Bar Brava
Wine bar · Near North ·
Natural wine bar with rotating chefs and Spanish-inspired tapas
Natural wine bar with rotating chefs and Spanish-inspired tapas
"Bar Brava’s natural wine offerings infused the Minneapolis scene with a bit of delightful funk when it opened in 2019. With a dedication to organically farmed, unfiltered, and wild-yeasted wines, this space is the Cities’ only dedicated natural wine bar — and made enough of an impression to garner a 2024 James Beard nod and a nomination in 2025. Pours range from Santa Barbara chenin blancs to French pet-nats. Wines are paired with a rotating cast of long-term guest chef residencies in the kitchen. Currently, that means modern American Chinese fare from chefs Mike Yuen and Tony Gao. Keep an eye out for weekend pop-ups on Instagram. Reservations available via Resy." - Natalia Mendez
"A Twin Cities bar that was nominated in the new Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program category but did not win the award." - Emily Venezky
"A neighborhood spot recognized as a finalist for a notable wine program." - Katherine Lawless
"Named a finalist for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program and representing Minneapolis in a national category, this spot is described as the city's only dedicated natural wine bar." - Emily Venezky
"An adventurous wine bar with a Basque-inspired small-plates focus and an offbeat presentation of wine—there’s no printed list; instead a glass case of bottles sets the tone for explorative pairings and conversation." - AFAR