Manhattan-born, Millie Stallings opened Minne’s last June, introducing the city to a new proposal for American cuisine. It’s Ms. Stallings, though she’s no stranger to the restaurant business. She grew up in a family immersed in the hospitality industry and says that their love of eating and entertaining together is her inspiration for the restaurant. 

Minnie’s is located on a cute corner on Clinton Street in the Lower East Side. Where most NYC restaurants dedicate enormous sums for over-the-top interior design, Minnie’s is instead paired down and essential. Wildflowers grow in the window boxes outside. Inside the restaurant seats 42, and the interiors reference Milli’s childhood home in SoHo. It’s a relaxing space, in cool hues of grey and blue with high ceilings and exposed brick walls. A woman’s nude portrait with palms is featured over and over again—on cushions, coasters, menus and so on—throughout the restaurant. 

The Executive Chef is John Keller, who designed Minnie’s menu to reflect Stallings family recipes. Everything is about market produce and lean proteins. One instance is their Smoked Cauliflower Fritto with harissa yogurt, fresno peppers and jalapeno. The have comforting, yet healthy options like Farro Pearls with spring vegetables, mint, pine nuts and pistachio; or Roasted Half Chicken with lemon-sofrito marinade, zucchini and mushroom gravy. Again, the desserts are inspired by those made in Millie’s childhood, such as Pink Cake, a Stallings birthday staple, and cookies baked by Millie’s sister, Cooper. There is a bar, which serves cocktails like a Backyard with chamomile-infused gin, fresh lime juice and tonic. They also have an excellent choice of wines by the glass and local beers. Millie’s is open Tuesday–Sunday 6pm-12am  

29 Clinton Street, New York; T: 646.726.4245; Minniesonclinton.com

Words by Rocky Casale