Nestled in the heart of Bloomington, Minnesota, Hazelwood Food and Drink has become a local sensation for food enthusiasts seeking an elevated casual dining experience. With its warm ambiance and creative take on American classics, this restaurant brings a fresh perspective to the Twin Cities dining scene.
From sizzling wood-fired steaks to handcrafted cocktails that’ll make taste buds dance, Hazelwood’s menu strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. The restaurant’s modern industrial design, complemented by cozy wood accents, creates an inviting atmosphere that’s ideal for both special occasions and casual meetups.
A Modern American Restaurant in Bloomington
Hazelwood Food and Drink brings elevated casual dining to Bloomington’s bustling dining scene. The restaurant combines contemporary American cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors.
Location and Atmosphere
Located at 8150 26th Avenue in Bloomington, Hazelwood Food and Drink sits in a prime spot near the Mall of America. The restaurant offers convenient access from Interstate 494 with ample parking space for guests. Large windows flood the space with natural light during daytime hours, creating an open dining environment. The outdoor patio provides additional seating during warmer months, featuring comfortable furniture and subtle lighting for evening dining.
Design and Ambiance
The interior showcases a modern industrial aesthetic with exposed brick walls and steel beams balanced by warm wood elements. Custom light fixtures cast a soft glow throughout the dining room, while leather booths and handcrafted tables create intimate dining spaces. The open-concept kitchen adds energy to the atmosphere, allowing diners to watch chefs prepare meals at the wood-fired grill. A central bar area features copper accents and glass displays, serving as a focal point for the restaurant’s craft cocktail program.
The Culinary Experience at Hazelwood
Hazelwood Food and Drink delivers an elevated dining experience through its contemporary American cuisine. The menu combines traditional comfort food with innovative culinary techniques, creating distinctive flavor profiles that satisfy diverse palates.
Signature Menu Items
The wood-fired grill produces expertly prepared steaks, including a 14-oz ribeye seasoned with house-made steak butter. Popular entrées feature the maple-glazed salmon, pan-seared walleye, hearth-roasted chicken. The menu highlights include bacon-wrapped meatloaf, citrus-glazed brussels sprouts, truffle parmesan fries. House-made specialties incorporate locally sourced ingredients into dishes like the roasted beet salad, braised short rib pasta, wild mushroom flatbread. The kitchen crafts fresh daily soups, artisanal pizzas from the stone hearth oven.
Craft Cocktails and Wine Selection
The bar program showcases handcrafted cocktails using premium spirits, fresh-squeezed juices, house-made syrups. Signature drinks include the Smoked Old Fashioned with bourbon, maple syrup, aromatic bitters. The wine list features 30+ varieties by the glass from renowned regions across California, France, Italy. Local craft beers rotate seasonally on 12 tap lines, highlighting Minnesota breweries. The bar staff creates seasonal cocktail menus that incorporate fresh herbs, spices, fruits. Happy hour specials run Monday through Friday from 3-6 PM, offering discounted drinks, appetizers.
Events and Private Dining Options
Hazelwood Food and Drink accommodates private events in three distinct spaces: The Wine Room, The Patio, and The Main Dining Room. The Wine Room hosts intimate gatherings for 12 to 30 guests, featuring temperature controlled wine displays and custom lighting. The Patio welcomes 20 to 60 guests in a seasonal outdoor setting with firepits and comfortable seating. The Main Dining Room adapts for larger celebrations of 40 to 100 guests.
Corporate events benefit from audiovisual equipment including:
- Wireless microphones
- LCD projectors
- Drop-down screens
- High speed WiFi access
Custom event menus showcase Hazelwood’s signature items:
- Plated multi course dinners
- Family style service options
- Buffet style presentations
- Passed hors d’oeuvres stations
Private dining packages include:
- Dedicated event coordinator
- Customizable table arrangements
- Full bar service capabilities
- Specialty linen options
- Complimentary valet parking
Event booking periods span:
| Time Slot | Availability |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | 7am – 11am |
| Lunch | 11am – 4pm |
| Dinner | 4pm – 11pm |
| Weekend | Full day |
The restaurant accepts event reservations up to 12 months in advance with a signed contract and deposit. Each private space maintains the restaurant’s modern industrial aesthetic while offering sound isolation for speeches and presentations.
Service and Hospitality Standards
Hazelwood Food and Drink implements rigorous service protocols that emphasize guest satisfaction at every touchpoint. Staff members undergo comprehensive training in food knowledge menu preparation techniques hospitality standards. The service team maintains constant communication through digital platforms ensuring seamless coordination between the kitchen front of house operations.
Table service follows a structured timing system:
- Guests receive water service within 2 minutes of seating
- Drink orders arrive within 5 minutes
- Food orders process within 3 minutes of completion
- Quality checks occur within 2 bites of meal delivery
The restaurant employs a team-based service approach:
- Dedicated servers manage specific sections
- Food runners expedite hot dishes immediately
- Beverage specialists craft cocktails to order
- Support staff maintains dining room cleanliness
Quality control measures include:
- Daily pre-shift meetings to review specials
- Regular menu knowledge assessments
- Monthly service standard evaluations
- Guest feedback integration systems
The hospitality program features distinctive touches:
- Personalized greeting at host stand
- Dietary accommodation protocols
- Special occasion recognition
- Detailed wine service procedures
| Certification Type | Completion Rate |
|---|---|
| Food Safety | 100% |
| Wine Knowledge | 85% |
| Allergen Training | 100% |
| Cocktail Service | 90% |
Local Impact and Community Presence
Hazelwood Food and Drink strengthens Bloomington’s culinary landscape through active community partnerships. The restaurant collaborates with local farmers to source seasonal ingredients, including produce from Riverbend Farm in Delano Minnesota and artisanal cheeses from Shepherd’s Way Farms.
Local employment initiatives create 75+ jobs for Bloomington residents, contributing to the area’s economic growth. The restaurant’s partnership with Normandale Community College’s culinary program provides internship opportunities for aspiring chefs.
| Community Engagement Metrics | Impact |
|---|---|
| Local Suppliers | 15+ |
| Annual Charity Events | 8 |
| Jobs Created | 75+ |
| Student Internships | 12/year |
Community outreach programs include:
- Monthly food donations to Second Harvest Heartland
- Participation in Bloomington Restaurant Week
- Support for Mall of America Foundation events
- Sponsorship of local youth sports teams
The restaurant’s sustainability practices benefit the local environment through:
- Energy efficient kitchen equipment
- Water conservation systems
- Waste reduction programs
- Composting partnership with SET Commercial Services
Hazelwood’s presence boosts neighboring businesses by attracting diners to the area, creating a dining destination that complements Mall of America traffic. Regular participation in local business associations reinforces its role in Bloomington’s hospitality sector.
Hottest Restaurant Spot
Hazelwood Food and Drink stands as a cornerstone of Bloomington’s dining scene offering an exceptional blend of ambiance service and culinary excellence. Its thoughtfully designed space welcoming atmosphere and dedication to quality make it a standout destination for both locals and visitors.
From private dining options to community involvement Hazelwood has created more than just a restaurant – it’s established a gathering place where memorable experiences come to life. Whether stopping by for happy hour enjoying a special celebration or hosting an event guests can expect nothing less than an outstanding dining experience at this Bloomington gem.