A dynamic new restaurant has added itself to Minneapolis’ already booming dining scene. Dexter’s, located near 50th and France, takes the basic concept of a sports bar and raises it to another level. Burgers and beer? Check. Curds and cocktails? Yup. But this is not your average juke joint, as you can also have caviar and crème fraîche alongside your fries. This is a fresh new take on old classics, with some highbrow newcomers in the mix, too.
There has been significant buzz around this elevated pub food concept, even before Dexter’s opened this past August 19. “We had 2,000 reservations in the first 48 hours,” said Spencer Jones who, along with his wife Carla, helped get Dexter’s up and running.
Both the menu and beverage program are outstanding examples of delicious simplicity. The food—all of which is freshly prepared in house—combines comfort food with some extra flavors to delight your palate, while the cocktails, both alcoholic and virgin, are flavor explosions.
Some menu favorites for Jones include the elote burger, which features a double-pressed patty, charred corn, chipotle mayo and other special guests. “My personal favorite,” added Jones, “is the mushroom burger, which has a double-pressed patty, pickled shimeji, a house-made mushroom paté, madeira jus, truffle mayo and fontina cheese.” But you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Dexter’s menu is the brainchild of Argentina-born Daniel del Prado, who has emerged as a local celebrity chef (you might know him from Burch Steak, Martina and Colita). Del Prado has also worked with different groups to help open Josefina, Maranda, Cafe Ceres, Blondette, and many more. The beverage program is under the auspices of Megan Luedtke, who also oversees drink menus at Blondette, Colita, Martina and Macanda.
And the beverages at Dexter’s are divine. One popular item is the “World’s Best Espresso Martini,” which blends vodka, Fernet Branca menta, Licor 43 and espresso into a devilishly delectable tipple. If you’re looking for something nonalcoholic, the Louis is a wonderfully subtle melange of raspberry, hibiscus, lemon and seltzer water.
Dexter’s is currently serving around 250-300 guests daily during the week and up to 400 on the weekends. From opening until around 6:00 you’ll find lots of families (including a children’s menu with more traditional takes on chicken strips, fries, hot dogs and grilled cheese). After then, however, the patrons’ sense of fashion and the venue’s energy level begin to rise. You’ll find smartly dressed professionals and couples enjoying the bright, modern ambiance while sports events play out on the several big-screen televisions that surround the dining room.
Dexter’s is poised to become the go-to restaurant for those looking for a more elegant and refined sports-dining experience, as well as for those who enjoy modern takes on well-trodden classics. Dexter’s is here to stay.
We at LEDC are proud to have partnered with the Dexter’s team by offering technical assistance and access to capital. Welcome to the scene, Dexter’s, and we look forward to dining with you for a long time to come.
If you go
Website: dextersmpls.com
Address: 3707 W. 50th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Hours:
Monday—Thursday 4pm —9pm
Friday 4pm—11pm
Saturday 11am—11pm
Sunday 11am—9pm
Reservations recommended, but not required.
