The First Sign of Spring Openings

The tulips are sprouting, buds are on the trees and the sun is shining with a welcome ferocity, even if the Minnesota temperatures are still only nudging above freezing. It’s time to check in on our favorite seasonal eateries.

Sea Salt Eatery, the fried seafood haven beside Minnehaha Falls expects to opened today at 11:00 a.m. That’s right, the po’ boys, raw oysters in the oil pan and fantastic local beer selection is now available for the season, in the concession stand beside Minnehaha Falls. Don’t forget to save a little room for that Sebastian Joe’s ice cream. This spot is ideal dining for families and those with four-legged friends. The whole park is pooch friendly.

How about some fried chicken for your weekend? Lyn 65’s food truck, Wyn 65 rolls out for the season tomorrow with an all-day stint of fried chicken heaven at Tattersall Distilling. In addition to that ridiculously crispy fried chicken the converted camper truck is also peddling a cheesesteak that is supposed to be superb.

Luke Marshall Johnson

If you’re angling for a patio, not a ton of chairs are out just yet, but Gavin Kaysen’s Bellecour, the new French bistro out in Wayzata has the patio chairs set up outside the divine little bakery right now. When the weather cooperates, the windows peel back and the fresh scent of pastries can be caught from blocks away.

Katie Cannon

Remember the feeling of sun shining on your face and the sound of water lapping against the shoreline? Hope is here for those affected by the cold season: Red River Kitchen City House has announced its opening date.

Red River Kitchen/Facebook

This unique project was a collaboration between Republic’s second food truck, the city of Saint Paul and chef J.D. Fratzke of the Strip Club Meat & Fish. Beginning May 1, diners will be welcomed back into the structure down on the flood plain by the Mississippi River to watch the barge’s coast by, sip a beer or cocktail and feast on the warm sandwiches within.

Katie Cannon/Eater Twin Cities

Sandcastle the concession stand with the sweet patio on the shores of Lake Nokomis run by chef Doug Flicker of Esker Grove and the forthcoming Bull’s Horn will also great customers later this month. (Those fried chicken Fridays and ice cold horchata can’t get here soon enough.)