The Rack Bar & Grill Comes to Burnsville

When Kevin Martinez was scouting for a home for the Rack Bar & Grill, the veteran restauranteur said the building that housed the former Timber Lodge Steakhouse in Burnsville seemed like an ideal location.

The building, 13050 Aldrich Ave., had a woodsy motif under Timber Lodge, similar to the deer head logo and hunting and fishing theme that Martinez had in mind for Rack Bar & Grill. Another plus: He had previously worked in Burnsville and was familiar with the area, Martinez said.

The Rack debuted three weeks ago, offering a varied menu which includes appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, ribs and seafood platters. "We have a little bit of everything," Martinez said. "We didn't try to reinvent the wheel, but just make it realliy good food." 

Martinez added the Rack has endeavored to keep down prices so that customers can afford to visit the restaurant once or twice a week, rather than only once a month. Most menu items are priced between $5 and $20. 

One exception: a wings special. You can get 50 pieces of wings for $34.99, said Martinez, whose 25 years in the restaurant industry include stints at Hooters, Champps and the St. Paul Landmark Brewing Co.  

Whatever your favorite food, the Rack is planning a grand opening celebration on Halloween, Martinez said. Customers who come wearing a Halloween costume that day will get a 20 percent discount on their meal, he said. 

The restaurant building is nearly 7,500 square feet; the Rack has a staff of 60 to 64 employees.