Nicollet Island Restaurant
Nicollet Island Inn,95 Merriam St, Minneapolis, MN, 55401
Nicollet Island Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Minneapolis for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
Nicollet Island Inn,95 Merriam St
Minneapolis, MN, 55401 - Phone (612) 331-3035
- Website https://www.nicolletislandinn.com/dining/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Jon B.
I've eaten here occasionally over the years and more recently have been here with a small group of business associates for a holiday dinner several years running now. It seems like food quality slips every time I go. Most recently I had a rib-eye that was correctly cooked medium rare but had the texture of a well-done steak (hard and dry... I didn't even know it was possible for a rib-eye to be hard and dry). The wife had bouillabaisse with a number of gritty mussels, a few shrimp, and a microscopic piece of salmon. My overall impression of all the food was that it seemed like the kitchen staff was putting in a good effort but I just don't think they are working with quality ingredients. On top of that, we found the busy-body manager rather obnoxious -- among other things, loudly ordering the bartender to close out our bar tab because our table was ready while the guy was still taking our orders (the bartender was a bit mortified and just transferred the tab) and ripping menus out of peoples' hands when the starters arrived saying he didn't want us to get grease on them. The manager's social and customer service deficiencies aside however, the rest of the staff was very friendly and helpful. It's a shame because I think it's a really picturesque setting but the place is definitely suffering from neglect.
(2)LB C.
A great 5 course brunch if you have friends and family in town or are celebratingnsomethng special! 8 of us went for my friends birthday and had a blast! $25 for 5 courses off of the tasting menu, each one perfectly portioned and unlimited mimosas or champagne!!! The best ingredients for a great brunch, I'd say! The brunch is started with a basket of pastries including canolis, zuchinni bread and petite blueberry muffins. For the second course I had the eggs Benedict with salmon, which was my favorite! Second course I had the beet salad (with crispy kale), followed by the lemony lobster roll and the candabom penna cotta. I would come back in a heartbeat, the food was excellent, We had a great server, and even after we stayed way past the normal lunch crowd (3:30).. We never felt rushed. Also the owner was there at the door to thank us and shake our hands as we left. Highly recommended, definitely taking my family here next time they come to visit!!!
(5)G. L.
Awful. Haven't even stayed there, and that's because this place lost the reservation made through their own on-line booking system. The dinner reservation made through open table worked just fine, but I cancelled that since it only made sense if we were to eat there as well. No effort to explain the situation by the management. Ruined a weekend get away for us. Would never recommend. There are too many nice new hotels in Minneapolis to put up with this kind of thing. Run in the opposite direction.
(1)D L.
This review is for the Nicollet Island Inn dining room (not the accomodations). We went with a party of 10 and requested a private room. The room was a bit small for 10, it actually seemed more like a room for 7 or 8 max, but the food was quite good. All of the members of our party were satisfied with the service we received and the food ordered. The ambiance of the dining room was nice; however, it seemed a bit dark overall - good for a date, perhaps not so good for a large party.
(4)Mitzi D.
SUNDAY BRUNCH: Its a very cute hotel and restaurant. I wouldn't come in jeans but for $30 its a good brunch for the girls, or to take your grandma to, they also have a private room you could ask for if you had a little party, I picutre bridal/baby shower. The indoor area is very pretty, dark wood, fresh cut flowers, and a lot of older patrons. There are five courses and you are able to pick from 3 to 5 items per course. This may sound like a massive amount of food but the portion size isn't out of control and they time it out so its just enough food to make you satisfied but not bursting at the seams. The first course is a basket of pastries at your table and choice of juice, coffee, mimosa or champagne. There is a full bar if you don't like any of these choices. I started with coffe and a scone then moved on to the creme brulee french toast which was delicious. The petit croque monsieur was just okay, I like my bread a bit more toasted. The grilled trout with capers was very good and the bouillabaisse (my friend and I split the two plates so we could taste both) was cooked perfectly. Others ordered the strip steak that looked perfectly done. I was sad the profiteroles were off the menu but I settled for the cheesecake that was accompanied by a tart sorbet, good but nothing memorable. I had to take a star away for our waiter. We heard the waiter next to our table and he was AMAZING, very friendly and descriptive of all the food he presented. We couldn't get our waiter to smile for the life of us and he was not pleasant to interact with. The host/manager was also a delight so hopefully if you go you won't get our guy.
(3)Steve W.
I didn't find this place as stuffy as Ian did, but I wasn't overly impressed either. Good meal and good ambiance, and I will probably go back again, but nothing that just makes me crave going to the place. The view from the restaurant isn't great (lots of joggers and horses, but no real river view) and the food is high quality, but not pulse stopping. Contrary to Ian's review I actually saw a wide range of people in the restaurant, so I wouldn't categorize it as too old or stuffy. But I also wouldn't go out of my way to go back again.
(3)Ninja S.
More like the Old Money Island Inn. Make sure to bring your monocles and handkerchiefs when you go here for brunch. The fancy old ladies will be out in force and looking to regulate on anyone who isn't up to the Standard To Which We Are Accustomed. This is the kind of place with brass plaques on the walls that mention people long dead and money spent long ago.
(4)Rachel S.
Went for our anniversary. They bring out a neat one bite appetizer the chef created for the night and finished with a one bite dessert for each of us. I wouldn't go all the time, but for a special occassion and a slower pace it works for me.
(4)Thomas r.
i would never recommend this place to anyone. was treated very unprofessionally by he manager and staff. did not feel comfortable there. slow service. felt like we were in the way. food was good but i would never go back
(1)Justin B.
Don't blink, or you will surely drive by this little historic property. If you do happen to stop in, however, you won't be disappointed. Upon stepping foot into the front door, I knew deep down this would be a good experience. The second we walked in we were met with an unassuming smile from the host. It's as if he was waiting for us. (maybe he was?) With gentle elegance he guided us to our seat to meet our party. The server was courteous and played the balance between a new friend and a detail oriented server. She knew her stuff inside / out painting a very descriptive picture to the food preparation and ingredients. I chose the 10oz flat iron and my wife tried the home made gnocchi. Both were incredible. My wife's gnocchi was very rich, and had a wide spectrum of flavor. My flat iron had, what I can only describe as an asian / south of the border reduction garnished with cilantro. (What?) It was tangy, punchy and had some serious depth. We did order an order of bread to mop up our reduction / creme sauce, and it was quite meager. (Almost seemed comical) Not a deal breaker, but it was a bit odd for sure. The price will set you back a bit, but it does seem justified. I'd highly recommend the NIR.
(4)Bubbles LaTour L.
Because Minnesota's fall weather was as good as it gets yesterday, we sallied forth to dinner somewhere near the Mississippi in NE Minneapolis. First thought was Wilde Roast but since I really like the Nicollet Island Inn, and since I was buying, we looked at their parking lot and pulled in there. Not busy at 6:00 on Sunday last and I have no idea why. Mr. Bill seated us near a window and pressed bartender Matt into waitservice due to being shortstaffed. I wonder if being a bartender requires a jovial and terminally cheerful demeanor. Mr. Matt certainly exhibited those qualities and played a good part in the success of our spontaneous evening out. Now I have to bring him that jam I promised him! I could not believe mein eyes when I saw the three course prix fixe meal for TWO. $50. It's their Sunday night special -- after 4:30. That price was confirmed and we enjoyed the excellent onion soup, the flatiron steak, and pineapple upside down cake for dessert. My faithful companion popped for the $20 bottle of champagne to accompany it all. The soup was wonderful and the steak perfect. Pineapple upside down cake wasn't bad, either. :-) Truly, $70 (with the wine) + t&t. Worth every penny and I am flummoxed as to why there were not more people taking advantage of the deal. And no coupon required!!! LOL!!! You should go. I'd go again in a heartbeat.
(5)Abbie F.
I have to say this is one of the best dining experiences I have had in the Twin Cities...and I eat out a lot! Service: Our waiter Joe's service was impeccable! He was attentive and not over bearing. He suggested some delicious foods as well. The ambience was key. There was a woman with an amazing voice playing the piano and singing. Food: I had two entrees for dinner bc I couldn't pick between them. Scallops and gnocchi. Both were delicious. The scallops and risotto were probably my favorite. The risotto had a cow's milk cream that was to die for! We had all three desserts-pumpkin brûlée, chocolate thing and almond cake. Almond cake was the winner-super moist with tons of flavor and fresh apples and cream. I've lived in Minneapolis for a while and am so sad I didn't go sooner. This place is on the top of my list!
(5)Tim R.
Went for Sunday morning brunch. The famous creme brulee french toast was disappointing: the chocolate and raspberry sauce overwhelmed all other flavors. They are willing to make it with the chocolate on the side. The steak was a bit over cooked and the pastry basket was meh. For how much it costed, I was underwhelmed.
(2)Beth K.
Very swanky, borderline stuffy for my taste. Food was very well done. I had a delicious piece of salmon with maple mashed potatoes. Our servers were extremely knowledgable about the wine list. The only negative during the meal was that the cake that came with dessert was very dry and flavorless. It didn't matter much to me, though, since it also came with a perfect espresso ice cream and coffee bean crumbles. I recommend the Nicollet Island Inn if you're looking for a formal dinner experience with spot on entrees and great wine. Perfect for special occasions!
(4)Jennifer S.
Restaurant review -- Delicious and high-priced food. Average service. Lovely setting and ambiance. Walking in for our 7pm reservation a few nights ago, we saw that no one was at the hostess area and so we just ambled into the restaurant, looking around (I'd never been there before). And as we were walking back to the entry area, the hostess was walking out from some place and greeted us in what I felt to be a rather brusque manner. She hurriedly lead us to our table way off on one side of the main entry dining area. Moments later, our server made his presence well known to us - my companion and I were clearly engaged in conversation and the server interrupted us. In a place of this renown, I would expect near impeccable service (like the excellent service I recently experienced at Forepaugh's in St. Paul). When asked a few questions about a few certain white wines, our server seemed at a loss to offer any helpful answers. A small basket of bread arrived with a tiny amount of butter in a small dish. Our glasses of white wine arrived - mine a nice cool cellar temperature, and my companion's chilled like a can of PBR. Turns out, the wine he ordered was "out" and they "upgraded" his selection to their Hess chardonnay and if he did not like it, they'd bring him something else. PBR-cold though it was, it was decent enough wine. My Linwood chardonnay, however, was much better. We shared a crab cake. It was beautifully-presented and also very delicate and tasty. Next, I enjoyed a bowl of their onion gratinee soup. It was ohhhhh, soooo good. Rich, sweet, and satisfying. Lastly, I had their beet salad. Whole cooked and chilled beets were in the depth of the bowl, surrounded with pickled onion wedges, and then a smear of brown butter mascarpone around the upper perimeter of the bowl. It was very tasty, although I would have enjoyed "warmed" beets more than the cold ones. My dining companion ordered their 3-scallop risotto and deemed it excellent. I ate a small bite and agreed. We ended our meal with a shared pumpkin creme brûlée topped with shortbread crumbs and honey-poached dark raisins (although many of those "raisins" looked to be the size of currants). It had a nice caramelized crust with a soft, creamy pudding underneath, not a loosely-firm custard. It was very yummy and we ate most of it. Upon our exit, we had the pleasure of chatting with a woman behind the hotel reception desk. Her personality and demeanor made up for what was lacking in the others we encountered.
(3)Brenda C.
Came here for a business dinner planned by one of the lovely vendors and this just took my dining experience to a whole new level. The service was absolutely impeccable as he understood it was a business dinner. He was not over bearing and was on his toes the whole time! I ordered the scallop risotto, and it is honestly the best risotto I've ever, ever had! Lastly, the gorgeous view overseeing the lake made it very difficult to talk business.
(5)Pam B.
Romantic spot right on the Mississippi River. Atmosphere is special. Food is great. Not inexpensive, but great for that special night. The Sunday brunch was amazing.
(5)Paul R.
Food was outstanding. Service was great. Nick was our server and was outstanding.
(5)Kristi E.
What a gorgeous bed and breakfast! I went to the hotel for breakfast for a friend's birthday. It seems (from the comments below) that you should call ahead for the "tasting menu?" However, we just went in for breakfast and had a wonderful time! Maybe our bliss was due to the fact that we were unaware of greater things... I ordered Nic's Breakfast (eggs benny 4 life) with ham and hasbrowns. I skipped the mimosa's (again, apparently i didn't have to deal with that drama either), and just had coffee, which was wonderful. My friends had the creme brulee french toast and said it was to die for. I loved the atmosphere, and since we weren't in a hurry, we didn't mind that the service was on the slower side. I am definitely heading back, but this time, I'm going to ask for a tour. I'm so curious what is on the other levels, not to mention the lower level patio - when can one sit down there?!
(4)Rhonda G.
I was here with the MN WIFT group for a brunch. It was held in the party room downstairs. Ryan the manager was always on hand for us, and didn't mind turning up the heat. There is a handy, sizable coatroom. On the other side of that is the bathroom. That's where it's toasty, and well maintained and two boxes of kleenix. There wasn't a hook in the stall for purses. The banquet room had round tables.I am not a brunch buffet type. I only ate the bacon and scrambled eggs. Those who had the thick, gooey french toast seemed to like it. The strawberries in the fruit looked good for January. No potatoes were on the buffet. What I had I liked. It's a very beautiful venue. Old style architecture, and I love the button knobs on the elevators.
(4)Camille L.
This review is for their restaurant which is very elegant and romantic. We came here for Valentines Day and this place and the food exceeded my expectations. There was a set menu for $70 per person which came with a unique tasting soup and salad and we got to choose between steak or scallops for the entree. We ordered both entrees so that we could taste both of them which was a great move since both were equally good. The scallops had a good risotto and the steak was wrapped in bacon! The dessert was a nice hearty cake with chocolate and a creme topping. The only slightly disappointing part of the meal was the cocktail that I ordered which tasted too sweet. I thought it would be great since it had champagne. The red wine was very good though. This is the perfect place if you want to woo someone or eat somewhere romantic with delicious food. It's described as one of the hidden jewels in the MN dining scene!
(5)Dee C.
Just want to send high kuddos to the staff at the Inn. As always Besty Todd and Erin made our date night exceptional. From the moment you enter this nostalgic Inn every detail is perfect. The food and service is award winning. Always hitting the mark. Thanks again Betsy for making our evening so memorable. Signed. Diane & Rick.
(5)Mary B.
My husband and I have made it our tradition to attend the Christmas meal at Nicollet Island Inn. This year we invited my parents to join us. My 75 year old father, thanked us for giving him something he has never experienced before. Both my parents were thrilled by the service, atmosphere, and food. It was great to be able to share this with my parents. The Christmas meal did not disappoint. The 5 course meal is a great way to enjoy the holiday.
(5)Megan L.
We came here for lobster week and purchased the 4 course tasting menu for 2. The service was SLOW, like an hour in we had only been served our appetizers. Drink orders took a long time as well, there was no explanation about why since there were many staff everywhere to accommodate the small size of the crowd. 1st course Lobster chowder came with clams in it and tasted like clams, not the small slivers of lobster that was draped on top. Also the vegetables in the soup were undercooked and chewy. Left much to be desired. It took about five minutes to eat, and about thirty minutes before someone came by to take the dirty dishes. 1.5/5 2nd course Lobster and leek terrine. Mehh. 1/5 3rd course Lobster Newburg was ok. There was a welcoming chunk of lobster, present for the first time in the meal. While flavorful, the lobster had an alarmingly bizarre texture to it. The three pomme dauphine we're the most expensive tator tots I've ever had in my life. 3/5
(2)Danielle C.
I came here for my birthday with a couple friends, and I can safely say I've never felt so pampered before! The staff made sure it was a celebratory atmosphere at our table, and were so friendly, warm, and welcoming. (Erin, Joe, Bill, Noah, etc.... you rock!) From the moment we walked in to the moment we're walked out we were pampered. The meal was also delicious! We shared a Fromage plate as an appetizer, and I wanted more of each cheese selection. Erin helped us pick a good wine to pair with the good we were getting, and talked us through tasting notes in our wine selections. I got the strip steak as my entree, and the proportions and flavor profile was perfect! The flow of the meal and the dishes was great and the wine pairing was a good complement to the food (thanks Erin!) We then had a dessert sample platter, and now I want to order the almond cake every single day. The desserts were just the cherry on top of a wonderful birthday celebration! The atmosphere, dining experience, staff, and other patrons make this a place to return to often!
(5)Katrina O.
Well this place exudes a very old-school rich vibe which my hubby and i are definitely not! I had bought a Groupon deal for this restaurant because we live right by it and we always say we should try it but we could never bring ourselves to actually go. We felt like we would be out of place, which is why we never went! I noticed that Groupon had a deal for it and figured it's time for us to try it. Hubby and I were definitely out of our element since it did put out a very rich-y vibe. However, atmosphere aside, the food was so good! I had the Trofie, which is a cream based pasta dish with shrimps and 1 giant scallop. It was so good, I had to restrain myself from inhaling the everything in 30 seconds! Hubby got the steak and it was delicious as well! The steak came with a weird layered potato with mushrooms as a side and that wasn't that great but hey at least it wasn't the main part of his meal!
(4)Bryan K.
I feel bad that my 1st review on yelp is negative but I have to say something about my meal last night. Service was very good from all the staff. However the food was terrible, the pork shank tasted as if was microwaved , the onion soup was flavor less. The rest of my party also did not fare well , the NY steak was poor, the scallops were cooked fine but the risotto underneath was not. Had such high hopes for this beautiful location and was thoroughly disappointed.
(2)rc r.
My first visit here and I was disappointed, especially given the high regard many people have for this restaurant. Beet salad had golf-ball-sized whole beets, fresh tarragon, pickled onions, mascarpone -- all fine -- but then was weirdly topped with what looked and tasted like canned french-fried onions (like you put on green bean casserole). Strange. Filet mignon: The steak was excellent and perfectly cooked. But the "pancetta hash" consisted of halved fingerling potatoes that were undercooked to the point of inedible (they were literally crunchy), with a few cubes of pancetta. And the roasted parsnips were also undercooked and crunchy. We ordered roasted Brussels sprouts for the table and the waiter forgot them -- but did bring them out shortly afterward, very hot and also a bit underdone. No way was this worth the $120 for 3 people (a tab that included three salads, three entrees, the Brussels sprouts, one drink and no desserts).
(1)Derek S.
This is our second time back here and it was just as amazing as the first. We came here for our anniversary and they went above and beyond my expectations. Flowers at the table and complimentary champagne with dessert was just the start!! The food was incredible as always with a wide range of flavors and great options as well. I highly recommend their scallops and steaks. The atmosphere was perfect and quiet as we came here on a Sunday night. Rebecca was our waitress and she couldn't have been better. Not intrusive and extremely helpful when making decisions about what to order. Honestly I can't say enough positive things about this place. We will be loyal customers well into the future. Thanks again!! P.S. Anyone who rated here below a 4 star you need to have your expectations checked and rechecked because there is not anywhere I've been in mpls that can compare.
(5)Raul M.
We went for brunch.The ambiance is beautiful with a view to the river. The coffee is good ( not spectacular). We went for a 5 course brunch. The portions were perfect and the pace for the entire meal experience was very good. By that, I mean it allow for us to enjoy the food, have a good conversation and then move to the next course. We will be back for sure ! Marcelo our waiter was fantastic .
(5)Paula E.
This is a beautiful place and definitely somewhere for a special occasion. We enjoyed a nice dinner there. We had an appetizer of the lobster brushetta which was very good. There were only 3 of them so we had to split the last one, but still very tasty. Hubby went with the bouillabaisse, which he felt needed more seasoning. I went with the Chicken Gnocchi which was very good and I enjoyed it. Nice and tender but firm at the same time. It had a nice flavor to it. If we return to the area I would definitely go again.
(4)Dana S.
Food - 4 stars; atmosphere - 5 stars. We came as a celebration of the day we became engaged. It was a Saturday night so they had a piano player/singer. She was outstanding. We ate our meal in the dining room and then retired to the lounge to listen to more music. The meal: I had the pasta/seafood dish and it was very good. My wife had the Char and it was also very good. Neither of the dishes really distinguished themselves from other outstanding meals we've had. But nothing really to complain about either. Oh, and my wife had the chocolate mousse for dessert and said it was the best she'd ever had. The service: Very good. Our waiter was attentive and helpful. Everything was timely. We didn't feel like we were waiting, nor did we feel like we were rushed. The entertainment: This is the reason we would come back. Where else in the Twin Cities will you find a piano bar or quiet intimate jazz bar. I don't know and I've looked ever since we found a stunning place in San Francisco. (Zingari italian restaurant, wine bar, and jazz club if you ever go there). The piano player had a wonderful voice and played a wide range of music. Billy Joel is her favorite so we heard a lot of his songs. What we'll try next time: We saw a couple of bar food plates go by. Next time we might try eating in the bar.
(4)Michael M.
Wonderful ambiance, excellent service, very tasty but over-priced for very small portions. 3 scallops, really?
(3)Grant M.
Terrific service, beautiful location, great history, and great food. Loved the Nicollet Island Inn.
(5)Garry W.
Met for an important business dinner on a Monday night. Haven't been here in 20 years and honestly didn't even know they we're still open to the public. Beautiful setting in this charming old hotel on the River. Started in the bar since the restaurant doesn't open till 5:30. Bartender very attentive and the cozy atmosphere helpful to chatting. Service and hospitality for both bar and dinner was impeccable. Started with the beet salad which was delicious and ample with perfect garnish. Dinner was beef tenderloin cooked medium - usually order my beef medium well, but I knew they would do justice to medium cuts and was not disappointed - each bit melted in my mouth.. Garnish was a mix of thin sliced potatoes and crispy sweet potatoes - wonderful. Dessert was the almond cake , plenty for a large party of 5 to share - bit disappointed with the dryness of the cake - could have use a bit more moisture. Otherwise a perfect business dinner and love , love, love the atmosphere.
(5)Rick L.
Really nice ambience and quaint settings. The menu is not too extensive and has enough of a little bit of everything for all tastes. The tenderlion was cooked perfectly and was actually quite flavorful for a non-aged piece of beef. The staff is attentive and professional and not overbearing. Overall, a local favorite worth the drive into the city.
(4)Sarah T.
We had a lovely dinner in a beautiful location. The service is second to none. The pianist had the voice of an angel. The prime rib was excellent.
(5)Tatiana M.
A 70 dollar meal (for two)with so-so food, and poor sevice, not worth the time. When we got there we waited easily waited five minutes before anyone even acknowledged us- with a reservation! Once we were seated we waited ten minutes to order our appetizer as our waiter wasn't around, and then waited 15 minutes to receive it, same for our main courses. Now, I understand good, fresh food takes time to cook...it wasnt good or fresh. I had the chicken for my main course, and there was absolutely no flavor to it. The only redeeming factor was the corn bread which was delicious. My boyfriend got the potato gnocchi, and said it was only so-so as well. Essentially, the prices dont reflect the quality and flavor of the food. They also don't mention the dollar historic fee they tack on to the bill. Not a huge fee by any means, just surprising considering the cost of the food. The setting, by the river, is goregous. The inside felt slightly dated. Dont get me wrong dated can be done well, it was just slightly off here.
(2)Mar N.
Went for breakfast today (Saturday) without a reservation. The male host seemed shocked that we didn't have a reservation but sat us quickly. I asked for a seat by the windows since my 93 year old mother in law is legally blind and needs light (I did not tell him that since I didn't want to embarrass her). He told us that since we didn't have a reservation he could not put us there. Interesting, since when we left, the tables were mostly empty. Our server was great! The food was good although my eggs and hash brown were lukewarm. The bacon undercooked. I'd like to try dinner sometime but will certainly make a reservation to avoid being shamed.
(3)Douglas H.
Good restaurant, horrible hotel Our room did not have heat and it was in the low teens outside. The room was also noisy. On top of that, they overcharged our credit card an additional $200. Nice place to eat, and would never consider handing them a credit card again or staying there.
(1)Mike S.
Went on a Monday night. Quiet, elegant. Great service, prompt. She had the lamb and was in awe, I had the walleye and wasn't quite in awe. Good, just not great. Loved the Almond cake for dessert and would definitely stop again. Was there with a Groupon so it helped 'make' us go there. A bit pricey, but you know that going in.
(4)P M.
I don't think I have ever given a 5 star rating before, but this Inn deserves more than 4 stars! The Nicolle Island Inn is my Go To hotel, restaurant and bar in Minneapolis. The rooms are wonderful, the food is very good, and the bar is warm and comfortable. All are on an island and surrounded by beautiful giant trees and a historic park. Downtown Minneapolis business and historic districts are separated from the Island by the rolling Mississippi River. If Mark Twain did not write about this place, he should have. It is a full of character and charm. Patti M. in Denver
(5)Dana R.
The Easter Brunch at the Nicollet Island Inn was amazing. $40 per person was a fantastic deal. The buckwheat pancakes and entree course meatballs were fabulous. The staff at Nicollet Island Inn was wonderful and the decor was beautiful. I would go back again and would highly recommend Easter brunch or any other meal at the Nicollet Island Inn.
(5)Peter C.
I had heard some nice things about this place, so a group of five of us were here over the weekend for Sunday brunch to celebrate some friends' engagement. This is an old school establishment, kind of reminded me of a rich grandma's place. We all had the 5-course tasting menu at $28/head. For me, I had the following: First Course: basket of pastries - typical things like croissants and fruit and nut breads. Tasted dry. Nothing special. Second Course: Nic's Benedict with house smoked salmon - simply delicious. The egg and hollandaise were the perfect accompaniment for the smoked salmon. Third Course: Lobster bruschetta - nicely toasted crostini, but the lobster was dry and pretty flavorless. Fourth Course: Strip Steak- DISASTER. My friend and I were both excited about this, but when it came out and we took a bite - we noticed that it was OVERLY salty. Like, way salty. Trust me, I am a salt fiend but this was like the cook accidentally dropped a whole thing of salt on both steaks. I rarely do this but we sent both steaks back. The server was very apologetic and even the maitre d came over. I think he was a little embarrassed by what happened and offered my friend and I each a glass of wine. Nice gesture but we declined. The re-do on the steaks were perfect. Why could it not have come out that way the first time?? Fifth course: chamomile panna cotta - not impressed. Very muted flavor, aka no flavor. Overall, professional service but the place is overpriced and you're paying for the experience. Charming building. Nice staff. Almost $70/head is very expensive and I felt that the management could have done more about the steak mishap. Comp anyone?? Overall, very disappointing.
(2)Dennis D.
Let's get the obvious out of the way. It is a beautiful and romantic building in a beautiful location of Minneapolis. If you want that, then I very much recommend Nicollet Island Inn. However, if you are looking for good food and good service, there are better. In general, you remember the old joke of loosening the cover of a salt shaker so that it comes off when someone uses it. I really believe that is what happened to the chef when my wife and I visited. The food was way over-salted. She had the sirloin and I had tenderloins. The steak was o.k., correctly done, but I have had better in many different places, and it was oversalted. My vegetables were an interesting combination of brussell sprouts, cauliflower and asparagus. The vegetables bore the brunt of the salt joke, I felt like I was eating pure salt. And, once the shaker broke, they must have ran out of salt, the side that accompanied her sirloin was bland and flavorless. Appetizers, both salad and French onion soup (they had a fancier name) were good. Service was not bad, but not good, either. Nothing to brag about. The waiter seemed uptight and certainly more responsive to other tables that had more people. Then, let's get to prices. Have your wallet open and all of your credit cards paid down. This place will take care of any money you have in that wallet and any credit limit you have left on your cards. Very expensive for what you get. So, if you are looking to impress someone, friends, family, wife, girlfriend, try this place out. Otherwise, there are many better restaurants in town.
(2)Jeffrey S.
very romantic atmosphere and the food was excellent. good wine selection and enjoyed the cocktails. the staff went out of their way to help with an important anniversary dinner. will definitely be back to try the brunch!
(4)Molly S.
I paid $109 including tip for myself and my daughter for a four course meal with no drinks. Do you know how much it bugged me to not include a Mimosa with my Easter brunch? But, this place just said to me, "Don't get a drink". This is a very boring restaurant. The menu is boring, the interior is boring, and the service isn't special. Is quiche served room temperature fancy or did we just eat cold quiche? I'm not sure; I'm not that fancy. Then for our 3rd course we had hard meatballs with sour mashed potatoes and a nice fish with potato cake and 2 table spoons of cut carrots. I do have to say I loved my view of the river, but If you really want enjoy the area get out and walk about because their location is A+.
(2)Mike G.
We had some guests in town & really wanted to impress them. So we decided to make reservations to the Nicollet island inn. Right away from the moment we walked in we were cordially greeted from a warm & kind staff. Next we sat down upon looking at the Mississippi River right outside the window. " wow what a view" . Our friendly waiter took care of us as we were his family. The food was amazingly delicious as well as the fine cocktails. Our guests loved the beef stroganoff & tender Juicy steaks! We had such a great time that evening. The Nicollet island inn is has a great sense of knowing just how to take care of a customer. With fair prices & amazing food. We will definitely be back, as well as refer anyone who is looking for wonderful dining experience! Thankyou Nicollet Island Inn
(5)Kevin F.
Went to the Nicollet Island Inn for Valentine's Day dinner. The Inn and restaurant to begin with are lovely. For food, the four course fixed menu was superb. I don't like mushrooms, but the porcini risotto was some of the best I've had. The gem salad with bibb lettuce, pancetta and Parmesan was great. And the hazelnut meringue, chocolate ganache cake was about as good as it gets as far as desserts go. The cream of the crop part of the meal was the bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin. Hearty, lightly salted and melt in your mouth delicious, I applaud the Nicollet Island Inn for serving the fine cut on the most romantic commercial night of the year. Seriously, the bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin is so good it will put you in the mood.
(5)Susan R.
I had forgotten just how beautiful the setting is at Nicollet Island Inn, up close along the bank of the Mississippi. Besides the spectacular view, the dining room itself is lovely. The food was delicious, starting with French Onion Soup and House Salad. We shared entrees of roasted chicken and steelhead trout, both beautifully presented and prepared, served very professionally by Gibson, our friendly and attentive waiter. We finished off dinner with coffee and a wonderful panna cotta dessert. A delightful experience.
(5)Eric M.
So we stopped in for brunch. Not just any brunch though, we were on a mission to try their tasting menu brunch. Now begins the complaining. Their website and subsequent brunch menu does not state anything about a specific time for this, so we made reservations for 1030. We arrived a few minutes late (1040), and the waiter came around, grabbed our drink order, brought them out, and asked us if we had questions about the menu. We asked about the tasting brunch menu and the waiter replied that he wasn't sure if they were doing it, and if they were, it didn't start until 11. It was 1050 at this time. He left to go see if they were doing it, and when he returned and said they were, he repeated that it didn't start until 11 (time is now 1055). The first item on the brunch menu is pastries and assorted breads, so I was beyond frustrated (and crabby from being hungry) at this point. The other big sticking point was the "bottomless mimosas". My wife ordered one, and inquired about the bottomless one, but was never mentioned on a price for a single. She ordered a second, and when we got the bill, we saw that she was charged $13. Bottomless mimosas were $12. I know it's just a dollar, but the waiter could have said something. If you're looking for something for breakfast in the area, don't go here. Go to Wilde Roast instead. You'll be much happier, and leave satisfied.
(2)Sara F.
Love the Nicollet Inn! It's OUR place when we come to the cities. Tastefully decorated rooms. Quiet. Very personalized. Bathrobes. Clean...it's all good. PLUS it's right in the middle of downtown while feeling like it's suburban. River runs right past the window. Trees and park. Bike trail, running trail right close.
(4)Susan G.
We had a very enjoyable Mother's Day brunch. The 5 courses were brought out in a relaxed pace. Some of our favorites were the eggs Benedict, Steelhead, and smoked salmon. Beautiful views of the Mississippi and the Minneapolis skyline.
(4)Andrea F.
Used a groupon for a 5 course meal. It was a sampler menu with 2 choices for each course. The small samples were a perfect size. Enjoyed each course. It was a cozy place. Service was good.
(4)Bill N.
We've been to the Nicollet Island Inn - a few times in the last six months. My wife and I really like it. The food is very good. It's not in the knock your socks off - best meal ever category, but it is a great place and off the beaten path. Over this last weekend, we hosted another couple and each of our meals was fantastic. (Two steak entrees, one fish and the lamb cassoulet). Salads are ala carte but your entree is served with a coordinating side item. The service was right on - not too slow and not rushed. We ordered a bottle of wine and thought it was reasonably priced. The bar area is tiny, but they had a live piano player on Saturday and some of the music spills into the dining room which adds to the evening. The other reviews about the decor are right - the restaurant is part of a small hotel in a historic building. A short walk from the hotel is Minneapolis night life in either direction on Hennepin Ave. If you are a true foodie - then there better places in Mpls/St. Paul. If you want a nice dinner in a quiet out of the way setting - yet close to Minneapolis - give Nicollet Island a try.
(3)Kate M.
Ever since I caught a glance of the weekend brunch menu it's been my 2nd most anticipated meal after the pb waffle at the Lowry. Four of us went with my husband and I having the brunch tasting. I'll start out with what we didn't like and knocked this down to 3, almost 2.5 stars. We had a reservation for 1030 and when we got there the breakfast menu was out, but no brunch menu. Nothing I've seen online or on the menu specifies a time for the menu. Just weekend. So I was a little nervous since I came to the NII for the tasting. I wasn't in the mood for just fancy breakfast. The server said the menu started at 11, but he'd have to find out if they had the tasting that day. And they did, but at 11. It was 1050 at that point and making a big deal about it "starting at 11" just seemed odd. The 2nd was the mimosas - the menu has unlimited mimosas/champagne but no ala carte pricing. I asked if I could just order a single drink and the server said yes, but didn't say how much and then mentioned the unlimited $12 option with the brunch. So I ordered mimosas thinking unlimited was my only option. I got 2 mimosas and we were charged $12.50 so I guess they were ala carte? It's .50 nbd, but just a weird lack of communication. The service was pretty slow. I guess they were trying to pace our 2nd dish (first dish is basket baked foods) with our table mates breakfast. Our server was pretty attentive at filling coffee and water, but he could've been more commutative about the pace of food coming out. I ordered the french toast, beet salad, lobster roll and caramel ganache. I thought all the food was pretty good and the servings were good sizes. I was afraid with that many servings I wouldn't have room for it all or just leave feeling sick. The plating was a little minimal, which I guess is fine; I don't go for the garnish. I thought the beet salad and lobster roll were the best dishes. The french toast was a little underwhelming for "creme brulee" and the Mascarpone cheese was overpowering. The beet salad was a nice mix of beets and some weird kale bits. The lobster roll was a half roll covered in a nice hunk of lobster. Not too citrusy or mayonaise. It came with an arugula salad with a citrus dressing. The dessert was a hunk of ganache (I thought that was usually a layer in cake or dessert not block fudge? It's intense chocolate) with 2 shortbread cookies and some vanilla ice cream. A simple finish after a rich lunch.
(3)Jeff G.
Loved the hotel and the setting. Easy scenic walk to several bars and restaurants on east bank of river. We did not eat dinner at the Inn but did go to the bar for desert and drinks. The chocolate tart was excellent. The piano player provided great atmosphere for the close of a great evening We stayed for the breakfast brunch which was a disappointment. I expected the brunch buffet which they had a few years ago and which was the best I had ever eaten. Now it is a 3 or 5 course served brunch. The only thing I would consider better than average was the beef stroganoff course. I really would have enjoyed a good breakfast more, especially at these prices
(4)Randy K.
My wife's filet mignon was tasty, as was my walleye. Large portions. Service by Jason T. was outstanding -- efficient, friendly, flexible. It's also nice to eat in a room that is not overwhelmed by noise, music or TV's blasting. Prices are relatively high, but with a Groupon, the value was good.
(4)Bruce L.
This is a two meal review, meals were a few days apart. The first meal was a Sunday brunch that consisted of: First course: Pastry basket with mini blueberry muffins, zucchini bread and eclaire. Second course: Creme Brûlée French toast with chocolate and raspberry syrup. This dish was more like a dessert, the chocolate overpowered the dish and I didn't think there was any Creme Brûlée to it. Third course: beet salad with ricotta cheese and baked kale garnish. I've never had baked kale and I thought it was very interesting in flavor Fourth course: thought is was salmon gnocchi but was gnocchi with salmon, big difference. The gnocchi was fairly light with great flavor. Fifth course: chocolate Carmel ganache. Good but not great Hard to mess up brunch and they certainly didn't do that. Another great meal at the Nicollet Island Inn
(4)Heather B.
My husband and I have been eager to try Nicollet Island Inn and finally made it happen on New Year's Eve. I had heard great things about their holiday decorations and I will say the holiday ambiance was there. It felt very cozy, "old-timey", and warm. Unfortunately the atmosphere was the most impressive thing of our evening. Service was just okay. The food was just okay. We started with a salad, which was literally just butter lettuce and an average vinaigrette. Our next course was a lobster bisque that was screaming for a hit of sherry or some other aspect of flavor. The only redeeming course was the filet mignon, which was cooked perfectly and nicely seasoned. Dessert was a selection of chocolates and a pot de creme, which was really nothing memorable. All in all, it wasn't a bad meal, just nothing that really stood out, especially for the price. Perhaps we should have made our first trip there for brunch, as I've heard it's amazing.
(3)Mon P.
Very beautiful building and romantic dining area. The service was also excellent. The food, however, was not all hit. The french onion soup was really good. It was cheesy on top and bubbly hot, a tad bit too sweet but very good nonetheless. My bf's New York Strip Steak Frites was extremely tender, but tasteless. He sarcastically said .. my steak tastes like tofu!!! lol The homemade steak sauce was also very strong, but didnt go that well with the steak. I could taste too much tamarind in there. I ordered two small plates for my meal. The lobster bruschetta looked good, had plenty of topping, but not that flavorful and the baguette was kinda soggy. The crab cake though was very good. So it's all mixed bag here.
(3)Bill T.
Excellent food and very good service. I had the duck confit with spaetzle and pancetta which was excellent. I also tasted one of our diing companions bouillabaisse and it was quite delicious as well, if a litlle lightly seasoned. We all shared some mushroom gnochi and brussel sprouts which were prepared very well. Can't comment on deserts as we were too full to partake of teh sweets offered. With the charming atmosphere, great views of the river, good cuisine and very good service I would highly recommend this for a special date or occasion.
(5)Deb V.
My husband and I attended the Dinner & Wine Tasting event at Nicollet Island Inn a few weeks ago and had a wonderful dinner and fantastic time meeting new friends. We arrived to a glass of champagne and were seated at a table of 12. We quickly became friends with everyone at the table. All of the food courses were prepared perfectly. Each of the wines were well paired with the food and new to my husband and I. It's not often you are treated to a five course dinner with excellently paired wine and delicious food. We dine at the Inn once a month for a special treat on our Date night. We purchased a case of wine and look forward to attending the next Dinner & Wine Event at Nicollet Island Inn. I'd highly suggest treating yourself to lunch, dinner or an event at the Inn.
(5)Summer L.
If you want an indulgent, foodie, ultra-rich brunch where cost isn't of terrible concern? You need to head to Nicollet Island Inn on your next available weekend morning. I'm no fan of French food. But brunch is another story; the French tend to shine in the world of pastries and fluffy savories. And starting out with those is a great way to get the ball rolling. The rest of the menu is a multi-course, choose-your-adventure experience where you can dodge any silver bullets that can infect even the most well-intended tasting menus. As you run through a bit of this and a bit of that, you are never overwhelmed yet definitely leave full. Service is quick, friendly, and attentive. When you see the bill, this helps cushion the blow quite a bit. Bonus, especially if you're not good with keeping up conversation: get a seat with a street view where you can laugh at the countless people who can't navigate a 4-way stop. Heaven forbid a bicycle add to the mix. You'll be entertained forever.
(4)D T.
This is a lovely restaurant in a beautiful setting. If it wasn't for the atmosphere, I'd give it one star less. We went for lunch. I really enjoyed the sweet potato fries, but the lobster sandwich was a little dry. Pretty good food, but I'd expected something closer to amazing given what I'd heard about the place. Worth a try, but mostly for the atmosphere. I'm in no hurry to go back. Service was good and efficient, but not overly friendly.
(4)Shawn K.
The prices are higher than I'm used to, but the service was extraordinary. Our server had very good knowledge of the wines we asked about. The restaurant manager (Bill) interacted with us on a few separate occasions throughout the night, and he definitely knows and understands customer service. From what I could tell, that attitude carried throughout the staff here. We tried a few types of wine, which were excellent, and a dessert which was exactly what I was hoping for. One of the best customer service experiences I've had in the Twin Cities area.
(5)Jess L.
- Service: 5 stars - Soup and Salads: 5 stars - Main Courses: 2 stars - Ambiance/Decor: 3 stars From our greeting at the front desk to the time we left, the staff was extremely pleasant, warm, and friendly. I was extremely impressed with the entire servic
(3)Betsy W.
Delightful Sunday Brunch - Five Courses with complimentary champagne or mimosas. We had high expectations and we weren't disappointed. It's hard to please two members of our party especially, one being a Culinary Institute chef, and the other a life-long foodie. The menu is well-rounded and our waiter weighed in with recommendations. The Duck Confit and Eggs Benedict were wonderful. We all enjoyed the Petit Croque Monsieur for the third course. The Corn-Crusted Trout was outstanding, and the Strip Steak was great. The key lime cheesecake with blackberry tequila coulis was beautifully presented, and the warm apple crisp was a hint of autumn. One disappointment was remedied: Our table was in a bay window that received too much sun. It was extremely warm, and we requested to be moved. Initially, there was some hesitation about accommodating the request, and others were seated at the table we'd left and had a similar issue. Good customer experience requires that we not be concerned with house issues - originally the response was "we have other people coming for this open table you'd like to move to." Well, okay, but we're here already and they're not. This is a beautiful, historic venue sure to impress out-of-town visitors and residents alike. While the brunch itself may seem a little pricey at $34pp, it was a terrific experience that demonstrated value and we'd definitely return.
(4)Dale G.
Jeff O. is correct the location is beautiful. The food, on the other hand, not so much. Okay, so they were pushing the new chef's menu and I thought at $25 for three courses, why not?! The mixed green salad was okay. (Mixed greens over Belgian Endive with oil and red wine vinegar. Nothing special.) The steak was ordered medium and came out rare to med rare. (Some part moo'd when poked with a fork) Potatoes reminded me of frozen hash brown cubed potatoes and they were oily. The ratatouille was dry with an overpowering combination of sage and rosemary. Not pleasing to the eye nor palate. The pineapple bread pudding was edible but not something i'd order again.
(2)Adrienne R.
My husband and I had been to the Nicollet Island Inn in the past for drinks at the bar, were quite impressed by the gorgeous architecture, and decided to return for dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Too bad for us. I expected to be presented with a menu of timeless, simple, well-prepared cuisine that effortlessly mirrored the classic elegance of the venue--- basics like peppercorn crusted filets and buttery baked potatoes. Instead, we were presented with a menu that's obviously trying too hard to compete with the new-age flavor combinations--and not having much success. We both had the onion soup, which was okay, though tasted more burnt than caramelized. I ordered the New York Strip Frites. I still have yet to be able to determine what exactly was in the "special house sauce," but I can tell you that it's unpleasant sourness did little to cover up the chewy, lack-luster steak. The grilled asparagus was excellently done, but the sweet potato fries were over-seasoned to the point where I left most of them on the plate. On the plus side, the service was quick and courteous, and the server even devised a clever substitute when the drink I requested wasn't on the menu. Overall, a "meh," and certainly not worth the hit we took on the wallet. I might go back for drinks to soak up the beautiful surroundings, but definitely won't be seeing the dining room again.
(2)LQ N.
We did the 5 course tasting menu with a group of 7 people. Overall, the service was good but the food was ok. At 25/person, brunch would have been better elsewhere. If the dessert was rated, it'd be rated at 2 stars. The Caramel Bavarois looked like poop. It could've definitely been presented better. I could've probably made it myself in less than 2 minutes. They squirted a line of what seemed like thick chocolate pudding, crumbled a few oreo cookies on it and then drizzled some nutella subsitute on it. The carrot cake was definitely not your typical carrot cake (which didn't help in this case). The cake was dried and hard as if it just came out of the freezer. The restaurant had many small rooms which would be good for private dining/parties.
(3)Eric B.
I wish I had old money and I'm afraid that monocles and hankerchiefs don't fit my Royal Robbins (with flaps) casual attire. I was looking for a place to hold a company dinner and my brother recommended this place. It's in a beautiful location and its a fun walk to get there via the Heritage Trail by the river. It's a nice brick building with blue windows and nice flower boxes. Someday, I'd like to come back and try the hotel. The reception and dinner went very well and my collegues and friends really enjoyed the room (including an outdoor patio), the buffet dinner, and the friendly and attentive service. It was a real hit and I have Jodie at the Nicollet Island Inn for helping me through the details.
(5)Nancy M.
Had a Groupon for the half price 7 course tasting menu, which cost $90. Went last night with high expectations after many good dinners there over the years. OK, I love the ambiance, the smell, the atmosphere, but yikes, what a downer. Had an $8.00 cocktail of Jamesons on the rocks with a soda splash and a twist. Micro glass, one jigger, full of soda and ice. Could not taste the whiskey. First Course: beef tartare with half a coddled egg and grilled crouton: just wonderful. Hopes were high. Second Course: beet salad. Uh, plate of cold sliced beets, no dressing, teaspoon of unknown soft cheese. Next, French onion soup. Came out barely warm, sent it back for another. The broth tasted like it had been made with a can of Campbell's beef broth. No depth, no seasoning, just warm brown watery stuff. Pre-boiled onions, glob of melted cheese and the crouton was mush at the bottom. Three bites and I was done. Next, pasta. Lamb stuffed fried ravioli, sprig of rosemary and little parmesan crisps. Lamb was flavorful, but the ravioli was tough, brown, overcooked and dry. No sauce. Did not eat past one bite. Entree was very tasty, medium rare slices of beef tenderloin in a flavorful jus. Again the boiled onions on the side and a couple of slices of precooked roasted potato. The meat was wonderful, but left the rest. The cheese course, two tiny triangles of some cheese with a teaspoon of chutney and a heavily seeded cracker that came out of the box. Dessert, the cararmel ganache, was a chunk of fudge with a dot of caramel on the top, two little sugar cookies, one topped with vanilla ice cream. It was busy, the servers were attentive, and my spouse who had ordered the scallops for his entree, received two tablespoons of risotto and one scallop. The manager stopped by to ask how things were, and I said they should take the "s" off the end of the scallops. So they fired him another one. Our bill with beer, wine, tax and tip was $115.00. Add that to the $90 for the coupon we're looking at over $200 Had we spent the full price for the tasting menu, this meal would have cost us $300. Sorry for the rant, but it was so meh for the money.
(2)Anne M.
I took my family here last Friday for a belated Holiday dinner -- we decided to try their special Lobster Tasting Menu, and soon found we were in for a treat. Upon entering the main lobby we were immediately greeted with two friendly ladies who took our coats and whisked us to our table. The ambience was festive, holiday lights, decorations and soft music set the tone. The lobster broth proved to be a nice opener - I wondered if lobster in 3 of the 4 courses would be too much for us, but it was actually perfect. Surprisingly my teenaged boys polished off their lobster salad that had tasty but unconventional greens -- first exposure and it was a hit! When the main course arrived, we were all happy at the size of the lobster tails. Of course when chocolate is served for dessert (with Caribou French Roast coffee), it always completes a meal in my eyes. The details were what made this evening -- our server, JT, was attentive without being intrusive, the atmosphere festive and the ambience formal yet comfortable. Highly recommend for a special occasion!
(5)Chris R.
Went here for Sunday Brunch with the wife to celebrate of first anniversary (thanks Groupon!). 5 courses, champagne and mimosas? yea, we can handle that. Our waiter was attentive and nice. Came around just often enough to keep drinks full and our table clear when we were done with a plate. Never had the awkward "I'm still eating that" situation. Our table was... OK. We mentioned it was our anniversary when we made the reservation, and the woman @ the restaurant said "Oh, we have just the spot, overlooking the river... very nice and romantic". I guess I was envisioning something quiet, tucked away with a great view of the runoff/estuary that borders the inn on the northeast side. turns out, it's just kinda up against the window with a view of people biking by and where everyone else sits.... not very private or "quaint" but hey, we'll go with it. The food was very good. First course was pastries - nice, but a little simple. Traditional breakfast course next - we went with the french toast and Eggs Benedict - both very very good - possibly favorite of the day. Third was like a appetizer course. I went with the smoked salmon - good but not over-the-top good. Next was the main protein course. I had the bouillabaisse and she went with the trout. I wasn't crazy for mine, but her fish was good. Finally desert - I'm always a fan of eating desert at 11 in the morning, the cheesecake was pretty solid; the apple crisp was probably the better choice here. All in all, a very enjoyable meal. It all had a very classic, upper-crust old school feel. A little stodgy, and a lot less hungover people than I'm used to on a Sunday morning, but hey I can class it up on occasion. I recommend this to anyone looking for a brunch celebration (like an anniversary, or maybe a birthday). I'd probably take my mom here for her birthday or mothers day, she'd get a kick out of it.
(4)Alison T.
This is where Grandma and Gramps come to live it up. Don't expect anything modern out of this place. Hubby and I were here for a wedding reception recently, which took place in two basement rooms. Very moth-bally is the best way I can describe it. Updates are needed to the decor. I am assuming the wedding banquet food came from the Nicollet Island Inn kitchen. Most of the selection was actually very tasty, including the chorizo stuffed mushrooms and creamy fingerling potato boat thingys. Perhaps the views are pretty upstairs for a Sunday brunch, but on previous tours of the main dining room, it seemed too stuffy to be worth a visit for dinner.
(3)Josh T.
The words "cute" and "quiet" are often used to describe both the hotel and restaurant at the Nicollet Island Inn. So are the words "dated" and "funereal." Its location is charming and unique, situated between downtown and the bustling Near Northeast neighborhood. The ambiance is romantic in an "old school Midwestern river town" sort of way, as long as the police aren't fishing a body out of the river during your dining experience (believe me, this happens with some regularity). I was a little taken aback by the copious baskets of plastic plants, but the views are generally great, especially in the summer. The food is solid and can occasionally be wonderful. The people in my party who ordered beef or pork were wildly enthusiastic about their meals, from preparation to presentation. Those who had seafood dishes were not nearly as happy. In my experience, that's not really unusual in our landlocked hamlet. Everyone agreed that the desserts were delicious. The apple tart was both beautifully presented and utterly delicious.The German chocolate cake is deliriously rich and featured surprisingly varied layers of flavor. Unfortunately, I hear they recently lost their pastry chef, but one hopes they keep up the dessert quality. The service was unpretentious and efficient. I'm not really sure who dines here routinely (I'm not rushing to go back) but if someone invites you to a function here, you should certainly go and expect to be modestly impressed.
(3)Leah H.
Lawyer and Kleenex Needed Brides.We looked at this venue two years before and had it booked 2 years prior with a large deposit. I hosted my wedding here on the 22nd of Oct 2011.The EVENTS MANAGER made me CRY on my WEDDING DAY! She came in ranting and raving at me, harrassed my guests and tried to charge us for things not in our contract to include a $650 extra charge for the day of my wedding because I was in the rooms decorating for my ceremony and reception! The extra charges were eventually dropped after a contract lawyer was involved however I never recieved an apology for her behavior. The venue is beautiful, all other staff were wonderful, food was good but my wedding was a disaster because of this one person and her horrible attitude. BEWARE! You definately can not judge a book (the Inn) by it's cover.
(1)Oskar C.
The food was ok but we expected more for the price. Nicollet Island is a fine dining experience that falls short. The ambience is nice and the service good, but if you pay $200 dollars for a dinner and 2 glasses of wine for two you expect more. The pistachio cheesecake dessert was awful. It was salty! When we told our waiter he said he will talk to the chef, but did not offer an alternative, even though both our plates had most of the cake left. They charged us for it of course. Bottom line: not good enough for the price and location. This place is coasting on reputation alone as most of the customers were elderly couples. There are just too many similarly priced or less expensive fine dining places in the TC to waste your time here. SKIP.
(2)Jeff M.
We've been here for dinner before and though it was okay. My wife and I had the Sunday brunch today and are stuffed. There were highs and lows to the 5 course meal, but $36 was a fair price to pay. The highs for us were the french toast, duck confit hash, and eggs benedict. The service was great and the food came out at a perfect pace. I wouldn't say it's the best brunch in the Twin Cities, but I'm happy we tried it at least once.
(3)M J H.
Choose to celebrate New Year's Eve there and deeply regret it. Menu was a disappointment, service was fair. Truthfully didn't enjoy the food and left hungry because of the small portions. Don't think I've ever had a fitet that small. Prices were outrageous for what you got.
(1)Adam P.
Overall, the Sunday brunch was decent. The french toast was great with its crispy outside and soft center, but everything else was ok or a bit sub-standard actually. For example, the duck was quite salty, and when paired with pork, it became even more so, and the mimosas were terribly strong. Who drinks like that so early in the morning, and at Sunday brunch too? The atmosphere felt...old. I can appreciate history and antiques, but this was just old. And should I ever decide to move nearby, I learned from watching the people outside, I will have to take up jogging.
(3)Jen B.
I will start with the positive- The place is beautiful. The scenery inside and out is wonderful. There was a guy playing the piano and singing and it was a nice touch. The negative- The waitress was so slooooooooooow. And she talked so quiet, we couldn't even hear her. It was kinda weird. Then, after ordering, it took FOURTY FIVE minutes to get our food. I was so hungry and crabby by the time we got our food, it kinda ruined it for me. I ordered the steak and stuffed lobster, which is $45. I was expecting a fantastic meal. Nope. The steak actually was wonderful, except it was like 3 bites. The stuffed lobster was beyond disgusting. It was a lobster tail shell stuffed with a TON of peas, a few pieces of corn and about 2 chunks of lobster. I was very confused by this. It was NOT good. After the long wait for the not so great food, we had to wait at least 20 minutes to get our check after our plates were cleared. We went for our Anniversary. It was a romantic setting, but the food and service was a big let down. I doubt we'd ever be back. There's too many other high priced places in the city that offer great service and fantastic food.
(3)Susan D.
I ate here with a conference group of about 80 people so I'm not sure if they where unprepared or the food is always bad. Really though how is it even possible to mess up risotto? The seven people at my table all had on a sour face.
(1)Jeffrey O.
Location is fantastic - the inn is overlooking the Mississippi river. Dinner started out well - but we received way undercooked sausage and the waiter's attitude was utter indifference. I guess he likes raw pork. Service was slow - but this is what I've come to expect in downtown Minneapolis. On the plus side - food was quite good over all (other than the raw sausage). The bouillabaisse was very tasty and the spicy shrimp appetizer was delicious.
(3)Josh S.
Management is ridiculously stuffy and lame. Rooms are nice but over priced even for a historic site.
(1)Philip L.
Still a very charming, romantic little spot but the food has taken a tumble since the last time I ate here. I had the beef carpaccio (excellent), and the duck confit. The duck was far to salty. I was disappointed in the experience - perhaps my expectations were too high.
(2)