
Stellar 181 Taphouse will be opening its doors, this Saturday July 31st, at 120 North Broadway, in historic downtown Spring Valley, MN. After being delayed due to COVID-19, Stellar 181 will offer local and area residents a fun, relaxed place to gather, explore some unique chef-prepared food offerings, and enjoy one of 20 tap craft beers, or a selection of seltzer, wines, and cocktails from around the tri-state area.
“With COVID, this has taken a lot longer than we initially planned,” admits Alex Slifka, who owns the new venture with his wife Jenn. “This weekend will be a soft-opening limited to craft beers only, and just two of our feature menu items, the street tacos and brats, but we are excited to finally be able to sit at the bar and have a beer!”
Stellar 181 Taphouse is the latest venture of local entrepreneurs Alex and Jenn Slifka, who own four adjacent buildings along Broadway including those that house Chateau de Chic, Chic by Chateau, Some Like It Hot Cakes and Catering, and now Stellar 181 Taphouse. All four of these businesses are connected via the original, late 1800’s walk-through doorways. “It really provides an inviting and unique experience,” says Chris Hahn, EDA Director for Spring Valley. “Once you enter, you can get your hair done, shop for clothes and gifts, grab a coffee and a sweet treat, or pull up a seat at the bar for a meal and local craft beer, all without walking back out the door.”
“Alex and I love trying new and interesting beers,” says Jenn Slifka, “but in our area, you have to go to a brewery for that experience. We are trying to create a place where people can try a variety of beers from different local breweries all in one place!”
The idea of Stellar 181 came about as a way for Alex Slifka, a contractor and wood craftsman, to spend a little more time near home doing something he truly enjoys. Alex has experience in the restaurant industry both in operations and as part of the team of craftsmen that have created many of Southeastern Minnesota’s popular restaurants and micro-brewery spaces. When the chance to purchase the fourth building in the row presented itself, the Slifka’s seized the opportunity. The result is a beautifully renovated, historic 1880’s building with original wood flooring and tin ceilings, combined with new, custom-built furniture and fixtures creating a warm relaxed space to enjoy with friends. “This is what happens when a carpenter wants his own bar,” jokes Alex, as he stands in the middle of the new space, looking at all the little details still needing attention, “there is even a little space out back for a small patio,” he adds.
In addition to the vast selection of local beers, seltzers, and wines, Stellar 181 Taphouse will also provide a full menu of chef-created, chef-prepared food. “We are excited to share our new menu items with the community.” adds Jenn, stating that hiring a chef and creating a truly unique menu was a priority from the start. “We want to offer a unique experience with fresh and exciting menu options, and of course we will have craft beer recommendations to pair with many of the menu items,” she adds with a smile, “Good food, good drinks, and a great atmosphere!”
Stellar 181 Taphouse will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 3:00 PM to close, and will offer a full food menu, with craft beer pairings. Make sure to like and follow them on Facebook at (1) Stellar 181 Taphouse | Facebook to stay up to date with the latest beer selections, menu offerings, and schedule of events, or contact Stellar 181 Taphouse via phone at 507-208-1621.