I've only been here once, but I'll definitely be back soon. They have a good wine list - as someone that lived in CA for 10 years, I have definitely been missing full wine lists when I go out here in Minneapolis, but this place has a decent number of wines by the glass. Their food is tasty and has great prices and portions. Parking is easy, nice outdoor seating, and friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's a great, well-rounded place to relax with food and wine.
(5)
Jenny M.
A great experience overall! I think I'll do negatives first just to get it out of the way. Service was a little slow and fairly awkward. My only complaint. Now for the positives, of which there are many! We went on a weeknight when there were half off bottles of house wine. Tuesday? Or Wednesday?? Either way, bottles were super cheap and good quality for the price. Food was also the perfect happy hour fare - lots of awesome crostini, cheese, and charcuterie options. High quality stuff, well-chosen and thoughtfully combined and presented. I'd definitely return!
(4)
Emily P.
I really really like this place. 5 stars for great wine! (we didn't try any food, but next time we will). Came here late on a Saturday night and sat on the patio. I love the neighborhood friendly feel here yet they are able to maintain a certain sophistication with their knowledge of wine, that is not at all snobby. I really appreciate that! I wish I remembered the name of our waitress, she was so awesome. I asked for a random flight of some white wines, and she brought some great, unique Rieslings. We will definitely be back! I am so glad I finally found a wine bar in Minneapolis where the wait staff is actually knowledgeable about the wine, but not at all snobby about it.
(5)
Brad T.
A great place to choose your own adventure through an international wine list. If wine is your thing then check this place out. Enjoy!
(5)
Stephanie O.
Last Saturday, my soon-to-be-in-laws and I met up at Toast for a surprise engagement party. I'd never been before but it is a favorite of the happy couple's...I tend to trust their restaurant/bar suggestions and this time was no different. It was the perfect place for the type of celebration we were having...drinks and share-able snacks that felt classy yet an ambiance that wasn't at all stuffy. It helped that they put us at a cluster of high-top tables pushed together so that people could stand or sit, not feeling confined to one spot. It is a pretty small place but the only time it felt cramped was when I had to push my way past a huge birthday party in order to get to the bathroom. Presumably this is NOT the norm. Seeing as they are a wine bar, the wine list is extensive and organized into several large categories. However, their specialty cocktails are also worth a gander. I saw local aquavit, Gamle Ode, on the menu and couldn't resist - but also tried a glass of sparkling rose, as well as champagne which was ordered for the table so that we could...well...toast! The menu changes seasonally but definitely had some tasty things, including vegetarian items, and everything I tried was well-liked. Our group stuck to more snacky items - a couple of salumi plates (from which I tried the addicting almonds, a variety of olives, bread, sliced apple, and boquerones), some buffalo chicken flatbread pizzas (these were a real crowd-pleaser but I did not partake), and some crostinis. You order the crostinis a la carte style so I tried three different ones...the chickpea puree with lemon, avocado and sea salt was delicious, the white anchovy and lemon vinaigrette was fine but I basically had the same thing using what came on one of the salumi plates, and the third crostini I cannot locate on the online menu but was so rich, garlicky and delicious that I had wonderfully awful breath the rest of the night...NO COMPLAINTS, honest. Lastly, shoutout to the servers here...it was busy, the birthday party AND our party probably made things chaotic for them, yet they were cheerful, helpful and totally on top of things. I will definitely be back!
(5)
ChristianAnn L.
Affordable personable and delicious. Napa valley casual and taste with Midwest charm. Small neighborhood gem.
(5)
Mark W.
A true wine bar with great nosh and friendly atmosphere. The staff will happily let you taste a varietal prior to ordering or make an appropriate selection to your taste. As far as eats - Crostini toasts, tasty crisp crust pizzas and offerings that are accessible to most. Ingredients are well sourced and always fresh. Salads are well thought out, without the usual ingredients found at every other local. Do not miss the ever changing choice of cheese and charcuterie. Equally enjoyed on your own or in a group of any size. No TV's - just a great way to enjoy an afternoon or evening in a nice tucked away gem in the north loop. Outstanding patio in summer. On a side note - owners are connected with 45th parallel distillery in New Richmond, wi. Some great locally sourced libations not of the grape category. Sound to good to be true - it is to me, but you be your own critic.
(5)
Daniel G.
Great wine selection and wonderful cured meat plattera. Get one and the malbec and you will be in heaven! The staff are not the most attentive but with the atmosphere it's okay. Also try the mixed drink, dark and stormy.
(5)
H W.
I had a wonderful experience here. The staff made us feel like family and the food was excellent Check it out!
Wonderful service - our party of 8 was well taken care of throughout the night. Toast serves excellent wine, cocktails, and small plates in a cozy yet lively space. Highly recommend as a winter dinner spot.
(5)
Robin D.
Honestly the best dining experience I have had in the longest time - possibly ever. I cannot say enough amazing things about this place. We went here for date night, and will definitely be back again - on the regular. We sat out on the patio, which was beautiful and quiet - and dog friendly (bonus). The place is obviously a favorite of North Loop locals, because it seemed that every person who walked by knew someone on the patio or vice versa. Everyone was giving hello's and stopping to say hi. It seemed as though everyone was friends there, which I loved. Our night started off by joking with our server, Andrew, that because it was "Wine Wednesday" there should be some kind of special. To our surprise, he agreed and responded by bringing us an amazing bottle of his choice at a ridiculously good price that definitely wasn't the norm: point 1 for Andrew (and for us, obviously). He then talked us through the wine and what would go well with it. We chose a bunch of small plates, and he took the initiative to bring them out in groups in a 3-course style dinner "so that we could enjoy each dish." Okay Andrew... I like your style. THEN, with every course he brought us each a complimentary glass of wine that he paired nicely with the food. Amazing. Point 2 for Andrew (and again, for us). He was amazingly attentive the entire night, as was the rest of the staff that wasn't even serving our table. To top off the amazing deal on the bottle, the complimentary glasses throughout the meal, and the great service overall, he finished our meal with two complimentary glasses of the house limoncello. Point 3 for Andrew: TRIFECTA. Needless to say, we had a phenomenal experience and would recommend this place to anyone and everyone who loves wine, crazy good food and a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Already made plans to return next week on "Wine Wednesday", and hope that Andrew is working again.
(5)
Eric J.
Not the best spot for date, though in order to hear yourself over the din of other patrons and odd music choice you have to lean in close if you're not going to yell... so maybe it's not all that bad. Cocktails were pretty good overall. They were kind enough to round up to the nearest dollar when they charged my credit card though... so keep your receipt, because that's pretty lame. Other reviews suggest it's good for wine, so I'd say skip it unless you're going there for that.
(2)
Dawn G.
Toast is a cozy little wine bar tucked into the North Loop area of downtown Minneapolis. I've been to Toast on quite a few occasions over the years but have been going more frequently recently. Why? Let's talk about that. They allow 1/2 glass wine orders, which I take advantage of to to make a custom wine flight. I love trying new wines and this is a great option for those who enjoy a good tasting. But Toast isn't just one and done. In addition to a nice variety of wine, they have some really good food. At least half of their menu items include cheese. Toast, you have my attention! There is even a section devoted to burrata. And I'm telling you now my friends, this is some very delicious burrata. Not a mozzarella fan? No problem. Create your own custom cheese plate by choosing from their large selection of soft and hard cheeses. Or order a few of their tasty crostinis (Taleggio with caramelized onions is a personal fav). If you want something a little more substantial, you really need to try their crispy thin crust pizzas. That crunchy crust is topped with unique ingredients like BBQ pork with green onions and provolone. Yum. Toast is the perfect stop before a night at Acme Comedy club or for an after work beverage. Check it out.
(4)
Julie M.
The owner knows everyone in the building, so it was fun sitting outside with a drink and some great eats and seeing him call everyone by name. Made you feel like you were in a real regulars place. We sat outside so no trouble with noise as per one of the other reviews.
(5)
Ali J.
We accidentally found this place while waiting for another wine bar to open and are so glad we did! The staff are very knowledgeable, food is delicious (their flatbread pizzas are phenomenal) and they have an awesome wine selection. They offer a daily happy hour with select bottles of wine for $20 - can't beat that!
(5)
Susan A.
This is your wine stop at 5:30. Any Day. They choose the perfect varieties. Taste some!
(5)
Suzanne N.
I hosted a group there last night. I called a couple weeks prior to get everything arranged, Scott was very helpful. Ended up being a slightly smaller group than I thought. Andrew was our server and he gave us a meal/wine course that was excellent. We had 3 wines and 3 courses; antipasti with olives, cured meat, bread. All were delicious. Crostini came next, had 4 varieties of which I tried 1. Group I was with all said they were good. Pizza for 3rd course; margarita, Italian sausage, squash. Thin crispy crust, also tasty. We had red velvet cake to share; it wasn't a traditional red velvet but I did like it. We enjoyed a dry prosecco, a nice Pinot Grigio, and a red blend. Andrew brought out an extra wine for dessert, a super Tuscan I wasn't loving at first, but I had a second taste and it grew on me :-). Great experience, will be back.
(5)
Dan M.
Toast saved the day! After a poor experience at Bev's (weird atmosphere and poor wine) we decided to end the night on a high note at Toast. Toast is a small wine bar on the first floor of an apartment complex. It is easily accessible and has street parking. This was my second time at Toast. The waiter was extremely kind and asked how our night was. We told him that we had a poor experience at Bevs and he was sympathetic. We ordered some wines and they were much better. He also started bringing is samples of some of his favorite wines just because. Toast seemed to have some "regulars" who knew each other and liked to spend time there. It was a nice environment. I liked the paintings that were hanging up. They were a bit eerie but added a nice voice to the bar. My first experience at Toast we ordered some pizza and cheeses. The second time we split a salad. The food does the job but does not go above and beyond. Go to Toast for a relaxing evening/date night/or good glass of wine!
(4)
Kim K.
I wanted to give this place a stellar review because I liked the vibe, but the service was abominable. Our server was friendly and cheery at first - offering samples and recommendations before landing on a glass; however, things quickly went downhill. And by downhill I mean, we never saw him again. And we were there for about 2.5 hours. He brought us refills on our first glass and never checked back again. We wanted food and were interested in sampling items on the menu throughout the night, but ended up leaving after our two glasses because there was no one to order from. It was just very strange - the place wasn't even that busy and seemed staffed with other servers. First time in my life that I left almost no tip.
(2)
Nat G.
I went here a couple months ago late on a Sunday night with a few friends to celebrate my birthday. It was the first time I had been based on my friend's recommendation, and it turned out to be a very memorable experience. The wait staff was amazingly attentive and patient with us as we tried to decide what to order, bringing us several samples of wines to try just because. They did not disappoint, nor did the salads and appetizers we ordered. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food, wine, intimate atmosphere, and friendly customer service. I really had a wonderful time celebrating my birthday here and I attribute much of my experience to our waiter. He did a great job taking care of us and I wish I could remember his name!
(5)
Louise S.
We loved toast We were actually early to a dinner reservation close by so ran in here just as a rain storm was brewing. I can't review the food here because we only came by for drinks but just e wine and the atmosphere scores this top points for me. Scott ( one of the owners maybe) was awesome and chatted to us about the vino as we drank, recommending different types and even offering us samples of some more unusual vintages/flavours! Toast is located in a cool area of downtown..by all the new trendy warehouse apartments and it's cozy and romantic. While we were there they had various wedding parties coming in so such a great atmosphere. They have some more unusual wines and the customer service totally won it for me
(5)
Dana J.
I would give this a solid 5 but the service was a bit lacking at times. That being said: 1. Happy Hour was great. There were select bottles of wine for $20. We requested something "not too dry" and the French bottle that we were given hit the mark. 2. The crostini! I ended up eating five (hey, it was dinner!): grilled brussels sprouts + goat cheese, ricotta + Chesnut honey, carmelized onion + taleggio & chickpea + avocado (with the brussels being my favorite). It was a solid deal at $2 each since they were good sized portions. I will definitely be back to try more food - everything that came by our table looked truly amazing.
(4)
Aaliyah P.
This place is def Minnesota Nice. My friend and I were seated outside on the patio. It is very possible that there was some confusion with whose table we would end up being, but to sit 20 minutes without any acknowledgment is bad news in my book. The wine list had some pretty decent options and when someone finally came over we ordered two glasses of the Sicilian white. Price point seemed about right for the vino options. A friend of a Yelp friend swears by this place and apparently has had great service and food , sadly i wont be around to give this place another shot. Minnesota nice = all smiles , but through closed teeth......
(2)
Kim R.
The atmosphere, people, wine and food are all amazing. My boyfriend and I have all of our birthday parties and get together a here. Andrew is amazing and always adds a personal touch. Great place to enjoy a glass of wine and some phenomenal eats!
(5)
Whitney F.
Second times a charm! This time planned a girls night specifically around this north loop gem and it did not disappoint. I am terrible in that I ordered the same wines. The table tried one of the Syrah's which was very nice as well; our group ordered a plethora of crositini and a flat bread. Great again and plenty of food! Additionally I checked out the space as a friend was scoping locations for a networking event; toast has a space off to the back that would fit 10-20 people perfect!
(5)
James F.
I just signed up for Yelp, because a friend told me about it. Feel the need to give a review to this place that we just discovered. So my fiance and I just moved into the North Loop area, and have been checking out the local places. I have to say we love the area. No chain restaraunts, great variety, good vibes everyplace we have been. Toast is a favorite so far. Small menu for food, but it goes well with the great wine list. We love the pizzas and salads, and have been through most of the crostini list, and have yet to have a bad one. Service is always friendly, knows the wines well, and the owner comes around and says hi too, which you don't always see. This is becoming our regular hang-out.
(5)
Bekkah R.
A great little hidden gem! Super cozy atmosphere, delicious thin crust pizzas, and the staff is out of this world fantastic.
(5)
Bobby B.
Let me begin by saying if it wasn't for Yelp and the people who post on here, places like Toast would go unseen. So thank you to all who wrote about this place! My experience in one word: EXCELLENT! I live in Chicago where some of the best food and drinks are created. But there is nothing like a quiet and remote wine bar, with a great atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and fun owner. Toast definitely met my high expectations. The owner is a wonderful gentleman who is fun and talkative! He is very knowledgeable in all different kinds of wines. This was helpful when he decided to serve up a flight of wines based on what I told him I like. He even surprised me with some other kinds that I did not think I would ever try. Now you may ask...would I reccomend this place to others? YES! This is a great spot for after dinner drinks. It is definietly a place for all ages, but great for a young, fun couple looking to get away from the crazy bars or clubs and be with each other. Would I go again? ABSOLUTELY! No questions asked. I had a great time here and would make it a local "go to" spot if I live here. For furture guests, enjoy! You will like it! Date Visited: 2/21/2014
(5)
Susan L.
Great place to stop by after my Opera meetings for a good glass of wine and some small plates. This place is always a bit busy during the week, but I gather that the warehouse dwellers like stopping in to their neighborhood joint. Which, I may add, is a good sign that the food is good and the company is rich. The staff are very, very friendly and do their job well in trying to make you buy more drinks or food. My friends love the flat bread and the mussels aren't that bad. They have mushroom with truffle oil and other yummy combinations that tease the senses. Honestly, I haven't had too much other food here, but they have so many wines to choose from. Again, it is a little loud and small, so probably not a place where you want to have conversation, but it is fun enough for a little bite and a glass of red or white.
(4)
Christopher V.
Toast blew away our expectations! They have a great wine selection and you can't beat $20 bottles for happy hour. Their food is fantastic from a simple antipasti plate to the flavorful baked Polenta. The bar is cozy but can accommodate small to medium sized groups. Toast is a great way to spend an evening!
(5)
Stephen S.
I stopped in this tucked away spot on my walk home one evening during a recent stay in the Warehouse District. I was not at all disappointed. I only wish I had not just had dinner so that I could try some of their food. Scott, the owner and bartender, is fantastic (just so charming, kind and friendly). He couldn't wait to pour me as many wines as I was willing to taste (despite the fact that I had tried them all before ... just not here). :) There was a loyal local following of chatty regulars who make this spot their second home. When it's warm, I can wait to come back and sit outside to enjoy watching some Twin City nightlife pass by the river walks.
(5)
Sara O.
Ladies night out led us to Toast Wine Bar & Cafe. Friday night at 8pm we basically had the entire place to ourselves while the rest of the crowd ate outside. This was wonderful as we were given quite a bit of attention and help navigating the wine list and menu. We were even given samples of some wines prior to picking our glass of choice. Perhaps this was the owner as I see him mentioned on other reviews. We all enjoyed our various glasses of wine we had picked. Dinner involved multiple cheeses, crostinis, and one pizza. It was perfect enough to fill us up and allow enough money for more wine! I highly recommend the goat cheeses on the cheese platter and the prosciutto pizza. I highly recommend this place for ladies night out or even date night. I would have gone with 5 stars but being a wine bar I was hoping for flights of wine!
(4)
Patty M.
Great atmosphere, great food, great wine! The only parts I didn't like was the parking was terrible (expected in this area on a Friday) and when we inquired about happy hour it was just a couple bucks off a few select bottles of wine. No food or anything. However, it was a great place to sit back and relax. Really makes me wish I lived in the neighborhood!
(5)
Jess V.
I'm going to be writing a lot of reviews for great date places because unfortunately for me, but fortunately for some lucky guy out there, I'm single and going on a LOT of first dates. Toast on a Tuesday night is.. well, to keep with the breakfast theme..my cup of tea. There's an area on the side of the restaurant that has multiple, candlelit, bar height tables and chairs, perfect for a getting-to -know-you gab session. Five drinks and a side of olives and bread cost us about $50. It's definitely a little on the pricier side for a first date, but the 'right' date won't blink an eye at the cost!! Wink, wink.
(4)
peter c.
Great food, great service! Very friendly, neighborhood atmosphere with lots of locals and dogs. Great seating outside on a warm night. Not a huge menu, but it was good for a wine bar. Great crostini and salumi. I'd say "kid friendly" for a teenager. Our server was especially impressed with our son finishing his desert. Thank for a great night outside in MSP.
(5)
Jess S.
Love. Love. Love this place! Great wine list, and the food is delicious. High recommendations for the homemade flatbread. And OHHHHH the staff!! They are so fun and friendly! This place feels like home!
(5)
Sara S.
As Minnesotans, we tend to start hibernation as soon as the patio doors close. I chose Toast after wanting to try out their outdoor space all summer with my pup in tow. Needless to say, November came too quickly but we decided to give the interior a shot. I came here with a few friends last night before a show at Acme and was greeted by friendly faces and a warm ambiance. We settled into our bottle of wine pretty quickly (Malbec, we're not too fancy) and ordered the olives and the Burrata with arugula and Serrano ham - which we inhaled. One of my friends is Celiac and the waitress found two gluten-free pizza crusts so we could all share. We were all very pleased with our meal and the wait staff were all so friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
(5)
Nell R.
Love the Spinach salad and the great fun wine selection!
(5)
Dan S.
I was very pleasantly surprised with Toast. It's been on my list for a couple of years because I've walked by the place 100's of times. One reason that it took so long to finally come in is that the curb appeal is lacking, with all the cement, but it is nice on the inside. They have some charchuterie, great cheese plates and a good selection of wine. The bartender let us sample a few wines before selecting a bottle. I thought the service was great and it is a great location for a casual evening with friends. The ricotta cheese was one of the best things I've ever eaten. Hands down.
(4)
Ashlee K.
Shitty service. Came for drinks/apps for start to date night and sat for 15 min without getting our order taken while we watched 2 tables next to us who got there after us, order before us. Waitress clearly needs some training.
(1)
Jen W.
And another thing: the wine prices here are ridiculously reasonable. Every other restaurant in town has at least a 200% markup on wine. Tonight, we paid $80 for a bottle that would cost $55 online. You know what that is? That's a 45% markup. I have never been to a restaurant that has wine prices this low. And their wine list is fantastic - not just the same old wines that you already know and can buy at MGM, which is what a lot of other wine bars in the city offer. The wine list here is really thoughtful and creative with wines you won't find anywhere else. You will certainly discover something new here. And that chickpea avocado crostini still calls to me in the middle of the night. It's so simple. But it's so freaking good. Best wine bar in the city.
(5)
David S.
The owner of this place is a great guy! He takes a special interest in your enjoyment of the food and spirits and remembers your name! He gave us so many samples when we mentioned that we were getting into Port wines and next thing we know, he breaks out like 5 different types and starts sampling with us. Long story short, I walk out of there with a great bottle of Spanish PX wine that I can't even begin to describe how good it is. It's a very small venue, but the food is great as is the selection of spirits. Definitely a North Loop gem!
(5)
Trent E.
I've been going here since December 2006. My attention span is the length of a gnat, but Toast seems to capture it. Great, accessible wine (not overtly marked up - Monte Carlo, are you listening?), cozy ambiance, and the butternut squash/ham pizza (and others) make this an evening regular. For the price of a really crappy Applebee's meal for two, you can have a wonderful date night. No service gaffes, and the owners...well, they love to know their regulars. Think of a throwback to REAL customer service, and you'll get an idea after 2 or 3 enjoyable visits. Note: the salads are huge, and the wine pours generous (unlike BLG). If you're adverse to good calories and a wonderfully easy enjoyable night, this might not be a place for you. Ditto if you wear crocs or can't park your Ford Windstar.
(5)
Kelly S.
Last weekend after my husband and I attended a show downtown, the last thing I wanted to do was head home. The night was young and I had a craving for wine and dessert ... so of course we went to Toast wine bar. I'd only been there one time before, but it had a lasting impression on me that was a good one. Their service is so attentive and their drinks and dessert are decadent. I tried sparkling sake for the first time and it may be a bit too telling, but I've been craving it along with my chocolate mousse cake ever since I stepped out of their doors. It's another gem tucked away in the North Loop in Minneapolis and I'm never disappointed when I go to this place. The first time I went was last summer and they made some of the best sangrias I've ever had. It makes me excited for summer and going back to this place to taste more than just their desserts and drinks.
(5)
sarah p.
Toast is a cute little wine bar tucked away on the corner floor of a newish development in the North Loop. They have a nice selection of wines, and even carry one from Minnesota! The outdoor seating area seems quite popular, adn I could imagine spending a nice fall day sipping on a light pinot noir and munching on some of their fabulous pizza. And it really is delicious. I had the beet, blue cheese, and serrano ham pizza and my H had the sausage, banana peppers and provolone. Both were fantastic. I had never had banana peppers on pizza before, and H and I agreed that this should be done more often. We didn't have room to try the corssitnis, but the descriptions looked delectable. If you're ever in the mood for a nice glass of wine and a light bite, I highly recommend you check out Toast when in the North Loop hood.
(4)
Beth M.
The menu feels light but is actually perfect. Once you start ordering and tasting you realize that each item was so perfectly selected and prepared that you can't wait until your next visit so you can try something new! And once you get through the whole menu you will have a hard time deciding what you want to eat the next time because it is all that good. And don't forget dessert or the wine list... not sure what to order ask Andrew, he is the best waiter in town and can make wine and dinner recos that are always dead on! Scott really knows how to run a friendly little gem in an awesome neighborhood. Be sure to find some time to check out Toast!
(5)
Justin W.
Really nice staff, very knowledgeable and can always make a great suggestion. Great spot for happy hour snacks, the crostini are all very good. My favorite is the thin crust truffle mushroom pizza. Dog friendly, we brought our pup and sat outside all the time. The owner is very cool too, he's always there, and makes his own vodka that is worth a try. 42nd Parallel, I think it's called.
(5)
Nicole D.
Toast Wine Bar & Cafe sits in the shadow of the new Twins stadium in a residential part of the North Loop in downtown Minneapolis. The menu is simple and focuses on foods that complement wines, the true passion of the chef, it appears. I've been here now four times and each time I hope for an ecstatic eating experience but instead I end up with a solid, serviceable one. The food is fine but not awe-inspiring. The menu is compact but doesn't vary with the seasons (and it really could). The wine is great but the servers don't educate you about how your choice could best be matched by one wine over another. Each time I've come here, I've seen some of the same folks gathered at the bar. It seems like a comfortable place to come back to on a regular basis, but it won't be my "Cheers" largely because the food and wine don't call to me like they do at say, Bar La Grassa, a few blocks away. I'd rather walk to Sapor or BLG for a superior eating experience. In terms of convenience - a block from the office, a block from home - five stars. In terms of food - three stars. In terms of overall appeal - two stars. Overall: Toast is A-OK. Go there for a nice meal and a glass of wine, or perhaps dessert and port. They will treat you just fine.
(3)
Hina K.
I lived in Heritage Landing, and so part of the allure of this restaurant was its convenient location. I feel like Toast is such a wonderful restaurant, regardless of its convenience in my case, and more people ought to be aware of how delicious the food and drinks are here. In the summer, definitely sit outside if possible and order the white wine sangria. For food, I suggest ordering one or two of each of the crostinis. I wish I could say which my favorites are, but quite honestly, they are all so delicious. I always order the crostini with the chickpeas and avocado. Other favorites include the roasted mushroom with truffle oil - a decadent treat for the senses and the flavor of the mushroom does not overwhelm. One can never go wrong with the mozzarella + serano ham - it is a staple. Finally, for 'dessert' part 1, I would suggest the ricotta cheese and honey. It is so delicious and light. One could seriously have two servings of that, and it would totally satiate the need for dessert. Dessert part 2 could be ordered off of the dessert menu, yet I always like to finish off with a glass of dessert wine or latte. Usually, I also split a pizza with my party along with the crostinis, and my favorite would be the pizza with speck - I am unsure of what the other ingredients were atop the pizza. I just remember the speck, and it was incredibly flavorful. This restaurant is so good, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants great service and delicious food without worrying about a pretentious locale in the North Loop - great place for a date night. Great for vegetarians as well!
(5)
Mellie M.
A lovely little place to enjoy the beautiful days of summer. They have a swell little patio and our party of ten fit well with no issues! I am a big fan of a place that has half priced bottles of wine for their happy hour special. And the selection of wine is pretty decent. You can enjoy a spicy Spanish Tempranillo while you are looking over the menu. My friend and I split the 14 piece Crostini platter and it was the perfect little meal. My favorite was between the roasted mushroom and truffle oil or scrambled egg and chorizo (yes sounds weird but it tastes like a little breakfast sandwich). I did bite into the ricotta cheese and honey and proclaimed a little too loudly to the table that it smelled and tasted a bit like new shoes...it really does. Very odd and yet I enjoyed it a little bit. Go bananas over Toast. Oh and for all you Gluten Free folks..the toast thin crust pizza has the options for you! Mmmmmm
(4)
Bee K.
I haven't been treated to a restaurant experience as nice as my first visit to Toast in years, it would seem. We arrived right on a Saturday right when it opened at 5pm, and the staff was ready for us. First, they commended us on finding a good parking spot; right in front of the store, there are about 12 spaces where you can park while dining at Toast as long as the adjacent dry cleaners is closed. This means easy, free parking on early evenings! Toast is dark inside but roomy with lots of windows. Tables were comfortably spaced as well as comfortable to sit in. Lots of tables along the outside of the restaurant as well. Service was PHENOMENAL!!!! Our server was a man who I presumed to also be the owner/manager behind the bar was extremely thorough and efficient the whole evening. Had great recommendations, was knowledgeable about the menu, and was extremely friendly and accommodating. He stopped by the table several times to make sure our food was to our liking. All I can really say is that he made the dining experience unusually pleasant and enjoyable. We ordered... - several crostinis ($1.50-$2.00 each) - a ricotta, provolone, garlic, chiles, spinach, and serano ham pizza - a 4-cheese plate with ricotta and chestnut honey, edelweiss gouda, a goat cheese, and pecorino romano sheep italy The crostinis were good, although neither of us were a huge fan of the tomato pesto and ricotta variety. The truffle oil, chickpea puree with avocado and sea salt, herbed goat cheese and grilled brussels sprouts, barbeque chicken and cole slaw, mozzarella and serano ham, and scrambled egg and chorizo were all truly quite delish. I never, ever thought i would enjoy eating brussel sprouts after swearing them off when i was six, but with some fresh and flavorful goat cheese and some nummy seasoning, the crostini was super yum. The pizza was really good as well, although I thought it was a bit heavy on the ricotta. The serano ham on everything that we ordered was cooked perfectly and added a nice salty texture to the dishes. Finally I get to orgasm all over the selection of four cheeses we ordered, which were accompanied with apple slices, sweet glazed nuts and bread. All four were fucking delicious, super fresh, and came from a wide selection of what I'm sure must be equally amazing cheeses; some of which are local. For desert we shared a delicious peach cobbler variation with local peaches. Super amazing - not too sweet! A great finish to a ton of great food.
(4)
Lesley P.
I hadn't heard of toast 3 days ago and now it's a place I won't forget. I loved the ambiance at Toast....everyone seemed to know each other and the owners were quite engaging too. I just had a glass of Cab and it was big and bold......everything I had hoped it would be! I can't wait to go back in the summer (or before!) to sit out on the patio! The patio is quite large for a quaint wine bar and I heard it's a great spot during a Twins game.
(5)
Alison M.
Toast is a great romantic date destination! I went here with hubby for our 1st anniversary after a show at the Guthrie. It was quiet and secluded--perfect for good conversation and gazing into each others' eyes so listen up guys; girls will eat this place up! The night we were there, another couple was celebrating their 10th anniversary at the bar and our server (who I'm fairly sure is the owner) congratulated us both, which I thought was sweet. I couldn't decide if I wanted French champagne or Spanish Cava so he told me I could have 1/2 glass of both--and was generous with his pours. We were only there to share a celebratory dessert so he suggested the Manjari Chocolate Pudding Tart with Fluer de Sel and XVOO. It was incredibly delectable, sweet and salty, rich and creamy. It was basically a chocolate tart with sea salt sprinkles and drizzles of olive oil. I was a little skeptical but the flavors were complex and complimentary. By the end of the night, I had also recognized him from a Yelp event as one of the owner of the 45th Parallel Vodka distillery. As I was telling hubby about the delicious horseradish-infused vodka I had tried (he showed it at an event), he arrived at our table with short glasses on the house for us to sample it. What a memorable night. I hope you boys are paying attention!
(5)
Liz T.
outstanding service, wine selections, and small plates A very pleasant evening, both indoor and outside patio dining
(5)
Derek C.
Wine selection and service are outstanding but don't expect to eat a full dinner at Toast. Food is small dishes and super thin crust pizza, which are okay but not anything I'd intentionally eat again.
(4)
Clare O.
I can't wait to go back! It might have been the company, but when 3 friends and I walked into Toast, we were greeted with smiles, humor and EXCELLENT service. We shared a great bottle of wine (that we got to test beforehand) and then had an amazing English pea pizza. (It sounds weird, but it's delish!) It was a gorgeous night and we sat outside eating good olives, crusty warm bread and great wine, while summer breezes kept us comfortable and happy. The table next to us had used a coupon and we were kicking ourselves that we didn't have one, but we didn't need one as the food was well-priced for what we got and how it tasted. You MUST have a Toast cocktail, too if you go - blood orange and locally distilled vodka that's smooth and sweet. My new favorite place. 5STAR REVIEW DOWNGRADED TO 3 STARS. Edited after I brought my entire book club here. I was so proud to show off this place but we got the terrible service. Our server was surly and growled at one of my book club friends. We felt totally unwelcome.
(3)
Clint C.
I usually go with 5 stars if I can't think of a single complaint, and this place fits the bill. The good vibes started by talking to Andrew on the phone. He was instantly engaging and having a lot of fun with the phone call (as was I). It was kind of enchanting at night to be sitting in there. There are a lot of windows and there's something comforting about sitting below street level. Most of the light is diffuse coming in from outside. I could have sat in there all night, but we had to get to a show at Acme. 4 of us ordered the charcuterie, all of the crostini, a roasted butternut squash pizza, and the italian sausage pizza. It was all excellent, and a lot of fun. Andrew brought it all out on a big lazy susan so it was great to spin it around and try different crostini. I drank saki like it was going out of style and we headed over to Acme. Great place, great ambiance, going again fer sures.
(5)
Jarrin W.
The atmosphere is nice -- relaxing and comfortable with a come-as-you-are vibe. I brought friends with me for this first visit and we all agreed we'd return. We were able to enjoy each other's company and have a conversation without shouting at each other over the background music, which stayed in the background but was pleasant. The waiter was friendly and checked on us often. I believe the owner (an owner) came up and introduced himself to us. He worked the entire bar throughout the evening. He seemed very personable but not too intrusive. The prices were fair -- my friends and I didn't feel we were being overcharged. We each had a glass of wine (actually, my friends did... I don't drink but had some sort of sparking apple cider). We ordered food. The crostinis I ordered were DIVINE! My friends raved about their food. We all ordered a dessert and sampled one another's. I ordered the carrot cake and everyone agreed it was the best! There was not one complaint about the food, service, or atmosphere. I'd definitely recommend this bar to any and everyone and fully intend to return soon!
(5)
MaLissa Y.
Vodka specialty drinks are so wonderful here! Service is always amazing. Owner is welcoming and you can tell he appreciates your business! OH MY and the flat bread pizzas rock! Actually, everything on the menu is more than amazing!
(5)
Rachel G.
Hard to find, and hard to find parking. Decent wine list. Ok food. The feel is kind of "hard" and "cold", because there isn't much furniture or rugs to soak up the sound.
(3)
Kelly B.
The best restaurant experience I have had in 2009! I'll admit it. I'm a big eater and I have an inclination towards sweeter, richer foods. Small plates aren't always so satisfying to me. So when I can be so dazzled by these delicate but mightily flavorful bites....I am enchanted with Toast! A friend and I shared several of the $1.50 Crostini's. The crab comes to the forefront of my memory. We also had a delicious crackery-bubbly-thin crust pizza with golden beets and the most amazing prosciutto. It's like I didn't even know what real prosciutto was! I took home an incredible chocolate pudding torte for dessert to share with my darling. It was insane-salty chocolate is so amazing. I'm no wino-but my friend is, and she picked me out two enjoyable glasses from their "beautiful wine list." The atmosphere was dim, intimate, romantic and comfortable. The staff was beyond friendly. The bill was absurdly reasonable considering how much we had and the quality of the entire experience. This will be one of my new favs. Now GO!
(5)
Tim H.
There is something about an owner who makes themselves visible in their ventures. The owner has stopped by my table almost every visit to make sure everything works. Cheers to him! Toast Wine Bar & Cafe has a lovely staff, fair prices and a location that will make you think you've found this amazing spot just for you and your friends to enjoy. It can be a bit loud once that group of 6 in the middle of the room start their 4th bottle of the vino, but most people are aware of the acoustics and keep it hush-hush in the place. Simply a lovely local wine bar.
(5)
Susie B.
Um, the mushroom and truffle oil crostini was one of the best things I've had in a long time. Wow. I believe I even turned to my friend and said, "Hey, this tastes like good sex". She knew exactly what I meant and agreed. I had a lot of fun choosing from the list of crostini's ($1.50 each) and arguing and discussing amongst ourselves which was the best. I will be back. Oh yes, I will be back. The wine reco's were good, the atmosphere moody but not off-putting. The owner is very nice and helpful. It's in the bottom floor of an apartment building in warehouse District, I used to live upstairs back when it was first built. Darn, I wish this place was open when I lived there, they would have had lots of my money.
(4)
Emily U.
We went to Toast on a Sunday evening around 5 pm. Got to the front door, looked through the windows and realized nobody was in there but we soon saw a woman gesturing for us to come in. So we did. It was a little awkward since we were the only ones in there. But she was nice enough and gave us good suggestions throughout the meal. We tried the flatbread pizza was OK but a little too much sausage. I had the salad with goat cheese and it was good-it was large so it was very filling. We split a bottle of wine based on her recommendation and had a dessert. Being that it is a wine bar, I think this is the place where you may go only for wine and cheese because that seems what they really specialize in. It's a bit hard to find if you don't know where it is.
(2)
Shanna C.
This place is a hidden gem! A destination known well to the locals in the warehouse district, but worth the search for those not in the area. The wine has always been wonderful, but the real treat is one of the owners, Scott, who is usually around, remembers you, and is always friendly. It is hard to believe they make their delicious pizzas with a toaster over, but regardless, they are so yummy. I have been here at least 6 times, and will continue to go back until I move!
(5)
Kimberly T.
Toast is the quintessential neighborhood gem. The spinach salad with apples, almonds & goat cheese is so good. Any crostini that has ricotta, get it (if you like ricotta, that is). I've had the butternut squash pizza - amazing! The BBQ chicken pizza is also fantastic. The prices are also incredibly reasonable. Can't wait til the weather heats up so I can get a glass of wine and sit on the patio!
(5)
P X.
Free wine tasting with some of the most impressive new releases?!?! Yes PLEASE!! I recently visited Toast for a private wine tasting event (where I sampled some delicious Sake and Ports) and nibbled on delicious appetizers. I was very impressed by the staff of Toast and the variety of snacks. I definitely want to stop back for a glass of wine and a more thorough sampling of the menu.
(4)
N. Marcus R.
Toast is a hidden gem, and a gift to the North Loop neighborhood. Although the menu is small, the pizza, salads, crostini, sandwiches and deserts are incredible and not at all expensive. A shared entree and a couple glasses of wine at Toast is one of the really good Mpls experiences. When Toast opened, I worried that its' remote location and limited menu would be a very hard sell, now I worry that it will eventually get overrun by the masses from the 'burbs.
(5)
Jenn M.
I've been hearing about Toast for awhile from a friend and couldn't wait to try it tonight. It definitely lived up to the hype. They have an amazing wine list and the waiter was very helpful and picked out wines we both really liked. We also had the olives which are delicious. I can't wait to go back and try more of their food and other wines.
(5)
Cara F.
Went to Toast last night during happy hour and what a wonderful experience. This quaint little neighborhood bar had excellent food, wonderful service, and great happy hour specials (1/2 price bottles of wine under $40). Our server Andrew made excellent suggestions and treated us as if we were the only table in the restaurant. I highly recommend Toast!
(4)
Robin M.
What a fabulous place! We dined here last night and had a great time. It is the perfect place for drinks and nibbles. The nibbles are so yummy that we easily made a dinner out of them. The crostini are delicious, the spinich salad is fantastic, brussel sprouts are great, and the cheese selection is a great addition to your table. The wine list should have something for everyone, we easily found several that were just our speed. The service is very good, both owners (husband and wife) came out to our table at separate times to welcome and thank us, and ensure that we had everything we needed. The warm and friendly atmosphere feels like an upscale Cheers bar. This was a great place that I would return to on a future visit.
(5)
Jamie M.
This place is pretty fantastic, it's really just the perfect place to relax and have a few bottles of wine. I took my parents there last time I was in town and the staff just great and the sweat potato pizza was just incredible, definitely going back on my next trip to minneapolis.
(4)
Lady S.
I love this place! 10 steps from my loft and super yummy. The staff is really sweet and knowledgeable it's a great place to grab a snack. The pizzas are light and tasty and while I'm not the biggest fan of the crustinies friends of mine love them. My #1 pick on the menu right now is the spinach and arugula salad w/ Green Apples and toasted almonds. A close second is the home made short cake.
(5)
Jen B.
Nice wine bar in the Warehouse District just a few steps from my place. The menu is small plates, salads, crustini and cracker-crust pizzas. The real hit is (obviously) the wine. Great selection, many very reasonably priced. The owner (?) was on hand and more than happy to offer explanations and recommendations. The decor is modern and sparse, and there is a nice albeit small outdoor seating area that I moon over when walking the dog past it on nice summer days. Not sure how it fares in the winter; I'm guessing it's supported mainly by the lucky souls who live in the building. If I had to choose between this place and Bev's, I would probably pick bev's just b/c of the unbeatable view. But still, this is a great place to grab a drink and bite while having a quiet afternoon chat with a friend. Recommended.
(3)
Maureen F.
I thought this was a decent wine bar, a bit hard to find, but I liked the cozy atomosphere. My friend and I had two for one coupons, so that was awesome. I wouldn't normally come to a cafe like this place for dinner, but I was starving by the time we found it, so I ordered a portobello sandwhich. It was pretty flavorful and tasty. Our first waiter kind of sucked. We had empty glasses for what seemed like twenty minutes and even after eyeing him a few times he never came to refill our drinks. Finally another waitress came by and took our orders. After that our service was fine. If I lived nearby I would stop in for a glass of wine, but probably won't come here all that often, unless I find a few more drink specials.
(3)
Mykl R.
Cozy, friendly atmosphere with a smaller, but quite decent wine selection. Helpful waitstaff are great at recommendations. Happy hour discounts on glass and bottle prices. Menu was modest, but with interesting items like cheese or olive plates, a variety of crostini options, unique sandwiches and thin-crust pizzas. I really enjoyed my soppressata sausage, black olive and goat cheese sandwich with a glass of Italian Sangiovese. Great cappuccino too.
(4)
Jane J.
Toast is a unique wine bar tucked away in a great neighborhood. The owner is very friendly and nice to chat with. I recommend this cozy place to catch up with friends over some nice wines and small plates like olives, cheese, serrano ham and chorizo. Visitors to Mpls might like to try a place a bit more off the beaten path but close to downtown hotels. I look forward to going back there when the weather is nice and can sit on the patio.
(4)
josh s.
Get a variety of crustinis and find your favorite. Great wine too.
(5)
Sarah J.
The cracker-crust pizza here is so delicious. Italian sausage and banana peppers is my favorite. Ask your server to recommend a wine if you're indecisive or undiscriminating. Toast is on the way anywhere if you're already in the North Loop and is best for a light dinner or snack after work, since the food menu is small (but good!). It just feels like a neighborhood place. If you like what you find, ask for the owners who are very friendly and happy to chat or proffer their favorite wines of the week. The service is excellent - and warrants a mention for it's care and efficiency. Mmm...I'm still thinking about that pizza.
(4)
Steve P.
I've been to Toast several times over the last two years, and it's been a very consistent experience. The focus of the menu is not food -- there's one page of options -- but on wine. The wine list is very well selected, and ranges worldwide with quite a few obscure selections. Service is great. We usually have one of the pizzas -- the sausage and pepper one is a favorite. Desserts are good too. A great place to meet and chat with friends.
(4)
David U.
We went to the new Toast Wine Bar the other night. There is a decent number of wines...maybe 20 reds and 15 whites, but nothing that leaves a lasting impression. The food is also subpar. I think I could make better food at home...which is not saying much. I do like the location and will give the place another try based solely on that. It could be a nice little neighborhood cafe, but first it needs to make some improvements.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Quiet Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Jennifer B.
I've only been here once, but I'll definitely be back soon. They have a good wine list - as someone that lived in CA for 10 years, I have definitely been missing full wine lists when I go out here in Minneapolis, but this place has a decent number of wines by the glass. Their food is tasty and has great prices and portions. Parking is easy, nice outdoor seating, and friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's a great, well-rounded place to relax with food and wine.
(5)Jenny M.
A great experience overall! I think I'll do negatives first just to get it out of the way. Service was a little slow and fairly awkward. My only complaint. Now for the positives, of which there are many! We went on a weeknight when there were half off bottles of house wine. Tuesday? Or Wednesday?? Either way, bottles were super cheap and good quality for the price. Food was also the perfect happy hour fare - lots of awesome crostini, cheese, and charcuterie options. High quality stuff, well-chosen and thoughtfully combined and presented. I'd definitely return!
(4)Emily P.
I really really like this place. 5 stars for great wine! (we didn't try any food, but next time we will). Came here late on a Saturday night and sat on the patio. I love the neighborhood friendly feel here yet they are able to maintain a certain sophistication with their knowledge of wine, that is not at all snobby. I really appreciate that! I wish I remembered the name of our waitress, she was so awesome. I asked for a random flight of some white wines, and she brought some great, unique Rieslings. We will definitely be back! I am so glad I finally found a wine bar in Minneapolis where the wait staff is actually knowledgeable about the wine, but not at all snobby about it.
(5)Brad T.
A great place to choose your own adventure through an international wine list. If wine is your thing then check this place out. Enjoy!
(5)Stephanie O.
Last Saturday, my soon-to-be-in-laws and I met up at Toast for a surprise engagement party. I'd never been before but it is a favorite of the happy couple's...I tend to trust their restaurant/bar suggestions and this time was no different. It was the perfect place for the type of celebration we were having...drinks and share-able snacks that felt classy yet an ambiance that wasn't at all stuffy. It helped that they put us at a cluster of high-top tables pushed together so that people could stand or sit, not feeling confined to one spot. It is a pretty small place but the only time it felt cramped was when I had to push my way past a huge birthday party in order to get to the bathroom. Presumably this is NOT the norm. Seeing as they are a wine bar, the wine list is extensive and organized into several large categories. However, their specialty cocktails are also worth a gander. I saw local aquavit, Gamle Ode, on the menu and couldn't resist - but also tried a glass of sparkling rose, as well as champagne which was ordered for the table so that we could...well...toast! The menu changes seasonally but definitely had some tasty things, including vegetarian items, and everything I tried was well-liked. Our group stuck to more snacky items - a couple of salumi plates (from which I tried the addicting almonds, a variety of olives, bread, sliced apple, and boquerones), some buffalo chicken flatbread pizzas (these were a real crowd-pleaser but I did not partake), and some crostinis. You order the crostinis a la carte style so I tried three different ones...the chickpea puree with lemon, avocado and sea salt was delicious, the white anchovy and lemon vinaigrette was fine but I basically had the same thing using what came on one of the salumi plates, and the third crostini I cannot locate on the online menu but was so rich, garlicky and delicious that I had wonderfully awful breath the rest of the night...NO COMPLAINTS, honest. Lastly, shoutout to the servers here...it was busy, the birthday party AND our party probably made things chaotic for them, yet they were cheerful, helpful and totally on top of things. I will definitely be back!
(5)ChristianAnn L.
Affordable personable and delicious. Napa valley casual and taste with Midwest charm. Small neighborhood gem.
(5)Mark W.
A true wine bar with great nosh and friendly atmosphere. The staff will happily let you taste a varietal prior to ordering or make an appropriate selection to your taste. As far as eats - Crostini toasts, tasty crisp crust pizzas and offerings that are accessible to most. Ingredients are well sourced and always fresh. Salads are well thought out, without the usual ingredients found at every other local. Do not miss the ever changing choice of cheese and charcuterie. Equally enjoyed on your own or in a group of any size. No TV's - just a great way to enjoy an afternoon or evening in a nice tucked away gem in the north loop. Outstanding patio in summer. On a side note - owners are connected with 45th parallel distillery in New Richmond, wi. Some great locally sourced libations not of the grape category. Sound to good to be true - it is to me, but you be your own critic.
(5)Daniel G.
Great wine selection and wonderful cured meat plattera. Get one and the malbec and you will be in heaven! The staff are not the most attentive but with the atmosphere it's okay. Also try the mixed drink, dark and stormy.
(5)H W.
I had a wonderful experience here. The staff made us feel like family and the food was excellent Check it out!
(5)Rachel E.
Another gem of the North Loop, Toast is perfectly nestled on a small side-street for an intimate date/wine night. I recently walked here for a wine night with one of my best friends, and we both adored Toast. The café itself is nestled a little below street level, allowing room for a small patio. Since there is a short window where patio seating is bearable, we opted for an outdoor table and split a bottle of their Malbec. I had already eaten but my friend ordered one of their pizzas and said it was great. Our server was attentive and very funny. My favorite part about the patio, aside from the trees and string lights, was the fact that they allow dogs. There sadly weren't any when we were there, but there were little water bowls all around. Cannot wait to go back many, many times.
(4)Scott D.
Wonderful service - our party of 8 was well taken care of throughout the night. Toast serves excellent wine, cocktails, and small plates in a cozy yet lively space. Highly recommend as a winter dinner spot.
(5)Robin D.
Honestly the best dining experience I have had in the longest time - possibly ever. I cannot say enough amazing things about this place. We went here for date night, and will definitely be back again - on the regular. We sat out on the patio, which was beautiful and quiet - and dog friendly (bonus). The place is obviously a favorite of North Loop locals, because it seemed that every person who walked by knew someone on the patio or vice versa. Everyone was giving hello's and stopping to say hi. It seemed as though everyone was friends there, which I loved. Our night started off by joking with our server, Andrew, that because it was "Wine Wednesday" there should be some kind of special. To our surprise, he agreed and responded by bringing us an amazing bottle of his choice at a ridiculously good price that definitely wasn't the norm: point 1 for Andrew (and for us, obviously). He then talked us through the wine and what would go well with it. We chose a bunch of small plates, and he took the initiative to bring them out in groups in a 3-course style dinner "so that we could enjoy each dish." Okay Andrew... I like your style. THEN, with every course he brought us each a complimentary glass of wine that he paired nicely with the food. Amazing. Point 2 for Andrew (and again, for us). He was amazingly attentive the entire night, as was the rest of the staff that wasn't even serving our table. To top off the amazing deal on the bottle, the complimentary glasses throughout the meal, and the great service overall, he finished our meal with two complimentary glasses of the house limoncello. Point 3 for Andrew: TRIFECTA. Needless to say, we had a phenomenal experience and would recommend this place to anyone and everyone who loves wine, crazy good food and a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Already made plans to return next week on "Wine Wednesday", and hope that Andrew is working again.
(5)Eric J.
Not the best spot for date, though in order to hear yourself over the din of other patrons and odd music choice you have to lean in close if you're not going to yell... so maybe it's not all that bad. Cocktails were pretty good overall. They were kind enough to round up to the nearest dollar when they charged my credit card though... so keep your receipt, because that's pretty lame. Other reviews suggest it's good for wine, so I'd say skip it unless you're going there for that.
(2)Dawn G.
Toast is a cozy little wine bar tucked into the North Loop area of downtown Minneapolis. I've been to Toast on quite a few occasions over the years but have been going more frequently recently. Why? Let's talk about that. They allow 1/2 glass wine orders, which I take advantage of to to make a custom wine flight. I love trying new wines and this is a great option for those who enjoy a good tasting. But Toast isn't just one and done. In addition to a nice variety of wine, they have some really good food. At least half of their menu items include cheese. Toast, you have my attention! There is even a section devoted to burrata. And I'm telling you now my friends, this is some very delicious burrata. Not a mozzarella fan? No problem. Create your own custom cheese plate by choosing from their large selection of soft and hard cheeses. Or order a few of their tasty crostinis (Taleggio with caramelized onions is a personal fav). If you want something a little more substantial, you really need to try their crispy thin crust pizzas. That crunchy crust is topped with unique ingredients like BBQ pork with green onions and provolone. Yum. Toast is the perfect stop before a night at Acme Comedy club or for an after work beverage. Check it out.
(4)Julie M.
The owner knows everyone in the building, so it was fun sitting outside with a drink and some great eats and seeing him call everyone by name. Made you feel like you were in a real regulars place. We sat outside so no trouble with noise as per one of the other reviews.
(5)Ali J.
We accidentally found this place while waiting for another wine bar to open and are so glad we did! The staff are very knowledgeable, food is delicious (their flatbread pizzas are phenomenal) and they have an awesome wine selection. They offer a daily happy hour with select bottles of wine for $20 - can't beat that!
(5)Susan A.
This is your wine stop at 5:30. Any Day. They choose the perfect varieties. Taste some!
(5)Suzanne N.
I hosted a group there last night. I called a couple weeks prior to get everything arranged, Scott was very helpful. Ended up being a slightly smaller group than I thought. Andrew was our server and he gave us a meal/wine course that was excellent. We had 3 wines and 3 courses; antipasti with olives, cured meat, bread. All were delicious. Crostini came next, had 4 varieties of which I tried 1. Group I was with all said they were good. Pizza for 3rd course; margarita, Italian sausage, squash. Thin crispy crust, also tasty. We had red velvet cake to share; it wasn't a traditional red velvet but I did like it. We enjoyed a dry prosecco, a nice Pinot Grigio, and a red blend. Andrew brought out an extra wine for dessert, a super Tuscan I wasn't loving at first, but I had a second taste and it grew on me :-). Great experience, will be back.
(5)Dan M.
Toast saved the day! After a poor experience at Bev's (weird atmosphere and poor wine) we decided to end the night on a high note at Toast. Toast is a small wine bar on the first floor of an apartment complex. It is easily accessible and has street parking. This was my second time at Toast. The waiter was extremely kind and asked how our night was. We told him that we had a poor experience at Bevs and he was sympathetic. We ordered some wines and they were much better. He also started bringing is samples of some of his favorite wines just because. Toast seemed to have some "regulars" who knew each other and liked to spend time there. It was a nice environment. I liked the paintings that were hanging up. They were a bit eerie but added a nice voice to the bar. My first experience at Toast we ordered some pizza and cheeses. The second time we split a salad. The food does the job but does not go above and beyond. Go to Toast for a relaxing evening/date night/or good glass of wine!
(4)Kim K.
I wanted to give this place a stellar review because I liked the vibe, but the service was abominable. Our server was friendly and cheery at first - offering samples and recommendations before landing on a glass; however, things quickly went downhill. And by downhill I mean, we never saw him again. And we were there for about 2.5 hours. He brought us refills on our first glass and never checked back again. We wanted food and were interested in sampling items on the menu throughout the night, but ended up leaving after our two glasses because there was no one to order from. It was just very strange - the place wasn't even that busy and seemed staffed with other servers. First time in my life that I left almost no tip.
(2)Nat G.
I went here a couple months ago late on a Sunday night with a few friends to celebrate my birthday. It was the first time I had been based on my friend's recommendation, and it turned out to be a very memorable experience. The wait staff was amazingly attentive and patient with us as we tried to decide what to order, bringing us several samples of wines to try just because. They did not disappoint, nor did the salads and appetizers we ordered. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food, wine, intimate atmosphere, and friendly customer service. I really had a wonderful time celebrating my birthday here and I attribute much of my experience to our waiter. He did a great job taking care of us and I wish I could remember his name!
(5)Louise S.
We loved toast We were actually early to a dinner reservation close by so ran in here just as a rain storm was brewing. I can't review the food here because we only came by for drinks but just e wine and the atmosphere scores this top points for me. Scott ( one of the owners maybe) was awesome and chatted to us about the vino as we drank, recommending different types and even offering us samples of some more unusual vintages/flavours! Toast is located in a cool area of downtown..by all the new trendy warehouse apartments and it's cozy and romantic. While we were there they had various wedding parties coming in so such a great atmosphere. They have some more unusual wines and the customer service totally won it for me
(5)Dana J.
I would give this a solid 5 but the service was a bit lacking at times. That being said: 1. Happy Hour was great. There were select bottles of wine for $20. We requested something "not too dry" and the French bottle that we were given hit the mark. 2. The crostini! I ended up eating five (hey, it was dinner!): grilled brussels sprouts + goat cheese, ricotta + Chesnut honey, carmelized onion + taleggio & chickpea + avocado (with the brussels being my favorite). It was a solid deal at $2 each since they were good sized portions. I will definitely be back to try more food - everything that came by our table looked truly amazing.
(4)Aaliyah P.
This place is def Minnesota Nice. My friend and I were seated outside on the patio. It is very possible that there was some confusion with whose table we would end up being, but to sit 20 minutes without any acknowledgment is bad news in my book. The wine list had some pretty decent options and when someone finally came over we ordered two glasses of the Sicilian white. Price point seemed about right for the vino options. A friend of a Yelp friend swears by this place and apparently has had great service and food , sadly i wont be around to give this place another shot. Minnesota nice = all smiles , but through closed teeth......
(2)Kim R.
The atmosphere, people, wine and food are all amazing. My boyfriend and I have all of our birthday parties and get together a here. Andrew is amazing and always adds a personal touch. Great place to enjoy a glass of wine and some phenomenal eats!
(5)Whitney F.
Second times a charm! This time planned a girls night specifically around this north loop gem and it did not disappoint. I am terrible in that I ordered the same wines. The table tried one of the Syrah's which was very nice as well; our group ordered a plethora of crositini and a flat bread. Great again and plenty of food! Additionally I checked out the space as a friend was scoping locations for a networking event; toast has a space off to the back that would fit 10-20 people perfect!
(5)James F.
I just signed up for Yelp, because a friend told me about it. Feel the need to give a review to this place that we just discovered. So my fiance and I just moved into the North Loop area, and have been checking out the local places. I have to say we love the area. No chain restaraunts, great variety, good vibes everyplace we have been. Toast is a favorite so far. Small menu for food, but it goes well with the great wine list. We love the pizzas and salads, and have been through most of the crostini list, and have yet to have a bad one. Service is always friendly, knows the wines well, and the owner comes around and says hi too, which you don't always see. This is becoming our regular hang-out.
(5)Bekkah R.
A great little hidden gem! Super cozy atmosphere, delicious thin crust pizzas, and the staff is out of this world fantastic.
(5)Bobby B.
Let me begin by saying if it wasn't for Yelp and the people who post on here, places like Toast would go unseen. So thank you to all who wrote about this place! My experience in one word: EXCELLENT! I live in Chicago where some of the best food and drinks are created. But there is nothing like a quiet and remote wine bar, with a great atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and fun owner. Toast definitely met my high expectations. The owner is a wonderful gentleman who is fun and talkative! He is very knowledgeable in all different kinds of wines. This was helpful when he decided to serve up a flight of wines based on what I told him I like. He even surprised me with some other kinds that I did not think I would ever try. Now you may ask...would I reccomend this place to others? YES! This is a great spot for after dinner drinks. It is definietly a place for all ages, but great for a young, fun couple looking to get away from the crazy bars or clubs and be with each other. Would I go again? ABSOLUTELY! No questions asked. I had a great time here and would make it a local "go to" spot if I live here. For furture guests, enjoy! You will like it! Date Visited: 2/21/2014
(5)Susan L.
Great place to stop by after my Opera meetings for a good glass of wine and some small plates. This place is always a bit busy during the week, but I gather that the warehouse dwellers like stopping in to their neighborhood joint. Which, I may add, is a good sign that the food is good and the company is rich. The staff are very, very friendly and do their job well in trying to make you buy more drinks or food. My friends love the flat bread and the mussels aren't that bad. They have mushroom with truffle oil and other yummy combinations that tease the senses. Honestly, I haven't had too much other food here, but they have so many wines to choose from. Again, it is a little loud and small, so probably not a place where you want to have conversation, but it is fun enough for a little bite and a glass of red or white.
(4)Christopher V.
Toast blew away our expectations! They have a great wine selection and you can't beat $20 bottles for happy hour. Their food is fantastic from a simple antipasti plate to the flavorful baked Polenta. The bar is cozy but can accommodate small to medium sized groups. Toast is a great way to spend an evening!
(5)Stephen S.
I stopped in this tucked away spot on my walk home one evening during a recent stay in the Warehouse District. I was not at all disappointed. I only wish I had not just had dinner so that I could try some of their food. Scott, the owner and bartender, is fantastic (just so charming, kind and friendly). He couldn't wait to pour me as many wines as I was willing to taste (despite the fact that I had tried them all before ... just not here). :) There was a loyal local following of chatty regulars who make this spot their second home. When it's warm, I can wait to come back and sit outside to enjoy watching some Twin City nightlife pass by the river walks.
(5)Sara O.
Ladies night out led us to Toast Wine Bar & Cafe. Friday night at 8pm we basically had the entire place to ourselves while the rest of the crowd ate outside. This was wonderful as we were given quite a bit of attention and help navigating the wine list and menu. We were even given samples of some wines prior to picking our glass of choice. Perhaps this was the owner as I see him mentioned on other reviews. We all enjoyed our various glasses of wine we had picked. Dinner involved multiple cheeses, crostinis, and one pizza. It was perfect enough to fill us up and allow enough money for more wine! I highly recommend the goat cheeses on the cheese platter and the prosciutto pizza. I highly recommend this place for ladies night out or even date night. I would have gone with 5 stars but being a wine bar I was hoping for flights of wine!
(4)Patty M.
Great atmosphere, great food, great wine! The only parts I didn't like was the parking was terrible (expected in this area on a Friday) and when we inquired about happy hour it was just a couple bucks off a few select bottles of wine. No food or anything. However, it was a great place to sit back and relax. Really makes me wish I lived in the neighborhood!
(5)Jess V.
I'm going to be writing a lot of reviews for great date places because unfortunately for me, but fortunately for some lucky guy out there, I'm single and going on a LOT of first dates. Toast on a Tuesday night is.. well, to keep with the breakfast theme..my cup of tea. There's an area on the side of the restaurant that has multiple, candlelit, bar height tables and chairs, perfect for a getting-to -know-you gab session. Five drinks and a side of olives and bread cost us about $50. It's definitely a little on the pricier side for a first date, but the 'right' date won't blink an eye at the cost!! Wink, wink.
(4)peter c.
Great food, great service! Very friendly, neighborhood atmosphere with lots of locals and dogs. Great seating outside on a warm night. Not a huge menu, but it was good for a wine bar. Great crostini and salumi. I'd say "kid friendly" for a teenager. Our server was especially impressed with our son finishing his desert. Thank for a great night outside in MSP.
(5)Jess S.
Love. Love. Love this place! Great wine list, and the food is delicious. High recommendations for the homemade flatbread. And OHHHHH the staff!! They are so fun and friendly! This place feels like home!
(5)Sara S.
As Minnesotans, we tend to start hibernation as soon as the patio doors close. I chose Toast after wanting to try out their outdoor space all summer with my pup in tow. Needless to say, November came too quickly but we decided to give the interior a shot. I came here with a few friends last night before a show at Acme and was greeted by friendly faces and a warm ambiance. We settled into our bottle of wine pretty quickly (Malbec, we're not too fancy) and ordered the olives and the Burrata with arugula and Serrano ham - which we inhaled. One of my friends is Celiac and the waitress found two gluten-free pizza crusts so we could all share. We were all very pleased with our meal and the wait staff were all so friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
(5)Nell R.
Love the Spinach salad and the great fun wine selection!
(5)Dan S.
I was very pleasantly surprised with Toast. It's been on my list for a couple of years because I've walked by the place 100's of times. One reason that it took so long to finally come in is that the curb appeal is lacking, with all the cement, but it is nice on the inside. They have some charchuterie, great cheese plates and a good selection of wine. The bartender let us sample a few wines before selecting a bottle. I thought the service was great and it is a great location for a casual evening with friends. The ricotta cheese was one of the best things I've ever eaten. Hands down.
(4)Ashlee K.
Shitty service. Came for drinks/apps for start to date night and sat for 15 min without getting our order taken while we watched 2 tables next to us who got there after us, order before us. Waitress clearly needs some training.
(1)Jen W.
And another thing: the wine prices here are ridiculously reasonable. Every other restaurant in town has at least a 200% markup on wine. Tonight, we paid $80 for a bottle that would cost $55 online. You know what that is? That's a 45% markup. I have never been to a restaurant that has wine prices this low. And their wine list is fantastic - not just the same old wines that you already know and can buy at MGM, which is what a lot of other wine bars in the city offer. The wine list here is really thoughtful and creative with wines you won't find anywhere else. You will certainly discover something new here. And that chickpea avocado crostini still calls to me in the middle of the night. It's so simple. But it's so freaking good. Best wine bar in the city.
(5)David S.
The owner of this place is a great guy! He takes a special interest in your enjoyment of the food and spirits and remembers your name! He gave us so many samples when we mentioned that we were getting into Port wines and next thing we know, he breaks out like 5 different types and starts sampling with us. Long story short, I walk out of there with a great bottle of Spanish PX wine that I can't even begin to describe how good it is. It's a very small venue, but the food is great as is the selection of spirits. Definitely a North Loop gem!
(5)Trent E.
I've been going here since December 2006. My attention span is the length of a gnat, but Toast seems to capture it. Great, accessible wine (not overtly marked up - Monte Carlo, are you listening?), cozy ambiance, and the butternut squash/ham pizza (and others) make this an evening regular. For the price of a really crappy Applebee's meal for two, you can have a wonderful date night. No service gaffes, and the owners...well, they love to know their regulars. Think of a throwback to REAL customer service, and you'll get an idea after 2 or 3 enjoyable visits. Note: the salads are huge, and the wine pours generous (unlike BLG). If you're adverse to good calories and a wonderfully easy enjoyable night, this might not be a place for you. Ditto if you wear crocs or can't park your Ford Windstar.
(5)Kelly S.
Last weekend after my husband and I attended a show downtown, the last thing I wanted to do was head home. The night was young and I had a craving for wine and dessert ... so of course we went to Toast wine bar. I'd only been there one time before, but it had a lasting impression on me that was a good one. Their service is so attentive and their drinks and dessert are decadent. I tried sparkling sake for the first time and it may be a bit too telling, but I've been craving it along with my chocolate mousse cake ever since I stepped out of their doors. It's another gem tucked away in the North Loop in Minneapolis and I'm never disappointed when I go to this place. The first time I went was last summer and they made some of the best sangrias I've ever had. It makes me excited for summer and going back to this place to taste more than just their desserts and drinks.
(5)sarah p.
Toast is a cute little wine bar tucked away on the corner floor of a newish development in the North Loop. They have a nice selection of wines, and even carry one from Minnesota! The outdoor seating area seems quite popular, adn I could imagine spending a nice fall day sipping on a light pinot noir and munching on some of their fabulous pizza. And it really is delicious. I had the beet, blue cheese, and serrano ham pizza and my H had the sausage, banana peppers and provolone. Both were fantastic. I had never had banana peppers on pizza before, and H and I agreed that this should be done more often. We didn't have room to try the corssitnis, but the descriptions looked delectable. If you're ever in the mood for a nice glass of wine and a light bite, I highly recommend you check out Toast when in the North Loop hood.
(4)Beth M.
The menu feels light but is actually perfect. Once you start ordering and tasting you realize that each item was so perfectly selected and prepared that you can't wait until your next visit so you can try something new! And once you get through the whole menu you will have a hard time deciding what you want to eat the next time because it is all that good. And don't forget dessert or the wine list... not sure what to order ask Andrew, he is the best waiter in town and can make wine and dinner recos that are always dead on! Scott really knows how to run a friendly little gem in an awesome neighborhood. Be sure to find some time to check out Toast!
(5)Justin W.
Really nice staff, very knowledgeable and can always make a great suggestion. Great spot for happy hour snacks, the crostini are all very good. My favorite is the thin crust truffle mushroom pizza. Dog friendly, we brought our pup and sat outside all the time. The owner is very cool too, he's always there, and makes his own vodka that is worth a try. 42nd Parallel, I think it's called.
(5)Nicole D.
Toast Wine Bar & Cafe sits in the shadow of the new Twins stadium in a residential part of the North Loop in downtown Minneapolis. The menu is simple and focuses on foods that complement wines, the true passion of the chef, it appears. I've been here now four times and each time I hope for an ecstatic eating experience but instead I end up with a solid, serviceable one. The food is fine but not awe-inspiring. The menu is compact but doesn't vary with the seasons (and it really could). The wine is great but the servers don't educate you about how your choice could best be matched by one wine over another. Each time I've come here, I've seen some of the same folks gathered at the bar. It seems like a comfortable place to come back to on a regular basis, but it won't be my "Cheers" largely because the food and wine don't call to me like they do at say, Bar La Grassa, a few blocks away. I'd rather walk to Sapor or BLG for a superior eating experience. In terms of convenience - a block from the office, a block from home - five stars. In terms of food - three stars. In terms of overall appeal - two stars. Overall: Toast is A-OK. Go there for a nice meal and a glass of wine, or perhaps dessert and port. They will treat you just fine.
(3)Hina K.
I lived in Heritage Landing, and so part of the allure of this restaurant was its convenient location. I feel like Toast is such a wonderful restaurant, regardless of its convenience in my case, and more people ought to be aware of how delicious the food and drinks are here. In the summer, definitely sit outside if possible and order the white wine sangria. For food, I suggest ordering one or two of each of the crostinis. I wish I could say which my favorites are, but quite honestly, they are all so delicious. I always order the crostini with the chickpeas and avocado. Other favorites include the roasted mushroom with truffle oil - a decadent treat for the senses and the flavor of the mushroom does not overwhelm. One can never go wrong with the mozzarella + serano ham - it is a staple. Finally, for 'dessert' part 1, I would suggest the ricotta cheese and honey. It is so delicious and light. One could seriously have two servings of that, and it would totally satiate the need for dessert. Dessert part 2 could be ordered off of the dessert menu, yet I always like to finish off with a glass of dessert wine or latte. Usually, I also split a pizza with my party along with the crostinis, and my favorite would be the pizza with speck - I am unsure of what the other ingredients were atop the pizza. I just remember the speck, and it was incredibly flavorful. This restaurant is so good, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants great service and delicious food without worrying about a pretentious locale in the North Loop - great place for a date night. Great for vegetarians as well!
(5)Mellie M.
A lovely little place to enjoy the beautiful days of summer. They have a swell little patio and our party of ten fit well with no issues! I am a big fan of a place that has half priced bottles of wine for their happy hour special. And the selection of wine is pretty decent. You can enjoy a spicy Spanish Tempranillo while you are looking over the menu. My friend and I split the 14 piece Crostini platter and it was the perfect little meal. My favorite was between the roasted mushroom and truffle oil or scrambled egg and chorizo (yes sounds weird but it tastes like a little breakfast sandwich). I did bite into the ricotta cheese and honey and proclaimed a little too loudly to the table that it smelled and tasted a bit like new shoes...it really does. Very odd and yet I enjoyed it a little bit. Go bananas over Toast. Oh and for all you Gluten Free folks..the toast thin crust pizza has the options for you! Mmmmmm
(4)Bee K.
I haven't been treated to a restaurant experience as nice as my first visit to Toast in years, it would seem. We arrived right on a Saturday right when it opened at 5pm, and the staff was ready for us. First, they commended us on finding a good parking spot; right in front of the store, there are about 12 spaces where you can park while dining at Toast as long as the adjacent dry cleaners is closed. This means easy, free parking on early evenings! Toast is dark inside but roomy with lots of windows. Tables were comfortably spaced as well as comfortable to sit in. Lots of tables along the outside of the restaurant as well. Service was PHENOMENAL!!!! Our server was a man who I presumed to also be the owner/manager behind the bar was extremely thorough and efficient the whole evening. Had great recommendations, was knowledgeable about the menu, and was extremely friendly and accommodating. He stopped by the table several times to make sure our food was to our liking. All I can really say is that he made the dining experience unusually pleasant and enjoyable. We ordered... - several crostinis ($1.50-$2.00 each) - a ricotta, provolone, garlic, chiles, spinach, and serano ham pizza - a 4-cheese plate with ricotta and chestnut honey, edelweiss gouda, a goat cheese, and pecorino romano sheep italy The crostinis were good, although neither of us were a huge fan of the tomato pesto and ricotta variety. The truffle oil, chickpea puree with avocado and sea salt, herbed goat cheese and grilled brussels sprouts, barbeque chicken and cole slaw, mozzarella and serano ham, and scrambled egg and chorizo were all truly quite delish. I never, ever thought i would enjoy eating brussel sprouts after swearing them off when i was six, but with some fresh and flavorful goat cheese and some nummy seasoning, the crostini was super yum. The pizza was really good as well, although I thought it was a bit heavy on the ricotta. The serano ham on everything that we ordered was cooked perfectly and added a nice salty texture to the dishes. Finally I get to orgasm all over the selection of four cheeses we ordered, which were accompanied with apple slices, sweet glazed nuts and bread. All four were fucking delicious, super fresh, and came from a wide selection of what I'm sure must be equally amazing cheeses; some of which are local. For desert we shared a delicious peach cobbler variation with local peaches. Super amazing - not too sweet! A great finish to a ton of great food.
(4)Lesley P.
I hadn't heard of toast 3 days ago and now it's a place I won't forget. I loved the ambiance at Toast....everyone seemed to know each other and the owners were quite engaging too. I just had a glass of Cab and it was big and bold......everything I had hoped it would be! I can't wait to go back in the summer (or before!) to sit out on the patio! The patio is quite large for a quaint wine bar and I heard it's a great spot during a Twins game.
(5)Alison M.
Toast is a great romantic date destination! I went here with hubby for our 1st anniversary after a show at the Guthrie. It was quiet and secluded--perfect for good conversation and gazing into each others' eyes so listen up guys; girls will eat this place up! The night we were there, another couple was celebrating their 10th anniversary at the bar and our server (who I'm fairly sure is the owner) congratulated us both, which I thought was sweet. I couldn't decide if I wanted French champagne or Spanish Cava so he told me I could have 1/2 glass of both--and was generous with his pours. We were only there to share a celebratory dessert so he suggested the Manjari Chocolate Pudding Tart with Fluer de Sel and XVOO. It was incredibly delectable, sweet and salty, rich and creamy. It was basically a chocolate tart with sea salt sprinkles and drizzles of olive oil. I was a little skeptical but the flavors were complex and complimentary. By the end of the night, I had also recognized him from a Yelp event as one of the owner of the 45th Parallel Vodka distillery. As I was telling hubby about the delicious horseradish-infused vodka I had tried (he showed it at an event), he arrived at our table with short glasses on the house for us to sample it. What a memorable night. I hope you boys are paying attention!
(5)Liz T.
outstanding service, wine selections, and small plates A very pleasant evening, both indoor and outside patio dining
(5)Derek C.
Wine selection and service are outstanding but don't expect to eat a full dinner at Toast. Food is small dishes and super thin crust pizza, which are okay but not anything I'd intentionally eat again.
(4)Clare O.
I can't wait to go back! It might have been the company, but when 3 friends and I walked into Toast, we were greeted with smiles, humor and EXCELLENT service. We shared a great bottle of wine (that we got to test beforehand) and then had an amazing English pea pizza. (It sounds weird, but it's delish!) It was a gorgeous night and we sat outside eating good olives, crusty warm bread and great wine, while summer breezes kept us comfortable and happy. The table next to us had used a coupon and we were kicking ourselves that we didn't have one, but we didn't need one as the food was well-priced for what we got and how it tasted. You MUST have a Toast cocktail, too if you go - blood orange and locally distilled vodka that's smooth and sweet. My new favorite place. 5STAR REVIEW DOWNGRADED TO 3 STARS. Edited after I brought my entire book club here. I was so proud to show off this place but we got the terrible service. Our server was surly and growled at one of my book club friends. We felt totally unwelcome.
(3)Clint C.
I usually go with 5 stars if I can't think of a single complaint, and this place fits the bill. The good vibes started by talking to Andrew on the phone. He was instantly engaging and having a lot of fun with the phone call (as was I). It was kind of enchanting at night to be sitting in there. There are a lot of windows and there's something comforting about sitting below street level. Most of the light is diffuse coming in from outside. I could have sat in there all night, but we had to get to a show at Acme. 4 of us ordered the charcuterie, all of the crostini, a roasted butternut squash pizza, and the italian sausage pizza. It was all excellent, and a lot of fun. Andrew brought it all out on a big lazy susan so it was great to spin it around and try different crostini. I drank saki like it was going out of style and we headed over to Acme. Great place, great ambiance, going again fer sures.
(5)Jarrin W.
The atmosphere is nice -- relaxing and comfortable with a come-as-you-are vibe. I brought friends with me for this first visit and we all agreed we'd return. We were able to enjoy each other's company and have a conversation without shouting at each other over the background music, which stayed in the background but was pleasant. The waiter was friendly and checked on us often. I believe the owner (an owner) came up and introduced himself to us. He worked the entire bar throughout the evening. He seemed very personable but not too intrusive. The prices were fair -- my friends and I didn't feel we were being overcharged. We each had a glass of wine (actually, my friends did... I don't drink but had some sort of sparking apple cider). We ordered food. The crostinis I ordered were DIVINE! My friends raved about their food. We all ordered a dessert and sampled one another's. I ordered the carrot cake and everyone agreed it was the best! There was not one complaint about the food, service, or atmosphere. I'd definitely recommend this bar to any and everyone and fully intend to return soon!
(5)MaLissa Y.
Vodka specialty drinks are so wonderful here! Service is always amazing. Owner is welcoming and you can tell he appreciates your business! OH MY and the flat bread pizzas rock! Actually, everything on the menu is more than amazing!
(5)Rachel G.
Hard to find, and hard to find parking. Decent wine list. Ok food. The feel is kind of "hard" and "cold", because there isn't much furniture or rugs to soak up the sound.
(3)Kelly B.
The best restaurant experience I have had in 2009! I'll admit it. I'm a big eater and I have an inclination towards sweeter, richer foods. Small plates aren't always so satisfying to me. So when I can be so dazzled by these delicate but mightily flavorful bites....I am enchanted with Toast! A friend and I shared several of the $1.50 Crostini's. The crab comes to the forefront of my memory. We also had a delicious crackery-bubbly-thin crust pizza with golden beets and the most amazing prosciutto. It's like I didn't even know what real prosciutto was! I took home an incredible chocolate pudding torte for dessert to share with my darling. It was insane-salty chocolate is so amazing. I'm no wino-but my friend is, and she picked me out two enjoyable glasses from their "beautiful wine list." The atmosphere was dim, intimate, romantic and comfortable. The staff was beyond friendly. The bill was absurdly reasonable considering how much we had and the quality of the entire experience. This will be one of my new favs. Now GO!
(5)Tim H.
There is something about an owner who makes themselves visible in their ventures. The owner has stopped by my table almost every visit to make sure everything works. Cheers to him! Toast Wine Bar & Cafe has a lovely staff, fair prices and a location that will make you think you've found this amazing spot just for you and your friends to enjoy. It can be a bit loud once that group of 6 in the middle of the room start their 4th bottle of the vino, but most people are aware of the acoustics and keep it hush-hush in the place. Simply a lovely local wine bar.
(5)Susie B.
Um, the mushroom and truffle oil crostini was one of the best things I've had in a long time. Wow. I believe I even turned to my friend and said, "Hey, this tastes like good sex". She knew exactly what I meant and agreed. I had a lot of fun choosing from the list of crostini's ($1.50 each) and arguing and discussing amongst ourselves which was the best. I will be back. Oh yes, I will be back. The wine reco's were good, the atmosphere moody but not off-putting. The owner is very nice and helpful. It's in the bottom floor of an apartment building in warehouse District, I used to live upstairs back when it was first built. Darn, I wish this place was open when I lived there, they would have had lots of my money.
(4)Emily U.
We went to Toast on a Sunday evening around 5 pm. Got to the front door, looked through the windows and realized nobody was in there but we soon saw a woman gesturing for us to come in. So we did. It was a little awkward since we were the only ones in there. But she was nice enough and gave us good suggestions throughout the meal. We tried the flatbread pizza was OK but a little too much sausage. I had the salad with goat cheese and it was good-it was large so it was very filling. We split a bottle of wine based on her recommendation and had a dessert. Being that it is a wine bar, I think this is the place where you may go only for wine and cheese because that seems what they really specialize in. It's a bit hard to find if you don't know where it is.
(2)Shanna C.
This place is a hidden gem! A destination known well to the locals in the warehouse district, but worth the search for those not in the area. The wine has always been wonderful, but the real treat is one of the owners, Scott, who is usually around, remembers you, and is always friendly. It is hard to believe they make their delicious pizzas with a toaster over, but regardless, they are so yummy. I have been here at least 6 times, and will continue to go back until I move!
(5)Kimberly T.
Toast is the quintessential neighborhood gem. The spinach salad with apples, almonds & goat cheese is so good. Any crostini that has ricotta, get it (if you like ricotta, that is). I've had the butternut squash pizza - amazing! The BBQ chicken pizza is also fantastic. The prices are also incredibly reasonable. Can't wait til the weather heats up so I can get a glass of wine and sit on the patio!
(5)P X.
Free wine tasting with some of the most impressive new releases?!?! Yes PLEASE!! I recently visited Toast for a private wine tasting event (where I sampled some delicious Sake and Ports) and nibbled on delicious appetizers. I was very impressed by the staff of Toast and the variety of snacks. I definitely want to stop back for a glass of wine and a more thorough sampling of the menu.
(4)N. Marcus R.
Toast is a hidden gem, and a gift to the North Loop neighborhood. Although the menu is small, the pizza, salads, crostini, sandwiches and deserts are incredible and not at all expensive. A shared entree and a couple glasses of wine at Toast is one of the really good Mpls experiences. When Toast opened, I worried that its' remote location and limited menu would be a very hard sell, now I worry that it will eventually get overrun by the masses from the 'burbs.
(5)Jenn M.
I've been hearing about Toast for awhile from a friend and couldn't wait to try it tonight. It definitely lived up to the hype. They have an amazing wine list and the waiter was very helpful and picked out wines we both really liked. We also had the olives which are delicious. I can't wait to go back and try more of their food and other wines.
(5)Cara F.
Went to Toast last night during happy hour and what a wonderful experience. This quaint little neighborhood bar had excellent food, wonderful service, and great happy hour specials (1/2 price bottles of wine under $40). Our server Andrew made excellent suggestions and treated us as if we were the only table in the restaurant. I highly recommend Toast!
(4)Robin M.
What a fabulous place! We dined here last night and had a great time. It is the perfect place for drinks and nibbles. The nibbles are so yummy that we easily made a dinner out of them. The crostini are delicious, the spinich salad is fantastic, brussel sprouts are great, and the cheese selection is a great addition to your table. The wine list should have something for everyone, we easily found several that were just our speed. The service is very good, both owners (husband and wife) came out to our table at separate times to welcome and thank us, and ensure that we had everything we needed. The warm and friendly atmosphere feels like an upscale Cheers bar. This was a great place that I would return to on a future visit.
(5)Jamie M.
This place is pretty fantastic, it's really just the perfect place to relax and have a few bottles of wine. I took my parents there last time I was in town and the staff just great and the sweat potato pizza was just incredible, definitely going back on my next trip to minneapolis.
(4)Lady S.
I love this place! 10 steps from my loft and super yummy. The staff is really sweet and knowledgeable it's a great place to grab a snack. The pizzas are light and tasty and while I'm not the biggest fan of the crustinies friends of mine love them. My #1 pick on the menu right now is the spinach and arugula salad w/ Green Apples and toasted almonds. A close second is the home made short cake.
(5)Jen B.
Nice wine bar in the Warehouse District just a few steps from my place. The menu is small plates, salads, crustini and cracker-crust pizzas. The real hit is (obviously) the wine. Great selection, many very reasonably priced. The owner (?) was on hand and more than happy to offer explanations and recommendations. The decor is modern and sparse, and there is a nice albeit small outdoor seating area that I moon over when walking the dog past it on nice summer days. Not sure how it fares in the winter; I'm guessing it's supported mainly by the lucky souls who live in the building. If I had to choose between this place and Bev's, I would probably pick bev's just b/c of the unbeatable view. But still, this is a great place to grab a drink and bite while having a quiet afternoon chat with a friend. Recommended.
(3)Maureen F.
I thought this was a decent wine bar, a bit hard to find, but I liked the cozy atomosphere. My friend and I had two for one coupons, so that was awesome. I wouldn't normally come to a cafe like this place for dinner, but I was starving by the time we found it, so I ordered a portobello sandwhich. It was pretty flavorful and tasty. Our first waiter kind of sucked. We had empty glasses for what seemed like twenty minutes and even after eyeing him a few times he never came to refill our drinks. Finally another waitress came by and took our orders. After that our service was fine. If I lived nearby I would stop in for a glass of wine, but probably won't come here all that often, unless I find a few more drink specials.
(3)Mykl R.
Cozy, friendly atmosphere with a smaller, but quite decent wine selection. Helpful waitstaff are great at recommendations. Happy hour discounts on glass and bottle prices. Menu was modest, but with interesting items like cheese or olive plates, a variety of crostini options, unique sandwiches and thin-crust pizzas. I really enjoyed my soppressata sausage, black olive and goat cheese sandwich with a glass of Italian Sangiovese. Great cappuccino too.
(4)Jane J.
Toast is a unique wine bar tucked away in a great neighborhood. The owner is very friendly and nice to chat with. I recommend this cozy place to catch up with friends over some nice wines and small plates like olives, cheese, serrano ham and chorizo. Visitors to Mpls might like to try a place a bit more off the beaten path but close to downtown hotels. I look forward to going back there when the weather is nice and can sit on the patio.
(4)josh s.
Get a variety of crustinis and find your favorite. Great wine too.
(5)Sarah J.
The cracker-crust pizza here is so delicious. Italian sausage and banana peppers is my favorite. Ask your server to recommend a wine if you're indecisive or undiscriminating. Toast is on the way anywhere if you're already in the North Loop and is best for a light dinner or snack after work, since the food menu is small (but good!). It just feels like a neighborhood place. If you like what you find, ask for the owners who are very friendly and happy to chat or proffer their favorite wines of the week. The service is excellent - and warrants a mention for it's care and efficiency. Mmm...I'm still thinking about that pizza.
(4)Steve P.
I've been to Toast several times over the last two years, and it's been a very consistent experience. The focus of the menu is not food -- there's one page of options -- but on wine. The wine list is very well selected, and ranges worldwide with quite a few obscure selections. Service is great. We usually have one of the pizzas -- the sausage and pepper one is a favorite. Desserts are good too. A great place to meet and chat with friends.
(4)David U.
We went to the new Toast Wine Bar the other night. There is a decent number of wines...maybe 20 reds and 15 whites, but nothing that leaves a lasting impression. The food is also subpar. I think I could make better food at home...which is not saying much. I do like the location and will give the place another try based solely on that. It could be a nice little neighborhood cafe, but first it needs to make some improvements.
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