Rueb ‘N’ Stein continued from previous page. “We’re getting a new menu in a few months,” he says. “With more healthy choices, and expanding the salad choices.” Joe’s wife, Jodi, is the force behind much of the tasty fare that’s found at the Rueb now. A former full-time waitperson, “she spends more time in the kitchen now then in the front of the house,” Joe explains. Indeed, Jodi’s responsible for the delicious homemade soups, though Joe promises that the shift to healthy food options poses no danger to the Rueb ‘N’ Stein’s mainstays: its hearty Rueb and the iconic Grundy burger, regularly voted Northfield’s best in local polls. These rib-sticking, mouth-watering indulgences are here to stay. And as an anniversary special, Tuesdays throughout the year will offer two-for-one deals on the Grundy. Beyond the food and the convivial, family-friendly atmosphere, the Rueb’s upstairs live-music and dance floor holds a treat for townsfolk in February, when the well-loved Big Wu (see cover) comes to play on Feb. 11 at 9pm. This Minnesota-based rock and roll jam band is celebrating its own 20th anniversary, and guarantees an evening of excellent rock and equally excellent guitar licks from another Grundhoefer – son Mark, a well-known musician himself.
“Mark just started playing with the Wu,” Joe says, smiling. “A couple of band members are Northfielders – it’s a great band and will be a great event.” Any other musicians in the family? “Dad,” Joe answers. “He plays the piano!” Thirty years can pass in a heartbeat, in the blink of the proverbial eye. And a new owner who’s also a lifelong Northfielder can take a couple of older businesses and blend them seamlessly into one happy and welcoming establishment, creating a place that feels like it’s been here forever. As the great Dorothy Gale might say, “There’s no place like home.”
Grueb’s Restaurants, Inc
503 Division St., Northfield www.ruebnstein.com • 507/645-6691 • 11am-close Great burgers and famous Ruebens. Casual relaxing atmosphere. Huge selection of imported and domestic beers, fine spirits and wines. Game room, happy hour 3:30-6pm, Karaoke most Fridays at 9pm.
The Corner Bar and its neighbors, 1969. J Grundy’s Rueb ‘N’ Stein today.
“Living” Electric Theater: Cinema Emerges in Northfield Sunday, February 26, 2:00-4:00pm Weitz Center for Creativity, Carleton College
For more information please call the Northfield Historical Society at 507-645-9268 Co-sponsored by:
Northfield Historical Society, Carleton’s Humanities Center, Department of Cinema & Media Studies, Northfield News, KYMN Radio Downtown Northfield was once home to an astonishing number of movie houses known as “electric theaters.” Carol Donelan, Associate Professor of Cinema and Media Studies at Carleton College, accompanied by a stellar cast of musicians and performers, re-creates a “living” electric theater based on historical evidence, guiding viewers through an entertaining program of short silent films accompanied by live music and sound effects and other attractions specific to the
era. Come experience the movies as they once were.
Free and open to the public 32 NEG@northfieldguide.com
© NORTHFIELD ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE