Minneapolis has a brand-new culinary destination that’s already creating a buzz: Eat Street Crossing. This exciting food hall, located at 29th and Nicollet, officially opened its doors to the public on Saturday, March 4th, after a preview event that drew in media, locals, and food lovers alike. Imagine a modern, upscale version of a mall food court, but way cooler. Eat Street Crossing delivers a diverse range of dining experiences, perfect whether you’re after a quick bite, Instagram-worthy food pics, or a full-on delicious meal. And yes, unlike your average mall food court, they’ve got fantastic drinks to pair with your eats. Let’s dive into what makes Eat Street Crossing a must-visit.
A Look Inside Eat Street Crossing
Housed in the revamped Old Arizona Studio building at 2821 Nicollet Ave, Eat Street Crossing boasts an inviting industrial-chic ambiance. The space retains its warehouse character with high ceilings and exposed brick walls, brightened by a wall of glass garage doors that promise an open-air feel in warmer months. Even during the packed preview night, the thoughtful layout offered plenty of seating and standing areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone. The outdoor patio is set to become a prime hangout spot as the weather warms up.
Eat Street Crossing Food Hall Interior Seating and Bar Area
The Bar Scene at Eat Street Crossing
Upon entering Eat Street Crossing, the impressive bar immediately grabs your attention. It’s generously sized with ample seating, easily accommodating the preview crowd. The bar menu features a solid selection of beers ($6-$8), quality wines ($9 a glass), and classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Negronis ($11). Adding a unique twist, local beverage expert Trish Gavin has crafted not one, but two special cocktail menus. One standout is the zodiac-themed menu. The “Libra,” a rum-based concoction with strawberry and coconut, was a clear favorite. We also sampled the “Gemini” (ume whiskey, yuzu, salted plum, sparkling wine – incredibly refreshing!) and the “Sagittarius” (tequila, sour cherry, sherry, amaretto – a bit medicinal for some). With such variety, the bar at Eat Street Crossing is a destination in itself.
Eat Street Crossing Sushi Dori SPAM Onigirazu
Sushi Dori: Unpretentious and Authentic Japanese Flavors
Located near the entrance, Sushi Dori is brought to you by Eat Street Crossing co-founders John Ng and Lina Goh. They are serving up approachable yet high-quality sushi, reminiscent of the grab-and-go sushi spots you’d find in Japan. The onigirazu, a substantial rice sandwich wrapped in nori seaweed, is a must-try comfort food. We enjoyed one filled with tempura shrimp and fried tofu. The SPAM onigirazu was a hit of the preview event; surprisingly, it also included delicious pork belly. While the pork belly was a welcome addition, a SPAM-only version would also be a fantastic option for purists and SPAM lovers.
Bebe Zito: Ice Cream and Unexpected “Tendies”
Bebe Zito brings its signature playful and inventive spirit to Eat Street Crossing. Their ice cream case was a vibrant display of flavors, including Thai coffee, puppy chow (a Chex cereal treat), and a tequila-infused chocolate. Exclusively for Eat Street Crossing, Bebe Zito is also serving honey butter chicken “tendies.” These were generously portioned and meaty, although opinions on the cutesy term “tendies” may vary!
Ouro Pizzaria Brazilian Style Pizzas at Eat Street Crossing
Ouro Pizzaria: Discovering Brazilian Pizza
Gabriella Grant-Spangler and Ben Spangler of Bebe Zito also introduce Minneapolis to the unique world of Brazilian pizza at Ouro Pizzaria within Eat Street Crossing. These pizzas are unlike anything else in the Twin Cities, offering a delightful and surprising culinary adventure. The shrimp pizza with goat cheese, onion, and artichoke was an unexpectedly delicious combination. Other standout slices included chicken and pistachio, and a meat pizza with spicy honey. Don’t miss their dessert pizzas either! The guava pizza offered a sweet and tart flavor profile similar to tomato, with a basil-like finish, while the banana pizza with buttery caramel sauce was surprisingly balanced and not overly sweet. Brazilian pizza at Eat Street Crossing is a revelation.
Ramen Shoten Noodle Soup Bowl at Eat Street Crossing
Ramen Shoten: Cozy Ramen Nook
Tucked away in the back of Eat Street Crossing, Ramen Shoten offers a cozy side room dedicated to comforting bowls of ramen. Here you’ll find flavorful broths, noodles, meats, and a variety of toppings. The ramen broth was described as rich yet balanced, with pickled onions adding a welcome tangy element.
Chatime: Bubble Tea Sensation
For those seeking a non-alcoholic beverage that’s both delicious and visually appealing, Chatime is the answer. This popular Taiwanese teahouse chain, with over 2,500 locations globally, has opened its newest spot at Eat Street Crossing. Their iconic vacuum-sealed bubble tea cups are perfect for a pretty and refreshing drink.
Eat Street Crossing
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2821 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis
Open from 11 a.m. daily.
