Small Business News: Hotel Ivy opens Thor Cigar Lounge and Bar Edera

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Hotel Ivy has opened two new niche experiences – Bar Edera and Thor Cigar Lounge. We spoke to Mark Maggiotto, General Manager of Hotel Ivy, to learn more about these two cozy spots at 201 S 11th Street that offer downtown visitors a break during a busy day – or evening.

Q:  Let’s first talk about Thor Cigar Lounge. What inspired its creation, and how does it stand apart from other cigar lounges in Minneapolis? 

A:  Our vision was to create an elevated outdoor cigar lounge featuring a unique and high-quality cigar program paired with handcrafted cocktails and New American dishes from Bar Edera. We wanted to introduce a concept unique to the area, and create a comfortable gathering space to attract locals and hotel guests. 

Q:  How do you curate your cigar offerings? Do you feature local or rare cigars alongside well-known brands?  

A:  Our cigar offerings align closely with the vision. We offer introductory selections made specifically for us, traditional favorites, the most popular current cigars, and a special selection of rare and hard to find cigars. This range provides options for guests new to cigars along with aficionados. 

Mark Maggiotto                      Photo Credit: The Minneapolis / St Paul Business

Q:  What role does your Bar Edera drink menu plays in the cigar experience? Do you craft cocktails or source spirits specifically to complement your cigars?  

A:  The beverage program offers a range of bourbon- and scotch-based drinks that historically pair wonderfully with cigars, as well as multiple rum drinks that are traditional beverage partners. Bar Edera also offers a thoughtful assortment of wines by the glass and a range of imported, domestic, and local craft brews so there are options for all palettes. 

Q:  Will you host special events, tastings, or educational sessions to engage the cigar community? 

A:  Yes, at our launch event we brought in an expert in cigar rolling to provide demonstrations to attendees, part of a team that is certified in cigar rolling by the country of the Dominican Republic. We also provided complimentary tastings of two cocktails that pair well with cigars. We look forward to scheduling more events like this in the future to educate and entertain the community. 

Q:  Have you noticed shifts in what customers are looking for in cigars or cigar culture over the past few years? 

A:  Yes, tastes have evolved a great deal in the past few years. We are seeing fuller body cigars becoming more popular. Examples are the Fat Bottom Belly and Crazy Alice by Deadwood. Classics are also returning in popularity, including Davidoff selections and Cohiba collections. My Father: The Judge was named the 2024 cigar of the year by Cigar Aficionado, and it offers a full body, and is very complex. These cigars and many others across a range of price points are available at Thor Cigar Lounge.

Q:  Are there any expansions, collaborations, or new offerings on the horizon for Thor Cigar Lounge? What about perks for recurring customers? 

A:  Having just opened, we look forward to customer ideas on how we can partner, innovate, and expand the offerings and experiences at our outdoor cigar lounge. Perhaps your readers can make suggestions! Looking further out, we have discussed single edition offerings made available to members and regulars, as well as bringing in celebrity cigar makers, and providing cigar etiquette and master class tastings. 

Q:  Let’s now shift to Bar Edera - what’s the inspiration behind the concept and menu?

A:  Bar Edera evokes the all-day bar culture of European bistros and cafes. The menu features New American dishes, classic craft cocktails with fresh and intriguing twists, a thoughtful wine selection and various imports, domestics, and local craft brews.

Q:  How does the bar’s identity connect to the overall style of the Hotel Ivy?

A:  Bar Edera functions as a social hub for hotel guests and locals, and enlivens the atmosphere at Hotel Ivy. Bar Edera is where you can enjoy a pre-arrival cocktail, gather before your night on the town, enjoy a final drink and conversation at the end of the night, or start your day with a freshly made Espresso and breakfast. 

Q:  The name “Edera” means “ivy” in Italian — how does that influence your brand or atmosphere?

A:  The name comes from our desire to honor and emulate the all-day bar culture of European bistros and cafes. The idea of a space evolving throughout the day to meet the changing needs of the guest or customer really appeals to us, and has been a great addition to our hotel since opening this past summer.

Q:  How do you describe the Bar Edera cocktail program — is there a signature style or ingredient focus?

A:  The cocktail program is refined, yet approachable. It’s a collection of classic and contemporary drinks, crafted to appeal to all guests. We focus on quality spirits, thoughtful garnishes and quality preparations. 

Q:  Do you have any standout drinks or dishes that have become guest favorites?

A:  One of our most popular dishes is our Suya Honey Wings. Confit and fried chicken wings tossed in a Nigerian-inspired suya spice and honey sauce and topped with crushed peanuts.

The Martini My Way is our customizable martini that ensures that no matter what corner of the world you're from, your cocktail will be prepared to your liking. Lots of options, made to order.

Our Espresso Martini is a rich, bittersweet, and visually striking cocktail that delivers a perfect blend of a caffeine jolt and a spirited kick.

The Hibiscus Margarita is a vibrant, floral twist on the classic tequila cocktail, offering a gorgeous color and unique flavor profile.

The Strawberry Spritz is the quintessential light, bright, and effervescent summer cocktail, taking the classic Italian spritz formula and infusing it with the sweet, ripe flavor of fresh strawberries.

The menu is reworked a few times a year to reflect the changing seasons. We love highlighting local produce and suppliers whenever possible, so we expect that new customer favorites will emerge.

Q:  Are there any Minnesota or Midwest ingredients you like to showcase?

A:  Our guests really enjoy our Walleye Po’ Boy on Baguette, which features crispy local walleye filet, escabeche, tomato, pickles, and a chipotle aioli. 

Q:  How may we follow the news of everything happening at Hotel Ivy? 

A:  The social channels and websites are the best and most current ways of staying up to date with our news.