After a soft launch last week, Pat's Tap opens to the public today (Monday). Kim Bartmann's latest creation is a gastro pub with a fun diversion: vintage skee-ball machines. Located in the former Casey's Bar, Pat's is a welcome addition to the revitalized corner of Nicollet and 35th in south Minneapolis (which already includes B-Squad Vintage and Yeti Records).

The food menu lands somewhere between Bryant-Lake Bowl and the Red Stag. Starters (lamb meat balls, frites, mussels, fried pickles, fancy cheese curds, etc.) are in the $4-$9 range. There are burgers, salads, sandwiches, charcuterie and a good list of entrees. On Friday, I tried the Bangers & Mash ($11), which consisted of house made pork sausage and horseradish mashed potatoes.

The bar's beer selection sticks to taps and cans (no bottles). The usual craft beer suspects fill out the draft list. There must be 60-plus cans under the menu's "Canifesto" (cans are easy to recycle). The bar also offers a deep wine list and a good cocktail menu (including classics and some original creations).

Details: 3510 Nicollet Av. Mpls. 612-822-8216. www.patstap.com.

(Photo by Tom Horgen)