The One Thing To Do in Minnesota Before the End of the Year

A beloved Twin Cities restaurant is closing its last location on December 31, 2025. After more than two decades of serving up casual French fare in a cozy setting, the owners of Salut Bar Américain have opted not to renew the lease for the building where the eatery is located. So, if you've ever enjoyed a meal or a drink at Salut—or if you've always wanted to visit but just never got there—the one thing you need to do in Minnesota before the end of the year is head to 50th and France in Edina and raise a glass to Salut.

Salut Bar Américan opened a couple of decades ago and, for most of its run, operated two locations: one on Grand Avenue in St. Paul and the 50th and France restaurant in Edina. The St. Paul location closed in early 2024 after management opted not to renew its lease, the driving factor in the decision to close the Edina location at the end of this year. Sadly, this stretch of France Avenue in Edina has seen several recent closures. The neighbor to Salut's south, Cocina del Barrio, closed in October 2025 after a 15-year run. Salut's immediate neighbor to the north, Edina Grill, shuttered in September 2025 after 26 years in its location. Of the three, though, Salut is the one that I will miss the most.

The intimate bar is a wonderful place to enjoy a glass of wine, an expertly crafted cocktail, or some of the best happy-hour bites in the city. It's often buzzing, and I imagine that over the next month, it will probably get even busier.

The dining room, though not huge, is airy but comfortable, and even when busy, it's not so loud that you can't enjoy a conversation with your tablemates. There's even a small raw bar toward the back, if you prefer to belly up for some fresh fruits de mer.

As a brasserie, Salut's menu is simple and filled with French classics and comfort food, such as steak au poivre or beef bourguignon. Monday through Thursday, enjoy "Weekdays with Julia," when Salut's kitchen features a rotating selection from Julia Child's recipes. When I stopped in just before Thanksgiving, the special was Child's savory lapin au saupiquet—tender rabbit braised in a rich brown sauce with pearl onions and mushrooms, garnished with fresh julienned carrots. I have never had a bad dish at Salut.

Now is the time to visit Salut Bar Américain in Edina for the first time or to pay your last respects—you only have until the end of 2025 to stop in. I'm certainly going to miss it—au revoir, Salut! If you're a longtime fan of Salut like me, we'd love to hear your suggestions for places people can go for similar food or a similar vibe once the eatery closes its doors. Tell us about your favorites over on our Nomination page.

When you're ready to map out your next culinary adventure in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, head over to Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner and see what it cooks up for you.