Cafe Ena casts a warm glow on this city corner, where front yards overlap and kids ride bikes down the sidewalks. It’s an old grocer-turned- neighborhood bistro (with spice) that is cozy if cramped, urbane, and friendly. The foyer, with comfy seating and beverage service, eases the wait for a table or a spot at the bar facing the open kitchen.

Muted earth tones, dark beams, and terra cotta tiles dominate, while closely spaced leather-topped tables soften the hubbub, laughter, and clatter.

People wave to each other across the room, table hop as though at a party, and ask each other what’s good on the menu. Casual yet sexy, understated and current, there are few dresses and a lot of dressy jeans. Photos of Ena, owners Hector Ruiz and Erin Ungerman’s pretty daughter, line the walls.

Mpls. St.Paul Magazine