New bar and grill to replace Joe Senser’s in Eagan
Renovations have begun on the former Joe Senser’s building. A new restaurant, Lone Oak Grill, is set to open July 30 at 3010 Eagandale Place in Eagan. - Photo by Jessica Harper
The former Joe Senser’s restaurant building in Eagan likely won’t be vacant much longer. Local restaurateur Joel Lehman plans to revive the site at 3010 Eagandale Place with a new bar and grill.
“I’m really excited about it,” Lehman said. “I think it will make a positive impact on the neighborhood, which has really wanted something since Senser’s closed.”
Lehman has owned the property since 1999 and decided to open a new restaurant after Senser’s closed last November. Representatives for Senser’s said at the time the restaurant closed due to the tough economy.
The closure followed charges against owner Joe Senser’s wife, Amy, who was convicted May 4 in the hit-and-run death of a man in Minneapolis.
The new restaurant, Lone Oak Grill, isn’t Lehman’s first culinary venture. For the past 13 years, he has owned and operated Trattoria Da Vinci, an Italian eatery in St. Paul’s Lowertown.
Although Lone Oak will be a bar and grill, it won’t be a sports bar like its predecessor.
Lehman said he believes the restaurant — located off Interstate 35E and Lone Oak Road — will thrive due to its high-quality menu and family-friendly atmosphere.
Lone Oak’s menu will have a combination of classic American bar favorites such as burgers and fries, and comfort foods such as smoked brisket and barbecue ribs.
The eatery will also serve lighter options such as fish tacos, salads and wraps.
Renovations are underway and once complete on July 30 the restaurant will include an 80-seat outdoor patio, bocce ball courts and a modern design.
Eagan city officials are eager to have a new business fill the empty building.
“It’s great to see that space reopen and provide some service to the community,” said Jon Hohenstein, community development director.
The new restaurant also comes as good news to the nearby Hampton Inn, which once relied on Joe Senser’s for its room service.
“We’re excited for it to open,” said Chris Retterath, general manager of the Hampton Inn in Eagan.
