McKinney Roe: Welcome to the Neighborhood!
Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 2:46PM
Article by Julie Craven, Photos by David Tinjum
Restaurateur Dermot Cowley describes McKinney Roe as upscale-yet-comfortable. But somehow comfortable sounds a bit understated for an establishment that boasts a two-story, 3000 bottle wine and spirits library, poised over a 50 foot bar. Maybe show-stopper would be a better descriptor!
The opening night for the newest concept of the Irish Born Hospitality restaurant group served as both a coming out party and a fundraiser for a wonderful organization in our community, Sharing and Caring Hands.
Although the bar is the scene stealer - the appetizers at the November 10th opening event were indeed impressive. Ahi tuna, croquettes and small plates of pistachio crusted salmon all received great reviews. It’s tempting to call McKinney Roe an Irish pub, but it’s poised to be much more than that. Its location, with a sweeping view of the Vikings/U.S. Bank Stadium and The Commons park, sets it up to be the perfect place for everything from a happy hour stop to an executive lunch. The outside patio seats 150, while inside there is seating for about 320.
Named after Cowley’s mother’s and wife’s mother’s maiden names, McKinney Roe opened for dinner November 11th, and daily lunch service begins November 16th. Weekend brunch service will start November 26th, and there will be Happy Hour specials from 3:00-6:00pm daily.
Cowley’s team has deep roots in the Minneapolis food scene: Christian Oxley heads up culinary for the Irish Born Hospitality group as a whole and his Twin Cities ties include WildSide Catering at Xcel Energy Center and the BLVD Kitchen and Bar in Hopkins. Chef Michael “ Mickey” Jost spent time in Chicago with the likes of Rick Bayless at Zinfandel and more recently has been with D’Amico Cucina, Tejas and Barrio MSP. John Ziegler, the General Manager, will be a familiar face to many after 12 years at McCormick & Schmick’s on Nicollet Mall.
It’s a pretty good sign that the offerings will be varied when the signature dishes range from an over-the-top pork shank to the double McKinney Roe Burger. Doug and I have already picked out our order for our first official visit - he’s going with the Shrimp Risotto and I’ll have the Bacon & Blu Chopped Salad!
Location: 530 4th Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Website: McKinneyRoe.com, Facebook
Julie Craven can be reached at julie@millcitymedia.org
