Rafters Food and Spirits Takes Over Restaurant Space at 317 Main Street

is the newest business to begin operation at 317 South Main Street in downtown Stillwater.

A location that was once popular with the locals as Trumps, St. Croix Boom Co., or more recently St Croix Crab House and the Cherry Bowl is hoping to step into good spirits with residents with revamped food and drink menus and a number of renovations to the space.

Building owner Larry Cramer and restaurant co-owner Richard LeBeau opened Rafters with the hopes of turning it back into the local hot spot it once was. The duo hope to breathe some fresh air back into the space, and once again be a valued establishment within the community.

Since Cramer bought the building six years ago, the upstairs space has hosted several different tenants, none of which seemed to be able to sustain the ever-growing nightlife while maintaining the building, he said. So it continued to change hands, until January 2011 when Cramer decided he—along with LeBeau and a transitioning staff—would take over and bring the space back to life.

Cramer said he wants Rafters "to be the Cheers of Stillwater" and couldn't help but add, "You know, where everybody knows your name."

In the short time they've had ownership, several changes have been made.

The kitchen received a complete update, the light and security system was upgraded, improvements were made to the dance floor, dining area and a new entertainment center area was established with comfy couches and free Wi-Fi, which makes it a perfect spot for a working lunch or relaxing with friends. Also new to the space is a banquet area that can accommodate groups from 12-200, one of which will have a gas fireplace and be perfect for those chilly Minnesota nights.

In addition to appearances, Rafters has increased their wine and craft beer list. They feature daily specials on food and drinks on their website, including happy hour all day on Monday and Tuesday featuring select appetizers at half price, and a new take on Thursday Ladies night.

Rafters has also revamped the food offerings. They enlisted local Chef Chad Trainor to revamp the menu, focusing on consistency while offering a wide variety of great-tasting food at reasonable prices.

"The main difference that we're doing is making more foods from scratch," Trainor said. "Over the years the menu became 90 percent frozen and reheated items, we're changing that and going with more of what I call comfort food."  

And the descriptions on the menu can be taken literally.

"For example the Rosemary Roasted Pork Chops, the rosemary really hits you," Trainor said.

The menu is full of the typical American fare offerings and boasts some signature items, such as the Rafters Loaded Nachos and Rafters Porterhouse Pork Chop. Other standouts include the Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings—big, meaty wings tossed in a perfect combination of spicy and sweet sauce.

Rafters has made some big changes—and renovations are still under way—but Cramer said he plans on maintaining full operation throughout the process, giving the local community the chance to watch the transformation from within.