First look: Harriet's Hamburgers will open its first sit-down restaurant at The Bowl at Ballantyne

Harriet's Hamburgers will open at The Bowl at Ballantyne on Aug. 20.

Why it matters: Harriet's Hamburgers first opened at Optimist Hall four years ago serving only burgers and fries . The menu at its first standalone restaurant will have far more options, including Minneapolis favorites.

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The vibe: Similar to its Optimist Hall food stall, the Ballantyne restaurant is reminiscent of a diner from the 1950s and 1960s, with a modern touch.

• The 1,600-square-foot diner has indoor seating, plus an outdoor patio with green space.

After you order at the counter, you'll be given a number. A server will bring your food to you. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Dig in: In addition to the "OG Hamburger," they're making seasonal favorites permanent. "The Royale" burger, for example, is typically available at Optimist Hall only in the summer.

• The "Jucy Lucy" burger, previously a secret menu item, is now a mainstay. It's a nod to one owner's Minneapolis roots and made with a patty stuffed with cheesy center, pickles and a classic bun. Another Minneapolis menu item is the cheese curds, made Minnesota State Fair style.
• Kids can order a "Happiness Meal," their version of McDonald's Happy Meal. It comes with a hamburger, fries or apple chips, soda or juice and a prize.
• To drink, there's Boylan's all-natural craft soda, agua fresca (housemade juice), beer, frosé and bubbly.

The "OG Hamburger," with double patty, white American cheese, pickles, onions and their secret "simple sauce." Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios "The Royale" — double patty, yellow American cheese, Parkerhouse bun, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions, good good sauce. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios The Happiness Meal comes with crayons, a coloring book, and a pull tab that reveals a prize. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Zoom out: Harriet's joins a slew of recent openings at The Bowl, including OMB , Postino WineCafe , Honey Suckle Gelato, North Italia and Flower Child .

• Other businesses opening soon at The Bowl include: Bossy Beulah's , Rooster's , Solidcore, Arrow Cuts and Shaves , Dry Bar, Hawkers, Salty Donut and Fly Kid Fly, a coffee shop by the owners of HEX .

Honeydew cucumber and watermelon basil agua frescas. Flavors will change seasonally. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Stop by: 15109 Bowl St.

• Open 11am-9pm Sunday-Thursday and 11am-10pm Friday and Saturday.

What's next: Harriet's Hamburgers will open two more locations , one in Concord later this year and another in Matthews in 2025.

Look at that cheese curd pull! Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

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