This blog post was updated on October 1, 2018.
It’s an exciting time for us Minneapolis foodies— new restaurants are cropping up all over this summer. Here are my recommendations for hot new spots to try the next time you are in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Agra Culture Kitchen and Press
2939 Girard Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
With two locations (in Uptown and soon to be at 50th and France), Agra is bringing accessible, farm-to-fork fare to the masses. The food is delicious and well priced, and the ambiance is casual yet special (custom lighting fixtures and “living” walls made of plants). These attributes, combined with the freshly pressed juices, excellent wine list and delicious baked goods, make Agra unforgettable.
The Copper Hen Kitchen & Bakery
2515 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
The Copper Hen – a delightful and well-executed restaurant concept – serves made-from-scratch potpies, soups, cakes, and breads (bread selections the day I visited included cranberry, chocolate, sourdough, and milk & honey loaf – yum!). Husband and wife team Danielle Bjorling and Chris Bjorling head up this beautiful restaurant (trust me, you’ll want to linger here for a while) and its delicious creations.
Brasserie Zentral
505 S Marquette Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Desta and Chef Russell Klein’s (of St. Paul’s Meritage) new restaurant serves fare inspired by the diverse cuisines of Europe from Eastern France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Northern Italy, and more. The menu boasts Klein’s interpretations of traditional recipes gathered during the couple’s European travels. Be prepared for lots of sausage and foie gras— and a top-notch wine list.
BoneYard
2841 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
If barbecue and chicken and waffles are what you crave, then head to Boneyard and peruse the meat-heavy menu consisting of fried chicken, brisket, pulled pork, dry-rubbed ribs, and bacon-wrapped duck meatloaf (among other mouthwatering temptations). BoneYard’s executive chef, Jason Bush, is a master of various regional barbecue styles – many of which he ate growing up in Georgia and Florida. Wash down your meat with a cold beer while you enjoy the kitschy, casual ambiance.
La Fresca
4750 Grand Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55419
The owner and head chef of Minneapolis favorites Café Ena and Rincon 38 has a new spot (also on Grand Avenue). La Fresca serves nuevo Mexican cuisine, including classic dishes with a contemporary twist. Try the Mayan papadzules (diced hard boiled eggs, sautéed corn tortilla, crema de pepita, and tomato-onion confit) before moving on to the camerones en chipotle (chipotle pepper shrimp, jicama, cucumbers, yellow-red tomatoes, cilantro, and lime-parsley brown rice) – you won’t be sorry.
Photo: Atico De Mamaluna
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