The Briar — Restaurant in Minneapolis

I have been meaning to get here since The Briar opened!! With their Facebook post that it was their one year anniversary and the Houndstooth pop up was live I decided Wednesday was finally the day!! Street parking was super easy! I got there about 4:30 & was excited to see it wasn't busy like I assumed; technically it was still early and it was a Wednesday. I started w a Dangerous Man beer then moved on to the Maple Old Fashioned. I was there during Happy Hour so it was $1 off each beverage. Ellen was my.. Mixologist and she was delightful and patient as I gabbed. One thing I loved about here & I always forget since I don't go out in NE often is... chances are pretty high people I know will also stop in!! When I said hi to one fella, his lady popped up from behind me, she had snuck in when I wasn't looking, these two coupled with another mutual friend, we all decided to move out to the patio around a fire pit! It was nice being outside on an unseasonably warm evening and the street was pretty quiet, not a lot of traffic!! My friends split the Houndstooth Marinated Olives; lemon, garlic, chili & herbs. As they are them...ooohing and ahhhing and commented about the spices they found... "rosemary!" ... "is this cinnamon?". The patio had cleared out by this point so it was nice having it all to ourselves. I like the forest green walls inside! It's a change from just white. I love the few windows around the bar and the several skinny glass doors out to the patio! Let's in so much light while also allowing you to see what's going on out there! Thanks The Briar for a great and delicious inaugural visit, it was all I hoped it to be. Looking forward to future...

The Briar is exactly the kind of neighborhood spot you hope to have within walking distance! Warm, welcoming, and full of personality! With many of the staff having ties to the old Dangerous Man brewery nearby, there’s a genuine local spirit here that makes it feel instantly familiar, even on your first visit.

The space is small and stylish without trying too hard, and the patio out back is adorable which is perfect for warm evenings with a drink in hand. Depending on the night, you might stumble into live music or trivia, which adds a relaxed, communal energy to the space.

One of The Briar’s strengths is that it doesn’t stay static. The kitchen menu is updated frequently, always highlighting seasonal ingredients and smart, satisfying flavor combinations. The offerings are light and thoughtful and are ideal for a casual meal or a few small plates with drinks, rather than a full, heavy dinner. And yes, the coffee is fantastic, making it a great daytime option as well.

The drink menu is excellent, with a well-rounded and ever-evolving selection of cocktails, THC drinks, beer, and non-alcoholic options. It’s a place that clearly values craft, but without the pretense.

The Briar is relaxed but intentional, stylish but approachable, and just the right kind of lively. Whether you're here for a light bite, a quiet coffee, or a patio drink with friends, it delivers an experience that feels both elevated and deeply rooted in the neighborhood. A gem, through and through.

@foodiemsp...

So far I've only been once and it was an interesting experience First off, my food was excellent on time and warm. That's the good. It got weird when I ordered a cocktail. I wanted frangelico with my coffee.

It was served all together The coffee, the cream AND the shot of Frangelico ≈ cold coffee! I think they didn't have a regular bartender on duty.

They did work to fix the problem Served me a cup of coffee with side of cream in one of those little metal pitchers But they also Served the frangelico in a little metal pitcher = less frangelico and not as . Pretty But, it worked They seemed rather miffed at my pointing out their error But I didn't spend years in the business NOT to speak up when I see an obvious problem. People can't know if they aren't taught! I was polite Always am Serving can be hard work Some days you wait on nothing but trouble! Nothing but pains.in the ass who don't even tip! I will NEVER be that person! . But, I will speak up when there's a problem? I usually send a.polite but direct, detailed explanation of an issue to mgmt

You can't fix what you don't know!!

The Briar gets many very happy reviews And they are involved in supporting the neighborhood! THAT makes them good people deserving of another shot and...