Oct 20, 2025 - Food and Drink

Animales BBQ Co. brings St. Louis-style ribs to Minneapolis

Audrey Kennedy

Exterior of a building with a yellow sign reading "ANIMALES" in red, next to a tray of smoked ribs, sliced onions and pickles, coleslaw, mac and cheese, a dipping sauce, and two iced drinks. — Animales BBQ Co. and its St. Louis-style ribs, mac and cheese and coleslaw. Photos: Audrey Kennedy/Axios

Audrey here! I got a first look at the much-anticipated Animales BBQ Co. before its Oct. 23 opening — but if you want a rack of ribs, prepare to get there early.

Catch up quick: Owner Jon Wipfli operated Animales for seven years as a popular food truck at spots like Bauhaus Brew Labs.

Now, he's partnered with Rich Henriksen, the owner of North Loop's jazz bar Berlin, to find the permanent home in Minneapolis' Harrison neighborhood.

What to expect: The new space, adjacent to brewery La Doña Cervecería, is over 12,500 square feet with giant booths, long tables, a bar, a stage for live music and an adorable children's play area.

Menu items include the classics like chopped pork shoulder, St. Louis-style ribs and smoked sausage, plus burgers, salads and sandwiches.
The extensive bar program features drinks created by Adam Witherspoon, an industry veteran known for his work at high-end restaurants like Mara.
Barbecue prices range from $14 for pork belly to $54 for a half-rack of pastrami beef ribs, and all items include a 20% service fee. Ordering is done via QR code.

The catch: The barbecue portion of the menu is only served from 4–9pm, and once an item sells out, it's gone for the day.

Details: Animales Barbeque Co. opens Oct. 23 at 241 Fremont Ave N, Minneapolis. (The parking lot is small, so prepare to park on the street.)

Open Thursday–Friday from 4–10:30pm, Saturday 11am–11pm, Sunday 11am–9pm.

📸 Go deeper: See more preview pictures on our @AxiosTwinCities Instagram.

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Animales BBQ Co. brings St. Louis-style ribs to Minneapolis

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