Red Cow restaurant adding location in Rochester

First, we added a Purple Goat. Next, Rochester will welcome a Red Cow.

The Twin Cities eatery, known for its “gourmet” burgers and craft beverages, announced Thursday its plans to anchor the retail portion of the 14-story Berkman building, next to St. Marys Hospital.

The 6,000-square-foot restaurant — set to open in February 2022 — will be the fifth location for husband-and-wife owners Luke Shimp and Tracy Bachul, and the first outside of the Twin Cities metro area.

“We’re excited to bring Red Cow to Rochester and can’t wait to welcome the community into our new restaurant,” said Shimp. “Our neighbors will have a place to hang out, grab drinks at the bar, and enjoy a delicious meal. We hope it becomes the go-to neighborhood spot and convenient for those working in the area to get takeout.”

The new Rochester location will offer 130 indoor seats, 50 patio seats, and “plenty of available parking,” according to a news release. The food menu will feature burgers, salads, and sandwiches. The bar will offer craft cocktails, local spirits, 40 beers on tap, and a selection of fine wines.

In coming down Highway 52 to Rochester, Red Cow will compete with the likes of Hot Chip and Newt’s for the title of the city’s best burger. Red Cow has twice been voted “Best Burger” by Mpls/St. Paul Magazine.

Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.