The Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings: Spring 2017

J.D. Fratzke

Bar Brigade

Location: 2060 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul

Key Players: Matty O’Reilly and J.D. Fratzke

Projected Opening: “Soonish,” Construction is underway

The former Ristoranti Luci in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood is getting a French makeover. Matty O’Reilly, the man behind Republic and chef J.D. Fratzke (of the Strip Club) are joining mega-super twin powers style to create a cozy little neighborhood bistro serving casual French fare just steps away from St. Kate’s campus. The room is small and the kitchen is tiny, so it only makes sense that the food will be served on primarily small plates.

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Baja Haus

Location: 830 Lake Street East, Wayzata

Key Players: Billy Tserenbat

Projected Opening: April

The ebullient chef behind Sushi Fix, the west metro dining phenomenon is pulling inspiration for his next project from south of the border. Fresh Baja-inspired cuisine will be available at this eatery in the new restaurant hot-spot, along Lake Street in Wayzata. Expect an impressive selection of tequilas for sipping inside this super to be a big summer draw restaurant.

Kevin Kramer/Eater Twin Cities

Popol Vuh and Central

Location: Northeast, near Indeed Brewing

Key Players: The Lyn 65 Team, chef Jose Alarcon

Projected Opening: Fall 2017

These are two eateries in one. Central will be an all day, laid back taco shop. Next door will be the more refined Popol Vuh, lead by chef Alarcon’s passion for the Mayan cuisine of his youth. Fire will be at the heart of Popol Vuh, where Alarcon will utilize an Argentinian wood burning grill. Alacron has been hosting pop ups inside the other kitchen he cooks in, Lyn 65. The restaurants are a collaboration with the kitchen crew and restaurant leadership there, including chef/owner Ben Rients. Popol Vuh will have 56 seats, including a counter where diners can get up close and personal with those flames.

Restaurant Nine Twenty-Five

Location: The Hotel Landing 925 Lake Street, Wayzata

Key Players: Ryan Lund

Projected Opening: Summer

The longtime chef de cuisine and then chef at Lucia’s (the seiminal locavore restaurant in Uptown) is opening his first restaurant in the suburb we can’t get enough of: Wayzata. When the newly constructed Hotel Landing opens, Lund will commandeer Restaurant Nine Twenty-Five. Details on the restaurant are slim, but with his pedigree, we expect fresh, seasonal cuisine that’s ethically sourced.

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Bull’s Horn Food & Drink

Location: 4563 S 34th Ave, Minneapolis

Key Players: Doug Flicker and Amy Greeley

Projected Opening: Summer

The return of the neighborhood bar is being heralded by one of the finest chefs in the Twin Cities. A leader in his field, Doug Flicker recently closed his fine dining restaurant Piccolo and his next project is at the other end of the fancy pants spectrum. He and his business partner and wife Amy Greeley are transforming the former Sunrise Inn into Bull’s Horn Food & Drink which will include Tron, an awesomely stocked jukebox and definitely some great bar eats. That’s not reimagined chef-ed up ideas of what a hamburger can be: we’re talking juicy meat, American cheese and a white bread bun that goes “squish” when you bite into it. We can’t wait.

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510 Lounge and Private Dining

Location: 510 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis

Key Players: Don Saunders

Projected Opening: Summer

We’ll once again be able to dine in the splendor of the restaurant at 510 Groveland. This space was the long-time home to Minneapolis award-winning La Belle Vie. The room makeover is nearly complete and the space is right on track for its summer opening with a kitchen led by Don Saunders. Saunders is the chef who led the late-lamented Fugaisse and currently has the refined neighborhood bistro, The Kenwood. We expect the subtle elegance and seasonal cuisine the chef is known for inside a stunning locaiton. To watch the room come together, follow 510mpls on Instagram.