After Surviving a Fire, Relocation, and 13 Years of Neighborhood Changes, Blackbird Has Closed

Blackbird Cafe on the corner of Nicollet Avenue and 38th Street has announced it has closed its doors as of this morning. The restaurant has endured hardships before, but a recent string has proved too much for the owner.

Originally, Blackbird was originally located at 50th and Aldrich, but a fire that began inside a neighboring restaurant destroyed that location and Blackbird relocated to its current address.

The charming neighborhood restaurant has always been a morning through night neighborhood bistro with creative takes on comfort food, and a lovely wine list. The interior was a boho mix of vintage charm with modern touches that made it feel cozy, intimate, and timeless.

The current owner purchased the business from the founders over a year ago and according to Blackbird’s farewell Facebook post, it’s been an uphill battle of vandalism, road construction, and shifting dining trends. “We fought through the road closures, burglary, a dwindling talented work force, and ever increasing costs to try and provide a neighborhood establishment that was welcoming to all,” the post reads. “Unfortunately, no matter how much we tried, it just wasn’t enough.”

Blackbird Cafe receives the dubious honor of the first official closing of 2020, reminding diners, “Thanks again and keep supporting your independent neighborhood restaurants!”

• Kingfield Business Owners Band Together After Vandalism [KSTP]
• Blackbird Sues Heidi’s Over Fire [STRIB]
• Blackbird Still Soars Above the Rest [MNMO]