Ryan "Ryanol" D.'s Profile

Can't say enough good things about these guys.  

I made a little video out of some footage I captured with my flip and gopro cameras.  Nothing super professional but some decent stuff of me an the boys out snowmobiling last year during our epic winter.  Since I have had nothing but time this winter (damn you old man winter)  I decided why not get the thing printed up professionally and send it out to the guys... ya know to kind of rub it in a little ;)

Steve was able to help me through getting my master ready and got my job all printed and duplicated in just a couple of days.  

Turned out way better than I imagined...hit these guys up, they won't let you down.

(4 stars cause their kinda hard to find - tucked away in the back of an office building)

I am one of the few that are excited about the move to the old Almsteads location on Cedar Lake and Louisiana.  

These guys are the best, forget about the big box retailers.  Seriously - someone will answer your questions and they have all kinds of things I can't find at Homer D. Poe even if they do have it...things like fasteners....try finding a 8/32nd  in half inch at a big box...how about a bronze bushing...Come on people they have BUSHINGS!!!.  

I think I know why they call that strip mall miracle mile...cause of all the sheet they stuffed in that old hardware store.

FREE SOFT SERVE!

Yeah the portions are big, yes the BBQ is decent (think famous dave style chain BBQ) and the service is typically pretty good.

Put this on your radar if you work in the SW Metro and are looking for a new fast casual (chipotle style walk through) BBQ joint.

Its good, tasty and offers up a nice value.   I think the real benefit to this and the new famous dave outlet is a swift kick in the pants to the boys at Baker Ribs who produce a nice product but questionable value (portion size).  

And yes save some room for the ice cream, it's standard soft serve but it's my favorite flavor FREE!!!

Beef n Potatoes or Spicy Ginger....those are your options anything else and your playing with fire.

The good news is they're tasty and the portion to price ratio is off the charts.

The ambiance sucks, but it's good, quick and tasty.  

I've been going to this place on and off for twelve years and I don't think one single thing has changed.

Hit that sh*t up with a lot of rooster sauce and stay away from the soy sauce it's salty enough as is.

The lunch special is the best combo deal in the west metro.  I work near 169 and 494 and at least once every couple of weeks me and the boys from work trudge up there for lunch.  I usually get Steak and Chips, Spring Roll & Hot & Sour Soup and am amazed at the quality, portions and service every time.    

Don't hesitate to mix it up though, everything from all sections of the menu have impressed me for the most part.   Oh BTW don't fall for the cranberry curry unless you have a sweet tooth.  Its okay but the sweetness is way to overpowering for my palate.

If you looking for a tasty treat, this little gem is a nice getaway at lunch.

This place rocks, it has a section for small dogs and a larger section for larger dogs. There's a water fountain for filling jugs of water nearby and plenty of shade via a bunch of old oak trees.  The only thing it's missing is a water feature for my dog to swim in.

If your dog is licensed in St. Louis Park your good to go.  Swing by and check it out, your dog will have a blast.  If you see a big lanky black lab...that's most likely my dog simon, give him a pet he's a big softie.

First off, this is not a fancy restaurant.  Don't feel like you need to dress up.  I went with my grandma...why do teh olds like greek food and ribs?  -Santorini/Market BBQ anyone???Bueller....anyone?

Once you enter...BAM! it smacks you across the face--gigantic fake pillars...holy hell did I just enter a cheap hollywood set.  Unfortunately these big fake pillars are pretty much the only elements that point to a mediterrean feel.   It definitely feels like it was designed to be a banquet/ballroom first and a restaurant second.  Super tall ceilings which do little to create a sense of intimacy.  It's got the requisite flat screens for watching soccer but little else in the decoration department.

The Food:

Started out with the Oopah! cheese - this is the flaming Kaseri? cheese with brandy?  Cheese was rubbery and tasted like medicine - maybe they didn't use or used too much liquor.

I ordered the Lambshank off the menu.  Came out luke warm, the rice/pilaf was bland and the veggies were microwaved for sure.  The food tasted like catering food.  Alright for a wedding or company picnic but not something I would order again.

The Service:

Outstanding! pretty much the only reason they didn't get two stars.  I will give them credit for this, I received my meal quickly, my sprite was never empty and the food was served timely (appetizers out with plenty of time in between main course)

Final Verdict:

If you absolutely have to have greek and your not willing to make the drive across the river- make sure you drink plenty of Ouzo.

This may be your only option in the south metro but I would highly recommend making the trip up to Santorinis or Its Greek to Me before dining here.

They sure do throw around a lot of pink up in this mugg!  The lounge features super tall ceilings, a warm fireplace, and a pink glow throughout.

Expect to pay about 18-22 bucks for a couple of drinks.

The Prohibition lounge  upstairs has a nice view but offers tight seating and a much more claustrophobic atmosphere.  If there is a line to get in the elevator...I would pass.

Overall its fun and hip, grab a scotch and a seat and enjoy the scene.

Do they always play the music soooo freaking loud.

If you like tight fitting shirts and slacks, and looking like every other guy in the bar...you've found it.

There are some bargains to be had, but the noise....the noise is a bit much.

Decent steak, I sat in the bar...nice bar with dark woodwork.

Watch out for drunk tourists wearing fake caricature eyeglasses.  Or conversely pick up some extremely large glasses and get ripped.

Price: $$$
expect to drop 50 bucks a person for a steak and  decent glass of red wine.