If you're like many families in the Twin Cities, it can be easy to get overloaded with things to do. From carting the kids off to sports and activities to managing the competing properties of work and home, sometimes, you just run out of energy to put a good meal on the table. That's where Eclectic Culinary Concepts can help.
With six concepts throughout the Twin Cities, you and your family will find something for everyone. Take The Clover in Rosemount as an example—a casually refined pub serving all the American classics you could hope for. Consider this restaurant your neighborhood comfort food destination. Try The Rosemount when you visit—an open-faced roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy on sourdough.
Setting Out to Change the Foodie Scene in the Twin Cities
But there’s more to Eclectic Culinary Concepts than just The Clover. Co-owners Stephan Hesse, Tyge Nelson, and Charlie Burrows offer six culinary concepts, including Lucky's 13 Pub, Me & Julio, Pajarito, Yankee Tavern, The Mudd Room, and The Clover. You can find something for any occasion with restaurants all over the Twin Cities metro area.
Marketing manager Nora Brody says, “The woodfire-grilled octopus at Pajarito is amazing, and the chef-driven menu is elevated, yet casual, perfect for a foodie looking to enjoy a great meal for a night out.” Co-owner Nelson adds, “Pajarito is elevated Mexican cuisine that is familiar and approachable, yet out of the ordinary. Both of our locations offer a different feel.
"St. Paul is a bit more of a neighborhood spot, great for a weeknight dinner, date night, or before a game or concert in downtown St. Paul. Edina is a bit more upscale but still casual enough to visit for a quick snack or happy hour a few times a week. Tacos are a great option, but we especially love mixing them with small plates and larger wood-fired grilled dishes. Sharing is a fun way to experience the menu."
Co-owner Hesse says, "We were always going for more of an eclectic style Mexican menu. We wanted traditional Mexican flavors with modern twists. Our dishes are unique, and our seasonal protein variations keep the menu fresh and vibrant. I recommend trying our Elote-style Brussels Sprouts, Tuna Tostada, Habanero Cilantro Margarita, and the Pajarito Margarita with key lime and agave. These are some notable favorites amongst our visitors."
Me & Julio, located in Hastings, is a delightful Tex-Mex concept with some American Favorites. "I think the enchiladas are amazing, and I highly recommend the Julio bowl and the chicken fajitas," says Brody.
Their under-the-radar concept is called The Mudd Room; co-owner Burrows says, "We wanted to create an intimate, destination music venue with an old-school speakeasy vibe. Spanish tapas for snacking and sharing somewhat inspire the menu. The steak bocadillo sandwich is delicious, and you can't go wrong with either the Vietnamese sticky sauce or harissa-honey wings. Spirit-forward cocktails like the smoked St. Paul negroni and Machine Gun Kelly Manhattan will have you feeling great." For this one, leave the kids at home with a sitter for a special night out at this 21+ venue.
Great Places for the Family
Though all of the restaurants offered locally by Eclectic Culinary Concepts are family-friendly, offering a welcoming environment with chef-driven fares, parents may wish to save some of the concepts above for a night out sans kids and try Lucky's 13 Pub, Yankee Tavern, and The Clover for dinners out with the kids in tow.
Lucky's 13 offers taste-bud-pleasing monthly specials and some tried-and-true goodness sure to be on the menu for your next visit. Their hand-crafted burgers are splendid—be sure to try the Stuffed Juicy Lulu the next time you visit. Or try one of the pub favorites, such as the Pub Fish Fry or the Minnesota Bowl. Brody recommends the Bloody Marys that come with all the fixings.
Another great option is the Yankee Tavern, established in 2017 and located right here in Eagan. "The menu at the Yankee has all your bar favorites, with some slightly southern-inspired highlights like fried chicken plates and smoked brisket sandwiches. The white bean chicken chili is a must-try, and don't skip out on indulgent sides like parmesan-crusted mac & cheese or the roasted brussels sprouts with bacon,” says Burrows.
Finally, The Clover, which opened in late 2019, has a variety of hand-held classics and other menu delights, such as the chicken pot pie, and bacon-wrapped smoked meatloaf. On their new menu, they’ll have southern-fried chicken platters. They also do a great Friday fish fry and a Saturday prime rib special (both start at 4 PM). End the night by enjoying their scrumptious bread pudding.