusing on her next venture, a Laotian restaurant called Gai Noi, inside the former 4 Bells location overlooking Loring Park. Closed March 25.
Read our coverage here.
Bev's Wine Bar (250 3rd Av. N., Mpls., 612-337-0102, bevsmpls.com) After nearly 30 years in business, Peter Kirihara and Paul Schula's North Loop icon closed March 25. Read our coverage here.
Eat Street Social (18 W. 26th St., Mpls., https://www.eatstreetsocial.com) After more than a decade of pushing the envelope on cocktails, serving up a variety of modern comforts and creating a hospitable atmosphere that enticed locals to become regulars, Eat Street Social closed March 18.
Read our coverage here.
Old World Pizza (5660 Bishop Av., Inver Grove Heights, 651-455-1551, https://oldworldpizzamn.com) The 50-year-old pizzeria announced on Facebook that "due to unforeseen circumstances related to the death of the current owner, we regret to tell you that Village Bank closed the doors as of 3/11/2023 without any notice."
It's Greek to Me (626 W. Lake St., Mpls., itsgreektomempls.com ) After more than 40 years, Minneapolis restaurant It's Greek to Me closed in late March. A message on the restaurant's website from co-owners Alkis Arambadjis and Erik Johnson said that, in part, "due to numerous obstacles, big and small, the restaurant is officially closed." Read our coverage here.
February 2023
Openings
Boludo (1519 Como Av. SE., Mpls.; 2935 Girard Av. S., Mpls., https://www.boludo.com) The "taste of Buenos Aires in Minneapolis," with its oblong pizzas, has added to its roster with a third and fourth Minneapolis location, in Uptown and Como. The first two are at 38 E. 38th St., and 540 S. 4th St.
Melt Pizza Company (112 N. Main St., Stillwater, https://www.meltpizzacompany.com) After a residency in Hudson, Wis., the Detroit-style pizza makers moved in late February into the former Lolito Cantina in downtown Stillwater. The multi-level restaurant offers "modern vintage takes on Midwest & East Coast pizzerias." There is also a full-service menu with a fusion of Italian, Filipino and American comfort food. The LoLo Group is behind the bar program. Read our coverage here.
Tacos Tacos Tacos (241 W. 7th St., St. Paul, taqueriamn.com) A street taco spot that originated in Duluth has opened within walking distance of downtown St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center. The slim restaurant doesn't have any tables, but there is a counter for leaning. On the menu are street-style tacos, tortas, a selection of agua frescas, Jarritos and more. Read our coverage here.
K'kinaco Nikkei & Pisco Bar (922 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-737-9866, https://kkinaco-nikkei.com) Peruvian-style Japanese cooking -- using Andean ingredients and flavors -- has come to Hopkins. Opened Feb. 2023.
Westside Wine & Spirits (8016 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, westsidewinemsp.com) St. Louis Park's Texa-Tonka shopping center just got tastier with the opening of Westside Wine & Spirits. Owned by Alex and Tom Schoenberger (Alex is a contractor, Tom a sommelier with extensive hospitality experience), the store is part liquor store and tasting bar, and part market, with a growing selection of cheese, charcuterie, oils, breads and grab-and-go items.
Butcher & the Boar (901 N. 3rd St., Mpls., https://www.butcherandtheboarmpls.com) Jester Concepts is behind the North Loop resurrection of Butcher & the Boar, with chef Ian Gray running the day-to-day kitchen operations. Gray joins Jester's culinary director Wyatt Evans, who is also known for his seasonal cooking, to bring back a menu steeped in nostalgia while leaving room for a few new dishes. Opened Feb. 7. Read our coverage here.
SK Coffee (2401 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., https://skcoffeeplease.com) SK Coffee, the specialty coffee shop and roaster in St. Paul's Vandalia Tower, has opened a second shop at 24th Street and Lyndale Avenue S. in Minneapolis. Part of a wave of fresh coffee shops opening around the city, the roastery is known for its laser focus on single-origin coffee. Look for baked goods from Laune Bread and Vikings & Goddesses Pie Co., too. Read our coverage here.
Pivo Riverplace (65 SE. Main St., Mpls., pivoriverplace.com) Wilde Cafe, the onetime coffee shop turned St. Anthony Main restaurant, has new owners who are shepherding the eatery into a new era. Pivo Riverplace opened early February. Named for the word "beer" in several Eastern European languages, the bar will specialize in pilsners. Look for a new dinner menu, new decor and windows that will open to the outside world when the deep freeze finally passes.
Juche (1124 Payne Av., St. Paul, cookstp.com) Eddie and Eve Wu, along with chef Chris Her, have opened Juche inside the former Cook St. Paul. Open at 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Juche's Korean-spiced menu includes mac and chi — kimchi-laced cheesy pasta — bulgogi burgers, veggie-stuffed mandu and more.
Burger Dive at 1029 Bar (1029 NE., Marshall St., Mpls., the1029bar.com) Josh Thoma and chef Nick O'Leary bring their burger joint with a dive-bar heart back to Northeast — and to one of the area's most recognizable neighborhood watering holes. A Burger Dive menu is now being served alongside select Smack Shack favorites at the 1029 Bar. Read our coverage here.
Wendy's House of Soul (4414 N. Humboldt Av., Mpls., youvebeensouled.com) Wendy's House of Soul has relocated from Glenwood Ave. N. to the North Market in the Camden neighborhood. Come for her famed soulrolls, wings and more.
Bennett's Chop & Railhouse (517 Main St., Hudson, Wis., 715-501-2467, bennettschopandrailhouse.com) Bennett's Chop & Railhouse has opened a second location in downtown Hudson, Wis. Open since 2016, Bennett's is beloved in St. Paul's West 7th neighborhood for its steaks, beefy bacon cheeseburger and other comforts, as well as being a great place to catch a shuttle before a game or event at Xcel Energy Center. The new location adds a few more seats, but serves the same menu as the original location (1305 W. 7th St., St. Paul).
Bricksworth Beer Co. (315 5th Av. N., Mpls., https://bricksworthbeer.co) Owners of the Burnsville-based Detroit-style pizzeria and brewery have expanded into the former Darby's Pub & Grill in Minneapolis. Opened Feb. 1.
Bolé (2111 E. Franklin Av., Mpls., 612-345-7235, boleethiopiancuisine.com) Bolé Express has opened Minneapolis' Seward neighborhood. The fast-casual outpost is an extension of the popular Bolé restaurant (1341 N. Pascal Av., St. Paul,). Serving Ethiopian cuisine, the restaurant's newest location is a continuation of the success owners Rekik Abaineh and Solomon Haile have built after their original University Avenue location burned down during the 2020 civil unrest. Read our coverage here.
Muddy Tiger Indian Bistro (7015 Amundson Av., Edina, https://www.muddytiger.com) The Twin Cities only Marathi food truck has pulled into a permanent location in Edina in late February. Jyotiee and Andrew Kistner have operated their truck since 2018, bringing bold Western Indian flavors from the Maharashtra state to local breweries and events. Look for some dishes familiar to the truck menu like the smoked paneer rice bowl or the tawa chicken served in a fast casual setting. Opened Feb. 2023. Read our coverage here.
Bode Gray's and The Brass Hat (125 W 1st St., Waconia, 952-444-0795, https://bodegrays.com) Two Waconia families joined forces to turn a former VFW into an Italian restaurant/pizzeria and subterranean speakeasy. Opened Feb. 2023.
Sweetgreen (615 Washington Av. SE., Mpls., sweetgreen.com/menu) Sweetgreen has opened its fourth Minneapolis location on the University of Minnesota campus in the Graduate Hotel. Opened Feb. 2023.
Closings
Wilde Cafe & Spirits (65 SE. Main St., Mpls.) Wilde Cafe, the onetime coffee shop turned St. Anthony Main restaurant, has new owners who are shepherding the eatery into a new era. Pivo Riverplace is now officially open. Read our coverage here.
January 2023
Openings
Elusive (1620 Central Av. NE., Mpls., dashfire.us) A new cocktail bar and distillery from bitters maker Dashfire is now open in the Thorp Building. Conceived and overseen by Dashfire founder Lee Egbert and local beverage educator and barman Jeff Rogers, the slim, sleek space is part bar and part science lab. The bar serves a tidy menu of affordable cocktails for casual sipping. The space will also host classes, where students can learn about Dashfire's distilling process and how they create cocktails and build bitters, but can also create their own gins and tinker with flavor infusions.
FRGMNT Coffee (43 SE. Main St., Mpls., frgmntcoffee.com/pages/saint-anthony-main) This espresso-centric cafe's newest location just opened in Exposition Hall's historic-feeling brick lobby, with lots of seating in the vast teal-tinted atrium — plus checkers tables, shuffleboard and pool. The cafe is meant to lure workers back to the office building, said FRGMNT owner Ben Banse, an idea that might lead to more locations in even more lobbies. "The quietness and the dead air that was in here? It's hard to want to come into that space," he said. "But now there's people and energy and a nice little positive buzz. It's more enticing." But you don't have to work there to take advantage of the stunning space — and serious coffee. Read our coverage here.
bb.q Chicken (1500 W. Lake St., Mpls. , https://bbqchicken.com/locations) The first of three bb.q Chicken locations planned for the Twin Cities held its grand opening Jan. 12. Serving Korean fried chicken and other Korean food (like kimchi fried rice and ddeok-bokki), this location has a dining room and bar as well as takeout and delivery.
Read our coverage here.
The Briar (1241 NE. Washington St., Mpls., briarbar.com) This charming northeast Minneapolis corner spot goes for coziness and whimsy with fun upholstered booths and shelves stocked with cookbooks and vinyl — plus inventive drinks that read more like cocktails than traditional coffee shop fare. When it's not covered in snow, a tucked-in patio will greatly expand the space — and the black walnuts that fall over it will be turned into house-made nocino. Read our coverage here.
Groveland Tap (1834 St. Clair Av., St. Paul, grovelandtap.com) The beloved Mac-Groveland eatery Groveland Tap is open for business again. Blue Plate Restaurant Company's Stephanie Shimp said the building was in need of some updates when they first closed the eatery in July 2022. The extent of the project grew. The comfy soul of the place remains intact, as does the menu. New additions include several larger booths for big families and group spaces.
Chelas (4751 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., 612-315-5147, chelastapas.com) A little Vietnamese and a little Latin, the newly opened Chelas is bringing fusion fare to Minneapolis' Tangletown neighborhood. It's tapas-style: mostly smaller, entirely shareable plates with flavors drawn from whatever warm-weather destination might be inspiring the chef/owners at the moment. Read our coverage here.
Bar+Cart Restaurant and Lounge (1571 Grand Av., St. Paul, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087557162842) Experienced bartenders Ralena Young and Brian Riess have opened neighborhood spot with a mix of fare and a four-page cocktail list inside the former Khyber Pass. Food items are a broad mix of bites with hummus, a burger, coney dog, and a blueberry topped salad available and under $20. As one might expect, cocktails are the star attraction with classics, pre-prohibition and modern mixes all available. Read our coverage here.
Backstory Coffee Roasters (528 N. Washington Av., Mpls., backstory.coffee) The dramatic lobby of the Duffey apartments is the first Minneapolis location for the St. Paul-based roaster and wholesaler (formerly known as Bootstrap). Forty-foot ceilings, modern furniture and a plant wall provide a stylish backdrop for Backstory's coffee bar — and gleaming La Marzocco espresso machine.
Read our coverage here.
Marty's Deli (400 Lowry Av., Mpls., https://www.martysdelimn.com) The most popular sandwich pop-up of the pandemic has found a full-time home. Marty's Deli is now open in NE. in Minneapolis. The restaurant is the work of Martha "Marty" Polacek, who has been popping up around town with her focaccia-based sandwiches since November 2020. The new shop remains intentionally small for now, with 15 to 20 seats. Opened Jan. 2023.
Ties (1400 Lagoon Av., Mpls., https://www.instagram.com/uptownties) Ties has relocated from downtown Minneapolis to the former Uptown Tavern spot. The ground-level bar has an industrial vibe and a menu written by chef Justin Sutherland as his Northern Soul concept. Many of the dishes are similar to what's served at his St. Paul restaurant Handsome Hog: mac and cheese topped with hot Cheetos, a burger, wings and more. There are big plans for a rooftop bar when the warm weather comes back. Opened mid-January 2023.
Closings
Arezzo (5057 France Av. S., Mpls.) The cozy Italian bistro served its final meal Jan. 21. The restaurant was a long-beloved spot for a quiet dinner or (pre-COVID) lunch stop after visiting the surrounding shops. According to the announcement, Arezzo's landlord declined to renew its lease.
The Bad Waitress (2 E. 26th St., Mpls., 612-872-7575, thebadwaitress.com) The modern diner known for its breakfasts on the corner of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis closed Jan. 29. The announcement of its closure was shared via social media saying, in part, "Being a part of Eat Street and serving the Whittier neighborhood and beyond these last 18 years has been an honor. The strength, spirit, resilience and support of this community will continue to inspire us for years to come, and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve you. We could not have done it without all of you." Read our coverage here.
Lawless Distilling cocktail room (2619 28th Av. S., Mpls.) The end of January was the last call for the fun cocktail room attached to Lawless Distilling. The owners wrote in a statement: "The amount of support we have received over the years has been amazing. Unfortunately, the wear and tear of the pandemic has taken its toll and we're unable to continue forward." Read our coverage here.
Chloe by Vincent (700 S. 3rd St., Mpls., chloebyvincent.com) Chloe by Vincent is the new French restaurant from celebrated chef Vincent Francoual. Named for his young daughter, the casual eatery is a part of his partnership with the owners of EaTo. According to its website, Chloe by Vincent will serve "dishes that adopt the mantra of Chef Bernard Loiseau: Any dish with more than three (or four) ingredients/flavors is too complicated. Simple flavors prepared correctly deliver the best culinary punch." Opened Dec. 14. Read our coverage here.
OG ZaZa (1595 MN 36, Roseville, https://ogzazamn.com) Josh Hedquist and Peter Stampone bring their New Haven-style pizza concept to Rosedale's Potluck food hall, joining their Joey Meatballs and Salad Slayer. OG Zaza replaces Grand Ole Creamery in the food hall.
Spyhouse Coffee Roasters (2829 43rd St. NW., Rochester, spyhousecoffee.com) Minneapolis-based Spyhouse Coffee Roasters has added a seventh location — in Rochester, its first outside the Twin Cities. The cafe has a variety of Spyhouse's packaged blends and its signature drinks, including the Spygirl, Carmella and Solid Gold lattes. Located at the TownePlace Suites, the cafe is open daily and is close to downtown Rochester and the Mayo Clinic. Opened Dec. 14.
Closings
Red Stag Supperclub (501 1st Av. NE., Mpls., https://www.redstagsupperclub.com) Restaurateur Kim Bartmann's modern vision for a supper club closed Dec. 31 after a 15-year run in northeast Minneapolis. Bartmann cited challenges in the restaurant business, including COVID-19, civil unrest after the murder of George Floyd and changes in consumer habits.She called the decision to close "very difficult and heart-wrenching" adding that it "will take some time for me to process."
Read our coverage here.
Common Roots Cafe (2558 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., https://www.commonrootscafe.com) After a decade and a half on Lyndale Avenue, Common Roots Cafe has closed its doors. The locavore, counter-service cafe was a bastion of environmentally friendly homestyle cooking in the Lowry Hill East neighborhood. Dishes incorporated many Minnesota-grown, organic ingredients, some from the cafe's own garden. It was known for its bagels and "noshes," casual fare such as a wild rice burger and hearty mains like brisket. Read our coverage here.
Erte & the Peacock Lounge (323 13th Av. NE., Mpls., https://ertedining.com) Owners Adam and Kelly Milledgecq announced that the restaurant would close after Dec. 31. The Milledges owned and operated Erté for the past four years, steering it through one of the most historically difficult periods for Minneapolis restaurants. A statement from the couple said, in part: "Our timing could have been better, but who would have been able to plan for what has happened the last few years? We truly loved creating for you all." Read our coverage here.
Keefer Court (326 Cedar Av. S., Mpls., keefercourt.com) After nearly 40 years as Minneapolis' premier Chinese bakery, Keefer Court closed Dec. 31. The bakery had been the go-to stop for sweet bean filled treats, sesame balls, curry beef buns and mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Read our coverage here.
Asia Chow Mein (4905 NE. Central Av., Columbia Heights, asiachowmein.com) The Columbia Heights Chinese-American restaurant ended its 15-year run on Dec. 24.
Tequila Butcher (Wayzata) (135 Lakeview Av., Tonka Bay, https://tequilabutcher.com) Tequila Butcher on Lake Minnetonka won't return for another season. The Misfits Hospitality Collective ownership group (which also owns the Bourbon Butcher, Farmer and the Fishmonger and the newly revamped Shakopee House, among others) announced that its lease was not renewed. The original Chanhassen location remains open.
East Side Bar (858 Payne Av., St. Paul, ebstp.com) St. Paul's ESB, or East Side Bar, closed Dec. 23. Announced via social media, the statement read in part: "We're also very grateful to our regular customers, who went above and beyond to try to make this work. But it just wasn't to be."
Read our coverage here.
Red Table Meat Co. (1401 NE. Marshall St., Mpls., foodbuilding.com) Red Table Meat Co., which had been supplying local and national restaurants, wine bars and cheese shops with artisanal salumi from Midwest-raised heritage pigs for the past eight years, closed at the end of 2022. But the Twin Cities' charcuterie needs will not go unmet: Erik Sather, of Lowry Hill Meats, will take over Red Table's space at the Food Building, where he will open a new meat processing operation. Read our coverage here.
Macarons by Maddie Lu (Mall of America, http://www.somethingsweetcakes.com) Macarons by Maddie Lu, the Mall of America outpost of Maddie Carlos' Coon Rapids bakery Something Sweet by Maddie Lu, quietly closed Dec. 31 after five years. A social media post stated that lease terms, crime and staffing issues all factored into the decision.
Read our coverage here.
Common Roots Cafe (2558 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.) After a decade and a half on Lyndale Avenue, Common Roots Cafe has closed its doors. The locavore, counter-service cafe was a bastion of environmentally friendly homestyle cooking in the Lowry Hill East neighborhood. Dishes incorporated many Minnesota-grown, organic ingredients, some from the cafe's own garden. It was known for its bagels and "noshes," casual fare such as a wild rice burger and hearty mains like brisket. Read our coverage here.
November 2022
Openings
Kura Sushi (378 North Garden, Mall of America, Bloomington, kurasushi.com ) The interactive experience has already been drawing lines outside its Culinary on North location, and it's easy to understand the appeal. To kick off the meal, drinks are delivered by a music-playing, digital face-winking robot scooting through the dining room. Plate after plate (after plate!) of sushi pours out of the kitchen and makes a little conveyor-belt-pulled twirl around the dining room. Guests can just spot which roll, nigiri or snack they want and pluck it off the belt. Read our coverage here.
France 44 expansion (4351 France Av. S., Mpls., 612-925-3252, france44.com) The 60-year-old wine and gourmet food stores in south Minneapolis have undergone a major expansion, with new classroom and event spaces, a demonstration kitchen, herb garden, updated entryway and renovated parking lot. A cozy cocktail lounge and 1,120-square-foot rooftop patio is in the mix for private parties and pop-up events.
Shakopee House (1438 1st Av. E., Shakopee, dangerfieldsmn.com) Regular diners at Dangerfield's in Shakopee might have noticed a few changes afoot. Eyes Wide Hospitality, the restaurant group behind the suburban restaurants Bourbon Butcher, Volstead House, Farmer and the Fishmonger and more, has taken over and is already bringing in a bit of new flavor, along with the new name of Shakopee House. The supper club will boast three separate patios, a large upstairs dining room with views of the Minnesota River, private dining and a basement rum bar. Opened Nov. 15.
Wineside (1641 Plymouth Rd., Minnetonka, 952-600-7093, https://www.wineside.com) Located in a former Champps at Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka, Wineside is a hybrid liquor store, restaurant/wine bar and grocery store. The 12,000-square-foot space gives each of those elements room to spread out. The restaurant serves food that pairs best with the 104 wines available by the glass for tasting: cheese, charcuterie, sandwiches and salads, with chef J.D. Fratzke at the helm. In the 5,000-square-foot grocery store, customers can pick up some of those cheeses and cured meats to go. Opened Nov. 2. Read our coverage here.
Clancey's (3804 Grand Av. S., Mpls., 612-926-0222, clanceysmeats.com) The Linden Hills butcher shop Clancey's Meats and Fish moved into the former home of the Grand Cafe in Minneapolis. The storied corner building gives Clancey's space to spread out, with more groceries, sandwiches and seating. Opened Nov. 1. Read our coverage here.
Arts and Rec (3001 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., artsandrecuptown.com) The former Libertine/Cafeteria restaurant features several different spaces, including an immersive mini-golf course, a rentable private barroom that comes stocked with art supplies, an open stage area that will host live performers, and a bar and restaurant. The menu and cocktails are both playful, with the usual suspects of smashburgers and hot chicken sandwiches, but also cricket-topped ants on a log, Spam bánh mì and Dorito cheese curds. Read our coverage here.
Shake Shack (1630 County Rd. B2 W., Roseville, shakeshack.com) The newest metro location of the beloved burger chain Shake Shack opened Nov. 18 near Rosedale Center. The stand-alone restaurant has a drive-thru and will eventually add patio space. Facing County Road B2 near Snelling Avenue, the restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. This is the company's fourth Twin Cities location, with others at the Mall of America, Maple Grove and Edina.
Taco Libre (2111 Snelling Av. N., Roseville, tacolibreusa.com) The local mini-chain has opened its fifth location in Roseville. The authentic Mexican restaurant serves up a full slate of tacos, tortas, empanadas, alambres, burritos and more.
Donut Star (2901 Cliff Rd. E., Burnsville, https://www.donutstarmn.com) Peter Sebastian of Estelle and Mario's in St. Paul, purchased the 50-year-old shop earlier this year and has been working to update the space and doughnuts. The doughnuts are now made entirely from scratch, thanks to some help from Emily Poole, formerly of Cardigan Donuts. The shop is open Wed.-Sun. from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Opened Nov. 2022. Read our coverage here.
Ovation (818 S. 2nd St., Mpls., https://www.guthrietheater.org/plan-your-visit/eat--drink) The Guthrie Theater's next dining act has made its debut. The fifth-floor cafe space has become Ovation, a new French-leaning full-service restaurant that opened with "A Christmas Carol" in mid-November. It replaces buffet service. The restaurant is open to the public, but hours are dependent on the Guthrie's schedule. On theater nights, dinner reservations run from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Read our coverage here.
Misfit Coffee Co. (207 Humboldt Av. N., Mpls., misfitcoffee.com) Since closing its shop on Lyndale Ave. in Minneaplis, Misfit Coffee is brewing cups at its roastery in north Minneapolis Fri-Sun.
Pho Mai (12160 Technology Dr., Eden Prairie, phomai.com) The Dinkytown Vietnamese restaurant (319 14th Av. SE., Mpls.) has expanded to Eden Prairie as a tenant in the new Asia Mall. The 3,600-square-foot restaurant will be the flagship for the brand. Opened Nov. 19. Its sister brands, Bober Tea & Mochi Dough are also now open at the mall.
Asia Mall (12160 Technology Dr., Eden Prairie, asiamallmn.com) Food fans are buzzing over Eden Prairie's Asia Mall — so much that they've extended their soft opening phase and delayed their official grand opening. The complex is filled with storefronts and eateries including Pho Mai, Uni Uni Bubble Tea, plus Mochi Dough's Japanese mochi doughnuts combined with Bober bubble tea, Home Taste with Hong Kong cuisine, bubbling broth at Hot Pot City, CrunCheese battered and cheese-filled hot dogs, Dosirak's bibimbap and Korean barbecue, and Szechuan from Legendary Spice. Read our coverage here.
Closings
Stella's Fish Cafe (1402 W. Lake St., Mpls., stellasfishcafe.com) A Minneapolis seafood bar with a rooftop in the heart of Uptown has ended its 17-year run. The popular Stella's Fish Cafe & Prestige Oyster Bar posted to Facebook on Nov. 19 to tell customers the restaurant would be "closing our doors" on Nov. 26, saying goodbye to an enviable rooftop perch just off the intersection of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue.
Read our coverage here.
Williams Uptown Pub & Peanut Bar (2911 Hennepin Av., Mpls.) Since the 1970s, Williams was an Uptown staple, a popular spot for regulars and neighborhood dwellers to watch sports over a plate of wings, play pool — and try to avoid the peanut shells stuck to the floor. It had been credited, in the Star Tribune, with kick-starting the neighborhood's transformation into a nightlife district. In mid-November, it posted a sign on its door: "Sadly, we must say Goodbye. Williams is permanently closed." Read our coverage here.
Amore Uptown (1601 W. Lake St., Mpls.) The southwest corner of Lake Street and S. Irving Avenue in Minneapolis has been home to an Italian restaurant for three decades, and that won't change after its current occupant, Amore Uptown, closed Nov. 20. General manager Tim McHugh retired from the business and sold the seven-year-old restaurant. The buyer: Kim Bartmann, who recently changed the name of her restaurant group from the Bartmann Group to Placemaker Hospitality. Bartmann plans to carry on the Italian tradition, opening an "Italian-inspired" restaurant "as soon as possible." Italian cuisine is in the bones of this address, where it's been serving variations on pasta and sauce for almost 30 years.
Read our coverage here.
Provision Community Restaurant (2940 Harriet Av., Mpls., https://www.provisioncommunity.org) Minneapolis' pay-what-you-can restaurant held its final service Nov. 27. The nonprofit daytime Minneapolis cafe has utilized a pay-what-you-can model since opening in the fall of 2019. In a statement, the restaurant said it would continue to focus on fighting food insecurity by working with area shelters.
Khyber Pass (1571 Grand Av., St. Paul, https://khyberpasscafe.com) After 37 years, the Afghani cafe on Grand Avenue served its final meal on November 5. Owners Emel and Masooda Sherzad expressed gratitude on the website: "It gave our family the opportunity to connect with so many people and build a community, giving us a sense of belonging. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to host each and everyone of you. We are grateful for your support and friendship over the many years."
October 2022
Openings
The Apostle Supper Club and False Eyedoll (171 W. 7th St., St. Paul, apostlesupperclub.com) Brian Ingram's highly stylized new supper club, inspired by A-frame cabins of Wisconsin, leans deep into the midcentury modern aesthetic. The vast space, across from Xcel Energy Center, also includes a tiki bar and piano bar. (A Duluth outpost recently opened as well.) Opened Oct. 26. Read our coverage here.
Fare Game (1620 Central Av. NE., Mpls., https://faregamene.com) The food trailer from chef Jason Sawicki has opened inside Tattersall Distilling. It had been parked in Northeast, but now will be pairing its smash patty burgers and more with Tattersall's refined cocktails.
Sip Better (707 N 3rd St, Mpls., https://sipbetter.com) Sommalier Leslee Miller has opened a new wine shop in Minneapolis' North Loop as an extension of her Sip Better brand. Drinkers can walk into the shop that's at the side of a nondescript building and pick out a bottle or order online for delivery. The local sommelier and wine educator will sell organic, vegan wines from small producers committed to biodynamic wine practices.
Read our coverage here.
Marigold (3506 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., https://shop.honeycombmpls.com) This highly anticipated, entirely alcohol-free bottle shop is now open. During the pandemic owner Erin Flavin decided to reconsider her relationship with alcohol and from there, her interest in sharing sober adult beverages grew into a full on passion. The shop stocks bottles and cans of zero proof beverages that are both ready to pour or can be mixed into fun drinks.
Folly Coffee Cafe & Jinx Tea Bar (4503 France Av. S., Mpls., 612-367-4797, https://www.jinxtea.com) Now open in Minneapolis' Linden Hills neighborhood, the space was a standalone Jinx Tea Bar before closing temporarily to renovate for the new joint venture. The menu highlights both local companies. Jinx serves iced teas, bubble teas, nitro-infused teas, carbonated teas and more, while the Folly menu features its fruit-forward house bean, single-origin espressos, lattes, cappuccinos and more. Read our coverage here.
Blondette, Miaou Miaou (527 Marquette Av. S., Mpls., 612-224-3750, https://www.blondettempls.com) Two new loosely French concepts join Bar Rufus in chef and restaurateur Daniel del Prado's takeover of dining at downtown Minneapolis' Rand Tower Hotel. On the hotel's fifth floor, under a retractable roof, Blondette applies French technique to the ingredients of the Pacific Northwest. Miaou Miaou is a large cocktail lounge and terrace, with large-format punches by beverage director Megan Luedtke. Opened Oct. 28.
Backstory Coffee Roasters (528 Washington Av. N., Mpls. , https://backstory.coffee) Backstory Coffee Roasters has opened a second location in the Duffey lofts in Minneapolis' North Loop. The St. Paul-based roastery began as Bootstrap Coffee Roasters in 2014 and opened its first location there in 2019 at 432 Wabasha St. The name change came over the summer, a move that founder Micah Svejda said was made to align with the stories they tell through their coffee. Both locations are open daily from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tom's Watch Bar (609 Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-430-6113, tomswatchbar.com) Sports fans, this one's for you. Just blocks away from Target Center and Target Field, Tom's Watch Bar and its more than 120 screens — and personalized audio at each table — is now open in downtown Minneapolis. There are craft cocktails, dozens of beer on tap and both traditional and contemporary bar food. Also look for bites tailored to Minnesotans' tastes (co-founder Tom Ryan is from Minneapolis).
Nomu Room (12 SE. 4th St., Mpls., 612-332-6278, masusushiandrobata.com/thenomuroom) Masu Sushi on Hennepin has reopened its slim side bar as the Nomu Room. Overseeing all the food and drinks is popular local bartender Kris Gigstad. Glassware was salvaged from Chino Latino, so an Old Fashioned comes in a clear tiki glass. A little Radio Flyer wagon pulls up with a load of shots. The food menu is built to soak up the booze. Read our coverage here.
Billy After Dark (116 1st Av. N., Mpls., 612-886-1783, billysushi.net) Celebrity magnet Billy Sushi in Minneapolis' North Loop has added a swanky downstairs bar called Billy After Dark, or B.A.D. Featuring neon lighting, a twinkling-star ceiling and an impressive collection of rare whiskeys on display behind a locked case, the room is set to impress high rollers. Overseeing the cocktail program is Stephen Larson, formerly of the Hewing. Gain access to B.A.D. through the upstairs restaurant — a bartender has to open the door — Wednesdays through Saturdays. Read our coverage here.
Sweetgreen (212 3rd Av. N., Mpls., https://www.sweetgreen.com) Moving right along in its plan to open three locations in Minnesota, the popular California-based salad chain Sweetgreen has launched the first at the Galleria in Edina and its second, Oct. 25, in the former home of Moose & Sadie's in Minneapolis' North Loop. Still to come is 733 Grand Av. in St. Paul. With more than 140 locations, the salad chain has grown a cult following on the coasts with its grab-and-go — and, in many cases, farm-totable — menu, which includes an array of warm bowls, salads and sides. Read our coverage here.
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar (1595 Hwy. 36, Roseville, blackcoffeeandwaffle.com) Black Coffee and Waffle Bar is now open in Rosedale Center's Potluck food hall. Look for a selection of sweet and savory waffles, as well as coffee featuring local roasters. First established in 2014 in Minneapolis' Como neighborhood, Black Coffee and Waffle Bar also has locations in St. Paul and Fargo. Read our coverage here.
Momo Dosa (920 E. Lake St., Mpls., momodosa.com) Momo Dosa has expanded its momo reach to Midtown Global Market, opening its second location on Oct. 10. The restaurant, which first opened last year in the Market at Malcolm Yards, serves popular Indian street food, namely momos (steamed dumplings filled with meat and/or vegetables) and dosas (a thin crêpe made with fermented batter and served in sweet, savory and vegan options). Read our coverage here.
Closings
Rock Bottom Brewery (825 Hennepin Av., Mpls.) the state's oldest brewpub quietly closed in October. Rock Bottom burst onto the scene nearly 30 years ago as the brewpub's second location — the first was in Denver. There were more than 40 locations in its heyday, but now there are only 16 listed on its website. Read our coverage here.
Seven Steakhouse Sushi & Rooftop (700 Hennepin Av., Mpls. , 7mpls.com) Seven Steakhouse Sushi & Rooftop, which had been closed intermittently, has pulled the plug for good — at least on Hennepin Avenue. According to its website: "Due to circumstances beyond our control, we cannot operate a restaurant/bar in our current resident building of 700 Hennepin Ave. To which, we have no alternative but to close. We understand the inconvenience to you and what this may cause and thank you for your patronage." Read our coverage here.
El Norte Kitchen (Food truck) The beloved food truck from Ben, Tricia and Elijah Allen held its final service Halloween weekend. In a social media post they said, "Our family recently grew and this new chapter has made us reassess our focus and priorities. For right now, it's best that our family-run business take a pause so we can decide what's next for ENK and focus on our family." El Norte Kitchen began as a pop-up before expanding to the truck, serving a blend of Southwestern cuisine.
Darby's Pub & Grill (315 5th Av. N., Mpls., darbysmpls.com) The bar and restaurant — a stop for workers that felt more like a neighborhood hangout than many of the area's trendier restaurants — closed Oct. 22 after an almost 11-year run. The space won't be dark long — it was sold to the owners of Burnsville's Bricksworth Beer Co., a Detroit-style pizzeria and brewery.
Welcome to Restaurant Roll Call, where the Star Tribune food team keeps a running list of restaurant openings, closings and announcements in the Twin Cities and beyond. Stay in the know. Contributors: Nicole Hvidsten, Sharyn Jackson, Rick Nelson and Joy Summers.
Sharyn Jackson is a features reporter covering the Twin Cities' vibrant food and drink scene.
Nicole Ploumen Hvidsten is the Star Tribune's Taste editor and senior editor of Star Tribune Magazine. In past journalistic lives she was a reporter, copy editor and designer — sometimes all at once — and has yet to find a cookbook she doesn't like.
