Sure signs that our economy is turning around: 1) Snooki gets paid $30,000 an episode on "Jersey Shore." And 2) A flood of new bars is about to hit the Twin Cities nightlife scene.
This story is about the latter (sorry, Snooki). The fall season is shaping up to be a bountiful time for new drinking establishments. A few years ago, a rash of new bars might have meant glitzy nightclubs and swank ultra lounges. Not anymore. This new batch is decidedly casual, from a downtown party bar to a suburban sports pub to a couple of neighborhood gems.
I've narrowed my sights on a small but exciting list. Here are five soon-to-be-opened bars that you need to know about right now.
WHISKY PARK
Concept: An urban country bar, a la Coyote Ugly, with Johnny Cash attitude.
Who's behind it: Gene Suh, owner of the Lyndale Tap House.
Why you should care: Downtown Minneapolis has been dying for a new dance club. But is country where it's at? Suh said he's not trying to replicate a Toby Keith-style bar in the old Lodge space, but instead will focus on a more country-pop-rock vibe, with line dancing on Thursdays. The look won't be bullhorns and hay bales, either. Suh is employing Shea (design firm behind Barrio and Crave) to help him "put more thought into the party-bar scene."
Opening: Oct. 23.
Location: 11 S. 5th St., Mpls.
PRAIRIE ALE HOUSE Concept: A gastro sports pub by one of the Twin Cities top cocktailers.
Who's behind it: Aaron Johnson, co-owner of the Strip Club Meat & Fish.
Why you should care: Johnson has taken his expert mixology and all-around charm to Eden Prairie, where he's recasting a former Timber Lodge with a 32-seat, steel-top bar, distressed-wood interiors and flatscreen TVs. While there will be plenty of beer (as the name suggests), a pre-Prohibition cocktail program is also on tap. As for the food, it'll be sports-bar fare turned inside out: brick-pressed chicken, house-smoked oysters, scratch-made meatloaf and more.
Opening: By Halloween.
Location: 16369 Wagner Way, Eden Prairie.
PSYCHO SUZI'S Concept: Everyone's favorite tiki motor lounge moves into a supersized spot on the river.
Who's behind it: Leslie Bock, who also owns Donny Dirk's Zombie Den.
Why you should care: Bock is turning the former Gabby's in northeast Minneapolis into a two-level tiki haven. With her cocktail dream team (Johnny Michaels and Pip Hanson), she wants to take tropical drinks to the next level -- without getting snooty. "We don't have any interest in drink snobbery," Bock said. "It's just supposed to taste good and take you on a brain vacation." We'll probably have to wait till the snow melts to witness Suzi's hotly anticipated riverfront patio.
Opening: Late November.
Location: 1900 NE. Marshall St., Mpls.
STANLEY'S NORTHEAST BAR ROOM Concept: A northeast Minneapolis rock 'n' roll restaurant.
Who's behind it: Rail Station owner Steve Benowitz.
Why you should care: Live music is back at the former Stasiu's -- and that's the only thing familiar about this place. Benowitz has done a complete renovation of the Northeast gem with a new bar, new stage and a slick new patio. Look for a ramped-up menu and a focus on Minnesota craft beer spread across 32 taps. As for the music, booker Christy Hunt has Gospel Gossip and Kruddler lined up for the first weekend. Oops, one more familiar thing: the vintage urinals are still here.
Opening: Oct. 15.
Location: 2500 University Av. NE., Mpls.
TOWN HALL TAP Concept: A neighborhood offshoot of Town Hall Brewery, one of the Twin Cities' top brewpubs.
Who's behind it: Town Hall founder Peter Rifakes.
Why you should care: Neighborhood joints do very well in south Minneapolis. Just ask Kings Wine Bar or Cafe Maude. Located at 48th and Chicago, this satellite to the original brewpub should fit in nicely. The restaurant will serve scratch-made comfort food and feature 24 taps lines, including beers made at the brewpub. Big news for beer snobs: Rifakes wants to offer three cask-conditioned beers a day (that's beer served without added carbon dioxide).
Opening: Late October.
Location: 4810 Chicago Av. S., Mpls.
Tom Horgen • 612-673-7909 • Follow him on Twitter: @tomhorgen
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