Visitors to Lake Harriet will soon be able to enjoy a couple of beers with the summer music shows that draw people from all over the Twin Cities to the area.
Despite concern from some residents who testified in opposition, the City Council's regulatory committee voted Monday to approve a wine and beer license for Bread & Pickle, the lake's two-year-old eatery adjacent to the band shell. The action is subject to approval from the full council, expected on May 10.
Two other park eateries, Sea Salt at Minnehaha Falls and Tin Fish at Lake Calhoun, already serve alcohol. Bread & Pickle owner Kim Bartmann said it probably will take four to six weeks before they can begin serving.
The plan requires the restaurant to install a series of benches and planters to designate where drinking is allowed. To see a diagram, go to: startribune.com/a2214. Customers will need to order food to purchase alcohol. A staff report says Bartmann plans to have indoor seating for 25 people and outdoor seating for 108 people.
Bread & Pickle isn't open for the season because of the extended cold weather. Bartmann plans to open by at least Mother's Day.
During public testimony Monday, several people expressed concern about congestion and the implication of more drinking in public parks.
"This area is going to be taken over by the drinking crowd. Period," said Bob Carney, a perennial candidate for mayor and other offices.
"I fear that cluttering up the area with the required planters will create barriers and congestion for parents with kids in strollers, people walking dogs and individuals who may be using wheelchairs or scooters," said Arlene Fried, a founder of the watchdog group Park Watch.
