A vibrant new dining destination in St. Joseph, Minnesota, is set to open its doors to the public this week. The House Food and Tap, a unique food hall featuring multiple culinary concepts under one roof, has been conducting limited previews for select groups over the past few weekends. This innovative eatery aims to offer a diverse range of flavors and experiences, with an official grand opening scheduled for Tuesday. Co-owned by Craig and BriAnne Hern, the venue promises an exciting blend of local talent and gourmet offerings, including a self-service tap wall featuring 30 different beverages.
The development of The House Food and Tap began in August 2024, transforming a corner lot on 2nd Avenue Northwest and Minnesota Street into a bustling epicenter of gastronomy. The Herns have curated a lineup of four distinct eateries within the space, each bringing something special to the table. Eminent Coffee Roasters, owned by Josh Kaeter, marks its first physical storefront here, offering freshly brewed coffee to early risers. Birdie’s Pizza and Garden Bar introduces brick-oven pizza to the area, while former NFL player Esera Tuaolo brings his Hawaiian flair through 98 Hawaiian Grille. Additionally, Joetown Smashburger, helmed by Mateo Mackbee and Erin Lucas, adds a casual yet flavorful burger option to the mix.
One of the standout features of The House Food and Tap is its innovative ordering system. Visitors receive a card upon entry, which they can use throughout the building to place orders or pour their own drinks from the extensive tap selection. Once done, the card is returned, and all charges are combined into a single bill. This seamless experience ensures convenience and flexibility for patrons looking to explore various culinary delights in one visit.
The establishment will operate with varied hours, catering to both morning and evening crowds. From Tuesday to Friday, it will be open from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM, with slightly adjusted timings on weekends. Sundays see the venue welcoming guests from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, while Mondays remain closed. Early mornings will be dominated by the aroma of fresh coffee, with the kitchen kicking into gear at 11:00 AM.
The Herns express enthusiasm about the positive feedback received during the preview events, particularly regarding the quality of the food. As The House Food and Tap prepares for its full-scale launch, it stands ready to become a cornerstone of St. Joseph's culinary landscape, inviting residents and visitors alike to indulge in a variety of delicious options.