10 of the Newest Eateries in Eagan
With Eagan’s vibrant restaurant scene, it seems like there’s always something opening. In the past year, Eagan has seen 10 new dining destinations open and thrive! Want a taste of each? You’ve come to the right place.
Rack Shack BBQ
While Rack Shack isn’t new to the Metro area, it recently moved locations from Burnsville to Eagan and we couldn’t be happier to welcome the infamous barbecue hot spot to town. Featured on shows like Man v. Food Nation and voted “Best BBQ” by Kare 11, Rack Shack is known for their family-owned operation specializing in secret family recipes including their own special rub mix of 17 herbs and spices. Whether you have a hankering for ribs, brisket or want to try something different like a smoked potato (mouth-watering!), you can find it all and more at Rack Shack.
Yankee Tavern
For a real chicken enthusiast, Yankee Tavern is the new spot for you. Specializing in fried chicken (four different flavors), the former Valley Lounge space has a new look and feel that everyone will love. Yankee Tavern’s culinary style is American fare with southern influences, so it’s highly recommended to try their deep-fried pork chops or shrimp and grits. If you like to stick to a routine, Yankee Tavern has daily specials you can rely on every week including a $9.99 fish fry on Fridays or the most popular, fried chicken buffet on Sundays!
Liberty Gyros & Kabobs
Looking for the real deal when it comes to authentic Mediterranean food? Your search should end at Liberty Gyros & Kabobs. Offering a unique combination of Greek, Turkish and American platters, this cozy joint cooks everything fresh to order including falafel, gyros, Chicken and Lamb Tikka and much more. The kiddos will love munching on their homemade chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks or chicken wings. Dine in or take out, either way you’ll be satisfied!
Piada Italian Street Food
One of Central Park Common’s newest restaurants, Piada Italian Street Food, offers a delightful array of piadas (popular Italian flat bread sandwich), salads, pastas and tascas (small layered sandwich). The vision behind Piada came from a trip to Italy. Inspired by the food trucks and corner markets, their chefs decided to bring these fabulous handmade meals to the U.S. While there isn’t a bad meal on the menu, their seasonal dishes are a refreshing treat. Between the Porchetta Sandwich and the Tuscan Piada, you can’t go wrong. You simply choose your entrée, customize your protein, then add a perfectly sweet Blood Orange Pomegranate Tea and Cannoli Chips to complete your experience. Bellissimo!
Café Zupas
Another fun fast casual dining destination that has been added to Central Park Commons’ arsenal is Café Zupas. Specializing in house-made versus pre-made meals, Café Zupas offers delicious soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts that are hand-crafted recipes with quality-sourced ingredients. This is the perfect place to grab lunch between a girls’ shopping day or if you’re in between meetings. Some tried and true dishes include the Chipotle Glazed Chicken Salad, Crab Avocado Melt and the Lobster Bisque. If you’re adventurous, try a seasonal special like the Bangkok Coconut Chicken Soup. Don’t forget that each meal comes with a scrumptious chocolate covered strawberry!
R Taco
Street tacos are more than just a menu item at R Taco – they’re a specialty. The Eagan R Taco the fifth location in Minnesota making for a grand total of 15 locations in 4 states. With their mission of treating guests like family, hosting a unique & fun dining experience, and giving back to their local communities, R Taco has created a recipe for success. In addition to delicious tacos, you can order warm chips, house-made salsas, craft beers and ‘no-frills’ margaritas. With a wide variety of taco choices, this new addition to Central Park Commons is sure to have something for everyone!
Punch Neapolitan Pizza
While Punch Pizza has been a favorite throughout the Twin Cities, the city of Eagan was very excited to have the famous Neapolitan-style pizza joint open right in the heart of town. Yet another awesome addition to Central Park Commons, Punch Pizza specializes baking their pizzas in a wood-burning brick oven and is one of the few pizzerias outside of Naples, Italy to be a member of Vera Pizza Napoletana, an organization dedicated to regulating the authenticity of Neapolitan pizza. Along with the classics like the Napoli with oregano and fresh mozzarella, Punch also offers more robust choices such as the Borgata topped with sun-dried tomato, goat cheese and eggplant. Save room for a mouth-watering chocolate hazelnut panini that you may not want to share.
Naf Naf Grill
The last of the new additions to Central Park Commons is the tasty Naf Naf Grill. Popularizing the best staples of Middle Eastern food in a fast-casual setting, treat yourself to made-from-scratch pitas, hand-cut salad and freshly prepared sauces all served as an accompaniment to award-winning shawarma and falafel. Naf Naf means ‘fan the flame’, which is used an invitation for friends and family to gather and share a meal together. This is a perfect name for such a welcoming and delicious environment full of authenticity and hospitality. Customize your Naf Naf experience by picking a pita or bowl, protein, salads and garnishes and sauces. Top off your meal with a side of Naf Fries and you’ll be a part of the Naf Naf family in no time.
SotaRol
via Pioneer Press
Founded in Minnesota, hence the name ‘SotaRol’, this innovative Asian kitchen offers fresh, affordable and fast far that is sure to please any palette. Especially known for their sushi burritos, SotaRol’s menu offers gluten-friendly options, house-made dressings and kimchi, plus it’s peanut-free! While yes, the spicy salmon sushi burrito is to die for, we know some people don’t favor raw fish so go for the shrimp tempura or try the miso chicken ramen topped with a perfect hard-boiled egg. Poke bowls are all the rage and SotaRol has some amazing choices including the original with diced avocado and their famous poke sauce, or their sesame ginger poke bowl with a special sauce and pickled ginger. Order online or sit down and enjoy an authentic and new Asian dining experience!
Union 32 Craft House
For those that want a truly unique experience, head over to the new Union 32 Craft House where it’s all about Minnesota and all about beer. Featuring 32 homegrown beers, lagers and ales, Union 32’s self-serve beer wall has everyone talking and sipping. You’ll even get to interact with beer ambassadors who will educate you on your beverage choices. Along with quality brews, Union 32 also serves up delectable American dining options such as burgers, salads and wings. Guests rave about the Beercules, a burger with Andouille sausage, onion tangles and beer cheese on a pretzel bun. Yum!
