Welcoming New Life in The Twin Cities

After a long hibernation (due to a Minnesota winter paired with COVID-19), we’re all feeling a little restless and stir crazy, understandably so. It’s been a whirlwind of a year and who isn’t ready for a fresh take? The start of spring has always been celebrated as a time for new beginnings — and we can’t think of a better approach for the coming of the new season here in the Twin Cities. At that, we’re commemorating some of the incredible new businesses sprouting up against all odds in both Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Make sure to get out there, welcome them to our communities, and spread some “Minnesota-Nice” with our support. We’ve highlighted a few below.

Sooki & Mimi

Sooki & Mimi recently opened in Uptown, Minneapolis and the intention couldn't be more fitting. Named after two grandmothers of decidedly different cultures and backgrounds, Sooki & Mimi is about both connection and contrast. James Beard award-winning chef Ann Kim explores a new pathway with a deeply personal menu filled with blended culinary cues spanning Korean, Midwestern, and Latin American. Not to mention, the interior is something to write home about for sure.
sookiandmimi.com

Photo Courtesy of Jes Lahay

Brother Justus Whiskey Co.

We’ll never complain about the opening of a new whiskey distillery, and Brother Justus Whiskey Co. is no exception. This Northeast Minneapolis distillery and cocktail room opened to the public in February and has been well acclaimed since. They spent six years perfecting its single-malt whiskey, which features Minnesota ingredients, including Aitkin County peat, Mississippi River water, White Oak and barley. Three types of whiskey are available — silver, American and the proprietary cold-peated single-malt. The distillery aims to capture the essence of Minnesota’s ancient peat bogs, as they say. You’ll find another stunning interior with just the right touch of industrial minimalism. 
brotherjustus.com

Photo Courtesy @justuswhiskey

The Glass House

You may recognize The Glass House as the trio of Hennepin Made (the industrious glass blowing factory), Parallel (the cafe/coffee shop), and The Holden Room (the event space) but after COVID-19, they’ve relaunched their model — and with it their purpose. The Glass House now works to influence culture, connect communities and to build an urban utopia located just north of downtown Minneapolis. They are working to become known as a place for cultural exchange, and a gathering space to empower ideas and the people behind those ideas. Learn more about their mission below.
glasshousemn.com

Photo Courtesy of @glasshousemn

The Dripping Root

An addition to Longfellow in Saint Paul, The Dripping Root is the city's first Black-owned juice bar. These hand-made, freshly-squeezed juices are packing some super ingredients with a focus on promoting healthier alternatives. In addition to cold-pressed juices, ginger shots, and smoothie bowls, they plan to expand the menu with tea and tap kombucha, along with other items in the near future.
thedrippingroot.com

Photo Courtesy of @thedrippingroot

Petite Leon

Tucked away in south Minneapolis Kingfield neighborhood in the former Blackbird Cafe, award-winning chef Jorge Guzman and cocktail aficionado Travis Serbus set up their latest adventure last fall, Petite Leon alongside the popular pop-up Pollo Pollo. With a European menu, everything from the food to the cocktails to the wine list has a story and is made with sustainable, local ingredients, and layers of flavor. Cheers to that.
petiteleonmpls.com

Photo Courtesy of @petiteleonmpls

Step Chld

Move over because there’s a new burger in town. Step Chld opened in Northeast, Minneapolis and is said to carry a slightly off-kilter concept using American cooking techniques to make elevated expressions of simple dishes realigned with intentional flavors and fusions. Also, the cool branding is a plus!
stepchld.com

Photo Courtesy of @eatswithjason

Boludo

“A taste of Buenos Aires.” The second outpost of the wildly popular Argentinian empanada and pizza restaurant in Kingfield is now open in downtown Minneapolis. Disclaimer, from what we’ve witnessed, there’s almost never NOT a line at the location in Kingfield. At the second site, it’s said that wait times are a bit speedier. Stop here for the ultimate empanada fix and we can’t forget to mention the gourmet pizzas that come highly recommended.
boludo.com

Photo Courtesy of Boludo

Chip’s Clubhouse

Chip’s Clubhouse is now open in the former Monkey Temple location on Snelling Avenue in Saint Paul. The menu is pure comfort with long-cooked roasts like a prime rib special or prime rib sandwich, a french fry sandwich, and a tasty little smash burger. 
visitchips.com

Photo Courtesy of @chipsclubhouse

Viv!r

For those of you who are Centro fans, you’ll be thrilled with their latest addition. Jose Alarcon and Jami Olson’s newest spot is a Mexican cafe/bakery/gift shop taking the place of Popol Vuh. The new market has all kinds of breakfast and baked goodies available for grab and go, plus a deli case and market with pantry items and gift ideas.
vivirmpls.com

Photo Courtesy of @vivirmpls

Cafe Ceres 

This coffee shop now open in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis took over the former Penny’s. We love a little cultural reference, and Cafe Ceres doesn’t deprive. They feature traditional and Turkish coffees as well as pastries in the same beautiful Penny’s setting that we’ve always loved! And don't fret, the Penny's location in downtown Minneapolis is still open!
cafeceresmpls.com

Photo Courtesy of @cafeceresminneapolis

Reach out and let us know if there are any new restaurants coming to town or new businesses popping up that we didn’t mention! We’d love to hear about it.