New Kingfield Tapas Bar To Have Patio, Late Hours

Tuesday, the Minneapolis City Council's business regulations committee gave the nod to a proposed Kingfield tapas bar. By a unanimous vote, it approved a liquor license for the hotly-anticipated business.

Rincon 38 is planned for the corner of 38th Street and Grand Avenue South, next to Sugar Sugar Candy.

In an interview Patch did with owner Hector Ruiz—the chef behind Cafe Ena—in January, the restaurant takes its inspiration from Spanish bars that help Iberians bridge the long gap between the traditional 3 p.m. lunch and 10 p.m. dinner times. The dishes at these establishments are on the smaller end, and are usually washed down with a glass of wine, he said. A draft menu he gave Patch suggested the establishment will serve mix of traditional fare and creative adaptations of Spanish flavors.

According to Ruiz's liquor license application, Rincon 38 will have seating for 32, plus a 16-seat patio looking out on 38th Street. The patio will close at 10 p.m. most nights, and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, but the establishment will stay open until 1 a.m. every night. Rincon 38 will also be open for lunch, starting at 11 a.m.

At Tuesday's hearing, city business licensing manager Grant Wilson said the restaurant's beer- and wine-only license mandates only 30 percent of its profits can come from alcohol sales, presumably limiting any late-night noise.

Even in the normally dry world of business regulations, Rincon 38 has generated a lot of enthusiasm.

"I'm very excited to move approval of this application," said Kingfield's City Councilmember Elizabeth Glidden (Ward 8), a thrill evident in her voice. "I know this is eagerly anticipated by the neighborhood," she added.