Now open: Primebar ready for prime time

After a false start in June, Uptown's latest out-of-town concept opened this week in Calhoun Square. Primebar is an instant attention-getter at the corner of Hennepin and Lake, having taken over a long-standing Parasole stronghold.

The former Il Gatto/Figlio space has been remodeled with a new central bar and a showy dining room that seats 180. As far as drinks go, the Chicago-based chain is making a statement right out of the gate with its impressive 60-tap beer list. Also alluring: an aggressive 3-7 p.m. happy hour.

The American fare menu includes buffalo calamari, bacon wrapped shrimp skewers, "two-handed" sandwiches (including a footlong grilled cheese), wood-fired flatbread pizzas and "animal fries" (topped with cheese curds, fried egg, Guinness gravy and pork belly). This is Primebar's fourth location after Dallas, Wesley Chapel, Fla., and Chicago.