(Also, in this week’s Notes of the Beat Department, see the late Chris Cornell consecrated on Craig’s List, that reference not consisting of cuisine but of actor Daniel and peers, one kinda local, in the James Bond series).

One of the newest places in town, with lots of well-known faces on staff, Pedro’s del Este, sits literally in the heart of historic downtown Hudson, boasting Latin character with a modern design. The restaurant also differs in that it features many small plate options with Spanish, Cuban and Latin influenced cuisine, desserts and craft cocktails, complimented with by all accounts, cool lounge amenities that include big, cushy chairs in many places, as well as the more standard ones, too — the only available option in most local restaurants. The relaxing, urban ambiance is perfect for a date night, happy hour, or a social get-together with friends. And being open to 1 a.m. on weekends, if gives an option that’s rare in the downtown, getting a late-night bite, and many people are choosing to sample various of the dishes available, not just one.

With their small plates specialty, if you get a craving when out on the town, you can get a quite quick, high-quality meal around midnight or after, and still be able to hit another club or two before everything in town closes down for the night.
The lounge-style restaurant gives Hudson and those who travel here, such as from the Twin Cities, a late-night opportunity in addition to — and to compliment — the existing nightclub scene, filling a longtime void while offering greater variety. Especially considering the small-plate emphasis, there’s no place like this in Hudson or the rest of the St. Croix Valley, says owner Pete Foster, despite the existence of a demand, and Pedro’s del Este hopes that will help give it its own identity.
Thusly, the atmosphere and visual appeal will be different and provide yet another option to one of Foster’s other properties, the next-door San Pedro Cafe, which has Caribbean-style cuisine with full service coursing. Pedro’s del Este, by contrast, is a combination of three other ethnic food styles, comprised of 17 items all designed to be shareable plates.
Fare with flair
Among the most popular dishes at Pedro’s del Este, which have many and varied main ingredients, include grilled ahi ceviche, empanadas, saffron-fried cauliflower and sopes. The place will also feature signature cocktails like Latin Manhattan and Cuba Argentina Libre, a not-often-seen-locally baker’s dozen craft cocktails, 12 wines by the glass, and five often fruit-infused “sweets” desserts.
The cuisine, like the design, is reflecting Spanish, Cuban and Latin influences, boasting colorful features with every bite, and may even feature a band on occasion. Whether meeting up with friends for a late or non-so-late cocktail, or having a special date and teaming it with appetizers and dessert, “you’ll leave craving more,” Foster said.
You’ll also crave what is experienced with the eyes. All of the numerous framed art pieces on the walls are either original works from local artists or photographs — both obtained during the restaurant owner’s trip to Havana, Cuba, in January 2017. You will also see paintings from the family’s many travels to Key West, FL.
The whole atmosphere is colorful, from tapestries hanging from the ceiling — which itself is adorned with bright, artistic designs — to the framework inside the ornate windows. Red brick walls flank the sides of the venue.
Foster was born and raised in Hudson and has done business here with his three well-known restaurants for more than 20 years. Pedro’s del Este completes the trifecta and was developed with the same team, many of whom provided a few weeks of hard work prior to the March opening to bring it all together, with the same standards. It is already known for its quality and attentive service, patrons say. The team that Foster gives credit to reportedly includes its Director of Restaurant Operations Susie Halverson and Del Este Executive Chef Luke Sawtell.
Pedro’s del Este, along with sister restaurants, Barker’s Bar & Grill and The San Pedro Café, want to reward loyal customers, so why not join their Loyalty Club and start earning rewards with every visit to any one of those locations. They are all within a block of one another, so consider putting a visit to more than one in your calendar. You’ll earn a point for every dollar spent at the restaurants, and on Tuesdays at the two long-running initial establishments, earn two points per dollar. For every 150 points collected, you’ll earn a $10 reward, which can be used to cover up to 50 percent of your pre-tax total on your next visit — and unlike other dining opportunities in town can be used at any of the three aformentioned locations. Just ask your server for more details.
The emphasis of the new place is to provide people a chance to come together more than they might otherwise, over cocktails or just the right size plate, and be sociable while dining out, while expanding a sense of community.
Pedro’s del Este is less then a block up Walnut Street from the main drag, kitty-corner from San Pedro. You will know it by — as being colorful is a theme — the bright lighted sign that leads you to the entrance.
The new restaurant is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from noon to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. — or later that night as the size of the crowd dictates. For the first six hours on Sundays, the venue will be serving what Foster calls an incredible brunch. (They are closed Monday and Tuesday). The space also is available to rent for events during the day and may have live music on some summer evenings, as well.