With only a few months left in the year, we would be remiss to not share some of the best new Twin Cities restaurants that opened in 2019. Between Minneapolis and St. Paul, the food options are absolutely divine and the new restauranteurs are really bringing their A-game.
https://www.prietotaqueria.com/
Prieto opened mid-Summer on the always-changing corner of Lyndale Ave. S and Lake St. From Falafel King to Hasty Tasty, to now Prieto, the corner of Lyn-Lake always radiates great smelling food no matter who inhabits that foodie corner. Alejandro Castillon, of Sonora Grill, opened Prieto to do what he does best – tacos and fun cocktails. They utilize the custom smoker from the last tenants to serve up some amazing slow-roasted pork shoulder tacos and ceviche with scallops. Yum! Also, if you belong to the side of humanity that hates Cilantro, you’re in luck, you won’t find one menu item that includes the greens. Can’t wait to give this one a try.
Location: 701 W Lake St Minneapolis, MN
Hours: Mon – Thur 11-11, Fri 11-2, Sat 10-2, Sun 10-1
Added Bonus: $3 Tacos on Daily Happy Hour!
https://www.muccisitalian.com/
That’s right people, the favorite St. Paul Italian spot has opened a new location in Minneapolis! Taking over the old Mevyn spot on Bryant Ave. and Lake St. Mucci’s will bring delicious Italian eats and take out to Uptown Minneapolis. They accept reservations, but also walk-ins are welcome! So, if you have a hankering for some of their delicious Focaccia or the oh-so-healthy Hangover Kale, stop on in!
Location: 901 W Lake St Minneapolis, MN
Hours: Monday CLOSED, Tues-Sat 4-10, Sun 4-9
Added Bonus: Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Available!
James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Gavin Kaysen opened Demi earlier this year as a very exclusive sister restaurant to his successful Spoon & Stable around the corner in North Loop. It is a reservation only, chef served course menu. Dinners and drink pairings are paid for upfront and the rest is all laid out for you, and left for you to enjoy! Reservations open up for the month at noon on the first day of the month. So, it’s important to reserve way ahead of time, as they won’t accept walk-ins. For a one-of-a-kind experience, Demi is the place to be.
Location: 212 North Second Street Minneapolis, MN
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm Dinner only, Reservations Only
Added Bonus: Surprise menu!
https://www.bapandchicken.com/
At the end of July, Bap and Chicken opened on the famous Grand Avenue in St. Paul. Local restaurant vet, John Gleason brings his Korean heritage combined with his American upbringing into this delicious cuisine. Featuring Korean Fried Chicken (K.F.C.) the Korean American Street Food joint brings an amazing twist on different foods for Grand Avenue. They offer delivery and take out so you can have delicious, crispy Korean Fried Chicken at home as well!
Location:1328 Grand Ave. St. Paul, MN
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10
Added Bonus: The “Uff-Da” which is Korean fried bacon-wrapped Spam with frickles, cheese curds and rice tots with ranch dressing. A MUST TRY.
The VERY newly opened Dué Focacceria in St. Paul has been one of the most highly anticipated new Twin Cities restaurants. Dué pronounced “doo-eh” is Italian for two, which is in relation to their delicious counterpart Italian Eatery. Dué bakes delicious focaccias in house and serves them as sandwiches and other quick Italian eats. They even have a walk-up order window for lunch on the go!
Location: 475 Fairview Ave S. Saint Paul, MN
Hours: Mon-Thurs 5-10, Fri-Sat 5-11, Sun 9-9
Added Bonus: They’re hiring!
The former Hygge space in Lowertown St. Paul is now home to Elephant Bar. Chef Lucas Almendinger created a unique spicy palette menu inspired by his business partner’s Pakistani heritage. Featuring both a restaurant and cafe, the Elephant Bar boasts dishes like Kabob Rolls, Fried Chicken with Saffron Rice, and Coconut Tart. The restaurant is elegant, yet comfortable and serves their take on South Asian influenced dinners, craft cocktails, and wine. The Cafe side serves up coffee, tea, and lunch on weekdays in a sophisticated space.
Location: 213 4th St. E. Saint Paul, MN
Cafe Hours: Tues-Sat 10-4
Lunch Hours: Tues-Fri 11-2
Dinner Hours: Tues-Sat 5-10, CLOSED Sunday and Monday
Added Bonus: They’ve been featured as one of the best new Twin Cities restaurants in Eater Twin Cities, Minnesota Monthly, and Growler Magazine.
Three words: Wood. Fired. Pizza. Who doesn’t love wood-fired pizza? Especially pizza created by Executive Chefs Graham Messenger, Donald Gonzalez, and Justin Sutherland, who just finished up on Season 16 of Top Chef. The Fitz, named as an ode to Fitzgerald, features some unique pizza toppings, and even tajin + cumin french fries. Yum! They have a killer happy hour featuring one of a kind craft cocktails and are available to host private events. They’ve got everything you’re looking for when you’re in the mood for a comfy, casual night out in St. Paul.
Location: 173 Western Ave N. St Paul, MN
Hours: Open everyday 3-Midnight
Added Bonus: $15 Sangria pitchers on Sundays
https://www.baconsocialhouse.com
If you like bacon, you are going to LOVE Bacon Social House. In fact, you’re going to have to like bacon to come here. A full 50% of their menu items have bacon of some form on it. Bacon tots, applewood smoked bacon, habanero bacon, thick-cut bacon – you name it! They focus mainly on breakfast and lunch type foods and is the perfect stop for your brunch or a burger for lunch. They offer private parties and even have parking in the garage across the street. There’s no excuse not to give it a try!
Location: 700 S 3rd St. Minneapolis, MN
Brunch Hours: Everyday 7:30-4
Dinner Hours: Sun 4-9, Mon-Thurs 4-10, Fri-Sat 4-11
Added Bonus: They serve brunch EVERY DAY.
Which of these new Twin Cities restaurants are you most excited to check out?
For post-dinner drinks, check out the best bars in Minneapolis!
