It’s January and the hype of the new year is fading. We’re settling in for some long, cold months, wearing multiple layers of wool socks, and cursing 4:30pm sunsets—or at least that’s what the rest of the country thinks we’re doing. In reality, we’re gearing up for weeks of outdoor playtime, like scampering through handmade … [ Read more]
The Mill: Parlour Bar to open a St. Paul location near Xcel Energy Center
October 24, 2017 by
The eastward migration of Minneapolis restaurateurs to St. Paul is showing no signs of slowing down, especially in light of the news that Parlour Bar will be opening up a second location on West 7th Street. The original Parlour Bar in Minneapolis’ North Loop quickly gained a loyal following after it’s opening in 2012, and has since achieved … [ Read more]
The Mill: After 19 years, Triple Rock Social Club to close in November
October 17, 2017 by
On Monday, Triple Rock Social Club announced they plan to close after November 22. The bar and restaurant has had a 19-year run, 15 of which have included a high-energy music venue in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Owners Erik and Gretchen Funk opened the club in 1998 when they were in their mid-20s, had barely any cash, … [ Read more]
The Mill: Minneapolis mainstay Lucia’s Restaurant to close
October 3, 2017 by
September 27—October 3 Perhaps no restaurant in the last three decades had been mentioned as a leading light in the Twin Cities culinary constellation more often than Lucia’s. The Uptown eatery, which spawned a wine bar and a bakery/cafe since opening in 1985, will be closing this month, the Star Tribune reports. Long before farm-direct … [ Read more]
The Mill: Blue Door Pub taking over Country Bar, opening location at MSP International
September 26, 2017 by
September 20—September 26 Blue Door Pub is bringing its signature jucy lucys to Uptown Minneapolis and to the Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport. The owner of The Country Bar in Uptown, Todd Smith, confirmed to City Pages that the bar’s last day of service would be this Saturday, September 30. Smith also confirmed that he would be leasing … [ Read more]
The Mill: NOLO’s Kitchen & Bar opens October 9, Basement Bar not long after
September 19, 2017 by
September 13—September 19 Going for a bit of a “where everyone knows your name” vibe, NOLO’s Kitchen & Bar will open its doors to the public on Monday, October 9 in the historic Gardner Hardware Building at 515 Washington Avenue. Look for an announcement about NOLO’s companion space downstairs, the Basement Bar that will open in a few … [ Read more]
The Mill: Lenny Russo lands at the Commodore, Octo Fishbar opening October 10
September 12, 2017 by
September 6—September 12 Chef Lenny Russo is on the map again as head of the kitchen at The Commodore Bar and Restaurant in St. Paul. Russo’s reputation precedes him; he is a six-time James Beard nominee, author of “Heartland: Farm-Forward Dishes From the Great Midwest,” had a great 14-year run with his restaurant Heartland Restaurant & Farm Direct … [ Read more]
The Mill: Brewers and chefs are pitching in with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts
September 5, 2017 by
August 30–September 5 Across the nation, many companies, nonprofits, and individuals have shown support for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Among these is the brewing industry—breweries both near and far from the path of the storm have rolled up their sleeves to help. Some breweries have paused beer canning and used their facilities to can … [ Read more]
The Mill: Mighty Axe prepares for mightiest hop harvest yet
August 29, 2017 by
August 23–August 29 After expanding their three-and-a-half acre hop growing operation in Ham Lake to a 40-acre hop yard in Foley, Mighty Axe Hops are preparing to haul in their largest harvest to date. “We’ve got 80 acres of trellis installed—40 acres of hops planted, and the next 40 is what we’re doing now,” Mighty … [ Read more]
The Mill: Red Cow opens in Uptown, Independent craft brewing seal takes root, Mia documentary series
August 22, 2017 by
August 16–August 22 ICYMI, The Growler has had a busy week and so has the state of Minnesota. Minnesota wineries were recently rewarded for their labors, the MSP airport is showing off state flavors to travelers from all over the world, Minnesota United FC is one step closer to getting that permanent home stadium built, … [ Read more]
The Mill: Lambic in the U.S., Kaiseki Furukawa opens, and pre-fame Prince
August 15, 2017 by
August 9—August 15 One great thing about the drink industry is that it’s ripe for experimentation and new ventures. While in past weeks we’ve seen Big Beer and investment firms buy up craft brands, this past week we saw craft brewers band together to purchase Magnolia Brewing out of bankruptcy. The group has plans to … [ Read more]
The Mill: Minnesota State Fair beers, Cheers Wisconsin!, and craft brewing industry report
August 8, 2017 by
August 2–August 8 August is here, and the anticipation for the Minnesota State Fair is building. This year’s specialty beers include old favorites like Lift Bridge’s Mini Donut and new offerings include a beer malt—all available at the Great Minnesota Get Together from August 24 to September 4. In national news, the midyear craft brewing … [ Read more]
The Mill: HopCat opens, craft brewers join forces, and HOTTEA yarn bombs MOA
August 1, 2017 by
July 26–August 1 HopCat, the lauded chain of craft beer bars, opened the doors of its new downtown Minneapolis location with 80 beers on tap, and many more in bottles and cans. This past week also saw craft brewers digging in for the long haul. Bent Paddle made a permanent home for itself in Duluth … [ Read more]
The Mill: Travail tries Barbecue, Finnegans hires a head brewer, more
July 25, 2017 by
July 19–July 25 With summer in swing there are so many reasons to drink and be merry. This week there are a few new places to grab drinks on the North Loop, or if you plan to stay in, you can pick up a bottle of Dampfwerk’s barreled gin at your local liquor store. There … [ Read more]
Travail chef takes the reins of a restaurant and brewery
May 13, 2016 by
Spotlight IPA. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s because you haven’t been to F-Town Brewing Company or one of Travail’s restaurants lately—or maybe ever. The refreshing session ale is a collaboration effort between Andy Goettsch, chef at Travail Kitchen and Amusements, and F-Town Brewing Company of Faribault, Minnesota. These two establishments have combined for … [ Read more]
