Victors Victoria
Two months after Birdhouse flew the coop, the cozy house-turned-restaurant space at 2516 Hennepin Av. S. is getting a new tenant with an Uptown pedigree. Alex and Jenna Victoria, the husband-wife team behind Amore Victoria, are launching Nico's Taco and Tequila Bar with two of their siblings and partner Tim Ross. Ross, who is heading up Nico's beverage program, will offer scratch-made margaritas — hold the plastic-bottle triple sec — and infuse and barrel-age tequilas in-house. As for the fare, expect tacos (duh) made with as many local, organic ingredients as possible. Ross said they plan to open Sept. 3.
Return coins
Less than a year after opening, the downtown Minneapolis nightclub that merged video games and VIP is rebranding under new ownership. Last week Insert Coin(s) morphed into the Venue (or at least hung some new signage). An employee said Jado and Steve Hark — the brothers behind Aqua, who recently bought the Fine Line Music Cafe across the street — have acquired the club. It remained open through the weekend and it is unclear what (or if) other changes will be made. Messages to the Harks were not returned.
Lights on
Another Warehouse District club has rebranded. Last month Elixir Lounge — which was founded by Steve Hark (though he's no longer involved) — quietly became Light Nightclub. Managing partner Ge Najm said he's added a hookah patio and a 32-foot LED wall aimed at the EDM crowd, and redid the layout for a "boutique nightclub" feel. (322 1st Av. N., Mpls., 612-746-4004, www.lightmpls.com)
Aug du lieber
With Oktoberfest beers seemingly hitting shelves earlier each year, there's no reason Tilia can't throw a premature Bavarian bash. The Linden Hills restaurant's third annual Augtoberfest block party features some slightly ahead-of-season brews and live music from the Melismatics, Sleep Study, Kevin Bowe and the Okemah Prophets, Southside Desire and more. Portions of the proceeds benefit People for Parks and Linden Hills Power and Light. (Noon-8 p.m., Sun., 2726 W. 43rd St., Mpls., 612-354-2806, www.tiliampls.com)
