Earlier this fall, Lutsen Resort announced the opening of its newest restaurant, The Stubli, a fondue joint offering an authentic après experience on December 15, 2023. The restaurant will stay open through April 1, 2024, in the old Poplar River Pub space at Lutsen Lodge. 

Bryce Campbell, Owner of Lutsen Resort, told Boreal Community Media that the word “stubli” is expanded from “stube” (an establishment serving chiefly alcoholic beverages and especially beer), and loosely translates to “cozy room” in English. It is also a common name for fondue-style après restaurants and bars in Switzerland. 

He added that the concept for the restaurant has been in place since purchasing the resort, but the timing wasn’t right. “When we closed the Poplar River Pub with the second round of mandated closures during the pandemic, we decided at that time that we would not re-open it and instead, focus on The Strand” (another restaurant at the resort). The space has sat vacant ever since, and Campbell shared that many people have wondered why it never reopened. “The atmosphere just didn’t make sense along with the type of food served, and while many people expressed fondness for the Pub, it was often a source of complaints,” he shared. Fast forward a couple of years, and the organization has been working on redevelopment plans, including the available pub space, with a focus on launching a new restaurant in a couple of years. 

However, in June 2023, a devastating fire broke out at Papa Charlie's restaurant, resulting in a complete loss of the space. Campbell said that they knew there would be a need for additional food venues without Papa Charlie’s, and decided to fast-forward their idea to open something experience-based, social, warm, and fun. “Fondue is social for friends, romantic for couples, and a great warm-up experience. It checks all of the boxes of what we were looking at doing,” he added. 

 Lutsen Resort 

If you’re looking for details on what the food will be, you’re in luck. The Stubli will offer three fondue courses including cheese with accouterments, bourguignon (broth with burgundy wine) with cuts of filet, venison, and duck to simmer in the broth, and classic chocolate with accompanying treats, including cheesecake. An ala carte menu with European-focused appetizers and entrees that highlight schnitzels, sausages, and rosti (potatoes) will also be available.

 Beverages will include imported European beers and mulled wines, cocktails, and other options. “The menu is as authentic as it gets to the Après experience, which originated in Norway, but most certainly became known from the Alps of Switzerland, France, and Italy,” Campbell said. When asked what food item he’s most excited about, he added: “It could be because I’m Canadian, but the Jager Poutine is the best poutine I’ve ever had. Instead of gravy, it’s a port Jager sauce over duck fat fries, an absolutely amazing take on the original.”

The Stubli will open at Lutsen Resort on Friday, December 15, 2023. At this time, Campbell added that they will not be taking reservations, but if there is a waitlist, people can enjoy a drink at the bar in the lobby while they wait. 

“Future guests should think of the venue as an experience and a social concept more than a bar. It’s as much cuisine-based as it is beverages meant to complement the cuisine,” said Campbell. 

To learn more about The Stubli, visit: https://www.facebook.com/LutsenResort