Deals, History, and Local Gems

Former Pazzaluna dining and bar waiting for a new tenant or owner. It's turnkey and ready to go.

We recently listed the former Pazzaluna restaurant (also Momento) on St. Peter Street in downtown St. Paul’s entertainment district. It’s a great space with modern updates, a full kitchen and bar, and huge windows framing the historic Landmark Center. We’re also listing the El Guanaco Bakery Y Café on East Lake Street and The Imperial Room in downtown Minneapolis. Expect exciting news coming soon about the latter, as there’s a lot happening in the North Loop/Warehouse District. 😀

Working in commercial real estate, I often find myself dining out for meetings and networking events around the Twin Cities. I’ve also done deals with iconic restaurant buildings, including Liquor Lyles in Uptown, Whitey’s in Northeast, Vescio’s in Dinkytown, The Galaxy (retro drive-in) in St. Louis Park, and 112 Eatery in downtown Minneapolis. My history and our current listings got me thinking. What Twin Cities restaurants are the oldest? What ones are memorable? Let’s dig into some deals, history, and local gems, Jeff style. 😉 😀

1.      The oldest continuously running restaurant in Minneapolis is the Monte Carlo in the North Loop/Warehouse District. When it opened in 1906, it was a men’s only saloon, but since the 1980s, it’s been an old-school supper club. I never sat next to Kevin Garnett or Kirby Puckett, but I did go there many times with my mentors John Allen, Dick Jeske, and Bob Salmen. Famous for its copper top bar, dry-rubbed chicken wings, classic main and side dishes, and old-school cocktails, it’s the place brokers went to celebrate their deals and network when I worked at Industrial Equities.

2.     When I left Industrial Equities, Jeff Nordness and I used to go to the Vegas Lounge on Central Avenue. We’d celebrate with simple bar pizza, beer, plus the tip for less than an entrée at the Monte Carlo! And I’d often walk out of there with a bag of fresh garden vegetables for a five bucks from the “Vegetable Man.” The eclectic old Northeast bar was definitely more my style, and I saved money in order to eventually reach my goal: buy buildings!

Halie and I in front of Hazel's Northeast.

3.     My favorite local Northeast spot is Hazel’s on Johnson. You’ll find me there twice a week after the gym, usually mentoring and meeting young professionals while eating a tasty breakfast burrito. I also enjoy dinner with Josie and/or the rest of the family at the corner restaurant. It’s good to have a local go-to spot. I don’t hear, “Jeff!” when I walk through the door, but I’m working on it. 😉

4.    One of the best meals I’ve had out was at Lindey’s, a classic steakhouse. It’s a gem, with a nostalgic 1950s supper club vibe, on Snelling Avenue in Arden Hills. Known for their signature tender sirloin, I usually go there for lunch and have a steak sandwich. It’s a sweet spot that can fill up fast at night. Seating is faster and the room is more conducive for a meeting at lunch. Plus, their sirloin is served all day long.

5.     Established in 1887, Neumann’s Bar & Grill is the oldest saloon in Minnesota. Located in North St. Paul, it’s a local neighborhood spot known for its burgers, fries, live music, and friendly servers. When Jeff Nordness and I used to go there, the bartender was a great guy who served everybody at the tables during lunch. They had “good” greasy fries––good meaning back in the day when I could eat that kind of food. 🙄 CEG brokers, Mike and Nicole, recently stopped by for a burger and a beer after checking out one of her listings. She’s got a gem of an industrial for sale one minute down the road.

Conclusion

From historic 1900s supper clubs to my trusty local breakfast spot, the Twin Cities food scene has a story around every corner. One of the joys of being a broker is that you get around the Cities, learn the back roads, and find the hidden jewels. As commercial real estate professionals, we don’t just buy, sell, and lease these spaces, we get to be a part of their history. What are your favorite spots I should know about?

Jeff Salzbrun is the founder and managing partner of Commercial Equities Group (CEG). As a veteran-owned real estate brokerage, CEG has been involved in thousands of sale and lease transactions, ranging from single offices to 250,000+ square foot buildings. At CEG, we get your deal done. We know space, and we know the CRE business.

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