Spoonriver, located at South 2nd St. and Chicago Ave., opened its doors in June 2006. Situated just across the plaza from the stunning Tyrone Guthrie Theater, Spoonriver complements its artistic neighbor and enhances a burgeoning neighborhood along the Mississippi River.

Serving the finest gourmet natural cuisine, Spoonriver, is the logical evolution of its accomplished owner, Brenda Langton, who has been committed to locally produced products and healthy eating for decades. Spoonriver is the chic sister of Langton’s Cafe Brenda, an award-winning Twin Cities institution that was far ahead of the curve in serving organic, and vegetarian cuisine when it opened in 1986.

Spoonriver takes Langton’s concept to new heights with its sleek, intimate dining room and bar where the restaurant’s signature cocktails are served. The surrounding patio features views of the Stone Arch Bridge spanning the Mississippi, the Guthrie and glimpses of the downtown skyline to the west.

Another of Langton’s inspirations is the Saturday morning Mill City Farmers’ Market. Stretching along the plaza and continuing under the Mill City Museum train shed, it offers a wide variety of local, organic and sustainable comestibles both to the neighborhood and to the city as the first outdoor market of its kind. Brunch is featured at Spoonriver starting at 8:00 a.m. Saturdays in the summer to accommodate the hungry shopper, and Spoonriver also features an extensive take-away deli case for riverside picnics or midnight snacks.

Photos by Travis Anderson

©2007 Spoonriver Restaurant