Do yourself a favor and check out Subo, the new restaurant/bar in the old Hell's Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis (near 10th Street and Nicollet). Specializing in Asian small plates, the place oozes style. Subo (a Filipino word that means "to feed") opened quietly a few weeks ago, after a speedy construction period. The space has been completely reworked.
Chef Neil Guillen has injected his Filipino heritage into the menu and has given the decor a sort of rustic-chic attitude. The front room features a long bar -- its liquor selection displayed in wooden crates stacked to the ceiling and basked in neon light. On the cocktail menu, check out the spiced pumpkin pie martini. Subo features an aggressive happy hour (4-6 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close Mon.-Sat.). With its small plates and potentially hot bar scene, this place could turn into an Asian version of Barrio.
89 S. 10th St., Mpls. 612-886-2377. www.suboexperience.com.
R.I.P.
With 2009 coming to a close, it's time to reflect on the bars and clubs that said goodbye this year. Some were legendary (the Uptown Bar and Stand Up Frank's). Some were known for their niche music scenes (the Dinkytowner and the Times Bar). Some were just plain huge (Myth). A few were big-time hot spots that had simply worn out their welcome, such as Bellanotte, Visage and Trocaderos. Rest in peace to all of them.
