The Salt Cellar Has Closed; Will Reopen With More Casual Concept

Although the early opening reviews were mixed, the Cathedral Hill restaurant known for its steaks, table side salad service and a chef who moonlights as a forager seemed to have eased into a comfortable groove. Apparently, that was not the case.

Today we have confirmed: The Salt Cellar will closed after dinner service Saturday, July 30. However, that is not the final chapter for the eatery. Owners Joe Kasel and Kevin Geisen are remodeling the formal room, with the fireplace dining room and white tablecloths that seem to have fallen out of recent fashion, and will re-open with a new, more casual concept.

Opening in December of 2014, The Salt Cellar hoped to dazzle guests with tableside salad service that harkened back to the bygone days of steakhouses and handmade Cesar salads. Instead, guests balked at the time it took for those salads to be prepared and bristled at the serious ambiance. In time, however, the restaurant found its way with an enticing burger, more relaxed lunch service and an easy-to-navigate wine list.

It is the most formal restaurant owned by Kasel and Geisen. The duo also run St. Paul’s Eagle Street Grill and Ox Cart Alehouse. Alan Bergo has helmed the kitchen since opening with a commitment to locally sourced, seasonal food.

There is no word yet on what the new concept will be, but here’s hoping they hold onto that burger.

• Three More Restaurants Closing [CP]
• The Hottest Burgers in MSP, April 2015 [EMPLS]
• All Salt Cellar Coverage [EMPLS]