Some Minnesota Restaurants Are Reopening Dining Rooms Today, but Many Are Holding Off

Today marks the beginning of Phase III in reopening the state of Minnesota. Along with relaxed restrictions on shops, gyms, and gatherings, restaurants are now allowed to reopen dining rooms with limited capacity. Restaurants were only just given the option of adding patio dining last week. With concerns about staff and diner safety as the coronavirus pandemic continues, several restaurants are opting to either open only on the patio, delay indoor dining, or stick to take out all together.

A few places who have elected to open for indoor dining today include Mancini’s Char House, DeGidio’s, and Joan’s in the Park in St. Paul; Rock Elm Tavern locations in the suburbs; and Erte, Salsa a la Salsa, and Sonora Grill in Minneapolis. Other restaurants like Red Cow and Red Rabbit, will open Thursday. Others still will roll out later this week or next week.

Meanwhile, many notable restaurants including Mucci’s, World Street Kitchen, The Buttered Tin, and Meritage are all holding off on indoor dining, saying through social media channels that this phase will happen when the owners feel the time is right.

The ability to open dining rooms had been questioned and contested by restaurant owners as mixed messages were heard from the governor’s office on the timing of when businesses would be allowed to make that choice.

Phase III allows for dining rooms to open up at 50% capacity with social distancing of tables. Employees are required to wear masks and diners are encouraged to wear them as well.

• As Restrictions Relax, Some Restaurants Reopen Dining Rooms [WCCO]
• Minnesota Restaurants Can Reopen This Week [ETC]
• Twin Cities Patios Ready to Reopen Amidst Pandemic [ETC]