From Minneapolis’ first 100% vegan, gluten-free eatery to delicious Indigenous cuisine!
We’ve got some exciting news this spring. There are a lot of innovative and creative eateries that are on our radar that we’re exciting about, and we couldn’t wait to share them with you. From the chef at Lola Pizzeria’s newest venture, to a new eatery that focuses solely on non-European, Indigenous food, to an old fan favorite, we’ve got you covered.
1. Boludo
Inspired by working alongside James Beard award nominee and friend, Daniel Del Prado, and his time as a Minneapolis Star Tribune Food Writer, chef “CHE” Facundo DeFraia finally brought his concept to life. He’s now opened a pizzeria concept that tied together his grandmother’s home-cooking with his own personal style. Boludo is a special pizzeria, and Minneapolis is happy to be a part of it. Now, Boludo has got a second location in the Downtown area. Never decide between an empanada place or a pizza place ever again, as Boludo does both with expert skill, and grandma’s love. Try their Jamon y Queso empanada with fresh ham, mozzarella, and spices, or their Peras pizza, which has pears, gorgonzola, pine nuts, and dill.
Where: 530 S 4th St Minneapolis, MN, 55415
2. Vinaimn
Chef Yia Vang has always believed in the power of food and people to create community. And Minneapolis is lucky to have this chef cooking delicious Hmong food in the new brick-and-mortar, Vinaimn. The chef treats Hmong food and his culture as a philosophy of cooking, telling the narrative of his people through dishes like swordfish tacos, Hmong fried rice, and ramen. Vang started his Hmong cuisine journey through pop-ups, like Union Hmong Kitchen and through a successful kickstarter campaign from his community, will finally open Vinaimn late Spring. We can’t wait.
Where: 1717 2nd Street NE, Minneapolis, MN
3. Chip’s Clubhouse
Just a hop and a skip away in St. Paul’s is Chip’s Clubhouse, a woman-owned, American style eatery. There’s not a lot of frills when it comes to this place. Even their description of their scrumptious looking cheeseburger was simply described as, “it’s a cheeseburger.” We definitely can’t argue with that. They’ve got a mix of vegetarian and meat options, like their cashew and herb paté they serve with Texas toast. They’ve also got fun sounding cocktails, the Bird’s Word with aquavit, chartreuse, lemon, and maraschino, or their What’s the Time, which has absinthe.
Where: 272 Snelling Ave. S. Unit 200, Saint Paul MN
4. Brit’s Pub
Brit’s Pub is finally back after a long hiatus. Minneapolis’ little UK corner has returned just in time for Spring and warmer weather. The infamous pub was closed due to damage that occurred during last years riots, but they’re excited to be able to reopen. Even if you missed out on cozy winter nights by the fireplace, we can still hang out on the rooftop with a pint. Don’t leave without ordering their Summit-ale fish and chips!
Where: 110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, 55403
5. Owamni
Another of Minneapolis’ newest restaurants will be a waterfront, Native American restaurant. Owamni is the first of its kind in Minneapolis, serving Indigenous food that stays away from traditional Euro-centric ingredients to really showcase native food. In collaboration with Waterworks, a real estate company looking to shape the area between the Stone Arch Bridge and the Hennepin Avenue Bridge. The Sioux Chef, otherwise known as Sean Sherman, is Oglala Dakota, is looking to revolutionize the Indigenous food scene for future generations.
Where: 425 West River Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55401
6. Whiskey & Soda
This new whiskey bar is sophisticated enough to call its speciality liquor, “amber ambrosia” and get away with it. On top of the recently renovated art deco style, 26-story building, sits a new cocktail bar called “Whiskey & Soda.” Their whiskey menu is one of the most extensive in Minneapolis with American to Japanese to Irish, to Scotch and Rye and Bourbon Whiskey. They’ve also got a food menu where you can indulge with Mac and Cheese or Braised Short Rib or even creamy Burrata. We can’t wait to check it out.
Where: 527 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55402
7. Hark!Cafe
How many times have you asked yourself, “Where can I get a good vegan, gluten-free bagel?” Well Hark! Cafe has got you covered. Minneapolis’ first vegan and gluten-free bakery is run by two best friends, Lisa (the baker) and Catherine (the chef), and has recently opened its doors. From delicious savory meals, like their Truffled Mac and Cheese to their Bagel Sandwiches with tofu “egg,” peppers, and cheese. One of their specialties is something they call a “Hoppin’ John” which is simmered Heirloom Sea Island Red Peas, collard greens, and rice, with optional cornbread. Don’t forget the bakery, which offers goodies like sweet, gooey cinnamon rolls and rhubarb toaster pastries.
Where: 430 First Avenue North Ste 150 Minneapolis, MN 55401
8. Sooki & Mimi
Sooki & Mimi is going to be the latest from James Beard nominated chef, Ann Kim. The chef has worked her magi at Pizzeria Lola, a Korean-inspired pizza place, and is now doing a menu inspired by Korean and Latin American cuisine. For their opening, they’ve gone with a 10-course menu focused on vegetarian options. One such item is a dish with Potawatomi flint corn, puffed rice, chayote, bok choy, shungiku, and enoki, inspired by Mexican pozole and Korean doenjang stew. The menu is only available through March 28th, so make a reservation here.
Where: 1432 W 31st St, Minneapolis, MN 55408
9. High Pines Brewing
photo by swing_n_a_wipf via Instagram
The brewer, Mathew, made the transition from Stone Brewing in Napa, California here at High Pines. High Pine has also partnered with Tipsy Steer, the restaurant arm of Invictus Brewing in Blain to bring you great food alongside your craft beer. Some of their beers on tap include their newest, Seven Miles Deep, which is a dark lager, and their Honey Pines Honey, which is a lighter gluten-reduced blond ale. You aren’t able to make reservations here, so make sure to get here early.
Where: 2704 E Snelling Ser Dr, Roseville, MN 55113,
10. Malcolm Yards Market
Malcolm Yards Market is in Northeast Minneapolis, and is one of Minneapolis’ coolest new spots in the neighborhood…or at least it will be once it’s finally up and ready. Once it’s open, you can stop by O’Shaughnessy Distillery for fine whiskey, then hop on over to Surly Brewing for some craft beer. When you’re hungry, you’ll be able to make your way down to The Market, which is a conveniently placed food hall where you can choose between meatballs at Joey’s Meatballs, Del Sur Empanadas, or Wrecktanlge Pizza.
Where: 501 30th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
[featured image via facebook / randtowerhotelmpls]