Meet Eat Street Crossing, the newest reason to explore this storied stretch of Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis.
The latest entry into the Twin Cities food hall scene is the work of two culinary power couples: Lina Goh and John Ng of Zen Box Izakaya, and Gabriella Grant-Spangler and Ben Spangler of Bebe Zito. The two couples operate five of the seven stands in the historic building, and a central bar serves cocktails and affordable wine picks that are available for sipping throughout the space.
So far, it's been a massive hit with diners. "The ramen broth we sell daily is how much John would make for an entire week at Zen Box," Goh said on a recent visit. Here's what you'll want to know before you visit.
Where you're going
2819 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls., eatstreetcrossing.com. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tue.-Sun.
Ordering
There are several ways to go about getting food. Each stand has a cashier, so in-person ordering is an option. At the front of the building, there is a kiosk dedicated to different stands, ideal for introverts and if one wanted to order simultaneously from different places. Finally, pizza is available for order via a QR code on the tables. Look for procedures to evolve as the restaurants find their groove.

The food
The seven vendors in order of where they appear in the building:
Sushi Dori: Guests can post up on the sushi counter and watch food being made or order and find communal seating. The menu features fun twists on familiar rolls and the Instagram food of the moment: sushi sandwiches. A sheet of nori is lined with rice and then stuffed with various toppings. A spicy tuna variety has a fried sheet on wonton wrapper tucked in among the raw tuna and toppings for a surprising crunch. Prices: sushi sandos, $10-$11; maki rolls, $10-$16.
ESC Bar: The centralized bar serves everything a drinker would hope to find, along with a few surprises. The current bar menu from Trish Gavin is based on astrological signs. There also are classic cocktails, beer and an entire wall of wines priced at $25 a bottle. Drinks can be enjoyed anywhere in the space, but have to be ordered at the bar. There is no food served at the bar seats, but you can order and retrieve food yourself without losing your perch. Prices: $11 for cocktails, but all can be made nonalcoholic for $8.