A New Pasta Bar Just Opened in Hopkins, Minnesota – Here’s Why I Needed to Try It ASAP

Last month, a brand new pasta bar opened in delightful downtown Hopkins, Minnesota - right next door to one of my favorite coffee shops, Cream and Amber. As a lover of both Italian food and Hopkins, I thought it was my duty to try it as soon as possible. It initially opened as "Bar Siena" - with signage and everything - but within a couple weeks of opening, the restaurant changed its name to Hendrix and Siena, as a nod to the owners' twin children. Regardless of its name, it's an Italian restaurant in Minnesota that should definitely be on your radar.

For anyone familiar with the building's previous appearance, Hendrix and Siena's curb appeal cannot be overstated. The exterior is now a warm coral hue that evokes the colors I think of when I recall Tuscany. Large new windows and doors create a welcoming atmosphere, even on the outside, and pressed concrete cobbles add a touch of whimsy to the entrances.

The dining room is as warm and inviting as the exterior. With a style that's more modern than I expected from the outside - and frankly, I'm glad the owners sidestepped Italian kitsch. The space was intimate, but the seating was not stacked one on top of another. I felt our table offered plenty of privacy for conversation. It is worth noting, however, that when the dining room is full, it can be a bit cacophonous, making it somewhat hard to hear.

Even so, the conversation was had, and dinner started off superbly. I ordered the Pocket Full of Horse, which is the restaurant's take on an old-fashioned, and was not disappointed. For an appetizer, we shared the lemony beans, which is one of the house specialties. It's fava beans in a lemon marinade with broccolini and shaved Grana Padano, and I really enjoyed them.

Ordering our main courses was the only snag in the evening. My companion opted for the chicken parmesan. When I asked for the pappardelle alla Lisa, however, I was told they had run out - which is fine, I know it happens. The server handed a menu back to me and said he'd return. We waited nearly 15 minutes for him to come back and take our order (concerned that they may run out of something else in the meantime). As he chatted with a couple, he appeared to know a few tables down from us.

He did eventually return, though, and I ordered the lasagna duefoglie, with wild mushrooms, fontina, and fennel pollen. When it arrived, it defied my concept of lasagna, as it was neither layered, oozing with melted cheese, nor slathered in red sauce. Rather, it was rich, savory, and delicious. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms were perfectly complemented by the salty sweetness of the fontina, and the delicate sheet of pasta was the ideal vessel for the dish.

My dining companion's chicken parmesan was just the right balance of crispy and juicy. Topped with parmesan and tomato chili crips, it even offered a little heat to go with its tasty richness. The two dishes were great for sharing, with the pasta and chicken playing nicely off one another.

We topped off our meal with the tapioca budino, a dessert that was rich in flavor but not all that heavy. So, it was a lovely little cherry on top of our decadent dinner.

I definitely plan to go back - I've got to try the pappardelle - and I thought the bar area looked particularly inviting for a solo visit.

Hendrix and Siena offered an elevated - especially for Hopkins - dining experience at a decent price point. It had been open less than two weeks when I visited, so I'm chalking the service glitch up to growing pains. If you enjoy Italian food, you definitely should pay a visit to Hendrix and Siena - you'll be happy you did. For hours and menu, or to make reservations (strongly recommended), check out Hendrix and Siena on the web. Combine dinner with a stay at a nearby hotel, and make it part of a weekend exploring charming and historic downtown Hopkins.

Have you had a chance to visit Hendrix and Siena? We'd love to hear about it, and be sure to tell us about some of your favorite Italian restaurants in Minnesota.