The former Agra Culture on Clevland Avenue in Highland Park has reopened as Altera, a finer-dining American restaurant.

InnerBloom Hospitality, which also owned Agra Culture, has given the space a major remodel, adding a bar and creating a cozy environment. Think funky wallpaper, warm leather and gold touches.

The dining room at Altera in Highland Park. (Courtesy of The Restaurant Project)

Chef Aaron Slavicek, who was previously the group’s chef at Layline in Excelsior and has worked for Isaac Becker at Bar La Grassa, is heading the kitchen and putting out dishes with worldly influences, which CEO Anne DeBeau-Melting said is the most American thing of all.

“It’s what we view and feel being an American is, which is everyone and everything,” she said.

The eclectic menu ranges from pok pok chicken wings to Irish-style chips to filet de boeuf to two different cheeseburgers. There are lots of shareable plates, a whole section of noodles and lots of seafood throughout the menu. Craft cocktails and a full wine list are available as well.

Craft cocktails at Altera. (Courtesy of The Restaurant Project)

The 100-seat restaurant is taking reservations for its dining room, but the bar area and surrounding high-top tables are first-come, first-serve, so neighbors can drop in and enjoy a bite or a drink (or both!) anytime.

The restaurant is open for dinner seven days a week — they’ll be adding brunch soon, probably just after the first of the year.

Altera: 721 S. Cleveland Ave., St. Paul; 651-788-7009; alterarestaurant.com

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