Overview: Residents of the South Metro who are travelling north on Interstate-35E to the Xcel Energy Center or the Ordway can take a short detour to enjoy fresh, organic, local fare at Mendoberri Cafe and Wine Bar, nestled in The Village at Mendota Heights.

The Village has a quaint European marketplace aesthetic, which could be part of the reason the Austrian-born chef and co-owner, Robert Ulrich, chose the Mendota Heights location.

Ulrich is committed to using fresh, organic, and local ingredients and serving meat and dairy products that come from antibiotic- and hormone-free, grass-fed or pastured animals only.

Decor:  Mendoberri is bright and open and brings the outdoors in with earth tones, real wood, fresh flowers, and nature-themed murals and artwork. Families will enjoy the pint-sized kids table.

Drinks: A selection of red and white wines are available by the glass and by the bottle. The beer is on tap, which cuts down on glass waste. There's also a selection of sparkling and dessert wines.

Appetizers: Dinner hour appetizers are served on planks and accompanied by fresh greens. Flatbread pizzas, called pizettes, are especially popular and Ulrich offers a special pizette daily. A recent option featured pulled rotisserie chicken with marmalade onions, brie and roasted grapes.

Entrees: Daily specials are offered for both lunch and dinner and standard items include salads, sandwiches, steaks and seafood. Children’s menu items include fresh vegetables and a choice of  juice or organic milk.

Desserts: Customer favorites include the apple strudel and molten chocolate cake.

Signature Dish: Popular items include the Mendoberri Signature Salad (mixed greens, crispy croquettes, oranges, sherry-honey dressing—$8), Spiky Club (natural chicken-curry salad, apple-wood smoked bacon, avocado on whole wheat bread—$9.50), and  Chicken Snitzel (chicken breasts pounded thin and lightly breaded, served with vegetables, frittes, and buttermilk ranch sauce—$15.95). A special burger menu and $3 tap beer is offered every Monday beginning at 4 p.m.

Service: Counter service is from 11 a.m.—4 p.m.; Table service is available starting at 4 p.m. until close; all items are available for take-out.

Mendoberri Café and Wine Bar
730 Main Street, Mendota Heights
651-209-3270