Erik the Red restaurant moving to South Minneapolis
Known as one of the “top things to do near U.S. Bank Stadium” and “the ultimate Vikings bar,” renowned Minneapolis restaurant and bar Erik the Red will be moving to South Minneapolis in 2020.
Erik the Red is proposing a new location that will be located at East 46th Street and Hiawatha Avenue within the Lowa46 development developed by Oppidan Development Company. Lowa46 features a smaller, urban format Cub below 148 apartments.
Erik the Red’s owner, Erik Forsberg, is an accomplished restaurateur who also operates Devil’s Advocate on Nicollet Mall and Dan Kelly’s Pub in downtown Minneapolis. His new restaurant at 46th and Hiawatha will feature Nordic BBQ, smoked bacon, elk brats, and other popular dishes from the current location, along with local and national craft beers and exceptional cocktails. Construction will begin in the spring with an anticipated opening in late summer or early fall 2020.
“We’ve been looking for the perfect neighborhood location to expand on the success we’ve had with Erik the Red – and we’ve found it at 46th and Hiawatha,” said Erik Forsberg. “We’re looking forward to putting down roots in this unique and growing part of Minneapolis. Building a new restaurant from the ground up gives us an opportunity to create a space that will be inviting, fun and will showcase our exceptional food and beverages.”
“Trails and transit converge at the most popular park in the state – Minnehaha Falls. It’s an incredible area that will be all the better with the addition of Erik the Red,” said Ward 12 Minneapolis City Council Member Andrew Johnson. “When I talk to residents in the community, I consistently hear them say that they love our local restaurants and want even more. And for countless families visiting the park, it will be great walking just a block down the Min Hi Line trail to enjoy the beautiful patio and delicious food. I’m impressed with the vision Erik Forsberg and his team are bringing to this site; they are going all out to make this a destination restaurant along the bustling 46th Street corridor, just a short walk from the Light Rail Station – we can’t wait for it to open!”
Oppidan developed the 46th and Hiawatha area as a result of a comprehensive small-area study completed by community stakeholders during the construction of the Metro Blue Line, which is part of the Minneapolis Light Rail. The small-area study of the 12-acre station area envisioned 90,000 square feet of commercial space and up to 400 units of housing of all types.
The area continues to grow, with the planned construction in 2020 of the pilot section of the Minneapolis high-line trail. This 700-foot section of trail will first connect the development at 46th and Hiawatha to Minnehaha Park. It will be constructed in the former railway right-of-way adjacent to the site. Future construction includes connecting the trail northward to Snelling Yards and other planned development.