The Craftsman

• Type: Restaurant, Neighborhood Bar
• Cuisine: Organic/Local, Contemporary/Fusion
• Features: Patio, Free Parking

The Craftsman Restaurant is definitely accurately named. The drinks and food is hand-crafted goodness prepared and served by true foodies. They love their craft and that love shines through with each meal and cocktail. Nearly everything is hand-crafted. The sauces, cured meats, kraut, ketchup, sausages; everything is made from local ingredients in house. The drinks are no different. We started with the Seasoned Old Fashioned made with house infused door county cherries, muddled apples, and orange bitters. One person in the party remarked, “This is the best drink I’ve ever had” and everyone else agreed. But then we tried the house sidecar, which became the real “best drink we’ve ever had.”
The menu is created with “simple” as the main concept. Top of the line ingredients carefully prepared together for unmatched flavor. For dinner, we started with the Charcuterie, house-cured meats, pates, and pickles. The pate was the group favorite on the appetizer plate. The gnocchi reflect 12 years of honing to be perfect. Golden potatoes, smoked pheasant… It’s a must-order.
Although “thrifty” isn’t the term we’d use to describe the Craftsman, “high-value” is, especially with their sandwiches. These gourmet eats come out piping hot with hand-cut fries and homemade ketchup. From weeklong cured corned-beef ruebens or shop cured pancetta, they are unbeatable and display just as much care and passion as their entrees.
The large open Mission-styled restaurant features tall ceilings and lots of daytime sun. A true highlight is their seasonal patio is a treasure in south Minneapolis. Awnings and vines provide shade and a privacy fence keeps the atmosphere within. A centerpiece of the room is stacked with mason jars full of garlic, veggies, and other sundries from last growing season.

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