New St. Paul Eatery Embraces All Things Animal-Free

The corner that was a long-time home to a barbecue restaurant has undergone a massive remodel and beginning today, is the new home of a plant-based eatery. After a major makeover at the crossroads of Victoria Street and Selby Avenue, J. Selby’s is throwing a grand opening party Monday April 17 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The restaurant is the work of Matt Clayton, a physician who decided to take his passion for vegan eating into opening the eatery. He’s brought on chef Rick Berdahl to lead the culinary charge in compassionate cooking.

The menu is filled with easy entry points for meat-eaters with meat-mimicking dishes like a burger adorned with rice-paper “bacon.” There’s a twist on a a Philly cheesesteak, double stacked burger, and a cheesecake for dessert. Many of the dishes borrow from bar food, with cauliflower tossed in Buffalo sauce, chili cheese fries and chorizo stuffed quesadilla. Perhaps most unexpectedly, there is one lone salad on the menu. There’s also an entire section of rice bowls. Throw in the kids menu and a brunch selection and there’s plenty to choose from day and night.

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In addition to all the plant-based food, there’s beer. wine, Izze’s sodas, lemonades, iced tea and kombucha on tap.

J. Selby’s joins neighbor Tori Ramen in the building redevelopment on that block. The wildly popular ramen shop is also committed to cooking with a conscious, using only poultry for its broth and offering a vegan option.

The restaurant has been softly opening and holding friends and family events for the past weeks. The official grand opening will happen Monday beginning with lunch service at 11 a.m. Regular hours will be lunch, dinner and a weekend brunch.

• One Girl, Two Cities Tastes J. Selby’s [OGTCBlog]
• J. Selby’s [WEB]
• All J. Selby’s Coverage [ETC]