Cozy, rustic lodge offers made-from-scratch comfort food

PRESCOTT — Two Rivers Lodge Bar & Grill opened April 12 in Prescott and is off to a busy start, and co-owner Matthew Hoerning couldn’t be more pleased.

“The turnout thus far has been unbelievable,” Hoerning said. “The amount of people who have come through since our grand opening has far exceeded my expectations. Prescott has shown up for this place!”

He and the staff are overwhelmed with how much positive feedback they’ve received. Hoerning, who has worked in restaurants all over the Twin Cities for the past 20 years, said he’s never been in a community where people are as easy-going and approachable as in Prescott.

“It goes without saying that a few mistakes were made during our first week, but even the guests on the receiving end of the mistakes have been so cool,” he said.

The owners of Two Rivers, located at 117 Broad St. in the former Pilot House building, have transformed the space into an inviting, cozy, rustic lodge-themed restaurant, complete with an expansive bar, cow-hide printed booths, rustic furniture, toe-tapping décor and a stone fireplace.

“You would never even know you’re still in Prescott,” said Prescott Chamber Coordinator Casey Johnson.

The wide, expansive windows and garage doors open out onto the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the inspiration for the name. Guests can watch boaters glide on the water and hear nostalgic whistles as trains chug by.

“We collaborated as a group to determine the best layout for the building and each had our own part in the design concept,” Hoerning said. “(Owner) Tom and his wife, Barb, are the driving forces behind the décor. They spend a lot of time shopping both in antique stores and online to find pieces that match our brand.”

Two Rivers is owned by Hoerning, who grew up in rural Prescott but now resides in Hudson; Michael Tupa, of Stillwater; Thomas Tomaro, of Stillwater; and David Gram, of Ellsworth.

The group owns a few locations together as a group, such as Smilin’ Moose in Hudson, but also owns businesses separate from one another.

The group had its eye on the Pilot House / Boat Drinks building for several years. Once the opportunity to purchase it came along, it was an easy choice for them. The renovations took about two years.

“No other building offers the amount of western exposure at the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers,” Hoerning said. “We consider ourselves extremely lucky to be able to offer such beautiful views from all over the restaurant.”

As for the menu, Hoerning credits Tupa with the madefrom- scratch selections. Customers can dig into a “Mom’s Pot Roast” comfort food plate, or sample “Bacon Candy” or French-Canadian Poutine before teasing their tastebuds with a fresh, Angus-certified specialty burger.

“Mike spent many hours in test kitchens preparing items for this menu,” Hoerning said. “Personally, I love our walleye dinner entrée, our ribs, the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and the Sriracha Chicken Bites.”

The chefs spent hours picking menu items to offer something for every palate, Hoerning added. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

To wash down your meal, you can choose from 24 beers on tap, which focus on Wisconsin and Minnesota brews, with a few exceptions. Hoerning also recommends the made-from-scratch Bloody Marys, garnished with applewood smoked bacon, a beef stick, pepperoncini, spicy pickles, olive, celery and lime. But if Bloodys and beer aren’t your thing, and fruity is more your style, sip on a Dragonberry Mojito or a Blackberry Margarita.

For those wishing to reminisce, Hoerning encourages them to be on the lookout for framed photos, signs and decorative pieces preserved from the Pilot House.

Boat Drinks, located in the lower level, has had a face lift, but is still the place people remember and love, Hoerning said. The face lift includes new TVs, flooring, bathrooms, sound system, lighting, tables and bar top.

“Junior is still in charge at Boat Drinks,” Hoerning said. “We are still cooking tons of shrimp and oysters, and the same awesome clientele has stuck with us throughout the construction process.”

As summer approaches, Hoerning said Two Rivers is looking to hire more people. They currently employ about 65. Stay tuned for a possible patio expansion as well, Hoerning said. To peruse the menu or learn more about Two Rivers, visit tworiversbar.com or call 715-262-2248. They are open 2:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays.

Photo by Sarah Nigbor

Photo by Sarah Nigbor

Photo by Sarah Nigbor

Workers make finishing touches on the exterior of Two Rivers Lodge Bar & Grill, facing the river, on Thursday, April 15.

A stone fireplace warms up the dining room at Two Rivers Lodge Bar & Grill in Prescott. The rustic décor makes visitors feel like they’re in a Northwoods retreat.