After Owamni, some Twin Cities locals want a casual, inexpensive riverfront spot
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Photo: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
When it comes to replacing Owamni, Axios Twin Cities readers care more about the cost than the type of cuisine.
Why it matters: The Indigenous restaurant's upcoming move from the Water Works Pavilion to The Guthrie creates an opening for a new eatery at the prime Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board-operated spot along the Mississippi River.
The big picture: While Owamni is critically acclaimed — and beloved by many — readers who responded to our call for suggestions overwhelmingly advocated for something with a more casual vibe.
- "It should be good for ALL people, not just high-priced customers," Camille B. wrote, citing former Bde Maka Ska vendor Tin Fish as an example. "Parks for the people."
Context: The menu at Owamni — the highest-grossing park restaurant last year — currently ranges from $12 appetizers to a $100 shareable "surf and turf" platter featuring venison, lobster and bone marrow butter.
- While Owamni runs a walk-up taco truck in the summer, reservations for popular dinner times inside often need to be booked weeks in advance.
For comparison, the highest-priced item at Lake Nokomis' The Painted Turtle is the $16 fish and chips.
What you're saying: "I love Owamni, and am thrilled that they will remain in the neighborhood, but a place where the operative question is 'Would you like fries with that?' would be just fine," David S. wrote, floating park eateries Pimento and Sea Salt as models.
Jeremy S. also wants to see more traditional park stand eats — and prices.
- "A reasonably priced sit-down restaurant is fine, but a walk-up window where someone can get a hot dog or an ice cream cone should be a goal," he said.
Aimee J. made the case for a coffee shop or cafe serving warm drinks, snacks and sandwiches for people on the go.
- She envisions "a nice, inexpensive afternoon visiting Mill City Farmers Market, exploring the ruins, and grabbing an espresso."
The other side: Some readers voiced support for something higher-end, with several lobbying for something along the lines of Fuji Ya, the beloved Japanese restaurant that occupied the site from 1968 to 1990.
Quentin M. said he'd love to see a big local name like Gavin Kaysen or Daniel Del Prado an ice cream shop like Sebastian Joe's or Bebe Zito take it over.
- He'd also be happy with another Indigenous restaurant — "something high-end with an all-day cafe."
- Andrew S. echoed that idea, saying the space should "only be available to another Indigenous restaurant concept."
🍳 Zoom out: Other suggestions ranged from another outpost of Hope Breakfast Bar to an Italian seafood spot — "a little high end but certainly not a Demi," Matt M wrote.
🤖 Jill Z. didn't weigh in on price, but thinks the replacement should have "servers, not robots/kiosks like is happening in other parts of the city!"
🎶 Kelly B. proposed something casual "that would match well with more music in the outdoor seating area."
🍦 Last but not least, our personal — albeit unlikely — favorite suggestion: "Make the riverfront property a Culver's or, at very least, the flagship location of Dairy Queen in MN," Kristian E. proposed.
What's next: The Park Board will put out a request for proposals from potential vendors this fall, with plans to pick a new restaurant to open by next summer.
- A spokesperson told Axios it's too early to comment on the board's vision for the space.