Layline
For restaurant connoisseurs looking for an upscale American Bistro, Layline is the place to explore.
“‘Layline’ is a sailing term. It’s an imaginary line to get from point A to point B quicker,” says Aaron.
Being the water-town of the west metro, Excelsior is the perfect host to such a restaurant. Visitors and sailors alike can indulge in fine dishes just steps away from Lake Minnetonka.
“We leaned into seafood, so there’s oysters and mussels and shrimp cocktail,” says Aaron. Reimagining what was the historic Gary’s First Class Car Care, Layline transformed the dilapidated gas station into a modern and vibrant space. The restaurant presents a contemporary and eclectic feel for customers, offering a bustling outdoor patio during the warmer months.
Layline boasts a variety of shareable apps, salads, pastas, fish, meats, and more. Those enjoying a beverage may even find a flower or two in their cocktail. These dishes are not only photo-worthy but will leave your mouth watering for more.
"You’ll not only find high quality food and great hospitality but a very approachable and everyday kind of menu,” describes Aaron. “You can eat here several times a week and enjoy a burger or something more elevated.”
Whether you are stopping in with friends, neighbors, or coworkers, Layline is the perfect place to enjoy. From your first bite to your last, Layline’s culinary masterpieces promise to leave your palate craving an encore. laylinerestaurant.com
Dave's Hot Chicken
Opened since July, the popular national chain Dave’s Hot Chicken has landed in Minnetonka. This location is a family-run franchisee group by the Humphries family—Alex Humphries, former NBA star Kris Humphries, and Kris’ parents, Debra and William. “We chose the location in Minnetonka for Dave’s Hot Chicken because it felt like the perfect fit for the concept and the first location in Minnesota,” says Alex. “The vibrant local community of Minnetonka, the bustling trade area of Ridgedale, and close proximity to I-494, I-394, and 169 made this location a synaptic connection point for Minnesotans near and far to have easy access to Dave’s Hot Chicken.”
Since opening, the response has been overwhelming. Lines have wrapped around the building, and customers can’t seem to get enough. “The response to our restaurant since we opened the doors has been nothing short of amazing,” says Alex. “Minnesotans have really embraced the bold and distinctive flavors that Dave’s Hot Chicken offers.” Fans of the brand have posted their favorites on social media, and the restaurant has seemed to gain a cult-like following. “Our unique combination of spice levels and the tender juiciness of our chicken has created a lot of buzz, and we’re so grateful for the word-of-mouth recommendations our guests have been giving.”
What makes Dave’s chicken stand out from the rest? “When it comes to the menu, there are a few standout favorites that our guests absolutely love,” says Alex. “Our menu showcases the unique spice blends we’re known for, coupled with the tenderness of our chicken. Our combo meals (Dave’s #1, #2, #3, or #4) are the most popular, which are a combination of our sliders, tenders, and crinkle-cut fries.” The seven spice levels range from “no spice” to the “reaper.” (Proceed with caution! The reaper requires guests to sign a waiver in order to try it.) To cool down from the extreme heat, guests can order a variety of classic shake flavors.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has plans to expand. “We plan to open 15 more locations in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area over the next few years, and 2024 should be an exciting year for us as we target to open multiple locations,” says Alex.
Check out daveshotchicken.com for menu information, and swing by the location right across from Ridgedale Center on Plymouth Road. daveshotchicken.com