Nightwatch: New nightlife coming to Hennepin

By now, local foodies have heard about r. Norman's, the next big thing from Bellanotte owner David Koch. The steakhouse (named after his business partner at Bellanotte) will open in mid-November at 7th Street and Hennepin Avenue S., next to Pantages Theatre.

Koch said he is putting all his focus on the space after closing his longtime nightclub Escape two weeks ago. It's sort of an end of an era for Koch, as he plans to distance himself from the formula he pioneered with South Beach and then Escape, a hip-hop-oriented spot that set the bar for the current stream of VIP superclubs. He'd been thinking about closing Escape for more than a year. "Where we were and where we're going is completely different," he said.

Koch gave me a look at the new place, which will be much more than just a steakhouse. While it's still under construction, the large multilevel nightspot is coming together. The first level will hold r. Norman's, while the second will house an upscale sushi lounge called Seven. DJs will provide music in Seven's two rooms (but don't call it a club, Koch said). Above Seven will be a rooftop lounge that most likely will be the largest downtown. Let's hope Koch's latest endeavor is just another step in lighting up Hennepin Avenue.

Miami nights

It takes a lickin' but keeps on tickin'. After months of public hearings and special sessions with the city, Restaurant Miami has finally gotten a 2 a.m. closing time. The campy Uptown bar/restaurant drew crowds quickly after opening in February with its lovable 1980s "Miami Vice" and "Scarface" theme. But its popularity cooled because it had to close at midnight and it was further hurt by construction on Lake Street, said owner Robert Serr. He was in a much better mood last weekend, his first with the 2 a.m. license. "It feels great," said Serr, who has lowered prices and is starting a 1980s quiz night (8 p.m. Mondays) with '80s-themed prizes. (913 W. Lake St., Mpls. 612-823-1985. www.restaurantmiami.us)

Down the rabbit hole

Some old heroes in the electronic music scene are coming to Minneapolis this week with a show that fans won't want to miss. Rabbit in the Moon made a name for itself as both a remix king (everyone from Sarah McLachlan to White Zombie) and a live act that borders on performance art. The costumes, lights and, of course, the group's amazing blend of house and trance will be here in full force at Foundation on Thursday. The trio is touring behind a new CD/DVD, "Decade," that captures its one-of-a-kind aesthetic. But there's nothing like seeing it live. (10 p.m. Thu., 10 5th St. S., Mpls. $15-$20. 18 & older. 612-332-3931. www.foundationmpls.com)

Another sellout?

Who knew there were so many late-night art lovers? The Walker After Hours parties have become a hot commodity, with the last one -- featuring Picasso -- selling out far in advance. These parties (with music and drinks) happen every few months to preview big-time exhibits. The next, Oct. 26, will preview the Frida Kahlo retrospective. Tickets are going fast -- only about 750 remain, out of 2,800. (9 p.m.-midnight. 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. $35, $25 members. 612-375-7600. www.walkerart.org)

Finding your inner German

The first big Oktoberfest event starts today with the Minneapolis Oktoberfest on SE. Main Street, adjacent to St. Anthony Main. The fest is expanding to two days this year and includes games such as Hammerschlagen and beer-barrel rolling. (4-9 p.m. today and noon-9 p.m. Sat., St. Anthony Main and Riverplace. www.minneapolisoktoberfest.com)

thorgen@startribune.com 612-673-7909