Opened in 2006 across from the Guthrie Theater on the riverfront, chef Brenda Langton's (Cafe Brenda) Spoonriver is known for its inventive, gourmet vegetarian- and vegan-friendly dishes, though much of the menu features premium meats from the region. The digs are chic and sexy, as the ultra-narrow dining room sports orange walls, tall glass windows and an outdoor patio with a view of the Mississippi and glimpses of the downtown skyline. Favorite dishes have included mushroom and pistachio terrine and house-made beet ravioli.
Full bar. Serving lunch Tue–Fri, dinner Tue–Sun. Sat brunch 8 am–2 pm (begins 10 am in the winter), Sun brunch 10 am–2 pm. Closed Mon.
"Chef Lisa Carlson's menu deftly turns from slow-roasted Minnesota-raised pork tenderloin with a sprightly edamame succotash and a sizzling lamb burger to lovely herb- and chèvre-stuffed ravioli, wild mushroom-pistachio terrine with a stone fruit chutney and a hearty sandwich stuffed with heirloom tomatoes, microgreens and a thick swipe of sunflower pesto."
— Gayot