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The Loop
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Nightlife Bars Lounges American (New), Lounges [Edit]
606 Washington Ave NMinneapolis, MN 55401
Neighborhood: North Loop
(612) 340-0010
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
55 reviews for The Loop
Review Highlights
"The food is really good and the atmosphere is nice."
(in 3 reviews)
"...is a great spot to visit, whether for happy hour or dinner."
(in 8 reviews)
"Sunday Brunch here is also really good with a wide variety..."
(in 2 reviews)
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55 reviews in English
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Review from Dana T.
Minneapolis, MN
12/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I did not love this place, nor did I hate it. Interesting bar. Eclectic group of people. I came here after dinner with a group of friends, we got there early enough to get a table without waiting. I'm not sure if they normally charge cover or not... Like I said we were there plenty early to avoid it if there was one. I liked the size of the bar, and the ambiance, but service was not really that great. The waitress took our drink orders, and came back with our receipts minus mine. Getting her attention was impossible. I was waiting forever until she finally noticed I wanted something.
We came here to have a couple drinks and dance. We were not here to impress anyone, so maybe we appeared a little under-dressed. Whatever. Some people just try to hard at all times. This place appeared to cater to those type of folks. Ha.
I had a fun time, due to the fact that I was hanging out with some pretty cool people. Not sure if I'll be going here again. I guess maybe if I'm in the area, but it won't be my first choice. -
Review from Glendon S.
Minneapolis, MN
9/25/2011
I wasn't too impressed with The Loop as it really had nothing special to offer me. I normally like "dive" type places, but every once-in-a-while, sure, let's do something a little more "up."
I got the New York Strip which I was pretty excited for. However, I ordered it med-well (I like it done) and it came med-rare. Didn't care too much because I was starving, and I'm really not too picky. The portions of everything filled me up and the service was great. All-in-all, just not my kind of place. I'd suggest it if you're trying to impress someone but don't want to spend "Fogo" or "Manny's" type prices. -
Review from Whitney G.
South St. Paul, MN
2/8/2012
This is definitely more my style than Valentinos. I prefer going to a place with an ethnically diverse crowd of people that are respectful and still dance to top 40 music. I like the mixes that the DJs deliver, I like that you can find FREE parking, and still be around people my age. I keep going back for more!
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Review from Hung N.
12/30/2011
Went here cuz i had one of those travel zoo coupons for app, 2 dishes, and 2 drinks...Overall there food was ok to good. We just went for the wings, steak, ribeye sandwich, and couple martini's. Just solid bar foods. Drinks were good and ambiance was loud, dark, bar/restaurant...I did like our booths..fancy. I guess would be an ok american restaurant to go to if you are in downtown and want to away from the in the busy area of Hennepin and 1st ave.
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Review from Irina R.
12/1/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Wow, I did not realize the Loop can hold this many people until making a stop on Friday. The whole place was pretty much a dance floor and was packed with people. The music was surprisingly good, considering the venue. With the lack of places to go on the weekends in this city, it's nice to have this as an option.
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Review from Leigh G.
11/3/2011
The Loop is lame. With a new baby at home I barely ever go out on the weekends anymore, so when I do I want it to be special. For that reason I will not be going back to the Loop. It's not horrible, it's just meh, and I need a little more than that when I am getting my drink on.
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Review from Monica S.
Astoria, Queens, NY
6/23/2011
Have you ever walked into a place and the first thing you notice is that it smells freaking delicious?
Yea that was how my experience at The Loop started. I took a client to lunch here earlier in the week (shameless way to get to see new restaurants). First of all the smell.. mmmm. They also have a great set up with a good wait staff. I will try the brunch there at some point, if I ever feel like leaving SLP on a weekend. And they actually HAVE ginger ale as opposed to the 1/2 dozen places who tell me "we'll make it for you..". No you wont, that's just sprite and coke you mutant.
Anywayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
I like that when I order a grilled cheese they give me the option of a salad on the side. Also 13 dressings? What are they kidding me? Champagne vinegarette.. mmm.
No it wasn't a 4 star grilled cheese, but it was good. And something about this place makes me want to come back. -
Review from Kimberly T.
Minneapolis, MN
6/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love The Loop - by far my favorite place for HH. The food is awesome and reasonably priced, HH or not. Awesome pizzas - especially the Bookmen.
Sunday Brunch here is also really good with a wide variety of choices. Really fun to come on a game day in the winter and graze for a couple hours.
The servers are always super friendly & attentive.
Only complaint: Why did you guys take the Turkey Gobbler off the menu?!?!?!? PLEASE bring it back!!! -
Review from Ankit J.
Minneapolis, MN
10/9/2011
Great food, good ambience, I would go again.
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Review from Drew B.
Waverly, IA
9/6/2011
Had the Cuban, 5/5. Local beer sucked but didn't take away from experience. Pleasant surprise to find hawk fans for the Iowa game.
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Review from Brian R.
Hudson, WI
10/21/2011
I would not go out in the downtown area without heading into The Loop for lunch, dinner, or a cocktail. I love the neighborhood feel and the service has been good every time. I am mostly there for lunch and it is a popular place to go. The menu is simple and yet there are some tasty surprises. I love their soups too!
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Review from melissa l.
Minneapolis, MN
1/6/2011
Being in the line of fire for someone's farts while being unable to move elsewhere because it's too crowded is one of the worst things that can happen to you at a bar. When it happens TWICE, I take it as a sign to never return.
If you like grinding on the dance floor, loud music, and watery drinks, then this is the place for you. And there seem to be a lot of you, which is fine because there'll be more room for me at Bar La Grassa. -
Review from Jess L.
3/23/2011
I've been here for lunch, appetizers and drinks, and late night dinners. Every experience has been pretty decent.
Lunches with friends have been tasty. Not always the best-staffed time of day, but not the worst.
Appetizer meetings with my parents have been a lot of fun. There have been times when specials were advertised but not honored, which is always disappointing.
Late night dinners have been tasty, though disappointing when half of the kitchen closes early and thus, half the menu disappears.
All in all, it's an ok place to go. Tasty food, varied drink specials. Nothing special, but a good place to get a bite if you're in the neighborhood. -
Review from Casey H.
Chicago, IL
4/18/2011
Great atmosphere with plenty of bar seating. If you're looking for more of a "restaurant" then you may be a little turned off as it's more of a bar setting with some booths around the sides.
Nice happy hour specials with $3 off all apps, and $3 drinks, glasses of wine and taps. Good place to grab a bite and a couple drinks after work.
It does get pretty busy and crowded on weekends, but at least there isn't a cover. Go early and get out as it starts to get packed... unless you like being crammed in elbow to elbow. -
Review from Chad A.
Minneapolis, MN
1/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
The only reason I ever go here is probably cause my friend lives next door and it's convenient for him and it's his local jaunt. Drinks are watered down. Packed on weekends, which isn't bad except that it's a narrow layout and the bathrooms are at the end of the space. Dance floor really not a dance floor. Food is typical bar food. Service often mediocre.
It's a great location in the North Loop for nearby residents, but that's really it. There's better places.
--------------------------
However, lately service has improved, at least at the bar. And the weekend dj plays better music with newer tunes versus "Salt N Pepper" and the likes. -
Review from Julian M.
Minneapolis, MN
4/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The North Loop neighbor hood staple.
Great food, great prices great staff.
We go here because it has been convenient to the area we lived and are staying at currently.
Would not be one of my choices to randomly go to for fun or suggest to people unless we were looking for something quick in the area.
Just a neighborhood food and bar spot!
*** The Sunday brunch is very good though*** -
Review from Summer L.
11/7/2010
Loop, you are a bar. Why does your cocktail menu fail so hard? We are not all sorority girls. Have you not heard of gin?
Actually, this is the best story ever: when asking if they had any rye behind the bar, the waitress was completely puzzled. This is never a good sign. When the Manhattan comes without a cherry, this is doubly concerning.
Still, the food is rather solid (our custom burgers with jalapeno cheddar and fresh jalapenos were delicious, but other items are just so-so bar fare), so at least we didn't end up angry and throwing chairs because we were not satisfied.
The Loop is decent enough for what it is: a sports bar. It's not a destination for the discerning diner or drink aficionado. Still, there are MUCH worse out there, and I'd take The Loop over dozens of other bars of its ilk. -
Review from Andea S.
Inver Grove Heights, MN
11/27/2011
Great music, but too small a dance floor (the irony). There was hardly space to move or walk around and everyone kept spilling their drinks everywhere. However, the light effects were satisfactory and the tv screens with music videos playing were good. I've experienced better for sure.
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Review from Whitney F.
Minneapolis, MN
1/26/2011
Do I have any shame by saying I kind of love the Loop?
It's such a great fall-back bar when you don't have plans, still want to go out, and it's like Cheers - you know you'll bump into someone you know. It's a great atmosphere for getting a booth or dancing your pants off.
Agree with Cort! The age is defintiely mid to upper 20s - 30s - so you can go "downtown" without the 508 crowd. The one fallback is when you can't get a cab home and its negative ten degrees.
To my delight - they have wonderful food! Went here for a first date dinner a few years ago and was an excellent atmosphere. Pretty busy on a week night, but dim lights, tvs full of football games, and delicious food!
Wonderful place to watch a game too! I wish I were an Iowa Alum (their hangout).
Gasp - I even have heard rave reviews about the NYE party! -
Review from Rachel G.
11/19/2010 8 Check-ins Here
This place might become a guilty pleasure. Feels like a sports bar with a suit. Lots of downtown poser businessmen are here after work, but if there's $3 taps - how classy can you pretend to be?
Better bar food than other places - but still bar food. What sold me what the music believe it or not - just piped in satellite - but I was bobbing my head with almost every song.
So if I can get pretty good food, cheap drinks, like the music and there's plenty of people watching - I'll be back. -
Review from Michael N.
Chicago, IL
The Loop is a great spot with good specials from 9-12 every night but Friday and Saturday.
I definitely suggest $3 taps & $4 burgers on mondays.
The crowd is mainly 24-30 and most would likely fit into the "yuppie" category but the dance floor on Thursday-Saturday may indicate otherwise...
Despite the "Jersey Shore" crew on the dance floor, I'd definitely suggest The Loop to others -
Review from Matt W.
Minneapolis, MN
12/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
The loop is a little trendy for my taste, the people that visit there are "Suited Up" if you've ever seen How I met your Mother. Lots of hair gel, and Fox news on all screens. If that's not your scene well, best of luck to you. I prefer a little more relaxed, but still dressy environment.
I just had to lead with that, sorry.
They do have AWESOME seasoned fries and the Loop burger is THE best. Their pan seared Ahi Tuna is really great too. I would have given it a 4, but i docked them a star for the people that are really annoying and their choice of TV stations. No offense to Fox fans out there. -
Review from Angie M.
3/15/2009
The Loop was nothing but good times for me over the weekend.
Scene One:
Thursday night at about 10pm. My Minneapolis Maven Carie had talked this place up for so damn long that I couldn't wait to give it a go. After all the stories I'd heard, I was surprised to find it very, very chill. We grabbed a spot at the bar, Mike the bartender whipped us up some tasty (and strong!) libations and we settled in for some catching up and gossip. I totally enjoyed all the flat screen sports action (lots of hockey, folks), the upwardly mobile 20 and 30 somethings chilling out and the shockingly clean bathrooms.
Here's my main issue: The Loop seriously needs to work on the decor. It's so very, very bland. Exposed brick walls and hard wood for days, but it's just blah. C'mon Loop... get a bit of personality and you'll be the most solid happy hour game in the area!
Scene Two:
Friday night... post Howie Day concert at about midnight. Um, am I in the same bar? Talk about a jumpin' scene, again, for the upwardly trendy and mobile. And can we talk about how many dudes were there? Ladies, if you want to get some action, look no further than The Loop on a Friday night. I literally had my pick of men. In fact, my girls and I counted up all of the business cards we took in that night. Seriously. It was kind of shocking.
I have to give some serious ups to the DJ. While he played some pretty bogus shit like the Cha Cha Slide (really?), he graciously complied when I requested some vintage Biggie (Juicy...always.) so I could shake it on the dance floor. I respect that.
VERY reasonably priced drinks ($5 for a big ole mixed cocktail), mammoth o-bombs and just all around good times makes for an excellent bar-going experience in Minny. Plenty of cabs waiting outside and pretty easy street parking make The Loop very accessible.
For me, The Loop was a very "When in Rome" kind of experience. Not my normal scene, but sometimes its good to enter the meat market, wear a slutty shirt and heels and enjoy the menfolk that shamelessly hit on you. -
Review from Jen B.
5/17/2009
Minus one for the AWFUL music.
Minus one for the never-ending stream of Wooo! girls who delight in hitting people with their fugly purses.
Minus one for the suburbans moms working out the club moves they picked up from Save the Last Dance on the skeez who no doubt gave them the herp.
Minus one for the incessant vag flashing.
I wish I had more minuses. The Loop = epic fail. -
Review from Emily S.
Minneapolis, MN
12/6/2009
We went to this place in February and it was great.
We went to this place this weekend and it has a major infestation problem now: it was crawling with shallow, immature people looking to get trashed and take advantage of something, anything.
My bf, a big guy but no means a meathead, walked in to pick up me and the ladies after a girls night and two guys confronted him and actually said "You think you're tough??" as he tried to make his way over to our group of girls. Ugh, I hate that kind of scene.
The bartender was good and the doorman was very sweet/happy-go-lucky -- the only reasons I give this place a two star instead of a one. And the coat check is handy.
If you think you're in the shape to not remember this place the next day anyway, what the heck, why not. Give it a try. -
Review from Maureen C.
Saint Louis Park, MN
3/18/2009
I had two very different experiences at the Loop. The first was during a crowded and busy Friday night when the bar was full of drunk college age guys, looking to grope the first girl they laid eyes on. I was not totaly surprised, but given that I had never been I wasn't sure what the atmosphere would be like. After a few drinks I just accepted it and got my groove on, but I didn't think I would return.
Alas last night, I fould myself back here. I wanted to go out for a drink on St. Paddy's day but didn't really want to fight a crowd at an Irish pub. I generally like going to this part of town on a week night because it isn't too crowded and you can usually find parking. I guess most people were out downtown because the place was dead, which honestly was fine considering I wanted somewhere low key to grab dinner.
I ordered the Asian chicken salad which was gynormous but really tasty. Later my friends and I split the lettuce wraps which were also very good. The only real late night happy hour special they had was half priced martinis, which is not usually my drink of choice.
So overall I agree with some of the other reviews, I wouldn't come here on a weekend, but the food is above average for a bar so if you want to chill and watch tv or just chat with friends this place is ok. -
Review from Brien G.
Los Angeles, CA
11/20/2009
Bags and Barbies. That's what you get here.
The food is actually okay here, though I haven't been in a few months--I moved out of the neighborhood and doubt that I'll ever go back. The design of the place is pretty cool too, if you can get past the wall to wall TVs that seem to suck the soul out of this place. Service is pretty good if they know you.
But what kills this place for me is the scene when busy: Avoid. Twenty something douche bags fighting over a seemingly endless stream of air headed barbies all sporting fake bake tans and fake designer purses. Ed Hardy abound. -
Review from Jen B.
Minneapolis, MN
Updated - 12/9/2009
Some how I was talked into going back to this bar after a show down the street at Bunkers. I have to say- it still sucked. It is still a magnet for skanks!
Got an extra star cuz one of the dudes from the show Reno 911 was there acting all kinds of douchey and that was entertaining.Listed in: Places that suck a fatty
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/7/2008
I went here, not by my choice, for the first time. At times, I wondered if it was a bad dream, or… Read more »
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Review from Kedar D.
2/11/2010
First, the good: The Loop has a home-made veggie burger ($9.50) made out of quinoa, mushrooms and zucchini. It is vegan if you omit the cream cheese topping. I found the burger to be fairly tasty and well-constructed. It's not the best veggie burger I've ever had, but this one is in the top three in the Twin Cities, anyway.
Suggestions for improvement: the tomato, onions and lettuce that came with the burger looked and tasted like plastic. The Loop clearly uses the food-service industrial grade stuff that Aramark or Sodexho supplies to most restaurants. Switch to organic options, preferably from one of the Minneapolis co-ops and you'd instantaneously have a tastier burger, and tastier food, in general.
The patty itself was good in combo with the rest of the burger, but didn't stand out on its own. Adding some fresh basil to the patty could help, as well as some green onions and a light soy marinade.
The fries on the side were good and unusual, as they were made with chunks of garlic.
There are a couple of vegan appetizers (tofu dish, a hummus platter) and a veganizable mushroom sandwich as well.
Now onto the not so good aspects of The Loop: on weekend nights this place becomes a haven for the 25-30 year old crowd, which is either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your point of view. It gets extremely crowded but is thankfully not so loud that conversation becomes impossible.
The drinks aren't great and are a bit expensive. I was also unimpressed with the pedestrian variety of draft beers.
All in all, The Loop is serviceable. If it added a couple more smart vegan dishes and a few better draft beers (see Blue Nile for suggestions), I'd come back often. -
Review from Jeff B.
Minneapolis, MN
11/21/2010
The Loop is a great spot to visit, whether for happy hour or dinner.
The vibe mixes a loft setting with a sports-bar feel, but the food goes well beyond the expectations of a bar. My wife and I drop in for dinner often, and enjoy great service along with a good mix of locals and visiting Twins fans.
Friday and Saturday night a DJ comes in and The Loop turns into more of a club. Many of the more negative reviews on Yelp are describing the weekend night scene... but the vibe changes over from normal operation.
The Loop is a great place to hit up - especially if you live in the North Loop neighborhood... -
Review from Dan S.
I stopped in to watch the Vikings game today. I had the buffet and would say it is average. They have a waffle bar, an omelet bar, pizza, bacon, eggs Benedict and cheesy potatoes, among other things. The pastries were stale. I thought it was a little overpriced at $13, no beverage included.
They also have $3 Miller Lites and $4 Bloody's during the game. The BM's were strong, maybe 4-5 oz of vodka in a 16 oz glass and very spicy. They are filled with food, if you like peppers, olives, cheese, beef sticks and celery in your drink, fifty cents for a beer chaser.
It's a good place to watch the game, although the TVs are a little far from the seating.Listed in: Downtown Minneapolis, My favorite bars
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/23/2009
This is a great place for dinner, drinks, or to watch the game, particularly if you live in the… Read more »
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Review from Mike S.
4/16/2011
i was in town for a work seminar and wanted to grab a few drinks with an old friend. he lived near this bar so we walked over. it was this past tuesday night and we were there from about 11pm-1am. there was a handful of people that had on twins gear so im assuming they came from the game.
the atmosphere wasnt anything great but im sure it would be fun on a weekend night. the place is configured to have a dance floor with lounge type areas on the side with the bar in the middle.
their posted specials seemed good. we drank rail whiskey that came out to $2.50/drink or so. not sure if the bartender gave us any free rounds but overall it was very reasonable.
id go back to check this place out on a weekend. -
Review from keith s.
New York, NY
10/7/2008
I am a fan of only the nachos.
Best smoked chicken nachos EVER.
Go, if only just for that. -
Review from Micki C.
Hopkins, MN
7/6/2010
Went here after the Twins game on Saturday with a large group. I don't know who is managing this place, but on 4th of July weekend, and at 6pm after a Twins game they only had one server working. The place was probably 75% full of diners, so you can imagine the level and speediness of service we got.
Food wise, I think the menu is over priced for being bar food...and not very good bar food at that. For the sake of my Yelp review, I sampled a lot of items for you. Big, big winner was the Loop Burger with sweet potato fries. Skip the seasoned sour cream unless you like intense bacon flavor. Definitely skip the jalepeno cheese dipping sause. In fact, I would lobby for completely removing it from the menu. The Turkey Gobbler sounds amazing but is a huge let down. The grilled cheese gets a thumbs up. Pizza, veggie burger, and chicken tenders were so-so.
In general, I think you can find better food downtown. Always have a fun night out here though if you want to stick around late night for dancing and drinks. -
Review from ty f.
Brooklyn, NY
6/16/2008
The first time I came here the place was completely dead on a Tuesday night. The burger was good. Damn good even. But ever since, boy, what a let down. The crowd is just awful. Ugly people that think they're beautiful and idiot staff who for some reason think that people carrying fake chanel handbags must be the big tippers and therefore deserve service long before anyone else.
To top it all off i got extremely ill after 3 beers and the last burger I will ever eat there.
The place had potential. I suppose the douchebags that fill it out now may keep them in business but I don't think you will ever see a local there on a weekend. Ever. -
Review from Nishan P.
8/21/2009
"A repulsive gelatinous fishlike dish that tasted of soap and gave off an odor that would gag a goat." That's how Garrison Keillor described lutefisk. So you may wonder why I was on a quest to taste this vile sounding concoction. Well, I was in Minnesota and lutefisk is the one food readily associated with Minnesotans.
Sadly, The Loop didn't serve lutefisk. I settled for the next closest fish entrée on the menu: the seared yellow tail. This may not have been the dish I was on a mission to sample but it tasted a lot like Keillor's description of lutefisk. Tuna prepared rare must be very fresh. My meal was not.
My Minnesotan friends had made far better choices in ordering an excellent mac and cheese, and a very good steak sandwich. Perhaps the fact that my two pals, both born and raised in Minnesota, had never tasted lutefisk should tell me something about the Minnesotan specialty. -
Review from Camille L.
Minneapolis, MN
3/3/2010
The first time I came here was during March Madness on a Sat. at around 10 PM and everyone was watching the games. They were showing different games on their multiple big screens. We didn't know that was going to be the central theme at this bar that late on a weekend night. Nobody was dancing, there was no music, just the games! Almost all the guys pretty much had their eyes glued to the screens the whole time.
My second visit was on a Sat. night in Jan. It was annoyingly packed and to the point where you couldn't move in certain places and people started pushing and shoving by the bar. I think one of their staff guys had to break up the area. It was almost impossible to stay close to your friends at times too.
Other than that, it is a cool place if you want to dance to decent music since they have a pretty big dance area. The bathroom situation is not ideal since they only have 2 or 3 stalls so there's always a line.
I think this place is good for groups though since they have big booth areas! -
Review from Kat W.
Minneapolis, MN
12/5/2009
I read the reviews before coming so that I could be mentally prepared.
28-year-old friend who invited us out showed up in a newsboy-style hat, confirming my suspicions.
Drinks list was trite, but the whole place seemed like the illegitmate child of Spin Nightclub and The Library. The waitress seemed confused that we didn't want to order food, even though it was 10:15 pm on a Friday night.
The playlist was 100% out of 2007, which was incredibly bizarre.
At least the interior was clean and there wasn't a cover. -
Review from Erin A.
Minneapolis, MN
12/23/2009 1 photo
The food is really good and the atmosphere is nice. Great place for larger groups and the service is pretty stellar.
I went here recently to watch football at noon. The brunch was ok but not worth the $13 price tag. They have over a dozen tvs and only one with the Packers game even though there were over 15 people watching the game. The sound was really loud and I had to wear mittens because it was so cold.
Stick to lunch, dinner, or happy hour and you'll be set. Sunday. Not so great. -
Review from Jake B.
San Diego, CA
2/14/2008
Go here only if you like:
Older people in their 30's like to flash money, women who dress to the T but thats about it, crowded dance floors, and a crowded bar that makes you feel like your stuck in an airplane during traffic delays.
All hype + Stuck up crowd = No fun
