Earlier this week, The Mill Northeast opened in the former Porky’s location in Northeast Minneapolis. Former Mill City Café owner, Mandy Zechmeister, along with chefs Matt Kempf and Tommy Begnaud have developed a new menu and a new atmosphere for the highly visible spot on Central Ave. I whipped up this preview to give readers a glimpse.
Classic American comfort foods like burgers and fries share the spotlight with more playful items like wild boar grinders on a menu that challenges, but doesn’t overwhelm, a hungry patron. Mill City Café fans will be glad to know that favorites like the veggie burger, quiche, and “biscones” and gravy have been revived at The Mill. The butternut squash bisque with slivers of apples and maple mascarpone cheese was a savory and sweetly creamy delight. Monster-sized, battered and deep fried Faribault Caveman Cheese Curds came paired with sweet beet ketchup. Burger lovers might remember Begnaud’s corned beef burger or brat burger from Town Talk—neither of them made an appearance on the menu, but the colossal “Jack” burger was cooked to a perfect medium and topped with bacon, a fried egg, cheddar cheese,lettuce, tomato, onion, and aioli. A kid’s menu features items like grilled cheese, buttered noodles, and seasonal root vegetables. A “Mid” afternoon menu from 3-6 p.m. offers $5 fare like sliders, salad, and sausages to pair with a beer or cocktail.
As for the drinks, tap beer and bottled beer feature local brews from Indeed, Summit, Odell, Fulton, and more. You’ll also find $4 tallboys of PBRs and Lonestar, among others. They’re offering a dozen or so craft and classic cocktails, such as a “Crimson and Clover” mixture of bourbon, Creme de Cassis, and cinnamon, alongside more traditional sazeracs and negronis. As a side note, I was pleased to see that Tea Source’s Evening in Missoula herbal tea was on the menu—it’s a personal favorite of mine.
The Mill Northeast is open for business. Hours are:
Sunday & Monday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
The Mill Northeast
1851 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN
612-315-2340
themillnortheast.com
