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Name: Blackbird Cafe
Address: 3800 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55409
Telephone: (612) 823-4790
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.03

Blackbird Cafe

3800 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55409

(612) 823-4790
Store is closed

Blackbird Cafe Menu

Snacks

Hapi Mix

Crispy Duck Rolls

Fried Olives

Pickle Plate

Chicken-lemongrass Potstickers

Burnt Sugar Bun

Market Cheese
Salads & Soup

Heirloom Gazpacho

Smoked Beet & Asparagus Salad

Grilled Caesar

Green Salad
Entrees

Squid Ink Tagliatelle

Grilled Petite Tender

Ale Steamed Mussels

Boudin Blanc

Lamb Meatballs

Falafel

Spicy Peanut Noodles
Sides

Brussels Sprout Hash

Grilled Broccolini

Handcut Fries

Bread & Butter
Our Specialty Sandwiches

The Longhorn

Walleye Po'boy

Banh Mi
Desserts

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Blackbird Cafe

Snacks

Hapi Mix [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Duck Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Olives [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pickle Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken-lemongrass Potstickers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Burnt Sugar Bun [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Market Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads & Soup

Heirloom Gazpacho [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Beet & Asparagus Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Green Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Squid Ink Tagliatelle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Petite Tender [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ale Steamed Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boudin Blanc [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lamb Meatballs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Falafel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Peanut Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Brussels Sprout Hash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Broccolini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Handcut Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bread & Butter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Our Specialty Sandwiches

The Longhorn [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Walleye Po'boy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Banh Mi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Desserts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Minneapolis for healthy meals suggestion.

Arby’s ( 5444 Brooklyn Blvd )

Visit below restaurant in Minneapolis for healthy meals suggestion.

Arby’s ( 5444 Brooklyn Blvd )

Write An Anonymous Review

Sarah W.

Blackbird presents a great atmosphere amongst the corners of a somewhat drab end of Nicollet. Horns mounted on a robin's egg blue wall AND the ability to order a phenomenal bahn mi sandwich (a pleasant surprise from what I initially dubbed "just another wine bar cafe"), what more could you ask for?
(4)
Alexandra B.

I looove the crispy duck rolls. I wish there were more flavorful / rich entrÃ©e options besides the noodle bowls at dinner. Breakfast was great, however - the pancakes with crÃ¨me fraiche were delicious. The ambiance is so cute that I want to go back.
(4)
William C.

Admittedly, I did not actually eat any of the food at Blackbird during my visit (I was battling a hangover), but I wanted to write about my overall Sunday brunch dining experience from this past weekend. The interior gives off a warm and natural vibe, it looks like something you would see on Design Sponge. Lots of deer antlers and gold framed mirrors line the walls, natural light floods in from the front of the building and wood floors throughout. Our server was friendly and attentive. Because I was battling the multitude of gin and tonics I had consumed the night before, I ordered some of the hibiscus tea and a glass of grapefruit juice. The tea was fragrant (flowery taste) and refreshing while the juice tasted like it was the real deal. I had eaten right before our impromptu brunch gathering, but that didn't prevent me from ogling and smelling the tantalizing plates brought over to my friends. From what I could see, their breakfast offerings come in generous serving sizes and the presentation is quite literally perfection. The breakfast plates looked like something you would see in a fine dining mag. Definitely coming back when I am feeling 100% to try something off the menu.
(4)
Terence A.

Great brunch (both egg and pancake/French toast type dishes). Great bread/toast with quality jelly/jam. Don't get the oj as it tastes like it's from frozen concentrate.
(4)
Katie M.

We were on our way to grab breakfast at a different restaurant and driving by Blackbird Cafe noticed an open sign. It was early, we had a hungry toddler in tow and needed coffee desperately, so we opted to stop here. We were seated right away, with a high chair for our daughter along with crayons for her to occupy herself. The food was exactly what we needed - solid breakfast that was way better than a run of the mill diner, and delicious coffee (which we found out is their own blend made only for the restaurant). It's really the little things that made our experience so great - we never had to ask for refills on our beverages, service was friendly and quick, they had a basket of books for kiddos to read, and their fish tank kept our daughter mesmerized for at least 10 minutes. A perfect place for an early breakfast!
(5)
Vinny G.

We stopped here for a breakfast/lunch and really enjoyed it. Coffee was good, the food great, prices more than fair with friendly service in a cool atmosphere. This place certainly checks all the boxes. My wife had the crepes with blueberry/cranberry compote and sweet ricotta and I ordered the spicy udon noodles with peanuts, vegetables and tofu. Both dishes were great. The compote had a nice sweet/tart blend between the cranberries and blueberries, and the sweet ricotta was a perfect accompaniment. A great dish for $9. I love Pad Thai, but I liked their spicy Udon noodles with peanuts and tofu even more. The veggies, including lots of deep flavored mushrooms, were really fresh and it was spiced perfectly. It was a good sized portion and priced at only $13. Even if you're downtown, it's a quick drive and worth it.
(5)
Allison M.

Been here a couple of times and the food was pretty darn good both times. Friendly service, nice atmosphere.
(4)
Krissy W.

I'm currently basking in the afterglow of one of the most amazing brunches I've had in awhile. It's rare to have an everything-was-amazing-absolutely-no-complaints type dining experience, but Blackbird Cafe delivered. First of all, the place is adorable. The antlers, mirrors, large windows, and cutesy lamps really set the mood. But you're soon distracted by the menu, which has so many delicious-sounding options that I was honestly getting a little stressed over the decision making process. One of my dining partners (who happens to be pregnant) ordered 2 meals-- one for her, one for baby. Everything that I tried was to die for. I had the sweet potato biscuits & gravy. Heavenly. And I never knew that toast could taste so amazing. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Dana J.

Came for dinner during Dine Out For Life - major bonus points for fitting in my group of eight on a busy night. They wait staff was very friendly, and even though there was another group using our table at 7, they didn't push us out the door or make us feel rushed.
(4)
Suzanne P.

Minneapolis restaurants - take note!!! This is what a neighborhood restaurant should be. I've been there a few times, mostly for brunch, but a few times for dinner too. Everything I've had has been really delicious and well-crafted. Their brunch specials are always worth a listen and you can't go wrong with your own custom frittata. BRUNCH TIP: try the sesame honey butter. It tastes like sesame-y peanut butter and is heavenly on toast.
(5)
Mel S.

When my friend wanted to go to Blackbird for her birthday I was thrilled because I had heard good things, love the area, and wanted to try it out. However, my experience was sorely disappointing. The cafe itself is awesome. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly, and it's just weird enough to not be boring. The service was very good. The little waiting area paired with a hostess who was happily mellow was relaxing after a long day. The food, on the other hand, failed my expectations. The special was a salmon dish with "spring vegetables" which sounded delicious until "corn" was listed as one of the vegetables. Not only was Minnesota corn not in season yet, I don't think of corn as a spring vegetable. For a restaurant who writes that they "showcase the best ingredients in their seasons" this was a disappointment right off the bat. My friend and I both had a fish sandwich that I no longer recall the specifics of. it was wholly unremarkable. The bread was so thick, dry, and hard to get through that the flavors of the fish & fixings barely made it through. The fries tasted like they had been frozen. I'm not much of a french fry connoisseur, but they didn't even strike me as being worth eating. Another friend ordered the ratatouille which looked and smelled great, and they verified that it was definitely delicious. However, the promise of one decent dish is not enough to bring me back again. Like all places that fall short of my expectations initially, I would probably return for a second chance happy hour.
(3)
Todd M.

My buddy and I tried it tonight for our first times... Nice !!! The grilled cesar was sooo flavorful and the Crispy Duck roll was one of the tastiest things I've had in a restaurant in a long time. The Beef Brisket was very delicious and the Hot Fudge Sundae I attacked was old-fashioned excellent ! I wish I had more thumbs to put "Up" !! Great job Blackbird ! And, very professional service & relaxing ambiance. Maybe cut back on the Alicia Keys music though... just sayin' I'm definitely a fan of this cuisine !
(4)
Anya O.

This is one of my favorite spots. The menu offers a variety of dishes from small plates to a po boy to spicy udon noodles. The staff are always great & I've never had a bad experience. The late night happy hour is a great time to go because they have $5 small plates and deals on beer and wine. And Jake the bartender is the best!
(5)
Kristine O.

I went to Blackbird on a triple date with 2 of our friend couples. When we arrived we were seated instantly. I asked the waiter what was the best thing on the menu and he said he could speak highly of everything. My boyfriend and I shared the Duck roll, chicken Lemon Grass potsticker, and the spicy chicken peanut noodles. The Duck roll was AMAZING! Seriously, one the of the best new things I've tried in a long time. Will defiantly come back just for this. The Chicken lemon grass potstickers were just ok. I wouldn't order them again. The Spicy Chicken Noodles were also just ok. I will defiantly go back and get the Duck roll and I would like to try the Walleye Po'boy. I also want to try their brunch.
(4)
Ashley J.

If I had to choose a more up-scale breakfast place (or brunch spot), Blackbird ranks high on my list. They make a mean french toast dish that is sweet but not over the top...the apricots offered a sweet, but not teeth-turning-gritty-from-sugar taste. And I love the space for brunch: The light just pours in the restaurant and highlights the hustle and bustle well without making the place seem crowded.
(4)
Lisa A.

Embarrassed that it was my first visit to Blackbird! It definitely won't be the last! I loved the ambience and the low key service. The whole experience resonated relaxation. My friend and I started with the duck rolls which were crispy and hot when served. Loads of flavor and the sweet and sour dipping sauce was a perfect accompaniment. For the next course, we shared small plates. The Brussel sprout hash, truffled gnocchi, and the grilled Caesar salad. All dishes were delicious, and prepared with pride. We probably could have eaten a bit more since the portions were small...but it was "small plates" so it wasn't exactly misleading. It just meant we saved room for the burnt caramel pudding which I won't share next time. Blackbird...I'll be back!
(5)
Natalie L.

Gail was soo disappointing!!! I expect so much more of an owner!
(1)
Joe E.

Love it. The Sweet Potato Biscuits and Sausage Gravy were killer. Very nice look and feel. Fun decor. A hook on the back of my booth for my jacket (plus). The coffee was good, and my cup was never empty. To top it off, they had an aquarium made out of an old TV....EVERYbody has wanted one of those at some point in their life. This was the first I'd seen, and it made me very happy. I would go back just to stare at it. Of course I'd probably get some more food while I was there, wouldn't want them to think I was creepy.
(5)
Sarah G.

They did have one if the best black bean burgers in the Twin cities, but they don't have it in the menu anymore. They don't currently have much for vegans, so beware. And go the Birchwood if you want a good black bean burger.
(2)
Mollee F.

Such a perfect night out at the Blackbird Cafe. Don't let the construction on Nicollet scare you away. It might not look so pretty, but it transforms the neighborhood into a delightfully quiet corner at night. We took advantage of the quiet and the warm weather to snap up a table outside. Yes, the inside is kitchy cute, but the perfect summer night called us outside. Our server was an awesome menu navigator. None of us had been there before and her enthusiasm for the food was infectious (and spot on). We opted to order a bunch of small plates so we could really sample the menu. We started with the gazpacho (delightfully cool yet spicy) and the verjus beets (which the beet lovers at the table loved). Get the bread basket while you're at it - for four bucks you get a selection of Patisserie 46 goodies and sea salt-honey butter. I normally don't care for sweet butter, but this was exactly how it should be done - a nice balance of the sweet and the salty. For our second round of plates we tried the gnocchi (in a cream sauce with peas, corn and carrots, it's surprising and satisfying), the burrata (a panzanella style salad topped with a creamy blob of mozzarella), the potstickers (chicken and lemongrass), and the Brussels sprout hash (a clever take on sprouts). We loved all of it and best of all, there was room for dessert. If they have the lemon poppyseed poundcake with strawberries, get it. They grill the pound cake so it has some bite to it. The lemony ice cream and strawberries on top just scream summer in the most delicious, plate-licking, way. We also got the hot fudge sundae. It's jazzed up from a standard sundae with cocoa nibs, bruleed bananas and cherries. Decadent and delightful. Actually, that could sum up the whole night.
(5)
Mikaela M.

Had brunch for New Year's Day. The wait was a little long, but service was great and food was delicious! Shared their version of huevos rancheros with my brother. Also tried the sourdough pancakes. Everything was super yummy. Their chorizo is on point. Even the coffee was really good. Nice environment, great service, and great food. I was very satisfied with my first visit at Blackbird Cafe today!
(5)
Martin L.

We were passing through and looking for a place to have an interesting meal. Could not have been more pleased! The only problem we had was that so many things on the menu looked good it was challenging to decide what to have. Recognizing our dilemma, our server came to our rescue with some very thoughtful questions and suggestions. We were very impressed with the service, and the food was amazing.
(5)
Megan E.

I've been here twice, once for brunch and once for dinner. There is a great selection on the brunch menu and you really can't go wrong. For dinner it was a little bit less awesome. There were some obnoxious guests playing bean bags and the wait staff was too nice to tell them to quiet down and be less disruptive to other tables.
(4)
Golda a.

Oh! Oh my! What a small nugget of heaven we stumbled across! I love Minneapolis! We went for brunch this morning and had to wait outside for about 20 minutes. The hostess checked in with us (all) as we were waiting. When we arrived the server was warm and welcoming. And she sold it! My friend was so intrigued by both specials she couldn't decide and so the server offered a small "special pancake" for half the price so that we could share and she could enjoy both specials. I am a breakfast purist and don't believe in messing was a perfect meal so I ordered the eggs, hashbrowns, and "homemade sausage links" and of course, OJ (gorgeous and fresh squeezed!). Our food arrived and we dug in. Chris immediately started groaning. I couldn't take my eyes off the "links" -- about the thickness of brats but perhaps 1/3 shorter. A little heat, but, oh my! Chris kept saying "try this!" So I gave in and tried grits...what have I been I missing all these years? Creamy and lightly flavored with rosemary. Unbelievable. Chris dug into the "special pancake" in this case a pancake stuffed with chorrizo and spiced peaches!! There was a cheesy something on top...I literally can't come up with the words...! It was craziness. Who is behind that swinging door who decides a pancake needs chorizo and....maybe spiced peaches! Madness! Next up, dinner!
(5)
Susan A.

Ate Brunch here last Sunday!! Awesome!! With the Peach Mimosa and the Shrimp and Grits with wonderful red gravy were the best I have had since South Carolina and my friend's Sourdough Pancakes - Yummy!! I will definitely head back to the Blackbird whenever I get a chance. Loved sitting at the bar too. Fun people watching.
(5)
Jane D.

Small but tasty menu! We shared the cauliflower, gnocchi, and a panzanella/mozzarella type salad with a bottle of champagne and churros for dessert. The bartender was nice and knowledgeable. Great date night spot. Loved it!
(4)
Darrell G.

Great addition to the neighborhood. They moved in after a tragic fire at their original location several years ago. Their beer selection is always excellent and rotates through the best of the burgeoning local brews. The specials are great but you can live off of the noodle dishes alone.
(4)
Laurie E.

I am so sad, I wanted to love this place. I have heard great things about the chef/owner, and was excited to try BBC. Living and owning a business in the neighborhood, I love to support other small businesses and have always been a fan of chef driven establishments focused on good food. Unfortunately, this place does not seem to be focused on food. The atmosphere is amazing, filled with antique mirrors and light fixtures - intimate, open, and delightfully bohemian. The service was adequate, just how I like it. The menu is fun to read. Those were the highlights, but I was hungry for a good meal. The tap beer list is great... if you like pale ale, there was one wheat beer and the rest were skunky pale ales. WHY???? Whatever. I had the Spicy noodles with shitakes and fried tofu. My fried tofu tasted like it had been sitting in a water bath and had no crisp or seasoning. There were two or three small peices of shriveled up over cooked mushroom, one piece of uncooked broccoli, and soggy udon noodles and boc choy drowning in a mediocre peanut sauce. Really? Right down the street from Quang, Pho79, and Jazzmine. Put some love into the noodle dish or take it off the menu! My husband had the Longhorn sandwich. He says: "The bread was chalky and soaked through, the beef was chewy, and the handcut fried were shockingly undercooked, limp and saturated with grease." Wow... Our bill with tip was $50. I felt we could have gotten a better meal from a food truck. The cooks don't care and we could taste it.
(2)
Jon L.

Not much to say about this place. It was pretty average. I had the breakfast special and my wife had the pancakes. The antlers all over the joint was a little odd. Not sure of the connection with blackbirds, but I digress. Overall, good but much better places to eat in both anbiance, selection and taste.
(3)
Davin H.

With all the brunch options in this town it is always nice to find another place not to go. I thought I was getting a tofu scramble, but I ended up with a pile of flavorless soy cubes. Being a farm-to-table establishment, they likely do meat well. Tofu probably shouldn't be on the menu if the chef doesn't understand what to do with it. And to add insult, it was an additional charge. At least I had some beer. Not sure what though. I ordered a flight and they handed me a couple different lists of what my brews might be. Wasn't sure which list was current, and even then each list was full of amendments and alternates. The hash was decent, the beans & rice was okay. The price was high for what it all was. Again, they probably do meat well, but as a vegetarian, I have far better options. Good coffee.
(2)
Jessica L.

Delicious food and really beautiful design in here!! Try the fries with rosemary aioli...you won't regret it!! I had the Spicy Noodle Dish with fresh tofu and it was just the right amount of noodles, tofu and fresh veggies!
(4)
Carolyn B.

One thing I love about my life is that I generally have the flexibility to go out to dinner on a whim. That's what I did tonight with Blackbird Cafe. I'd seen little bits about it in the Minneapolis St Paul magazine and had a friend recommend it. So, tonight I decided to tell my husband to put on a decent shirt and we headed over. Upon walking in, I was impressed with the decor. I loved the antique mirrors on the wall and little kitschy touches, like the deer figurines. It was very inviting. Perusing the menu, I was happy to see that there were a few veggie options to choose from. In a perfect world, there would be nothing but veggie choices, but in this world, I'm happy with a few carefully thought out menu items, so long as the menu changes often enough to allow me to go there every now and again and not have to get the same thing. I ordered the braised cauliflower, which was accompanied by an apricot chutney, cashew-mint pesto, kim chee, some fancy kind of lentil and a tasty yogurt like sauce. Oh and some delicious flatbread. It is this kind of creative and flavorful dish that makes a place rise to the top of my veggie foodie list and will make me want to go again. My husband got the peanut noodle dish with tofu. It was nicely done with lots of flavor. I will note that we both tolerated a tiny bit of fish sauce, which is not something I would have done in my militant years, but will overlook now and again. The portions were also decent, which makes for a happy husband. I'm very excited to try this place again. I hope they can keep it up. If they do, I will gladly upgrade to 5 stars.
(4)
Michael L.

Cool decor, and good, diverse, semi-ambitious food at a good price. It's always pretty full with a very diverse crowd that makes for good people-watching. Easy to park on the street. This & Heidi's apparently used to be next to each other in the Lake Harriet area and they both burned down and have recently been resurrected in new locations. Of the 2 I definitely prefer Blackbird and feel it is more deserving of the hype. The food is good, not great, and there have been some missteps such as a carrot & brie soup that was actually goat cheese (maybe goat brie, but this was not specified and should be I think), and a steak & truffled gnocchi dish where the steak was not very flavorful, but the gnocchi made up for that handily so no complaints in the end. I can't put my finger on exactly why I like the place so much, I would say probably the decor/style is a big part of it, I recommend everyone to go and try it once.
(5)
Rae Jo K.

Excellent restaurant...high-quality food, awesome atmosphere and a great selection of beer and wine. The service was pretty good but the waitress wasn't all that friendly. The location is great...on a corner with plenty of windows and the decor really makes this place shine. One wall is completely covered in old mirrors and another wall has a massive old doorframe on it. A must-try is the ginger peach iced tea and black bean burger. This will definitely be a regular stop for me.
(4)
Annie D.

Got over to the recently re-opened Blackbird last week for lunch, with butterflies because I was so excited to try it. I never made it to the original Blackbird, and the legends told of its food-glory had been building up in my brain since that awful fire. As impressed as I was with the space, I wasn't as impressed with my meal as I hoped I'd be. Too much hype? I dunno. Keep in mind this is a first-blush review and I know I'll be back in a flash to try something else. The good: The atmosphere is cuteness squared. Spacious, with lots of windows and antlers and vintage mirrors everywhere. I love-love-LOVE the space. I narrowly escaped getting seated at one of those bench+chair/two-person tables where everyone is really close together. Yay! Instead, Alexandra H. and I camped out in the front at a small table near the waiting area. Without a reservation at lunch on a Friday, we were lucky to get it! Service? Also fantastique. The prices are comparable to other restaurants in its class, and they've got some of my favorite beers on tap (I spied Lagunitas and Victory!). Like Veronica V, I'd love to see another local beer on tap. The tomato basil soup was supreme. I want more of it right this second. I got it instead of fries with my sammich (for an extra $1). On the menu it is described as "zesty," and they are right. It came with little oven dried tomatoes and housemade croutons on top, with a little kick that was just the right thing for a November day. Very zesty. The not-so-good: I didn't care for the hibiscus iced tea. Not my cup... of tea. And then when it came to ordering, they were out of the quiche by noon. That was a bummer because I discovered recently that quiche is delightful. I ended up choosing the $10 pork sandwich with the recommendation of the server. I'm not a picky eater, but it was so rich and heavy that I could barely get through one half of it. I felt there was no balance to the flavors because it was overwhelmingly greasy. It was side pork covered in lots of tellagio cheese, and served on buttered and grilled pumpernickel. This is my bad, but I didn't realize "side pork" was the same cut as bacon, so I wasn't expecting it to be so fatty... and I probably wouldn't have ordered it if I had known that. The tellagio was notably stinky (I like stinky cheese), but there was too much cheese on what was an already three-napkin sandwich. I almost never use the expression "too much cheese" or give a hoot that something is a "three-napkin sandwich," but here we are. The gist: I'll be back to Blackbird (probably soon and probably for dinner or the soon-to-be weekend breakfast service), but I will obviously not order that pork sandwich. There were so many wonderful looking and smelling things coming out of that kitchen. Think truffled gnocchi, walleye po' boy and black bean burgers. I have all the faith in the world that it'll be a much better visit next time. I'll update then!
(3)
Megan W.

Completely lovely. My roommate and I went to the Blackbird Cafe for brunch yesterday and talked about it for the rest of the day. Vintage mirrors and antlers adorn the walls, and it might be impossible to actually fit any more sunshine in the restaurant. My roommate had the Norske Scrambler (as Minnesotan of a name as I've ever heard), comprised of salmon, eggs and dill fraiche and I had the Colleen O'Brien, which is huevos rancheros with avocado and their house-made chorizo. Both were glorious and I'm looking forward to trying lunch and dinner there, complemented by their excellent beer selection. Fingers crossed that they have a patio in the summer.
(5)
Darshy N.

I'm the kinda girl that brunches, and if I could brunch every single day, I probably would. I went to blackbird cafe as part of the Yelp's eaten path: brunch club with my roomie, who by default also loves brunch. Now, I'll admit I'm a person of ritual - every Saturday mornings, my dog Digby and I go to the St. Paul farmers' market and then to Heartland for Dogwood coffee. The farmers always see us, greets us, helps me prepare for the week, while eyeing my over-zealous black lab suspiciously - to be fair, he seems as if he's about to pounce on everything. But he doesn't - such a good doogie. So, it was this way that my Saturday morning started - until I read a text from Julie S. "Hey guys are you on your way?" And then we darted to Blackbird. We aren't lucky peoples, but we got their at the right time, around 11-ish and there was a table for 2 ready! So we were seated right away. What I love about this cafe: - In the cold of Minnesota winters, the extremely large windows, the airy white curtains, the vintage mirrors made the atmosphere open and airy. The colours are soothing, and totally goes with the feeling. The wait staff is extremely friendly and helpful and pretty on point with things to try. The prices are comparable to other restaurants in its class. I had the the huevos rancheros, but colin o'brien style [with avocadoes]. My roommate had the salmon with eggs, and I have to say I was seriously super jealous of his meal. Because I found that to be a bit better than mine. [Don't you hate when that happens?] Anyways,if you're the brunching kind and even if you're not the brunching kind [not that I know of any existing out there] you should give blackbird a try, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Colin D.

The Blackbird rises again. Newly opened and if tonight is anything to go by I'm going to be a regular. I never went to the old Blackbird so I can't compare it to the old one. I had the walleye po'Boy with side salad which was superb. I just loved the pickled cabbage that comes with it. There's a small but excellent choice of beers such as Sweet Vine of Mine and Bells Porter. Go there now.
(4)
Michael L.

The food here is remarkably delicious. I brought my dad here for Father's Day and he and I had a wonderful meal. The most important part: I could give my dad a great Father's Day meal and I didn't break the bank. Good food for a good price.
(5)
Jen W.

My first time at the new space and it was wonderful. The waiter made a recommendation that was spot on (braised cauliflower - you should try it even if you're not vegetarian) and was very attentive without being obtrusive. No parking lot but if you have even rudimentary parallel parking skillz you'll be fine. I am so happy they are back!
(4)
amy z.

A great neighborhood spot. I love the rustic decor. Our service was great (even when I returned my glass of wine). I had the steak and it was cooked perfectly. Though it is the gnocchi that stole my heart. Yes I am still dreaming about it and more than likely I am drooling right now as I write this. FYI - if you have a Chinook Book there is a coupon in it for the restaurant.
(4)
Allison T.

Absolutely wonderful. The atmosphere and service are excellent and the huevos rancheros are to die for. The ranchero sauce has a great heat to it, so I didn't have to douse my eggs with Tabasco, like I usually do. Eat here!
(5)
Meghann F.

FINALLY - made it - was so longing to go check it out! Just had a few tastes of the apps / small plates and I WILL be back for more! Tried the gnocchi - wowsers - that about knocked my socks off! I would definitely recommend that. The empanadas were decent - the sauce was spicy and it was fine - just not overly memorable. Also tried the potstickers with crawfish and shrimp . .. those are amazing - I can't wait to go back for more of those. Definitely want to try more than a few things on the menu. I also like the interior - all the mirrors and horns all over the wall - not to mention big and airy - but also cozy. Check it out!
(5)
Don H.

As we slowly go through the list of Minneapolis restaurants, we were delighted that the in-laws wanted to do dinner here. Black Bird's atmosphere is lovely. There's really no other way to put it. It has a touch of antique with the clean, modern lines you'd expect in New York. I am not surprised by this because of the tremendous variety of foods here. We ended up with three courses to our dinner and opted for the small plates -- although "big plates" were also available. I have to tell you that, I am not a salad person. But the beets and chÃ¨vre were AMAZING. I also treated myself to the duck liver which I shared with my MiL since we're the crazy eaters. I also was very delighted by the celery soup, which I'd never had before. Based on this small sampling, I wouldn't hesitate to try anything on their menu. To my biggest surprise, the four of us ate for $100 with three drinks (before tip). That's just damn good value. Definitely a great place to take a date, though there was a great variety of people here -- we were sitting next to a big family celebrating the holidays with babies all the way on up to grandparents. So it's very accessible.
(4)
Jessica R.

The southwestern was delicious and the oxtail hash was a great balance of flavors! :) I would actually go with a 4.5 star but that's not an option so I didn't want to go lower.
(5)
David H.

Visited the Blackbird for the first time on a early Saturday afternoon and made it in time for brunch too! I wasn't sure what to think when I first walked in, as my knee jerk reaction was "cheap diner" (not that that's bad), but after being seated and looking around, I realized that it had quite the charm and was decorated with some cool little finds.....love the wall of mirrors! We had the Biscuits & Gravy and the Sweetbread Benedict, both of which were pretty fantastic, though the B&G were probably the best I've had....ever. Will go back for more!
(4)
Joshua P.

Cool vibe, decor is awesome and located in a sweet "underground" part of Mpls. The duck rolls and gnocchi are fantastic.
(4)
Katy R.

After a few visits, I can say this without a doubt in my mind... BBC is my new favorite brunch spot. Lets start with the decor. Clean and simple. I love the display of Antlers on one wall and the antique mirrors on another. It's unique and inviting. Now, lets talk menu... It's not often that I find a menu that leaves me with 3 or 4 dishes that I need to narrow down to one. All the standards are covered as well as a panoply of more unique dishes, like the Norske Scramber (scrambled eggs with house smoked salmon, dill & creme fraiche, served with hash browns), the Oxtail Hash( root vegetables, onions & oxtail, with two basted eggs & hollandaise from scratch), & the Veal Sweetbreads Benedict (with two poached eggs, english muffin, steamed spinach & hollandaise). Wow, can't wait to try these... that is if I can pry myself away from ordering the Bahn Mi Sandwich (slow roasted pork, jalapenos, pickled vegetables, pate, cilantro & mayo ). I love Bahn Mi, so I was skeptical to try this at a non-Vietnamese joint (nothing will beat the real thing... lets get real), but I was impressed with this sandwich. Served on ciabatta instead of the usual baguette - it was a respectable take on the original. I'd like to see them serve a little dish of Sriacha with it, as I like the spiciness to balance out the richness of the pate. Anyway, give it a go, it's good. I did also try the soup du jour which was a red pepper puree with goat cheese crumbles. I liked the idea, but the soup was flat and uninteresting once the goat cheese was gone. More seasoning of some sort would have brightened this soup. I liked the idea though. Hoping to be able to edit this review with Lunch and Dinner thoughts. Cheers.
(5)
Marsha L.

I had poached eggs and spinach. It was the bomb digity! (yeah, I actually just said that, so what?! haha). Super cute decor. Got lots of water refills without asking! ALWAYS a PLUS+++!
(4)
Zachary S.

Our new neighborhood go to for dinner and breakfast. Always good. Great service, relaxed atmosphere, and lots of antlers. But I'm a little pissed that they took the lamb nachos off the menu. They were badass.
(4)
Sergio T.

Blackbird Cafe is easiest our top choice to have brunch in Minneapolis. Having lived in Chicago for six years my wife and I know a good brunch. Blackbird has a great mix of good music, friendly waitstaff, and amazing food. We always go on Saturday or Sunday for breakfast/brunch. We typically are seated right away or at max there is a 5 minute wait. Breakfast/Brunch Coffee is great. Service is prompt and never an issue Food is great. Every Sat/Sun they have at least two breakfast specials. The Oxtail and Root Vegetable Hash is my favorite Lunch: I have never eaten lunch there however the menu selection appears to be very good. While I go in during brunch/lunch hours and I am tempted to order lunch I always want the breakfast. Items include sandwiches, salads, fries - but all nice presented. I recommend this place for small or medium size groups. They do have a few large tables to accommodate parties of 7 or more.
(5)
Kedar D.

As part of my hunt for the best vegan burger in the Twin Cities I found my way to Blackbird Cafe. My two main stipulations are that the burger must be vegan and that it must be home-made (no Boca burgers from a box). First the good: this is a quaint, cozy little neighborhood spot with friendly (but slow) service. Now onto the not-so-good: I had the southwest veggie sandwich/burger ($7.50) which is house-made and vegan if you order it without cheese. The dish came with a side of fries as well. The "sandwich" is definitely interesting and unusual. Blackbird gets rid of the normal patty-on-a-bun scenario and instead serves the patty over fried tortilla chips, with a guacamole salsa topping. It's a bold move, though I'm not sure it worked. Maybe a corn tortilla or a hard shell taco (instead of a "sandwich") could have worked better? The tortilla chips made me feel like I was eating a glorified appetizer. The biggest issue I had was with the flavors. The vegetable patty consisted of blackbeans, rice and small dates/figs, the latter of which provided a weird flavor and texture. I expect my veggie burgers to be savory and I found the sweet tones of the dates offputting. Similarly, the guacamole salsa, while colorful, wound up sweet-flavored due to the use of pineapple. The sweetness of the salsa, along with the light sweetness of the patty, along with the tortilla chips, made this a strange, sugary-flavored meal. I applaud Blackbird for taking risks, but they failed on this one. The price and the fries were pretty good, though. There aren't any other vegan options on the menu as far as I could tell. As mentioned before, the service was friendly, but slow and somewhat inattentive. This place can get crowded for lunch so make sure to arrive early (or late) if you want to avoid crowded tables in cramped quarters. The clientele is about 75% female and probably 90% over 50, so don't come here expecting to sip chai, work on your laptop and read The Onion.
(2)
Meg A.

their brunch is fantastic. huevos are awesome and one sunday i tried the chilaquiles that were the special for the day. AMAZING. also a huge fan of their late night happy hour. they always have a pretty solid beer selection and i dream of their salami stuffed fried olives. mmm.
(5)
Mary K.

I've been to Blackbird over a dozen times, mostly for breakfast, so that's where I'll concentrate, I've never had an even slightly off breakfast, especially the daily specials. The last time there I had an egg scramble with wild mushrooms and pork-braised greens. So delicious. Off their regular menu, I love the Oxtail Hash, and the Eggs Benedict. Great coffee, spot-on service, and the room is bright and lively. I consider it the best brunch in town.
(4)
Mara Z.

This a great spot for a brunch. Their Sweet Potatoes and Gravy Biscuits are to die for! It's close to my house so I usually walk there. Service sometimes is slow during busier times but overall great place! I would recommend it!
(4)
Jon C.

With so many reviews echoing similar commentary, I will keep this short and sweet... Go with their oxtail hash (beef and root vegetable hearty) or their multi-grain pancakes (dense and chewy) and you will leave a happy camper... High five.
(4)
Brandon Y.

I don't give out "5 stars" all that often but this place is one of my favorites. I dined at the original location once or twice and was very impressed but there is something about their new location that just bumps it up a little bit (ambiance maybe, bustling location maybe...don't know). I've been here a few times and have been lucky to have had both breakfast/brunch as well as dinner service. Each time I've been there the service has been great. Last time I was there was for a friend of mine's birthday dinner (10 people) and we were all accommodated well. My wife and I shared the "beet/chevre/pistachio/buttermilk Terrine" which was amazing. I had the Duck "done two ways" dish. Mine was cooked perfectly with endives and caramelized onions. The wife had the "southwestern" Sandwich which was a deconstructed black bean burger with fresh made tortilla chips - mango salsa was great!. Best part about small neighborhood restaurants that use "local/sustainable" ingredients is the costs are kept pretty low. Same goes for Blackbird.
(5)
Sammy S.

I was a fan of the "old" Blackbird so I was excited to try them out at their new location. Their new space is small but very open. I want to use the word 'delightful' here, so I will - their atmosphere is very delightful! Great for dates or double-dates or small get-togethers of sorts, not so great for large groups. I went for dinner and really wish they had dimmed the lighting more!! Oh well. Food is still excellent. Walleye Po'Boy is the best fish sandwich in the city. The fish isn't greasy and it pairs perfectly with cajun mayo and pickled cabbage. The ciabatta bread is always fresh and doesn't overtake the sandwich. Truffled Gnocci is light and fluffy with just the right amount of richness. It is a small plate so I suggest to pair it with a salad or another side. Their Peanut Noodle bowls are rich and spicy, but surprisingly fulfilling. Perfect for a cold winter night. We tried 2 of their ever-changing desserts and they were both awesome. I will be going back for more and then some more after that.
(4)
Marci M.

My husband and I went to Blackbird a couple weeks ago when we were lucky enough to be kid-free for the night. We wanted to stay close to home and not spend too much money and were very happy with our experience that night. Food: Order the shaved apple salad - anytime you can't stop thinking about a salad you know it must have been good. The hint of curry in the dressing makes it unusual and so delicious. Star prairie trout - a huge portion for a small plate and very flavorful We also shared the warm olives, the panzanella and the cappelletti which were also good but less noteworthy. Service was decent. Our server mentioned that she's great at helping people pair small plates so I asked her for help because I was between two salads and two pastas and she just sort of shrugged. Thankfully I picked the shaved apple salad without her help! :) House wine is a $5.50/glass and is really good for the price (we had red).
(4)
Ali D.

I've visited Blackbird a few times at their old location and once at their new digs, and I've never been disappointed. Went there tonight for dinner with my mom, and we were seated promptly (I love going out to eat on weeknights!). To start, we ordered their bread and crackers with honey butter and chickpea spread ($4). The spread was kind of garlicky, like hummus, but definitely was not the same texture. Hard to explain, but it tasted really good. I had the appetizer special, which was smoked trout with fingerling potatoes, roasted beets, and caramelized onions ($10). And it was amazing. The onions were perfectly cooked down, the trout was cooked to perfection, and the flavors all melted together into this fabulous, warm concoction that was generously portioned for being billed as an appetizer. My mom had the Walleye Po' Boy sandwich, which I kind of joked with her about (seeing as she's a pretty cautious eater from northern Minnesota - walleye is definitely not breaking new ground), but it was easily one of the best fish sandwiches I've tasted. The homemade slaw and spicy mayo really went well with the crisp, well-seasoned fish. The only downfall of the dish was the side salad that came with it. Is it just me, or do way too many restaurants serve simple mixed greens with absolutely tasteless dressing? So I won't fault Blackbird entirely on this one, but seriously, can we throw some lemon juice or balsamic on there? Service was very attentive, and everyone else in the restaurant seemed to be enjoying their experience as well. Also, along with the obligatory toothpick dispenser on your way out the door, they have a basket of Dum-Dum suckers as a parting gift. Score! It's so nice to have neighborhood spots like Blackbird that keep prices reasonable and serve quality ingredients. Visit here soon!
(5)
Kimberly T.

Blackbird has been on my 'to brunch' list for a long time. We went around 9a & it wasn't too busy so we got a table right away. This is one of the few places I've gone to for brunch that literally everything on the menu appealed to me! I had a tough time deciding what I wanted to order, but I ended up getting a ham, cheddar & spinach frittata and Ryan got his usual biscuits & gravy. My frittata was huge & really good. I'm not one for jam or jelly, but whatever kind they had was fabulous with my toast. I tried some of Ryan's plate & the sweet potato biscuits really made the dish unique. The people around us ordered french toast, swedish pancakes & the breakfast burrito and it all looked amazing. Noted for my next visit!
(4)
S W.

Ok, I take it back. I really really really like their food as much as the day I first had it. The sandwiches are intensely awesome, the wine list is pleasing. Even the lack of lamb nachos sting has faded. However, please oh please do something to make your new space a place I actually want to be. It will never be the lunch date mecca it was for me, there's no hope of that closed-off romantic vibe coming back, but take a page from your neighbors up at the Lowbrow and stick some acoustic panels up on that ceiling - it would go a LONG way.
(4)
Pink P.

Loved the duck confit egg rolls. And the bartender was super chill and very knowledgeable of the menu. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Tessa D.

I've been here twice now. First time was at the bar with my boyfriend during a busy sunday brunch. The bartender/barista/server was very friendly and happily answered my questions about the menu while keeping my coffee full the whole time :). I had the oxtail hash... AMAZING. So good. My boyfriend and I pretty much fought over every bite of the side of french toast we ordered. He raved about the Colleen O'brian that he ordered (similar to a huevos rancheros), but I didn't try it. I was too distracted by the yummy Oxtail Hash I ordered. It was so good, who knew Oxtail could be so tender and tasty?! The restaurant was busy and yet very relaxed- I didn't want to leave. I brought a girlfriend the second time, on a saturday afternoon. We sat outside with our 2 dogs. The waitress brought out a big bowl of water for them, without us having to ask. We had coffee (great coffee), shared a piece of their "specialty pancake of the day" as an app. So yummy. I had the Ox Hash again because it was so delicious the time before, she had the burrito. Both were great. Burrito had a big dollop of quac on top that she loved. Overall this is my new favorite breakfast/brunch place, can't wait to come back!
(5)
Carolyn A.

I used to LOVE brunch at the old location, so I'm not sure why it took me so long to get to the new one...but I finally did...and I thought it was fab! The space is a little more open and airy than the cozy original, but I'm OK with change. I was pretty thrilled with my meal -- I ordered the sweet corn crepes with wild mushrooms, which were sweet, but not too sweet (the mushrooms really helped keep it savory). I also ordered their basic side salad to start (which was dressed well) and we also ordered a plate of cheese-stuffed olives to start. My fiance ordered the walleye po' boy, which was awesome. I stole more bites than I normally would off of his plate. We also shared the key lime pie for dessert...and the graham cracker crust was delish. I'm looking forward to going back to try brunch again.
(5)
H L.

Beautiful space, nice menu, good food. Service can be outstanding or awful.
(3)
Karen S.

Stopped in for a late dinner Saturday night. Ordered an assortment of app's, including the Sampler platter (or whatever it was called), that included pork empanada, duck egg roll, salmon w/ wasabi and a Gorgonzola and procuttio crepe. All were very good. Split a dessert trio that included some of the best carrot cake I've ever tried. All the food we ate was very well prepared, and the ingredients were all fresh. Agree with Anne M. that the decor is a little bizarre. Antlers, old photos, Chinese Lanterns, snowflakes. It was pretty eclectic. Would love to go back for a full meal.
(4)
Stacey K.

This place makes my heart smile. The decor is so sweet. The food is delish, and its a great place to grab a cup of coffee. I have always had wonderful service. Great job staff! Everyone here is so smart, polite, and well dressed.
(5)
Fiona P.

Great spot for lunch. Tender quiche, awesome banh mi sandwich, the longhorn sandwich is great too. The dessert that I crave in between visits is their burnt caramel pudding with gingerbread crumble & cardamom whipped cream. So delicious! And our 8-yr-old loved it too.
(4)
Steve B.

Like the atmosphere from the decor to the music. We drank hibiscus iced tea and started with a small plate of ratatouille. I had the walleye po boy with pickled cabbage which was tasty and my friend had the southwest veggie sandwich which also looked great. The water comes without ice and personally I prefer my water ice cold but that's not enough to dock stars. Definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Andy D.

Perfect, relaxing brunch place!
(4)
Josh E.

Blackbird Cafe presented an interesting array of contradictions when I went there for brunch last week. Visually, there was a strange combination of the austere and grotesque. The clientele and staff reminded me of something I might find in an organic coffee house peopled with moneyed vegans, but the hearty choices on the menu and antlers hanging on the wall say something different. And all of this only makes for a more interesting experience. It's not disquieting... but creates an undercurrent of, a sort of, purposeful chaos. The menu is perfectly sized with just enough of a selection of interesting choices to keep people with different tastes engaged. My shaved beef sandwich (can't recall the actual menu title) was very good and its accompanying fries were just right. My friend was blown away by the fresh squeezed OJ and was quite happy with his sandwich. I was convinced, not even halfway through my visit, that I would be back. Not just to try another one of the interesting menu choices, that I was now convinced would be very good, but to sit in this interesting place of contradictions and soak it all in for some more good conversation and visual stimulation.
(4)
Willie B.

I visited for the first time for lunch today. I was impressed with the open, well lit dining room and how inviting it was on such a cold January day. I had the Walleye Po Boy and my dining companion ordered the special today Bim Bim Bob. (sort of an Asian salad with roasted pork, cucumbers, and kim chi) I was expecting a sandwich that would require me eating out the middle of a giant tasteless bun. To my surprise the walleye was tasty and crisp, served on a fantastic grilled roll with homemade slaw. Very nice. My dining companion commented that his Bim Bim Bob was so good he thought he might order it again upon his next visit. Bravo! A new place to add to my list of south Minneapolis treateries.
(4)
Zachariah Z.

So sorry for the loss. We will miss Blackbird. Hopefully you recover from the fire and reopen soon. Good luck!
(4)
Stefan H.

This little place is great. Located right next to Heidi's it holds its own. BB has a strong everyday menu, that get's help from fun specials. Nothing too fancy, nothing too expensive, but always solid and sometimes surprising. I can eat there for brunch, lunch or dinner. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Great for a more casual night out!
(4)
Carissa S.

The menu is a hodgepodge of stuff. I don't really understand the intent. The fries are pretty good, the chicken noodle bowl is awful (smoked chicken and spicy peanut sauce do not go together), the seafood tacos are fair. Great location and nice atomosphere though.
(3)
Natasia M.

Why haven't I been here before? It is the perfect place for a date.. or celebrate an anniversary...the perfect place for a 4 friends to have a nice dinner, catch up, a girls night... a perfect place to take your small family when in town... Wait-- it is just perfect. Menu: Smaller but mighty :) It is probably best you have only a front side because you have to try everything on the menu- I bet the Chefs there love trying all the interesting combinations they come up with. Burnt sugar pork with scramble eggs for dinner. Delightful surprise for my tastebuds. Presentation is great. Entrees looked great and I heard the sandwiches are just too yummy for words! Food: Oh my gosh. So good!!! The 3 of us ordered 6 small plates to split and it was the best idea! Highlights: Duck Rolls-Just the right spice, great sauce!-One of my favs! Pesto Gnocchi - You WILL NOT have better gnocchi in your life (except Italy. GET IT! So creamy and flavorful! Empanadas (very good, more like samosas-great sauce!) I want to get the Lamb nachos next time! Dessert- We got this chocolate pudding I could not put my spoon down, then a coconut rice pudding that was actually made with chunks of rice (yum!) w/ this fruit sauce and a ginger dessert (you need to like ginger- still very good) They also have molten layered choc cake and carrot cake too! Price: Small plates & appetizers: $7-$12. Sandwiches: $9-$13 Entrees: $13-$20 Ambiance: Did I say it was perfect. Because it is. Cute little small waiting area with its little check in. DImmed light to set the mood, booths, cute little small tables, great bar area lit up. And bird decor everywhere. Bathroom was even the cutest! Love!! You will wait 30-45 min on a Friday or Saturday night at dinner time. No wait at 7:30 but 6:30 seemed to be peak time so come before or after. Service: Our waitress (Sarah?) Soooo cute and friendly. I loved her. Attentive and sweet. Kept refilling our water and even though crazy busy you could be served fast, the food was quick for our small plates. But we stayed for hours to chat because we got there later and no line after we ate :) What are you waiting for! Get there! And there brunch lasts til two on Sundays, Anyone up to go with me? My waitress says she normally works on Sundays but not this one. I guess I will have to go next Sunday :)
(5)
Pete M.

I went with a party of 6 for a Friday night dinner. I was interested to try it out, had heard good things, but never had the chance to try it at the old location. I liked the decor, and the staff was friendly and helpful (our server was very knowledgeable, answered questions and paced the meal well). However, our party of 6 was seated at a table space designed for 4, which made for a somewhat cramped eating environment. This was somewhat disappointing as we had made reservations, but hey, what can you do. Overall, everyone was happy with the food, and the prices were reasonable and portions were good for a "foodie" type place. For apps, we had the duck toast (good), lamb nachos (so-so), and the special cheese plate of the day, a creamy WI cheese which was very good, but the portion of cheese was fairly small for an $8 app. It would be fine for 2 people, but for a larger party when everyone wants to taste it, it just didn't go too far. Entrees were overall good - I had the Longhorn (brisket) sandwich with a Caesar salad, which was pretty good (not the best, I like it a little more garlicy - but the white anchovies were an interesting addition). The brisket itself was tender and had good flavor, I think the standout dish was the Lobster Carbanero - pasta dish with a great flavor. I wished I had ordered it - next time. The decor/atmosphere was also very good. Portion size on entrees were generous. Everyone was stuffed at the end of the meal and 4 of us brought half-sandwiches and other food home. Good food, good value. Overall recommended.
(4)
Bob J.

Great neighborhood gem. Loved the London Broil!
(5)
Andrew W.

Full house on a Friday night! It is inspiring to see a thriving business in a beautified space on this corner. What a fantastic addition to this area and a wonderful job with making a special space of a forlorn building. All of the items that we ordered were excellent. From the Po Boy with Kim Chi to the seafood chowder to the Ceasar salad. The waitress was overburdened but personable. The wine by the glass list was out of the ordinary, and excellent. The prices are reasonable. We will be back!
(4)
Terry W.

Fan of the country fried steak. Most places don't open at 8am on Sunday, Blackbird does, which is really helpful when you have kids. Bar looked cozy and we want to go back for the happy hour. My wife found the mix of antlers and chinese lamps odd, but overall it was a pleasant atmosphere. Juice, coffee, juevos, were all good. Overall tasty food.
(4)
Ann S.

Can't stop going to this place! I'm obsessed with the Spicy Peanut Noodles (with a glass of prosecco, natch)... Service hits two of my favorite notes: silly and surly! Sit at the bar and trade winks with the cute cooks, who occasionally emerge from their culinary stage to grab some coffee- then take the opportunity to say "hey" :)
(5)
Colleen C.

Mama MSP (the one and only Sarah P) whisked me from the airport straight to this adorable lunch spot...and, not a moment too soon...I was famished! Cozy, cute ambience with some inventive dishes. We arrived around 11 or so, and it was packed by noon on a Thursday...so obviously, they are doing something right! I chose to start out with some coffee, which was rich and refilled often. The perfect combination! The brie and celery soup was a bit bland, but then again...brie and celery aren't exactly bursting with flavor on their own in the real world, so pureed and in a bowl? Eh. I should've gone for something a bit hotter (served a bit tepid, as it's a cream soup), because it was a piping 12 degrees in MSP the day I was there. I like it tropical, what can I say? My salad was a bit odd. Served very cold, and no lettuce. Hmmmm...it was chicken with an orangey vinegar dressing. Sarah and I agreed it looked like it should be stir fried and served with rice! I don't like cabbage/carrot mix as my main salad ruffage, so this didn't' quite do the trick for me... I honestly chalk it up to some bad decision making, because much of the sandwiches at other tables looked quite appealing. I tend to be a lackluster "orderer" at times, so this is quite possible... Cozy, charming, cute part of town...service was sweet and genuine, I'd certainly come back on my next trip to order some different dishes :)
(3)
Justine L.

I can't actually write about the food, and hope to make it there one day, but I was put out by the terrible customer service of the hostess. Granted, it was a moderately busy Friday night during a down economy, but Blackbird canceled our reservation as 1/2 our party hadn't arrived yet (late). We had asked if we could start ordering food and drinks, but apparently not. No worries, we took our 7-person food order down the road to Corner Table instead. Much better customer service!
(2)
Erin B.

Blackbird is the definition of "quaint". I love the use of local ingredients in creative, yet modest, food. We ate there on a Thursday night for dinner, and got a table right away. Great service from start to finish. Duck rolls are very tasty if you like duck and fried food. I ordered The Longhorn and it was amazing. The horseradish mayo made this sandwich... along with the brisket, which was perfectly cooked. This sandwich was just messy enough to truly enjoy. I got the fries, my boyfriend got the soup and I did not regret this decision. We tried the Celery-Brie soup, and I am not a fan. I love Brie in a supporting role, but it takes the lead in this dish and it just doesn't work. Condiment recommendation: Rosemary Aioli is amazing! It's served with the fries if you order them as a side, but if you're getting a sandwich and fries you have to ask for it. 2 beers, an appetizer, and 2 sandwiches for around $45.... Can't beat that.
(4)
A G.

Great food, great service. Been there a few times, never had a not-yummy dish.
(4)
Jasmine L.

Oh wow - my experience at Blackbird was one of those restaurant experiences that plays on repeat in your head. I came here on a frigid evening with my boyfriend and our close friend, to celebrate recently becoming employed again - yay, for me! It was as if Blackbird just knew I was celebrating and wanted the evening to go splendidly. Our waitress was ridiculously wonderful - and ridiculously good looking - and although others said service is slow, we did not experience that so perhaps we were just lucky, didn't notice, or perhaps they have began to iron out some kinks in their newly reopened restaurant. Whatever the case, splendid service. Like others stated the atmosphere and space is great. My only recommendation in regards to that would be a curtain or something in front of the door because if you are near it on as frigid of a night as we were, there was an occasional draft - nothing to get worked up about but just noticeable. I really enjoyed how laid back and comfortable the place feels. In regards to the most important part - the food - aaah delicious, is all I can say. I got the Pork Confit ($16), my boyfriend got the Tuna Casserole dish ($15 I think), and my friend got the Po'Boy Sandwich ($13 I think). All of the dishes were prepared really well and were just delicious. And even though I can't handle dairy and don't usually eat it, we couldn't resist ordering cake after being taunted by it at the next table - and besides, it was a celebration after all. We got the carrot cake w/ goat cheese frosting and the chocolate cake with a walnut caramel glaze or something like that. They were both a-maz-ing. Oh and can't forget to mention that they use local, sustainable, and organic ingredients, sa-weeeeet. Great restaurant, I will be back for sure, especially if I have something to celebrate!
(5)
Mandy J.

Ehhh. I was neither here nor there over Blackbird Cafe. I was there for breakfast and had your classic eggs, hashbrowns and fruit breakfast. Eggs were good (hard to mess up), hashbrowns were interestingly yummy--but you could taste the calories as they entered my body. There is some infused oil on those potatos that makes them tasty, but hard to eat too much if you care about your figure. My husband had the crepes special, which he raved about. I am anxious to try a few more dishes and get a better feel for this antique-filled, hipster cafe.
(3)
Jess R.

celery brie soup....where have you been hiding...I will be back to visit often. Besides navigating through the wonderous maze of potholes on Nicollet, parking for lunch was a breeze. I got the Nutty sandwich which was very flavorful and a cup of the afore mentioned soup. The space is nice and airy, would be interested to come back at night and experience the atmosphere change.
(5)
Brendan T.

Blackbird may well have the nicest decor of any restaurant in town, so bittersweet after the old location fire. My favorite meal here is lunch, always the debate between the excellent Longhorn with its killer horseradish and trim beef vs. the Walleye with it's amazing pickled cabbage....both good great with either their fabulous hibiscus iced tea or a perfect cuppa joe.
(5)
Dee T.

Came here for a post-race brunch and was thoroughly delighted by the new space, and of course the foooooood. I thought for sure that we'd have a wait, based on the packed waiting area, but we scored a two-top as soon as we walked in. Get the Norske scrambler. The house-smoked salmon is fabulous and the eggs are perfectly scrambled. The little kiss of creme fraiche and dill sets it all off so perfectly. The hash browns...omg the hash browns...they are amazing, the best that I've had in the cities yet (take that, Al's!). Hubby also liked his breakfast burrito, although it is a bit on the petite side for man-tastes anyway. He doesn't usually like smoked salsas but enjoyed this one. Really, the only sour note for me was the tea! I think the brand is Tea Forte and I just dislike it, with all of the excessive packaging and obnoxious teacup and wood platter. Ugh.
(4)
Evan R.

So good! A nice take on diner food without all the grease. Their sandwiches are packed with flavor and large enough to fill you up. I had the walleye po'boy. It crunched nicely through every bite. Plus the beer selection is awesome.
(5)
Robin D.

This is hands down one of our favorite restaurants in Minneapolis! We've been here maybe five or six times for dinner and once for brunch, and I've never had anything that has been a disappointment. In fact, we order the exact same entree every time we go (chicken noodle bowl for me, southwest veggie burger thing for him), but we always share another small plate to test the other things on the menu. The noodle bowl is delicious. The addition of the poached egg makes this such a rich and flavorful dish, I crave it almost on a weekly basis. And now I'm craving it again. Dammit. The hoison pork buns are incredible, I loved the flavor and the presentation. We tried the poke lettuce wraps a couple weeks ago and I could have eaten two servings by myself - they were so so so good. They definitely do Asian food very well here. The menu changes with the seasons, and every soup, salad or seasonal plate we've had have been nothing short of delicious. And one of the best desserts I've had recently was at Blackbird. I don't think it's on the menu right now (sad face!) but they had a goat cheese carrot cake that was worth every calorie. We've taken to ordering a dessert to go because they are consistently great. Blackbird also has an impressive, albeit short, list of beers on tap. They always feature local specialty beers that you don't see often. The happy hour is a great time to go to check things out. We shared a burger and a few other snacks, had a couple beers, and the tab was cheap. All in all, this is our go-to place. We love the service, the ambiance, and the food. I love that it's steadily busy but never too crowded to get a table. We will be back again and again. Hope to see you there!
(5)
Matthew H.

An interesting place. The wine list is compact but worthy and i think all bottles were 30 ish or under. I had a Vietnamese inspired sandwich that was tasty AFTER i took off a pound of cilantro. We shared the shrimp tempura appetizer which was bland and probably not worth the calories For ambiance I give five stars. Its a small spot but very cute. Weird that there are antlers everywhere and mixed with Chinese lanterns but it works.
(4)
Steve U.

dayum - that was an awesome lunch. this has been on the to check out list for a couple of months now and candidly each time we'd tried to go check it out, it was packed and there was a wait. which lead us to heidi's, similar problem, which led us to broders, which is the standby, especially with kid in tow. however, i managed to hit blackbird cafe for lunch with a coworker who lives in the hood and was working from home as well today. the portabella mushroom sandwich was probably the best i've ever had, paired with a tapenade it had just the right balance in my mouth. the fries looked and smelled obscenely good, but i opted for the cream of potato soup with bacon hunks in it. i would order it again in a heartbeat. i'll be back.
(5)
Yvette W.

We love this place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food is always amazingly fresh, original and tasty and the staff are so helpful and friendly. The coolest decor anywhere in Minneapolis/St Paul and general coziness makes wonderful ambiance. Love it!
(5)
Cynthia B.

A nice place for brunch and dinner and whatever. Service was good, food was good, ambiance and interior lovely. We'll be back whenever we are in the neighborhood.
(4)
Emily G.

There are a lot of great reviews here, so I'll say that this place has wonderful ambiance (great for a romantic date or friends), good food (the gnocchi and scallops were excellent), and attentive service. I will definitely come here again. I can't give it five stars because I think it's about $5 too expensive per dish...but since it's the best restaurant I've been to since I moved here, I'm willing to pay the extra cash.
(4)
tallulah b.

While I abhor gentrification in other people's neighborhoods, I oddly celebrate it in my own, so I was thrilled to see Blackbird on this rather dismal, rough-edged south Minneapolis corner. That said, I've put-off patronizing them because the 'dead-heads' on the wall. Whether they're real or not, the deer and antelope heads are a deal-breaker for me, and i'm sure there are others who are similarly turned-off.
(4)
Mo M.

A recent Sunday breakfast outing gets only two stars from me. I ordered the Norske Scrambler. The eggs and salmon were good, though not amazing. The hashbrowns were soft and soggy and unedible. The huevos rancheros are just eggs, salsa, and sour cream, with cheesy hashbrowns. No beans, no tortilla. The menu describes the dish accurately, but you do expect huevos rancheros to be interesting, or at least tasty, and it was neither. Finally, we had to repeatedly ask for refills on our coffee. Not worth the wait. We've had excellent meals at Blackbird in the past, so I think the issue must be their breakfasts.
(2)
Marilyn P.

Have been to Blackbird twice. The food is always great. But, each time the hostess has been almost hostile. I understand the no seating until the whole party is there thing but last Saturday it was cold outside and there was a party of 14 waiting to be seating. We had five which is an odd number, granted, but everywhere we went to stand, the hostess asked us to move and there was no absolutely no room to move because I think only 13 of the 14 were there.and the bar was full. The last time she asked me to move, she yelled, "Get away from the plant." I sharply asked her where we should stand and she said, "You can stand outdoors for the rest of your time." We had a 45 minute wait. Finally, we were able to get to the bar to sit; we had one person with us who has a knee problem and, thank goodness, the bar tenders let her move in to us. The hostess had a table for 5, but then separated it and gave it to people who came in way after us. Then, after about 70 minute wait and when we were really going to leave, a very tiny table opened up right by the door (cold), she sat us there. There was no room to get everyone's food on it. So, although the food was superior, and the bartenders were outstanding, the hostess ruined the whole night for us. And, we all agreed, even my son-in-law who is the fairest guy in the world said he would never come back. I ended up paying $150 plus tip for a col tiny table because of that very nasty hostess.
(2)
Jenny F.

I love this place! Low key, great food and friendly servers. I was really sad when their original restaurant burned down so it was great to see them open another spot. Huevos rancheros are AMAZING! I'm also a big fan of their pad Thai. I would suggest going there for breakfast because I think it is their specialty.
(4)
Paul B.

Had an excellent black bean burger. Very fresh food.
(5)
Abbie M.

Went for Sunday brunch and only have great things to say! The wait was about 25 minutes which wasn't too bad for peak time on a Sunday. Server was friendly and beverages were great! Orders included: frittata, huevos rancheros, and veal sweet bread benedict. Everyone loved what they had with the cheesy hashbrowns side as a major highlight. Good food and adorable atmosphere, this place is a 'must-go.'
(5)
Kittiya L.

Though I give Blackbird 3 stars, I actually would rather place it at 3.5 stars. I liked it more than A-OK, but less than avid fan-dom. This, because: The interior is fun, strange, and whimsical, full of character and color. Kudos to the staff for their friendly and efficient ways, even in the midst of a hectic, full-house-with-lines-out-the-door brunch hour that was last Sunday. Menu had the usual brekky dishes, plus some twists to the usual (huevos rancheros with avocado and home-made chorizo, pancakes with pumpkin seeds and something sweet that I don't recall at this point). I ordered the huevos rancheros just listed in the parathesis and coffee; boyfriend went with a lunch request and got the wall-eye poboy with fries. They got my order just right, which I appreciated since I asked, please, for none of the dairy toppings (sour cream, cheese, butter on toast, etc...); the food came pretty quickly; and the staff was timely in refilling my coffee cup and our water glasses. The chorizo was good. In fact, all the food was great. Everything was fresh; the portions were just fine; and the balance of ingredients worked for me. My only complaint was that my eggs over easy came out to be more like hard fried eggs and I recall boyfriend suggesting that if they would actually use the right bread for the poboy, his order may have been more interesting, or at least varied, from the other sandwiches. But all in all, a pleasant experience and one I'm happy to repeat sometime soon (next time, I'm interested in trying out the veggie burger with rice and black beans, reminiscent of the ones that I used to love at the North Star in Columbus, OH).
(3)
Emily N.

If you are a fan of natural light like me, come here for breakfast without a doubt! The windows are east facing and Blackbird gets lots of light streaming in for breakfast visitors - great food and light - instant day booster! I stopped here for a weekday breakfast - good move. There were only a few people here, and I sat at the bar and was able to order and get my food within 15-20 minutes - in and out in about 40 minutes! (Now if you come on the weekends, not the story, don't expect such a quick visit). The classic eggs is a high-quality basic breakfast staple - eggs anyway, bacon or ham, hash browns and two thick slices of toast. The over easy eggs were done perfectly, as was the bacon. The egg whites were cooked and the yolks were perfectly runny. The bacon was crisp but not overly done - 3 solid slices of bacon. The hash browns are one of my favorites in Mpls because they aren't overly seasoned and are just potatoes - you can see the skins! They are slightly crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside - and taste just like good potatoes, slightly buttery as well. The toast is good wheat bread cut into slices, not flimsy little pre-cut slices. Ask for jam, ketchup - whatever you need, and you'll get a little silver saucer with your condiment desires. The coffee is good and strong, you can get a top-off when needed, and you get real cream & sugar if you want it. None of these packets or plastic containers of "cream." I've been here several times for brunch & dinner. The weekends it truly does get crowded - beware. If you want to try it out, maybe come during the week! Dinners here are great, some small plates, regular sized plates, your regulars likes sandwiches, and there are noodles too. There is a good selection of wines and beers, and this place does some fun weekend events, and other wine tastings during the week. Like I noticed a Rose wine tasting coming up, and on an upcoming Saturday night, a prom type event meant as a fundraiser (i.e. prom not for kids - for adults who want a fun throwback night). The interior is great, on the corner of 38th and Nicollet, so it's housed in an old building with nicely restored wood floors. The bar side of the restaurant is adorned in antlers of all kinds, and the opposite wall is full of beautiful old vintage mirrors - many with lovely gold frames. It is a clean interior with white walls. I really do love this place, I've always had great meals & service. Can't complain. The food is quality, lots of organic and local selections.
(5)
Jonathan H.

I've been here for their breakfast. This place is amazing. The people there are friendly, and the breakfast food is delicious. My favorite dish are their pancakes. They have a pretty good variety in their breakfast menu, but something always keeps me coming back to their pancakes (I'll try something other than pancakes one of these days). I love that the scenery looks sort of like a fancy restaurant, even though the prices are not that bad. It's street parking only, but I can almost always get close parking with that. As long as they keep up the great work, I'll keep coming back here.
(5)
Henok T.

Solid brunch choice - even for a solo patron. I got a seat up at the kitchen and was quickly given a menu and glass of water. I went with the huevos rancheros selection which was priced at $9.75. For just $2 extra you could swap the toast for rice, beans and tortilla which I happily did. The service was prompt and the meal was fantastic. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Rhonda G.

Almost 5 star but what I had to listen to was beyond belief. Wayne Newton, while I'm trying to digest a meal. The proximity of it all, even the kitchen staff can hear this. I'm surprised someone didn't come out wielding a meat cleaver. I like Vegas Wayne with the black hair and Elvis sideburns, but this was too much. After 3 songs someone had had enough and put on Steely Dan. It's on a turntable, so this was deliberate. Somebody hates somebody to put them through that. It's not a matter of taste but a horrible experience. So the midday meal I was trying to digest. A cup of soup and guacamole and chips. They came out at the same time. Both were delicious, but the spice and heat from the salsa seriously altered the taste of a delicious cream of celery soup. It was very smooth and the grilled bread was nice as well. The guacamole is in miniature, and you find yourself analyzing how much you can get on a chip before you run out. The chips were dainty and light and really good. I ordered a lemonade, trying to kid myself that the weather is better than it is. I love the 4 corners area and I found the time to get a parking spot.
(4)
Ruth B.

Zero stars deserved. Blackbird just broke my heart. This is a restaurant I've been a regular (perhaps breakfast every other weekend) at since they opened. I've taken friends from out of town and recommended it whole-heartedly. Today I sent a dish back, no problem, thats fine, happens. They remade it happily. That is expected. Nothing was comped, not even a coffee. Okay, thats less good. I asked to speak to the manager who actually said "it doesn't matter that you're a regular customer" in other words he doesn't give a rat's ass if I ever come back. Wow. The top chefs were on MRP talking about what it takes yesterday. It would serve Blackbird well to listen to that program and pay attention.
(1)
Mads V.

I've been here twice and both times was very disappointed. My first experience was with the huevos rancheros. They didn't cook my egg as I indicated and everything was really underseasoned and underwhelming. Second time we went I had a steak and eggs. The steak was tiinnny and the best thing on the plate was a roasted tomato which was pathetic because I know the darn things are just a Davina product that we source at my work. Also the steak had like NO seasoning, not even salt. Then there wasn't even salt on the table. Way over priced with weird portions. I refuse to go back
(1)
Marc P.

I've been here four or five times for lunch before stopping in to The Aliveness Project. I had the banh mi (Vietnamese pork sandwich) on three of those occasions. Delicious! It's one of the best I've had, surprisingly, from a little place called Blackbird in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I've also had a noodle bowl with some sort of peanut sauce (can't remember the name). It was also very good. Friendly and attentive waiters and waitresses, and the prices are reasonable. I look forward to coming back someday soon ...
(4)
Kali L.

Dishes were well plated and seasoned with fresh not died herbs. Very cute and quaint ambiance. Went here for lunch and enjoyed the attentive staff and great coffee. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Katie W.

Have been here multiple times and have never had a bad experience. I can't speak for their dinner menu but their brunch is very reasonably priced and absolutely delicious. My personal favorite dish is the sweet potato biscuits and gravy, which is just the right size portion at 2 biscuits, and the sweetness of the biscuits is a lovely contrast to the savory delicious gravy. The decor is very cute and eclectic, full of mounted antlers, mirrors, and kitschy knick-knacks, and the staff are all lovely, friendly people. We showed up to a very busy restaurant and were told it'd be about a 25-30 minute wait (fine) but were pleasantly surprised when the hostess offered us seats at the bar within 5 minutes of our arrival. Since bars are normally seat-yourself, I thought it was nice that she was looking out for us. I've taken my mom here for brunch when she was in town visiting and would not hesitate to bring other out-of-towners here as well. Adorable, and a great example of the character of the neighborhood.
(5)
Michael Z.

Came here on a Thursday night as a group of 7 for some dinner and drinks. The decor and atmosphere are interesting, very uniquely put together. There's one wall with a wide assortment of mirrors, another with several antlers. The place is dimly lit and seems like a great place for a date. In fact, we saw several couples while there. As for the food, I had the Longhorn, a beef brisket and caramelized onions sandwich. Very solid. I also tried a bit of the crispy duck rolls and walleye po'boy, which were both quite tasty. Why the three stars? Even though service was attentive, the food took around 45 min to arrive, which felt like too long of a wait. Also, Blackbird has a policy that they do not split checks for parties of 7 or more. This meant that the last 15 minutes of the night was spent meticulously calculating out how much to charge on to each person's credit card--divvying up the food tax, liquor tax, and 20% tacked on gratuity. I asked why this was so, and all they could say was that it was too much work for the server... It definitely left a sour taste in my mouth. I liked the food, and I may be back, but beware coming here with a large group, unless you like finishing your meal with some math.
(3)
Alice G.

Decided to go to Blackbird because of the reviews on Yelp. The dÃ©cor is fun. The have an eclectic ensemble of little biscuit statues, birds and other animals paintings and mirrors hanging on the walls. They were great conversation starters at our table. Service was great! They were all very attentive and nice! The food was delicious! I had the veal Benedict's. They served me the best hollandaise sauce I've ever had! And I eat Eggs Benedict pretty much everywhere I go!!! They lost one star because the hash browns and the veal were very bland. But I will definitely go back and highly recommend it!!!
(4)
Michael U.

I was seated promptly with water given right away. I got the sweet potato biscuits and gravy and added the two eggs for $2 more. I also got the $2 blueberry muffin. The service was very friendly and quick. If you want to try a new place for brunch, this neat little restaurant at the corner of the intersection is a wonderful place to try. Brunch entrees are at most $12 and the food is delectable. I'd definitely come back here again.
(5)
Tom N.

We ventured to Blackbird on a Saturday night around 6:30 with a party of four and walked right in! It was busy enough not to feel empty but never felt crowded. The service was attentive but not pushy, we never felt rushed nor neglected. I had the Mahi Mahi special and my wife ordered the mussels. Both were delicious and we were members of the clean plate club for the night! One of our dining partners also noted that his spicy noodle dish was fabulous, the right mix of flavor and heat! For dessert we ordered the peanut brittle & chocolate sundae. It was a good, not great dessert, but a fine way to end the night. In all, Blackbird will definitely see us again for dinner and likely for the brunch we have heard rave reviews about.
(4)
Alexandra H.

Blackbird is one of my favorite okay-I'll-wear-something-other-than-sweatpants brunch spots. It's quaint and charming, and they have a tofu scramble with broccoli that delights this egg-loathing gal every time. Did I mention the creative mimosa list? Get the black currant + champagne combo.
(4)
Micki C.

Had my first dinner experience at Blackbird last night. I love this place for brunch, so I figured I had to try their dinner menu. Lots of good options to choose from, I had a hard time deciding what to order. Ended up going for the spicy noodles, pork option. First of all, I am a spicy wimp. These had a kick to them, but I was able to eat it without being in pain. Go for it. The pork set up was awesome--I'm not even a huge bacon person (I know, that's blasphemy) but it was AMAZING. Fried egg on top, yes please! Aside from the food, I love the decor and the space. It was a quiet night, great for a date. Staff was friendly and helpful in describing items on the menu. Still working up the courage to push the champagne button in the bathroom. Yes, there is a sign in the bathroom that says "press for champagne" with a little button it. What happens?! Do they have a glass ready when you get out of the bathroom or do sirens go off so everyone knows you pushed the button? Blackbird, you are so mysterious, and I love it.
(4)
Melissa S.

After all the rave reviews this place has gotten, I was really looking forward to meeting a friend here for brunch over the weekend. Unfortunately, we were both hugely disappointed in the entire experience. Since it was a full house when we showed up shortly before 11 on Saturday, we opted to sit at the bar. A quick glance at the breakfast menu revealed huevos rancheros, which is my default brunch selection pretty much any place that serves it. My friend ordered the same, and I also ordered the walleye po'boy to bring home to my man after us gals had finished brunching. When the huevos rancheros came out, we were confused. No tortillas? No beans? My plate contained two sad, horribly undercooked eggs with about a tablespoon of salsa on top, and some burnt, grease-bomb hash browns with a sprinkling of weird orange cheese on top. Plus a side of burnt toast, drowning in butter. My friend actually only received one egg on her plate instead of two. We asked the woman working the bar if the kitchen had forgotten to give us eggs & tortillas, and she said that's not how they make their huevos rancheros there, and somewhat defensively said "every place does it different." Maybe that's the case, but neither one of us has EVER had huevos rancheros without beans & tortillas. We were starving though, so we shrugged it off and dug in to the worst breakfast either of us had ever suffered through. When the bartender asked us how everything was, we said sorry but quite honestly, it was not good. My friend said she was disappointed that what she thought was huevos rancheros was actually only 1 egg and some greasy hash browns. The bartender then proceeded to argue that it was IMPOSSIBLE that she had only been given one egg, that the kitchen does a great job of turning out consistent food, etc., etc. As if we were lying? There was no apology, no offer to comp us anything, or let us order something different, etc. The kicker came when we got our bill and my friend saw that she was charged $1 for extra salsa (it came in a tiny cup, about 2 tbsp worth). We've already expressed our displeasure with the overall meal, and yet when she questioned the salsa charge the bartender was again defensive, saying "well we make our own salsa in-house." Okay, you and 1,000 other restaurants in the city...it's not unusual. My friend and I both became sick to our stomachs just as soon as we left; most likely from the sheer amount of grease on the hash browns. My boyfriend thought his walleye "po' boy" was okay, but misleadingly named--it was really just a sandwich, not a true po' boy, and the fact that it was $12 and came with no sides, he felt it wasn't worth the price. We won't be back.
(1)
Jenni B.

Solid breakfast spot and not too busy for a Saturday at noon. We scored a street spot right in front and were seated right away, so we were off to a great start. We didn't see the wait staff for quite awhile, which was a bummer because I was so eagerly awaiting my mimosa. That was generally the pace of the whole meal, waiting a reasonable amount of time for whatever was next, and then five more minutes before it comes. The drinks, the food and the bill. We ended up being here for more than an hour and a half, and we were ready to order within just a couple minutes. We definitely weren't expecting to be there for such a stretch of time. Totally understandable for a crazy busy crowd, but they had quite a few open tables there. I guess that's just their style. Everything we had was good though. My mimosa was a standard, but my boyfriend tried the Bloody Mary that substituted a PBR for vodka. At first he wasn't sure he liked it, but if you've got that hankering, it'll do. I liked the seasoning they used. Smokey, salty goodness. He said as it went along he enjoyed it more. It was a lot thinner than a normal bloody, so if you are typically turned off by the thickness of tomato juice, this might be the perfect starter. For my meal I had the Norske scramble. It was eggs scrambled soft with salmon mixed in. On top you get a dollop of creme fraiche and some dill to enhance the salmon. Light on that side of the plate, balanced by heavy hash browns on the other side. The toast was a dream (apparently comes from neighboring Patisserie 46 which is next on my breakfast list) and served with fruity jam. It was easily my favorite part of the meal. My boyfriend was crazy about it too. He had the build your own frittata with egg whites, roasted red pepper, chorizo and chipotle Gouda. He enjoyed it a lot, and it was huge. The food was good, the service was just ok. I'll probably come back at some point, but I'm not in a big hurry to do so.
(3)
Zorah J.

Great decor and pretty good food. I've been to blackbird a few times and it's generally pretty delicious. The Bhan mi sandwich is probably my favorite thing on the menu, so. Good. They also have a lot of beers to choose from which is always nice. The duck rolls and fries are also delicious appetizers. The Aolie sauce that comes with the fries... Mmm just yummy. I will say though that while their sandwiches are good some of their other lunch/ dinner options have been hit or miss. Service is usually good though I did have a pretty slow waiter once which was a bit annoying, especially when you're really hungry. But overall that Bhan mi will have me coming back. I like the atmosphere, most of their food is really good and I love that it's open late most days.
(4)
Taals B.

Great place, quick service, very friendly bartender and other servers too. Food came real quick and was tasty.
(5)
Reggie F.

The spicy peanut noodle bowl is by far my favorite meal in town--or maybe the world. I would estimate I have had 20+ of these noodle bowls in the past year and a half. I haven't tried many other things here, but everything I've seen looks and smells amazing. I just don't think I'll find anything I love more than this noodle bowl :) The worst experience I have had in all of my trips to Blackbird was one Sunday we showed up only to find that the noodle bowl was unavailable!!! BRUNCH MENU ONLY!!! Perhaps we should have read the sign before sitting down.
(5)
Samreen S.

We had a pretty delicious breakfast/brunch today at this hipsterishly interesting restaurant. The staff was courteous and my coffee was refilled as soon as I was done with it, sometimes not even. The biscuits & gravy was worth it but my husband and I both wished there was more gravy to go with the palm-sized sweet potato biscuits. I ordered the Huevos Blackbird Deluxe which was actually excellent. My eggs were perfectly over easy topped with smoky salsa (again wish there was more maybe even on the side), cheesy hash browns (with a crispy cheesy top on a layer of soft potatoes) and a side of gallo pinto and tortillas. We also ordered one sourdough flapjack with whipped cream and berries. Let's just say we maybe had one bite left on our plates when we finally stopped eating (more like inhaling) - it was that good. Our bill came out to about $38 but it was all worth it. We will definitely be going back for more, maybe lunch or dinner next time.
(4)
Michael R.

Breakfast and brunch are 5-stars, no questions asked. Their sip-n-samples are also out of sight. Dinner and late-night are another story. For breakfast, this is the ideal cafe: sunlit, inviting, great service, wonderful options. My favorite is the Colleen O'Brien-- chorizo and avocado, who could ask for more? Wonderful muffins, sweet potato biscuits and gravy are also worth a try. I'm not a coffee person, but their teas have been well-curated for me. I've never had a single negative experience with service during this time of day. The sip-n-samples are really neat and well-priced. Generous pours of the sample beverages and a very full buffet of snacks. Taking care of your whole happy hour needs for $20-$25? Well done. I've had less wonderful experiences for dinner and late-night, where the options tend to get more standard, more pricey, and the service more aloof. The food is still good, but less exceptional than breakfast and brunch. For the cost, the portions are depressing. The salsa and guacamole during late night come in ketchup cups (at a time of day one could get a hefty portion for the same amount from Republic). The no-frills burger is fine, but for the money consider the happy hour burgers at Haute Dish, Republic, and Nightingale. $2 off taps is a pretty solid happy hour price, but their beers' base price is already inflated such that you're still paying about $5 a beer. Once, our waiter came to the table and just stared at us until we started talking. Still, there's nowhere I'd rather have brunch.
(4)
Leo S.

Breakfast was really good. I had the oxtail hash and I would have it again. The coffee was really good as was the cappuccino I started with. Marsha's breakfast, one of the daily specials sounded really good as did most of the choices on the menu. Will be back to try some more.
(5)
Helen K.

My first visit was last year for lunch and it was so good that I made it a point to come back when I returned to Minneapolis this year. This time we were in time for brunch. This place is so reasonable for breakfast and very delicious. I had the sweet potato biscuit with gravy and poached eggs. It was Amazing! Everything was really fresh. After brunch I was inspired to look up recipes for the biscuits and to try making them at home! Highly recommend this place :)
(5)
Courtney J.

My friend has been trying to get me to come here for a while now and every time our schedules wouldn't line up. Today, however, the stars aligned I was introduced to the lovely Blackbird Cafe! Ladies love to brunch, amirite??? We arrived at the perfect time to have two people leave the bar and right before the Uptown crowd rolled in to eat off their hangovers. Definitely the earlier the better for this place on the weekends. The vibe in this place is hip and urban and young but not in a way that is exclusive to anyone. The staff was very friendly and the food was outstanding. Together we had a very Skandi breakfast with her having the Norske scrambler which consists of salmon and scrambled eggs with hash browns, and I chose the Swedish pancakes. Both arrived in the form of size-able portions and our coffees were regularly replenished. I was too busy blissfully devouring my meal to try hers but I can vouch for the Swedish pancakes! So good... so... good. You get quite a few and they are so light and delicious. The berry compote they put on the top is the perfect burst of flavor too. It always pains me when people get a plate of delicious food and the first thing they do is whip out their camera, but I powered through and took a photo just so I could show you guys. You're welcome. Oh, and despite being there for breakfast, my friend impulsively ordered the beer flight with is 5 or 6 small beers and an adorable little bowl of treats. It's $12 for a flight of beers which I think is worth it if you're into the actual tasting of beers and not just quantity. Overall the visit was fantastic from start to finish. The good was superb, the service friendly and attentive and the atmosphere was chill even with it being as busy as it was. This definitely tops the list of amazing places for brunch.
(5)
Alex P.

Nom nom nom. Been going here for months. Breakfast is amazing and refreshing. Im not a big tofu guy, but the tofu scramble is one of the greatest I've ever had. Dinner: the spicy peanut noodles are tops, I wish the portion was a little bigger but mmmm it is tasty. Be prepared to try some different foods, but they all taste great!
(5)
Ryan K.

Our family recently moved to Kingfield neighborhood and already Blackbird Cafe has become our go to for any meal of the day - yet to be disappointed and have always been more than impressed with the service. I also really appreciate a place that has great breakfast and get a great latte to go with it. I hope you love it as much as we do - keep up the good work Blackbird, I'm excited to see how the menu evolves too. Cheers
(5)
Johanna C.

Came here for brunch Saturday morning and ordered the oxtail hash, so good and I would definitely recommend the dish! I appreciate how Blackbird Cafe offers healthy menu options and would definitely go back for a healthy and lighter brunch option. Plenty of street parking outside the restaurant. Service was average, the waiter wasnt that attentive causing some unnecessary wait-time.
(4)
Krista E.

As my profile suggests, I live for brunch. I would bypass all other meals if it meant I would get a quality brunch, and I will shamelessly talk my girlfriends into going out for brunch over grabbing drinks on a weekday or finding a spot for sammies on the weekend. I met my soon-to-be in-laws + family with my fiance at Blackbird on a Sunday around 1pm. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was room to be seated immediately, in front of a window with space to make ourselves comfortable. The waitress brought us waters right away, along with a trendy large glass bottle to refill from. I was already liking the vibe, and we were just getting settled in. We placed our order, and always being one to play it safe, I went with the Classic Eggs with a piece of french toast on the side. If a place is good, than you should be wowed by their basic dishes as much as their specialties! The food arrived within 10-15 minutes, and Blackbird does well on the presentation. Everything was fresh, and the meals were sizable (this is vital when dining with my fiance, he has an appetite.) The eggs were cooked to perfection, the hash browns were crispy, and the toast came with homemade strawberry or apricot jam. A nice touch. And the french toast hit the spot, which was a huge plus as I often find that this seemingly simple dish is prepared poorly at a lot of good spots. The Colleen O'Brien was the clear winner: Huevos Rancheros with homemade chorizo & avocado, completely satisfying. Overall, a great spot for weekend brunch and in a city where the wait for some of the greats (Good Day Cafe, Original Pancake House) can be over an hour on the weekends, Blackbird Cafe was a pleasant find.
(4)
Melissa A.

My new favorite brunch place. Be ready to wait on busy weekends but know that it's worth it. Sooooo good!
(5)
Greg M.

We went there for a very special New Year's Eve dinner. Not disappointed. Great atmosphere, great service and the food is beautifully prepared and presented. We particularly loved the albacore tuna appetizer.
(5)
Anne T.

I went here on a Saturday night for dinner with one of my girlfriends. The restaurant itself is small and cozy with comfortable lighting and unique decor. It was jam packed and very loud due to the large amount of people in such a small space. I am an avid water drinker, and I would have liked larger water glasses, as mine seemed to be empty most of the meal. I ordered the spicy peanut noodle bowl, which was very good. It didn't seem to match the restaurant, but it was very flavorful. I enjoyed our experience at Blackbird, but I don't really understand why so many of my friends just adore it.
(3)
Omer D.

Great brunch spot. The decor is really cool -- funky hunting and outdoors theme and the wall of mirrors is a fun aesthetic. Portion sizes are sizable given the high-quality ingredients and portion sizes. I recommend any dish that will get you hash browns -- real crispy and not too oily. Service was good, but not great. A lot of time would lapse between orders, service, and check-ins.
(4)
Jessica A.

Loved this place... and "loved the space" as Annie D mentioned as well. This was my first-timer experience... so i'm not aware of the previous Blackbird restaurant. Just needed a quick lunch with my parents, so who to consult but the yelp app on my iPhone. Hello... duh! :) What a find... yes, loved the decor! It was fabulous - - but our meal was pretty fantastic as well. We got there a little after 3, so i think we "technically" were there for their happy hour - - which is not just drinks, but food specials too. We ordered: Fried olives stuffed w/ salami - - OMG! so good! Mom - Tomato basil soup Mom - Cheeseburger for $3!! (yes, only tres dolares...) Me - Meyer Lemon soup - Wow, awesome! Me - Cheeseburger, same special Dad -Bahn Mi sandwich Me - coffee - - YUM! Mom - Diet Coke Dad - Sparkling soda water Loved this place... definitely see myself coming back. Only one request -- Blackbird, please get WiFi. :) I brought my iPad with and couldn't use it. And i'm not the only one... i heard another patron ask if they have WiFi when he walked in. (So no WiFi yet...) OH ! And we totally scored free parking across the street. No meters.. nice!!
(5)
tami g.

Oh, what to say, well we have had breakfast here at least 10 times ! The service every time has been wonderful! They have a very creative menu and every is fresh, and delicious . Think I'll have to go tomorrow now!
(5)
Alice W.

Amazing oxtail hash with root vegetables, buttered toast was so good I could've eaten that all day. Steak and egg was cooked really nicely as well with sea salt. The blueberry muffin is a must try as it's not as sweet and wet as your typical muffin - eat it with butter. Red eye bloody mix breakfast drink will wake you up! Waitresses are very friendly and food comes out fast. Love the atmosphere as well. Would come back to try the rest!!
(5)
Emily L.

Fab place! I had the tofu noodle bowl, lots of veggies, interesting pickled shiitake mushrooms, Panko crusted fried tofu! Had a great glass of Pinot blanc also. My husband had the special, Alfredo noodles topped with breaded chicken with cheese and marinara, great flavor. Noodles were lightly coated so not too heavy. We came at 8 on a thurs, our food came within 10 minutes, which was great as we were ravished. Super friendly staff also. I recommend this place!
(4)
Greg V.

I really liked this place, the ambiance is kinda quirky... from the deer heads on the wall, the old barn wood floors with horseshoe imprints, mixed in with antique doors and light fixtures to the (my favorite part) Technics record player playing an old Bob Dylan record over the house speakers, what a great mood for a brunch. Our food was all excellently prepared with those little extra things that shows a chef cares.
(5)
Edmond N.

Came here because it was a place to try... Ordered the potstickers. They needed some flavor. I like that they are drenched in a ginger sauce but the potstickers themselves are lacking in flavor. Had the gnocchi as an entree. It was okay. The sauce was really rich was good, to make up for the so so gnocchi. I'm glad we added the braised ribs or the meal wouldn't have much flavor. Overall, not as awesome as the reviews may be. Great vibe none the less.
(3)
Sarah M.

I went to Blackbird for the first time on the morning of my wedding with my soon to be husband. So clearly, I am just a little biased in this review. :-) It was a misty, damp Saturday morning (October 13th to be exact) and we cozied into a back booth. No one was really in the cafe at 8am on a Saturday, so we had great service. We both ordered coffee and it was strong and delicious (I had to cut myself off because I get the coffee shakes AND it was my wedding day). I ordered a vegetarian breakfast burrito and Rob ordered the veal sweetbreads benedict. To be honest, his order really traumatized me (I was already a little queasy that morning.) However, my burrito was delicious and he said that his benedict was phenomenal. I know this is THE most biased review ever, but I don't even care. All of you, eat here on your wedding day.It will forever have a special place in my heart.
(4)
Rain G.

Colleen O'Brien, deluxe. YUM! I love this atmosphere, the service, and the food. Lovely spot.
(5)
Steve B.

I really like the original Blackbird that burned down. Then I mostly liked the new Blackbird. Now the food choices and service have fallen far enough that we're pretty much done with this place.
(3)
Marisa R.

I loved the Blackbird Cafe....I stumbled upon it after trying to eat at Victor's 1959 Cafe.....too long a waiting list. In any event, the menu was pleasantly surprised. The coffee was strong, the way I like it. The service was not phenomenal...was just ok. I ordered the deluxe huevos rancheros which I enjoyed tremendously. My friend ordered the oxtail hash and she loved it! If there weren't so many restaurants in MN, I would say I would go back but with the variety, Blackbird will have to wait until I eat my way through all the restaurants in MN! :-)
(4)
Jessica L.

I came here for brunch and it was super busy with a wait. DÃ©cor: Such an eccentric design/quirkness o the place. The seating was pretty comfortable, but still on the verge of claustrophobic. Service: Nice, attentive, thanks! Food: No one complained a lick about the food. I like that their menu is kept simple, with shared ingredients among the menu and very breakfast-esque (i.e. I don't get when people put burgers on a breakfast menu....). I had the Swedish Pancakes- it was a huge portion and while it was good, I got the same problem I always have with pancakes- I get tired of them and can't finish (does anyone else have this problem?) Overall: Excellent brunch place, can't go wrong!
(4)
Sam M.

Breakfast ... finally. In my case it was the Colleen O' Brien. A twist on huevos with a side of avocado. I found the blend of flavors to be better than I expected.I would definitely choose this dish again. My wife was not in a breakfast mood what with it being noon and all. She went with a wallyeye sandwich. It came with a side of spring pickles (we call them fridge pickles) that was enjoyable. We also ordered some hand cut fries to share. Coffee, service, and atmosphere are very pleasant. The seating is spacious, not cramped like some places shoehorning in yet another table. Parking nearby is a bear, but its winter in Minneapolis so that goes for about anyplace.
(5)
Troy P.

I have only driven by prior to this morning, apparently the trick to getting a seat is coming at 10 am on a Wednesday, we had our choice of tables. I felt like I was about to have my fortune read when I walked in the door, that or I possibly walked into a Hookah Lounge by accident. I understand the curtains keep the draft from affecting customers and I think it's a great idea I was just a little surprised at first. I ordered the Norske Scrambler my fiance had the Ham and Chipotle Gouda Frittata. I enjoyed the Salmon in the eggs, I do wonder where it comes from though since we aren't exactly close to any ocean, either way it tasted fine to me. I felt the serving size would be maybe an egg larger for 10 bones, but nothing to complain about. My hash browns were great, I'm not sure what they do differently but it works! I did sample the other dish at our table as I often do and it was really good also. The odd thing though is that I think both of us were most impressed with the toast, nice thick slices with a crispy outside and soft center. It's a nice little place, I would have no problems coming back and sampling lunch or dinner. The happy hour looked pretty impressive, $3 off beer and wine! Since there are so many cool little cafes in the area it is hard to repeat unless you live close or fell in love with the food. Worth a visit if you have never been here or just looking for a cool place to chill and have coffee.
(3)
Anna M.

This place is on my way to my work, so I have been awaiting an opportunity to eat here. My friend and I met for brunch on a Saturday, we didn't even have to wait for a table. However, this place was still filled with folks, just no wait. I suspect it gets pretty crowded, but for me that is always a good sign. I had heard it was family run, which I always love. I also love antler decor. I ordered an egg, lax, and dill creme fresh dish along with a cappuccino. I was really intrigued by the salmon and eggs--and man oh man was it tasty. My friend ordered a huevos rancheros dish. Both were divine! By the end of our lovely breakfast we made travel plans for our future, and I have a feeling this little breakfast will be one to remember. Not only because of the company, but the food was delicious. I can't wait to go back to try lunch or dinner.
(5)
Christina E.

Tried to go here last night with my sister for noodles with my sister. We've been planning on going for months, after seeing the coupon for "Late Night Spicy Peanut Noodles" from the Chinook book. We got there at 10:30 only to be greeted by a waitress five minutes after entering the restaurant. She told us the kitchen was closed after a "painfully slow night." Lesson learned: Call ahead if you actually want to make sure you actually get food. I have no doubt that the food here is great, but this customer service experience turned me off. How can you advertise "Late Night Spicy Peanut Noodles" when you close the kitchen at 10:30 on a Saturday?
(1)
Kari W.

I had the beef brisket sandwich- very good. Came with a side of sweet pickles-additional sides were a la carte-which was too $$ for my pocketbook. Excellent service. Music?;umm Boys to Men a little much for the atmosphere.
(3)
Beth J.

Uhg. the blackbird. I really wanted to like you. Unfortunately everything about you feel just below expectations. My guy and I headed to the blackbird during the later dinner hours of a Friday night. The charming interior was dimly lit and had a true neighborhood cafÃ© feel. The unique bronze bar offered an understated focal point of the space. Sitting at the bar, customers can watch the hardworking chefs preparer meals in what appears to be a clean kitchen. The friendly bartender warmly welcomed us and promptly offered us menus. After that, things seemed just a little bit off. We ordered our first drinks and moules frites, and the bartender asked for our menus back, when it clearly was not an issue of demand in the half filled space. We assured him we would be ordering entrees, so he let us keep only one. Next, as our mussels came up in the window, we watched the bartender continue wipe off bottles, reorganize wine, and chat with a waitress for a solid 10 minutes as our hungry stomachs rumbled knowing our prize was so close. Finally, when the mussels arrived, they were cleaned and cooked well, but the watered down broth lacked the spicy, buttery flavors described on the menu. Next, we ordered the spicy peanut noodles with chicken, roasted shitakes, and poached egg. Again, technically, the dish was well executed - the gooey poached egg was perfectly cooked, the moist chicken had pieces of crisp skin that offered a nice textural contrast, and the well roasted shitakes offered a nice earthy tone to the disk. All in all, the dish was under seasoned and left us greatly underwhelmed in the flavor department. The blackbird cafÃ© had hints of real promise, and the cooks clearly have a handle on how to perfectly execute the technical aspects of a dish, but unfortunately I the dismal service and lack of great flavor in the dishes made for a mediocre experience.
(3)
Susan L.

"Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly. . . ." Oh, how I want to like you. In fact, I want to love you, but I can't. I've been coming and going since 2009 and I have to say, I tried. The decor is so sweet and rustic looking; it is the kind of place that makes you want to go hunting and have an open fire with your lumberjack friends. I don't have any friends like this, but I am sure this is where they would feel at home. My husband and I went for brunch and while it wasn't bad, it didn't really make me want more. I had the steak and eggs, which is really hard to ruin, but surprisingly, my steak lacked flavor. It had plenty of salt to make up for the lack of flavor, but I was hoping for a little bit more steak and a little less salt. The eggs were eggs so nothing more to report. Mark had the oxtail hash, which he said was pretty good. My family has made oxtail for decades - it did not look that good (even though it smelled FANTASTIC). I had a bite, and it wasn't too bad, but I felt it could have been a bit better. Alas, it was brunch, so maybe dinner is where they do better. I am not too sure, but I can find better brunch spots in the city to make my tummy happy.
(3)
Scott R.

I like this restaurant, and I'm glad, because we can walk there and have a passegiata around the 'hood afterwards. The interior and menu have an asian/hunting lodge inflection that I didn't anticipate and like just fine. Mid-priced, adventurous menu with competent or better service. Thank you thank you thank you.
(4)
Jessica G.

My husband and I went there for happy hour, and I totally fell in love with this hip bistro. The decor is really cute, kind of romantic and hipster - a great date place. They have a small but well-selected beer and wine list. We had sandwiches, and they were fabulous - tasty comfort food.
(5)
Susan M.

Update -- Received a thoughtful letter from the cafe apologizing, telling me how the issue has been handled, inviting us back with a gift card that will cover brunch. 5-stars, Ms Mollner, for handling this right ------- One star for service -- 3 for food. I've only been to the new location three times. The first was with my cousin and her husband last summer. Great experience -- nice food, attentive staff, plenty of coffee at breakfast. The last time -- and I mean last time -- was for brunch with my 80 year old mother at 1:30 in the afternoon on a Sunday. The place was busy, but not packed. Given the noise level, I explained to the host that my mother wears hearing aides and that it would be wonderful if we could get the 2 top booth to help filter the noise. What a disaster! The music speaker was right above the booth and noise from the kitchen bounced straight back into the booth. When I asked whether it was possible to turn the volume down, explaining the problem, the host said "some of the songs are louder than others." When I asked whether we could be moved to a quieter spot, he recommended a table right next to the kitchen, but forbade us from moving one of the chairs to the side so we could talk, because "it would bother customers." I explained that we didn't want to leave, since we had already ordered. He said he would see what he could do -- he never came back. Mom and I decided to split the special fritatta and get an extra side order -- more than enough food for two small women. The waitress brought our order, set it in front of Mom, and walked away. We had to get her attention, ask for a second plate (although we had explained we wanted to share the main course) and then wait -- for the second plate. The meal was cold by the time it came. The waitress never offered Mom a second cup of coffee. On the way out, I told the host that it had not been a good experience. He didn't ask why. He did ask "have you ever been here before?" As though having a really negative experience the first time to a restaurant was OK, because we weren't regulars. This all happened a week and a half ago. I did write to the restaurant owner to let her know that her support staff were treating customers like this ... but have not heard back. Too bad. I am fortunate in that I can eat out 2 or 3 times a week. This was one of my best friend's favorite places and my sister frequents the restaurant often at lunch time. I doubt I will be back.
(3)
Heather R.

Don't come here with more than two people. We came in and were told the wait would be ten to fifteen minutes. After sitting six twosomes they seated four people before we were. We waited for over half an hour. The hostess was looking directly at us and said nothing the entire time. On second thought, the service is so terrible, don't go at all.
(1)
Sarah L.

Cute space. Don't go if you're vegetarian; you will barely find anything. The food that I had sucked and was really expensive. They were out of tons of stuff. Wait staff is nice enough but takes their time.
(1)
Anne M.

I came in here for lunch recently and was pleasantly surprised. The restaurant itself is rather small and had eclectic decor. I liked the lanterns, branches, and the old mirrors, but could have done without the antlers. I had the Longhorn sandwich (I missed the description of the horseradish mayo on the menu) so was a bit surprised when I took my first bite. I usually don't like horseradish, but it actually worked in this sandwich. It added a bite to the sandwich and complemented the beef. The beef by itself wasn't too flavorful, but the carmelized onions and melted provolone really added nice flavors. The fries were okay - some of them were crisp and some of them were a bit soggy. I prefer my fries crispy. I loved the pickles that came with the sandwich. I was thinking of ordering the banh mi sandwich originally, but couldn't bring myself to ordering an $9 banh mi when Quang's sells it for $2.50 and Bun Mi sells it for around $5. The Longhorn was a good sandwich, but I think I would order something else next time - maybe the spicy peanut noodles with tofu. The service, as others have pointed out, was a little slow, but the waitress was very nice and polite. Overall, I was pretty happy with the service and food and will be back.
(4)
Erin J.

Our waitress was great and the atmosphere was very cozy. The space reminds me of Denver a bit (I think it was the antlers). I went for brunch on Sunday and it was pretty packed but I expected that since it just opened back up. I had the frittata with sausage, avocado and gruyere and really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to going back.
(5)
Alex C.

Blackbird is a great treasure in Minneapolis. I think it's very underrated restaurant. It's creative and not nearly as expensive as some restaurants it's on par with. A lot of places seem trite when they try to be original, but something about the dozens of antlers mounted across from dozens of mirrors works. My girlfriend and I had to wait for a bit to get a table, as they don't accept reservations, but the wait was manageable. We ordered some drinks - they have an eclectic selection of beer and wine - along with the pork empanadas. The empanadas were really great. They seemed to have some Cuban influence through the olives in the filling. The shells were crisp and browned; the filling was juicy and savory. With the chipotle mayo, they were even better. I got the banh mi, and while it didn't look like a banh mi, it was very respectable. It was on a square bun, but the bun had the same textures you'd expect from the real thing. There was a good amount of pork on the sandwich, enough to make it a filling sandwich. My girlfriend originally got the side pork sandwich, but it unexpectedly came with the spiciest mustard I've tasted. According to the waitress, it was a mistake of a new guy, and they brought out a new sandwich for her promptly. This time she tried the Longhorn - a brisket and caramelized onion sandwich. She enjoyed it very much. Overall, even with the salt pork SNAFU, it was a very tasty meal. The flavors melded together very well. I would definitely go back again sometime.
(4)
Natalie V.

Blackbird is most enjoyable in the evening. Great place to kick back and have a glass of wine. The small plates are reasonably priced and tasty. Blackbird was my all-time favorite restaurant in the old 'hood off 50th. Now, the overall feeling of the place is different and the neighborhood is not as nice. We went there last night, opted to dine out and had quite the entertainment watching people hang out in the middle of the street screaming, stopping cars, fights almost breaking out. Kinda sketchy. So, eat inside for sure for the nicest time. Wine list is decent. Steak and gnoche are great. BUtterhead/beet salad is my fav. My husband loves the spicy noodles. Worth checking out if you are in South Mpls!
(4)
Kelly B.

I stopped into Blackbird for lunch a couple of weeks ago on a bitterly cold day & warmed myself up with a delicious latte & the most exquisite fennel soup ever. I also had salad that was somehow wintery-beets, walnuts, & gorgonzola ( I think). I was in an abnormally social mood and sat at the bar & enjoyed my conversation with Karen (?) & peeking into the kitchen at the cute chefs. ; ) The decor is awesome. I love the variety of antlers, the lone blackbird, & the chinese lanterns hanging from branches. Being just 4 blocks from my new workplace, it'll surely be a lunchtime favorite.
(5)
Nicholas G.

Poor service, food was over priced and portions were small. Came here for breakfast for the first time and was unimpressed. $10 for 3 pancakes? Seemed a bit ridiculous but was hoping for a quality meal...didnt get it. This place is just hyped up. Wont be back.
(1)
Alison C.

Our experience at Blackbird was nothing other than perfect. We had spent the evening searching for a casual yet elegant dining experience, and decided to take a chance on something new. The restaurant is small, and we sat in the front area with large windows facing the street; it had a warm bistro feel--and I'm not going to lie, some of the decor was a little odd--but it still felt homey and warm. Our server was attentive but but not pushy, even when we had NO idea they had closed the restaurant (early on weekdays, so check the website). Instead of ordering a full meal, we decided to try a variety of starters and small plates off the menu, pairing each with a glass of wine. All were outstanding. This is some seriously mouthwatering cuisine, delicious but not over-indulgent, fresh and all homemade. I recommend the Butterhead Salad, Proscuitto Cigar, and Creamed Greens, if they still have it on the menu (changes upon produce availability). All in all, it was one of the best birthday dinners i have ever had, and I look forward to heading back for their happy hour: Wine and Tidbits 2-5 pm Mon-Sat.
(5)
sarah p.

gotta love a bistro that is open during the off hours of 2-4 for a bite to eat. stopped into a late lunch here yesterday around 3:30; most restaurants of this size are closed around then, but not blackbird. get this, not only were they still serving a full lunch menu, but it was happy hour as well. on a chilly sat afternoon, who can turn down a 3/glass of red wine? not me. other deals include tap beer and a buck off bottles. the walleye po-boy sandwich was ordered and it was pretty good. fish was moist and the crust was seasoned nicely. i wasn't impressed by the tomato-bazil soup that they described as zesty. no zest whatsoever and quite underwhelming. good service and nice, funky atmosphere.
(4)
Mia K.

We went on a Saturday at about 9 AM for breakfast. A few things: 1. We moved to the TC last summer, and this is by far the rudest waitress we've ever had. She never smiled, and after she took our money she walked a few steps and then turned around and said "thanks" over her shoulder as an afterthought. 2. The place was mostly empty and we were seated between two occupied tables, with about 6 inches between us on either side. We had never been there before so we had no preference about where to sit, but seriously? Yikes. (The people we got to listen to the conversations of were also super-snooty, but that's not the restaurant's fault... completely.) 3. I am 100% a breakfast food fan, and this is the first time a menu had me stumped. None of the breakfast food sounded good. For none of the breakfast options to appeal to me at all is a pretty big thing. 4. The food we did get was fine. Slightly overpriced for the smaller portions, but high quality. Too bad I couldn't enjoy it because some woman I didn't know was yapping in my ear the entire time and the waitress was looking down her nose at me. So overall -- yeah not going back, at least not for breakfast. And I guess I should wear something nicer, as not to offend the staff.
(1)
Hina K.

I love this place! It's right next to Heidi's and it is the perfect place to grab a glass of wine or enjoy one of their latte concoctions - specifically the almond latte and milky way. The coffee is from B + W for you coffee connoisseurs. The decor is very cozy and chic - be sure to admire all of the antlers on the walls (they're not the hideous antlers that are displayed in those hideous country inns in the middle of nowheresville). I tried a multitude of desserts - I believe the dish is called "A Tiny Taste" or something where you can sample three desserts or so. I didn't particularly enjoy the carrot cake which had a creme filling that had a mixture of goat cheese in the ingredients. I don't know if most people would be able to pick up on it though because my friend couldn't smell the goat cheese, but I could and I hated it. Aside from desserts, this place has some great small dishes. The empanada was pretty good; I was rather surprised by the wide array of offerings. Great place to come for a date or brunch.
(4)
Dave P.

Great food and good ambiance, would definitely go back. Po Boy and Udon noodles were both excellent...a few good tap beers and plenty more in the bottle/can. Well done.
(5)
Scott J.

The neighborhood is a beneficiary of clustering, an economic principle where a high concentration of businesses compete and make each other better. Okay, maybe a stretch, but when this little neighborhood stretch of commerce gets Blackbird, Heidi's, and the Malt Shop (okay, other end of the food spectrum but a nice option) all within half a block, well, everyone wins. The decorating and menu are interesting, a place where meat eaters, coffee drinkers and taxidermists can congregate. Nice beer and wine selection and a "comfy" menu that keeps it fairly simple. If you don't have a reservation at Heidi's and think you can waltz into Blackbird as your back up, don't count on it. Not sure if one place is driving the activity, but as I indicated earlier, clustering is making this place better and busier.
(5)
Rona Y.

I've only been here twice, but both times my experience was great. The coffee is really good, the Monte Cristo is the best thing ever, and the wait staff is really sweet. The first time I was there it was around 4 on a saturday and was pretty dead, the second time was around 12 on a sunday and I was lucky that I didn't have to wait around.
(5)
Conor C.

I had the Banh Mi sandwich. INCREDIBLE. Pickled veggies, shredded pork...*mouth watering* The friends I went with also could not stop raving about their meals. Loved the ambiance.
(4)
Adrian H.

Went here after my daughter's soccer practice looking bedraggled and generally pretty unkempt, however the maitre d' was gracious enough not to notice and seated us immediately. This set the tone for a dinner that I enjoyed immensely. The empanada appetizer was fantastic and the main dishes we had were all excellent, especially the peanut noodle dish. The food is as eclectic as the decor. I'd describe it as an asian, latin fusion kind of thing. It's a real surprise for a neighborhood restaurant and is one of those places that makes me feel happier about living in Minnesota. I've been back several times and have been very satisfied on every visit.
(4)
Conal G.

Food should have taste. My tastebuds are in heaven. Keep up the excellent work!
(4)
Jilian K.

I am very disappointed that the new Blackbird does not live up to its history. I really used to love this place, but we had an awful experience. Five of us went to celebrate my cousin's birthday in early December (one of the Fridays during one of the snow storms). I had called a few days in advance to try to get reservations for the 5 of us, but they only take for parties of six or more (which is odd considering 5 people is just as difficult to seat as six people, and that I mentioned we were celebrating a birthday). They assured me that there was plenty of room at the bar in case we needed to wait. We ended up getting there rather late, maybe 830 or 9ish. The decor is lovely- very warm, but unique and interesting. It seemed to be the perfect place to celebrate on a blustery night! We were told the wait was 30 min or so, which was fine. the waiting area was all busy and seats were taken, but there were a few spots at the bar, so we huddled around, although we were told rather sharply that we could not cross an imaginary line. Nonetheless, the 3 of us girls ordered a bottle of prosecco, and the boys ordered beers (great beer lists, by the way). Before it had arrived, the host came up to us and asked us to move, as someone wanted to sit and eat at the bar!! I have never had that happen in my life. We had just spent over $50 at the bar and were crammed into two spaces. PLUS, there was no place really for us to go. They said the would bring us our drinks towards the front. Lovely. The beers at the front, not much of an issue. But how is one supposed to carry a bottle of wine around, with jackets, purses, and the glass?? The host filled about a drop of prosecco into each of our glasses and glibly asked "do you want to hold onto this? [awkward pause] Or I could put it in the fridge I guess". I was pretty offended by this point, but asked her politely to please give us a full glass and then place it in the fridge, as we were already the most awkward people in there, standing basically right next to other patrons' tables. It was also pretty frustrating when we wanted another glass as we had to trek across the dining room and then wait at the bar. One of the hosts then thanked us for moving, explaining that the person taking our spot at the bar would not have been able to be seated until the kitchen had been closed. Not sure why that person couldn't have been seated at the bar at the time were we were seated at our table (since you'd be keeping the kitchen open anyway?). At another point while waiting, one of the hosts (or bartender) assured us that she would transfer our tab to our table so we didn't have to pay at the bar, as if she was doing us the biggest favor. Thanks! so nice of her. Finally we sat down. We were somewhat punchy because we couldn't really believe how we had been treated thus far, but we didn't want to make the birthday girl feel bad, so we were ready to enjoy the night. The kitchen sent an appetizer on the house as a "thank you for being so accommodating". That was nice. We were in business! Until the waitress was just as rude as the rest of them. It was honestly awful. Rolling her eyes, rushing us, and acting like we completely didn't belong there (perhaps how a homeless person might feel dining? For reference, we dine out frequently, looked very nice, and have nice manners). Food was fine - the times I had been to Blackbird on 50th I enjoyed the food (and certainly service!!!) better, but everyone liked their food. The icing on the cake was when we paid - 4 of us split the bill, and 3 of us share the same last name. And the waitress insisted that she check the driver's licences (that we had already provided at the bar) of each of us! At one point she said to the 3rd person that shares our name "I guess I don't have to see yours, you all have the same last name" and I joked "haha you got her, Jimmy"; she replied "well now I have to see it". Weird. So, longest review ever, but worth the time to write it. I am sorely disappointed and still kind of reeling about this experience. I would definitely avoid dining here, there are plenty of other restaurants to choose from.
(2)
L. S.

Great food, great wine. I loved the spicy peanut noodles. Just enough spice, just enough noodle. If it weren't for all the great wine, I'd remember more about the food.
(4)
Stacy G.

It's not a large place but the quality of the food is excellent. The space is magnificent with its unique dÃ©cor and cozy atmosphere. The egg sandwich is really the way to go and just about anything you pick is going to be amazing. All of the soups I've tried have been very fresh and delicious, I recommend going with whatever the soup of the day is. Very cute place with tasty food and polite staff; the service tends to be slow but worth the wait. It is a quaint little neighborhood spot, go for lunch!
(4)
Dan F.

Wandering South Minneapolis with my sister, looking for a place to eat. Drove by Curran's, too many Cadillacs in the parking lot. I threw up my hands in exasperation, "Ok fine, let's go to the Malt Shop!" I was at my wit's end, having spent previous days and nights staying up too late, spending too much money. I would drown my sorrow in a huge chocolate milk shake and a plate of deeply fried meats and starches. And there it was, as we rolled down 50th. Blackbird was not open before I relocated to the Chicago area. I always wondered what the deal was. Exiting the car, we walked across the street and saw a packed house, usually a good sign. I promptly ditched my Malt Shop idea, deeming it of little merit or further consideration. I typically have one goal when I go to a restaurant. I want to pick the item on the menu that our server would eat, if he or she were on their break. I try to do this without asking, making my success rate fairly low. But I did it. I said, "Yeah, I'll have Huevos Colleen O'Brien." I saw her eyes shoot up in surprised appreciation. The dish itself was very good. Chorizo and eggs with ribbon-ie hashbrowns, covered in cheese. Yeah, I'd eat that again. It's got that kitschy neighborhood vibe I don't mind. But I probably wouldn't want to stand in line. Wait to dine.
(4)
Brien G.

A 3 star review for what should be a 4 star review. I've eaten at BlackBird three times. Once for dinner, once for snacks, and once for brunch. Here's what I've found: DINNER: This was by far my best experience. Solid food, not inventive, but loved the ambiance and price point was nice. Thought to myself, wow, I should have come here more often--they have antlers. SNACKS: Sat at the bar, had soup, olives, and some cocktails. It was okay, nice for a neighborhood kinda place. Wasn't blown away. BREAKFAST: This was a disaster. The service had an average age of 22 years old. Seemed to be run like a new coffee shop in it's first week. The clientele was also all over the place--hungover couples, grandma with kids--makes for good people watching. But service was bad--and not just because things were slow or wrong. It took the server 15 minutes to even come to our table. When I acknowledged that she was busy and that she should just take a breath she had a momentary breakdown, not the most graceful under pressure. She did come back and apologize--but you know I'm hungover and don't want to hear about your heartless coworker who didn't show. Cause you know what? She's probably hung over too. Net, net: Liked my dinner a lot. They seem to take this seriously. Bar snacks, were well, okay. Breakfast though, totally not impressed, which seems to be the theme. Wish you had this knocked, Black Bird, I live ten blocks away and could bring in 6 people for a Sunday Funday at least once month if you had this figured out...
(3)
Laura S.

Went here last week when a good friend was in town...she loves blackbird as much as I do so we stopped in for a quick drink/appetizer before heading to the Herkimer. We split the cheese plate and the spicy peanut noodles (yes, when I love something I stick to it). The spicy peanut noodles were delicious as always, cheese plate was interesting. Service was GREAT. We sat at the bar and the guy that served us (sorry, dont remember his name) was amazing. Yay Blackbird : )
(5)
Raja V.

Excellent brunch with an inviting, well-designed space. 3 of us went there for brunch, and all of us loved our food. "The Colleen Obrien" was especially good - poached eggs eggs with smoky salsa, sour cream & cheesy hash browns plus house made chorizo & avocado. Becky thought it was one of the best pancakes she's eaten. Belinni was well made too. Some pretty unique dishes too - veal sweetbread benedict and oxtail hash
(5)
Lacey P.

I really like this place. I like the antlers all over the bright and sunny front part. I like that they have sangria. Our waitress was really nice, but the hostess was a little weird. The whole point of having a hostess is for them to tell you where to sit, not ask. Just seat me. I'd never been there before and don't know what I'm in for. So dazzle me. I like the decor. I like their food combinations. I like their dipping sauces and even their french fries. Yum yum yum. Kinda fancy, but a wide range of prices on the menu makes for delight for all involved.
(5)
Anna S.

I think I can now qualify myself as a regular, given that I have been there twice in less than a week. Both times I was absolutely in love with what I ordered. Wednesday night it was the Celery-Brie soup with it's rich depth yet light finish. This morning it was the unbelievable Oxtail (!) hash. I never fancied myself an oxtail lover, but I am now a convert. I suppose it's brilliant pairing with roasted beets, two eggs over easy, and hollandaise sauce did not hurt either. I am officially smitten.
(5)
Emily T.

Probably the best brunch I've had in a year. Delicious. And fantastic ambiance.
(5)
Anna M.

Blackbird's lunch menu is small, but it is a hodgepodge of cultures- Italian, Vietnamese, American, etc. You will likely find something that fulfills any craving. I'm always a bit skeptical of ordering bread when you have to pay for it- but Blackbird's was definitely worth it! The honey butter was sweet without being overpowering and the fresh hummus really hit the spot while we waited for our sandwiches/ piles of yumminess. I had the Southwestern - a house-made black bean and rice burger that was served on top of tortilla chips with cheese, a generous scoop of gauc, pineapple & mango. I didn't read the description that well before ordering so I was surprised it was sans bun. But I loved it! The mango & pineapple transported me to a warmer, sunnier place. My dining companion demolished the Longhorn (beef brisket) without offering me a taste and then began stealing bites of mine. I like that you can have a salad instead of French fries for no additional charge. The only disappointments were that I was too full to try dessert & that the check was very slow after we turned down dessert.
(4)
P X.

I love, love, love the new location and this restaurant. I have enjoyed a few brunches at Blackbird Cafe (I can't get enough of the Norske Scrambler). The service is always spot-on and the atmosphere is classy and comfortable. The only negative is that the chef generally likes to "soft" cook the eggs....and once after sending my breakfast back for additional cooking, the plate came back a chaotic scrambled mess that looked pretty inedible (although it tasted fine). So, I now simply order my eggs more well done and brunch is seamless.
(4)
Stephanie T.

So I finally had dinner at Blackbird. I've been meaning to try it for some time to see if the 2.0 version delivers upon its former glory. Overall, I enjoyed the experience. I don't know if it lives up to the original, but if you've never been, then its a solid pick. Bahn-mi and Burnt Sugar Pork. Delicious. Order them. You won't be sorry. The seafood tacos were good, but nothing to write home about. Since my visit occurred on a hot summer day, I also ordered the cucumber melon soup. Sounded like a good idea at the time (most things do, don't they?), but the soup was awful. I wanted to love it, but the flavor pairing was strange and the texture was a little off for me. Back to the good. The place is cute. Lots of whimsical, humorous touches- like the montage of mounted antlers hanging above the bar. Love that every staff member is a cool hipster or artistic-type. In the words of Arnold, "I'll be baaack."
(4)
Jason W.

I highly recommend checking out Blackbird for breakfast or brunch. I've been a fan of this place since they moved to Nicollet and 38th. Last weekend some friends and I met for brunch and it was great--good food, good price. This restaurant can get very busy during dinner, but on a Saturday at around 11 am there was no wait--very laid back.
(4)
Jerod H.

Blackbird Cafe is great! It's a small, cozy, casual place, and the food is all fresh and very tasty. Apparently the run out of the daily quiche early...which typically doesn't concern me, becuase I'm a "real man.". But this quiche I did try and it was very good. I also had the sausage potatoe puree soup, which was tasty, but I should know better than to order a 'sausage puree'...the texture was just strange and bit bland. The beef brisket sandwhich was excellent. Blackbird also has a decent beer and wine list, and everything is very affordable. This is more of a lunch place for me, but I would go back for dinner for sure!
(4)
Shana W.

Everything I've eaten here has been delicious, well worth the price, and the service has been excellent. We've gone twice, and plan to return. I love the decor, though it is a bit loud in there and the music is kinda dated.
(5)
Dona C.

I would give this place a million stars, if that were an option. The place is pretty and the service was friendly and very prompt, and the server made great recommendations - the food was excellent. A very nice spot for a Friday night with friends.
(5)
Abby D.

Blackbird's banh mi is my favorite sandwich in Minneapolis. Love the beer selection.
(4)
Trenton R.

We were seated promptly, even during a peak time. Our server was always timely and not overbearing. The atmosphere and vibe were great. The space was perfectly lit, antlers and mirrors everywhere, and a bustling crowd. The drinks list was well thought out w/ a high % of local beer options. The shrimp roll was delightfully spicy yet cool. Blue cheese stuffed olives FTW! I would definitely recommend. What a grand addition to the neighborhood.
(4)
Scott C.

The food is classic, yet with some original twists. My favorite there is the Celery/Brie Soup....Holy Moley its amazing!!! Its near my house and I will be going back!
(4)
Orion B.

First time here last week and was very pleased. The service got better as the night went on. The brie and celery soup was really interesting and a nice starter. Had to try the Udon noodles with spicy peanut sauce and steak and it was delish! I did mention to our waiter that the dish should come with some instructions because there is so much going on in there (even a fried egg!) The only downside to the evening was coming out on the street to an inch of sleet/snow/slush and having to drive home in it. But I guess the good people at Blackbird Cafe had no control over that.
(4)
Melanie T.

Finally made it to the re-opened Blackbird Cafe for dining for life. Planned an early eve so we could get a table (note reservations for large parties only). I started in the bar while waiting for the rest of my party to arrive. The bartender was friendly, attentive and made me the best Belinni I have had since Italy! Dinner did not disappoint. The celery-brie soup was a bit salty, so I was glad I ordered the cup and not the bowl. I had two small plates of the empanadas (Oh my the coconut-chipolte dipping sauce was addictive) and the carne-asado tacos that would put Barrio to shame. I look forward to going back soon and trying the Bahn-mi sandwich.
(4)
D B.

I miss the coziness of the old place, but I love the new place too. The food and service is just as good as it was before - always top notch. One of my favorite go to restaurants in Minneapolis. So glad you are back Blackbird!
(4)
Steve K.

My wife and I went to Blackbird Cafe' for the first time. I had the walleye and my wife had the longhorn (beef brisket) sandwiches. Both were outstanding. Service was over the top. I would go back in a heartbeat.
(5)
Erika S.

Went to Blackbird for dinner on Tuesday night at the recommendation of a friend. I was bummed that there was a 20 minute wait at 8 pm on a Tuesday, but I am glad we waited it out. I went with my friend's suggestion to get the peanut noodle bowl. It was great. All of the fresh ingredients added great flavor. I had the chicken, but next time I would opt for the tofu. My only complaint was that it was not spicy enough for my taste, but my family often says my taste buds are dead so I wouldn't count that against Blackbird. The price was reasonable, our server was pleasant and the ambiance was wonderful. Definitely a fan.
(4)
Tony S.

Blackbird is very solid. The empanadas, truffled gnocchi, and carrot cake with goat cheese icing were the best items I had as part of a five shared small plate meal. Our server was very nice and helpful. The seating area has an excellent atmosphere. Overall, it was a good experience with nothing to gripe about.
(4)
Martha S.

Blackbird makes the suburban dining scene, with its windowless interiors and big, bland plates seem absolutely soulless. This restaurant embodies everything I love about Minneapolis: approachability, lack of pretentiousness, and a cute, charming eclectic atmosphere. The space is cozy, the staff was attentive and the food was delicious. Every dish had a little touch of pizazz that made it sparkle with uniqueness. I would not hesitate to bring an out-of-towner here for a special, affordable dinner.
(4)
Peter T.

Blackbird has burned down and rebuilt since my last review, so I guess that merits an update. The short version: the only thing I don't like about the new place as well is that it is farther from my house! Still the same cool vibe, but more space, a little more extensive (but in no way Cheesecake Factoryesque) menu, and prices just a smidge higher with the same great quality grub. I've been there 3-4 times, breakfast, lunch and dinner and not had a bad thing yet. Udon noodles rock. You just can't lose here.
(5)
Skarlett S.

Oh this place is delicious! A friend and I went for dinner on a random Wednesday night and we had to wait to get sat, and I can totally see why. I had the tuna hot dish, and this changed my view on hot dishes for ever. The meal consisted of noodles in a delicious garlic sauce and topped with a seared tuna steak! The service was good and the place itself was cozy.
(5)
Butch J.

Tried a second time and this place delivers! Moving to the neighborhood so i hope that the great food and service continues on a regular basis.
(5)
Emily A.

-- Closed for now, due to fire :( - see their website listed above--
(4)
Emily P.

Love, love, love Blackbird. Yummy food -- especially the seafood tacos and hoisin pork sandwich. Good selection of wine, good prices. And the service is excellent -- always nice & fun!
(5)
randy F.

I have three things to say about Blackbird. Yes, yes, and yes!!!
(5)
erin d.

Decor is twiggy pan-asian meets taxidermy, but that just adds to the charm. If you don't mind spotting mini deer antlers while you feast away on crispy bacon and huevos rancheros, that is. Service is EXCELLENT and friendly. Most importantly, the food is kick ass. And by kick ass I mean scrumptious. Scrum-diddly-umptious. They don't take reservations so get there early. People magazine is usually there to greet you in the entryway, which is a nice, mind numbing perk to waiting for a table.
(5)
Jude O.

I'm always a little wary about eating at newly opened restaurants, but Blackbird is worth it. The first thing you notice about the place is the decor, which is electic and welcoming. Even just a few weeks from opening, people were clearly getting the word. It was packed, so I'd recommend a reservation. First, the wine and drink list was as eclectic and thoughtful as the decor. They have Bell's Oberon tap and a host of beers that that I didnt get a chance to try. The welcoming-and-on-it wait staff made some helpful suggestions to navigate the options. My wife and I went with the Frizzante, which was a refreshing and excellent summer red served cold. The menu is wide-ranging without seeming unfocused. It's neighborhood bistro-style, designed for regulars who want some reliable standards mixed with some items that push the imagination a bit more. For starters, I had the fried chicken liver salad and the vegetarian spring rolls. The salad was imaginative and exploding with taste. The spring rolls were simple and refined with a great sauce. Good start. The mains came promptly--which always amazes me in a new restaurant--despite our large party of 5.5. I had the pork loin with some kind of cool crust and stone fruit. As described by one of my friends, it was the most tender she'd ever had. My wife had the chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy. The chicken was most and tender, the crust done just right. For dessert, we split the jasmine tea creme brulee, the berry pound cake, and a selection of truffles. It was the kind of food you talk about. Overall, a great start and I wish these guys the best. My favorite part of this place? In t-shirts and with a baby, my wife and I didn't feel out of place or unwelcome. The owners--Gail and Chris--and the staff made us feel right at home. This is place is total find.
(4)
Marie C.

Blackbird is charmingly cute. It's too bad it took me forever to check it out! I especially loved their brunch. I had a fritatta and my boyfriend had the huervos rancheros. They were both incredibly delicious, well portioned and definitely affordable. I stopped by another time for dinner. While everything looked delicious, it was oddly random with twists of italian and asian. It actually took a long time to decide what I wanted. I had the bahn mi sandwich and it was amazing. One of the best ones I've had. The space is really warm and cozy too. I'll definitely be headed there more and more.
(4)
Justin S.

Our first visit here and we were not impressed. Although the menu had enough variety for brunch, paying $11 for a sandwich that does not come with any side (aka- we left hungry) combined with dead animals on the walls and warm tap water equalled three strikes. Sorry Blackbird, we will not be returning.
(1)
Daniel W.

The breakfast was awesome. Had the breakfast burrito with Chorizo as well as the cafe latte double shot!! This whole combination completely relieved me of an annoying hangover from the previous nights shenanigans. Fresh ingredients, outside seating, and friendly staff. Good choice!!!
(5)
Matt L.

Absolutely stunning noodle dishes. Do not hesitate to order any breakfast plate either. Yum!
(5)
Chris T.

ZOMG. I've been here twice -- for brunch and then on a Friday evening. Kudos to this place for having amazing late-night HH small plates, sandwiches, and drinks, even on a Friday evening (none of this "Sunday-Thursday only" sadness). We had the mussels (a full POUND for $12; get the fries with it -- they're delicious, ESPECIALLY with the rosemary aioli), the burnt sugar bun, the chicken nuggets, and the chicken-lemongrass potstickers. Every dish was special and flavorful, which is a rare find for a late night happy hour! I'll definitely come back again to try the sandwiches when I'm in the area!
(4)
Action D.

Been here twice and both times ordered the Longhorn Sammie which is divine. Portions are based on quality over quantity. Interesting beer menu. Ambiance is geared toward femine side with drapes at the entry way, flowers, etc. Note-noise level can be high due to wood floors, as sound seems to increase. All in all, a positive experience on ever involving 38th/nic area. Small gripe-fries are extra, which seems to be the norm these days.Still, $ 20-25 for lunch including tip is on the higher end, but one feels they get what they pay for.Service was solid.
(4)
Kyle H.

Went here for the first time for brunch on a Saturday morning and was seated promptly. I like their menu -- a mix of traditional breakfast stuff and more adventurous options. A daily special of sausage and eggs seemed to be the hit at nearby tables but I went with the oxtail hash. Boy, I'm glad I went with the oxtail hash. Eggs were perfect, the hollandaise was on point, the hashed beets and carrots provided a sweet counterbalance and there was just enough oxtail to supplement the dish. I don't know if this is a regional thing but I'm finding a lot of hashes composed of root vegetables around Minneapolis. The Buttered Tin makes a good one as well. I'm looking forward to coming back here for dinner next time I get a chance.
(5)
Kayla H.

Food was decent but I had been waiting for the server to check with us so I could ask for an extra side of something (burrito had little egg and could really use extra guac or something from what I remember) She didn't bother coming back to ask about our meals or if we'd liked/needed anything else. She just came to grab a plate and drop the check. I HATE that.
(3)
Gracie H.

Solid menu with lots of go-to options. Menu can accommodation gluten free. My wife and I live around the corner and find ourselves here frequently. We love that the beer taps change often and usually showcase local brews. Heads up: great for small groups but large groups might be harder to accommodate. Accessible front entrance for wheelchair users. On one side of the restaurant their are booths and on the other you will find move-able tables /chairs which could accommodate multiple wheelchairs. Two gender neutral bathrooms are in the back which allows for great accessibility- thank you for that!
(4)
sparkle w.

I like this place. It's a great location and atmosphere. The food is good and during the week breakfast there isn't a wait. Couple things I believe could improve, flexibility in ordering/substitutions... -10:47am and a request to order off the lunch menu that begins at 11am-denied -over medium eggs cooked just by sitting on a hot plate -forgotten prosecco drink order until after food Update: My server today was fantastic. They still aren't very flexible but today is better than before.
(4)
Erin G.

Mediocre and disappointing. I ended up here because the place I was trying to go was closed today. This happened to me last week too. You'd think I'd learn to check. Anyways, I searched nearby, and my second choice was also closed, so I ended up here. I was in the mood for breakfast, specifically some kind of benedict. I came in and it took a few minutes to be seated, but it wasn't very busy. My server was not overly friendly and I don't think he smiled at me once. There was no benedict on the menu, so I reluctantly chose the Norske Scrambler, because I do love me some salmon. I asked if I could sub out the toast and hashbrowns for something else (because they'd be a waste- I don't do hashbrowns) and he said they have a policy against substitutions. Sigh. Okay. I'll just get it then. I was in a hurry on my lunch breaka nd already had spent time going to the other places, so I didn't have time to keep looking at the menu. The food came out decently fast, but they tried to give it to the table next to me first. Nope- it's mine. Thanks. The salmon was okay, the eggs were okay, they weren't very good and there wasn't much to them, but I didn't eat the hashbrowns and only half a slice of toast.So I ended up leaving hungry because they won't accomodate. It's not like they were busy. The server came back to check on me once, and when I said "it's okay" he just walked away. I had to get his attention to ask for the check, and he didn't seem to care about how the meal or service was. Not a very good experience. Very disappointing. I wanted to like this place a lot too.
(2)
Keith F.

For weekday lunch Blackbird Cafe offers what looks like the full breakfast menu but with very limited lunch additions. Regrettable to my mind. That said, what Blackbird offers is terrific. Uninspired by the lunch offerings I had steak and eggs with hash browns. Terrific choice. Fine hash browns, baked tomatoes and onions and the most beautiful poached eggs done perfectly. Another person really enjoyed her poached eggs over a bed of steamed spinach. The other two had egg dishes with sausage, one a pattie, the other links. Both loved their choice. As for the lunch items, after seeing it go by I'm sorry I didn't order the big catfish po'boy. It looked terrific. Ditto for the Longhorn Sandwich, a beef brisket sandwich Next time. No reservations, except large groups. A wait at peak times. No off street parking. Sidewalk seating. Lots of beers.
(4)
Brittanie M.

Ended up here for brunch this Sunday because Nighthawks opened later, but it ended up being a good choice so no problem there. I went with the simple eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns plate that came with toast, with a coffee, plus tried a side of the daily pancake to share. The bacon was pretty thick and cooked perfectly and it was a generous portion of hashbrowns that I wasn't even able to finish. I loved the thick sliced toast though I wish it came with two slices and was cut diagonally, rather than one slice halved. The pancake (a sourdough pancake with chunks of rhubarb, covered in white chocolate and butter) wasn't as good as it had sounded - tasted a bit "healthy" and set me back $6 for a single pancake - so I felt a little regret at that selection. They also brought a lot of different condiments with my meal - two different jams in metal pots, a pot of ketchup, a pot of butter, and a small thing of maple syrup. I felt a bit guilty since I only used a small portion of the two jams because it seemed like such a waste. We sat at the bar to avoid the wait for a table (which my friend pointed out was weird since there was plenty of open seating) and service was really fast and the waitress very friendly, though I didn't really like that it was copper-topped as it left my hands with that distinct penny smell. I was also surprised to see the walls covered with antlers and taxidermy animal heads, which isn't something I'd have expected from this sort of establishment (seemed a very vegan-friendly hipster kind of place) but it's not the sort of thing that bothers me, and I loved the cast-iron lanterns and wall of vintage mirrors. My plate, extra pancake, and coffee set me back just over $25 with tip. Overall, a decent and filling breakfast but I feel there are places within the same block that are more catered to my tastes and budget.
(3)
Amy R.

Met a friend for breakfast. This place was a lot easier to find than our last destination. It was my turn to choose. I was lured in by the picture of the pistachio pancake, but it must have been one of their specials. I did wind up ordering one of their other specials; the corned beef hash. Nice big chunks of corned beef mixed with potatoes, carrots, eggs and cabbage in a deliciously flavored hint of horseradish sauce. It was very flavorful. My friend ordered the classic eggs. Eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and toast. Nice size portion. The toast was good, but half of my piece was burnt. Not a biggie.. Jams were good. Atmosphere is cute. Kitschy stuff on the walls and a potential brunch place for Portlandia show residents. Service was excellent. Loved the nostalgic reminder of the tin tv trays my grandparents used to have. Our checks came on mini size tin tv trays sans the folding legs. Would return.
(4)
Babs J.

This place consistently delivers. I think tonight was my fourth time eating here and every time I've left happy. Honestly, how flavorful and creative are the options? I love the curry soup, the peanut noodles with fresh cilantro and chicken, the English breakfast special, and the chocolate pudding with ginger. I might even go so far as to say this is my favorite restaurant right now. Go. You won't be disappointed. Adorable decor, attentive and cheerful servers, delightful menus....I could go on and on....
(5)
Johnay F.

I've been coming here for years but I won't be returning. When we had an issue with our food, our server did not accommodate and did not refill drinks. We asked to speak to a manager, but we were told none was available. Another server then addressed our problem by getting into our personal space and stating that we don't have to eat here, and we should go elsewhere in the future. Now, I'm not currently in the restaurant business but it seems to me that you would not want employees "handling" customer complaints with threats and telling them to take their business elsewhere. We will be taking their advice. Minneapolis is not short on restaurants and I will now be happily removing Blackbird Cafe from our short list of regular spots.
(2)
Rachelle N.

I loved the variety of food they had to offer. Gourmet yet great comfort food. We happened to try it on a Wednesday night which offered a mystery grab bag bottle of wine (your choice of Red or white) for $20. I ended up with a lovely French wine with award winning ratings. The food had great flavor and we were all pleased with our choices!
(4)
Stephanie O.

I returned to Blackbird for post-yoga Saturday brunch with a friend and I can honestly say that the highlight of this visit was sitting on their green rocking chairs outside in the sunshine while we waited 40 minutes for a table. I had a tofu scramble which was really just cubed tofu alongside broccoli and spinach, some hashbrowns, and toast. It was fine but rather boring and without the hashbrowns/toast, there would have been nothing particularly brunchy about it. I appreciated the option but wished it had been executed a bit better. I opted for water and coffee instead of an adult beverage but the coffee cup was somewhat small and my server didn't return to the table once (not even to drop off our food...somebody else did that) to see if I needed a refresh, even when I made direct eye-contact with her repeatedly while she stood by the bar. If she had been busy, I would be a thousand times more understanding. But she was not. I actually had to ask for my first and only refill of coffee when she finally returned to our table to give us the bill. Needless to say, I felt disappointed. I really liked Blackbird the first time I came in and had high hopes for my return but between the sub-par food and mediocre service, the experience was just not in line with my expectations. I am hoping it was a fluke and I'm sure I'll return eventually but I definitely won't be adding their brunch to my regular rotation.
(3)
Jonathan T.

For the last two weeks, I've been frantically hunting for a spacious and dog friendly Uptown, Loring Park, or Southwest apartment on Craigslist. During the beginning of my journey, I found a spectacular duplex near the intersection of Nicollet and 46th and immediately contacted the owner to schedule an appointment for a showing. I loved the place for several reasons: -Great price and amenities, -In the Southwest Neighborhood -Within walking distance to Five Watt and Blackbird Cafe. Sadly, someone else made a bid before I could even see it. Argh, what could have been? #shakesscoldingfistviolentlyinair But, why do I love Blackbird CafÃ©? Several reasons: 1) DÃ©cor: With cutesy mirrors, various mounted deer heads, and large storefront windows, everything just works really well together. Blackbird also seems to accommodates any kind of outing ranging from a romantic date to a casual get-togehter with your besties. 2) Hearty Food: My voluptuous Sweet Potato Biscuits and with Gravy was delicious, hearty, and only eight dollars! As a biscuits and gravy addict, I love their take on the classic dish. I also tried a refreshing mimosa, and I don't care if my manliness points dropped a bit. Yo, it was pretty damn good. 3) Service: Wonderful! I sat at the bar and my bartender/ server worked fast and was friendly as can be. I am a "fan" of Blackbird CafÃ©, and I'll continue to search for an nearby apartment on Craigslist.
(4)
Wayne S.

Stopped by with a friend for breakfast. Great coffee and good food, albeit a slightly limited menu. I got the chorizo, avocado, and eggs with cheesy hash browns. The chorizo was sauteed and placed under the hash browns, which was unexpected and led to excessive grease on the plate. Overall this is a solid place for coffee and breakfast
(3)
Nicole Habberstad W.

We stopped here on a Sunday around 1230pm. We were seated right away and we ordered drinks. I had a Bellini and it was delish. I ordered a veggie and meat frittata, my kids had pancakes, my hubby had biscuits and gravy. We all loved our meals and the service was great. I love trying new places every time we are in the cities but I think I will add this to one of my favorites and stop back again.
(4)
Renee S.

After wanting to try this place for a while now, I finally visited for dinner last night with two girlfriends. We arrived at 5:30pm and had no trouble getting a table. This place is adorable... a fun mix of chairs/tables, animals and art displayed all over the walls, topped off with lit candles scattered throughout the joint. The drink menu features a wide variety of options, but we all ended up ordering ginger ciders that came in cans and were very satisfying. Our waiter was polite, giving us enough space to talk/look over the menu/talk/decide on an entree/talk... you get the point - we wouldn't shut up. After reading a few reviews, I knew I wanted to try the Spicy Peanut Noodles... and BOY am I glad I did!! This dish is amazing. I decided on the chicken confit/poached egg version... soooooo good. It was spicy, but not over-bearing and so flavorful. Cannot wait to come back and explore more of the menu! (But who am I kidding... I'll probably end up ordering the peanut noodles again!)
(4)
James M.

We were first here maybe 4 years ago, visiting a local friend in Minneapolis. We had an amazing meal. I remembered the mirrors, the deer antlers, the food, the atmosphere. I remember waiting for a good amount of time, as it had if I recall just opened after a fire killed it's first location, and it was very highly regarded in the hood. Anyway, great experience. So, today, 4 years later, we came back, now with a little one in tow, during the day, rather than night, and it was just as nice a spot. Food was spot on--tasty frittata that I had (ham and gouda) and the Missus loved her salmon and eggs. Very kid friendly during the day. Service was patient, yet attentive. Really looking forward to visiting this place a few more times during the month that we're here.
(5)
Amy S.

We stopped in on a Friday evening around six before heading downtown for a show. The place was almost 3/4 full. This was our first visit to Blackbird in its new spot, which isn't so new but we just haven't made it in a while. I really liked the way the space was organized - bar on one side, combination of tables and wooden booths on the other. Seating was comfortable and comfortably spaced. Personally not a fan of the combination of antlers and old mirrors that comprise the wall decor. The lighted candles on the tables and walls were lovely though. We started with the chicken lemongrass potstickers and they were perfectly prepared. In fact all the food and drink we ordered was very good - creative in flavor and presentation. My only criticism was with our server who was not welcoming, friendly, or communicative. Most times he would approach the table and not speak, leaving us to initiate the conversation. He wasn't inattentive, just not particularly pleasant. The other staff who brought us food or drink were friendly and actually smiled. We wanted them to adopt us.
(3)
Mark S.

Love the food, live in the neighborhood, but the Blackbird policy seems to be "we'll crank the tunes whenever we want and if you don't like it, tough." Tried to have breakfast with a business partner this morning--again-- and had to ask the waitress to turn it down. Too loud to hear ourselves, only four people in the place. We got some SERIOUS attitude from both the waitress and the other service person. They turned it down a little, but it was back up to full volume in five minutes. Sort of a "screw you" I thought. This has happened often enough that I've given up. Lots of breakfast choices without having to bring earplugs to keep out Creedence Clearwater while I eat my hash browns. Too bad, they do a fine job with the food. But the dining experience---today was just uncomfortable and wrong.
(2)
Vy B.

I've really enjoyed my experiences at Blackbird because of how fresh and light everything tastes. The decor is very cute and "pinteresty" which you can really see during lunch time. At night, they light the place with candles and it completely changes the mood of the restaurant..in a good way though. This is a solid place for brunch, lunch, and dinner - so essentially every meal. The staff is nice and the service is fast. Parking is pretty easy to find too. Love: spicy peanut noodles with the pork belly and sunny side up egg, steak and eggs, swedish pancakes, fries with rosemary aioli Loathe: mussels - my orders have been over cooked, cauliflower au gratin (i think this was a special when I ordered it)
(4)
Ron P.

First time here, it was winter. We came for the Happy Hour. Nice ambiance inside. Multiple old mirrors, on one wall, antique door frame with door, on the other, with many antler mounts on the wall. A little odd, but interesting. In the evening they place many candles around the restaurant which adds to the ambiance. The wine list is mostly French, with a higher price point. They have a small tap beer selection with various craft beers. Bottles and cans offer a good selection for most beer drinkers. The wine and beer glasses were spotless. We just shared the happy hour cheeseburger and house cut fries. The burger was O.K. The fries came with a rosemary aioli that was fantastic. I wish we had tried the crispy duck roll or a steamed bun. The brunch menu looks like the real winner at the Blackbird. I definitely would come back to try the sausage and sweet potato biscuit.
(3)
John S.

I've been trying to get to Blackbird Cafe for years. Finally got a party together for an enjoyable visit. This is a lively place that works for children as well as adults. We were pleasantly greeted as soon as we stepped in the door. A large table was prepared for us with menus in place. Looking through the menu there were no drinks listed as we soon found that there is a separate alcohol menu. We had to wave the hostess down and two drink menus were placed. At that moment the waiter appeared ready to take our drink orders. Six adults had to share the two menus as we said it would be a few seconds. Did I detect an eye roll from the waiter? Not sure if he knew we just had the drink selections dropped in front of us or thought he had to deal with an indecisive group the whole evening. The meals arrived in about the time I would expect for a fresh food place. I had the Wild Mushroom Gnocchi which was the best I ever had or could imagine. The spicing was perfect. I sampled the Banh Mi sandwich from a member of our party and found it tender with again just the right amount of spice to not overwhelm. The portions were ample and the selection of Snacks, their word for appetizers is small but unique in variety. Try the Pickle Plate for something mouth watering. There is no parking lot but plenty of places along surrounding streets and you may have to walk a few blocks.
(4)
Kathy W.

I came here for brunch after our initial destination had an hour+ wait for seating. The atmosphere itself was...interesting. Certainly not unpleasant, but different. Both the severs and the other guests had definitive hipster vibe. Again, not a bad thing, but it is noteworthy. The tables were a bit close to one another for my personal comfort, it was an effort to ignore the neighbouring conversations, but the booths looked spacious. The waitress was very friendly and helpful, and definitely added to our experience. She was very accommodating and could answer our questions on the menu. So why the two stars? Frankly, the food. My companion had the ox tail hash, which had good favor, but was full of cartlidge that he had to constantly remove. I'm not super familiar with ox tail, but apparently that is supposed to be removed before cooking, and certainly before serving. I had the 'special' of chicken and waffles. Terrible. If this comes up again, DO NOT order. Chicken was pounded to hell and completely dry. The seasoning was nonexistent and frankly, I couldn't finish it. Prices were OK, not great, and they lacked a full liquor license so beer, but no bloody Mary's. While it wasn't a terrible experience, I found the food underwhelming. Personally, based on the two dishes ordered, I have no intention to return.
(2)
Dara C.

This was one of the best meals I've had since moving to Minneapolis from the Bay Area. The food was legitimately delicious, fresh and creative--not just "good for the upper Midwest" like so many of the other restaurants we've been to here. We ordered the spiced nuts (which had lavender on them!), the poke lettuce wraps (raw tuna salad in an Asian-y dressing), the truffle gnocchi (holy crap, they were good), the brie celery soup (so rich, almost like a fondue), the tomato basil soup (spicy and yummy) and the vegetarian burger on a bed of tortilla chips with guacamole and mango salsa (just ok). The entire bill was $38. For dinner! For two people! We didn't have wine or dessert, but still--that is a great deal for amazing food. The truffle gnocchi, which is listed as an innocuous little side dish, was worth the trip alone. They rival the gnocchi at Bar La Grassa: so light and fluffy and covered in truffle butter. Sigh. The one annoying thing was that they don't take reservations and we had to wait 30 minutes for a table on a random Thursday night. But it was SO worth it.
(5)
B V.

Another place we really wanted to like. It is so warm and nicely decorated with a nice looking bar and a sweet brunch menu. However...the food just wasn't so great. We had a frittata and the The Colleen O'brien. The frittata wasn't cooked well and though the The Colleen O'Brien was alright it could have been more flavorful. The toast however...Delicious! It comes from Patisserie 46 and is awesome. He says: This place is lacking in the small details that make the meal, just too many problems. I don't need to go back. She says: I wouldn't protest going back for dinner. Every restaurant has a bad day and they tried to right their wrongs. But I won't suggest it.
(3)
Emily A.

I'm giving it 5 stars for a combination of 3 things that are critically important. 1) Service. Our waitress was awesome. I think she could tell that I was on a semi-awkward date and was doing her best to somehow subconsciously remind me that I am awesome too, just like her. 2) Atmosphere. This place is so cute. Love the wall of eclectic mirrors. 3) Food! I got the market fish which was Ono (honestly I've never heard of that fish) and it was so good! It came with a ragu of isreali couscous which was soooo delicious. We also got the grilled endive appetizer which I HIGHLY recommend. I've been here before for brunch and was actually more impressed with dinner, but their unique brunch was good too.
(5)
Michael C.

Finally got a chance to visit the new location. Came here for dinner, which was a change since we used to only come here for brunch. I ordered the fried walleye po'boy sandwich. Simply put, this thing was spectacular. Top to bottom, I have a hard time thinking about when I've ever had a better fish sandwich in my life. The new location seems much roomier than the old location, but maintains some of its old charm. For the staff, it seems like it is much easier to get around in and sight lines across the restaurant are much better for people watching.
(4)
Amanda B.

I never visited the old Blackbird, so with no basis for comparison, I'm still going to go ahead and say it makes me feel transported to an urbane setting ala NYC. I love the industrial metals alongside light woodwork alongside a wall of antique mirrors. I'd like my own kitchen to mimic this one, and if the food I made in said kitchen could be a fraction as good, why would I ever go out again? Blackbird to me is perfect: accessible ($3 wines that taste good during happy hour; walked in with no reservation right after the opening on a Wednesday, no problem), affordable (total bill for boyfriend and I with two drinks each, entrees AND two desserts hovers under $50) and perhaps most importantly, creative. I like a diverse menu. I know it doesn't always work, but being able to experience the flavors of different ethnicities and cuisines at one establishment that can refine or twist/riff off them is pretty awesome to me. I love poke tuna. LOVE it. This bowl (a small plate no less) was so full of avocado and huge chunks of dark pink tuna and some excellent sesame-like sauce that I could not proceed daintily or cautiously or slowly--even though it was all I had ordered at that point because I thought (oh the misguidedness!) that I wasn't very hungry. BF got the famed peanut udon noodles. He was very happy and very slurpy. He got a Furthermore beer or two (I think?) and I had something Spanish and red. We had to order dessert. We got bread pudding studded with apples. It disappeared. Service was unobtrusive, which is how I like it. There if you need it, and in a flash, but that's all. I know that's an art (I'm a server, I know). I'd like to try their bahn mi. I'd like to try the pork belly confit. In fact, I might have to do that tonight. Now I'll just have to fight all the other folks who've been led by all the positive buzz to grab their own table at Blackbird 2.0. I'm willing to wait.
(5)
Jim C.

Went to Blackbird last night (Thursday) for dinner. We hadn't been to its former location, so don't have that as a comparison. We arrived on the early side--around 6:30pm and were able to get a table right away. I had the spicy peanut noodles with fried tofu. The dish has a mild-ish amount of heat to it. It comes with crushed peanuts, cilantro and lemon wedges to add some flavor accents to the peanut noodles. These accompaniments were good, but the dish would benefit from the addition of a sweet component to balance out the salty-savory-spicy nature of the dish. The fried tofu was really good-unlike any I've had before. It appeared to have a really light breading on it that had a bit of seasoning. Inside, the tofu was firm, but not dessicated like it often is when fried too long. My wife ordered the Poke Lettuce Wraps, which she enjoyed. It consisted of chunks of sashimi grade raw tuna, radish slices, sesame and avocado. In theory, you are supposed to use place some of each ingredient in a lettuce leaf and eat it like a little taco. Other restaurants serves this type of dish on a plate to allow the diner to prepare the wraps. However, this dish was presented in a nearly full bowl with the lettuce on the bottom. Rather than fish the lettuce out, the missus just ate it like a salad. Service was great--friendly wait staff, frequent topping off of water, etc. Ambiance was also nice. Even though some of the tables are relatively close together the high ceilings and murmur of other tables created enough background noise that you didn't feel like you were forced to listen to your neighbors conversation. Finally, prices were on the reasonable side (somewhat uncommon of places we've gone to of late), $12 for my noodles and $9 for the wrap/salad. They also had reasonable drink prices. We'll be back again sometime soon.
(4)
Lindsay K.

I had a tough time toggling between 3 or 4 stars. For dinner we chose to opt out of the entree selections(even though they all definitely looked appetizing) and instead got several small plates, so as to taste as much as possible. The Wine: The Z C S California blended red was lovely. Fruit forward but not without a complex palate and very soft finish. Salad: We tried both the Butter Lettuce Salad and the Green Salad. Both were served with a slice of baguette. I guess I kinda feel like if you're going to serve one little slice of bread may as well make it a really tasty interesting piece of bread. I would have been perfectly happy without any bread at all, but the mediocre slice sorta bugged me. I'm being picky. The salads were both very good, refreshing and crisp, and the butter lettuce was wonderfully soft and tender. The Green Salad is nothing but greens and an oregano vinegrette, but it was still really good, and for $4 I'd definitely have it again. Truffled Gnocchi: Wouldn't have changed a thing about it. Delicious. I very much doubt that any gnocchi will top Bar La Grassa's Cauliflower rendition for me, but this one is at a very close second. Pleasantly surprised by the portion size as well. Carmelized Artichoke: My favorite part about this small plate is that it was served with a quinoa flatbread. Something different that I've never had before, and it had this really nice sorta chewy consistency with a slightly crisp outer layer. This was served with half of an artichoke and a super garlicky cream sauce. I love garlic, love it. The dish really could have used a bit more sauce though. Empanada: Nicely done. The coconut chipotle sauce served on the side had a little spice to it and a lot of flavor. The braised pork and green olives get along well. Potstickers: This was a huge disappointment. The broth that the potstickers were served in tasted like nothing beyond a beef stock. The stickers themselves were cooked well, but had absolutely no flavor whatsoever. I was so excited for these; I love seafood, and the concept of walleye and crawfish potstickers had me so intrigued. Unfortunately they really were just bad. I sorta feel like I could have found a better potsticker in the frozen food isle at whatever grocery store. Bummer. Crispy Duck Rolls: These were done in the style of a fried spring roll; american thai fusion dish. I'm not actually a big fried food fan so I wouldn't get these again, but they were yummy and the sweet and sour sauce was really good, and lended some flavor to the bland potstickers. I would recommend these to fried food lovers. Obviously we went a little overboard and couldn't possibly consider dessert, but I'm sure I'll return again and give that a shot. All in all I was pretty happy, although honestly I guess I was expecting a little more from the food. I like simple deconstructed creations as much as the next person, but I think sometimes a little complexity in flavor lends well to a mostly simple concept. Our server was good, and paced our meal very nicely. Even though the place was full we were never rushed through our leisurely 2 hour dinner. Greatly appreciated. We arrived early to ensure we'd get a table since they don't take reservations, and weren't totally sold on the atmosphere. As the night wore on and the restaurant filled up it got more and more cozy. I'll be back.
(3)

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Address : 3800 Nicollet Ave
Minneapolis, MN, 55409
Phone (612) 823-4790
Website https://www.blackbirdmpls.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :8:00 am - 12:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual, Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Blackbird Cafe

3800 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55409

Blackbird Cafe Menu

Snacks

Salads & Soup

Entrees

Sides

Our Specialty Sandwiches

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Blackbird Cafe

Snacks

Salads & Soup

Entrees

Sides

Our Specialty Sandwiches

Desserts

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