First Look: Inside Ava, North Loop's two-story lounge and "modern discotheque"

When Ava debuts in the North Loop on Wednesday, the two-story bar, lounge, and eatery will have no shortage of disco balls.

Zoom in: The former Stilheart Distillery space on Third Avenue has been transformed into a swanky ground-floor lounge with an exclusive "modern discotheque" dance floor in the basement.

• Owner Ben Taheri, who previously ran the now-shuttered North Loop spots The Tangiers and Hennepin Steam Room, told Axios he aims to offer a sophisticated yet energetic venue for those looking for a middle ground between the neighborhood's quiet speakeasies and the bars with younger demographics.

What to expect: Small bites from STEPCHLD and Parcelle chef Kamal Mohamed, space for multiple DJs with different genres of music on each floor, and glittering pink walls in the basement partially inspired by Chino Latino's exterior façade, Taheri said.

• The ground floor will be open daily for walk-ins, but the basement is only available Thursday through Saturday and requires reservations for a table.

In other restaurant news...

🍸 After closing in 2020, Du Nord 's cocktail room will finally return this fall — with a twist. The local spirits brand will reopen the bar in the historic Coliseum Building alongside Lagniappe, a New Orleans restaurant by the Du Nord team, Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine reports .

🍔 Two Bachelor Farmer alumni are teaming up to open Le Burger, a French-inspired burger restaurant in Linden Hills, according to the Star Tribune . Expect lunch and dinner counter service and an early fall opening.

🌯 The former Birchwood Cafe in Seward is now home to Darling, a café from the owners of People's Organic who also served as Prince's personal chefs. Menu items include breakfast burritos, Dutch babies, sandwiches, and specialty coffees.

🥞 Calling all brunch fanatics: Hope Breakfast Bar's fourth location just opened in Edina near Centennial Lakes Park, per the restaurant's Instagram .