My family’s favorite restaurant, Agra Culture Kitchen, was on the corner of 50th and Ewing in Edina, Minnesota. I was devastated when the space went up for sale in the summer of 2024. I patiently waited to see what would fill this gaping hole in my heart. I hoped a new, kick-ass restaurant would take over this beloved location and continue its legacy. Enter Dexter’s, the new, contemporary American, burger-loving restaurant! I visited the new restaurant this month, and now tell you all about it!
The Moody, Warm Ambiance of Dexter’s
Walking into Dexter’s, you see an open kitchen and contemporary restaurant with Scandinavian woodwork, warm fabrics and candlelight. My friend and I sat at a cute table with two soft, comfortable chairs. We had been sitting for less than 30 seconds when the warmest, kindest waiter came over, welcomed us, and gave us the rundown on how people order– pick a burger or sandwich and choose your sides separately. We immediately felt comfortable, welcomed, and excited to try the menu.
The Menu
Dexter’s drinks
My friend ordered an old-fashioned, their favorite, which they said was fabulous. I had the Naked in Tulum, a confection of mezcal, mandarin, tangerine, Aperol, genepi, lime, and Ancho Verde. Bright orange and served in a coupe glass, I might as well have been on the beaches of Tulum, enjoying a sunset. I would try The Louie, made of raspberry, hibiscus, lemon, and seltzer, for those looking for a non-alcoholic beverage but still wanting something different.
Mains
It was a huge challenge to pick from the list of delicious burgers. Still, I chose the deliciously fresh Truffle Mushroom Burger with a double-smashed wagyu pattie, pickled shimeji, mushroom pate, fontina cheese, and truffle mayo. There was a surprise with Madeira jus dip! The presentation was fabulous, and with the generous burger layers, I could taste the richness of the patty, the sweetness of the mushrooms, the richness of the fontina, and the sweet bite of Madeira jus.
Fun and surprising side dishes
Now for the sides, I am a sucker for a cheese curd, and Dexter’s cheese curds were powdered with cheddar and a side of ketchup. The cheese curds were soft inside, with a fresh crunch and a side of ketchup; this Midwest classic was a great contrast to the sweet burger.
Now for two words I never thought I’d see together—potato and waffle. I’ve never been so happy to see two of my favorite foods in this delectable dish. Dexter’s serves its potato waffles in semicircle slices, surrounding a dollop of dill sour cream in an ice cream dish.
A girl’s night at Dexter’s
My friend had the Dexter, the classic American burger. It is stacked with a double-smashed wagyu, covered in American cheese, with dill pickles, sharp red onions and dijonaise dressing on a fresh, fluffy hamburger bun. As a true classicist, my friend ordered the Tallow Fries, a stack of thin, fresh, and hot frites in a vintage malt glass with ketchup and kewpie (a Japanese-style mayonnaise) on the sides. She loved it all.
My overall review of Dexter’s
Does Dexter’s bring value?
In a perfect world, Dexter’s would be a great place to take someone on a first date, celebrate an anniversary, have a friend’s night out or have a small family get-together.
Location:
While I appreciate a tasty restaurant replacing my old water hole, Red Cow is another American burger staple a stone’s throw away. It’s another place with a menu of burger options and, in my opinion, more adventurous plates.
Would I return?
Yes, I am going to return. I’ll probably take my brother, whose favorite food group is burgers.
Is there another restaurant I’d recommend in the Minneapolis-St.Paul Minnesota?
For the most unique experience, I would recommend Owamni.
Have you tried Dexter’s?
Let me know what you think or if you have more recommendations below. Don’t forget to share this blog with your friends!
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