Twin Cities Dining Scene: September 2025 Update

September 2025 brought a flurry of activity to the Minnesota restaurant landscape, particularly across the Twin Cities metro. From exciting new arrivals and beloved institutions reopening their doors, to the quiet farewells of long-standing local favorites, it was a month of significant shifts for food lovers.

Fresh Flavors & Iconic Returns: September’s Openings

The Twin Cities saw a vibrant mix of new concepts and eagerly awaited comebacks this month, enriching the local culinary fabric:

• Cheesecake Funk (Excelsior): Prince’s beloved cheesecake finds a permanent home in Excelsior, bringing a taste of local legend.

• The Commodore Bar & Restaurant (St. Paul): This iconic Cathedral Hill spot, once frequented by F. Scott Fitzgerald, reopens after five years, ushering in a new era for a historic landmark.

• Curiouser Coffee (Eagan): An enchanting Alice in Wonderland-themed coffee and cocktail spot expands, offering a whimsical escape.

• Easy Day Cafe (Minneapolis): A new neighborhood cafe takes over the former Royal Grounds space in South Minneapolis, bringing fresh energy.

• Kizzo (Minneapolis): Chef Kamal Mohamed’s new fast-casual restaurant and sports bar opens in Northeast Minneapolis, transforming his former Stepchld location.

• The Pikok Lounge (Minneapolis): Minari unveils a new casual bar concept within its Korean-inspired restaurant, featuring a distinct food and cocktail menu.

• Rustica Bakery (Minneapolis): The European-inspired bakery opens its third Twin Cities location downtown.

• Smorgie’s (Minneapolis): Smorgie’s expands with a second location in downtown Minneapolis, conveniently near Target Center.

• Southern Social (Chaska): The Nashville-inspired eatery opens its third Twin Cities location, taking over the former Cuzzy’s Brickhouse space.

• TOUS les JOURS (Maplewood): South Korean bakery chain TOUS les JOURS opens its newest Twin Cities café near the Maplewood Mall.

• Westside Wine & Liquors (St. Louis Park): This Texa-Tonka Shopping Center staple enhances its offerings by adding a new wine bar to its deli counter.

Farewell to Favorites: Twin Cities Closures in September

While new ventures sprouted, September also marked the end for several establishments, including some long-cherished local icons:

• Celio (Minneapolis): Italian restaurant Celio in Northeast Minneapolis closes after just four months in business.

• Market Bar-B-Que (Minneapolis): Minneapolis institution Market Bar-B-Que closes after nearly 80 years, leaving a significant void.

• Palmer’s Bar (Minneapolis): Legendary Palmer’s Bar, a Cedar-Riverside dive once named among the best in the U.S., permanently closes after almost 120 years.

• Starbucks (Multiple MN locations): Several Starbucks locations across Minnesota close as part of national corporate adjustments.

• Wild Mind Ales (Minneapolis): The Windom neighborhood brewery and coffee house officially ceases operations.

• Wuollet Bakery (Minneapolis): Wuollet Bakery’s final Uptown location closes its doors.

September’s Dining Scene: A Quick Glance

Frequently Asked Questions About the Twin Cities Dining Scene

• What were the biggest openings this month?
  Key openings included the return of The Commodore Bar & Restaurant in St. Paul, Prince’s favorite Cheesecake Funk finding a new home in Excelsior, and several new local cafes and bakeries expanding across the metro.
• Which major local spots closed their doors?
  Minneapolis said farewell to long-standing institutions like Palmer’s Bar and Market Bar-B-Que, both having served the community for decades. Wuollet Bakery’s last Twin Cities location also closed.
• Is there a specific trend in these changes?
  September showed a dynamic mix of growth and consolidation. While chains like 7 Brew and TOUS les JOURS expanded, and new local concepts emerged, there was also a notable number of established local businesses, some with decades of history, closing down.
• Where can I get more information on these Minnesota restaurant updates?
  You can find more detailed stories on these openings and closings via Bring Me The News and various local news outlets, often linked directly within their initial reports.

The evolving dining landscape in Minneapolis and the wider Twin Cities area continues to offer both new experiences and reflective goodbyes. Keep exploring to find your next favorite spot, and support local businesses as they navigate these dynamic changes.

Twin Cities Dining Scene Sees Big September Changes