New Restaurants Transform Minneapolis Dining Scene with Music and Flavor

A series of exciting new restaurant openings in Minneapolis is set to elevate the local dining experience, blending culinary innovation with live music. Notable developments include the highly anticipated **Animales Barbecue**, which will feature an Americana soundtrack, and the return of **Ono Hawaiian Plates** to the North Loop.

Animales Barbecue Brings Flavor and Music to Minneapolis

The new **Animales Barbecue**, located at 241 Fremont Avenue North, will open its doors with an engaging atmosphere thanks to a partnership between chef-owner **Jon Wipfli** and Rich Henriksen, co-owner of the popular venue Berlin. This collaboration aims to integrate live music into the dining experience. “This is a great opportunity for music and hospitality to pair with Jon’s amazing barbecue and really build a destination,” Henriksen remarked.

With a spacious layout of **12,500 square feet**, this venue is transforming the former Royal Foundry Craft Spirits space. The design includes a large kitchen equipped with two **15-foot smokers**, an artist-designed children’s play area, and a patio that offers views of downtown Minneapolis. Wipfli has curated a menu featuring hundreds of recipes he has developed over the years, with plans for seasonal specials that leverage local produce from the nearby Minneapolis Farmers Market.

Local bartenders **Adam Witherspoon** and **Dan Springrose** will oversee a cocktail program that complements the food with a selection of local taps and non-alcoholic beverages. The restaurant anticipates a strong music program that will support local artists and attract national acts, creating a community hub for diverse musical genres from old-school rock to bluegrass.

Initially, Animales will operate four days a week for dinner, expanding to weekend lunch. Live music will be featured every night the restaurant is open. An official opening date is expected to be announced later this year, but fans can get a taste of what’s to come at the Animales trailer located at **Bauhaus Brew Labs** until the transition is complete.

Ono Hawaiian Plates Returns with New Offerings

In another notable shift, **Ono Hawaiian Plates** is relocating to **337 Washington Avenue North**, taking over the former site of Guacaya Bistro. This move marks a return to the area where the restaurant first launched. Originally found in the now-closed North Loop Galley food hall, Ono has gained a loyal following since its inception in **2019**.

Co-founders **Jess Kelley** and chef **Warren Seta** aim to expand the menu to include an array of Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Highlights will include poke, katsu cutlets, and slow-cooked Kalua pork, alongside a new bar program featuring tiki drinks. Seta describes the new menu as reflective of local eating habits in Hawaii, emphasizing shareable dishes that foster community connections.

The restaurant plans to open for lunch, featuring classic Ono plate lunches, a happy hour, and an evening **Paʻina** menu—a Hawaiian term for a gathering around shared food. Anticipated dishes will include sizzling Kalbi ribs and whole fried snapper. Construction is currently underway, with an expected opening in the fall.

Other new establishments contributing to the vibrant Minneapolis dining scene include:

– The **Malt Shop**, set to reopen under new ownership at 809 W. 50th St. after closing in January 2023. **Dakota Iverson**, known for his work at Hi-Lo Diner and Republic, is reviving this beloved neighborhood spot with fresh treats and accessible pricing.

– **Lito’s Burritos**, which has found a permanent home on Lake Street. This burrito pop-up will expand its offerings in the former Union Hmong Kitchen space, with a fundraising event planned to support the project.

– **Liliana**, a new Italian restaurant in Woodbury, featuring scratch-made pasta and a full bar, is now open to the public.

– **Dark Horse Bar and Eatery**, located at 250 E. 7th St. in St. Paul, has reopened with a revamped dining area and a menu featuring pizza, craft cocktails, and more.

Lastly, **Butcher & the Boar** has debuted a new outdoor patio, the Butcher Back Yard, providing shaded seating and a casual menu perfect for summer dining.

As these new venues prepare to launch, Minneapolis is poised for a culinary renaissance that marries great food with a vibrant social scene, appealing to both locals and visitors alike.