After Six Short Months, Scena Closes

Despite a huge cadre of talent consulting on the new restaurant, Uptown's Scena Tavern has closed. Owner Paul Dzubnar opened the Vegas-styled, cavernous eatery with consulting help from chefs Erik Anderson and Jamie Malone, plus a bar program built by Bittercube.

The restaurant received average reviews. Rick Nelson of the Star Tribune gave the restaurant 2 1/2 out of four stars. He lauded the food, but felt confused by the inconsistent service. While the crudo bar, where patrons could sip and eat raw goodies paired with martinis was a huge success, the large room often felt empty and there were always plenty of seating available.

Dzubnar also runs more casual eateries Green Mill, Crooked Pint and Town Hall Brewery. Perhaps this restaurant will go the way of Union Workshop (a space that went from concept-pushing, to crowd-pleasing sports bar.) The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports that the new concept could arrive before the end of this summer.

• Uptown's Scena closes after a few months for a new concept [MSPBJ]
• All Scena Coverage [EMPLS]