Cuisine: American, Asian, Dessert
Restaurant Features: All-You-Can-Eat, Lunch Buffet, Dinner Buffet, Hotel
Location: Hinckley, MN
Address: 777 Lady Luck Drive  Hinckley, MN 55037   800-472-6321
Hours:

Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Monday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 4 to 10 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 4 to 10 p.m.

Links: Grand Buffet Website * Grand Casino on Facebook * Google Map

Atmosphere: The Buffet is sits in the back center, surrounded by a very large dining rooms.  The Buffet itself is divided into different sections: Grand Harvest, Oriental, Entree, International, American Bounty, Homestyle and Desserts.

The seating area

Menu: Items available during the Prime Rib Buffet on Saturday and Sunday nights include:

American Bounty Station: Fried Cod, Ham, Broasted Chicken, Sausage and Sauerkraut, Wild Rice, Corn Bread, Baked Beans, Pizza and Calzones.

Homestyle Station: Corn, Green Beans, Green Bean Casserole, Potatoes Au Gratin, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Gravy.

International Station: Fish, BBQ Ribs, Buffalo Wings, Sesame Wings, Garlic Wings, BBQ Wings, Baked Potato Bar

Oriental Station: Szechuan Beef, Noodle, Fried Rice, Chicken and Broccoli, Egg Rolls, Wontons, and Potstickers.

Desserts: Soft-Serve Ice Cream and Sundae Bar, Bananas Foster, Peach Cobbler, Bread Pudding, Apple Crisp, Churro, Cannoli, Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse Pie, etc.

Full Salad Bar

Weekly Specials & Price guide:

Monday- Classic Dinner Buffet $12.99
Tuesday- International Buffet $12.99
Wednesday-Smokehouse Buffet $14.99
Thursday- Classic Dinner Buffet $12.99
Friday- Seafood Buffet $20.99
Saturday- Prime Rib Buffet $14.99
Sunday- Prime Rib Buffet $14.99

What I ate: I visited on a Saturday night during the Prime Rub Buffet.  My first stop was at the American Bounty where I tried a calzone and a piece of pizza.  Nearby at another station I found marinara sauce and since I love tons of red sauce, I took a ton for my calzone.  Best idea ever, the calzone with the extra sauce was one of the things I liked the most.  I also tried one of the Buffalo Wings, pretty basic.

Next I tried a plate from the Oriental Station which included Szechuan Beef with Noodles, fried rice, fried potstickers, cream cheese wontons and an eggroll.  Typical mediocre chinese buffet food, nothing stood out as anything special.

I tried a few bites of the Tomato Basil Soup, which was creamy and flavorful.

I also tried some of the Prime Rib.  The initial cut I got was very well done, so I asked for a different piece.  The chef who was carving it then cut into a whole new roast so I could get a slice that was medium rare.  This was more like it! Even though the slice was thin the meat was very tender.  Thank goodness I came to my senses several years ago and realized that eating beef well done is ruining the meat.  I’ll never eat it cooked more than medium, it tastes so much better when it is still tender and juicy!

I piled up a plate of different desserts and took only a few bites.  The bananas foster and the bread pudding were both very good.

Service: We made it to the buffet after 9pm on a Saturday night, less than an hour before they closed.  Our server was a quite strange and made very weird comments to various members of my party, but drinks were refilled at record pace and dishes cleared almost as quick.
Overall Impression: The food at Grand Casino Buffet was decent but nothing special; not nearly as good as the Buffet at Mystic Lake.  I’d eat here again if I happened to be at the Casino but I wouldn’t drive out of my way just for the food.

Grand Casino Buffet on Urbanspoon

Article and photos by Kristi Sauer
Copyright Twin Cities Restaurant Blog
Content cannot be used without permission

Cuisine: American, Fish & Seafood, Steaks, Dessert
Restaurant Features: Banquet, Happy Hour (bar only), On-Site Parking, Patio, Sunday Brunch
Location: North Oaks, MN
Address: 5959 Centerville Road North Oaks, MN 55127  651-426-9222
Hours: Mon-Thurs 5-9pm (Bar 4-10pm), Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm (bar 4-11pm)  Sun 10am-8pm
Links: Tria Website * Tria on Facebook * Google Map

Atmosphere: Tria is located at Centerville Rd and County Rd J in a large, beautiful building that more closely resembles a modern mansion than a restaurant.  There are six dining areas within the property.  The main dining room is just inside the entrance; a homey room with arched entries, fireplaces and wooden floors.

Another popular area at Tria is the Bar, which is where we sat.  The beautiful wooden  bar is the center of the room, with big booths running along the wall.

This is one of the areas available for private dining
Private Dining Area at Tria ~ North Oaks, MN

Private Dining Area at Tria ~ North Oaks, MN

Here is another dining space.

Additional Dining Area at Tria ~ North Oaks, MN

Additional Dining Area at Tria ~ North Oaks, MN

Menu: Appetizers at Tria include Bruschetta Boursin, Seared Scallops, Escargot, Beef Bites, Crab Cakes, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Dijon Chicken Bites, Walleye Fingers, Chicken Tenders, Calamari, Shrimp Pronto Pup, Mushroom Puff, Wild Mushroom Flatbread (bar only, and Prosciutto and Arugula Flatbread (bar only).

Soups include Cream of Wild Rice and Brie, French Onion, and the Scallop and Cucumber.  Salad offerings are the Caesar, Wedge, Spinach and Roasted Beet.

Casual Classics include Chicken Pot Pie, 1/2 lb Burger, Chicken Club, Walleye, Prime Rib Dip, and Baked Mac N Cheese.

Tria’s Entrees include Tournedos of Beef (choice of Dijon Cream, Bearnaise or Sauteed Mushrooms), Walleye (broiled, blacked or pan fried), Veal Scaloppine (piccata, marsala, caprese), Chicken Penne, Pappardelle Pasta, Chardonnay Chicken, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Stuffed Chicken, Pork Shank, Steak Frites, 6 oz or 9 oz Filet Mignon, 14 oz Ribeye, New York Strip, Lamb Chops, Venison, Salmon, Seared Ahi Tuna, Halibut, Sea Bass, Scallops, and Shrimp Scampi.

Desserts include Artisan Cheese Board, Homemade Ice Cream (pistachio white chocolate, ), Homemade Sorbet, Hot Fudge or Mixed Berry Sundae, Chocolate Lava Cake, New York Cheesecake, Creme Brulee, Chocolate Decadence, Apple Tart, and Chomeur Pudding.  There are also a number of dessert wines and ports.

Price guide: Appetizers $7-12  Entrees $15-30  Desserts $3-9

Happy Hour:

  • Early Bird M-F 4:00-6:30
  • Late Night M-Th 9pm-close  Sunday 8pm-close
  • Bar Area Only
  • 1/2 price Salmon Creek Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, Michelob Golden Light, House Rail Cocktails
  • $3 off Appetizers

Weekly Specials:

Wednesday-  Maple Glazed Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes $18

Thursday- Prime Rib with Twice Baked Potato, Green Beans and Popover Queen Cut $20 King Cut $24

Friday-  Cioppino $27

Saturday- Beef Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes $24

Sunday- Prime Rib with Twice Baked Potato, Green Beans and Popover Queen $20  King $24

What we ordered: My companions and I visited Tria during Happy Hour, so we ordered several appetizers, including the Chicken Dijon Bites.  These little bites of white meat chicken were mixed with a flavorful, creamy dijon mustard sauce along with sauteed mushrooms and spinach. Delicious and low-carb! Came with a long slice of toasted ciabatta.

We also tried the Artichoke Dip, which was also very good.  The blend of cheeses, spinach and artichokes was baked in a ramekin with breadcrumbs on top.  It was served with a plate-full of  golden baguette toasts.  Both the dip and the toast were wonderful, just wish there was more dip for all the toast ;)

We also had the Beef Bites, mmm mmm mmm. The bites of beef were tender and juicy, seasoned with Montreal spices and cooked in a red wine reduction, then served with a side of bearnaise and extra-long slice of toasted ciabatta.  Delish!
.Beef Bites at Tria ~ North Oaks, MN

Beef Bites at Tria ~ North Oaks, MN

And last but certainly not least of the appetizers is the Wild Mushroom Flatbread.  I like everything I tried but this definitely stood out, it was fabulous! The flatbread was topped with chive oil, fresh garlic, wild mushrooms and boursin cheese, then baked to a crispy golden brown and topped with fresh sprouts.  The pizza was light and very flavorful and  I absolutely loved the cheese they used, it had much more to offer in the flavor department than any ordinary mozzarella.  I might dream about this pizza, it was that good.

We also ordered a Burger with Bacon and Bleu Cheese.  The burger was 1/2 lb of beef topped with extra thick slices of smokey bacon and bleu cheese crumbles on a fresh, toasted bun.  The entire thing was very good but the bacon was outstanding.

We were definitely full from our appetizers and wine but when I heard they had a list of homemade ice creams and sorbets, I had to try one.  Our server ran down the list of flavors and once I heard “pistachio” I was sold.  This was no ordinary pistachio ice cream.  It was a scoop of frozen heaven in a dish and I am an ice cream lover to the core.  It was rich, creamy and packed full of small pieces of pistachios and the white chocolate was infused into the pistachio cream.  Heavenly!

Service: We had excellent service at Tria.  We wanted to take advantage of the happy hour specials so we sat in the bar; fortunately we arrived early enough that a booth was available.  Our server greeted us right away and told us about the happy hour specials.  Our glasses of wine arrived within minutes so we enjoyed it while we looked over the appetizer menu.  Our server was great about checking on us even when the bar area became busy, all requests were taken care of quickly.

Overall Impression: I am glad I finally tried Tria; the food, service and atmosphere were all excellent.  I am still thinking about the Wild Mushroom Flatbread and the Pistachio Ice Cream, but would also like to have dinner there next time I visit.  Looking forward to the patio when it gets a little warmer too!

 


Tria on Urbanspoon

Article and photos by Kristi Sauer
Copyright Twin Cities Restaurant Blog
Content cannot be used without permission

Disclosure: I was invited out to do this review and my meal was provided by the restaurant. All opinions are my own.

Cuisine: American,  Dessert, Italian, Pasta, Steak, Chops
Restaurant Features: Bar, Banquet, Catering, Happy Hour, Kids Menu, On-Site Parking, Patio
Location: Apple Valley, MN
Address: 15435 Founders Lane Apple Valley, MN 55124  952-891-6569
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11a-9p   Fri-Sat  11a-10p   Sun 10a-9p
Links: Enjoy! Website * Enjoy on Facebook *  Google Map

Enjoy! ~ Apple Valley, MN

Atmosphere: Enjoy! is located in a very large, impressive  building about 1/2 mile south of Country Rd 42 off of Galaxie Dr. and Founders Ln.  The restaurant is divided into seven distinct areas, The Conservatory (pictured below), The Upper Dining Room, The Grotto, The Vintage Room, The Water’s Edge Patio, The Bar Patio, and The Lounge.  We ate in the lovely Conservatory which had a beautiful fireplace  complete with a large-tile mosaic painting.  One highlight of the room was the magnificent domed skylight.  In addition to having tables, this area also has high-backed booths which offer a sense of privacy.

The Upper Dining Room is another one of the many seating areas at Enjoy! that is perfect for groups, offering larger booths and tables that can accommodate many.

Enjoy! also has The Vintage Room available for Banquets and larger parties. The Lounge  is also a big, beautiful area and is also the place to go for a great Happy Hour.

Menu: Enjoy! just unveiled their new menus within the past few weeks with a great selection of favorites as well as many new items.  The Lunch Menu is served Mon-Sat 11am-3pm and includes Bruschetta, Calamari, Mozzarella and Artichoke Bake, Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms and Crab Cakes for Appetizers.

In addition to many of the pastas, salads, seafoods and meats that are offered at dinner, Enjoy! has a nice selection of Specialty Sandwiches on the Lunch Menu: Prime Rib Dip, Chicken Cashew, BLT, Ultimate Grilled Cheese (cheddar, fontina and bacon), Turkey Club, Chicken Bacon Avocado Wrap, Pulled Pork, Grilled Chicken, Reuben, Rachel, Beer Battered Cod, and Open Faced Turkey.  Burgers are also offered at lunch; Juicy Lucy, Avocado Bacon, Crispy Cheddar, Black and Blue or Build Your Own.

The Dinner Menu is served after 3pm and has starters such as Bruschetta, Calamari, Mozzarella and Artichoke Bake, Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, Seared Scallops, Crab Cakes, Tenderloin Tips, and the Warm Cheese Sampler.

Grilled Flatbread options include Pesto Chicken, Mushroom and Garden (olive, artichoke, tomato, garlic).

Enjoy! also offers salads including the Caesar, Iceberg Wedge, Strawberry Spinach Salad, Chopped, Avocado and Crab, Tenderloin, and the Enjoy! Salad (pear, gorgonzola, walnuts).  Soups offered are French Onion, Tomato Basil and Lobster Chowder.

Classics are the Chicken Pot Pie, Grilled Chicken Sandwich or Build-Your-Own-Burger.

Pasta dishes at Enjoy! include Cannelloni, Fettuccine Alfredo, Spicy Sausage Penne, Short Rib Lasagna, Shrimp Angel Hair, Seafood Fettuccine, Lobster Ravioli, and Duck Risotto.

Meat Entrees offered are the Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Piccata, Oven Roasted Chicken, Flat iron Steak, Sirloin, Filet Mignon,  New York Strip (14oz),  Ribeye (16oz), Veal Marsala, Lamb Chops, Pork Chops and Prime Rib.

Seafood and Fish selections at Enjoy! are the Tilapia, Mahi Mahi, Pecan Crusted Walleye, Crab and Brie Stuffed Salmon, Halibut, Sea Bass, Seared Scallops, and Lobster Tail.

Side dishes include Fingerling Potatoes, Parmesan Leek Hash Browns, Mashed Potatoes, Whipped Sweet Potatoes, House Cut Fries, Boursin or Bleu Cheese Bubble Bread, Fettuccine Alfredo, Herb Risotto, Asparagus, Mushrooms, Green Beans, and Broccolini.

Desserts at Enjoy! are heavenly.  Options include Maple Creme Brulee, Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Bread Pudding, Key Lime Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Upside Down Walnut Crusted Apple Pie, Hot Fudge Sundae and Italian Gelato or Sorbet.  There are also a number of dessert coffees, drinks, cordials and ports.

Kids Menu items include Buttered Noodles, Spaghetti, Penne & Cheese, Chicken Fingers, Grilled Cheese, Mini Burgers, Grilled Chicken, and Beef Tenderloin.  Served with drink and ice cream sundae.

Price guide: Appetizers $7-12  Sandwiches $  Pastas $13-23  Entrees$ 17-29 Seafood $17-29  Desserts $4-7 Kids Menu $5-10

Happy Hour:

  • Sunday-Thursday 3pm-Close  Friday 3-6:30pm
  • Specials available in the Lounge Only
  • $3- Opulent martinis, Jameson, Beefeater, Captain Morgan, Michelob Golden, Miller Lite, Leinenkugel’s Honey Weiss, Sam Adams, Summit Epa,
  • $4-Canyon Road Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, white zinfandel, Bass Ale, Amstel Light, Blue Moon, Ranger Pale Ale
  • $5- Enjoy! Wines- Chardonnay, Cabernet and Syrah, Guinness and Stella Artois
  • $6  Any signature martini or cocktail, French Onion Soup, Emjoy! Salad, Spinach Salad, Bruschetta, Chicken Tenders, Garden Flatbread
  • $7 Lobster Chowder, Mozzarella and Artichoke Bake, Calamari, Bubble Bread, Pesto Chicken Flatbread
  • $8- Fish & Chips, Crab Cakes, Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, Seared Scallops, Garden Shrimp Flatbread
  • $9 – Tenderloin Tips, Shrimp Cocktail, Mushroom Flatbread, Black & Blue Flatbread, Warm Cheese Sampler

Sunday Brunch:

  • 10am-3pm
  • Adults/ $21.95   Kids 3-11/ $11.95
  • Assorted Muffins and Pastries, Yogurt Parfait Bar, Fresh Fruits, Antipasti, Shrimp Cocktail, Enjoy! Salad, SunDried Tomato Pesto Salad, Scrambled Eggs, Eggs Benedict, Bacon, Sausage, Parmesan Leek Hash Brown Potatoes, Sausage Penne, Chicken Rigatoni, Tilapia, Eggs and Omeletes (cooked to order), French Toast, Belgian Waffle, Carved Beef, and Chocolate Fountain.
  • Includes Orange Juice, Coffee, Champagne or Mimosa.

What we ordered: We started with a couple of beverages, I had the House Pinot Noir and my companion had the Raspberry Mint Long Island.  Oh, was this yummy! It was sweet and fruity yet still packed quite a punch.  You’ll feel real good after a couple of these!

We also got this complimentary basket of different breads, French, Sourdough, Pumpernickel, and a Flatbread Cracker.  All were very good, it was nice to have a variety to choose from.

We tried the Calamari, which was extremely tender. The strips were thick and cooked perfectly without any hint of chewiness.  The outside wasn’t as crispy as I like it but since that would mean overcooking it, I’ll take it tender over chewy any day!  It was served with two dips, the spicy marinara and a lemon herb aoili.  Both were excellent!

We also got the Tenderloin Tips, a great choice if you want mouth-watering, tender beef.  These bite-sized pieces were pan-seared in a tangy bourbon sauce, topped with green onion and tomato and served with a  creamy horseradish sauce for dipping. These were great!

My companion also tried the Lobster Chowder.  This soup was extremely enjoyable; the sweet and tender bites of lobster were the star of this dish with the corn, potato, and leeks cooked al dente to create a nice contrast in texture to the creamy broth.

There were so many temptations on the menu that when I saw the special Tasting Menu featuring a sampling of regular menu offerings, I knew it was the perfect choice for me.  The first course had a sample of the Enjoy! Salad, Lobster Chowder and Bruschetta.  I loved every bite of the Lobster Chowder, as described previously.  The Enjoy! Salad was also very good; a mix of greens with gorgonzola cheese, slices of pear, candied walnuts and tossed in a citrus vinaigrette.  One of my favorite salads! The Bruschetta was also delightful, a combo of fresh tomato with basil served over grilled french bread then drizzled with balsamic vinegar.  Reminds me of summer!

The main course included a sampling of Halibut, Canneloni and Chicken Picatta.  The Halibut was a thick sampling of the filet, seared to an appetizing golden brown and served over a creamy mustard sauce with asparagus tips.  The Canneloni is one of the signature dishes at Enjoy!, a tube of pasta stuffed with ground beef, pork, tomatoes, ricotta then topped with mozzarella and served on a bed of spicy marinara.  This was wonderful, a real classic. The ground meats were very flavorful but one of my favorite aspects of the dish was the combination of red and white sauces.  The third item of this sampler  and my favorite of the three was the Chicken Picatta.  This decent-sized pounded chicken breast was served over a creamy herbed risotto and topped with a light and creamy lemon butter caper sauce.  This was so delicious!  The lemon was apparent without being overpowering and the capers provided just a hint of saltiness.

The dessert course also had three delicious samples: the Chocolate Bread Pudding, Maple Creme Brulee and Espresso Cheesecake.  I started with the Chocolate Bread Pudding.  This had a good taste but the texture of it was slightly hard so I moved on to the creamy creme brulee.  I loved it!  It was very creamy but didn’t have the eggy texture that custard often gets.  It had a candied sugar crust on top that gave just a hint of crunch to contrast the creaminess.  The third dessert sample was the Cheesecake, a bite of heaven supported by a crunchy oreo cookie crust then topped with an espresso glaze. Mmmmm

After much deliberation my companion ordered the Sea Bass for an entree.  Oh My was this delectable!  The filet itself was perfectly cooked, light and flaky, served over a bed of delicious veggies.  The roasted brussel sprouts, swiss chard and crispy bacon bites were tossed in a creamy citrus butter sauce; every bite was wonderful.

We shared this Coffee with Bailey’s for an after-dinner drink while enjoying our desserts

My companion also ordered the Key Lime Pie, which was exceptional.  It was creamy and tart yet sweet.  Scrumptious!

Service: I had made a reservation and despite being late, my table was waiting for me when I got there.  The hostess checked our coats right away and shortly after we were seated we were greeted by our server.  We took our time looking over the menu however the server really helped by highlighting the special features and making other recommendations.  The pacing of the food was just right, giving us time to finish each course before the next arrived.  Overall I was very pleased with the service, it certainly made the experience even more enjoyable.

Overall Impression: I was very impressed with Enjoy! and can honestly say it is one of the best (new-to-me) restaurants I have tried in many months.  The facilities are gorgeous and the perfect place to have a group dinner or event.  The new dinner menu is impressive, as are the Chef’s Special Features; we enjoyed everything we tried.  I have not yet eaten at Enjoy! for lunch but all of the sandwiches sounded wonderful and the best part about lunch is that it is guaranteed 45 minutes or less or it is free!  I look forward to going back once the weather warms up so I can enjoy the patio too!
Enjoy! on Urbanspoon

Article and photos by Kristi Sauer
Copyright Twin Cities Restaurant Blog
Content cannot be used without permission

Cuisine: American, Barbeque, Dessert, Ribs
Restaurant Features: Catering, Counter-Service (at many locations), On-Site Parking
Locations: Apple Valley, Bloomington, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Duluth, Forest Lake, MOA, Mankato, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Rochester, Roseville, St Paul, St Cloud, Stillwater, Woodbury
Addresses:
Apple Valley - 7593 147th Street Apple Valley, MN 55124    952-891-6400
Bloomington- 5101 West 98th Street Bloomington, MN 55437  952-832-0500
Burnsville-  2721 County Road 5 Burnsville, MN 55337 952-882-9933
Coon Rapids- 3211 Northdale Boulevard  Coon Rapids, MN 55448  763-421-9467
Duluth- 355 Lake Avenue South Duluth, MN 55802    218-740-3180
Forest Lake- 43 19th Street SW Forest Lake, MN 55025  651-464-4400
Mall of America- 320 South Avenue, Mall of America Bloomington, MN 55425 952-854-0225
Mankato-  291 St. Andrew Drive Mankato, MN 56001  507-385-1223
Maple Grove- 7825 Vinewood Lane Maple Grove, MN 55369  763-416-4600
Minneapolis- (Calhoun BBQ & Blues Club) 3001 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55408 612-822-9900
Minneapolis-  4264 Upton Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55410  612-929-1200
Minnetonka-  14601 Highway 7  Minnetonka, MN 55345 952-933-9600
Plymouth- 11308 Highway 55 Plymouth, MN 55441  763-525-0500
Rochester- 431 NW 16th Avenue Rochester, MN 55901  507-282-4200
Roseville- 2131 Snelling Avenue Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4800
St Paul- 1930 West 7th Street St. Paul, MN 55116 651-699-8800
Stillwater-  14200 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-5200
St Cloud- 310 3rd Street NE Waite Park, MN 56387  320-217-5900
Woodbury- 1940 Donegal Drive Woodbury, MN 55125 651-501-1900

Hours: Daily 11am
Links: Famous Daves Website * Famous Dave’s Facebook Page * Map to Famous Dave’s Locations

Atmosphere: Most of the Famous Dave’s locations around the Twin Cities look very similar in decor, where the entrance leads you right to the counter where you order your food.   Wooden structures are built to resemble old shacks around the kitchen area.  Tables are spread throughout the space (pictured below is the Forest Lake location), all covered with red and white checkered tablecloths. Antique memorabilia adorns the walls.

The Famous Dave’s BBQ & Blues at Calhoun Square has a stage for live performances.  Cool place to see a small, intimate show!

Menu: Appetizers at Famous Dave’s include Smoked Salmon Spread, Chicken Fingers, Catfish Fingers, Ribs Tips, BBQ or Buffalo Chicken Wings, and Onion Strings.

Side dishes at Famous Dave’s include Wilbur Beans, Coleslaw, Potato salad, Dunkin Apples, Fries, Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes,

Famous Dave’s has salads! Options include Smoked Salmon Caesar, Grilled Chicken Caesar, Crispy Chicken, and Dave’s Sassy BBQ Salad.  Soups include Chili or Wild Rice.

Sandwiches come with one side and include Beef Brisket, Chopped Pork, Barbeque Chicken, Texas Manhandler, Hickory Chicken, Cajun Chicken and Char-Grilled Chicken.  Burger options are the Char-Grilled Burger, Cheeseburger, Ultimate BBQ, Devil Spit, and Bacon & Jack Favorite Burger.

Barbeque Classics at Famous Dave’s are the Texas Beef Brisket, Georgia Chopped Pork, Barbeque Chicken, Rib Tips, Chicken Tenders, Country Roasted Chicken and Sweetwater Cajun Catfish.

Award-Winning Ribs are smoked in the pit then finished on the grill.  Size options  are 1/3 slab, 1/2 slab or full rack (12 bones).

Kids Meals include Roasted or BBQ Chicken, Chicken Tenders, Chopped Pork, Hamburger or Cheeseburger,  Ribs, and Mac & Cheese.

Dessert selections include Famous Bread Pudding, Pecan Pie, Hot Fudge Kahlua Brownie, and Ice Cream, Sundae with Hot Fudge or Pecan Praline Sauce.

Famous Dave’s has a variety of different sauces that are sure to please just about anyone!

Price guide: Appetizers $6-9  Sandwiches $9-10  BBQ Meats $12-13  Ribs $13-22 Desserts $6

What we ordered: I had the two-meat combo with Catfish Fingers and Texas Beef Brisket.  The four medium-sized catfish fingers were hot and crispy, fresh out of the fryer and seasoned with semi-spicy Cajun seasonings.  It  comes with to sauces to dip in, a sweet & sour type of sauce and a seasoned mayo tartar.  I thought these were especially yummy with the seasoned tartar.  The Texas Beef Brisket was also pretty good.  This combo came with corn, a corn bread muffin and two sides.  I love the corn bread at Famous Dave’s! It is more moist than typical corn bread and slightly sweet.  I am not a fan of the overcooked boring corn, which is a far cry from the sweetcorn we harvest in Minnesota.  The two sides I got were the garlic smashed potatoes and coleslaw, both very good.

My companion ordered the XXL Rib Platter, a 12-bone rack of St Louis Style ribs.  The ribs were meaty and quite tender, full of smokey flavor from the Pit.  The two sides were fries and cinnamon apples.

Service: The Forest Lake location of Famous Dave’s offers counter-service, and we were able to order within minutes of arriving.  We got ourselves drinks at the self-service station and waited approximately ten minutes before our food arrived.  Staff walk the dining room and check with guests from time to time to determine if they need anything, and bus tables when necessary.

Overall Impression: I really like the variety of menu choices at Famous Daves, although I think their prices are slightly high for the amount of food you get.  They have several great choices of sauces and despite being a large chain-restaurant, I think they do have pretty decent barbeque (you can’t go wrong with the ribs!).  If you register to be a part of the P.I.G. Club you can get special offers, so go sign up here
Famous Daves on Urbanspoon

Article and photos by Kristi Sauer
Copyright Twin Cities Restaurant Blog
Content cannot be used without permission

Cuisine: Fish & Seafood, Steak, Dessert
Restaurant Features: Banquet, Bar, Catering, On-Site Parking, Sunday Brunch
Location: Shoreview, MN
Address: 4785 Hodgson Road  Shoreview, MN 55126   651-484-8484
Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2pm   Sunday Brunch 10:30-1:30p   Dinner Daily at 4pm
Links: Kozlak’s Royal Oak Website * Kozlak’s Facebook Page *  Google Map

Atmosphere: Kozlak’s is located in a large, stand-alone building on Hodgson Road, about a half mile north of Hwy 96 in Shoreview.  One thing you will notice when you arrive is the drive-up entrance at the front of the building, meant for picking up/dropping off guests. The parking lot is in the back in the building, a long walk around the building in the cold winter!

There is a small reception area when you first walk in that sits between the bar area (to the left) and the main dining room (to the right).  Festively decorated over the Holidays!

Both the main dining room and the dining room adjacent to the bar area have tables, all of which are covered with white tablecloths.  I did not have the pleasure of dining in this room so I just got a glance, same as you see below.  It was festively decorated with balloons on New Year’s Eve.

This is the smaller, more intimate dining room with tables that seem to be spaced further apart than in the main dining room.

Menu: Appetizer’s at Kozlak’s include Coconut Shrimp, Asparagus with Bearnaise, Scallops Parmesan, Cajun Beef Bites, Clam Chowder, Bruschetta, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Chili-Rubbed Ribs, Broiled Lobster Tail, Escargots, Sesame Wings, Wild Mushroom Crustini, Onion Rings and Artichoke Parmesan Dip.  The Featured Appetizers are Szechuan Beef Tips and Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup.

Salad options at Kozlak’s are the Pecan Crusted Chicken, Bruschetta, Salmon Spinach, and Marie’s Salad (with bleu cheese, olives and dried cranberries).

Sandwiches that are offered are the Baked Reuben and the Hashbrown-Crusted Walleye.

Entrees come with potato du jour, bread, salad and vegetable.  Options include Twin Tenderloins with Portabellas, Sauteed Calves’ Liver, Pasta Vermouth, Parmesan Chicken, Medallions of Beef, Chicken Supreme, Roasted Plump Duckling, Blackened Pork Porter House, and Barbeque Ribs.  Featured Entrees are the Beef Wellington and the Roasted Vegetable Pasta.

Kozlak’s is well known for their steaks, with cuts such as Bone-in Tenderloin, New York Strip, Tenderloin Filet, and Roasted Prime Rib.  All steaks come with soup or salad, baked potato and bread.  Add-ons for steak include Melted Bleu Cheese, Butter Taragon Sauce, Peppercorn Crusted, Sauteed Mushroom, Sauteed Onions, Garlic Portabella Mushrooms, Hash Browns, French Fries, and Asparagus.

Fish and Seafood Selections include Broiled Salmon, Salmon Royal Oak, Pecan Walleye, Sea Scallops, Walleye, Steamed African Lobster, Tenderloin and Lobster combo, Pasta and Shrimp, Garlic Broiled Shrimp and Alaskan Crab Legs.

Save room for dessert! In addition to Ice Cream, Gelato, and Sorbet there have homemade cheesecake, chocolate cake, and others.

Price guide: Appetizers $7-13  Salads $6-14  Entrees $18-25 Seafood $23-27 (+ market price lobster) Steaks $28-50

Sunday Brunch

  • $18.95/Adults     $10.95/ Kids 6-12   $6.95/ Kids 5 and Under
  • 10:30am-1:30pm
  • Live New Orleans Jazz
  • Full Salad Bar, Scrambled Eggs Carbonara , Fresh Baked Biscuits with Sausage Gravy, Featured Chicken item, Cajun Ribs, Pecan-Breaded Catfish Fingers, Jambalaya with sausage & chicken, Classic Eggs Benedict, Kozlak’s home made French Toast with Pecan Maple Syrup, Breakfast Bacon, Sausage, Chef’s Fresh Vegetable, Gumbo Soup, Potatoes Pontalba with Béarnaise Sauce, Made-to-order Omelettes, Dessert & Sundae Bar

What we ordered: We started with the complimentary loaf of French Bread that was brought to our table shortly after we ordered.  The bread was crusty on the outside, soft and still slightly warm on the inside.  The loaf had about four slices which went fast, another loaf soon followed!

Each entree comes with a house salad or for a $3 upgrade you can take a trip through the Salad Bar. I chose the House Salad, which was Caesar.  The homemade dressing that Kozlak’s is very good, a tad sweeter than the traditional Caesar.

Typically I order ribeye at steak houses however Kozlak’s doesn’t offer that cut as an option, so instead I ordered the delectable Queen Cut Prime Rib.  Each bite was incredibly tender and delicious!  I ordered a side of the customary freshly grated horseradish and it also was served with au jus on the side.  Even though this was just the Queen cut (compared to the larger King cut), it was still huge and I had to bring half my steak home.  I ordered a baked potato with my steak and also a side of sauteed mushrooms, which I shared with my companions.

One of my companions ordered the 8oz Tenderloin Filet, a handsome, thick and extremely tender cut of beef.  It was topped with Kozlak’s signature garlic butter, which adds a splash of melted buttery heaven as it melts over the steak.  Butter on steak? You just have to try this! The flavor of the meat itself had a slightly aged flavor and just a glorious hint of char from the grill.  Cooked a perfect medium.

Another companion ordered the King Cut Prime Rib, the larger version of my steak.  This cut was indeed extra large, standing at least 2″ tall!

Another companion ordered the Steak & Lobster meal.  The steak was the Kozlak’s filet which was very good but the real star of this combo was the African Lobster Tail.  This giant lobster tail was cooked as perfect as you can cook a lobster.  When my companioned offered me a bite I couldn’t resist the sweet, succulent, buttery treat.  The lobster was so fresh that I suspected it had been alive just minutes before it was served, but such was not the case.

For dessert one of my companions and I shared a Pink Squirrel ice cream drink.  Have you had one of these before? They are yummy! Vanilla ice cream blended with Creme de Noyaux, an almond liqueur,  Creme de Cacao, light cream, then topped with whipped cream.  So creamy and smooth!

Service: We had great service at Kozlak’s.  Our party had a reservation on New Year’s Eve and we were brought to our table shortly after we arrived.  Our server greeted us shortly after we sat down to take our drink order.  It was a very busy night and Kozlak’s had a full house, but cocktails were brought out in under ten minutes, other drinks were refilled as needed.  The menu on New Year’s Eve was somewhat limited but the server made good suggestions and answered any questions we had, brought us everything we needed as soon as possible.  Food was prepared in less than thirty minutes, while we munched on our bread and salads.

Overall Impression: Great service! The lobster I tried at Kozlak’s was some of the best I have had and the steaks were also excellent.  The prices are standard for a nice steak house, but won’t break the bank if you only visit on occasion.   I would love to try the New Orleans Brunch Buffet sometime soon!

Kozlak's Royal Oak on Urbanspoon

Article and photos by Kristi Sauer
Copyright Twin Cities Restaurant Blog
Content cannot be used without permission

Cuisine: German/Bavarian, Dessert
Restaurant Features: Banquet, Bar, Live Music, On-Site Parking
Location: Stillwater, MN
Address: 8390 Lofton Avenue  Stillwater, MN 55082   651-439-7128
Hours: Mon-Friday: 11a.m.-9p.m.  Sat- 12pm-9p.m. Sun- 12pm-8p.m.
Links: Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter Website *  Gasthaus Facebook Page *  Google Map

Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter Sign

Atmosphere: The Gasthaus is a family-owned restaurant tucked away in the woods and rolling hills on private property in rural Stillwater. There is no mistaking this restaurant as anything other than traditional German/Bavarian. All staff wear traditional German attire and if you visit on a Sunday afternoon, you can listen to live accordian music. Inside you will find evidence of the Bavarian Hunter theme, complete with mounted antlered animals adorning the entry and antler-shaped chandeliers throughout the dining room and bar areas.  The restaurant has several different seating areas, all of which are on the smaller side and packed with customers, so it can get a little noisy.

Menu: Appetizers at Gasthaus include  Bavarian Hors D’oeuvres Tray, Schnitzel Sampler, Sausage Sampler, Chicken Tenders, Veggie Plate, Smoked Liver Paté, Herring prepared a variety of ways, Bavarian Assorted Cheese Plate, Warmed Brie Cheese, and Fried Bread Dumplings.

Salad options include Bavarian Mixed Salad, Chef Salad and Fresh Spinach Salad.  Soups served are the Goulasch, Bavarian Liver Dumpling and a Soup of the Day.

Schnitzels are served with mashed potatoes or potato dumplings and include: Wiener Schnitzel (“Vienna Style” golden brown breaded pork cutlets), Jagerschnitzel, Rahm Schnitzel, Schnitzel “A La Holstein”, Puten Schnitzel, and Rahm Puten Schnitzel (breaded chicken).

Gasthaus Pork entrees include Schweinsbraten, Schweinshaxe (pork hock), Bayerische Ripperl (smoked pork chops smothered in sauerkraut), and Bavarian Smoked Ribs.  Beef Entrees include Rouladen (beef roll-ups), Sauerbraten (marinated beef roast), Rostbraten and Lamb Shank..

The Gasthaus is the right place to come for authentic German Wurst/Sausages, including Bratwurst, Knackwurst, Metwurst, and Weisswurst.

Gasthaus also serves Walleye fillets and a Vegetable Casserole.

Dessert options include German Chocolate Cake, Apple Streusel Cheesecake

Price guide: Appetizers $6-9  Entrees $14-20

Weekly Specials:

  • Monday: Black Forest Schnitzel- Wiener Schnitzel topped with sautéed bacon, shallots, mushrooms, garlic, Leeks and Asbach Brandy. Served with potato and vegetable of the day.
  • Tuesday: Chicken Schnitzel a la Oscar- Chicken schnitzel or Weiner Schnitzel topped with crabmeat, asparagus and Hollandaise sauce served with potato of the day.
  • Wednesday: Schnitzel Gruyere- Wiener schnitzel topped with sauteed Portabella mushrooms, roma tomatoes and shredded Gruyere cheese. Served with späzel and red cabbage.
  • Thursday: Schnitzel Cordon Bleu- Wiener schnitzel stuffed with smoked ham and Swiss cheese, topped with hollandaise. Served with potato and vegetable of the day.
  • Friday: Bavarian Pork Rouladen- Pork tenderloin stuffed with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, onion and spinach. Topped with mustard gravy and served with spaetzel and red cabbage.
  • Saturday and Sunday: Chef’s Choice
  • What we ordered: My companion and I started with a sampler of German Beers (Spaten Oktoberfest, Sunner, Hefe-Weizen, ?). Great way to try many beers!

    We were  served this complimentary basket of rye breads while we waited for our entrees.  There were two varieties of bread, one a darker pumpernickel and the other a lighter rye with caraway seeds.  Both delicious!

    All entrees come with side salad or cup of soup. I chose the soup of the day, a Pork Sausage and Bean Soup.  This was a hearty soup in a vegetable-based broth with tons of flavor.

    The Bavarian platter is the perfect dish if you would like to try a few of Gasthaus’s specialties. Included are the Jager Schnitzel (breaded pork cutlet covered with mushroom sauce) Rahm Puten Schnitzel (breaded chicken breast covered with sour cream-based sauce), Knackworst (beef sausage with garlic seasoning) and potato dumplings. I thought the Jager schnitzel was very good- The dark mushroom sauce seemed somewhat upappealing to the eye, but had a very mild flavor that perfectly complimented the pork. I enjoyed the flavor of the knackworst and although it was boiled in the German way, I prefer my sausages cooked crispy on the grill. The flavor of the potato dumpling was good, but I did not care for the texture. Next time I would order mashed potatoes or the spaetzel instead. The Rahm Puten schnitzel was my favorite. The sauce that covered the chicken was very mild and creamy, yet the chicken stayed somewhat crispy.

    My companion ordered the Jagerschnitzel, a large serving of  breaded pork cutlets swimming in the hearty mushroom sauce, served with potato dumplings and red pickled cabbage.  A perfect winter meal!

    For dessert we shared the Apple Streusel Cheesecake .  This dessert was very small but tasted incredible. At the base was a small, light and creamy cheesecake that was blended with apple pieces then covered with a streusel pastry and drizzled with a butterscotch topping.  Small but satisfying and absolutely delicious!

    Service: We were very lucky on a busy Saturday night to get a table without a reservation (fortunately for us there was a no-show).  Walk-Ins are accepted but there may be a long wait on the weekends without a reservation.  The host was happy to try to accommodate us and the staff was friendly throughout the evening. Food and drinks were served in a reasonable amount of time.

    Overall Impression: The Gasthaus is a wonderful spot to go if you would like to try good German/Bavarian food.  The country location and the atmosphere both inside and out transport you to a different time and place.

    Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter on Urbanspoon

    Article and photos by Kristi Sauer
    Copyright Twin Cities Restaurant Blog
    Content cannot be used without permission

    Disclosure: I was invited out to do this review and my meal was provided by the restaurant.

    Have you been down to Mystic Lake Casino recently?  Have you tried their Buffet? The menu at the Buffet changes every couple of months with seasonal items, so it is always fun to try the plethora of food items no matter what time of year you visit.

    Today I will highlight the Winter “Holiday” Around-the-World Buffet, which runs through December and January.  Mystic Lake is offering a special Buy-One-Get-One-Free Buffet Dinner throughout the month of January, get the printable coupon here on their website.

    Cuisine: American, European, and Pacific
    Restaurant Features: All-You-Can-Eat, Hotel
    Location: Prior Lake, MN
    Address: 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake, MN, 55372 (Mystic Lake Casino)
    Hours:

    • Mon – Fri Lunch:  11:30am - 2:30pm $9.95
    • Saturday & Sunday Brunch:  10am - 2:30pm $13.95
    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday Dinner:   4:30pm - 11:00pm $12.95
    • Wednesday  Seafood Night:  4:30pm - 11:00pm  $22.95
    • Saturday & Sunday  Dinner:  4:30pm - 11:00pm $16.95

    Links: Buffet at Mystic Lake Website * Mystic Lake Facebook Page * Google Map

    Atmosphere: The Buffet at Mystic Lake Casino is an International-Themed Buffet with three main stations: European, American and Pacific.  Each station is host to a variety of holiday foods found in that particular region of the world.  There are also two salad bars and a dessert station.

    For the holiday season the Buffet is festively decorated with trees and lights but also displays these beautiful, elaborate Gingerbread creations by Marshall Rosenthal.

    Menu: Salad Bar items include Mixed Greens, bean Sprouts, Mushrooms, Green peppers, Garbanzo beans, Broccoli, Shredded Carrots, Garden Peas, Julienne Red Peppers, Black Olives, Radish, Cucumber, Onion, Tomato Wedges, Chopped Eggs, Bleu Cheese Crumbles, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, and Sliced Beets.  Dressing include Caesar, Italian, Bleu Cheese, French, Ranch, 1000 Island and Parmesan Peppercorn.  Soups include Chicken Wild Rice, Asian Soup and a Soup of the Day

    Other Salad Bar Items include Ham salad, Tropical Fruit Salad, Smoked Salmon, Pickled Herring, Green Olives, Grilled Vegetables, Baby Corn, Roasted Mushrooms, Cherry Peppers, Pepperjack, Cheddar, Swiss, Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Pineapple, Oranges, Pears, Peaches, Strawberries, Cottage Cheese, and Yogurt.

    Items found at the American Holiday Station include Waffle Fries, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Beef Enchiladas, Stuffed Peppers in Tomato sauce, Alaskan Cod with Mushroom Dill Sauce, Acorn Squash with Apple Bacon Crumble, Rotisserie Chicken, Chicken with Banana Mango Chutney, Macaroni and Cheese, Broasted Chicken, Smoky Cowboy Beans, Vegetable Medley, Roast Beef (lunch), Prime Rib (dinner), Mashed Potatoes, Oven Roasted Turkey, Sage Dressing, Corn Niblets and Blackened Atlantic Salmon.

    Items found at the European Holiday Station include Pork Saltimbocca with Fresh Sage and Brown Sauce, Ziti with Sundried Tomato and Pancetta in Basil Cream Sauce, French Peas with Mushrooms and Pearl Onions, Potatoes Au Gratin, Mahi Mahi, Beef Stroganoff, Tomato Provencale, Buttered Egg Noodles, Garlic Cheese Bread, Assorted Hearth Baked Pizzas.

    Items found at the Pacific Holiday Station include Cream Cheese Wontons, Sesame Sedd Balls, Pork Egg Rolls, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Vegetable Lo mein, Chow Mein with Pork, Chow Mein Noodles, Dan Dan Noodles with Bok Choy, Mongolian Meatballs, Chinese Spare Ribs, Egg Fu Yung, Honey Seared Pork with Peppers, Steamed Rice, Vegetable Fried Rice, and Grouper in Black Bean Sauce.

    Dessert Station Items include Sugar-Free Carrot Cake, Sugar-Free Cheese Cake, Sugar-Free jello, Apple Spice Cake, Caramel Custard, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, and many more.

    What we ordered: We first started at the Pacific Station where we tried a little bit of everything.  The Mongolian Meatballs were a spicy-sweet bite of meaty awesomeness, the Chinese Spare Ribs were very sweet and tender, the Dan Dan noodles were packed with flavor, and the sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, lo mein, eggrolls and cream cheese wontons were also very tasty.  My favorite item from the Pacific Station was the Grouper in Black Bean Sauce.  Yum!

    Our next stop was the European Station where everything looked so good we tried it all!  The French Peas with Mushrooms and Pearl Onions was very tasty, as was the Tomato Provencale, which was stuffed with Parmesan Cheese and Italian Seasonings then baked.  The Mahi Mahi was decent and the Pork Saltimbocca was full of flavor from the sauce it was cooked in and the prosciutto baked on top.  The Garlic Cheese Bread was full of buttery-garlic goodness with bubbly baked cheese on top.  Delish! Our second plate from the European Station included the rich, meaty Beef Stroganoff, Ziti in Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Cream Sauce, Buffalo Chicken Pizza and the Stuffed Pizza.  Everything was very good.

    We made a couple of trips to the American Station where we tried everything that was offered. I made a traditional “Thanksgiving” plate with Roasted Turkey, Rotisserie Chicken, Sage Dressing, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes. Everything was excellent, I must have eaten it all before I took a photo… sorry!
    Feast your eyes on this gorgeous cut of Prime Rib from the American Station. Incredibly tender,  juicy and fairly lean.  I could eat at the Buffet for Prime Rib alone!

    Other items we tried at the American Station were the Macaroni and Cheese which was very creamy and cheesy but not at all clumpy like mac and cheese can get sometimes.  The Smoky Cowboy Beans were as good as any I have had, and the Alaskan Cod may have been my favorite fish that I tried at the Mystic Lake Buffet, the sauce was flavorful and the fish was not at all fishy.  The Blackened Salmon was also good.

    I didn’t have much room for dessert but wanted to see what the Sugar-Free Desserts were all about.  So glad I tried both the Carrot Cake and the Cheesecake because both were delicious, even sugar-free!

    I tried one last dessert before I was too full too move, the Caramel Custard.  I love custard and thought this was delicious! It was smooth, creamy and the caramel was just the right touch without being too rich.

    Service: We were able to get a table right away and were greeted almost immediately by our server who quickly took our drink order and kept the refills coming all night.  For a Buffet, I thought Mystic Lake did a great job with service.  The Manager stopped to greet us, as he did with nearly every other table of guests, to make sure the food was enjoyed by all.

    Overall Impression: The Buffet at Mystic Lake is the perfect place to go if you want a HUGE selection of All-You-Can Eat International foods at a very reasonable price.  I highly recommend you take advantage of the January BOGO Buffet coupon offer! Print your coupon now. Even better would be to have lunch or dinner at the Buffet, then stay the night at Mystic Lake Hotel and try Il Premio Italian Steakhouse the following Night!
    Buffet on Urbanspoon

    Article and photos by Kristi Sauer
    Copyright Twin Cities Restaurant Blog
    Content cannot be used without permission

    Cuisine: American, Burgers, Dessert, Steak, Ribs, Kids Menu
    Restaurant Features: Bar, Catering, Flat Screen TVs, Happy Hour, Pull-Tabs, On-Site Parking, Sports Bar
    Locations: Bloomington, Eagan, Plymouth and Roseville
    Addresses & Maps:

    Bloomington-4217 American Blvd. West Bloomington, MN 55437 (952) 835-1191

    Eagan- 3010 Eagandale Place Eagan, MN 55121  (651) 687-9333

    Plymouth- 16605 County Road 24, Suite 210 Plymouth, MN 55427  (763) 559-1990

    Roseville- 2350 Cleveland Ave Roseville, MN 55113 (651) 631-1781

    Hours: Open at 11am
    Links:Joe Senser’s Website * Joe Senser’s Facebook Page
    Joe Senser's Sports Lounge ~ Roseville, MN

    Atmosphere: The inside of Joe Senser’s is the ultimate haven for Sports Enthusiasts, (besides being at the stadium, of course) with every wall lined with giant 5′x9′ HDTVs displaying just about every televised sports event.  The area along the walls is slightly raised, housing both tables and booths, as does the dining space throughout the middle of the restaurant.

    There is also a decent sized bar area near the entrance, flowing into the center of the restaurant.

    Menu: Appetizers at Joe Senser’s include Seasoned Waffle Fries, Pizza Spirals, Onion Rings, Chicken Wings, Boneless Wings, Bacon-Wrapped Tenderloin Bites, Quesadillas, Crab & Artichoke Dip, Chicken Fingers, Nachos, Southwest Eggrolls, Coconut Shrimp and Asian Lettuce Wraps.

    Salad options are Buffalo Fiesta, Bangkok Peanut Chicken, Chipotle Ranch Taco Salad, Cobb, Island Salad (chicken, bacon, pineapple), and Caesar.

    Soups include Chicken Noodle, White Chicken Chili and then a Soup du Jour. Mon- Creamy Potato bacon Tues- Black Bean with Andouille Sausage  Wed- Tomato Basil with Tortellini  Thurs- Creamy Chicken Wild Rice  Fri-New England Clam Chowder  Sat/Sun- Chef’s Choice

    Burgers at Senser’s are Half-Pound fresh ground sirloin, served with chips or upgrade to fries for $1.59.  Options include Cheeseburger, Applewood Smoked Bacon Cheeseburger, Bleu Cheese, Jalapeno Pepper Jack, Deli Burger, Sourdough Patty Melt, California Burger, Mushroom Swiss, BBQ Bacon & Jack, Rookie Burger (1/3 lb), and Southwest Turkey Burger.

    Sandwiches also come with chips or upgrade to fries or fruit.  Options are the French Dip, Buffalo Chicken, Turkey Bacon Parmesan, BBQ Jack Chicken, Tuna Melt, Reuben, Beer Battered Walleye, Chicken Teriyaki, Clubhouse, and Shaved Prime Rib Melt. Wraps include Baja Chicken and Buffalo.

    Joe’s Specialties include Wood Roasted Chicken, Beef Brisket, Hickory Ribs, Smoked Pulled Pork, Chopped Sirloin, Parmesan Ranch Walleye.  Prime Rib available on Saturday and Sunday.

    The Entrees at Joe Senser’s include Center But Sirloin, Filet Medallions, Steak and Shrimp, Citrus Chicken and Shrimp, Chicken Bruschetta Pasta and Coconut Shrimp.

    Dessert options are the Turtle Brownie Sundae, Midnight Chocolate Ecstasy, and New York Strawberry Cheesecake.

    Kids Menu items include Mini Corn Dogs, Chicken Strips, Cheeseburger, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, and Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

    Price guide: Appetizers $5-9  Salads $8-10  Sandwiches/Sandwiches $9-10  Specialties $9-18  Entrees $11-19  Desserts $4-5  Kids Menu $5

    Happy Hours:

    Mon-Fri  3:00-6:30

    • $5 Appetizers-  Sicilian Pizza Nachos, Loaded Senser Fries, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Buffalo Chicken Minis, Cheeseburger Minis, and Pepperoni Cheese Loaf
    • $2.50 Short Domestic Taps, Rail/Calls, Domestic Bottles, Short Signature Teas, House Wine
    • $1 off all other drinks
    Sun-Mon 9pm-Close  Tues 10p-Midnight
    • 2 for 1 Drinks: Captain Morgan, Bacardi, Short Domestic Taps
    What we ordered: There were many appetizers that looked good but the Crab & Artichoke really stood out as a winner.  The piping-hot baked dip was served in a ramekin with a pile of hot pita wedges, topped with fresh pico de gallo.  I thought this dip was delicious and flavorful.  You could distinctly taste both the well-blended crab and the artichokes, and a slightly smokey flavor somewhere in the blend of cheeses.  There was enough dip to pile it on every piece of pita.  A very different flavor than artichoke-spinach dip, but excellent all the same.

    Crab & Artichoke Dip at Joe Senser's~ Roseville, MN

    Several of the sandwiches sounded really good to me so I asked the server for a recommendation, who declared the Prime Rib Melt the most popular with the employees. It sounded really good so that is what I ordered.  I loved the flavor of the thinly sliced prime rib mixed with the onions, but the bread got soggy very quickly from the juicy beef and creamy horseradish sauce.  I didn’t even try the au jus because I was afraid my sandwich would fall apart in seconds flat if I did.  It would’ve been better on a hoagie roll or a more substantial bun.  I am also a huge fan of fresh horseradish, so I would’ve loved a little more kick than this creamy mild version served at Joe Senser’s, but that is just a personal preference.  It was still very tasty.  I upgraded to the shoe-string fries which were good but only slightly crispy.
    Prime Rib Melt at Joe Senser's ~ Roseville, MN

    My companion ordered the Mushroom Swiss Burger, which was a thick, juicy 1/2 lb patty made of  freshly ground sirloin.  The flavor of this burger was hearty and beefy, even better topped with thick mushrooms and melted Swiss.  The bun wasn’t much of a match for this big burger; it was very light, fresh and lightly toasted.
    Mushroom Swiss Burger at Joe Senser's ~ Roseville, MN

    Service: It was a very busy weekend evening during my visit, so we were lucky to get a table right away.  We were asked if there was a particular game we wanted to watch so they could seat us accordingly.  Our server was very busy and service was slightly slow, but nothing out of the ordinary for how busy it was.
    Overall Impression: Excellent Happy Hour specials and a big selection on the menu.  The vast number of Large Screen TVs, delicious big burgers and many beers to choose from make Joe Senser’s the perfect place to watch any televised sporting event or hang with your buddies after work.

    Joe Senser's Sports Grill on Urbanspoon

    Article and photos by Kristi Sauer
    Copyright Twin Cities Restaurant Blog
    Content cannot be used without permission