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
Catzen Coffee (1416 Grand Av., St. Paul, catzencoffee.com) This St. Paul cat cafe is holding a grand opening Jan. 1. The new business is split into two distinct areas: a coffee lab/cafe on one side and a den to snuggle with the resident felines on the other (should they choose to honor you with their affection). The menu includes Dogwood coffee and espresso drinks, plus small bites like pastries and a sandwich of the day. In the evening, mocktails and charcuterie trays are available. Read our coverage here.
Stone Pho (1885 Perimeter Drive, Roseville, stonepho.com) Think hot pot, but for pho. Stone Pho chose to roll out a Roseville outpost with a soft opening on Christmas Day. The new location is a sibling restaurant to one in Blaine by the same name.
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. (8685 Central Av. NE., Blaine, qamariacoffee.com) The newest location of this Yemeni coffee shop is now open. When the first location of the chain opened in Little Canada, lines stretched out the door. Opened by business partners Mohamed Hagi and Ibrahim Haji Said, the company is already working to open a third location in Burnsville.
Zao Bakery + Cafe (575 W. University Av., St. Paul, instagram.com/575zao) This new bakery sells a selection of Chinese baked goods, congee and fresh noodle soups. There are also fresh soy milk beverages and other treats. The bakery also sports a parking lot, a hot commodity along University Avenue.
Owner William Ratsamy was working the counter, but sister Tiffany, who owns the neighboring Basil Cafe, said the dishes largely come from family recipes and that William built many of the tables that were dotted with customers.
Stargazer (1304 NE. 2nd St., Mpls., instagram.com/stargazer_mpls) The masterminds behind two hospitality businesses at the top of their game — Travail and Meteor — have launched Stargazer, a tiny cocktail bar in an already popular part of Minneapolis.
Altera (721 Cleveland Av. S., St Paul , alterarestaurant.com) A new restaurant from InnerBloom Hospitality turns a former Agra Culture into a Highland Park date-night spot.
Farina Rossa Kitchen (2506 Central Av. NE., Mpls., farinarossamn.com) Former Travail chef JohnMichael Lynch's popular sourdough pizza pop-up has taken up residence at Fair State Brewing in Minneapolis. Read our coverage here.
OG Zaza at King Coil Spirits (550 Vandalia St., St. Paul, kingcoilspirits.com) St. Paul distillery King Coil Spirits has tapped OG Zaza to take over its pizza program. The year-old distillery inside the Vandalia Tower opened with pan pizzas, but is now bringing in the proven pizza success of chef Josh Hedquist's New Haven-style pies.
Bar Revival (525 Selby Av., St. Paul, revivalrestaurants.com) Revival St. Paul closed and reopened Dec. 5 as Bar Revival. While all barbecue operations have moved to Revival's Minneapolis location, the restaurant still offers fried chicken and its famed burger, with the addition of Chicago beef sandwiches and tavern pies. Read our coverage here.
Saturday Dumpling Co. (519 Central Av. NE., Mpls., saturdaydumpling.com) Saturday Dumpling Co.'s Linda Cao and Peter Bian have turned their popular pop-up into a brick-and-mortar restaurant that sells both frozen dumplings and hot foods. Read our coverage here.
Pizza Pub Prime (2190 105th Av. NE., Blaine, theblainepizzapub.com) The two-story Pizza Pub Prime in Blaine features a family-friendly sports bar on the first floor. Meanwhile, Prime, a fine-dining seafood and steakhouse, occupies the upstairs space in the building that is part of the new National Sports Village next to the National Sports Center.
Razava Bread Co. (685 Grand Av., St. Paul, razavabread.co) Steve Baldinger's Razava Bread Co. opened Dec. 11. The menu from head baker Omri Zin-Tamir, formerly of the Bakery on 22nd Street, includes bagels, sourdough, pita and challah, plus accoutrements like schmears, coffee and butters. Read our coverage here.
Los Ocampo (2186 Marshall Av., St. Paul, losocampo.com) Los Ocampo, the family-run Mexican enterprise, has a new location. The former Bark and the Bite space took more than a year to transform, and the lively interior captures the fun of the Los Ocampo family of restaurants. It's open for breakfast through late night.
Read our coverage here.
Parlay Kitchen & Bar (731 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., instagram.com/parlay.mn) The main floor of Union Rooftop Kitchen, Bar & Grill rebranded itself at the start of the football season and is now a sports bar called Parlay. Read our coverage here.
Revolve Hall (14889 Florence Trail, Apple Valley, revolvehall.com) The space that first opened as Misfits Collective food hall, and then pivoted to Curiouser Coffee & Conservatory and Pizzeria Social, will once again lean into the food hall concept. Now called Revolve Hall, Curiouser will expand its menu, and Square Cut Pizza will serve Detroit-style pan pizzas and thin-crust tavern pizzas. Also in the mix: Ice Cold Tacos, with rolled ice cream shaped into taco shells, Mean Miner's Smoked Street Tacos and Whiskey Inferno steakhouse and barbecue. Read our coverage here.
Announced - Coming Soon
Bar Siena (Hopkins, instagram.com/barsiena_mn) Inspired by the chef's travels in Italy, Rhett Roberts (Petite León) will open Bar Siena in downtown Hopkins Jan. 9. Look for a menu heavy on housemade pastas and pizzas with unique flavor combinations on a New York-style crust. Travis Serbus, who created cocktails for Petite León, Little Tijuana and Lynette, is heading the drink program. Read our coverage here.
Xelas by El Sazon (Stillwater, instagram.com/xelas_by_elsazon) El Sazon, the south Minneapolis Mexican restaurant that got its start in an Eagan gas station convenience store, is opening its second stand-alone restaurant, this time in Stillwater. Operated by Cristian de Leon, a chef trained in French cuisine, and Karen de Leon, a longtime restaurant manager, El Sazon Tacos & More made a splash at a suburban BP, not only for its regular menu but for the couple's occasional Night at the Gas Station tasting dinners, with drinks by Zoilo Ruacho. The de Leons and Ruacho opened El Sazon Cocina & Tragos Oct. 2023 in Minneapolis. The new operation, expected Jan. 2025, will delve deeper into chef de Leon's Guatemalan roots. Read our coverage here.
Graze Food Hall by Travail (520 N. 4th St., Mpls., travailkitchen.com) The North Loop's largest food hall will become Graze Food Hall by Travail as the inventive chef collective steps into a new era. Chef/owners Mike Brown, Bob Gerken and James Winberg are bringing their Travailian sensibilities to the project with more events, pop-ups, a strengthened neighborhood focus and some bold-named friends with new restaurant stands. Oro's Kate and Gustavo Romero will open Tixtli by Nixta; the owners behind thick-crust pizza sensation Wrecktangle will venture into thin-crust with Wrad; and Travail will open the fast-casual salad spot Graze on the Greens that will also boast a spritz bar from beverage director Robb Jones of the James Beard-nominated bar Meteor. Read our coverage here.
Gyu-Mai/Ichiddo Ramen (Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie) Two Japanese restaurants in Minneapolis are joining forces for a dual restaurant concept at Eden Prairie Center. Gyu-Mai, which features Japanese barbecue where diners cook items tableside, and Ichiddo Ramen noodle shop are slated to open in early 2025. While both will occupy the 7,996-square-foot space, expect each to have its own distinct concept and design under the same roof.
The Rabbit Hole (411 Washington Av. N., Mpls.) In January, Joe Berg and his business partners plan to open the Rabbit Hole in the former AxeBridge Wine Co. space in the North Loop. Green turf on the walls and neon signs will share space with more than 40 screens dotted throughout the 12,000-square-foot space featuring contemporary bar fare.
Read our coverage here.
Feast Buffet (1690 Woodlane Dr., Woodbury) The owners of Sushi Train will open a seafood buffet in the former Cowboy Jack's, with a menu that is expected to include dim sum, hibachi, Cajun seafood boils and more. Opening spring 2025. Read our coverage here.
Jester Concepts Excelsior restaurants (200 Water St., Excelsior, parlourbar.com ) The group behind Borough, Parlour, Butcher & the Boar, Char Bar and P.S. Steak, all in Minneapolis, announced three new restaurants in Excelsior. One, Parlour, opened in Nov. 2024, while two more concepts, still unnamed, are to come in 2025.
Read our coverage here.
Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar (1125-1135 Shenandoah Drive, Shakopee, boardwalkmn.com) A huge new restaurant and entertainment venue, with an 18,000-square-foot patio overlooking Canterbury Park racetrack, will open in spring 2025. Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar will join the already opened Bravi's Craft Mexican Kitchen, Badger Hill Brewing and, most recently, OG Zaza at the south metro's fast-growing Canterbury Park development. Read our coverage here.
David Fhima Excelsior restaurant (205 Water St., Excelsior) The owner of Maison Margaux, Fhima's and Mother Dough will add a new address to his packed restaurant lineup. David Fhima will open what he's calling "a little taste of Palermo" in a space that includes the former Red Sauce Rebellion on Excelsior's Water Street. His next project will include an upstairs espresso bar in the mornings and a subterranean bar. Opening 2025.
Cafe Yoto (548 Washington Av. N., Mpls.) Cafe Yoto, the Monday night pop-up at Kado no Mise, will get a permanent Minneapolis home when it takes over the former Stalk and Spade space in the North Loop, according to the North Loop's neighborhood organization.
Mad Chicken (1st Av. N. & N. 4th St., Mpls., madchickenusa.com) A Wisconsin-founded fast-casual chicken spot will open in the historic building that used to house the American Army Navy Surplus Store. In addition to fried tenders, there are also wings, waffle fries, mac and cheese and more. The Milwaukee-based chain has been in expansion mode with 20 open or about-to-be-open restaurants.
Mother Dough Bakery (800 Nicollet Av., Mpls., motherdoughbakery.com) David Fhima's French-influenced bakery and cafe serves pastries and coffee in the morning and sandwiches for lunch. The latest location coming in spring 2025 joins the original two locations in downtown's Capella Tower and a lofty new spot at the base of the Vicinity Apartments in the Mill District.
Qahwah House (1851 Central Av. NE., Mpls., qahwahhouse.com) The metro's first Qahwah House coffee shop is expected to open in Northeast in the former home of Half Fancy and the Mill Northeast. Aslam Jamal will open Minnesota's first location of the coffee house, which was established in 2017. It serves espresso, drip coffee, sweet treats and coffee beans imported from Yemen.
Ate Ate Ate (1178 Burnsville Center, Burnsville, ateateatemn.com) New details are emerging about the food hall slated to open in Burnsville Center. Ate Ate Ate will anchor the mall's redeveloped north section, in the space once occupied by a Gordmans Department store. The vendors will offer international flavors. A list of vendors teased last year had promised everything from a Brazilian steakhouse to Korean fried chicken. Seven of the nine spots were previously announced, but we're told the list has "evolved" and no names are being released yet. One space is still available to rent. Read our coverage here.
Pig Ate My Pizza (10700 Bloomington Ferry Rd., Bloomington, travailkitchen.com) The Robbinsdale-based Travail team has set its sights to the south, with the revelation of a new Pig Ate My Pizza location coming to Bloomington. The group behind its eponymous fine-dining complex and the casual Nouvelle, both in Robbinsdale, has filed a proposal with the city of Bloomington to take over a former gas station. The new pizzeria is slated for 2025. Read our coverage here.
The Block (21455 John Milless Dr., Rogers, craftncrew.com) Craft & Crew Hospitality won Rogers City Council approval purchase the city's municipally run bar. When the sale closes in November, the restaurant group rooted in Minneapolis and the west metro will expand to this fast-growing suburb. Renovations, including the addition of a kitchen, will take place over the winter, with an expected opening sometime in spring 2025.
Read our coverage here.
Bubble Line Brewery (St. Paul, bubblelinebrewing.com) Launching in early 2025, Bubble Line Brewing Co. is currently crowdfunding to open a brewery and taproom in St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood. In addition to brewing beer, the taproom would serve coffee drinks and other nonalcoholic beverages and serve as a family-friendly gathering space.
Animales Barbeque and Burger Co. (241 Fremont Av. N., Mpls., animalesbarbeque.com) After publicizing a brick-and-mortar plan in December 2022, Animales announced that it's taking over a 13,000-square-foot former distillery on a developing corner just outside of downtown, in what used to be home to Royal Foundry Craft Spirits. Jon Wipfli, founder and co-owner of Animales' two mobile eateries devoted to barbecue and burgers, has partnered with Billy Tserenbat of Billy Sushi.
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 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, potentially in 2024. 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. After a delay in construction due to funding, there is no official opening date. Read our coverage here.
Saffron (TBA) It's been eight years since Saffron, the influential Mediterranean restaurant, closed its doors in downtown Minneapolis. Now, chef/owner Sameh Wadi has announced he will reopen Saffron. 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, originally announced that their yet-to-be-named restaurant would open summer 2023 in the former Alliance Française, but there have been no recent updates to that status. Read our coverage here.
Ray J's (Rogers, ray-js.com) Fans of those giant Ray J's wings will soon be able to get them in the east, west and now north metro area when the newest location opens in Rogers. The restaurant is expected to open in the fall of 2025. Get your wing fix in the meantime at Ray J's in Minneapolis (500 Central Av. SE.) and Woodbury (9854 Norma Lane) and Schullers Tavern in Golden Valley (7345 Country Club Dr.). Read our coverage here.
Namos Restaurant & Lounge (601 Chicago Av., Mpls., instagram.com/namosminneapolis) A high-end sports bar in the former Erik the Red and Hubert's space near U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis, is in the works, according to Downtown Voices.
Closing - Changing
Red Dragon (2116 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.) Last call for Wondrous Punch: The Red Dragon plans to shut its doors on Dec. 29. The stalwart Chinese American restaurant-slash-dive bar opened in 1976 on Lyndale Avenue in south Minneapolis and quickly became known for its boozy, tiki-style cocktails. Read our coverage here.
Union Hmong Kitchen (901 W. Lake St., Mpls., unionkitchenmn.com) Yia Vang's first restaurant concept, Union Hmong Kitchen, will shift entirely away from in-person dining with the immediate closure of its W. Lake Street restaurant in Minneapolis. Instead, the eatery will focus on catering events, in-home feasts, boxed lunches and the operation of its sports stadium stands. Closed Dec. 18. Read our coverage here.
November 2024
Openings
Parlour (200 Water St., Excelsior, parlourbar.com) The newest Parlour opened Nov. 27 in downtown Excelsior. It offers a menu stacked with favorites: the famed Parlour burger, the chicken sandwich, bacon popcorn, and fries that are better when shared around a table of friends. And of course, the bar will serve those Old Fashioneds and seasonal Manhattans that are synonymous with the Parlour experience. Read our coverage here.
Jade Dynasty (600 W. Lake St., Mpls., instagram.com/jadedynastympls) Jade Dynasty has taken over the long dormant Fuji-Ya location in Minneapolis. Owners Chuen "Paul" Wu and Eric Zeng have fully redone the restaurant that was damaged during the 2020 uprising. Wu's family operated the iconic Minneapolis restaurant Nankin, and its famous Wanderers Punch will be on the cocktail menu.
Francis Burger Joint (3900 E. Lake St., Mpls., francisburgerjoint.com) The beloved vegan burger spot started in Northeast and chose the former Peppers & Fries location for version 2.0. On the menu are the same Impossible burgers — including that vegan juicy lucy — and a whole selection of tasty beverages, including a malt and cocktails.
Stonegarden (5401 Chicago Av. S., Mpls., stonegardenmpls.com) Stonegarden opened at the base of the Pearl Apartments promising breakfast, brunch and broth. The menu includes fancy toast, biscuits and gravy, Benedicts and housemade gravlax. Beverages include coffee and a full bar.
Soul Bowl (701 Plymouth Av. N., Mpls.) The counter-service eatery from Brittney and Gerard Klass left Graze Provisions + Libations and reopened Nov. 19 at the new V3 Center in Minneapolis. With the new address comes expanded space, allowing for catering and full service.
Kajiken (66th St. & Nicollet Av. S., Richfield, kajikenusa.com) Abura soba is a Japanese noodle dish similar to ramen, except instead of broth, the noodles are flavored with seasonings and oil. The Japanese chain Kajiken brings this popular dish to its first Minnesota location, in the same Richfield strip mall as Tous le Jours Cafe.Opened Nov. 2024.
Aki's BreadHaus / WunderBar (1712 Marshall St. NE., Mpls., akisbreadhaus.com) After 10 years on Central Avenue in northeast Minneapolis, Aki's BreadHaus, the German-style bakery from German-born baker Aki Berndt, has moved to a bigger location and added an all-day wine bar called WunderBar, taking up half of the building that's inhabited by Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative and Curioso Coffee Bar.
Read our coverage here.
Mothership Pizza Paradise (5057 France Av. S., Mpls., mothershippizza.com) Chef Tommy Begnaud and his ownership team from Mr. Paul's Supper Club have opened a new pizzeria inside the erstwhile Arezzo. Mothership Pizza Paradise is a throwback to the oregano-scented pizzerias of the past, where shakers of Parmesan are always on the table, and strawberry hard candies come with your check.
Read our coverage here.
Russell's Bar and Grill (656 Grand Av., St. Paul) The Tavern on Grand has closed, but a new restaurant has opened in that location from first-time restaurateur Todd Russell, who owns the building. The menu is composed of American classics. Opened Nov. 15. Read our coverage here.
Le Burger 4304 (4304 Upton Av. S., Mpls.) Former Bachelor Farmer chef Jonathan Gans opened a French-inspired burger spot in Linden Hills. There are about 10 different burgers and sandwiches on the menu, including house-made veggie patties. Roast chicken is sold by the piece, and there's soft-serve ice cream for dessert. Plus, beer, wine and cocktails on tap from Peder Schweigert, another TBF/Marvel Bar alum. Read our coverage here.
Minari (323 13th Av. NE., Mpls., instagram.com/minarirestaurant) Chef Jeff Watson, the longtime executive chef and culinary director for Daniel del Prado's restaurant group, opened Minari inside the former Erté & the Peacock Lounge in Northeast Minneapolis. The menu leans into East Asian cuisine, especially Korean, drawing in part from Watson's heritage. Expect a menu that celebrates dumplings and serves a weekend dim sum, skewers of hot-off-the-grill meats and bowls of noodles.
Read our coverage here.
Vitality Roasting (1500 Como Av. SE., Mpls., vitalityroasting.com) The Minneapolis skyway coffee shop expands to St. Paul, moving into the space formerly belonging to Black Coffee and Waffle Bar.
Toastique (320 Engel St., Wayzata, toastique.com) A "gourmet toast and juice bar" has come to Wayzata. The chain boasts 30 locations around the country and this is the first in Minnesota.
La Estancia (4751 Nicollet Av., Mpls., instagram.com/laestanciamn) A new Argentine-Uruguayan steakhouse has opened. La Estancia serves empanadas, salads, a burger, steaks, flan and plenty more. There's also a full bar with seating available as well as a more formal dining room. Once the warm weather comes back, there will be a patio, too.
Gyropolis (2325 W. 90th St., Bloomington, gyropolis.com) Gyropolis reopened after a major expansion that tripled the restaurant's size and added a drive-up window. Read our coverage here.
Ember & Bean (7600 2nd St. N., Oakdale, emberandbeanroasting.com) Building construction is still happening, but the newly opened Ember & Bean in the lobby of a new apartment complex in Oakdale already has coffee and specialty lattes, plus modest house-made food such as a breakfast burrito.
Baking Betty's (1700 Grand Av., St. Paul, bakingbettys.com) Just in time for cookie season, founder Emily Osterberg's cookies are available by holiday theme, for delivery or even in cookie cake form.
Closings
Tattersall Distilling cocktail room (1620 Central Av. NE., Mpls., tattersalldistilling.com) One of Minneapolis' first distillery taprooms closed at the end of November. In 2021, the distillery shifted primary production to the new, massive River Falls site that also included a full-service restaurant, cocktail room, event space and a gift shop where visitors were allowed to buy full-size bottles of their spirits, something not allowed in Minnesota. Read our coverage here.
Wuollet Bakery, Grand Avenue (1080 Grand Av., St. Paul) There's one fewer place to stop for princess tortes as another Wuollet Bakery shutters. The iconic bakery, founded in 1977, already closed the Wayzata and Hastings locations this year amid eviction proceedings. The downtown Minneapolis skyway location closed in September.
Black Sheep, Eat Street (2550 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., blacksheeppizza.com) While the original North Loop location continues to operate unchanged, the coal-fired pizza outpost on Eat Street closed Nov. 30.
October 2024
Openings
Mickey's Diner (36 W. 7th St., St. Paul) After five long years, the diner that's been a landmark of downtown St. Paul since 1939 is open again. The menu looks exactly the same, but the laminate is new. America's Favorite All Day Meal ($12.99) is still eggs your way, choice of toast, those hand-shredded hash browns and a choice of meat. Read our coverage here.
Heather's (5445 Eden Prairie Rd., Minnetonka, heathersmtka.com) Serving breakfast through dinner and cocktails seven days a week, this western suburbs outpost of Heather's offers fresh bites like an açai bowl with housemade granola and lemon-blueberry French toast into lunch and dinner with a French dip, curried turkey burger and salads, including one starring golden beets. Read our coverage here.
Bichota (3740 Chicago Av. S., Mpls., bichotacoffee.com) Once again there are hot cups of coffee being poured on Chicago Avenue at George Floyd Square. Originally a whole bean importer/supplier, the company is committed to transparency, supporting workers both from where it sources the beans and the ones inside the storefront, and uplifting the community.
Nagoya / Mochinut (8030 Olson Memorial Hwy., Golden Valley) All-you-can-eat sushi and mochi doughnuts are now open in Golden Valley.
Du Nord Cocktail Room / Lagniappe (2700 E. Lake St., Mpls., instagram.com/dunordcocktailroom) Shanelle and Chris Montana have reopened their Du Nord Cocktail Room, along with New Orleans-inspired restaurant Lagniappe, in the newly developed Coliseum Building. Read our coverage here.
Grackle (11852 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, facebook.com/people/Grackle/61560089282970) Taking the place of the old Wahlburgers at Hemlock Way and Elm Creek Boulevard in Maple Grove, this all-day cafe is from the same team behind Margie's Kitchen & Cocktails in nearby Andover serves approachable (but just a little fancy) fare and drinks. Opened Oct. 18. Read our coverage here.
Eloise (332 Broadway Av. S., Wayzata) Supper clubby Eloise has taken over the Lululemon next door to owner Lindsay Pohlad's first restaurant, the Grocer's Table. (The name comes from her husband's grandmother, philanthropist Eloise Pohlad.)
Read our coverage here.
Walkin' Dog / Northstar Cafeteria (625 S. Marquette Av., Mpls., walkindog.com) Downtown Minneapolis' Northstar Center has reopened after an extensive renovation, and the cafeteria is serving up retro fare alongside a return of the beloved Walkin' Dog hot dog stand. Read our coverage here.
Aster House (25 SE. Main St., Mpls., asterhousempls.com) A new supper club from the team behind Aster Cafe and Jefe Urban Cocina is now open in the historic Brown-Ryan stable house on St. Anthony Main, with food from executive chef Josh Jones in consultation with Myriel's Karyn Tomlinson. Read our coverage here.
Salt & Flour (360 N. 5th St., Mpls., saltandflourkitchen.com) Brian Ingram, who owns Purpose Restaurants with wife Sarah Ingram, has opened a new pasta restaurant and market in the new North Loop Green development. Ingram tapped chef Gary Sherwood to lead the kitchen. It's next door to the Ingrams' new Hope Breakfast Bar. Read our coverage here.
Mother Dough Bakery (205 Park Av., Mpls., motherdoughbakery.com) David Fhima's bakery has opened a lofty new location at the base of the Vicinity Apartments in the Mill District of Minneapolis.
Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks (3002 W. 50th St. Mpls., tonomn.com) It's been seven years since Michelangelo's went dark. This October, a new tenant has finally taken over the corner of 50th St. and Washburn Av. S. in Minneapolis: Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks. It's the first Minneapolis location for the rapidly expanding restaurant, which initially launched in Maplewood and has since put down roots in St. Paul and in suburbs across the metro. Read our coverage here.
La Madre (205 Park Av., Mpls., lamadremn.com) La Madre is now open in Minneapolis' Mill District neighborhood, at the base of the Vicinity Apartments. The restaurant from the owners of La Tapatia draws inspiration from the coastal culinary goods of Puerto Vallarta. In addition to tacos and entrees, La Madre will has a bar menu with boutique tequilas, micheladas and more.
Read our coverage here.
My Burger (855 Vikings Pkwy., Eagan, myburgerusa.com) As it marks 20 years in business, local burger chain My Burger opened its 10th location at the Viking Lakes complex in Eagan. The new location kicks off plans to double the number of My Burgers. A My Burger opened earlier this year in Edina; other locations are in Eden Prairie, St. Paul's Mac Groveland, Stadium Village, Richfield, Uptown, Minnetonka and Wayzata.
Berry Sweet Kitchen (14638 Cedar Av. S., Apple Valley, berrysweetkitchen.com) The bakery and breakfast spot in the Lake Nokomis area, has expanded to Apple Valley. The banana French toast, biscuits with sausage gravy, cream stuffed beignets and all the favorites are now being served Tuesday through Sunday.
Tous les Jours (12407 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, tljus.com) A second Minnesota outpost of the popular Tous les Jours bakery is up and running at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. The French-inspired bakery from South Korea made its Twin Cities debut in Richfield last year to immediate lines and fandom for its pastries, pies, cakes and more.
Sip Society (2839 Emerson Av. S., Mpls., instagram.com/sip.societycoffee) Uptown's newest coffee shop, Sip Society, comes from local entrepreneur Sacad Guled. Look for lattes, Somali tea, smoothies, fresh-baked pastries, smoothies and pizza from Football Pizza, the northeast Minneapolis outfit providing the restaurant with its pies.
Spice Shack (121 S. 8th St., Mpls.) A new fast-casual Minneapolis skyway spot serving Indian fare, classic American hot sandwiches and more is up and running in Deluxe Plaza. Read our coverage here.
Keys Cafe, Stillwater (1400 W. Frontage Rd., Stillwater, keyscafe.com) The family-owned diner founded by Barbara Hunn in 1973 on St. Paul's Raymond Avenue continues to grow into new neighborhoods. This will be the ninth location, with others in Roseville, Hudson, Wis., Forest Lake, downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul's Robert Street and Woodbury. Read our coverage here.
Closings
Devil's Advocate (14200 60th St. N., Stillwater, devilsadvocatemn.com) Flying in the face of the season, Stillwater's Devil's Advocate closed at the end of October. Restaurant owner Erik Forsberg said they've received feedback from guests who liked the food, but not the low-key devilish vibes. Instead, they've launched an online survey asking for input on what should come next. Read our coverage here.
Union Hmong Kitchen at Graze (520 N. 4th St., Mpls.) Yia Vang's Hilltribe restaurant group has not renewed its lease for Union Hmong Kitchen at Graze Provisions and Libations food hall in Minneapolis. The restaurant's homebase at 910 W. Lake St. in Minneapolis will continue to operate.
Slice Brothers Pizza (400 N. Wabasha St., St. Paul, slicebrothersusa.com) Adam Kado and Hosie Thurmond closed their downtown St. Paul location. Four others are still open.
Read our coverage here.
Fast Eddie's Pizza (4747 Nicollet Av., Mpls., fasteddiespizzamenu.com) The pizzeria closed Oct. 31, despite a neighborhood push to save it. But there is hope that another location will surface nearby.
September 2024
Openings
Hope Breakfast Bar (350 N. 5th St., Mpls., hopebreakfast.com) The early day eatery from Sarah and Brian Ingram, has opened in Minneapolis' restaurant-dense North Loop neighborhood, at the new North Loop Green development. Part of a burgeoning chain, the eatery from Purpose Restaurants also has locations in Edina, Eagan, St. Louis Park, Woodbury and the original in St. Paul.
Small Hours (2201 NE. 2nd St., Mpls., smallhoursmpls.com) A northeast Minneapolis hi-fi wine bar from sommelier Sarina Garibović and songwriter/musician Sam Cassidy opened Sept. 21. Read our coverage here.
Boketto (1607 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park, bokettorestaurant.com) Kaskaid Hospitality's Boketto, a new steakhouse in the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park, serves Japanese and Australian-raised wagyu beef, scallops, seafood towers, pasta and more. It replaces Andrew Zimmern's Lucky Cricket. Opened Sept. 13. Read our coverage here.
Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks (3002 W. 50th St., Mpls., tonomn.com) The local chain has opened its seventh location in Minneapolis, in the former Michelangelo's space. Since first opening in Maplewood, the company from Antonio "Tono" Gambino and Shaz Khan has been in expansion mode.
GoGi Korean BBQ (4207 Hwy. 13, Savage, gogibarbq.com) The menu at this new Korean barbecue spot in Savage offers banchan like kimchi and pickled veggies that are refilled throughout the meal, ssam meats with ssamjang sauce, premium marinated meats and more. Also on tap: hot pot and a robust takeout menu.
Gray Fox Coffee (700 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., grayfoxcoffee.com) The coffee shop's newest location opened this summer inside the Dayton's Project in downtown Minneapolis. Special to this spot is a Dayton latte made with gingerbread-spiced syrup, masala chai, espresso and milk and garnished with the Dayton's logo. This location joins other downtown Minneapolis Gray Coffee locations inside the AT&T building, LaSalle and the Deluxe plazas.
OG Zaza (2885 Winners Circle Dr., Shakopee, ogzazamn.com) Joshua Hedquist's second New Haven-style pizzerias opened in September in Shakopee. The first is in Rosedale's Potluck food hall. Read our coverage here.
Hey Bear (791 Raymond Av., St. Paul, heybear.cafe) A new cafe has opened in St. Paul inside the former Foxy Falafel. The grab-and-go restaurant serves breakfast and lunch — and there are biscuits.
T.J. Hooligan's (6411 City West Pkwy., Eden Prairie, tjhooligans.com) Prior Lake's T.J. Hooligan's, the self-described "Applebees on steroids," has come to Eden Prairie. The neighborhood pub with grub took over the former Campiello's space right off Shady Oak Road.
Read our coverage here.
Wells Roadside (3712 Quebec Av. S., St. Louis Park, craftncrew.com) Craft & Crew Hospitality acquired the retro Galaxy Drive-In and opened a year-round spot for price-conscious burgers and ice cream. They modeled their new concept after Gott's Roadside in California. Read our coverage here.
WildChld (24 University Av. NE., Mpls., wildchld.co) Restaurateur and entrepreneur Kamal Mohamed tapped Dampfwerk's Bridgit Loeffelholz to create a new drinking den with low lights, an open room, a few pieces of art and sophisticated beverages. Read our coverage here.
Hola Coffee (326 Central Av. SE., Mpls., holacoffeempls.com) Vanessa Palestino started her business as a coffee cart before opening this storefront in late September. Also stocked inside are coffee beans sourced from Latin America, sweet treats from RMY Patisserie, and empanadas from Boludo. Opened Sept. 28. Read our coverage here.
House of Hue (2819 Nicollet Av., Mpls.) This Eat Street Crossing stand offers Bun bo Hue, a spicy noodle soup dish in which chiles and lemongrass are among the prominent flavors, originated from Hue in the central region of Vietnam. Locally, the dish is more elusive than its beef noodle counterpart, pho. While bun bo Hue can be spotted on a few menus, this is the first Twin Cities restaurant in which the dish is the star of the menu.
Momo Korean Egg Drop (405 14th Av. SE., Mpls., momoeggdropdinkytown.com) This local franchise of the Korean chain serves specialty egg sandwiches. Freshly made milk bread houses soft scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, avocados and other goodies. This is the first Minnesota outpost of the chain.
Closings
Beirut (1385 Robert St., West St. Paul, beirutrestaurantanddeli.com) The beloved Lebanese restaurant closed the original location in September after more than four decades in business. But there's good news: It's not the end, it's a new beginning. Beirut will move to Rosemount (14873 South Robert Trail) under the direction of the restaurant's second generation and start anew as a fast-casual operation with catering, ready-made products and an eye toward expansion.
Read our coverage here.
Barrio (235 E. 6th St., St. Paul, barriotequila.com) One of the last original tenants from the Lowertown revitalization 15 years ago, has left St. Paul. The tequila-focused restaurant closed Sept. 6. Barrio's original downtown Minneapolis location on Nicollet Mall, as well as Edina's Cocina del Barrio and its outpost at MSP's Terminal 2, remain open.
Vellee (303 1st Av. NE., vellee.com) The Mexican-Vietnamese restaurant, announced on Sept. 8 that all three of its locations would be closed until further notice. But an extended pop-up in Brooklyn Park that was expected to run through October, continues. Read our coverage here.
TGI Fridays (5875 Wayzata Blvd., St. Louis Park; 7730 Normandale Blvd., Edina) Two metro locations of the national chain have closed. There are still more TGI Fridays at Mall of America, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Maple Grove and Maplewood.
Red Lobster (8900 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley; 12515 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove) Two locations of Red Lobster have closed in the wake of its parent company filing for bankruptcy. Locations still in operation locally and outstate include Bloomington, Burnsville, Duluth, Mankato, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Oakdale, Rochester, Roseville and St. Cloud.
Chicago's Taste Authority (3101 E. 42nd St., Mpls., chrisandrobs.com) After 20 years of slinging hot dogs in honor of the Windy City, owner Rob Dubnecay closed his Chicago's Taste Authority on Sept. 21. Dubnecay and his brother opened the restaurant in this location in 2004. Ten years in, they expanded to an old train car on W. 7th Street in St. Paul; that location closed in 2019.
Sugar & Salt (3146 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., lalaicecream.com) Sugar & Salt cafe, formerly known as La La Homemade Ice Cream, closed Oct. 4. Jennifer Lisburg founded La La as a small storefront in south Minneapolis in 1993 and opened in its Uptown location summer 2016. Lisburg rebranded the cafe as Sugar & Salt this spring. Read our coverage here.
Axels (1318 Sibley Memorial Hwy., Mendota, axelsrestaurants.com) Axels' flagship location has closed. Founded by Linda Young and Charlie Burrows, the restaurant near the Mississippi River was styled as a modern supper club with steakhouse fare and a stately interior, serving up steaks for 29 years. One Axels remains: the Roseville steakhouse at the DoubleTree by Hilton.
August 2024
Openings
1881 by Lake Elmo Inn (Union Depot, St. Paul, 1881bylei.com) The owners of the historic Lake Elmo Inn have opened a restaurant at Union Depot in St. Paul. The menu, from executive chef Michael Pearson, is inspired by the flagship restaurant and includes both Lake Elmo Inn favorites as well as new offerings made with locally sourced ingredients. Opened August 8. Read our coverage here.
Centro (1901 Hwy. 36 W., Roseville, centrompls.com) The old Good Earth got a major Shea-designed glow-up and became Roseville's new Centro this August. It's the fourth outpost of the casual taco restaurant from Jami Olson, who also operates Everywhen Burger Bar, Vivir and Bina's. Read our coverage here.
Forepaugh's (276 Exchange St. S., St. Paul, forepaughs.com) James Beard Award-winning chef Tim McKee has been brought on to consult on the menu and rebuild the kitchen team at this landmark restaurant, which closed in 2019 and reopened August 2024. Read our coverage here.
Lynette (3753 42nd Av. S., Mpls., instagram.com/lynettempls) Two legends of the much-missed Lyn65 teamed up to open an homage to the restaurant in the former Riverview Wine Bar. The new neighborhood restaurant is the work of beverage maestro Travis Serbus and chef/hospitalitarian Ben Siers-Rients and their partners, Billie White and Melissa Siers-Rients. Opened Aug. 2024. Read our coverage here.
Dexter's (3717 W. 50th St., Mpls., dextersmpls.com) This restaurant and bar from DDP Restaurant Group aimed at neighborhood folks, sports fans and discerning diners offers dishes like burgers, BLTs, onion rings, shrimp cocktail and dry-rub chicken wings. Beverages are by Megan Luedtke, who oversees the bar program at other DDP properties, including Blondette, Colita, Martina and Macanda. Read our coverage here.
Backstory Coffee Roasters (8051 33rd Av. S., Bloomington, backstory.coffee) This local roaster opened its first suburban location at the base of the new Fenley Apartments in Bloomington. This is the third location for the coffee shop that started small in St. Paul and has grown to include another cafe in Minneapolis' North Loop neighborhood. The new cafe is in the Bloomington Central Station community, not far from the Mall of America.
Tender Lovin' Chix (2700 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., instagram.com/tender_lovin_chix) Tender Lovin' Chix is shifting into park for its new full-time home on Lyndale Avenue. The food truck from Marques (Ques) Johnson and Billy Tserenbat of Billy Sushi is now a full restaurant in the former home of Fire & Nice Alehouse. Read our coverage here.
Barcelona (508 Washington Av. N., Mpls., barcelonawinebar.com) With locations in 11 states, Barcelona wine bars serve largely Spanish and South American wines with an array of tapas, a few entrees, weekend brunch and cocktails. Read our coverage here.
Hope Breakfast Bar (1930 Donegal Dr., Woodbury, hopebreakfast.com) Hope Breakfast Bar's pina colada French toast, peanut butter banana pancakes and churro waffles have made their way to the east metro. Sarah and Brian Ingram recently rolled out a Woodbury branch, joining others in Eagan, Edina and St. Louis Park.
Rootstock (3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, arb.umn.edu/rootstock) Niki Heber has joined the culinary team led by Beth Fisher to open Rootstock at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Heber worked at the local food pioneering restaurant Corner Table, along with 4 Bells and was the opening chef at Wood + Paddle in downtown Minneapolis. The cafe serves Arboretum visitors fresh, seasonal, plant-forward fare including light bites, breakfast treats and comfort food that's veggie- and gluten-friendly.
Closings
Finnegans Brew Co. (817 5th Av. S., Mpls., finnegans.org) Finnegans and Fulton were at the forefront of the local craft brew revolution. Now, Finnegans Brew Co. has shifted production from its East Town location and moved into the Fulton Brewery complex in the North Loop (414 6th Av. N., Mpls.). Finnegans beer is now brewed inside Fulton's production facility, and the taproom serves both Fulton and Finnegans brews while also leaving room for collaboration. Finnegans' taproom closed Aug. 31. Read our coverage here.
Ouro Pizzaria (2819 Nicollet Av., Mpls.) The Eat Street Crossing stand for Brazilian-style pizza closed Aug. 9. Read our coverage here.
July 2024
Openings
Black Duck Spirits & Hearth (2900 NE. Johnson St., Mpls., blackduckmpls.com) An eclectic menu from chef Jason Sawicki (Lyn 65, Popol Vuh) includes smoked fare and dishes that combine his experience with Mexican cuisine and Polish heritage. Opened July 24. Read our coverage here.
Yia Vang stands in front of the new location for his forthcoming brick-and-mortar restaurant, Vinai, which celebrates food from his family‘s Hmong heritage.
Vinai (1717 NE. 2nd St., Mpls., vinaimn.com) Chef Yia Vang has opened his long-awaited restaurant Vinai in the former Dangerous Man taproom space in northeast Minneapolis. Opened July 30. Read our coverage here.
PinKU (2819 Nicollet Av., Mpls., eatstreetcrossing.com) PinKU by Chef John Sugimura opened July 27 inside Eat Street Crossing food hall in Minneapolis, in the space formerly occupied by Sushi Dori, which ended its run July 21. The built-in sushi counter is only open for ticketed dinners Fridays and Saturdays, with a chef-curated, five-course meal and drinks. Read our coverage here.
Local Rumor (1811 Selby Av., St. Paul, 612-790-0614, instagram.com/localrumor) This new restaurant takes the place of the former Blue Door Pub. Owner Scott Cochran, the former COO at Keg and Case food hall, gave the interior a major remodel and refresh with colorful murals and open seating. The food menu ranges from several roasted veggie entrees and side dishes to a burger and wings.
Gray Fox Coffee (700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, grayfoxcoffee.com) Gray Fox Coffee, owned by Danielle and Chris Bjorling, has expanded into the Dayton's Project in downtown Minneapolis. Like its other shops in the Deluxe Plaza, 901 Marquette Av. and LaSalle Plaza, this skyway-level Gray Fox specializes in sweets, breakfast treats and coffee drinks that double as works of art.
Fried Pickle Kitchen (759 E. County Rd. D., Vadnais Heights, friedpicklekitchen.com) No longer relegated to bar menus and the State Fair, a new frickle era has dawned. In addition to baskets of battered and deep-fried pickle slices, there's also a pickle flatbread pizza to enjoy the dilly goods.
Beckett's (3006 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., beckettsmpls.com) The new retro sports bar inside Uptown's Fool Me Once/Blue Door Pub/Country Bar address is up and running. The walls at Beckett's are filled with vintage pennants and memorabilia. There are plenty of TVs, lots of bar stools and a QR menu that offers a few bar snacks. Bonus: The kitchen is open until midnight Mon.-Thu. and 1 a.m. Sat.-Sun.
Puralima (740 E. Lake St., Wayzata, puralima.com) The fast-casual Mexican spot Puralima, from the founder of Crisp & Green and Stalk & Spade, opened its third location July 13 in Wayzata. The Chipotle-esque eatery serves up tacos, burritos, bowls and salads with a variety of toppings and bases, from al pastor-style cauliflower and ahi tuna to the more traditional carnitas and barbacoa. More locations are on the horizon: Puralima's website teases upcoming restaurants in Blaine, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove and Woodbury.
Steak and Ale (14201 Nicollet Av. S., Burnsville, bennigans.com) 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 is 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. Opened July 8. Read our coverage here.
Nashville Coop (6600 Penn Av. S., Richfield, nashvillecoop.com ) The hot chicken spot from brothers Arif and Kamal Mohamed has opened a new location in Richfield. Their signature flavor includes their mother's homemade blend of Ethiopian spices. The menu centers on crispy chicken fingers in varying degrees of spiciness served on their own or on buns.
Vellee Deli (8200 Lakeland Av. N., Brooklyn Park, vellee.com) The Vietnamese-Mexican fusion restaurant, is now popping up in Brooklyn Park. The new, temporary location will serve lunch through dinner Tuesdays through Sundays from now until spooky season. Read our coverage here.
Closings
Pearl & the Thief/Big E (250 Portland Av. S., Mpls.) The previously announced project to open Pearl & the Thief on the ground floor of the 22-story O2 Luxury Tower is no longer in the works, after chef Justin Sutherland was charged with threats of violence. It was meant to be a revival of Sutherland's short-lived Stillwater restaurant, which closed in 2018. His casual egg sandwich spot Big E has also been nixed. Look for a different project from Restore Restaurant Holdings and Sherman Associates to materialize later in 2024.
Read our coverage here.
Golden Thyme / Justin Sutherland project (934 Selby Av., St. Paul) Justin Sutherland and his father were developing a new cafe inside St. Paul's Golden Thyme, the cafe in St. Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood. But the partnership was cancelled in light of the felony charges against Sutherland. Read our coverage here.
June 2024
Openings
Darling (3311 E. 25th St., Mpls., darlingmpls.com) The cafe from Prince's former personal chefs is now open in the one-time Birchwood Cafe space. The familiar Minneapolis venue gets new life as a breakfast-and-lunch spot, with dinner and drinks coming soon.
Read our coverage here.
Bassett Hound (360 N. 5th St., Mpls., bassetthoundnlg.com) An addition to the North Loop Green development is this pub, from Chicago-based Levy Restaurants. Find a casual dog-friendly spot with an expansive patio and a cruise-up-and-snack feel. There's a wide selection of beer, cocktails and wines and a casual menu that tops out at $19 for charcuterie boards, paninis and flatbreads.
Sebastian Joe's Kingfield Social (4301 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., sebastianjoesicecream.com) The newest outpost of the popular scoop shop has opened in the former home of Apoy, after 21 "kids of Kingfield" signed a heartfelt letter published in Southwest Voices asking for a neighborhood ice cream shop. Read our coverage here.
Oh Crepe! (4408 France Av., Edina, ohcrepemn.com) The very first Caribou, which closed in 2023, is now home to Oh Crêpe!, from Breizh Crêperie's Claire Corvaisier. The chef, who was born in France, first launched her Twin Cities crêpe business at Minneapolis Cider Co. Now at her brick-and-mortar, she is making sweet and savory crêpes, plus taking special orders for crêpe cakes. Open daily except Tuesdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opened June 26.
Tap In Kitchen & Cocktails (2618 Lowry Av. N., Mpls., tapinmn.com) Tap In has opened on the site of what was once an abandoned convenience store. The ambitious project is spearheaded by New Rules North, which converts buildings in overlooked communities into innovative spaces. The drink menu includes modernized classic cocktails like a mezcalita, bourbon sour and espresso martini. Food includes salmon, black bean and quinoa and brisket sandwiches, salads, wings and more.
Ruam Mit Thai (367 N. Wabasha St., St. Paul, ruammitmn.com) Ruam Mit Thai has a new location. The restaurant opened in 1989 in downtown St. Paul and quickly became a classic for Thai and Lao dishes like nam khao, pad thai and red curry. It was displaced last year after its previous location on St. Peter Street was demolished.
Gatherings Cafe (1530 E. Franklin Av., Mpls., maicnet.org) Gatherings Cafe inside the Minneapolis American Indian Center reopened this spring under the stewardship of chef Vernon DeFoe. Rooted in Indigenous ingredients, the cafe serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. The menu includes blue corn and wild rice pancakes, veggie hash, smoked turkey melt, Three Sisters Kale Salad and more.
Brühaven (1368 La Salle Av., Mpls., bruhaven.com) The former Lakes & Legends, just east of Loring Park, is now Brühaven. And it has an award-winning craft beer veteran as its new owner. Alex Doering, who worked his way up to head brewer over eight years with the Freehouse, has partnered with friend Glenn Oslin to buy the business and make it their own. But fans of Lakes & Legends will find that much of Brühaven will be familiar, too.
Read our coverage here.
Hope Breakfast Bar (8505 Valley Creek Rd., Woodbury; 7585 France Av. S., Edina, hopebreakfast.com) The next outposts of Sarah and Brian Ingram's Hope Breakfast Bar are now open in Edina and Woodbury. Just like the other locations in St. Paul and Eagan, these Hope Breakfast Bar locations will serve a combination of sweet and savory breakfast foods all day with a full bar and coffee program. Read our coverage here.
Alary's Bar (139 E. 7th St., St. Paul, facebook.com/AlarysBarMN) The historic neighborhood bar is making a comeback under new ownership, and the menu is a short-and-sweet Heggie's pizza. According to a press release, the bar also still identifies as a "cop bar," with paraphernalia as well as food and drink specials for first responders.
Puralima (3925 W. 50th St., Edina, puralima.com) Steele Brands, the owner of Crisp & Green, has replaced its now-shuttered Stalk & Spade in Edina with its Mexican-inspired counter-service concept Puralima. (Another opening in Wayzata is coming soon.) Opened June 29.
Paris Baguette (7855 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove, parisbaguette.com) Paris Baguette has arrived in Minnesota. Originally from South Korea, Paris Baguette has about 100 U.S. locations. The pastry cases are serve-yourself and stocked with classic French pastries, Instagrammable laminated dough hybrids (like the croissant doughnut) and Asian-inspired treats like red bean buns and mochi doughnuts. Read our coverage here.
Treats (Mall of America, 372 E. Broadway, Bloomington, treatsmn.com) The boba and cereal ice cream shop opened a fourth location at Mall of America in June. Other Treats locations are in Minneapolis' North Loop, Blaine and on Grand Avenue in St. Paul.
Sweet Paris Creperie (Mall of America, 100 North Garden, Bloomington, sweetparis.com ) After first opening in Woodbury, a second Minnesota outpost of the Texas-based chain has opened at Mall of America for sweet and savory crepes and a Parisian cafe vibe. Opened in June.
Ava (124 3rd Av. N., Mpls., avampls.com) A new club from Ben Taheri, owner of the former Tangiers nightclub, has taken over the former Stilheart Distillery in the North Loop. Ava inhabits two floors with three distinct areas and a food menu from chef Kamal Mohamed of Nashville Coop, Parcelle and StepChld. Opened June 2024.
Donut Star (7656 160th St. W., Lakeville, 952-255-8287, donutstarmn.com ) The Burnsville doughnut shop, under the ownership of Peter Sebastian (Mario's, Estelle), has expanded to Lakeville. The menus are the same at both locations, and the new spot has plenty of room for parking and seating. Opened June 2024.
L2 at Tii Cup (2645 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., instagram.com/l2_tiicup) Boba shop Tii Cup has opened a second-floor speakeasy, serving adult versions of several of the chain's boba drinks as well as other cocktails and snacks.
Rail Werks Brewing Depot (4055 Central Av. NE., Mpls., 612-367-6758, railwerksbrewingdepot.com) Husband-and-wife team William and Denise Roberts have launched a brews and barbecue spot in Columbia Heights.
Dogwood (2700 University Av. W., St. Paul, dogwoodcoffee.com) The newest location of local Dogwood Coffee Co. has opened in Midway in the former Hodges Bend. The space has been given a big refresh with a cheery mural. Marc Heu pastries are available. Dogwood has two other locations: 4021 E. Lake St. and 1209 NE. Tyler St., both in Minneapolis.
Waffle Bar Desserts & Tea (3810 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, wafflebar.com) The third metro location of this shop specializes in bubble waffles, which originated in Hong Kong. The waffles serve as a base for sweet and savory combinations, from Sebastian Joe's ice cream and Nutella to chicken and maple bacon. An array of smoothies and bubble teas are also on the menu. The other locations are in Lakeville and Minneapolis.
Dave's Hot Chicken (7720 W. 149th St., Apple Valley, daveshotchicken.com) The Los Angeles-based spicy chicken and loaded milkshakes chain, from the family of former Timberwolves player Kris Humphries, is now open in Apple Valley, bringing the metro total to three locations, with plans to expand to 18 in the state. Next up is Coon Rapids, St. Cloud and Rochester.
Crossing Bridge Noodle Restaurant (2 E. 26th St., Mpls., crossbridgenoodle.com) A noodle restaurant, from the owner of Sushi Train and three local Mochinut locations, takes the place of the shuttered Bad Waitress restaurant on Eat Street. Crossing-the-bridge noodles, a traditional soup from China's Yunnan province, is served with large bowls of boiling broth, perfumed with star anise and ginger alongside myriad mix-ins to customize each bite with meat, rice noodles, bean curd sheets and vegetables.
Ococo (811 La Salle Av., Mpls., 612-998-8883, instagram.com/ococofoods) Rice bowls, sandwiches and slushies make up the menu at this stylish new Minneapolis skyway spot for Thai street food.
Chips Pickleball Club (980 Discovery Rd., Eagan, chipspickleball.com) A cafe and bar offers breakfast by day and cocktails and dinner by night at this new pickleball club in Eagan.
Closings
Eli's Food & Cocktails (1225 Hennepin Av., Mpls.) There's been an Eli's Food & Cocktails in downtown Minneapolis since 1960. That era ended after Pride weekend on June 30, when the neighborhood restaurant and bar quietly closed, employees at Eli's East confirmed to the Star Tribune.
Read our coverage here.
Thai Basil (1180 W. Frontage Rd., Stillwater, thaibasilstillwater.com/home-closing) After 10 years of serving Thai cuisine just off Hwy. 36 in Stillwater, Thai Basil has closed. The Pioneer Press reports that chef/owner Phouvanh "Pooh" Soderquist and her husband sold the building. Soderquist opened Thai Basil restaurant after leaving her stake in the longtime St. Paul restaurant Pad Thai on Grand. "We want to express our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers who have supported us," Soderquist said in a message to fans.
Tavern on Grand (656 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-228-9030, thetavernongrand.com) Tavern on Grand has served its last walleye. The North Woods cabin-themed Grand Avenue restaurant, famous for its many preparations of Minnesota's state fish for 35 years, closed June 2. The end of a lease, a slowdown in business since COVID, steep price increases, a dip in foot traffic on Grand Avenue, and personal transitions for the family members who own the restaurant all were considerations.
Read our coverage here.
i.e.-Italian Eatery / Un Dito (4724 Cedar Av. S., Mpls., italianeatery.com) i.e. and its sister restaurant, Un Dito, have closed. Eric Carrara, who co-owns the restaurant with his spouse, Vanessa, said the decision was due to several factors, but "It's nothing bad." Read our coverage here.
Peppers and Fries (3900 E. Lake St., Mpls., peppersandfries.com) The casual restaurant on E. Lake Street in Minneapolis' Longfellow neighborhood closed June 29 after almost a decade of great indoor-outdoor summer dining and selection of burgers and burritos. The silver lining is that the food truck will live on. Read our coverage here.
AxeBridge Wine Co. (411 N. Washington Av., Mpls., axebridgewineco.com) The North Loop tasting room closed June 30, after a three-year run. The winery is shifting operations back to its sister location in Waconia, at Schram Vineyards, where the AxeBridge brand will live on.
May 2024
Openings
Starling (4917 Eden Av., Edina, starlingmn.com) Jester Concepts, the restaurant group behind P.S. Steak and Butcher & the Boar, has opened its first suburban restaurant in Edina. Opened May 1. Read our coverage here.
LBC on the Lake (Antlers Park, Lakeville) Lakeville's Antlers Park has been redeveloped and includes a place to buy food and beverages — and that building will take the form of two 40-foot shipping containers sitting side by side. The walk-up food and beverage counter from Lakeville Brewing Co. sells burgers, fish tacos, beer and wine. Lakeville Brewing has a brewpub in downtown Lakeville and also owns Inver Grove Brewing in Inver Grove Heights. Opened May 2024. Read our coverage here.
Qamaria (3 LIttle Canada Rd., Little Canada, 651-219-5973, qamariacoffee.com) Since its opening May 4, lines have been out the door for Minnesota's first outpost of this Yemeni coffeeshop. According to staff in the Little Canada location, plans to expand to other Twin Cities suburbs are in the works.
Read our coverage here.
Hodgepodge (38 Northern Stacks Dr., Fridley, hodgepodgeeats.com) The team behind the successful recipe website Fit Foodie Finds has opened a food-truck in partnership with Forgotten Star Brewing. Read our coverage here.
Minne's on Glenwood (1825 Glenwood Av., Mpls., facebook.com/p/Minnes-on-Glenwood-100083926879441) The restaurant, which started as a food truck and expanded into the permanent location earlier this year, held a reopening celebration May 4. The Harrison neighborhood spot serves floats, Chicago dogs, burgers, fries, onion rings and more.
Staff Meeting (2819 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., eatstreetcrossing.com) Las Vegas chef Louross Edralin opened Staff Meeting May 4 in the space that formerly belonged to Ramen Shoten, at Eat Street Crossing food hall. Edralin recently held a pop-up in that location as a test drive of ideas. The restaurant is inspired by the post-service food adventures he'd take his restaurant crew on late at night.
Corner Coffee (905 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., corner.coffee) Corner Coffee has opened its fifth location in the former Coconut Whisk spot. The first Coffee Corner opened back in 2007, and now there are locations in Northeast, Camden, Uptown and the North Loop. The shop's menu includes coffee drinks, beans and limited snacks.
Bom Día Treats (251 1st Av. N., Mpls., bomdiatreats.com) The smoothie bowl pop-up that's been operating inside St. Paul's Quixotic Coffee has landed a new full-time location in the North Loop. Opened May 25.
Sizzle Street (813 Marketplace Dr., Waconia, sizzlestreet.co) Founded by brothers Tirlochan and Paramjit Mand, the restaurant blends Punjabi cuisine with American dishes. On the menu are alu fries, French fries seasoned with Indian spices; Punjabi-stuffed papad, described as a papad quesadilla with shredded cheese, pico, fried onions and potatoes; and tikka pizza topped with masala sauce, onions, bell pepper and tomatoes. There are also vindaloos, korma, plenty of vegetarian options and more.
Fitchn (1024 Washington Av. S., Mpls., instagram.com/fitchn_) This daily cafe in Bridgewater Lofts has a menu of salads, pita sandwiches, grain bowls, fresh juices and smoothies.
Convention Grill (3912 Sunnyside Rd., Edina, conventiongrillmn.com) After more than four years on a pandemic-induced hiatus, the Convention Grill in Edina officially reopened May 8 for burgers, malts and nostalgia. Read our coverage here.
Chez Annalise (6001 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., chezannalise.com) This new bakery bills itself as Minnesota's first "cannabakery," thanks to one key baking ingredient derived from the hemp plant, cannabidiol. Read our coverage here.
Broadway Bar & Pizza (7890 Main St., Maple Grove, broadwaypizza.com) Maple Grove's former Max's on Main has become a Broadway Bar & Pizza. But they're be slinging more than just dough at the new spot. The thin-crust mainstay also houses an axe-throwing space courtesy of Broadaxe. Opened May 2024.
Mi Pueblo Mexican Bar & Grill (2281 Commerce Blvd., Mound, mipueblomin.com) The fourth location of this Mexican restaurant recently opened in Mound. The other locations are in Eden Prairie, Lakeville and Mankato.
Closings
Daddy-O's Cafe (709 NW. Main St., Elk River) Elk River's ode to the 1950s, Daddy-O's Cafe, closed May 24. Daddy O's had been flipping burgers, serving malts and frothing over those 1919 Root Beer floats for 58 years.
Protagonist Kitchen & Bar (6601 Lyndale Av. S., Richfield) The restaurant, from the owners of the Richfield institution Sandy's Tavern, opened in January 2022 in a former Houlihan's and quickly drew buzz for its Big Mac-esque smash burger, brisket poutine and other neighborhood restaurant staples. It closed May 21.
April 2024
Openings
Punch Pizza (5799 W. 16th St., St. Louis Park, punchpizza.com) The local Neapolitan pizza chain opened a new location near the Costco in St. Louis Park April 30. That makes a dozen locations in the Twin Cities for distinctive Italian-style pizzas that are cooked in just 90 seconds.
Jellybean & Julia's (2501 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, jellybeanandjulias.com) The restaurant that had already grown out of a food truck has moved from Anoka to Coon Rapids, into the space that was formerly Grumpy's, with expanded square footage and the opportunity for a full bar. While it's now up and running, the smoker hasn't arrived yet, so expect sandwiches for now, with barbecue to come in the future.
Diane's Place (117 14th Av. NE., Mpls., dianesplacemn.com) Celebrated Minneapolis pastry chef Diane Moua has opened her first independent restaurant. The cuisine draws on her Hmong heritage and French training and expands her cooking realm beyond pastry and into savory dishes. Opened April 2024. Read our coverage here.
Chilango (2730 W. Lake St., Mpls., chilangomextex.com) Jorge Guzmán, the chef/owner behind the three-star Minneapolis restaurant Petite León, has opened Chilango with partner Zach Sussman. The name comes from Guzmán's birthplace; Chilango is the word for someone born in Mexico City. The restaurant offers "elevated 'Mex-Tex," and takes over the Urban Eatery space in the historic Beach Club Residences on Bde Maka Ska. Opened April 18.
Read our coverage here.
Coastal Dive Bar & Oyster Palace (286 Snelling Av., St. Paul, coastalseafoods.com) Coastal Seafoods moved late last year to a new location in St. Paul, and in April, added a cafe seating up to 30 guests. It has many of the dishes beloved at the Minneapolis location, including lobster rolls, fish and chips, tuna smash burger, and the addition of a raw bar and poke. A canned beer, wine and cocktail program will eventually accompany the seafood selections. Read our coverage here.
Picnic (4307 Upton Av. S., Mpls., picniclindenhills.com) A new lunch and dinner restaurant and bar has opened in the Linden Hills neighborhood inside the former Clancey's location. Menu centerpieces include picnic boards, sandwiches and cozy entrees like a cheesy lasagna served in a bowl. Read our coverage here.
Chimborazo (508 Lexington Pkwy. S., St. Paul, chimborazorestaurant.com) After 15 years of ceviche, platanos and saltado in Minneapolis, the city's beloved Ecuadorian restaurant Chimborazo has opened a second location, this time in St. Paul, in a former Rusty Taco. Opened April 22.
Read our coverage here.
Wrap (520 N. 4th St., Mpls., grazenorthloop.com) The team behind Wrecktangle has taken over the stand formerly occupied by Avocadish at Graze food hall with a concept devoted to wrap sandwiches.
Southern Social (1424 Weir Dr., Woodbury, southernsocialmn.com ) Southern Social has opened a second location in Woodbury. The new restaurant, like the Eagan original, focuses on Southern food and bourbon drinks. With a menu that spans lunch and dinner, dishes include classic comforts like hush puppies, fried chicken, shrimp and grits and the like.
Marma (11127 Stillwater Blvd., Lake Elmo, marmamn.com) Marma is now open inside the former No Neck Tony's in Lake Elmo. The sleek new spot is the work of chefs Max Basaker and Marcus Clark. On the menu are dishes with flavors from around the globe, including a crispy Bengal chicken sandwich, Thai chili noodles, spaghetti Genovese and rib-eye with chimichurri.
Manila Sizzling Plate (Burnsville Center, 1178 Burnsville Center, Burnsville, facebook.com/ManilaSWG) Manila Sizzling Plate opened inside Burnsville Center April 20. The Filipino eatery was last seen on University Avenue in St. Paul, where it operated as Manila Sizzling Wok & Grill; the new location is in the mall's food court. Expect to find popular dishes like pork sisig, the juicy, chopped bits of meat; lumpia, stuffed with goodies inside a thin and crisp wrapper; and lechon, the succulent pork with crispy skin.
Closings
Soul to Soul Smokehouse (920 E. Lake St., Mpls., midtownglobalmarket.org) Owned by brothers Jewuan Marshall and Charles Robinson, Soul to Soul opened in May 2021 with a mission to serve the soul of Minneapolis with the food they've been cooking since childhood. The Midtown Global Market stand closed April 27.
Hark Cafe (430 1st Av. N., Mpls., harkcafe.com) The vegan, gluten-free cafe in the Warehouse District closed April 28, transitioning to a commercial kitchen/catering operation. Read our coverage here.
Ramen Shoten (2819 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., eatstreetcrossing.com) The ramen-centric restaurant from chef John Ng and Lina Goh inside Eat Street Crossing, closed April 28. Read our coverage here.
Fool Me Once (3006 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls.) Fool Me Once, which described itself as a "cosmic cantina" at the intersection of Lyndale and Lake Street in Minneapolis, closed abruptly at the end of April.
Read our coverage here.
March 2024
Openings
Eggflip (601 Marquette Av., Mpls., instagram.com/eggflip.mn) A skyway-level breakfast sandwich shop has taken over the old Taco John's, with a menu that includes a Spam sandwich with an over-medium egg and cheese, a scrambled egg sandwich with avocado, and bowls for a gluten-free option.
Klassics Kitchen + Cocktails (428 S. 2nd St., Mpls.) In addition to opening the breakfast and lunch spot C.R.E.A.M Cafe in the former Smith & Porter space, Gerard and Brittney Klass have opened a lunch and evening option at the neighboring restaurant space with flavors from Klass's Guyanese heritage, crab boil wings and oxtail sliders. Opened March 2024. Read our coverage here.
Pink Ivy (712 Mainstreet, Hopkins, https://pinkivymn.com) Michael and Viorica Shaughnessy opened a new restaurant focusing on vegetable-forward global flavors, after previously operated Advellum Vegetable Eatery inside the Market at Malcolm Yards food hall. Opened March 2024 inside the former Cam Ranh Bay location. Read our coverage here.
A Bar of Their Own (2207 E. Franklin Av., Mpls., abaroftheirown.com) A Bar of Their Own opened in the former Tracy's Saloon in Minneapolis' Seward neighborhood with plenty of screens for women's sports. Food is traditional sports bar food — including the famous wings from Tracy's, robust N/A options and more than token options for those eating vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free. Opened March 1 — just in time for the Big 10 women's basketball tournament, which was held in Minneapolis.
Read our coverage here.
Keefer Court (Asia Mall, Eden Prairie, keefercourt.com) Minneapolis' iconic Chinese bakery is now open in Eden Prairie, on the first floor of Asia Mall, between Pho Mai and Home Taste. The sesame balls are back. Beloved for affordable bites and sweet treats, the 40-year-old bakery has returned to the Twin Cities dining scene just over a year since it closed. Read our coverage here.
TokiDoki Burger (3406 Nicollet Av., Mpls., instagram.com/tokidoki.burger) Ramen Kazama's chef/owner Yuichiro Matthew Kazama opened a burgers shop right next to the ramen shop. The menu is inspired by Japanese McDonald's, where teriyaki burgers and tonkatsu cutlets are served with rice. Opened March 1.
Treats (314 N. 2nd St., Mpls., treatsmn.com) The boba and cereal ice cream shop opened a new location on March 16 in the North Loop. Other Treats locations are in Blaine, on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, and a forthcoming one at Mall of America.
Young's Korean Barbecue (2125 4th St., White Bear Lake, youngswbl.com) A new Korean barbecue spot opened March 15 in downtown White Bear Lake with a menu that offers classics like bibimbap and katsu and even a kids' menu. The restaurant has moved into the former Burger Bar location.
Vitalist by Sarah H (4016 Shoreline Dr., Spring Park, vitalistsuperfood.com) The former fine-dining restaurant Vann has transformed into a new vegan, gluten-free cafe, with a menu of foods built around nutrient density from chef/owner Sarah Ann Haugen. Opened March 14. Read our coverage here.
Slice Brothers Pizza (400 N. Wabasha St., St. Paul, slicebrothersusa.com) There's a new Slice in town as Adam Kado and Hosie Thurmond have opened their latest pizza venture in downtown St. Paul's Treasure Island Center. Slice Watch Bar is the duo's fifth location, featuring plenty of TVs for fans to catch games, and a patio.
Read our coverage here.
Closings
Apoy (4301 Nicollet Av., Mpls., apoympls.com) After five years of adobo and pancit on Nicollet Avenue and 43rd Street, Apoy closed March 23. The bright spot in the sad news is that Apoy will revive its food truck some time after closing. Brothers Sherwin Resurreccion and Shawn Nafstad opened the restaurant in the fall of 2018 as one of the few sit-down Filipino restaurants in the metro area. "The Minnesotan palate has evolved," Resurreccion said at the time.
Coconut Whisk Cafe (905 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., coconutwhiskcafe.com) The Nicollet Mall cafe for boba, vegan and gluten-free foods, closed at the end of March. Originally a farmers market product, it opened as a cafe in May 2021. Read our coverage here.
Tori 44 (2203 N. 44th St., Mpls.) Tori 44 in Minneapolis' Victory neighborhood, which centered its restaurant around its vegan and chicken-based ramen broths for the past six years, closed in March. The announcement came via social media saying, "It's become untenable to noodle around any longer," and that "new adventures await." The silver lining is that chef/owner Jason Dorweiler's second Tori, on W. 7th Street in St. Paul, remains open.
Momento (360 St. Peter St., St. Paul) Morrissey Hospitality's Mediterranean-styled Momento, which replaced the popular Pazzaluna about a year ago, closed in March, shortly after a menu and concept refresh. The company has scrapped the restaurant altogether in favor of using the address as an event space.
McCoy's Public House (3801 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, mccoysmn.com) The Excelsior and Grand fixture since 2003 celebrated one last St. Patrick's Day, closing at the end of March. Marty Collins and his late father, Tom, founded the St. Louis Park restaurant and bar in 2003. Read our coverage here.
Fly Chix (309 SE. Oak St., Mpls., fly-chix.com) Stadium Village's go-to for fried chicken, Fly Chix, has flown its coop at International Plaza. The restaurant is packing up to move to a new, undisclosed location that has a bigger kitchen and more space for more chicken fingers. Keep an eye on their social media for a new address announcement soon. Closed March 28.
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar (1500 Como Av. SE., Mpls.) The business closed its original location March 17, while its outposts in Rosedale Center and on Marshall Avenue in St. Paul will continue to serve coffee and a variety of sweet- and savory-topped waffles.
February 2024
Openings
Gia (5555 Xerxes Av. S., Mpls., giampls.com) Chef Jo Seddon's restaurant, which ran as a seasonal pop-up at Sovereign Winery overlooking Lake Waconia, offers fresh, seasonal cooking inspired by travels in Italy and southern France. Seddon, originally from London, walked away from a career as a doctor and into the kitchen as a professional chef. She cooked locally at Bellecour before launching Gia as an outdoor eatery. Now, she and co-owner, chef Lisa Wengler have taken it brick-and-mortar. Opened Feb. 6. Read our coverage here.
Berlin (204 N. 1st St., Mpls., berlinmpls.com) At this new music club, former Grand Café proprietor Jamie Malone oversees a mostly snacks-style menu that includes a vesper board, prawn skewers and baked gnocchi, plus some true German touches such as chicken schnitzel and pretzels. The drink menu is being run by Ruby Langworthy, previously of Young Joni. Its decidedly "un-fussy" offerings include martinis, old fashioneds, Sazeracs and Negronis — all $12 (modest by North Loop standards). Read our coverage here.
Itton Ramen & Japanese Street Food (1000 County Rd. 42, Burnsville, ittonramen.com) Itton Ramen & Japanese Street Food just opened its second location. The original restaurant opened just over a year ago in Bloomington (2137 W. 80th ½ St.) with a bright and lively dining room and Hakata-style Tonkotsu soup by head chef Sam Lin. Both locations are open daily for lunch and dinner.
Bebe Zito (Woodbury Lakes, 9120 Hudson Rd., Woodbury, bebezitomn.com ) Woodbury Lakes is home to the first suburban location for Bebe Zito, the scoop shop from Gabriella Grant-Spangler and Ben Spangler. The new location at the suburban outdoor shopping center, located at the Interstate 494-94 interchange, also includes a lounge area and private event space. Opened Feb. 9. Read our coverage here.
Càphin Mpls (4503 France Av. S., Mpls., caphinmpls.com) Vietnamese coffee has come to the former Jinx Tea/Folly Coffee shop in Linden Hills. Càphin (pronounced "caffeine") started as a food truck parked at the Mill City, Northeast and Midtown Farmers Markets, where they have brewed up ube matcha, drinks with pandan or salted caramel cold foam, and egg coffee. Opened Feb. 2024. Read our coverage here.
Dave's Hot Chicken (1959 Ford Pkwy., St. Paul, daveshotchicken.com) The former Dairy Queen on Ford Parkway in St. Paul has made way for the newest location of Dave's Hot Chicken. Franchised by the Humphries family, which includes former NBA player and Golden Gopher Kris Humphries, the newest location is one of 16 planned for the metro area. The state's first Dave's Hot Chicken opened in at 1805 Plymouth Road in Minnetonka this summer with a menu of spicy fried chicken fingers in various configurations and an array sides.
Cafe Ceres (4603 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls., cafeceresmpls.com) The bakery and cafe from James Beard Award-nominated chef Shawn McKenzie and Daniel del Prado has opened another location on the first floor of the Wakpada Apartments building.
SunBean Coffee (4553 34th Av. S., Mpls., sunbeancoffeemn.com) The new shop is the work of Fred and Annie DuBose, who used crowdfunding and a lot of elbow grease to open the shop. In addition to being a great place to get a cup, the DuBoses have a mission to provide training and mentorship for youth "with barriers to employment" as well as supporting just wages and conditions for coffee farmers and partnering with BIPOC- and women-owned food vendors."
Closings
Hell's Cafeteria (80 S. 9th St., Mpls., hellskitcheninc.com) The lunch tray-led quick-serve spot in downtown Minneapolis, sister to full-service Hell's Kitchen, has closed. The spot, aimed at returning lunch crowds post-COVID, opened in 2022. The employee-owned company is shifting gears to focus on the full-service restaurant instead.
Pannekoeken Huis (4995 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, pannekoekenhuisslpmn.com) The metro area's last Pannekoeken Huis closed at the end of February. Opened in 1999 as a franchise of the now-defunct Edina-based Sytje's Pannekoeken Huis Family Restaurants Inc., the restaurant built its brunch and breakfast menu and reputation around the puffy Dutch-style pancakes, which were delivered to tables with fanfare. Read our coverage here.
Galactic Pizza (2917 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., galacticpizza.com) After a 20-year run on Lyndale Avenue, Galactic Pizza has closed. The pizzeria was founded in 2004 by Peter Bonahoom, and New Jersey native John Wackerman bought it in 2017. Galactic Pizza was notable for its commitment to the environment. Delivery workers dressed as their own lo-fi costumed superheroes, winging from store to doorstep in weather-dependent three-wheeled electric cars. Read our coverage here.
January 2024
Openings
Scratch Pizzeria (3450 Pilot Knob Rd., Eagan, 952-866-1080, scratchpizzeria.com) The former owner of Cooper's in Eagan branches out with pizza, pasta and more in a space that once housed a Leeann Chin.
Minnesota Burger Company (14883 Florence Trail, Apple Valley, 952-431-1497, minnesotaburgercompany.com) In a game of restaurant musical chairs, the Farmer & the Fishmonger has moved in with its sister restaurant across the street, Pizzeria Social -- making room here for a new sibling devoted to all things burgers.
Nico's Tacos and Tequila Bar (4959 Penn Av. S., Mpls., 612-216-1188, nicostacobar.com) Nearly a decade after opening the first Nico's on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown, owners Jenna and Alejandro Victoria took over the former Tinto Kitchen to open Nicos' third location. Chef Alejandro delves into his Michoacán Mexican heritage for the menus, for tacos, agave and nixtamal offerings. Opened Jan. 2024.
Bûcheron (4257 Nicollet Av., Mpls., bucheronrestaurant.com) The former chef de cuisine at Demi, Adam Ritter, has opened a place of his own with his wife and partner, Jeanie Janas Ritter. Bûcheron opened Jan. 9 in Minneapolis' Kingfield neighborhood. The snug 38-seater is inspired by the Parisian "bistronomy" movement, where restaurants elevate simple bistro dishes with high-level gastronomic technique, allowing chefs to get a little less fancy, a little less fussy, and a little more in touch with the ingredients. Read our coverage here.
Andiamo (80 N. Snelling Av., St. Paul, andiamomn.com) An Italian restaurant is open in a former Buffalo Wild Wings. The menu lists some saucy pastas: spaghetti, penne and more, along with a few pizzas and an all-you-can-eat soup and salad lunch combo. It joins two other locations, in Eagan and Woodbury. Opened Jan. 2024.
Mr. Paul's Po'boys and Jams/Revival Smoked Meats (Market at Malcolm Yards, 501 30th Av. SE., Mpls., malcolmyards.market) Two new vendors have joined the food hall lineup at the Market at Malcolm Yards in January, and both are beloved Twin Cities eateries. Mr. Paul's Po'boys and Jams and Revival Smoked Meats claimed the two available stands at the bustling market near the University of Minnesota. Read our coverage here.
Ono Hawaiian Plates (2015 E. 24th St., Mpls., onohawaiianplates.com) Chef Warren Seta and business/life partner Jess Kelley have expanded the reach of their Ono Hawaiian Plates by opening a sit-down and takeout location within United Noodles Jan. 20. Ono's North Loop Galley location, at 729 N. Washington Av., Mpls., remains open.
Read our coverage here.
Dario (323 N. Washington Av., Mpls., dariorestaurant.com) Chef Joe Rolle and bartender Stephen Rowe opened Dario Jan. 26 in the former Dalton and Wade restaurant in Minneapolis' North Loop. The menu centers on pastas made with imported Italian flours, star-worthy vegetables, several a la carte proteins, and beverages to complement them all.
Read our coverage here.
Smorgie's (150 N. Smith Av., St. Paul, smorgiesbar.com) The name Smorgie's is a cute shortening of smorgasbord, and the menu is stacked with all kinds of comforting bites. In addition to the set items, each month a crowd-submitted dish — like something out of grandma's recipe box — will be featured. The restaurant, across W. 7th Street from Xcel Energy Center, is already looking like the perfect spot to grab a drink and affordable bite before this summer's Pink concert. Read our coverage here.
Bina's (1404 NE. Quincy St., Mpls.) A new bar, a twist on the classic dive bar, from Centro Restaurant Group, was named as a tribute to owner Jami Olson's grandparents. Bina's occupies 2,800 square feet right next to Olson's first restaurant, Centro. Comfort food comes from the fryer and includes a sandwich built from chicken fingers, baskets of mozzarella sticks and burgers, but there's also vegan sloppy joes and snacks like Nordeast sushi and deviled eggs garnished with chips. Read our coverage here.
Parcelle Organics (223 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., parcelleorganics.com) Kamal Mohamed, the restaurateur behind Stepchld and Nashville Coop, brings an "organic clean eating cafe" to the former New Bohemia space in northeast Minneapolis. A Wesley Andrews coffee counter is also in the mix. Opened Jan. 2024.
C.R.E.A.M Cafe (428 S. 2nd St., Mpls.) A new coffee and tea shop is now open in the Mill District of downtown Minneapolis, courtesy of the proprietors behind Soul Bowl, Gerard and Brittney Klass. C.R.E.A.M Cafe — it stands for "coffee rules everything around me" — takes over part of the former Smith & Porter space at 428 S. 2nd St. Barista-brewed coffee drinks and flights, shaken teas, breakfast and lunch are on offer Sundays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
My Burger (Edina) (4945 W. 77th St., Edina, myburgerusa.com) A new development in Edina has a new burger joint. Locally grown chain My Burger is opening its ninth store at the intersection of Highway 100 and W. 77th St., in Pentagon Village. This is the fourth new My Burger since 2019, and CEO John Abdo has designs on doubling the company's growth in the Midwest in the years ahead. In Edina, expect the usual burger joint fare, including burgers, fries and malts. Opened Jan. 3.
Blackwater Coffee & Cafe (150 S. 5th St., Mpls.; 11210 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, blackwatercc.com ) The Maple Plain-based shop has expanded to a former Caribou in downtown Minneapolis and to Minnetonka. Read our coverage here.
SK Coffee (50 S. 6th St., Mpls., skcoffeeplease.com) SK Coffee has opened a third coffee shop (its first is in Vandalia Tower in St. Paul; the second opened in Minneapolis' Whittier neighborhood earlier this year). Notably, it takes over a former skyway Caribou Coffee in downtown Minneapolis' 50 South Sixth Building. Read our coverage here.
Closings
First Draft Tap Haus/Burnt Chicken (324 6th Av. N., Mpls.) The pour-your-own beer business closed Jan. 31 after a six-year run. In 2022, Chef Bernard Collins opened Burnt Chicken inside its kitchen. With the loss of First Draft, Collins is on the hunt for a new location for his fried chicken restaurant.
Arepa Bar (Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Mpls., arepabarmpls.com) Chef Soleil Ramirez (Crasqui) closed her first Minneapolis restaurant, in the Midtown Global Market, at the end of January. The good news is that her arepas, cheesy tequeños and crispy little empanadas will still be available. Ramirez said she's moving Arepa Bar into a new phase — catering — that will include online ordering and event opportunities. The new era will launch in March. Read our coverage here.
Khue's Kitchen at Bar Brava (1914 Washington av. N., Mpls., khueskitchen.com) Eric Pham's longstanding residency inside the wine bar ended Jan. 13, and he is hinting at big changes coming soon — which we're hoping is a new restaurant. Pham is part of the family that runs the iconic Minneapolis restaurant Quang's, and he opened Khue's Kitchen, named for his mother, as a ghost kitchen. Khue's extended Bar Brava residency began in late 2022. No word yet on who will take the kitchen space next — or where we'll find Khue's Kitchen.
Read our coverage here.
Salut Bar Americain (917 Grand Av., St. Paul, salutbaramericain.com) The Parasole-owned Grand Avenue French bistro closed Jan. 8. Gift cards will be honored at other Parasole restaurants, including Manny's and Pittsburgh Blue, as well as the Salut in Edina (5034 France Av. S., Edina), which remains open. Read our coverage here.
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 and Joy Summers.
Sharyn Jackson is a features reporter covering the Twin Cities' vibrant food and drink scene.
Nicole Ploumen Hvidsten is the Minnesota Star Tribune's senior Taste editor. 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.
