Minnesota Spotlight: Tullibee

🍴 Tullibee: Nordic-Inspired Dining in Minneapolis

What Makes it Unique

Tullibee is named after a small, cold-water fish (also known as cisco or lake herring) that is an indicator of a healthy lake environment in Minnesota.³ This name perfectly encapsulates the restaurant’s core philosophy:

• Hyper-Local Sourcing: The cuisine is deeply rooted in a farm-to-table and lakes and woods philosophy.⁴ They work with regional farmers, freshwater fishermen, and local independent vendors (often listed on the menu) to showcase the bounty of Minnesota.⁵

   

• Scandinavian/Nordic Influence: The menu pays tribute to Minnesota’s strong Scandinavian roots, incorporating rural Nordic practices of foraging, butchery, and fermentation techniques.⁶

   

• Atmosphere and Setting: Located in the historic Hewing Hotel—a revitalized 1897 farm implement warehouse—the restaurant features a rustic, Northwoods cabin feel with exposed brick, original wood beams, and an inviting, open kitchen with a wood-burning grill and oven.⁷

   

History

Tullibee opened in 2017 as the signature restaurant of the newly established Hewing Hotel in the North Loop.⁸

• Opening Concept: It initially launched with a strong focus on Nordic fare under its first executive chef, drawing attention for its unique take on Scandinavian and Midwest cuisine.

• Evolution: Like many new establishments, it has seen menu and chef changes over the years. Reviewers note that a new executive chef came on board within a couple of years of opening, refining the focus to be even more authentically “lakes and woods” and less strictly “Nordic,” emphasizing Minnesota-sourced ingredients and a nose-to-tail butchery approach.

Highlight Menu Items

The menu frequently changes based on seasonality and the availability of local ingredients, featuring “small bites,” rustic entrées, and house-made charcuterie.⁹ Some recurring and well-received elements include:

• Game and Offal: The menu often features rotating market-driven cuts, reflecting the nose-to-tail ethos.¹⁰

   

• Duck Fat Fries: Often cited as a delicious item on the bar menu.¹¹

   

• Charcuterie Boards: Utilizing house-made and locally-sourced cured meats (like from Red Table Meat Co.).¹²

   

• Nordic-Inspired Dishes: Previous highlights have included Potato Rosti, Gravlax & Rye, and a Roast Lamb dish paired with wild rice and pistachio.

• Steak Frites / Dry-Aged Steak: Demonstrating an upscale take on classic American fare with a focus on local beef and preparation over the wood-burning grill.¹³

   

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is generally positive regarding the atmosphere, service, and concept, though reviews on the food can vary:

• Praise: Customers frequently praise the ambiance (historic, rustic, cozy), the excellent service, and the quality of the cocktails at the bar.¹⁴ Many find the focus on local ingredients and the Nordic inspiration exciting and well-executed.

   

• Criticism/Notes: Some early feedback noted a lack of “big flavors” or “wow moments” in entrées, or occasionally found the portion sizes petite for the price, though later reviews suggest improvements after chef changes.¹⁵ Overall, it is highly regarded as a strong candidate for lunch and a fine-dining experience in the North Loop.¹⁶

   

Significant Events

While specific historical moments are tied to the Hewing Hotel’s use as a warehouse (built in 1897), the restaurant itself is a host for contemporary culinary and social events:¹⁷

• Themed Dinners: The restaurant has hosted special events like Butcher’s Dinners and family-style dinners led by guest chefs, focusing on specific local farms and nose-to-tail butchery.¹⁸

   

• Holiday Buffets: Events like the Thanksgiving Buffet are regular annual offerings.¹⁹

   

• Hewing Hotel Events: Being inside the Hewing Hotel, Tullibee benefits from the hotel’s frequent events, including social gatherings, receptions, weddings, and business meetings utilizing the various event spaces (like the Private Dining Room and Commissioner Boardroom).²⁰

   

Location and Contact Information

Social Media:

Tullibee’s updates and news are generally shared through the Hewing Hotel’s channels:

• Hewing Hotel Website: https://hewinghotel.com/ (Look for the “Tullibee” or “Dining” sections)