The Inn (Minneapolis, MN)- Closed

It was with great sadness I learned this morning of the closing of one of my favorite restaurants - The Inn in Minneapolis.

According to the Star Tribune "“We made a difficult decision today,” said co-owner Tim Niver. “Everybody there is so awesome. We were all just really starting to click, but we just weren’t as busy as we needed to be to support the dream.”"

I am not going to say I will miss seeing Jesse Held and Tim Leary mixing some of the best cocktails in town behind the bar or Tyge Nelson creating delicious food and coming out of the kitchen to visit; these guys will be somewhere else soon.  (Note to Tim: Make sure they give you my glass)

I am happy I was able to enjoy the food, drinks, atmosphere, and staff of The Inn. I would say my favorites: Grass Fed Beef Burger with Foie Gras Mousse and Fried Egg on an English Muffin, Crispy Potato Dumplings, Flatbread, I even tried Tyge's Headcheese Ravioli on my last visit.

Thank you!!!

New Menus at The Inn

The Inn in Minneapolis launch the new drink menu this week with seven new cocktails.

The Norwegian Sunset  
A Virgin No More 
Carthusian Swede 
Irish Lassie 
What's Under Your Kilt 
Compass Rose #1 
Diego Vega

I have tried four of the seven and none of them disappoint.  I cannot pick a favorite because they are all uniquely different in flavors. 

• Carthusian Swede - This bubbly cocktail includes the aromatic flavor of Thyme.
• Irish Lassie - It's made with Jameson Irish Whiskey (that should tell you it is great), but Jesse adds in Aperol, Cocchi Americano, Orange Mist and Bolivar Bitters to make this Irish cocktail that isn't just for St. Patty's.
  
• Compass Rose #1 - Gin, Elderflower and a house made Blood Orange cordial are just a few of the flavors in the Compass Rose #1. You will also enjoy a spritz of Rosewater and grapefruit bitters.  This drink screams Summer.
  
• Diego Vega - Every flavor presents itself in this drink and compliments the other ingredients. Mezcal tequila, blackberries, balsamic vinegar and ginger are all flavors you will pick up when you pick up this cocktail. It is one of the few drinks served with ice at The Inn.
  

In addition to the cocktails, Chef Tyge Nelson also has changed the dinner menu.  My parents tried the Brandade (a shrimp with saffron type croquet) and loved it.  We all enjoyed the Flatbread (Potato, caramelized onion, Fontina cheese, and mushrooms); I loved the combination of flavors. Tyge also whipped up a few batches tradition bar fare by creating pork rinds.  They were a bit salty, but that is nothing a good cocktail or beer couldn't wash down.

Best Contemporary Cocktail - 2011

This award goes to a cocktail at a place I love to go  The Inn in Minneapolis.  Behind the bar I find my Favorite Bartender in the World - Jesse Held.  Also, Tim Leary mixes up wonderful libations in a special glass he reserves just for me.

Read about the 2011 Best Contemporary Cocktail - Slim Shim
http://www.citypages.com/bestof/2011/award/best-contemporary-cocktail-1843922/

The Inn (Minneapolis, MN)

Grass Fed Burger with Foie Gras Mousse and a Fried Egg

The Inn has become one of my favorite places to go downtown Minneapolis.  I must admit I am a little bias because one of my favorite mixologist, Jesse Held, can be found behind the bar and he was the reason I first went to The Inn.  Not only do I enjoy the flavorful unique cocktails poured, but I found a menu of freshly created dishes that are not only pleasing to the eye, but also to the palette.

The Inn is  located a few blocks from the Minneapolis Convention Center but you will not find a sign lit up in neon and bright lights, you will find a small space tucked between a parking lot and a wig shop.  This unassuming location is perfect for a night out weather you are on your own or with friends.

While The Inn has an extensive wine and beer list, I go there for the cocktails. Don't waste your time or even think about saying "I'll have a Vodka Cranberry or Gin and Tonic", you can make those at home. So what do I recommend when people ask me what I recommend to drink when I visit The Inn.  I always say "I recommend sitting at the bar and talking with the bartenders about what they can make to please your palette." I tell them that the guys behind the bar (especially Jesse & Tim because I know them best) are genius when it comes to flavor combinations and cocktails. Do you like Sweet? Savory? Bourbon? Citrus? Spicy? Gin? Just let them know and I promise they will come up with a drink that suits your palette and you won't ever find at a bar where they person behind the bar is flipping bottles to distract you from the fact that he or she is going to serve you a drink that can be duplicated at any of their other chain locations. 

Among my favorite dishes are the decadent Grass Fed Burger with Foie Gras Mousse and a Fried Egg, Crispy Potato Dumplings, Cured Meats, Chicken Wings and Roasted Peppers. The portion sizes make them perfect for a single person or couple.  

As a single gal, I enjoy sitting at the bar because it is more comfortable and enjoyable. I also learn about mixing drinks and different types of liquors from the bartenders. Also, don't be surprised if a little sample of something tasty from the kitchen arrives in front of you to try, the chef occasionally whips up something that is not on the menu and shares it with guests.

When you do go and sit at the bar tell Jesse and Tim that Kelly sent you and I promise you a good time with great drinks!

Contact Information:

The Inn 

The Inn Restaurant and Bar
89 10th Street South
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Phone: 612.886.2377 

Hours:

Monday - Wednesday 5:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m
Thursday - Saturday 5:00 p.m to 12:00 a.m
Sunday Closed

Parking: Adjacent pay lots, metered street parking.