Beloved Uptown Restaurant Closing, Citing 'City-Specific Mandates'

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A well-known and beloved Uptown restaurant that has been part of the neighborhood for more than a decade is closing its doors later this month, with its owners citing a mix of economic pressures and local challenges.

The Lowry, which opened in 2011, will close April 26, according to a statement from Blue Plate Restaurant Company.

Subscribe

“It is with sadness that we announce the closing of The Lowry,” the company said. “Unfortunately, multiple compounding issues over several years have made business at The Lowry unsustainable.”

Among the factors cited were “city-specific mandates,” rising costs, changing consumer habits, and the prolonged reconstruction of Hennepin Avenue, which has disrupted access and traffic in the area.

“The business cannot recover,” the company said.

The Lowry employs nearly 50 workers. Blue Plate Restaurant Company said all employees will be offered opportunities at its other restaurant locations.

Located in the heart of Uptown, The Lowry has long been a neighborhood staple, known for its burgers, oysters, and extensive whiskey selection. Its closure adds to a growing list of restaurants that have shuttered in the area in recent years amid shifting dining patterns and ongoing redevelopment.

Blue Plate Restaurant Company operates several restaurants across the Twin Cities, including The Freehouse in Minneapolis’ North Loop, Longfellow Grill along the Mississippi River, Groveland Tap in St. Paul’s Mac-Groveland neighborhood, and Highland Grill in St. Paul.

The company previously operated Edina Grill, which closed in September 2025.