The Cabana Club has injected a lively dose of tropical wanderlust directly into the historic core of Minneapolis. Officially making its debut in early 2025, this vibrant restaurant and craft cocktail oasis revitalized a prime riverfront building on Southeast Main Street that had sat quiet for more than seven years. The brain-child of industry veterans Krista Johnson, Charlie Gibbs, and Jay Viskocil — who originally met years prior while working right across the brick alleyway at the iconic Aster Cafe — The Cabana Club was born from a collective dream to combine exceptional, globetrotting flavors with a relaxed, vacation-like environment. Nestled along the city’s signature cobblestone thoroughfare in the Saint Anthony Main district, it offers a colorful contrast to standard Midwestern dining, pairing sweeping views of the Mississippi River and downtown skyline with an atmosphere that feels like an endless summer.
Architecturally and visually, The Cabana Club masterfully handles the tension between historic preservation and modern escapism. The building’s traditional brick-and-timber bones are layered with transportive, travel-inspired design elements, lush greenery, and comfortable booth and bar setups that encourage group gatherings. The space feels open yet intimate, projecting a bright, breezy charm by day that transitions smoothly into a glowing, romantic warmth as the sun dips below the city skyline. Outside, the patio serves as a first-come, first-served premium viewing deck directly on Main Street, becoming a hotspot during the warmer months for patrons looking to catch a cool breeze off St. Anthony Falls.
The culinary blueprint, guided by Chef Charlie Gibbs, functions as a passport for the palate, skipping seamlessly from country to country. Rather than limiting themselves to one specific cuisine, the kitchen celebrates elevated comfort dishes inspired by global travels. Guests can kick off their meal with a decadent, highly photographable Butter Board—served with popovers, focaccia, and rotating spreads like a rich morel mushroom or sundried tomato butter—or sample crispy Paella Arancini stuffed with shrimp and chorizo. The entree list features unique interpretations like a fiery Piri Piri Shrimp, a rich duck confit bánh mì, or a comforting green curry Amish chicken meat pie. For those simply craving classic comfort food, the kitchen turns out an exceptional American smash burger that grounds the adventurous menu.
The weekend brunch program brings a social, energetic crowd to the riverfront on Saturdays and Sundays. The mid-day menu shifts into crowd-pleasing territory, blending traditional breakfast staples with tropical accents. The kitchen is highly accommodating of modern dietary needs, clearly integrating options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners, ensuring that groups of all dynamics can comfortably dine together.
The beverage architecture at The Cabana Club is exceptionally detailed and forms a massive anchor for the brand’s “escape from the ordinary” ethos. Led by Johnson, a Certified Sommelier, the expansive wine list stands out for its bold inclusions of unique, adventurous bottles sourced from less-traditional regions like Turkey, Lebanon, and Croatia. The cocktail list is equally thoughtful, organized intelligently by alcohol proof so that guests can tailor their drinking experience. Creative house concoctions like the Victoria — featuring lavender-kissed Empress gin — and the smoky, chocolate-and-coconut-tinged Oaxaca sit alongside a popular happy hour menu. Running from Sunday to Thursday, the restaurant’s happy hour is a favorite for local service industry workers and neighbors alike, featuring discounted specialty bar snacks, crisp red sangria, and affordable shots. Balancing beautiful historical views with a transportive menu, The Cabana Club quickly cemented itself as a must-visit destination on the Minneapolis riverfront.
