Handsome Hog is moving from Lowertown to Cathedral Hill in Saint Paul // Photo via Handsome Hog
Updated June 25, 2020
Order Up! is the Growler’s ongoing weekly account of noteworthy Minnesota restaurant openings, closings, and future openings. Due to the impact of COVID-19, much of this column documents restaurants altering, ceasing, or resuming service based on current pandemic conditions. Please send any tips to [email protected].
All dates are approximate based on best information available; opening dates, in particular, tend to shift around a lot.
STATE OF THE MINNESOTA DINING ROOM
March 17, 2020: All restaurant dining rooms and patios in Minnesota closed; restaurants shift to takeout-only model or close down entirely
June 1, 2020: The State of Minnesota allows restaurants to reopen for patio service with six-foot social distancing and a 50 patron limit
June 10, 2020: The State of Minnesota allows restaurants to reopen at 50% capacity for indoor dining room seating, with six-foot distancing
Before dining, check restaurant websites and make a phone call—there is some flux between restaurants doing curbside only, patio dining, and dining room seating. Reservations or online ordering are generally a must.
THIS WEEK’S GIST: Three months ago, we opened this column with a folksy account of the opening of Mary Ellen’s Bistro in Northeast Minneapolis. Since then, we’ve seen plague, injustice, protest, and upheaval of a magnitude not witnessed since the 1960s or even earlier.
The threat of COVID-19 has changed the way restaurants serve—many have switched to a curbside takeout model, but some are beginning to reopen with patio or limited dining room service. This column will work to track those changes as they happen and serve as a resource for everyone connected to the hospitality industry. Please send in your questions and tips to [email protected], and we’ll do our best to keep this resource update and as comprehensible as we can manage.
NOW OPEN (Up to 3 Months–March 16)
Billy Sushi now open in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood // Photo via Billy Sushi Facebook
Pho Mai, 319 14th Ave SE, Minneapolis ■ A new pho-focused eatery in a former Dinkytown Tim Horton’s, from the owner of the popular MT Noodles in Brooklyn Park. Opened for takeout on May 21.
Billy Sushi, 116 1st Ave. North, Minneapolis ■ The newest spot from Billy Tserenbat, best-known for Sushi Fix (which he has since sold) and Baha Haus in Wayzata. Opened May 12 in the former Sweet Chow space.
Pyramid Pizza and Grill, 2329 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis ■ A brand-new pizza spot in the old Red’s Savoy location on Hennepin featuring jerk chicken with rice and Philly-style cheesesteak sandwiches. Opened May 11.
It’s Greek to Me Taverna e Parea, 626 W. Lake St., Minneapolis ■ A reboot of the popular (and seemingly immortal) It’s Greek to Me at the corner of Lyndale and Lake. Opened May 5.
RECENTLY CLOSED (Up to 3 Months)
Fig + Farro closed its location in the former Calhoun Square in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood // Photo via Fig + Farro Social Media
The Fitz, Public Kitchen + Bar, Pearl and the Thief ■ The pandemic has been particularly hard on the Justin Sutherland / Madison Restaurant Group, with several high-profile closures. The former Fitz space is reopening as the Handsome Hog, which has moved out of its downtown St. Paul location. Public Kitchen + Bar has closed permanently, and Pearl and the Thief (which had been slated to move from Stillwater to Minneapolis) will not reopen.
Mucci’s (both locations) and Saint Dinette (temporary from June 28 until sometime in July) ■ Tim Niver’s restaurants will be taking a much-needed temporary break until July; he (see our profile) noted in a tweet: “Now it’s time for us to pack ourselves up in the same love we pour out to you.”
Savory Bakehouse (temporary through summer’s end) ■ A note on the bakery’s website notes: “During this time we are closed for regular business. The summer months at the bake house are unusually hot, even too hot to safely work. Usually we get through it the best we can and look forward to fall. This year we have decided to focus on other summer projects and wait out as much of the summer heat as possible.”
Fuji-Ya ■ Minnesota’s oldest Japanese restaurant is calling it quits. With its shoji-screened booths, serious sushi program, and lively bar scene, Fuji-Ya was a standard-bearer for Japanese-inspired cuisine in the state. Closed June 17 (or earlier) as per City Pages.
Gandhi Mahal (appears temporary) ■ The burning of Gandhi Mahal during protests after the death of George Floyd prompted an empathetic statement from owner Ruhel Islam that resonated from coast-to-coast; the New York Times wrote about his “let my building burn” commentary at length. Closed May 28, reopening plans uncertain. A GoFundMe campaign for the restaurant has raised nearly $120,000 as of June 16.
Holy Land Deli at Midtown Global Market ■ After the surfacing of racist social media statements from Lianne Wadi (daughter of Holy Land owner Majdi Wadi) Midtown Global Market terminated the lease of Holy Land Deli, an anchor tenant, on June 4.
El Nuevo Rodeo ■ The popular nightclub and Mexican restaurant El Nuevo Rodeo burned during the George Floyd protests. Both Floyd and the police officer who killed him (while being recorded) worked security at the nightclub, as per press reports. Closed May 28, reopening uncertain.
Fig + Farro ■ As part of the recent plant-based wave of restaurants (including J. Selby’s and Trio), Fig + Farro was in the center of the food conversation in Minneapolis, noting on its Facebook page: “With uncertainty of when we can reopen our dining room safely, we have decided to turn our mission of food and climate into a foundation.” Closed May 28.
Foxtrot Burger Spot and Bar Brigade ■ Two of Matty O’Reilly’s spots announced closure after confusion over reopening conditions (a state announcement allowing patio dining only) sidelined their timelines. Closed May 21.
Moose and Sadie’s ■ After nearly 30 years of operation that built it a passionate following, the popular North Loop cafe shut its doors for good May 20.
Bachelor Farmer/Marvel Bar ■ One of the highest profile departures in a year full of them is the Bachelor Farmer and Marvel Bar complex in the North Loop. The former helped pioneer and define the food of the “New North”; the latter gained a national reputation for its boundary pushing mixology. See our review of the final incarnation of Bachelor Farmer, “Bold New Farmer.” Closed April 30.
El Burrito Minneapolis ■ The second location of St. Paul’s famous El Burrito Mercado (opened mid-2018) has shut down after struggling with pandemic-related closures and existing loans (for more on this story, see our upcoming July edition.) Closed April 28.
Anelace ■ One of the best coffee shops in the state (according to fans, and, well, us) closed April 21 after an apartment fire spread and destroyed the shop.
Burger Jones (Calhoun Village) ■ The popular Calhoun Village burger spot has shut its doors after 11 years of operation. Its Burnsville location will remain open. Closed May 19.
The Bad Waitress Northeast ■ The second location of the popular Nicollet Ave. breakfast-all-day has closed after a three-year run. Closed May 4.
4 Bells ■ A bastion of high-end Southern-inspired food in a city that has very little of the stuff called it quits May 1.
Sleepy V’s ■ This cult-favorite Northeast Minneapolis donut shop announced its closure in early April.
Cleveland Wok ■ This Highland Park Chinese-American institution closed for renovation in February but announced in late May that the closure would become permanent.
Model Citizen ■ One of the most noteworthy farm-to-table restaurants in Minnesota will be closing—temporarily, as they relocate—when its lease with Goat Ridge Brewing expires at the end of March. Read our profile of Model Citizen’s chef-owners, “Country Flavor.” Closed March 29.
UPCOMING (Most Imminent to Furthest Out)
Ann Kim’s newest location currently under construction in the former Lucia’s space in Uptown // Photo via Sooki & Mimi Facebook
Rustica (new location), 200 Southdale Center, Suite A, Edina ■ The coffee-and-bakery chain Rustica is expanding and founder Steve Horton (recently of Baker’s Field) is returning to lead the company as CEO. June 29.
Nixta, 1222 Second St. Northeast, Minneapolis ■ Gustavo Romero, whose work with Travail has been noteworthy and fantastic, is opening a tortilleria in Northeast Minneapolis. We’ve tried one of their meals to go and it was stunning, so set the expectations high for this one. Summer 2020.
Okome House, 4457 42nd Ave S, Minneapolis ■ Hide Tozawa, a well-regarded chef formerly of Kyatchi on Nicollet Ave., is opening a new spot in the former Parkway Pizza / DiNoko’s building on 42nd Ave. Offerings, as per the website, focus on Japanese classics such as donburi and onigiri plus “cherished Japanese flavors alongside seasonal locally sourced ingredients.” Summer 2020.
Handsome Hog, 173 Western Ave. N., St. Paul ■ This Lowertown staple is moving into the former Fitz space just off Selby. Opening for patio service Summer 2020.
Sooki and Mimi, 1432 W. 31st St., Minneapolis ■ A new spot from Ann Kim’s restaurant group focused on tacos wrapped in handmade, traditional tortillas plus a basement bar. Opening delayed; no information available.
Malcolm Yards Market, 501 30th Ave. SE, Minneapolis ■ A food hall that will capitalize on its proximity to Surly’s massive brewery/restaurant complex. Opening delayed; no information available.
The Gnome Craft Pub, 498 Selby Ave, St. Paul ■ A Justin Sutherland / Brian Ingram (Hope Breakfast Bar) collaboration in the former Happy Gnome space on Selby Avenue. The menu includes roasted and shaved meats, build-your-own charcuterie boards, and table-side raclette. Late July 2020.
Bebe Zito Ice Cream, 704 W. 22nd St, Minneapolis ■ An upscale ice cream shop by Ben Spangler, who created the opening slate of flavors for Milkjam. Summer 2020.
Breaking Bread (re-opening), 1210 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis ■ The beloved modern soul food spot in North Minneapolis will be reopening later this year after a hiatus. Opening delayed; currently serving 1,000 meals to neighbors and healthcare workers.
Surdyk’s Sidebar, 303 E. Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis ■ A new 60-seat bar and brasserie co-located with Surdyk’s cheese and liquor shops on Hennepin Avenue. Opening Summer 2020.
Cajun Twist, 3761 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis ■ This Cajun-inspired restaurant will be moving from its current location at the trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park to the former Marla’s location in South Minneapolis. Opening delayed; no information available.
Petit León, 3800 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis ■ As per their press release, this new Jorge Guzmán place will be: “A neighborhood restaurant that reimagines the classic café as a sexy, dimly lit den of classic cocktails; approachable, delicious food, and adventurous creativity.” Featuring a menu that incorporates elements of cuisines including Mexican, Spanish, French, and American, with Travis Serbus (formerly of Meteor Bar) as co-owner and bar manager. Opening Fall 2020.
Vinai Hmong Kitchen, Location TBA ■ The Kickstarter-backed bricks-and-mortar Hmong cuisine-focused restaurant by Chef Yia Vang is due to pop this year, after more than a year of planning. 2020.
Birchwood-Minnesota Farmers Union Project TBA, 750 S 2nd St, Minneapolis ■ A new farm-to-table focused project led by Birchwood chef Marshall Paulsen will replace the former Spoonriver near the Guthrie Theater. Opening delayed; no information available.
Erik the Red (relocating), 4621 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis at the Lowa46 development, Minneapolis ■ The US Bank Stadium-adjacent “viking bar” is packing up and bringing its smoked meats, cocktails, and craft beer taps to South Minneapolis. Opening Summer 2020.
Dayton’s Food Hall & Market, 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis ■ Major new 40,000-square-foot food hall curated by Andrew Zimmern. 2020.
The Sioux Chef Restaurant at Water Works, On the Mississippi River, behind the Mill City Museum ■ A restaurant focused on American Indian cuisine as imagined by Sean Sherman, The Sioux Chef. Currently delayed; as per Dana Thompson (co-owner / COO of Sioux Chef), “We are at the mercy of the Park Board project and we keep getting notified that Waterworks has encountered a series of delays. As you know, this project is an archeological dig, so add that on to what it takes to open a restaurant, and there are a few challenges.” 2021.
