Marin Restaurant and Bar
901 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55403
Marin Restaurant and Bar Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Minneapolis for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Minneapolis for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Minneapolis for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
901 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis, MN, 55403 - Phone (612) 252-7000
- Website https://marinrestaurant.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:30 am - 11:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : Yes
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Kristi B.
This was our first visit and the food was delicious, creative and fresh. It took several minutes for our server to greet us but they did comp our drinks.
(4)Sarah M.
This place was my cozy, little Tuesday hiding spot. Keeping in my mind that my review is solely for the Library bar downstairs (which I didn't want to tell you about because its so awesome). Enter, 5:30 on a Tuesday. We go downstairs to the Library, after asking the host where it was hiding (no signage, just go downstairs once you enter Marin). We cozy up to the empty bar and meet Kelsey, the bartender. She was this brilliant, wise woman and we spent the afternoon talking about Minneapolis' best food and drinks. She's a guru. Anyway.... I ordered their $7 Manhattan and it was beautifully crafted. Very well balanced. We also ordered their Ham, Fig & Blue Cheese Flatbread- OMG. The bread had a crispy naan character to it and it was such a perfect blend of salty, sweet, sour ingredients. We also shared the Miso Salmon Wraps, which were very fresh and flavorful. I will TOTALLY be back here, both for the food/drinks and the intimate vibe of the place!
(5)Megan G.
Marin has a ambiance. From the decor to the waiters, everything is eloquent and tasteful. The food was great and very high quality. I liked how the menu displayed the calorie content in each dish, which is refreshing. There salads are phenomenal and artfully executed. The salmon lettuce wraps took the cake. They were AMAZING. The duck conf-ti tacos were a good dish, but not great. I will definitely be visiting again in the near future.
(4)Kittie F.
When will beautiful sophisticated bars dump the ever-present tacky televisions?? After a wonderful dinner and show we stop in for a nightcap and I couldn't even concentrate on my table guests with the flashing and popping of that harsh TV - to add salt to the wound it was sports. I asked the bartender if he minded turning it off and he stared at me like I just suggested he disrobe and gyrate on the bar. His response was "we don't do that" so I surveyed each and every patron (ala Mr. Big in SATC with his cigar) and hutz plutz they all agreed with me, except some anorexic little waif who had her back to it and informed me that it "didn't bother her" Leave the televisions to the suburban sports bars guys.
(3)Baramee C.
We went on a Saturday during the day...day drinking! First we headed downstairs to their Library Lounge where the bartender made us some handcrafted cocktails (it would've been nice had he told us there were specials), but the drinks were still wonderfully crafted. After we finished up downstairs, we headed for the outdoor patio to try out their flatbreads. Flatbreads: Tomato, Mozzarella, Oregano - this one turned out to be quite flavorless Ham, Fig, Blue Cheese - this one was awesome and came with arugula, just order 2 of them (FOR YOURSELF) I'd definitely go back again for happy hour, it's actually a pretty good deal. I would also try some of their other happy hour snacks.
(4)Jim R.
This was my first visit to Marin and I was meeting a friend for lunch. Located on the corner of 9th and Hennepin in downtown, it is attached to the elegant Le Meridien Hotel. Inside this place feels both cozy and comfortable with ample room between the tables and booths so you don't feel like you are sitting right on top of each other. I arrived a little before 12 for lunch on a Friday and the place was pretty quiet. I was seated right away and the friendly server popped over right away while I waited for my friend. The food, like many of the trendy restaurants in town is big on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and even if you want to you can't really eat unhealthily here. The sandwiches come with salad (not fries) and they list all the calories in their menu (which I like).
(4)Katrina O.
Second time at this place and the food is still great! First time, I had a living social deal, this time came for some happy hour deals with a friend! The pickled strawberry sorbet is super yummy and really the only thing I still remember from my first meal. Don't get turned off by the word "pickled", it really just tasted tart! Second time around, I had the miso salmon lettuce wraps and the ham, fig, and bleu cheese flatbread. They were both good but the lettuce wraps were spectacular! I wanted a second order right away but I managed to keep myself from impulsively ordering more! Ended the meal with the vanilla buttermilk panna cotta with blueberry sorbet.
(4)Joline E.
The happy hour prices at Marin are so good for the quality and quantity off of you get. Stop in between 3 and 6pm on week nights and try the Miso Tuna/Salmon Lettuce Wraps ($7 on sale from $12), the Sriracha Edamame ($5 on sale $7), and the Ham and Fig Flatbread (ONLY $5 on sale from $12). All are wonderfully flavored and prepared, with portions big enough to taste and share.
(5)Kari W.
I visited Marin for happy hour with my co-workers yesterday. This place is so cool and chic. I feel sexy just walking in the front doors. We had our happy hour in a board room. The service was exceptional. Our waitress made sure we had plenty of drinks (including water) and kept my coworkers happy with hot fresh flat-breads. The board room setup was not ideal for happy hour - there is a giant table in the center of the room. We basically split into two groups on either side of the table. High top tables would have made more sense. After two glasses of wine I appealed to the waitress to please find me something to snack on that didn't contain dairy. I don't care if it's olives, nuts, crackers...just bring something quickly so I don't get trashed! She arrived with a plate of delicious flat bread that the chef made specially for me. It was basically a fresh hot pita with amazing seasoning. It hit the spot and my co-workers were jealous. I shared (a little). I have eaten lunch here in the past. I remember the food being good. Not exceptional, but good. I've worked across the street from this establishment for many years - and I've seen a lot of new tenants come and go. Marin is not overly busy and doesn't seem to be one of downtown's hot spots. I'll be surprised if they stick around for the long haul. Especially since Solera just closed - and they were awesome.
(4)Jonathan T.
Marin, obviously, caters to downtowners looking for a fun and swanky happy hour, classic cocktails, and tasty bites. I dropped by this hangout on the corner of Hennepin and 9th a couple weeks ago, after working an event. While I have enough room in my stomach to eat one of their entrees, I had a couple apps and drinks. Overall, the food could improve. The drinks definitely made an impression on me, though. FOOD *Grass Fed Beef Tartare: Not my favorite, and I wouldn't really recommend it. Even though the beef itself had a not-too-chewy consistency and the chef diced it well, I could've gone without the vinegary ketchup/ BBQ-like sauce. I just didn't think it paired well. ($14) *Duck Steamed Buns: OK to good. I usually stray from eating Asian food made from non-Asian restaurants, but I think I would maybe have this again. I would consider having something else on the menu, though. ($9) COCKTAILS **Old Fashioned: Ooh, damn. That bourbon -- four roses -- is so good! Like, Kevin Garnett returning to the Timberwolves good. Definitely one of the better ones I've had in my lifetime. **Sazerac: Whiskey -- I love it. And, when paired with Creole bitters (something I needed to ask my bartender about), I left wanting more. More about the Creole bitters, it gives the drink an interesting aroma, yet no aftertaste. (My preference.) I would drink the Sazerac for the smooth whiskey, alone. SERVICE: I should've bought my bartender a drink or two. Damn, she could explain to me every single detail of every dish and drink. Well trained! Hella funny, too. I would totally return for drinks and would be up for trying some other apps and an entrée. Can't wait to return!
(4)Jeff L.
This was pretty much exactly the restaurant experience that my wife and I were looking for to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Skillfully prepared good food (both taste-good and feel-good), served by a waiter who likes what he does and understands the true meaning of hospitality. We didn't realize they had an outdoor patio until we arrived and noticed the door leading out to a courtyard, where we ended up eating a variety of their "small plates". We look forward to our next experience at Marin.
(5)Marilyn C.
This was the first place I went to when I returned to Minneapolis in May to celebrate my graduation and to say 'hi' to fellow classmates. I had a lovely glass of bubbly and a burger and everything was just fine. The food was 5 stars and the venue itself is just a tad stuffy for me during the day. However, I would come here again with a full wallet for a more exploratory experience of dinner service. For Downtown Minneapolis' Theater district, this would be my first choice for dining. Service is excellent and selection is top notch.
(4)Lindsey W.
I came here with another couple on Friday night. I thought the ambiance was perfect in the dining room and loved the downstairs wine room...awesome for after dinner drinks. We tried the salmon wraps which were really yummy. I had the scallops which were cooked perfect and the roasted veggies with it were the perfect pairing. My husband had the duck with marrow beans and kale and that was really indulgent and yummy. I appreciate all the nutrition info on the menu, I think more restaurants should offer this! Our service was really quite good. James, our server forgot to send our entrees in and owned up to it and bought us dessert. I really appreciated the honesty and it really was no big deal. We were enjoying our conversation and having a slower paced meal. He handled the mishap perfectly. The wine list is really fantastic and we had after dinner drinks downstairs. I'll be back!
(4)Gary N.
Thanksgiving dinner in the downstairs bar was an unexpected highlight on a blustery Minneapolis evening. The library bar atmosphere is terrific. We didn't want to leave. Stephan the bartender took care of us all evening. Always attentive and just the right amount of service. Squash soup was velvety and creamy. Pickled beet and apple salad refreshing. Turkey dinner with the usual accompaniments was well executed and the right portion size (no turkey coma afterward). Pumpkin pie (tartlet) was nice, although the crust could have been thinner. 3 hours flew by. We will be back. Highly recommended. Pro tip: Bypass the upstairs restaurant area and eat downstairs. Great soundtrack.
(5)Jennifer B.
The Siracha Salt on the edamame might as well be crack. STRONGLY RECOMMEND! The Duck Tacos (served on pickled radish rounds instead of tortillas) were also amazing. Service was inattentive though.
(4)Alexia A.
Even though we could not get a table for our group of six, it was Saturday night and we had no reservation, we had an excellent experience eating in the lounge area. We shared many of the small plates and a couple of entrees. The standouts were the edamame, duck tacos, and the vegetable soba spring rolls. Drinks were excellent, the restaurant wasn't too loud which is always nice, and even the dishes that were not my favorites were delicious. The vibe could be a little fussy if you're seeking a casual evening, but it seems like a nice place for a dinner before a show. Look forward to going here again when work takes me back to Minneapolis.
(4)William S.
Loved the pace of the meal and the size of the food portions. Our server Brock was excellent and attentive. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was enchanting. I highly recommend the liver and onions, though we enjoyed every dish we received.
(5)Joanna C.
What a great farm to table restaurant! I love how affordable organic food is out in the Midwest. I came with two coworkers over the weekend and had a good time. Our server was friendly and helpful with recommendations and the food was delicious. I started with the Baby Kale Salad, which was fresh and plentiful, my kind of thing. My coworkers and I also shared the Vegetable-Soba Spring Rolls, which were delicious! Then again, I love summer rolls, but the ones at Marin were on par with ones at Thai spots in New York. The Scallops were nicely grilled and not too oily and although I was full, but couldn't resist the Coconut Tapioca, which had great presentation. I enjoyed the coconut flavor, but was too full to finish. Extra shoutouts to Marin's menus, which included nutrition info (calories, fat, protein, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.), super helpful. If I am ever in the area again, I will definitely be back.
(4)Daniel G.
The food was really hit or miss, which is disappointing for a place that's priced at this level. Space is beautiful and really well done, so they should thank Shea for that since it's a big reason that this review is getting three stars. We enjoyed our evening and socializing, unfortunately despite the food. Good: Liked the spring rolls and the spicy sauce it comes with Chili was actually delicious and nice and spicy Liver with onions was delicious - so tender Steamed bun - solid choice. Some thought the buns should have been more airy, but I liked them Best dish was the coconut tapioca desert - really light and delicious Bad: Lettuce wraps were ok and I get they are trying to use more interesting lettuce than just romaine, but it was pretty wilted Worst dish was the seafood trifecta, especially the smoked trout. So fishy and left an awful taste in my mouth that is still lingering. They went out on a limb and it sounded interesting when we ordered, but it just didn't work We had espresso, coffee and tea - never saw any sugar or sweetener and couldn't locate our waiter until it was too late The corn soup was not horrible, but texture was weird. We had three of them, and once bit into a piece of a shell that was hard The walleye special was bland, the sauce was unnoticeable, the carrots were not edible Scallops were ok, but three of them? I mean wtf, I'd like to actually somewhat leave satiated after spending well over $100 per person Cookies sucked and we were excited about them after some in our party dining at Mill Valley numerous times and enjoying them as the highlight of the ending Water was refilled once No bread or crackers before dinner is pretty weak, especially when we're having drinks
(3)Dakota M.
I love the fact that they use bitter enfused cocktails. The flat bread prices are great for happy hour at 5 dollars. The chocolate cake with espresso ice cream was ok. The cake was dry and not moist even though a charmed goodness was oozing over top.
(3)Dave A.
Often stop here on the way to the Orpheum. Very nice and quiet place for brunch on Sunday before heading over to see Dirty Dancing. Benedict, salmon, and standard breakfasts were very nice. However, most folks would find the portions to be about half of what they would expect at any good diner. Nevertheless, the food was excellent thoguh the mass quantity crowd should go elsewhere. Service was spotty due to a new wait person who forgot many things and had to return to our table often. Normally service is fine. A nice high quality option downtown.
(4)Jill J.
Our first time dining at Marin tonight! The food was excellent. Very nice decor with a vibrant atmosphere. Our waiter Shane was great! Very attentive. The entire staff was friendly. The only complaint would be that there could have been more than 4 pcs of butternut squash for $23. We will be back!!
(5)Olivia L.
The food was absolutely delicious- but the portions were so small we were left starving afterwards. Service wasn't what I expected either. Waiter placed us in a table directly in the sun and we had to be moved. Other waiter barely came by to take orders. That being said, sturgeon was best I've ever had- just very small. Dessert I would recommend is tapioca or "it's it."
(2)Geoff S.
I can't speak to any main course fare or dinner service, but their happy hour is one of the best in the twin cities. 3 dollar beers and 5 dollar flatbreads? Yes. As long as the prices stay the same I'll keep going. I recommend the fig, bleu cheese and ham flatbread. I like the atmosphere and it's fun to make small chit chat with people grabbing something before a show at the Orpheum.
(4)Matthew H.
This is definitely a solid place, the space itself is large and quite nice. The staff was very helpful and the service was attentive but not overly so. I stopped in for lunch and it was a nice day. My server explained the menu to me well and let me know that the calorie counts were listed below each dish. I ended up ordering the bison burger cooked medium rare and a side of the hash browns. Everything was extremely tasty and I finished every bite. I wish that I had more time in Minneapolis to come back and do dinner but I guess that will have to wait until next time.
(4)J E.
Sat outside on the patio. They were having a pig roast (choice of taco, lettuce wrap or sandwich). Spicy killer Bloody Mary, tasty baby kale salad and artichoke/olive flatbread. Can't go wrong.
(5)Jeanette H.
This place is amazing for brunch! We went there on a Sunday, really low key, beautiful ambiance, and impeccable service. Chelsea was so professional, courteous and efficient. And who can say no to $10 bottomless mimosas???
(5)Sal K.
Health conscious vegans: this is fancy pants dining for you. The vegan items on the menu are not trying to be meat or dairy analogues; it is all good, healthy plant based food. All vegan options are marked clearly with a "V". We had: *Spiced Cauliflower with Hummus and Pita *Vegetable-Soba Spring Rolls *Kale with Pickled Fresno & Crispy Garlic *Brocolini with Chili and Pecans *Gingered Lentils *A delicious vegan dessert which isn't on the menu - ginger ice with berries We also enjoyed: *Impeccable service *Delicious booze (vodka for her, local beer for him) *The lovely patio with excellent music playing in the background I can't wait to go back. This is exactly what I crave for a night out.
(5)Halina Y.
Great addition to Downtown Minneapolis! Came here to celebrate my birthday over dinner with a friend. We're both health- conscious so we were happy to see the nutritional information to each item on their menus! Made our selection easier! I highly recomment the Pork Tenderloin with Cumin-Carrot, Red Quinoa and Sumac Yogurt. Very filling, I couldn't even finish but concentrated on the pork itself. My girlfriend ordered the Steam Black Cod. Loved the lemongrass broth. We both ordred starter salads, one Baby Greens (standard issued), and Grilled Romaine, which was fantastic. Loved the marianted veggies over it. I'd stick to that choice from now on. They did a good job remodeling the restaurant and made some very nice choices with the wood columns, flooring, etc. I'm glad they didn't just go in and recarpet/design the place. If you go to Marin- be sure to visit their downstairs bar! it's a must-see! Great spot to hang out on one of many couches and chairs to chill over a few drinks. The have a few private dining rooms available as well. I may in fact start a book club down there sans books ;)
(5)Lori S.
I have mixed feelings about this place. Positives: Good value during happy hour. Duck tacos were unique and very tasty. Charred salmon belly was amazing but only a teeny tiny portion. Negatives: It was hard to get the attention of the waitress when I needed it even thought it wasn't terribly busy. 2 of our 3 dishes were quite good but overpriced for the size and quality. 3rd dish was a serious disappointment (the cheese plate - totally uninspired and the cheeses weren't very good) I wouldn't bother going back, there are equally good places to eat in downtown for less $.
(2)Abbie F.
Boom! This place is the bomb! Stephan makes a killer Manhattan! The flatbreads are yummy but the duck confit buns are awesome! For $5 bucks each there isn't a better deal in town. Probably some of the best buns I have ever had. :) We sat downstairs in the library which had a great ambiance and comfy chairs. This place is one of the best kept secrets in downtown.
(5)Alice H.
We went here for a thanksgiving/ birthday meal and loved our experience! Our server Shane was so sweet and attentive. He gave us some great recommendations which we loved! (Beef tenderloin). Icing on the cake was the amazing complimentary dessert for my birthday. Really appreciate it!
(5)James F.
Marin is a restaurant I will go back to again and again. Whenever family is in town, we go to Marin. Delicious food that I feel good about eating. Nutritional information is printed right on the menu, so I know exactly what I am putting in my body. The Pork Chop dish tasted just like a holiday dinner, except when I left Marin's table I did not feel that holiday overeating bloat. Just completely satisfied and with some room for dessert. Speaking of dessert, it took all of my willpower not to order another Warm Chocolate Cake. I could bathe in that caramel. Need to find a reason to host a party in their bar in the downstairs library as well. Took a peek at the party downstairs and it looked like they were having a great time. Thanks Marin!
(5)Josh L.
I've been coming to Minneapolis from NYC on business about once a month for more than a year; tonight had the best meal I've had here. Started with Szechuan broccoli: perfectly crunchy, salty, and spiced. Finished with the Cod special with fried green tomatoes and salsa; the thought and care that went into it were obvious. They keep a low mellow fire on the patio, staff is charming and attentive without being intrusive. Chef Mike brought out the meal, later had a chance to thank him. Do yourself a favor.
(5)Jason B.
The best most flavorful healthy food in town. Hands down. With amazing mixologists for your beverage delight!
(5)Julianne Z.
Came here for HH and we just ordered some drinks and flatbreads. I shared the mushroom flat bread with a friend, and it was much better than expected! It had 3 kinds of mushrooms on it and sesame oil was drizzled on top, which aded a really strong flavor. I would register for their points program while they are there and you can be a VIP and get points as well!
(4)Jo S.
Stopped here for drinks before our dinner at another restaurant. Best Rum selection downtown hands down. Hannah was super informative, friendly, and just all around gave amazing service. We'll be back!
(5)Jack F.
What to say about Marin, this was very good. Sister store of Mill Valley Kitchen and definitely has echos of it through the menu, but the look is very different. They have a few of the same menu items like the flat breads, which are pretty good. Again, like Mill Valley, they don't have a very good veggie options. They can make their entrees vegetarian, but they don't specifically have them in mind. I ordered the duck that was very good and arrived medium rare as I ordered. It had a savory sweet glaze and paired with brussel sprouts and Shiitake mushrooms. These seem like an after thought to me because it didn't really pair well, but the duck was good. The drinks had potential but did not deliver. I order the Sazerac that I've had it at Prohibition and it was very good, but their version had an over powering taste of absinthe in it. The desserts were memorable; the small bites plate with a crunchy peanut butter cover chocolate ball or their raspberry faux macaroon. The dessert that would go back for is their tapioca dessert, unfortunately our table devoured it before I could take any pictures. Final Word: I would go back for the tapioca dessert but Mill Valley Kitchen's food was better and in a more accessible location. Also, we ordered their signature ice cream sammies and it was not all that. Those are not the droids your looking for. Want me to go back for another try? Let me know!
(3)Vero V.
I was here for a reserved bachelorette dinner. our table was perfectly set up and we had two servers. I got the salmon. it was amazing. I tried my friends salmon and pita and it was beyond delicious. no complaints. stairs are a bit tricky if you are wearing heels and drinking. I would come back if ever in town.
(5)Scott H.
Stopped by on a Monday night before a show. It was a cold day so Marin was pretty empty. This played well into the ambiance of the place as it was relaxing, romantic, and relaxing. We were greeted at the door and shown to a booth. The waiter was there to welcome us and take our drink order. The drink menu was nice, nothing over the top but some good selections. I got a draft beer and my fiance got a champagne drink, both which were good. The menu offers nutritional information on their items which is very nice as sometimes at these restaurants they can pack a punch. We decided to start by sharing a beet salad and a side of risotto. The beet salad had a nice dressing and the flavors were great. If you like beets they give you plenty. The risotto was well cooked and had a nice creamy but not heavy flavor. For the entrees we split the roasted vegetables and the pork tenderloin. The vegetables had a good mix of different vegetables and nice sauce accompaniments. There was a mustard seed concoction that was delicious. The pork was cooked spot on to our requested medium rare. It came on couscous and blended well with the flavors. For the price, the ambiance, service (waiter let us know when we were getting close to show time), and location it is a great spot. It is worth a try and they do have lots of gluten free and vegetarian options for those who are so inclined.
(5)Steven K.
My first experience at Marin was with my brother for a birthday lunch. It was truly excellent. There are so many ways to go with the menu, it was hard to finally decide between salads, small plates, entrees, sandwiches, and side dishes. We finally opted for sandwiches and sides. But it would be fun to go back and try some of the small plates. I liked it so much for lunch that I picked it for a Valentine dinner with my wife. Also an excellent meal. We split a small plate as a starter - tuna tartare. I had duck and my wife had chicken. We also split a side of Brussel sprouts. All the food was delicious. Our server was friendly and reasonably attentive. The ambiance is warm and comfortable. It was a little loud, but not excessively so.
(4)Elizabeth R.
We recently hosted a private event in the board room. The support and communication from the event planning staff was responsive and extremely accommodating. Service was warm, welcoming, and gracious. The library bar provided a nice gathering space for cocktails. The food was excellent; clean, bright, well balanced dishes. If I could improve on anything it would be that the appetizer salads were a bit small and the entrees could have had more vegetables. Overall, I highly recommend Marin for private dining events.
(5)Attila S.
My date and I repaired to Marin following the Nutcracker at the State Theatre on Saturday evening, December 21. We had aspirations for a quiet - dare I day romantic - setting at Marin in which our formal wear would be welcome among the employees and patrons of this establishment. We were disappointed in a most dramatic fashion. The poor dress of the customers was surpassed only by the similarly low-end dress and ham-fisted manner of our waiter and the general slum-like look and vacuous gaze and slack jaws of the entire staff. The booming music from the basement disco (our waiter actually did the pushing-up hands in the air gesture) was the height of annoying and completely dissuaded us from even considering eating there amidst the cacophonous environment. The drinks were overpriced and incorrectly tendered: since when does a martini come in a highball glass? The menu was unremarkable except for the astronomical prices for what looked to be average fare: something like $35.00 US for a ribeye! Two drinks came to $28.00 US: it should have been more like $12.00 U.S., or - better still - one scheckle with a hole in it. The pounding noise from the floor below (the waiter exclaimed "We have a DJ!") destroyed what could have been a nice dining experience: the decor and overall presentation of the dining room is nice, but the noise from below is unbearable, as is the disinterest of the wait staff. Our shadows shall never darken the entrance of this disappointing so-called eatery again. I cannot unrecommend a destination with any greater enthusiasm than I demonstrate in this epistle.
(1)Randall T.
Full disclosure--I am a big fan of Mill Valley Kitchen so each time I go to Marin I know I'm going to get to choose from a broad selection of really interesting and great food, each annotated with the full nutritional data (calories, fat, carbs, etc). This is really a wonderful place to have great food with minimal guilt. Try their little desserts in a shot glass! Can't wait to go back soon.
(5)Jenny M.
Meh...not awful, but not good. We had cocktails and apps at Marin after an Orpheum show. The patio is pretty. Service was just alright - the bartender who served us wasn't very friendly and was pretty slow (over 20 mins for first drink order, and we were sitting at the bar!), and when another patron asked for her recommendation on which of their numerous kinds of gin she would recommend, she responded that she only drank whiskey. Pretty sure servers should at least be able to give basic information about the type of alcohol that the restaurant/bar revolves around! That being said, my gin and tonic (mix-and-match, with basil and lemongrass) was delicious, albeit pretty darn expensive. The food was meh as well. We had their crudo, ahi with dried cherries, which was good but not that exciting, and the salmon with ponzu, which just tasted like vinegar. Very overpowering acidity. I doubt I'd go back, especially at those prices.
(3)Joshua M.
I was a guest at the Chambers Hotel and decided to have lunch in the new restaurant. I realize they just opened therefore I will expect some problems with service but that wasn't the case. I was taken care of promptly by a nice young lady out at the outside bar area. She was very knowledgable about the menu and courteous. I saw that the only thing available was the $26 brunch. I was put back by such a slim choice yet decided to stay since it was not crowded and I wanted to try the place out. I ordered a bloody mary with my brunch (included) which was an ok choice, not fabulous and not bad. I received my daily omelette which was much smaller than I had imagined for the price of the meal. It came with a bed of arugula which was lacking in taste. I had looked at the menu and saw that it included a dessert as indicated on the bottom. I finished my meal and left and once back to my room was asked by a friend how the dessert was. I had forgot that it came with a dessert. Under normal circumstances this would be fine, yet I feel that if you are going to have such a limited menu and make it coursed out you should be the one making sure I receive the dessert since it is included and you are providing that to anyone who orders your brunch that day. It was just another let down. I tend to stay in the downtown area and at Chambers when I come to Minneapolis and I am sure my friends will talk me into going here again and I am good at giving second chances. I just hope that next time there is more flavor and better choices for the type of place they are claiming to have.
(2)Markie M.
Farm to Table. Fresh, simple, raw, delicious! In LOVE with this restaurant. We went here for date night and were so pleasantly surprised by the prices, presentation, quality, and service of the food. I sincerely wish I could have tried everything because what we did have was phenomenal. We started with the Slow Roasted Tomato, Oregano and Mozzarella flatbread ($6) and the Vegetable-Soba Spring Rolls ($5). The crust on the flatbread was impeccable: crunchy and crispy, but not too thin. The spring rolls were fresh and came with a delicious spicy pepper dipping sauce. Next came the Grilled Romaine, Marinated Vegetables, Olive, and Feta Salad ($7-- see a trend with the pricing? It doesn't get expensive until you order drinks or entrees). This was a salad I didn't intend on sharing, but it was a very large portion, so it was nice to share. The smokey flavor from the grilled romaine paired perfectly with the vinaigrette flavor brought by the marinated vegetables. Then came out entrees. I ordered the Pea and Carrot Ravioli with Mint and Pine Nuts ($17) and the bf got the Scallops with Lobster-Fingering Hash and Corn Sauce ($29). I've had ravioli at so many of the gourmet restaurants downtown, many of them focusing on pumpkin or squash. I was so pleasantly surprised that this one was made with peas and carrots (which also gave it great color). The "dressing" was pesto-like, especially with the pine nuts, instead of a thick cream sauce which I greatly enjoyed. The bf thoroughly enjoyed the scallops and especially the corn sauce which added a slight sweetness to the dish. The lobster hash had corn kernels and potatoes, but was still light enough to be paired with seafood. We had small bite desserts which were the perfect size after the many plates we tried. ($5 each). I can't forget about the drinks! We tried the Periodic Table of Gin--mixing fresh herbs (from their herb garden!!) with varying top shelf gins($14 each). I had the Dark Cherry with Bombay Sapphire and the bf got Lemon and Orange Zest (not sure what kind of gin as he asked the server to just pick the best one for him). Very good, but you have to like gin to have more than one of these. Overall, I sincerely can not wait to come back and try more of their flatbreads, salads, raw plates and sides. Their outdoor seating includes private bungalow-style seating, fireplace seating, bar seating, and regular 4-tops. Great atmosphere, great feel, good music, overall really great NEW addition to Minneapolis' foodie culture :)
(5)Joe N.
Nice Menu, Beautiful Presentations. Went to Marin for first time last night. A bit quiet on a Monday. Nice private dining rooms downstairs. Very interesting menu. Cheese plate, humus and flatbreads were each outstanding. I had the beet salad while others had the field greens. Mine was excellent and others liked their's. Salad greens certainly not on the sweet side, but nice vinnaigrette. The bison ribeye steak was really, really outstanding. Certaiinly get that again. Scallpos were plump and perfectly cooked. Filet was really nice as well. For sides we ordered the brussel sprouts (so-so) and the roasted vegies (excellent). Every dish beautifully presented. I'm looking forward to my next trip to delve further into the menu and try other sides.
(4)Daniel V.
My wife & I stayed at Le Meriden for three days & ate at Marin's for three separate meals. I must say the food was both healthy & delicious. The food was second only to the service we received from the staff. Our servers at all three meals were attentive, courteous & knowledgable. We showed up without reservations on Friday night & were totally underdressed but were seated quickly & with smiles. I would have given it five stars but we had either sticky silverware, dirty cups or glasses at every sitting. Someone needs to give special attention to the cleanliness of the dishes as they do to the quality of the food. Too good of a place to keep having those issues, someone isn't paying attention.
(4)Stephan K.
After reading some reviews on Marin, I made the reservation at Marin before our Wicked performance. My wife had the Oven Roasted Chicken, Kale, Mustard Potatoes and I ordered the Steamed black Code, Vegetables, Lemongrass Broth. The chicken came out crispy on the outside, and the meat was very juicy. I loved the lemongrass broth (tangy with a little heat), the cod was perfectly steamed. For dessert, we went with the Artisan Cheese plate and were presented with an amazing array of assorted goat cheese!!! Since we are tickets holders for some venues downtown, this restaurant is now on the list of my go-to restaurants. The menu also includes nutritional information for each entree, which is a huge plus for my wife.
(4)Theresa C.
We went here on a Tuesday night and sat on the patio. We had a reservation, but really wouldn't have needed one. The server was very accommodating with all of my questions. Everything we had was to our liking. My only suggestion is that a restaurant that touts local/organic, should have more organic wine selections. They only had one.
(5)Karen R.
We went with friends before a show at the orpheum. We were cutting it close on time but it really didn't help that we had to wait 15-20 minutes to be seated with reservations. Drinks took forever to get to us and our server was super confused when we moved after finally being seated. Due to our limited time we decided to get only cold apps. The only thing any of us ordered was the grilled prawns and those came out first. The spring rolls were pretty good and the dipping sauce definitely has a kick. Cheese plate was pretty decent with a good amount of cheese but some fruits or nuts would have been a nice addition for my $13. We had to wait another 10 minutes for the rest of our RAW apps to arrive. Two came and when we asked our server about the ceviche he was shocked we hadn't gotten it. Unfortunately we had to inhale it but I was able to realize it was modest at best. On a positive the location is convenient and there is an awesome outdoor patio. I think it would be a cool place for HH and late night drinks. Maybe ill go back to try that but most likely will not go for another meal.
(2)Linda Y.
The ham and fig flatbread is one of the best things I've ever tasted. I Am not exaggerating. The service is excellent. I gave it a four instead of a five because they (or the hotel) charge you $5 service fee AND a $5 delivery fee for room service AND this does NOT include the tip!!! (restaurant is located in Le Meridien Hotel. But since I was craving the flatbread madly the next night, I just sat at the bar and waited for my to-go order. Not disappointed!
(4)Ricky S.
Sadly, tried Marin again hoping to not have a repeat of the last time. However, service & the kitchen once again disappoints. Saturday brunch; hardly anyone in the restaurant. Five people at our table: one meal came late, one meal wrong and continual request for condiments. Wrong meal had onions. Returned to kitchen. Returned to table not having it remade--just onions picked off sandwich--and it took 5 minutes to do it!! NOT RECOMMEND.
(2)Brendan T.
Great food overall, especially the shrimp ceviche, the scallops and the flatbreads. The gin and tequila cocktails also got raves from my group. The patio was lovely on a perfect summer night and the host was friendly but we had outrageously slow service. Our server did apologize for this but it was a damper on an otherwise great evening.
(4)Travis F.
Great farm raised sustainable eatery with fantastic healthy choices would definitely suggest a try even if you are just visiting.
(5)David H.
I don't have time to go into detail on how awesome the food was, but all six of our entrees were fantastic!! I am throwing down two stars solely on how terrible the service was. Multiple missed drinks, slow corrections on those drinks, indifferent attitude, slow service. We all loved the concept and story of this place, but will not be back.
(2)Rachel W.
On a recent trip downtown we choose Marin as our meeting place. Happy hour here was a hit! Most people might not venture downstairs but to me that's the spot to pick for a casual gathering. Marin calls it their "library". This setting offers all kinds of cozy seating with a full bar. During happy hour (4-6) we enjoyed a variety of their flat breads ($5) with our favorite being the "fig, ham and blue cheese". We added the grilled romaine and marinated veggie salad which was a perfect compliment. It was a generous and enough portion to share. Sip on a variety of wines by the glass or tap beers ($2 off). I think this could easily turn into a regular stop!
(4)Shannon W.
Serious obsession with this place! I came into MSP for work and a friend of mine introduced me, I became instantly hooked, so much so, we ended up coming back again, the next night! First off, I think the staff is amazing. If you can, sit and the bartender and hopefully Steven will be your bartender, he's great and makes killer drinks. I think it took him 15 minutes to make me a cocktail, but it was the best drink I have ever had. Secondly, no matter what you do, definitely check out the downstairs. I heard it gets packed on Thursdays-Saturdays and I can easily see why. Between the huge wine cellar, the comfortable leather couches, bookcases, and unique and utterly delightful cocktail menu, I doubt I would ever leave if I lived here. It's the quintessential cold weather Midwest lounge/restaurant. It's everything I could ever wish far in a downtown Minneapolis spot. Additionally, it's right in the heart of downtown, which is even better. I really wish I could comment on the food, but sadly, I did not eat here. Nonetheless, I heard it's awesome and I can't wait to try the food next time I'm in town!
(5)Randall N.
I only had a drink here but the space is beautiful and they have nutrition information on their menu. That alone makes them worth visiting since it makes it possible to enjoy a fancy, delicious meal yet know how much crap you are stuffing into your belly. I love that and I wish more places did it. Check out the bar in the basement!! It's like a library meets a speakeasy. I could live in there I love the vibe so much.
(4)Lori B.
Went for brunch on a very cold Valentine's Day; was surprised to see how uncrowded it was. Coffee and water were brought over right away and the server answered our questions about the menu. Our table had the Crab Benedict, duck confit with eggs and potatoes, coconut porridge and a basic American style breakfast. I love when restaurants have fresh OJ so bonus points for that! We all cleaned our plates and were too full for dessert. We enjoyed the well lit and quiet atmosphere and will definitely return. I think the check was $80--not cheap, but inline for the food that the four of us got.
(5)An Iowan And A Texan In MN X.
Tyler was an entertaining, but knowledgeable server. We were greeted warmly upon arrival, and quickly we're seated before catching "Book of Mormon" at the Orpheum (I loved it; she thought it was ok). She had a specialty cocktail and I had gin with their homemade tonic, and we got the duck pate and a yellowtail on special to start. We were impressed from the get-go. She ordered chicken and I ordered duck. Both were impressive, especially the duck that was with 9-10 slices of breast AND confit on a bead of grits. Good downtown atmosphere, delightful service, and we would absolutely come back.
(4)James B.
Tonight I went in to ask if fire pit was open and was told yes. Went back out to grab my date and lock up our bikes. We went in and was told they were only open for or five more minutes by the manager. I later saw people out at the fire pit drinking. I am assuming they told me that they were closing because I was in a Twins jersey coming from the game and possibly because I'm Asian with a white girl. They need to learn not to make decisions based on appearance. I am an attorney; I'll make sure not to take clients or anyone at my firm there. No wonder they keep rebranding. I am not a person that goes and claims prejudices lightly, but I was so appalled by what happened, I created an yelp profile (which was over due anyways since I'm a foodie) to write this via my phone.
(1)Kaitlin E.
Everything was delicious and the ambiance was perfect! The ceviche had a big kick to it but was super yummy and light. I ordered the curries lentils for dessert and it was a great vegan dish. Hearty but still healthy. I would definitely come back!
(5)Steven H.
Overall the meal and restaurant was good, but not great. The food was good, some dishes were great, others a little lacking. Service was good - not great, ambiance was lovely, but the music didn't match and overall it's a little noisy. The best dishes in my opinion were the cheese plate, duck buns, and the ham & fig flatbread. The tuna, brussel sprouts and veggie spring rolls were only so-so. Overall a decent menu and mostly good, just not great.
(4)Dan J.
Beautiful bar downstairs, themed like a library. I love that they have drinks named after Wu-Tang clan members. I would appreciate more special whiskey cocktails.
(4)Sara R.
I adore Marin for when I'm going to a show or event in Minneapolis. It's very close to several venues, including the Orpheum, which makes it a perfect pre- or post-show stop! They have a wide variety of beers and ciders on tap - my favorite is Loon Juice. The food has always been delicious and I typically get whatever the special is because I've never been disappointed. It's spendy, but worth every penny in my opinion.
(4)Crystal B.
Evening out with 2 other couples to see a show at the Orpheum. Their service and food put the icing on our cake for the evening. Once our food arrived, it was almost one of those quiet table moments. Kale salad - heavenly. They even took care of our parking! Prime on a snowy night!
(5)Anthony M.
Hands down the WORST customer experience of my life. I ordered and asked about onions (because I am allergic) and the server asked if I had an allergy (to which I replied yes). When they brought my duck they asked who had the onion allergy, and then told me THEY PUT ONIONS ON MY FOOD. You already knew I was allergic so why the hell would you do this?? Trying to steer around them I I found my duck to be translucent red which is exceedingly raw for a bird. Totally inedible. Then they came to the table and said: "Our kitchen is closed... but we would make a dessert for you if you want." Way to sell it guys. Way to take care of your entire customer experience. Worst ever. After I sent the duck back they were very ho-hum about making me anything else so I just got a salad. The salad was pretty good.
(1)Harumi U.
Had breakfast here. I am from east coast. I have been to a lot of farm to table restaurants or vegan restaurants. I have never ever heard of quinoa waffle. and yes, they grind quinoa on their own to make "flour" to make this waffle. And furthermore, I am used to seeing calories listed next to food but I have not really seen it outside my home state. I think I have seen it for the first time here. Being healthy and enjoying what this life offers us in the culinary world sometimes may not go hand in hand, but with the explosion of farm to table concept, it has become the easiest it ever has been. (Oh yes, and that sweat that you shed in the gym might help it further). My waffle was really very good and the spread (jam and cream) that the waffle was served with it (before the food was brought to me, they actually asked if I wanted to them on top or if I wanted them on the side. That was nice) also had pleasant sweetness to them. I am giving only 4 star rating because I lose credibility with myself if I say that this is as good as it gets with just one food from a breakfast menu, but I say, as far as waffle goes, this was as good as it gets.
(4)Julie M.
Although it was pretty loud, the food was great and options for everyone. At our table we enjoyed sides of the delicious carrots, lentils and broccolini; steamed cod, scallops and lobster, pork tenderloin, and salmon were enjoyed by everyone. The tomato salad special was amazing! We had a 7:15 reservation and were not seated until 8 (which was fine) but they were alredy out of the grouper special. Dessert options were plentiful--homemade cookies, a very light coconut tapioca pudding with fresh fruit, and little dessert shooters which can fill that little open dessert spot. This is not a cheap place, but the food was exceptional and we had a great server. The bar downstairs could be considered "romantic" with overstuffed chairs seated by little tables for two, although when I looked at the bill for my Merlot and it was $16 for a glass I was thinking you had better know your date pretty well! (I just ordered a Merlot and they chose, so make sure you look at the list first if you don't want sticker shock!) Four stars for the noise level, out of the special, and the $16 glass of wine!
(4)Karen S.
We went for brunch. Nice setting, Great server. Fantastic scones. Huevos rancheros were very good. Olive flatbread was OK. The diner who had the eggs Benedict with "mock" hollandaise sauce did not like the dish. I had expected it to be as great as it's sister restaurant, Mill Valley Kitchen . But no . It is not in the same league.
(3)Angie L.
Dined here yesterday for brunch with the family before seeing the Nutcracker at the Orpheum. Based on the mixed reviews, I was a bit hesitant; however, we had a wonderful dining experience. The food - lobster eggs, omelet, California breakfast, and the Lemon Ricotta pancake - were all delicious! Our server Bonnie was delightful and very helpful in choosing a selection for our picky 12 year-old daughter. The portions are smaller than at a typical brunch place but they do have an emphasis on healthy fare & label each entree in terms of calories. I enjoyed the small lightly dressed side salad that accompanied the egg dishes. We will return!
(5)Dawn G.
Marin is definitely an up and coming restaurant with great potential. I've visited Marin on three occasions and can see it becoming a regular spot for me. They've renovated the space beautifully, inside and out, and it has a completely different look than its predecessors. Gone is the stark white interior and replacing it is a combination of neutral brown-toned booths, dark wood floors, and perfectly placed orange backlit columns. The outside patio area now has a large bar area along with more focus on table space. I have to admit that I miss the whole covered cabana couch spaces that the previous set-up provided but understand how this new design will make them more profitable. As for the food selection: yum. The chef seems to have a creative streak (e.g. ahi tuna crudo with cherry mustard compote) and I truly appreciate that. Prices can be on the steep side but they do offer smaller and reasonably priced items like flatbreads and salads and delicious sides. They even have a fresh juice bar with all of my favorite vegetable/fruit combos. I recommend the Greener Pastures - it's da bomb. My friends and I have tried a variety of meals here over my three visits and have yet to be disappointed in the quality or taste. Although I do have to mention that my lobster was a bit over-cooked in the otherwise delicious Scallops with Lobster-Fingerling Hash dish. I do recommend their seafood though as it always seems to be very fresh and high quality. On a side note, this is one of those restaurants I can bring nearly anyone. They cater to carnivores, vegetarians, pescatarians, and gluten-free folks alike and none of those groups are lacking options. Kudos, Marin. From a service perspective, I've experienced some highlights and some low points. I'd like to hug the thoughtful bus-guy who brought me water and a napkin as I sat on their waiting couch, ahem, 'glistening' from my walk in on a sweltering hot day. I've also been promptly greeted and sat on each visit and had attentive servers. However, we did have some issues with inconsistent drink preparation and that really doesn't fly when you're paying New York prices for small drinks. In addition, our server royally messed up a couple of checks one night with our group. We got it worked out but it was an unnecessary and time consuming inconvenience. I'll chalk that up to 'new guy stressed out on a busy night' and give 'em a pass this time around. Marin is a classy restaurant that I'll continue to go to for a nice lunch or dinner. I'm excited to see what new creations their chef will come up with next. If I had one ask of Marin it would be to increase their happy hour offerings and make the prices really worth the visit.
(4)Carolyn B.
After going to Marin more for drinks and small plates, I finally had a full meal there. It was as good as I thought it probably would be given what I had nibbled on in the past. So, yes, the food is really good. I had the peas and carrot ravioli and left wondering about when I could come back and have it again. But probably what I love about it the most is the large selection of vegetarian and vegan small plates, sides, and salads. Even if you didn't want either of the two nice veggie entrees, you could absolutely make a meal out of the sides. The tomato flatbread could also serve as a meal. The range of options makes it great for vegetarians or just those that want to experience a range of flavors and textures in a meal. I tried the newer winter menu last night and it has some great additions. In a rare venture into fish-eating, I had the seared tuna with soba noodles, grapefruit and coconut broth. Stupendous! Definitely make reservations. I didn't for a Thursday night after work and they were fully booked! Fortunately we snagged a cute table downstairs, which worked just fine.
(5)Janet L.
I can't really speak to the food there because I was using a crowd cut and only had drinks... However the service there was so terrible I will be sure not to return. Our server was insanely slow and seemed to be actively avoiding the area where our table was. When my drink finally arrived, it had a bug in it. So I waited fifteen minutes for her to return to our section so I could flag her down and let her know that I needed a fresh drink... She did bring me back a "new" drink but we think someone just took out the bug. I say this because the ice cubes here are those fancy square ones and the ones in my new drink were very melted down.... Then we had an issue with the crowd cut and the server was completely clueless. She told us she would honor the coupon and then check with her manager... We thought that seemed a bit out of order and it was when we were presented with a check for full priced drinks. The manager finally did honor the voucher for us but not before being very condescending and basically accusing us of lying. I will be drinking my $14 martinis elsewhere thank you very much.
(2)Mariel L.
My friends and I had a lovely time at Marin. The interior is gorgeous, and I'm sad that I wasn't able to see the downstairs lounge, which people have likened to a Ron Burgundy-esque library, in that it has many leather-bound books. I really should stop quoting Anchorman before this gets completely whack. Anywho, we dined here a few weeks into the restaurant's opening. The service was warm, and the food did remind me somewhat of Marin's sister restaurant, Mill Valley Kitchen in SLP. The ingredients and menu items were quintessentially...Bay Area. Not even just Marin County, I'm talking the whole affluent, hippy-dippy lot of that entire region, with its kale chips and organic soy milk and flaxseed berry protein shakes. I should say the menu didn't have any of that, that's just what it evoked. What I actually DID get was an absolutely delicious ham, fig, and blue cheese flatbread and tuna crudo. Both dishes were done incredibly well: the tuna was expertly seared outside and raw in the middle, atop a bed of arugula and seasoned just right. The flatbread? Sweet figs + salty unctuous ham + that great moldy taste only blue cheese can give = perfection. I'm definitely coming back here to have a more proper meal, or maybe grab a drink downstairs with Ron, Brick, Brian, and Champ. If you get that reference, let's go get you a suit. Hooray!
(4)Alexis B.
We were a table of 10 and were basically ignored by our two (!!) servers. They didn't take everyone's drink orders at the same time, they would only ask a few people if they wanted another drink but not others. If we needed anything we had to flag them down. Two people ordered a glass of wine at the same time but only one glass was delivered but we were charged for both. My boyfriend ordered his steak medium but it came out extremely rare and the scallops were rubbery - obviously not fresh. The food was very disappointing and no one was happy. I would not recommend this place to anyone. As a former server I'm very understanding and gracious when dining out. These servers were not friendly in any way and didn't thank us for dining with them.
(1)Chris L.
By the people who brought you Mill Valley Kitchen, now there's Marin. Same cool nutritional information on the menu and healthy options, especially for food allergy folks. Food well prepared, servers earnest if not well-versed in their trade, like the place. Take the person who's into health food here and you won't go wrong. And a total hidden gem is the bar downstairs -- the Library. Has to be one of the coolest places in downtown to have a drink, especially if you're looking for a place you can actually get in (that's a knock on you Marvel Bar).
(4)Bridget U.
Let me start by saying I am a big fan of Mill Valley Grill whose owner's started this new venture! The Twin Cities needs more healthy food spots that also offer a good ambiance and Marin nails it. Whether or not you want healthy food I think we can all agree we want good food... right? Let's hit on the vibe of this place. Outside feels super chic, like something you would experience on the West Coast and offers lots of great table options. The bar is a focal point and the bartenders are quick to recommend drinks. Did I mention the gin, if you are a gin lover you must run to Marin right now! They have an entire table of different gins and mixers. Inside it's more cozy and right below the dinner room sits The Library- a great bar that is not too be missed (especially in Winter). Now time for the really good stuff... FOOD! Go for: Flatbreads- especially the Ham, Fig and Blue Cheese, Spiced Cauliflower Hummus and Pita, Shrimp Ceviche, Grilled Tuna or any pasta offering. Skip: Roasted Garbanzos- they just were not my thing! They come shelled like edamame and it's just too much work for such little payoff. Happy Eating!
(5)L L.
We love Marin for its excellently prepared food, spacious seating and attentive service. One of the dinner specials was lemon-fish. Sooooo good!! We can't wait to go back, and we hope lemon-fish is offered again when we do.
(5)Kelsey D.
I went to Marin for the second time on a low key Tuesday night for happy hour and was extremely satisfied again with the service and food. The ambiance is very chic, perfect for a nice dinner out or a professional HH. The Food: Kale with sumac yoghurt vinaigrette- delicious! I devoured the whole bowl of greens before my boyfriend arrived. Short ribs- the short ribs had an amazing flavor but I was disappointed by the tenderness and lack of meat. Fig, ham & blue cheese flatbread- this is a must order, and only $5 on happy hour. The Drinks: Fantastic wine selection and one of the few places downtown that has Farm Girl on tap. I can't wait to check out their half price wine special on Sundays. The Service: Our server Melissa was incredibly knowledgable and went above and beyond to give us an excellent experience. Not only was she able to tell us about every item on the menu but she knew where all of the ingredients were from. She also makes a mean hot chocolate!
(5)Laura P.
Excellent farm to table spot. Great beer, wine and drink choices. Loved the flatbreads, baby kale salad and pork tenderloin! Everyone loved their food and our server Ree was lovely, knowledgeable and put up with our shenanigans. Would definitely return. Excellent food and nice ambiance.
(4)Kate L.
As a person who is new to dieting and still maintaining a social food life, Marin was wonderful. All the choices on the food menu listed nutrition data which was helpful (but not all-deciding) when choosing what to eat for the evening. We ordered all of the items on the "RAW" portion of the menu and sampled off of the "SMALL PLATES" portion of the menu as well. Recommendations: *Ask what the Crudo selection is for the day. Guaranteed to be fresh. *The cevice was so tender and delicious. Octopus and shrimp cooked with lime juice and in a cucumber broth. *If you are craving crunchy, order the Veggie Spring Rolls. $5 is a bargain for the tender rice paper stuffed with a variety of fresh veggies. *Although the inside is eclectic and cozy, the patio is gorgeous and not as noisy as you'd expect given that it is right on Hennepin. *They don't list calorie counts on the dessert menu for a reason, but the $5 "miniatures" are enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Hopes for the future: *Calorie counts on the alcohol. Summary: GO! VISIT! EAT!
(4)Kevin S.
Not impressed at all! I'm currently staying at the hotel. Asked the staff for their recommendation of restaurants, and they said Marin was pretty good (go figure). Positives - ambiance is excellent. Food quality was good. So why 2 stars? I sit at the bar to get a drink and dinner before I head up to the room. At this time there are 4 other people just getting their meal, and 2 other people waiting to order. I order my meal first, and they follow shortly after. Fast forward 38 minutes later, the 4 previous people are gone (replaced by 3 other people who have already long gotten their meals), and the other 2 people are paying their checks. The bartender, came over and apologized that she put the order in late, so that's why the food was taking so long, but that was after 20 minutes. I didn't think she was letting me know I was only at the half way mark. She mentioned that the manager was going to bring the food out and speak to me about it. 20 minutes later, some guy brought out the food and handed it to her, and she walked it over. No manager, no nothing. Clearly back of the house and front of the house are not in communication. Disappointed. Too many other great restaurants in the area to return to Marin.
(2)Terri M.
Six of us ate at Marin last week. All six dinners came luke warm. None of us complained as we were headed to a show. Food was good but I have to rate it a 3 Maybe I should have given it a 2. Service was slow which probably meant the food sat for awhile before being delivered. I'm canceling another reservation I had there. I'll give it one more chance in a few months to see if they have their act together by then.
(3)John B.
I really wanted to love this place but I'm so disappointed with my first experience I'm not sure I will be back. We had a reservation for 7:30 on arrival we were informed our table was taken and we needed to wait. We were in no particular rush so decided to go downstairs and enjoy a cocktail at the bar, while we waited for our table. The bartender downstairs was very slow, He was standing in front of us making drinks for 15 minutes before he acknowledged our presence and finally gave us drink menus. Our drinks took over 20 minutes, we sat there for 40 minutes and never got water. He was very unprofessional and seemed completely lost and overwhelmed. I think they needed a second bartender helping him, he was ill prepare to deal with de volume of people and a bunch of waitresses waiting for him at the end of the bar. After waiting for 40 minutes our table was finally ready. At this point I am starving and buzzed from drinking on an empty stomach. The food was ok not too exciting, most of the dishes were lacking flavor. All of our food came at once, we got our appetizers and two minutes later all of our entrees came too! Really? The worst thing is they pushed us to eat the food that was early, instead of waiting for us to be done with our appetizers. Our waiter was not very helpful ,he seemed rushed the whole time, and never checked back after delivering the food. Overall this place was disappointing. Service was poor for a fine dining establishment with entrees between 24-45 dollars a piece. Dining room and bar experiences were equally bad, Also the floor manager looked like an unemployed guy that was lost and wandering around the dining room. If you are going to be upscale then deliver upscale service not just an upscale looking bar and dinning room. Many better places to eat in the twin cities. Specially for this price range I say go to La belle Vie, Burch Steak or Saffron. about the same price and 1000% better.
(2)Jennifer M.
Visited with husband and another couple. My girlfriend is GF, and we choose Marin because they offer A LOT of GF choices. Not only are the menu options that are GF marked, but the nutrition information is listed in the menu below each item. Our food was out-of-this world! We all had something different and everyone was completely satisfied, and then some. On top of fantastic food, we had outstanding service. Rie was our server, and she was excellent. She took one item off our bill (because our friend didn't like it - though, in Marin's defense, he didn't read the menu properly), and also was able to get the bartender to make special martini for us. While the prices are high, I would certainly return for a special occasion again!
(5)Amanda C.
we showed up with 10 people and the table they put us at had a VERY bright light over it, to the point where they table next to us laughed and said that we were being interrogated. we asked manager to turn it down or even off. Did I mention it was LED so gave off the blue glow. anyway manager couldn't do anything about it and was rude. we then found another table we asked to move to. the waitress was ok didn't keep up with clearing our table and at the end when we wanted to relax with friends we had food all over our table. food was ok. we have been to many of the new restaurants around town, won't go back here. when you spend $100 a person you expect GREAT service.
(2)Ceci C.
this place is so expensive with sample tasting size portion for entrée. n the waitress got wrong about our bill three times... not very impressive...
(1)Morgan B.
Meg's family came into town and some co-workers recommended that we try out Marin-- named after a city in northern California (close to my hometown!), the concept is fresh farm to table-- yes that is how our waitress introduced the menu....It supposedly would be a perfect place to wine and dine especially if your roomie's parents are treating. My first impression? Overall the ambience is trendy and sleek. In my opinion, not the best place for a family dinner but rather the perfect place to sip on cocktails and eat healthy, fresh meals with your fav gal pals.--I'm thinking best for a ladies night! The food really was delicious. We started with a couple of appetizers, which were perfect for sharing (definitely recommend the ham, fig, & blue cheese flatbread and vegetable-soba spring rolls). For a main course, I had the blackened cod surrounded by a broth which was spicier than I was expecting. Next time, I would opt for the Scallop dish, which Meg's dad ordered and was phenomenal. The actual main dishes are on the small size so if you are feeling at all ravenous, I would definitely order some of the sides (try the Cumin-Lime Carrots!!!!!). Major problem- It is incredibly loud. for some reason every sound in the restaurant echoed drastically so it was difficult to even hear people at your table. It was awkward how many times I had to repeat/shout over to Meg's parents on the other side of the table--- either I speak ohh so softly (which I severely doubt is the problem) or Marin should work on diffusing the sound in some way. P.S. there is a beautiful patio space that would be so nice when the weather is warm.. but we unfortunately did not get to experience this...seeing as how chillier winter days are fast approaching....
(4)Jim P.
Not there yet. I had expected more after a couple of visits to their cohort, Mill Valley Kitchen. I recommended a group of five, and am a bit embarrassed that I did. We are all foodies, and used to great service. When our expensive main course was delayed, our server proceeded to thank us for our patience because they had so many people to serve outside. Good grief! Who wants to hear that their meal is delayed in favor of others? Isn't the job of a really excellent restaurant to make their customers feel they are the most important? Good main course, served late, and only lukewarm. And with an excuse about why it was late. Throughout, the place was less than half full.
(3)Leah B.
I love Mill Valley Kitchen (sister restaurant) so I had high expectations for Marin having the double added bonus of the beautiful location! It was delicious, but strangely not as good as Mill Valley... We started with a grilled romaine salad and daily soup option, the first course wasn't bad by any means, just pretty basic and felt like I could prepare the same in my own kitchen. This was the most disappointing moment of our meal, but it was all up from there! I had the scallops and lobster with corn sauce and my man had pork tenderloin with sumac yogurt-both were absolutely delicious and very flavorful. We also got the chili pecan broccolini as a side, which was divine. When we first arrived we were sat inside crammed between two larger parties and then asked to move outdoors, where we were sat at the complete end of the patio up again the glass wall so we could see the hotel guests wait for the elevator....bizarre choices since it was not busy. SO, not to be high maintenance, we jumped up to patio bar, which is a beautiful set up. Once they work out the kinks I think we might actually get a restaurant to stay in this prime location!
(4)Timothy M.
After hearing rave reviews I decided to give Marin a try. I now know what everyone has been raving about! The food is absolutely delicious! The staff attentive and knowledgeable! The restaurant itself is beautiful and the lower library bar is none like any other! I highly recommend Marin for any occasion. Great location to the downtown happenings! I will most certainly be back!
(5)Laura M.
Love, love, LOVE the posting of nutrition info! I love checking out local spots, but I really like to know what I'm eating without any guesswork, and this is the first place I've found that does it. I decided to have a few small plates rather than an entree. I started with the Tuna from the raw section. Very nice portion of fish, but the vinegar sauce was on the strong side and overpowered the other flavors a bit. Then, I had the Grilled Prawns, there were three with an adobo sauce, and the Cumin-Lime Carrots for a side. They were probably the best carrots I've ever had - roasted to a perfect texture, and served over a yogurt sauce. Dining companions had the Cheese Plate, Charred Salmon Belly, Scallops, and Grass Run Filet, and everyone liked the food. Despite the calorie counts being posted, portions are very nice. Only knocking this place down a star because of the ambiance - it was nice, but definitely felt like a hotel restaurant and matched the mostly 50+ crowd that was there while we were. Can't wait to go back to check out happy hour or brunch!
(4)Steve R.
We had our year-end company dinner in the barrel room and loved it! Although the downstairs lounge, which looks like a library, looked so cool I wish we could have had some drinks there first. Next time. I had the grass run filet, medium rare, and it was cooked perfectly. The brussel sprout and crab salad was also very good. Also loved the tuna tartar and sausage and onion flatbread as apps.
(4)Townsend F.
We went to Marin before the ballet this past weekend. They are used to people coming in before shows, and the server makes sure to ask you what time your show is so that they can get you out in time, if needed. The food was simply prepared, and very good. I had salmon and it was great. It was perfectly cooked, and the right amount of fish for an entree. I also had the kale salad with the lemon yogurt dressing, it was one of the best and most unique salads I've had. The beet salad was also very good. Someone else I was with ordered beef, and it came way too rare, much rarer than was asked for. It was good, but very very rare. I liked how they have the nutrition information on the menu. The wine list was not big, but we all found wines we loved. I usually avoid restaurants on Hennepin since they are usually overcrowded with show-goers, but this one was really good and I would definitely go back.
(4)Sarah G.
I can't say anything bad about this place. Granted I only come for lunch since it is attached to my hotel but there is never any huge crowd. The service is good and the food is amazing. Very modern feel to it. Their coffee is crazy strong.
(5)Jen S.
Wonderful food, ambience, service, atmosphere, drinks, valet, everything! I would fly back to Minneapolis just to have their roasted cauliflower hummus again. Love this place!
(5)Lauren S.
I went here for lunch and couldn't believe the transformation of the space. It went from a bit cold to fabulously handsome. The food was the same as Mill Valley-tasty, interesting and healthy. The hummus is the best in town. The bison burger is good but could use a bit more seasoning with a better selection of cheeses. I was looking for sweet potato fries but didn't see them. My guest had the eggsalad with lox that I almost stole off her plate. She said it was fab! We ordered the two desserts which are larger then the Mill Valley shot glasses-perfect to share. We toured the rest of the facility and love the downstairs space.Comfy and inviting! The outdoor space is a beautiful patio space. Nice work on the renovations.
(4)Sarah M.
I absolutely loved it here. I ate so much and yet did not feel overly full. Also, minor detail, but the music selection playing during dinner was eclectic and simply perfect.
(5)Christine P.
You must try the coconut tapioca!!! To die for! Great place for drinks and small plates. Nice ambiance am great for groups.
(4)Alan W.
If this food is what they eat in Northern California I am glad I don't live there. Send this food back to California. They even failed at a iceberg and bacon salad and can say nothing good about the tomato and cheese flatbread. Service was great. All the attendants had wonderful personalities and we loved their personal attention. The ambiance was very nice. Get a new chef and menu and I would consider trying Marin again. Suggestion, have the chef go to Pizza Rev in Hopkins for a lesson on flatbread.
(1)Rachel W.
On a recent trip downtown we choose Marin as our meeting place. Happy hour here was a hit! Most people might not venture downstairs but to me that's the spot to pick for a casual gathering. Marin calls it their "library". This setting offers all kinds of cozy seating with a full bar. During happy hour (4-6) we enjoyed a variety of their flat breads ($5) with our favorite being the "fig, ham and blue cheese". We added the grilled romaine and marinated veggie salad which was a perfect compliment. It was a generous and enough portion to share. Sip on a variety of wines by the glass or tap beers ($2 off). I think this could easily turn into a regular stop!
(4)Shannon W.
Serious obsession with this place! I came into MSP for work and a friend of mine introduced me, I became instantly hooked, so much so, we ended up coming back again, the next night! First off, I think the staff is amazing. If you can, sit and the bartender and hopefully Steven will be your bartender, he's great and makes killer drinks. I think it took him 15 minutes to make me a cocktail, but it was the best drink I have ever had. Secondly, no matter what you do, definitely check out the downstairs. I heard it gets packed on Thursdays-Saturdays and I can easily see why. Between the huge wine cellar, the comfortable leather couches, bookcases, and unique and utterly delightful cocktail menu, I doubt I would ever leave if I lived here. It's the quintessential cold weather Midwest lounge/restaurant. It's everything I could ever wish far in a downtown Minneapolis spot. Additionally, it's right in the heart of downtown, which is even better. I really wish I could comment on the food, but sadly, I did not eat here. Nonetheless, I heard it's awesome and I can't wait to try the food next time I'm in town!
(5)Randall N.
I only had a drink here but the space is beautiful and they have nutrition information on their menu. That alone makes them worth visiting since it makes it possible to enjoy a fancy, delicious meal yet know how much crap you are stuffing into your belly. I love that and I wish more places did it. Check out the bar in the basement!! It's like a library meets a speakeasy. I could live in there I love the vibe so much.
(4)Lori B.
Went for brunch on a very cold Valentine's Day; was surprised to see how uncrowded it was. Coffee and water were brought over right away and the server answered our questions about the menu. Our table had the Crab Benedict, duck confit with eggs and potatoes, coconut porridge and a basic American style breakfast. I love when restaurants have fresh OJ so bonus points for that! We all cleaned our plates and were too full for dessert. We enjoyed the well lit and quiet atmosphere and will definitely return. I think the check was $80--not cheap, but inline for the food that the four of us got.
(5)An Iowan And A Texan In MN X.
Tyler was an entertaining, but knowledgeable server. We were greeted warmly upon arrival, and quickly we're seated before catching "Book of Mormon" at the Orpheum (I loved it; she thought it was ok). She had a specialty cocktail and I had gin with their homemade tonic, and we got the duck pate and a yellowtail on special to start. We were impressed from the get-go. She ordered chicken and I ordered duck. Both were impressive, especially the duck that was with 9-10 slices of breast AND confit on a bead of grits. Good downtown atmosphere, delightful service, and we would absolutely come back.
(4)James B.
Tonight I went in to ask if fire pit was open and was told yes. Went back out to grab my date and lock up our bikes. We went in and was told they were only open for or five more minutes by the manager. I later saw people out at the fire pit drinking. I am assuming they told me that they were closing because I was in a Twins jersey coming from the game and possibly because I'm Asian with a white girl. They need to learn not to make decisions based on appearance. I am an attorney; I'll make sure not to take clients or anyone at my firm there. No wonder they keep rebranding. I am not a person that goes and claims prejudices lightly, but I was so appalled by what happened, I created an yelp profile (which was over due anyways since I'm a foodie) to write this via my phone.
(1)Kaitlin E.
Everything was delicious and the ambiance was perfect! The ceviche had a big kick to it but was super yummy and light. I ordered the curries lentils for dessert and it was a great vegan dish. Hearty but still healthy. I would definitely come back!
(5)Steven H.
Overall the meal and restaurant was good, but not great. The food was good, some dishes were great, others a little lacking. Service was good - not great, ambiance was lovely, but the music didn't match and overall it's a little noisy. The best dishes in my opinion were the cheese plate, duck buns, and the ham & fig flatbread. The tuna, brussel sprouts and veggie spring rolls were only so-so. Overall a decent menu and mostly good, just not great.
(4)Dan J.
Beautiful bar downstairs, themed like a library. I love that they have drinks named after Wu-Tang clan members. I would appreciate more special whiskey cocktails.
(4)Sara R.
I adore Marin for when I'm going to a show or event in Minneapolis. It's very close to several venues, including the Orpheum, which makes it a perfect pre- or post-show stop! They have a wide variety of beers and ciders on tap - my favorite is Loon Juice. The food has always been delicious and I typically get whatever the special is because I've never been disappointed. It's spendy, but worth every penny in my opinion.
(4)Crystal B.
Evening out with 2 other couples to see a show at the Orpheum. Their service and food put the icing on our cake for the evening. Once our food arrived, it was almost one of those quiet table moments. Kale salad - heavenly. They even took care of our parking! Prime on a snowy night!
(5)Anthony M.
Hands down the WORST customer experience of my life. I ordered and asked about onions (because I am allergic) and the server asked if I had an allergy (to which I replied yes). When they brought my duck they asked who had the onion allergy, and then told me THEY PUT ONIONS ON MY FOOD. You already knew I was allergic so why the hell would you do this?? Trying to steer around them I I found my duck to be translucent red which is exceedingly raw for a bird. Totally inedible. Then they came to the table and said: "Our kitchen is closed... but we would make a dessert for you if you want." Way to sell it guys. Way to take care of your entire customer experience. Worst ever. After I sent the duck back they were very ho-hum about making me anything else so I just got a salad. The salad was pretty good.
(1)Harumi U.
Had breakfast here. I am from east coast. I have been to a lot of farm to table restaurants or vegan restaurants. I have never ever heard of quinoa waffle. and yes, they grind quinoa on their own to make "flour" to make this waffle. And furthermore, I am used to seeing calories listed next to food but I have not really seen it outside my home state. I think I have seen it for the first time here. Being healthy and enjoying what this life offers us in the culinary world sometimes may not go hand in hand, but with the explosion of farm to table concept, it has become the easiest it ever has been. (Oh yes, and that sweat that you shed in the gym might help it further). My waffle was really very good and the spread (jam and cream) that the waffle was served with it (before the food was brought to me, they actually asked if I wanted to them on top or if I wanted them on the side. That was nice) also had pleasant sweetness to them. I am giving only 4 star rating because I lose credibility with myself if I say that this is as good as it gets with just one food from a breakfast menu, but I say, as far as waffle goes, this was as good as it gets.
(4)Carolyn B.
After going to Marin more for drinks and small plates, I finally had a full meal there. It was as good as I thought it probably would be given what I had nibbled on in the past. So, yes, the food is really good. I had the peas and carrot ravioli and left wondering about when I could come back and have it again. But probably what I love about it the most is the large selection of vegetarian and vegan small plates, sides, and salads. Even if you didn't want either of the two nice veggie entrees, you could absolutely make a meal out of the sides. The tomato flatbread could also serve as a meal. The range of options makes it great for vegetarians or just those that want to experience a range of flavors and textures in a meal. I tried the newer winter menu last night and it has some great additions. In a rare venture into fish-eating, I had the seared tuna with soba noodles, grapefruit and coconut broth. Stupendous! Definitely make reservations. I didn't for a Thursday night after work and they were fully booked! Fortunately we snagged a cute table downstairs, which worked just fine.
(5)David H.
I don't have time to go into detail on how awesome the food was, but all six of our entrees were fantastic!! I am throwing down two stars solely on how terrible the service was. Multiple missed drinks, slow corrections on those drinks, indifferent attitude, slow service. We all loved the concept and story of this place, but will not be back.
(2)Steve R.
We had our year-end company dinner in the barrel room and loved it! Although the downstairs lounge, which looks like a library, looked so cool I wish we could have had some drinks there first. Next time. I had the grass run filet, medium rare, and it was cooked perfectly. The brussel sprout and crab salad was also very good. Also loved the tuna tartar and sausage and onion flatbread as apps.
(4)Dawn G.
Marin is definitely an up and coming restaurant with great potential. I've visited Marin on three occasions and can see it becoming a regular spot for me. They've renovated the space beautifully, inside and out, and it has a completely different look than its predecessors. Gone is the stark white interior and replacing it is a combination of neutral brown-toned booths, dark wood floors, and perfectly placed orange backlit columns. The outside patio area now has a large bar area along with more focus on table space. I have to admit that I miss the whole covered cabana couch spaces that the previous set-up provided but understand how this new design will make them more profitable. As for the food selection: yum. The chef seems to have a creative streak (e.g. ahi tuna crudo with cherry mustard compote) and I truly appreciate that. Prices can be on the steep side but they do offer smaller and reasonably priced items like flatbreads and salads and delicious sides. They even have a fresh juice bar with all of my favorite vegetable/fruit combos. I recommend the Greener Pastures - it's da bomb. My friends and I have tried a variety of meals here over my three visits and have yet to be disappointed in the quality or taste. Although I do have to mention that my lobster was a bit over-cooked in the otherwise delicious Scallops with Lobster-Fingerling Hash dish. I do recommend their seafood though as it always seems to be very fresh and high quality. On a side note, this is one of those restaurants I can bring nearly anyone. They cater to carnivores, vegetarians, pescatarians, and gluten-free folks alike and none of those groups are lacking options. Kudos, Marin. From a service perspective, I've experienced some highlights and some low points. I'd like to hug the thoughtful bus-guy who brought me water and a napkin as I sat on their waiting couch, ahem, 'glistening' from my walk in on a sweltering hot day. I've also been promptly greeted and sat on each visit and had attentive servers. However, we did have some issues with inconsistent drink preparation and that really doesn't fly when you're paying New York prices for small drinks. In addition, our server royally messed up a couple of checks one night with our group. We got it worked out but it was an unnecessary and time consuming inconvenience. I'll chalk that up to 'new guy stressed out on a busy night' and give 'em a pass this time around. Marin is a classy restaurant that I'll continue to go to for a nice lunch or dinner. I'm excited to see what new creations their chef will come up with next. If I had one ask of Marin it would be to increase their happy hour offerings and make the prices really worth the visit.
(4)Julie M.
Although it was pretty loud, the food was great and options for everyone. At our table we enjoyed sides of the delicious carrots, lentils and broccolini; steamed cod, scallops and lobster, pork tenderloin, and salmon were enjoyed by everyone. The tomato salad special was amazing! We had a 7:15 reservation and were not seated until 8 (which was fine) but they were alredy out of the grouper special. Dessert options were plentiful--homemade cookies, a very light coconut tapioca pudding with fresh fruit, and little dessert shooters which can fill that little open dessert spot. This is not a cheap place, but the food was exceptional and we had a great server. The bar downstairs could be considered "romantic" with overstuffed chairs seated by little tables for two, although when I looked at the bill for my Merlot and it was $16 for a glass I was thinking you had better know your date pretty well! (I just ordered a Merlot and they chose, so make sure you look at the list first if you don't want sticker shock!) Four stars for the noise level, out of the special, and the $16 glass of wine!
(4)Karen S.
We went for brunch. Nice setting, Great server. Fantastic scones. Huevos rancheros were very good. Olive flatbread was OK. The diner who had the eggs Benedict with "mock" hollandaise sauce did not like the dish. I had expected it to be as great as it's sister restaurant, Mill Valley Kitchen . But no . It is not in the same league.
(3)Angie L.
Dined here yesterday for brunch with the family before seeing the Nutcracker at the Orpheum. Based on the mixed reviews, I was a bit hesitant; however, we had a wonderful dining experience. The food - lobster eggs, omelet, California breakfast, and the Lemon Ricotta pancake - were all delicious! Our server Bonnie was delightful and very helpful in choosing a selection for our picky 12 year-old daughter. The portions are smaller than at a typical brunch place but they do have an emphasis on healthy fare & label each entree in terms of calories. I enjoyed the small lightly dressed side salad that accompanied the egg dishes. We will return!
(5)Janet L.
I can't really speak to the food there because I was using a crowd cut and only had drinks... However the service there was so terrible I will be sure not to return. Our server was insanely slow and seemed to be actively avoiding the area where our table was. When my drink finally arrived, it had a bug in it. So I waited fifteen minutes for her to return to our section so I could flag her down and let her know that I needed a fresh drink... She did bring me back a "new" drink but we think someone just took out the bug. I say this because the ice cubes here are those fancy square ones and the ones in my new drink were very melted down.... Then we had an issue with the crowd cut and the server was completely clueless. She told us she would honor the coupon and then check with her manager... We thought that seemed a bit out of order and it was when we were presented with a check for full priced drinks. The manager finally did honor the voucher for us but not before being very condescending and basically accusing us of lying. I will be drinking my $14 martinis elsewhere thank you very much.
(2)Mariel L.
My friends and I had a lovely time at Marin. The interior is gorgeous, and I'm sad that I wasn't able to see the downstairs lounge, which people have likened to a Ron Burgundy-esque library, in that it has many leather-bound books. I really should stop quoting Anchorman before this gets completely whack. Anywho, we dined here a few weeks into the restaurant's opening. The service was warm, and the food did remind me somewhat of Marin's sister restaurant, Mill Valley Kitchen in SLP. The ingredients and menu items were quintessentially...Bay Area. Not even just Marin County, I'm talking the whole affluent, hippy-dippy lot of that entire region, with its kale chips and organic soy milk and flaxseed berry protein shakes. I should say the menu didn't have any of that, that's just what it evoked. What I actually DID get was an absolutely delicious ham, fig, and blue cheese flatbread and tuna crudo. Both dishes were done incredibly well: the tuna was expertly seared outside and raw in the middle, atop a bed of arugula and seasoned just right. The flatbread? Sweet figs + salty unctuous ham + that great moldy taste only blue cheese can give = perfection. I'm definitely coming back here to have a more proper meal, or maybe grab a drink downstairs with Ron, Brick, Brian, and Champ. If you get that reference, let's go get you a suit. Hooray!
(4)Alexis B.
We were a table of 10 and were basically ignored by our two (!!) servers. They didn't take everyone's drink orders at the same time, they would only ask a few people if they wanted another drink but not others. If we needed anything we had to flag them down. Two people ordered a glass of wine at the same time but only one glass was delivered but we were charged for both. My boyfriend ordered his steak medium but it came out extremely rare and the scallops were rubbery - obviously not fresh. The food was very disappointing and no one was happy. I would not recommend this place to anyone. As a former server I'm very understanding and gracious when dining out. These servers were not friendly in any way and didn't thank us for dining with them.
(1)Brendan T.
Great food overall, especially the shrimp ceviche, the scallops and the flatbreads. The gin and tequila cocktails also got raves from my group. The patio was lovely on a perfect summer night and the host was friendly but we had outrageously slow service. Our server did apologize for this but it was a damper on an otherwise great evening.
(4)Travis F.
Great farm raised sustainable eatery with fantastic healthy choices would definitely suggest a try even if you are just visiting.
(5)Chris L.
By the people who brought you Mill Valley Kitchen, now there's Marin. Same cool nutritional information on the menu and healthy options, especially for food allergy folks. Food well prepared, servers earnest if not well-versed in their trade, like the place. Take the person who's into health food here and you won't go wrong. And a total hidden gem is the bar downstairs -- the Library. Has to be one of the coolest places in downtown to have a drink, especially if you're looking for a place you can actually get in (that's a knock on you Marvel Bar).
(4)Jeff L.
This was pretty much exactly the restaurant experience that my wife and I were looking for to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Skillfully prepared good food (both taste-good and feel-good), served by a waiter who likes what he does and understands the true meaning of hospitality. We didn't realize they had an outdoor patio until we arrived and noticed the door leading out to a courtyard, where we ended up eating a variety of their "small plates". We look forward to our next experience at Marin.
(5)Jill J.
Our first time dining at Marin tonight! The food was excellent. Very nice decor with a vibrant atmosphere. Our waiter Shane was great! Very attentive. The entire staff was friendly. The only complaint would be that there could have been more than 4 pcs of butternut squash for $23. We will be back!!
(5)Olivia L.
The food was absolutely delicious- but the portions were so small we were left starving afterwards. Service wasn't what I expected either. Waiter placed us in a table directly in the sun and we had to be moved. Other waiter barely came by to take orders. That being said, sturgeon was best I've ever had- just very small. Dessert I would recommend is tapioca or "it's it."
(2)Megan G.
Marin has a ambiance. From the decor to the waiters, everything is eloquent and tasteful. The food was great and very high quality. I liked how the menu displayed the calorie content in each dish, which is refreshing. There salads are phenomenal and artfully executed. The salmon lettuce wraps took the cake. They were AMAZING. The duck conf-ti tacos were a good dish, but not great. I will definitely be visiting again in the near future.
(4)Kittie F.
When will beautiful sophisticated bars dump the ever-present tacky televisions?? After a wonderful dinner and show we stop in for a nightcap and I couldn't even concentrate on my table guests with the flashing and popping of that harsh TV - to add salt to the wound it was sports. I asked the bartender if he minded turning it off and he stared at me like I just suggested he disrobe and gyrate on the bar. His response was "we don't do that" so I surveyed each and every patron (ala Mr. Big in SATC with his cigar) and hutz plutz they all agreed with me, except some anorexic little waif who had her back to it and informed me that it "didn't bother her" Leave the televisions to the suburban sports bars guys.
(3)Baramee C.
We went on a Saturday during the day...day drinking! First we headed downstairs to their Library Lounge where the bartender made us some handcrafted cocktails (it would've been nice had he told us there were specials), but the drinks were still wonderfully crafted. After we finished up downstairs, we headed for the outdoor patio to try out their flatbreads. Flatbreads: Tomato, Mozzarella, Oregano - this one turned out to be quite flavorless Ham, Fig, Blue Cheese - this one was awesome and came with arugula, just order 2 of them (FOR YOURSELF) I'd definitely go back again for happy hour, it's actually a pretty good deal. I would also try some of their other happy hour snacks.
(4)Jim R.
This was my first visit to Marin and I was meeting a friend for lunch. Located on the corner of 9th and Hennepin in downtown, it is attached to the elegant Le Meridien Hotel. Inside this place feels both cozy and comfortable with ample room between the tables and booths so you don't feel like you are sitting right on top of each other. I arrived a little before 12 for lunch on a Friday and the place was pretty quiet. I was seated right away and the friendly server popped over right away while I waited for my friend. The food, like many of the trendy restaurants in town is big on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and even if you want to you can't really eat unhealthily here. The sandwiches come with salad (not fries) and they list all the calories in their menu (which I like).
(4)Kelsey D.
I went to Marin for the second time on a low key Tuesday night for happy hour and was extremely satisfied again with the service and food. The ambiance is very chic, perfect for a nice dinner out or a professional HH. The Food: Kale with sumac yoghurt vinaigrette- delicious! I devoured the whole bowl of greens before my boyfriend arrived. Short ribs- the short ribs had an amazing flavor but I was disappointed by the tenderness and lack of meat. Fig, ham & blue cheese flatbread- this is a must order, and only $5 on happy hour. The Drinks: Fantastic wine selection and one of the few places downtown that has Farm Girl on tap. I can't wait to check out their half price wine special on Sundays. The Service: Our server Melissa was incredibly knowledgable and went above and beyond to give us an excellent experience. Not only was she able to tell us about every item on the menu but she knew where all of the ingredients were from. She also makes a mean hot chocolate!
(5)Laura P.
Excellent farm to table spot. Great beer, wine and drink choices. Loved the flatbreads, baby kale salad and pork tenderloin! Everyone loved their food and our server Ree was lovely, knowledgeable and put up with our shenanigans. Would definitely return. Excellent food and nice ambiance.
(4)Christine P.
You must try the coconut tapioca!!! To die for! Great place for drinks and small plates. Nice ambiance am great for groups.
(4)Kate L.
As a person who is new to dieting and still maintaining a social food life, Marin was wonderful. All the choices on the food menu listed nutrition data which was helpful (but not all-deciding) when choosing what to eat for the evening. We ordered all of the items on the "RAW" portion of the menu and sampled off of the "SMALL PLATES" portion of the menu as well. Recommendations: *Ask what the Crudo selection is for the day. Guaranteed to be fresh. *The cevice was so tender and delicious. Octopus and shrimp cooked with lime juice and in a cucumber broth. *If you are craving crunchy, order the Veggie Spring Rolls. $5 is a bargain for the tender rice paper stuffed with a variety of fresh veggies. *Although the inside is eclectic and cozy, the patio is gorgeous and not as noisy as you'd expect given that it is right on Hennepin. *They don't list calorie counts on the dessert menu for a reason, but the $5 "miniatures" are enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Hopes for the future: *Calorie counts on the alcohol. Summary: GO! VISIT! EAT!
(4)Kari W.
I visited Marin for happy hour with my co-workers yesterday. This place is so cool and chic. I feel sexy just walking in the front doors. We had our happy hour in a board room. The service was exceptional. Our waitress made sure we had plenty of drinks (including water) and kept my coworkers happy with hot fresh flat-breads. The board room setup was not ideal for happy hour - there is a giant table in the center of the room. We basically split into two groups on either side of the table. High top tables would have made more sense. After two glasses of wine I appealed to the waitress to please find me something to snack on that didn't contain dairy. I don't care if it's olives, nuts, crackers...just bring something quickly so I don't get trashed! She arrived with a plate of delicious flat bread that the chef made specially for me. It was basically a fresh hot pita with amazing seasoning. It hit the spot and my co-workers were jealous. I shared (a little). I have eaten lunch here in the past. I remember the food being good. Not exceptional, but good. I've worked across the street from this establishment for many years - and I've seen a lot of new tenants come and go. Marin is not overly busy and doesn't seem to be one of downtown's hot spots. I'll be surprised if they stick around for the long haul. Especially since Solera just closed - and they were awesome.
(4)Vero V.
I was here for a reserved bachelorette dinner. our table was perfectly set up and we had two servers. I got the salmon. it was amazing. I tried my friends salmon and pita and it was beyond delicious. no complaints. stairs are a bit tricky if you are wearing heels and drinking. I would come back if ever in town.
(5)Scott H.
Stopped by on a Monday night before a show. It was a cold day so Marin was pretty empty. This played well into the ambiance of the place as it was relaxing, romantic, and relaxing. We were greeted at the door and shown to a booth. The waiter was there to welcome us and take our drink order. The drink menu was nice, nothing over the top but some good selections. I got a draft beer and my fiance got a champagne drink, both which were good. The menu offers nutritional information on their items which is very nice as sometimes at these restaurants they can pack a punch. We decided to start by sharing a beet salad and a side of risotto. The beet salad had a nice dressing and the flavors were great. If you like beets they give you plenty. The risotto was well cooked and had a nice creamy but not heavy flavor. For the entrees we split the roasted vegetables and the pork tenderloin. The vegetables had a good mix of different vegetables and nice sauce accompaniments. There was a mustard seed concoction that was delicious. The pork was cooked spot on to our requested medium rare. It came on couscous and blended well with the flavors. For the price, the ambiance, service (waiter let us know when we were getting close to show time), and location it is a great spot. It is worth a try and they do have lots of gluten free and vegetarian options for those who are so inclined.
(5)Kristi B.
This was our first visit and the food was delicious, creative and fresh. It took several minutes for our server to greet us but they did comp our drinks.
(4)Geoff S.
I can't speak to any main course fare or dinner service, but their happy hour is one of the best in the twin cities. 3 dollar beers and 5 dollar flatbreads? Yes. As long as the prices stay the same I'll keep going. I recommend the fig, bleu cheese and ham flatbread. I like the atmosphere and it's fun to make small chit chat with people grabbing something before a show at the Orpheum.
(4)J E.
Sat outside on the patio. They were having a pig roast (choice of taco, lettuce wrap or sandwich). Spicy killer Bloody Mary, tasty baby kale salad and artichoke/olive flatbread. Can't go wrong.
(5)Bridget U.
Let me start by saying I am a big fan of Mill Valley Grill whose owner's started this new venture! The Twin Cities needs more healthy food spots that also offer a good ambiance and Marin nails it. Whether or not you want healthy food I think we can all agree we want good food... right? Let's hit on the vibe of this place. Outside feels super chic, like something you would experience on the West Coast and offers lots of great table options. The bar is a focal point and the bartenders are quick to recommend drinks. Did I mention the gin, if you are a gin lover you must run to Marin right now! They have an entire table of different gins and mixers. Inside it's more cozy and right below the dinner room sits The Library- a great bar that is not too be missed (especially in Winter). Now time for the really good stuff... FOOD! Go for: Flatbreads- especially the Ham, Fig and Blue Cheese, Spiced Cauliflower Hummus and Pita, Shrimp Ceviche, Grilled Tuna or any pasta offering. Skip: Roasted Garbanzos- they just were not my thing! They come shelled like edamame and it's just too much work for such little payoff. Happy Eating!
(5)L L.
We love Marin for its excellently prepared food, spacious seating and attentive service. One of the dinner specials was lemon-fish. Sooooo good!! We can't wait to go back, and we hope lemon-fish is offered again when we do.
(5)Leah B.
I love Mill Valley Kitchen (sister restaurant) so I had high expectations for Marin having the double added bonus of the beautiful location! It was delicious, but strangely not as good as Mill Valley... We started with a grilled romaine salad and daily soup option, the first course wasn't bad by any means, just pretty basic and felt like I could prepare the same in my own kitchen. This was the most disappointing moment of our meal, but it was all up from there! I had the scallops and lobster with corn sauce and my man had pork tenderloin with sumac yogurt-both were absolutely delicious and very flavorful. We also got the chili pecan broccolini as a side, which was divine. When we first arrived we were sat inside crammed between two larger parties and then asked to move outdoors, where we were sat at the complete end of the patio up again the glass wall so we could see the hotel guests wait for the elevator....bizarre choices since it was not busy. SO, not to be high maintenance, we jumped up to patio bar, which is a beautiful set up. Once they work out the kinks I think we might actually get a restaurant to stay in this prime location!
(4)Lindsey W.
I came here with another couple on Friday night. I thought the ambiance was perfect in the dining room and loved the downstairs wine room...awesome for after dinner drinks. We tried the salmon wraps which were really yummy. I had the scallops which were cooked perfect and the roasted veggies with it were the perfect pairing. My husband had the duck with marrow beans and kale and that was really indulgent and yummy. I appreciate all the nutrition info on the menu, I think more restaurants should offer this! Our service was really quite good. James, our server forgot to send our entrees in and owned up to it and bought us dessert. I really appreciated the honesty and it really was no big deal. We were enjoying our conversation and having a slower paced meal. He handled the mishap perfectly. The wine list is really fantastic and we had after dinner drinks downstairs. I'll be back!
(4)Gary N.
Thanksgiving dinner in the downstairs bar was an unexpected highlight on a blustery Minneapolis evening. The library bar atmosphere is terrific. We didn't want to leave. Stephan the bartender took care of us all evening. Always attentive and just the right amount of service. Squash soup was velvety and creamy. Pickled beet and apple salad refreshing. Turkey dinner with the usual accompaniments was well executed and the right portion size (no turkey coma afterward). Pumpkin pie (tartlet) was nice, although the crust could have been thinner. 3 hours flew by. We will be back. Highly recommended. Pro tip: Bypass the upstairs restaurant area and eat downstairs. Great soundtrack.
(5)Jennifer B.
The Siracha Salt on the edamame might as well be crack. STRONGLY RECOMMEND! The Duck Tacos (served on pickled radish rounds instead of tortillas) were also amazing. Service was inattentive though.
(4)Alexia A.
Even though we could not get a table for our group of six, it was Saturday night and we had no reservation, we had an excellent experience eating in the lounge area. We shared many of the small plates and a couple of entrees. The standouts were the edamame, duck tacos, and the vegetable soba spring rolls. Drinks were excellent, the restaurant wasn't too loud which is always nice, and even the dishes that were not my favorites were delicious. The vibe could be a little fussy if you're seeking a casual evening, but it seems like a nice place for a dinner before a show. Look forward to going here again when work takes me back to Minneapolis.
(4)William S.
Loved the pace of the meal and the size of the food portions. Our server Brock was excellent and attentive. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was enchanting. I highly recommend the liver and onions, though we enjoyed every dish we received.
(5)Joanna C.
What a great farm to table restaurant! I love how affordable organic food is out in the Midwest. I came with two coworkers over the weekend and had a good time. Our server was friendly and helpful with recommendations and the food was delicious. I started with the Baby Kale Salad, which was fresh and plentiful, my kind of thing. My coworkers and I also shared the Vegetable-Soba Spring Rolls, which were delicious! Then again, I love summer rolls, but the ones at Marin were on par with ones at Thai spots in New York. The Scallops were nicely grilled and not too oily and although I was full, but couldn't resist the Coconut Tapioca, which had great presentation. I enjoyed the coconut flavor, but was too full to finish. Extra shoutouts to Marin's menus, which included nutrition info (calories, fat, protein, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.), super helpful. If I am ever in the area again, I will definitely be back.
(4)Dakota M.
I love the fact that they use bitter enfused cocktails. The flat bread prices are great for happy hour at 5 dollars. The chocolate cake with espresso ice cream was ok. The cake was dry and not moist even though a charmed goodness was oozing over top.
(3)Dave A.
Often stop here on the way to the Orpheum. Very nice and quiet place for brunch on Sunday before heading over to see Dirty Dancing. Benedict, salmon, and standard breakfasts were very nice. However, most folks would find the portions to be about half of what they would expect at any good diner. Nevertheless, the food was excellent thoguh the mass quantity crowd should go elsewhere. Service was spotty due to a new wait person who forgot many things and had to return to our table often. Normally service is fine. A nice high quality option downtown.
(4)Matthew H.
This is definitely a solid place, the space itself is large and quite nice. The staff was very helpful and the service was attentive but not overly so. I stopped in for lunch and it was a nice day. My server explained the menu to me well and let me know that the calorie counts were listed below each dish. I ended up ordering the bison burger cooked medium rare and a side of the hash browns. Everything was extremely tasty and I finished every bite. I wish that I had more time in Minneapolis to come back and do dinner but I guess that will have to wait until next time.
(4)Joline E.
The happy hour prices at Marin are so good for the quality and quantity off of you get. Stop in between 3 and 6pm on week nights and try the Miso Tuna/Salmon Lettuce Wraps ($7 on sale from $12), the Sriracha Edamame ($5 on sale $7), and the Ham and Fig Flatbread (ONLY $5 on sale from $12). All are wonderfully flavored and prepared, with portions big enough to taste and share.
(5)Sarah M.
This place was my cozy, little Tuesday hiding spot. Keeping in my mind that my review is solely for the Library bar downstairs (which I didn't want to tell you about because its so awesome). Enter, 5:30 on a Tuesday. We go downstairs to the Library, after asking the host where it was hiding (no signage, just go downstairs once you enter Marin). We cozy up to the empty bar and meet Kelsey, the bartender. She was this brilliant, wise woman and we spent the afternoon talking about Minneapolis' best food and drinks. She's a guru. Anyway.... I ordered their $7 Manhattan and it was beautifully crafted. Very well balanced. We also ordered their Ham, Fig & Blue Cheese Flatbread- OMG. The bread had a crispy naan character to it and it was such a perfect blend of salty, sweet, sour ingredients. We also shared the Miso Salmon Wraps, which were very fresh and flavorful. I will TOTALLY be back here, both for the food/drinks and the intimate vibe of the place!
(5)Katrina O.
Second time at this place and the food is still great! First time, I had a living social deal, this time came for some happy hour deals with a friend! The pickled strawberry sorbet is super yummy and really the only thing I still remember from my first meal. Don't get turned off by the word "pickled", it really just tasted tart! Second time around, I had the miso salmon lettuce wraps and the ham, fig, and bleu cheese flatbread. They were both good but the lettuce wraps were spectacular! I wanted a second order right away but I managed to keep myself from impulsively ordering more! Ended the meal with the vanilla buttermilk panna cotta with blueberry sorbet.
(4)Jonathan T.
Marin, obviously, caters to downtowners looking for a fun and swanky happy hour, classic cocktails, and tasty bites. I dropped by this hangout on the corner of Hennepin and 9th a couple weeks ago, after working an event. While I have enough room in my stomach to eat one of their entrees, I had a couple apps and drinks. Overall, the food could improve. The drinks definitely made an impression on me, though. FOOD *Grass Fed Beef Tartare: Not my favorite, and I wouldn't really recommend it. Even though the beef itself had a not-too-chewy consistency and the chef diced it well, I could've gone without the vinegary ketchup/ BBQ-like sauce. I just didn't think it paired well. ($14) *Duck Steamed Buns: OK to good. I usually stray from eating Asian food made from non-Asian restaurants, but I think I would maybe have this again. I would consider having something else on the menu, though. ($9) COCKTAILS **Old Fashioned: Ooh, damn. That bourbon -- four roses -- is so good! Like, Kevin Garnett returning to the Timberwolves good. Definitely one of the better ones I've had in my lifetime. **Sazerac: Whiskey -- I love it. And, when paired with Creole bitters (something I needed to ask my bartender about), I left wanting more. More about the Creole bitters, it gives the drink an interesting aroma, yet no aftertaste. (My preference.) I would drink the Sazerac for the smooth whiskey, alone. SERVICE: I should've bought my bartender a drink or two. Damn, she could explain to me every single detail of every dish and drink. Well trained! Hella funny, too. I would totally return for drinks and would be up for trying some other apps and an entrée. Can't wait to return!
(4)Marilyn C.
This was the first place I went to when I returned to Minneapolis in May to celebrate my graduation and to say 'hi' to fellow classmates. I had a lovely glass of bubbly and a burger and everything was just fine. The food was 5 stars and the venue itself is just a tad stuffy for me during the day. However, I would come here again with a full wallet for a more exploratory experience of dinner service. For Downtown Minneapolis' Theater district, this would be my first choice for dining. Service is excellent and selection is top notch.
(4)Daniel G.
The food was really hit or miss, which is disappointing for a place that's priced at this level. Space is beautiful and really well done, so they should thank Shea for that since it's a big reason that this review is getting three stars. We enjoyed our evening and socializing, unfortunately despite the food. Good: Liked the spring rolls and the spicy sauce it comes with Chili was actually delicious and nice and spicy Liver with onions was delicious - so tender Steamed bun - solid choice. Some thought the buns should have been more airy, but I liked them Best dish was the coconut tapioca desert - really light and delicious Bad: Lettuce wraps were ok and I get they are trying to use more interesting lettuce than just romaine, but it was pretty wilted Worst dish was the seafood trifecta, especially the smoked trout. So fishy and left an awful taste in my mouth that is still lingering. They went out on a limb and it sounded interesting when we ordered, but it just didn't work We had espresso, coffee and tea - never saw any sugar or sweetener and couldn't locate our waiter until it was too late The corn soup was not horrible, but texture was weird. We had three of them, and once bit into a piece of a shell that was hard The walleye special was bland, the sauce was unnoticeable, the carrots were not edible Scallops were ok, but three of them? I mean wtf, I'd like to actually somewhat leave satiated after spending well over $100 per person Cookies sucked and we were excited about them after some in our party dining at Mill Valley numerous times and enjoying them as the highlight of the ending Water was refilled once No bread or crackers before dinner is pretty weak, especially when we're having drinks
(3)Jo S.
Stopped here for drinks before our dinner at another restaurant. Best Rum selection downtown hands down. Hannah was super informative, friendly, and just all around gave amazing service. We'll be back!
(5)Sal K.
Health conscious vegans: this is fancy pants dining for you. The vegan items on the menu are not trying to be meat or dairy analogues; it is all good, healthy plant based food. All vegan options are marked clearly with a "V". We had: *Spiced Cauliflower with Hummus and Pita *Vegetable-Soba Spring Rolls *Kale with Pickled Fresno & Crispy Garlic *Brocolini with Chili and Pecans *Gingered Lentils *A delicious vegan dessert which isn't on the menu - ginger ice with berries We also enjoyed: *Impeccable service *Delicious booze (vodka for her, local beer for him) *The lovely patio with excellent music playing in the background I can't wait to go back. This is exactly what I crave for a night out.
(5)Jeanette H.
This place is amazing for brunch! We went there on a Sunday, really low key, beautiful ambiance, and impeccable service. Chelsea was so professional, courteous and efficient. And who can say no to $10 bottomless mimosas???
(5)Halina Y.
Great addition to Downtown Minneapolis! Came here to celebrate my birthday over dinner with a friend. We're both health- conscious so we were happy to see the nutritional information to each item on their menus! Made our selection easier! I highly recomment the Pork Tenderloin with Cumin-Carrot, Red Quinoa and Sumac Yogurt. Very filling, I couldn't even finish but concentrated on the pork itself. My girlfriend ordered the Steam Black Cod. Loved the lemongrass broth. We both ordred starter salads, one Baby Greens (standard issued), and Grilled Romaine, which was fantastic. Loved the marianted veggies over it. I'd stick to that choice from now on. They did a good job remodeling the restaurant and made some very nice choices with the wood columns, flooring, etc. I'm glad they didn't just go in and recarpet/design the place. If you go to Marin- be sure to visit their downstairs bar! it's a must-see! Great spot to hang out on one of many couches and chairs to chill over a few drinks. The have a few private dining rooms available as well. I may in fact start a book club down there sans books ;)
(5)Abbie F.
Boom! This place is the bomb! Stephan makes a killer Manhattan! The flatbreads are yummy but the duck confit buns are awesome! For $5 bucks each there isn't a better deal in town. Probably some of the best buns I have ever had. :) We sat downstairs in the library which had a great ambiance and comfy chairs. This place is one of the best kept secrets in downtown.
(5)Lori S.
I have mixed feelings about this place. Positives: Good value during happy hour. Duck tacos were unique and very tasty. Charred salmon belly was amazing but only a teeny tiny portion. Negatives: It was hard to get the attention of the waitress when I needed it even thought it wasn't terribly busy. 2 of our 3 dishes were quite good but overpriced for the size and quality. 3rd dish was a serious disappointment (the cheese plate - totally uninspired and the cheeses weren't very good) I wouldn't bother going back, there are equally good places to eat in downtown for less $.
(2)Alice H.
We went here for a thanksgiving/ birthday meal and loved our experience! Our server Shane was so sweet and attentive. He gave us some great recommendations which we loved! (Beef tenderloin). Icing on the cake was the amazing complimentary dessert for my birthday. Really appreciate it!
(5)James F.
Marin is a restaurant I will go back to again and again. Whenever family is in town, we go to Marin. Delicious food that I feel good about eating. Nutritional information is printed right on the menu, so I know exactly what I am putting in my body. The Pork Chop dish tasted just like a holiday dinner, except when I left Marin's table I did not feel that holiday overeating bloat. Just completely satisfied and with some room for dessert. Speaking of dessert, it took all of my willpower not to order another Warm Chocolate Cake. I could bathe in that caramel. Need to find a reason to host a party in their bar in the downstairs library as well. Took a peek at the party downstairs and it looked like they were having a great time. Thanks Marin!
(5)Josh L.
I've been coming to Minneapolis from NYC on business about once a month for more than a year; tonight had the best meal I've had here. Started with Szechuan broccoli: perfectly crunchy, salty, and spiced. Finished with the Cod special with fried green tomatoes and salsa; the thought and care that went into it were obvious. They keep a low mellow fire on the patio, staff is charming and attentive without being intrusive. Chef Mike brought out the meal, later had a chance to thank him. Do yourself a favor.
(5)Julianne Z.
Came here for HH and we just ordered some drinks and flatbreads. I shared the mushroom flat bread with a friend, and it was much better than expected! It had 3 kinds of mushrooms on it and sesame oil was drizzled on top, which aded a really strong flavor. I would register for their points program while they are there and you can be a VIP and get points as well!
(4)Jason B.
The best most flavorful healthy food in town. Hands down. With amazing mixologists for your beverage delight!
(5)Jack F.
What to say about Marin, this was very good. Sister store of Mill Valley Kitchen and definitely has echos of it through the menu, but the look is very different. They have a few of the same menu items like the flat breads, which are pretty good. Again, like Mill Valley, they don't have a very good veggie options. They can make their entrees vegetarian, but they don't specifically have them in mind. I ordered the duck that was very good and arrived medium rare as I ordered. It had a savory sweet glaze and paired with brussel sprouts and Shiitake mushrooms. These seem like an after thought to me because it didn't really pair well, but the duck was good. The drinks had potential but did not deliver. I order the Sazerac that I've had it at Prohibition and it was very good, but their version had an over powering taste of absinthe in it. The desserts were memorable; the small bites plate with a crunchy peanut butter cover chocolate ball or their raspberry faux macaroon. The dessert that would go back for is their tapioca dessert, unfortunately our table devoured it before I could take any pictures. Final Word: I would go back for the tapioca dessert but Mill Valley Kitchen's food was better and in a more accessible location. Also, we ordered their signature ice cream sammies and it was not all that. Those are not the droids your looking for. Want me to go back for another try? Let me know!
(3)Linda Y.
The ham and fig flatbread is one of the best things I've ever tasted. I Am not exaggerating. The service is excellent. I gave it a four instead of a five because they (or the hotel) charge you $5 service fee AND a $5 delivery fee for room service AND this does NOT include the tip!!! (restaurant is located in Le Meridien Hotel. But since I was craving the flatbread madly the next night, I just sat at the bar and waited for my to-go order. Not disappointed!
(4)Ricky S.
Sadly, tried Marin again hoping to not have a repeat of the last time. However, service & the kitchen once again disappoints. Saturday brunch; hardly anyone in the restaurant. Five people at our table: one meal came late, one meal wrong and continual request for condiments. Wrong meal had onions. Returned to kitchen. Returned to table not having it remade--just onions picked off sandwich--and it took 5 minutes to do it!! NOT RECOMMEND.
(2)Morgan B.
Meg's family came into town and some co-workers recommended that we try out Marin-- named after a city in northern California (close to my hometown!), the concept is fresh farm to table-- yes that is how our waitress introduced the menu....It supposedly would be a perfect place to wine and dine especially if your roomie's parents are treating. My first impression? Overall the ambience is trendy and sleek. In my opinion, not the best place for a family dinner but rather the perfect place to sip on cocktails and eat healthy, fresh meals with your fav gal pals.--I'm thinking best for a ladies night! The food really was delicious. We started with a couple of appetizers, which were perfect for sharing (definitely recommend the ham, fig, & blue cheese flatbread and vegetable-soba spring rolls). For a main course, I had the blackened cod surrounded by a broth which was spicier than I was expecting. Next time, I would opt for the Scallop dish, which Meg's dad ordered and was phenomenal. The actual main dishes are on the small size so if you are feeling at all ravenous, I would definitely order some of the sides (try the Cumin-Lime Carrots!!!!!). Major problem- It is incredibly loud. for some reason every sound in the restaurant echoed drastically so it was difficult to even hear people at your table. It was awkward how many times I had to repeat/shout over to Meg's parents on the other side of the table--- either I speak ohh so softly (which I severely doubt is the problem) or Marin should work on diffusing the sound in some way. P.S. there is a beautiful patio space that would be so nice when the weather is warm.. but we unfortunately did not get to experience this...seeing as how chillier winter days are fast approaching....
(4)Alan W.
If this food is what they eat in Northern California I am glad I don't live there. Send this food back to California. They even failed at a iceberg and bacon salad and can say nothing good about the tomato and cheese flatbread. Service was great. All the attendants had wonderful personalities and we loved their personal attention. The ambiance was very nice. Get a new chef and menu and I would consider trying Marin again. Suggestion, have the chef go to Pizza Rev in Hopkins for a lesson on flatbread.
(1)Steven K.
My first experience at Marin was with my brother for a birthday lunch. It was truly excellent. There are so many ways to go with the menu, it was hard to finally decide between salads, small plates, entrees, sandwiches, and side dishes. We finally opted for sandwiches and sides. But it would be fun to go back and try some of the small plates. I liked it so much for lunch that I picked it for a Valentine dinner with my wife. Also an excellent meal. We split a small plate as a starter - tuna tartare. I had duck and my wife had chicken. We also split a side of Brussel sprouts. All the food was delicious. Our server was friendly and reasonably attentive. The ambiance is warm and comfortable. It was a little loud, but not excessively so.
(4)Elizabeth R.
We recently hosted a private event in the board room. The support and communication from the event planning staff was responsive and extremely accommodating. Service was warm, welcoming, and gracious. The library bar provided a nice gathering space for cocktails. The food was excellent; clean, bright, well balanced dishes. If I could improve on anything it would be that the appetizer salads were a bit small and the entrees could have had more vegetables. Overall, I highly recommend Marin for private dining events.
(5)Attila S.
My date and I repaired to Marin following the Nutcracker at the State Theatre on Saturday evening, December 21. We had aspirations for a quiet - dare I day romantic - setting at Marin in which our formal wear would be welcome among the employees and patrons of this establishment. We were disappointed in a most dramatic fashion. The poor dress of the customers was surpassed only by the similarly low-end dress and ham-fisted manner of our waiter and the general slum-like look and vacuous gaze and slack jaws of the entire staff. The booming music from the basement disco (our waiter actually did the pushing-up hands in the air gesture) was the height of annoying and completely dissuaded us from even considering eating there amidst the cacophonous environment. The drinks were overpriced and incorrectly tendered: since when does a martini come in a highball glass? The menu was unremarkable except for the astronomical prices for what looked to be average fare: something like $35.00 US for a ribeye! Two drinks came to $28.00 US: it should have been more like $12.00 U.S., or - better still - one scheckle with a hole in it. The pounding noise from the floor below (the waiter exclaimed "We have a DJ!") destroyed what could have been a nice dining experience: the decor and overall presentation of the dining room is nice, but the noise from below is unbearable, as is the disinterest of the wait staff. Our shadows shall never darken the entrance of this disappointing so-called eatery again. I cannot unrecommend a destination with any greater enthusiasm than I demonstrate in this epistle.
(1)Randall T.
Full disclosure--I am a big fan of Mill Valley Kitchen so each time I go to Marin I know I'm going to get to choose from a broad selection of really interesting and great food, each annotated with the full nutritional data (calories, fat, carbs, etc). This is really a wonderful place to have great food with minimal guilt. Try their little desserts in a shot glass! Can't wait to go back soon.
(5)Laura M.
Love, love, LOVE the posting of nutrition info! I love checking out local spots, but I really like to know what I'm eating without any guesswork, and this is the first place I've found that does it. I decided to have a few small plates rather than an entree. I started with the Tuna from the raw section. Very nice portion of fish, but the vinegar sauce was on the strong side and overpowered the other flavors a bit. Then, I had the Grilled Prawns, there were three with an adobo sauce, and the Cumin-Lime Carrots for a side. They were probably the best carrots I've ever had - roasted to a perfect texture, and served over a yogurt sauce. Dining companions had the Cheese Plate, Charred Salmon Belly, Scallops, and Grass Run Filet, and everyone liked the food. Despite the calorie counts being posted, portions are very nice. Only knocking this place down a star because of the ambiance - it was nice, but definitely felt like a hotel restaurant and matched the mostly 50+ crowd that was there while we were. Can't wait to go back to check out happy hour or brunch!
(4)Timothy M.
After hearing rave reviews I decided to give Marin a try. I now know what everyone has been raving about! The food is absolutely delicious! The staff attentive and knowledgeable! The restaurant itself is beautiful and the lower library bar is none like any other! I highly recommend Marin for any occasion. Great location to the downtown happenings! I will most certainly be back!
(5)Townsend F.
We went to Marin before the ballet this past weekend. They are used to people coming in before shows, and the server makes sure to ask you what time your show is so that they can get you out in time, if needed. The food was simply prepared, and very good. I had salmon and it was great. It was perfectly cooked, and the right amount of fish for an entree. I also had the kale salad with the lemon yogurt dressing, it was one of the best and most unique salads I've had. The beet salad was also very good. Someone else I was with ordered beef, and it came way too rare, much rarer than was asked for. It was good, but very very rare. I liked how they have the nutrition information on the menu. The wine list was not big, but we all found wines we loved. I usually avoid restaurants on Hennepin since they are usually overcrowded with show-goers, but this one was really good and I would definitely go back.
(4)Sarah G.
I can't say anything bad about this place. Granted I only come for lunch since it is attached to my hotel but there is never any huge crowd. The service is good and the food is amazing. Very modern feel to it. Their coffee is crazy strong.
(5)Jen S.
Wonderful food, ambience, service, atmosphere, drinks, valet, everything! I would fly back to Minneapolis just to have their roasted cauliflower hummus again. Love this place!
(5)Lauren S.
I went here for lunch and couldn't believe the transformation of the space. It went from a bit cold to fabulously handsome. The food was the same as Mill Valley-tasty, interesting and healthy. The hummus is the best in town. The bison burger is good but could use a bit more seasoning with a better selection of cheeses. I was looking for sweet potato fries but didn't see them. My guest had the eggsalad with lox that I almost stole off her plate. She said it was fab! We ordered the two desserts which are larger then the Mill Valley shot glasses-perfect to share. We toured the rest of the facility and love the downstairs space.Comfy and inviting! The outdoor space is a beautiful patio space. Nice work on the renovations.
(4)Sarah M.
I absolutely loved it here. I ate so much and yet did not feel overly full. Also, minor detail, but the music selection playing during dinner was eclectic and simply perfect.
(5)Jim P.
Not there yet. I had expected more after a couple of visits to their cohort, Mill Valley Kitchen. I recommended a group of five, and am a bit embarrassed that I did. We are all foodies, and used to great service. When our expensive main course was delayed, our server proceeded to thank us for our patience because they had so many people to serve outside. Good grief! Who wants to hear that their meal is delayed in favor of others? Isn't the job of a really excellent restaurant to make their customers feel they are the most important? Good main course, served late, and only lukewarm. And with an excuse about why it was late. Throughout, the place was less than half full.
(3)Jenny M.
Meh...not awful, but not good. We had cocktails and apps at Marin after an Orpheum show. The patio is pretty. Service was just alright - the bartender who served us wasn't very friendly and was pretty slow (over 20 mins for first drink order, and we were sitting at the bar!), and when another patron asked for her recommendation on which of their numerous kinds of gin she would recommend, she responded that she only drank whiskey. Pretty sure servers should at least be able to give basic information about the type of alcohol that the restaurant/bar revolves around! That being said, my gin and tonic (mix-and-match, with basil and lemongrass) was delicious, albeit pretty darn expensive. The food was meh as well. We had their crudo, ahi with dried cherries, which was good but not that exciting, and the salmon with ponzu, which just tasted like vinegar. Very overpowering acidity. I doubt I'd go back, especially at those prices.
(3)Joshua M.
I was a guest at the Chambers Hotel and decided to have lunch in the new restaurant. I realize they just opened therefore I will expect some problems with service but that wasn't the case. I was taken care of promptly by a nice young lady out at the outside bar area. She was very knowledgable about the menu and courteous. I saw that the only thing available was the $26 brunch. I was put back by such a slim choice yet decided to stay since it was not crowded and I wanted to try the place out. I ordered a bloody mary with my brunch (included) which was an ok choice, not fabulous and not bad. I received my daily omelette which was much smaller than I had imagined for the price of the meal. It came with a bed of arugula which was lacking in taste. I had looked at the menu and saw that it included a dessert as indicated on the bottom. I finished my meal and left and once back to my room was asked by a friend how the dessert was. I had forgot that it came with a dessert. Under normal circumstances this would be fine, yet I feel that if you are going to have such a limited menu and make it coursed out you should be the one making sure I receive the dessert since it is included and you are providing that to anyone who orders your brunch that day. It was just another let down. I tend to stay in the downtown area and at Chambers when I come to Minneapolis and I am sure my friends will talk me into going here again and I am good at giving second chances. I just hope that next time there is more flavor and better choices for the type of place they are claiming to have.
(2)Markie M.
Farm to Table. Fresh, simple, raw, delicious! In LOVE with this restaurant. We went here for date night and were so pleasantly surprised by the prices, presentation, quality, and service of the food. I sincerely wish I could have tried everything because what we did have was phenomenal. We started with the Slow Roasted Tomato, Oregano and Mozzarella flatbread ($6) and the Vegetable-Soba Spring Rolls ($5). The crust on the flatbread was impeccable: crunchy and crispy, but not too thin. The spring rolls were fresh and came with a delicious spicy pepper dipping sauce. Next came the Grilled Romaine, Marinated Vegetables, Olive, and Feta Salad ($7-- see a trend with the pricing? It doesn't get expensive until you order drinks or entrees). This was a salad I didn't intend on sharing, but it was a very large portion, so it was nice to share. The smokey flavor from the grilled romaine paired perfectly with the vinaigrette flavor brought by the marinated vegetables. Then came out entrees. I ordered the Pea and Carrot Ravioli with Mint and Pine Nuts ($17) and the bf got the Scallops with Lobster-Fingering Hash and Corn Sauce ($29). I've had ravioli at so many of the gourmet restaurants downtown, many of them focusing on pumpkin or squash. I was so pleasantly surprised that this one was made with peas and carrots (which also gave it great color). The "dressing" was pesto-like, especially with the pine nuts, instead of a thick cream sauce which I greatly enjoyed. The bf thoroughly enjoyed the scallops and especially the corn sauce which added a slight sweetness to the dish. The lobster hash had corn kernels and potatoes, but was still light enough to be paired with seafood. We had small bite desserts which were the perfect size after the many plates we tried. ($5 each). I can't forget about the drinks! We tried the Periodic Table of Gin--mixing fresh herbs (from their herb garden!!) with varying top shelf gins($14 each). I had the Dark Cherry with Bombay Sapphire and the bf got Lemon and Orange Zest (not sure what kind of gin as he asked the server to just pick the best one for him). Very good, but you have to like gin to have more than one of these. Overall, I sincerely can not wait to come back and try more of their flatbreads, salads, raw plates and sides. Their outdoor seating includes private bungalow-style seating, fireplace seating, bar seating, and regular 4-tops. Great atmosphere, great feel, good music, overall really great NEW addition to Minneapolis' foodie culture :)
(5)Joe N.
Nice Menu, Beautiful Presentations. Went to Marin for first time last night. A bit quiet on a Monday. Nice private dining rooms downstairs. Very interesting menu. Cheese plate, humus and flatbreads were each outstanding. I had the beet salad while others had the field greens. Mine was excellent and others liked their's. Salad greens certainly not on the sweet side, but nice vinnaigrette. The bison ribeye steak was really, really outstanding. Certaiinly get that again. Scallpos were plump and perfectly cooked. Filet was really nice as well. For sides we ordered the brussel sprouts (so-so) and the roasted vegies (excellent). Every dish beautifully presented. I'm looking forward to my next trip to delve further into the menu and try other sides.
(4)Daniel V.
My wife & I stayed at Le Meriden for three days & ate at Marin's for three separate meals. I must say the food was both healthy & delicious. The food was second only to the service we received from the staff. Our servers at all three meals were attentive, courteous & knowledgable. We showed up without reservations on Friday night & were totally underdressed but were seated quickly & with smiles. I would have given it five stars but we had either sticky silverware, dirty cups or glasses at every sitting. Someone needs to give special attention to the cleanliness of the dishes as they do to the quality of the food. Too good of a place to keep having those issues, someone isn't paying attention.
(4)Stephan K.
After reading some reviews on Marin, I made the reservation at Marin before our Wicked performance. My wife had the Oven Roasted Chicken, Kale, Mustard Potatoes and I ordered the Steamed black Code, Vegetables, Lemongrass Broth. The chicken came out crispy on the outside, and the meat was very juicy. I loved the lemongrass broth (tangy with a little heat), the cod was perfectly steamed. For dessert, we went with the Artisan Cheese plate and were presented with an amazing array of assorted goat cheese!!! Since we are tickets holders for some venues downtown, this restaurant is now on the list of my go-to restaurants. The menu also includes nutritional information for each entree, which is a huge plus for my wife.
(4)Theresa C.
We went here on a Tuesday night and sat on the patio. We had a reservation, but really wouldn't have needed one. The server was very accommodating with all of my questions. Everything we had was to our liking. My only suggestion is that a restaurant that touts local/organic, should have more organic wine selections. They only had one.
(5)Karen R.
We went with friends before a show at the orpheum. We were cutting it close on time but it really didn't help that we had to wait 15-20 minutes to be seated with reservations. Drinks took forever to get to us and our server was super confused when we moved after finally being seated. Due to our limited time we decided to get only cold apps. The only thing any of us ordered was the grilled prawns and those came out first. The spring rolls were pretty good and the dipping sauce definitely has a kick. Cheese plate was pretty decent with a good amount of cheese but some fruits or nuts would have been a nice addition for my $13. We had to wait another 10 minutes for the rest of our RAW apps to arrive. Two came and when we asked our server about the ceviche he was shocked we hadn't gotten it. Unfortunately we had to inhale it but I was able to realize it was modest at best. On a positive the location is convenient and there is an awesome outdoor patio. I think it would be a cool place for HH and late night drinks. Maybe ill go back to try that but most likely will not go for another meal.
(2)John B.
I really wanted to love this place but I'm so disappointed with my first experience I'm not sure I will be back. We had a reservation for 7:30 on arrival we were informed our table was taken and we needed to wait. We were in no particular rush so decided to go downstairs and enjoy a cocktail at the bar, while we waited for our table. The bartender downstairs was very slow, He was standing in front of us making drinks for 15 minutes before he acknowledged our presence and finally gave us drink menus. Our drinks took over 20 minutes, we sat there for 40 minutes and never got water. He was very unprofessional and seemed completely lost and overwhelmed. I think they needed a second bartender helping him, he was ill prepare to deal with de volume of people and a bunch of waitresses waiting for him at the end of the bar. After waiting for 40 minutes our table was finally ready. At this point I am starving and buzzed from drinking on an empty stomach. The food was ok not too exciting, most of the dishes were lacking flavor. All of our food came at once, we got our appetizers and two minutes later all of our entrees came too! Really? The worst thing is they pushed us to eat the food that was early, instead of waiting for us to be done with our appetizers. Our waiter was not very helpful ,he seemed rushed the whole time, and never checked back after delivering the food. Overall this place was disappointing. Service was poor for a fine dining establishment with entrees between 24-45 dollars a piece. Dining room and bar experiences were equally bad, Also the floor manager looked like an unemployed guy that was lost and wandering around the dining room. If you are going to be upscale then deliver upscale service not just an upscale looking bar and dinning room. Many better places to eat in the twin cities. Specially for this price range I say go to La belle Vie, Burch Steak or Saffron. about the same price and 1000% better.
(2)Terri M.
Six of us ate at Marin last week. All six dinners came luke warm. None of us complained as we were headed to a show. Food was good but I have to rate it a 3 Maybe I should have given it a 2. Service was slow which probably meant the food sat for awhile before being delivered. I'm canceling another reservation I had there. I'll give it one more chance in a few months to see if they have their act together by then.
(3)Jennifer M.
Visited with husband and another couple. My girlfriend is GF, and we choose Marin because they offer A LOT of GF choices. Not only are the menu options that are GF marked, but the nutrition information is listed in the menu below each item. Our food was out-of-this world! We all had something different and everyone was completely satisfied, and then some. On top of fantastic food, we had outstanding service. Rie was our server, and she was excellent. She took one item off our bill (because our friend didn't like it - though, in Marin's defense, he didn't read the menu properly), and also was able to get the bartender to make special martini for us. While the prices are high, I would certainly return for a special occasion again!
(5)Kevin S.
Not impressed at all! I'm currently staying at the hotel. Asked the staff for their recommendation of restaurants, and they said Marin was pretty good (go figure). Positives - ambiance is excellent. Food quality was good. So why 2 stars? I sit at the bar to get a drink and dinner before I head up to the room. At this time there are 4 other people just getting their meal, and 2 other people waiting to order. I order my meal first, and they follow shortly after. Fast forward 38 minutes later, the 4 previous people are gone (replaced by 3 other people who have already long gotten their meals), and the other 2 people are paying their checks. The bartender, came over and apologized that she put the order in late, so that's why the food was taking so long, but that was after 20 minutes. I didn't think she was letting me know I was only at the half way mark. She mentioned that the manager was going to bring the food out and speak to me about it. 20 minutes later, some guy brought out the food and handed it to her, and she walked it over. No manager, no nothing. Clearly back of the house and front of the house are not in communication. Disappointed. Too many other great restaurants in the area to return to Marin.
(2)Amanda C.
we showed up with 10 people and the table they put us at had a VERY bright light over it, to the point where they table next to us laughed and said that we were being interrogated. we asked manager to turn it down or even off. Did I mention it was LED so gave off the blue glow. anyway manager couldn't do anything about it and was rude. we then found another table we asked to move to. the waitress was ok didn't keep up with clearing our table and at the end when we wanted to relax with friends we had food all over our table. food was ok. we have been to many of the new restaurants around town, won't go back here. when you spend $100 a person you expect GREAT service.
(2)Ceci C.
this place is so expensive with sample tasting size portion for entrée. n the waitress got wrong about our bill three times... not very impressive...
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