Tongue In Cheek
989 Payne Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55130
Tongue In Cheek Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Saint Paul for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
989 Payne Ave
Saint Paul, MN, 55130 - Phone (651) 888-6148
- Website https://tongueincheek.biz
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch, Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Victor M.
Going to this place was a challenge. The neighborhood is not too good and over the years it has built up a bad rapport. It was hard to find parking that did not look too shifty but once i got past that and made it to the restaurant it was nice. This place was like a oasis in the middle of no where. The place is very small so you should get reservations. We tried almost everything on the menu the funniest drinks where these little gummy gushers like things in champagne that we kept ordering. The food was amazing and the service was exceptional. We spent about 4 hours here just trying things and i would have to say we did not feel rushed or anything. We hope to make it back to this place again thus year because it was so good. My hats off to the chef and the staff
(5)Steve B.
Love this place. The service is friendly and helpful. The outdoor patio is lovely. And the food ... wonderful, memorable, creative, and oh so tasty. I used to be a foodie but with kids now I don't get out much any more. This summer they were away at camp for a couple of weeks so the wife and I went to several new restaurants recommended by foodie friends. This was the best of the bunch. Much better than Spoon and Stable and equal in all ways to Heyday. But more affordable. We will look forward to opportunities to go back again and again.
(5)Amy W.
I absolutely loved this restaurant! We were greeted immediately upon entering and got to choose our preferred seating area. The staff were all really friendly and very knowledgeable on the menu. We started with the sampler flight of cocktails and all of them were really tasty. We tried the shareable Fries and Fixings appetizer and it was wonderful . The flavor combinations of everything on top of them made them the best fries I've ever had. I also has the Corn Risotto with Chorizo as my meal and couldn't have been happier. They had a Chipotle foam around the outside that was a fantastic compliment to all of the other flavors already present in the dish. Overall, I would highly recommend and would come back repeatedly!
(5)Rebekah E.
I had the pleasure of visiting Tongue in Cheek for brunch today with a group of my friends. I ordered the "Weekend at Bennies", which is an eggs benedict with gravlox (raw, cured salmon), poached egg, chipotle hollandaise sauce, and a few dots of avocado sauce on the side. It was absolutely delectable. I love a good eggs benny, and this was perfection. My favorite part about eating it was cutting unto the flawlessly poached egg and watching the yolk ooze out. It was literal food porn. Our waitress was Kristen B. (at least that's what my receipt says), and she was a joy. Humorous , talkative, and knowledgeable. She stopped at our table the perfect amount of times, and made sure our water was never empty. Finally, the brunch menu was incredibly affordable. $18.45 for my meals which included the entree, $11 and an Irish coffee (coffee, plus a bunch of booze), $6. The experience at Tongue in Cheek was so good, that I wanted to rewind time and re-live it immediately after it happened. I can't wait to return and try the rest of the menu. I HIGHLY recommend this gem of a place.
(5)Jason K.
My wife and I had a voucher for $30 at Tongue in Cheek. I ordered all of the teasers. The one with the salmon rho was AMAZING! Is was like fish flavored tapioca dripping with saltiness and happy in your mouth. Then the pork belly came out. Dear Lord. Yummy. For brunch, I got the chorizo, egg, pita deal. It was a little cold when I got it, but not enough to send it back. I tried two of the cheladas. Beer and other stuff. Not bad. Our server Paul made our 4.5 time a 5 point o. He was the best!
(5)Joline E.
For my birthday dinner my husband agreed to check out Tongue in Cheek after a trip to the Science Museum. Being from the west side of town it seemed like a hike but since we could kill two birds with one stone we were in! We tried the two bite flight (one each of six tiny teasers) priced at just $2 per taste. It was totally the way to go and we loved the pork belly teaser enough to get a second. The second favorite teaser was the torched ahi with its rich and varied flavors, although my husband, being the sushi lover he is, look a strong liking to the scallop crudo. Next we tried a few appetizers worth sharing: the fries and the Tuna Poke. Hands down the tuna is my new go to for an app with a drink over happy hour or light dinner. We took our bartender's recommendation of salmon for main dish to share. I normally avoid salmon at restaurants because it's often overcooked and dry but our server promised a juicy sauce of Bloody Mary infused gin would ensure a delicious variation. This dish did not disappoint! It was light and rich at the same time while being juicy and flavorful all the same. I recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting a taste of molecular gastronomy at a fraction of what you'll pay at restaurants like Piccolo or Corner Table (my other fav). Our total bill including wine and martini was under $100 for two of us, which is arguably the best value we've found recently!
(5)Katrina O.
The $2 teasers are a great idea and lets you try lots of little things without filling up before the main entree. I had the east fried pride, which is pork belly, stonefruit, and some peanuts. Super good and the pork belly had a nice seared section to it, which added some nice smoky flavor and the skin had a nice crunch to it. Highly recommend trying this! Hubby and I shared the braised pork steamed buns from their appetizer section and that was great as well! The buns were soft and fluffy but they did tend to stick to the dish that it was brought out on. The buns had pork, stonefruit, pickled cucmbers (tasted more like an asian pickle), and some other things that all melded together just right in my mouth! Hubby and I both had the burger, it was good but kind of salty... maybe from the aioli? Finished off dinner with chocolate ode to the dome, which is a chocolate dome desert with peanut butter crumbles, homemade marshmallow, and a couple other things I can't remember. I thought it was just okay but that could be because i'm not a big fan of chocolate or peanut butter. Hubby loves both those things and he thought it was super good and he gobbled most of it up super quick. :) Love the restaurant but it's kind of in a ghetto neighborhood so if that makes you nervous then this probably isn't the place for you. But if you aren't afraid to venture in, you're in for a great experience.
(4)Dana L.
Last night was the second time my boyfriend and I dined at Tongue in Cheek. The first time was a decent experience, we were greeted promptly, given our choice of seating, and although we weren't huge fans of the cocktails or the price tag on what we deemed to be a B+ meal--we decided to give it another try last night. First, we waited at the front door for 5+ minutes before the bartender came over to lead us further into the restaurant to wait at the host stand (last time we sat on the patio and never went that far into the restaurant/dining room--so we didn't know it was there and couldn't see it from the front door) Then we waited another 5-10+ minutes before someone stopped to acknowledge us and find us a table. Another 10 minutes for our server to show up and take our drink orders. We were ready to place our dinner orders but she didn't ask and whisked off to place our drink orders, a beer and a cocktail. 10-15 minutes later they arrived at the table, we placed our orders and then waited, and waited, and waited.... At no time did our server reappear to offer another round of drinks or an explanation as to what the hold up was. My boyfriend was so angry, he insisted we walk out. I told him to wait 5 more minutes (we had now been here for over an hour) and our food finally came out. It was good, but not good enough to wait an hour for. The entire experience was under-whelming at best. I would give it one star, but the first experience was a bit better. However, we will not be back .
(2)Janet O.
Good food, terrible service. Went last Sunday night around 7:30 p.m. for dinner. We tried all of the $2 teasers -- I highly recommend the berries & bubbly (the "berry" is impossible to explain, but you have to try it), the East Fried Pride and the Goldi-Lox. For cocktails, I ordered the $18 flight. Most of them were peculiar and I didn't LOVE them, but it was fun to try them all. I ordered the corn risotto for dinner. It was definitely underdone, but the flavors worked very well together. My boyfriend ordered the potato gnocchi and beef tartare, both of which were fantastic. We also tried the chocolate ode to the dome for dessert. The flavors and textures work so well together -- it's a must-try. The problem, however, was that service was terribly slow and our waitress was unable to answer our questions about the food we were eating (one of the things we asked her was what the "berry" was in the Berries & Bubbly teaser and she mumbled a lot and really could not answer). There was another couple on the patio, and they were forced to go inside to ask for their check. I hoped the waitress would get the hint, but unfortunately not. We had to wait (and wait) for her to clear our dinner plates while our drinks were long empty. We then made the poor decision to order dessert and then were left waiting for her to bring our check. Finally we went inside only to find our server chatting with a guy at the bar. There are so many good reviews here, and the food was great, but unfortunately the service soured our experience.
(3)Joy H.
With sarcasm being my second language, it was only a matter of time before I visited Tongue In Cheek. A few weeks ago, I finally swung by this place for a brunch with my fellow foodie buddy with the goal of fulfilling my epicuriosity and a hungry stomach. Despite the moderately empty indoor section, I was surprised that the tables there were "fully booked" by their account. I'm not sure if the staffs were living up to the restaurant's name, but I was glad I didn't stay inside since their outdoor patio was just as awesome. My buddy and I ended up ordering East Side Pride and Goldi-Lox for teasers before hitting up our main dishes of French Toast and Weekend at Bennies. As it turns out, their appetizers were rather small. One of them (Goldi-Lox, I think?) was actually served on a bent spoon for a literal experience of sharing a bite when it's ordered to be split among the dining parties. With that said, starvation wasn't the best condition to be in when one's trying to judge the delicacy of a gourmet dish. Since I was at the level of a hangry hippo, I wasn't exactly delighted at the sight of a bite-size "dish." I'm sure they tasted good but I'll need to do a rerun at this place to make sure my hunger doesn't overwhelm my tasting senses next time. For the main dish, I was happy with the French Toast but not ecstatic. I must say that the combination of savory with sweet from this delicacy was a refreshing and innovative mix since the slightly tangy berry compote added a dimension to the lightly salted ham and cheddar and the sweetness of the coffee butter and maple syrup-soaked toasts. For whatever reason, it just didn't hit the spot for me and I couldn't figure out the reason why. I wouldn't mind ordering it again next time though.
(3)Jonathan E.
One typically expects to see authentic Asian and Mexican establishments in this pocket of St. Paul, but it's been amazing to see the influx of various styles of cuisine over the past few years. Tongue in Cheek (along with COOK), located along Payne Avenue, is a place that came highly recommended to me... And other Yelper reviews verified these words of praise. The restaurant isn't located in an area known for this type of establishment--it has the feel of something you'd find in Uptown, Downtown, Northeast, or along Grand Avenue. The interior features an eclectic array of art which create an appropriate atmosphere for the menu and style of food. There is a bar area and decent sized dining area, although I would recommend getting a reservation, specifically for weekend brunch. With regards to parking... There is a small lot located behind the building, but there is also ample street parking in the nearby vicinity. The food is where Tongue in Cheek really shines. Additionally, they have one of the most outstanding brunch menus in the Twin Cities area. The pastry of the day is not to be missed if you are a fan of fresh baked goods. The grits are well-executed, as well. However, if I were to recommend one entrée it would be the coffee butter infused French toast--it is as fun to look at as it is to eat which is a great compliment on both fronts. In terms of pricing, I felt that it was definitely a good value for what I received. Prices are also listed on the online menu, which is information I think all restaurants should provide. There is very little to complain about with Tongue in Cheek. The only thing preventing my review from being 5 stars is the outrageously long wait time for my food. The service was extremely friendly, don't get me wrong, but it took nearly an hour for food to be brought to the table (and I was the first person seated on that day). All things considered, however, I would say that this is a must-try restaurant. Pros: Outstanding brunch menu, friendly service, décor, ample parking Cons: Wait times for food to be prepared/brought out
(4)Nhi V.
Having their own parking lot was a plus! It was not busy for brunch on a Saturday when we visited which was kind of nice! Our waiter was very chipper and informative. My brother, father and husband all ordered the pork belly hash and thought it was decent and scrumptious (a tad salty). I got the french toast, it was mediocre, came with ham and bacon. The only downside would be the limited selections and the portion sizes which were a tad small. Not a bad experience at all, but would proabaly go elsewhere for brunch.
(3)Jefe S.
You'd be a fool to miss out on all these flavors. The gravlox is one of my all time favorites.
(5)Arlette P.
We had the 10 course tasting meal with libations and it was a fantastic array of tastes! The scallops crudo were probably our favorite, but it was a tough choice between that and many other items -- fried green tomatoes, burrata with dried kalamata olives, grits w parmesan cheese, steamed pork buns. I could go on and on. The service was great -- and even though the air conditioning was not working (on a 90 deg day with high humidity), we still enjoyed every minute. Definitely a place to try, if you haven't yet.
(5)Keith S.
My first time was with Felix so feel free to read his review as well. I will throw out a big ditto to everything he said so I'll just add a couple of highlights. Table service was great. Wish I remembered her name. She wasn't phased by our group and interacted with us wonderfully. Food was great. I had the tuna steak, damn good. Cooked excellently, presented beautifully. Sampled a few others that I really enjoyed as well. Priced appropriately. Interesting drink selection. Some oddballs. Some good ones. Parking lot in back! Go!
(4)Shelia C.
We met friends for dinner and drinks last Friday. The food was really, really good and the drinks even better. Why only four stars? The service was a bit slow, although they were clearly trying to keep pace. I would have liked to see a bit more variety in the menu with more focus on vegetables (the only offering was an arugula salad). Finally - parking tip: park in the street. The restaurant shares a lot in back with a midrise apartment building. We got into an ugly verbal dispute with one of the apartment building residents over a parking space. It took us a few minutes to chill out after that and actually enjoy the evening. But - we will definitely be back and will park smarter!
(4)Jeremy A.
The food here is very well prepared and tasty. I have docked stars in this review due to the service. Slow drink orders and bussing of table. Management was very smug too, although the poor service could be attributed to them. This isn't LA, NY, or even Uptown for that matter. It's Payne Ave on the East Side.
(3)Sue M.
I think this neighborhood is making a comeback. Really a lively neighborhood on a Saturday night. Band music filling the street from a wedding hall and brightly colored lights on the all the taverns and people dining and drinking on the outside patio. Nice to see this. Inside, this place is for adults. Finally - not a little kid insight. No color crayons, no children's menu, no high chairs or food on the floor. No disrespect to young families. The menu is sophisticated with multiple layers of flavors in every bite. Not a meat and potato place at all. Nice wine list and I love the servers. They know not to remove any plates until all the people at the table are done eating. Thank god for good manners. We started with 2 outstanding salads. The heirloom tomato salad and the watermelon salad both with too many layers of flavors too be listed. Just an explosion of textures and flavors. So good. I was a little disappointed that there was no bread served. The pork belly filled our space with the aroma of a pig roast. Every bite tender and rich. Their interpretation of the classic Cheeseburger and Fries was spot on also. We had the Chocolate Dome dessert which was like a deconstructed chocolate peanut butter cup with a homemade toasted marshmallow. Nice.
(5)Alyssa D.
To be fair - This is a review based on circumstances. We chose Tongue in Cheek for my husbands birthday tonight. To start, food was delicious! I would give 5 stars on the food. Also. our server was knowledgeable and prompt. No complaints there. However, the air conditioner was not working and we were literally drowning in our own sweat. It felt like 90 degrees in there. It was so, so hot. A couple of fans or a comped drink would have been the right thing to do. It was a big disappointment when we have so many great options for amazing food in the Twin Cities!
(2)Lee V.
My favorite happy hour spot. If Paul, the bartender is working, get the Mary & Gingers! And if you need a snack, I highly recommend the Eastside Pride (pork belly). Otherwise, get the Pork Belly Bun - nom nom!
(5)Michael A.
Good service, tasty food that's uniquely prepared with nice presentation. Just what a foodie like me appreciates. They do some mini appetizers called teasers for $2 each. Really good and wished I'd gotten the flight of all 6. I got the pork belly which was perfectly cooked with a foamed sauce and topped with an apple salad mix. I actually I was pretty stuffed and probably couldn't have had the teaser flight and still fit the dessert. They had a chocolate peanut one that sounded a bit more than I could handle so went with the sorbet that had some jalapeño in it. Really great. I sat at he bar. Paul stays busy but was very helpful. Ask about his mitten knitting. I'd go back. Lots I didn't get to try.
(5)Carly G.
As new parents, we get to go out just the two of us very very rarely. We dumped the kid on my folks and headed out for a nice date night. I was concerned about the neighborhood (heard rumors that it wasn't the best), but was pleasantly surprised to find such a gem. We ordered wine for me and a cocktail for my husband. When a restaurant has a cocktail called The Ron Swanson, any man of importance would order it. My husband obliged. Drinks were delicious! For food we got the burrata salad and the watermelon feta salad. Both dishes were so beautiful. The burrata was tender and delicious, and the watermelon salad came on a huge salt block. Both were equally memorable. For entrees, I got the corn risotto and my husband got the pork belly. The risotto was velvety with a good amount of heat (added chorizo to mine, a nice offset to the sweet corn). The pork belly absolutely melted in your mouth and the mushrooms were earthy and amazing. I didn't get to try the carrots because my husband presumably swallowed them whole when I looked away to have another bite of corn. The restaurant was not busy, and service was a little slow due to the computer system being down. We were warned ahead of time, but again, as new parents getting to go out is a rarity, so we savored our time alone together. The staff was very knowledgeable about the ingredients, dishes and cocktails; and also very apologetic about the fault in the computer system. We will be back to Tongue and Cheek in the future. Food was stellar and the staff was perfection.
(5)Tiffany M.
Cute restaurant/bar. Bar was decorate with a variety of mirrors. hostess station had a clocks that displayed times for Zulu and Guam...made me wonder why??? Bloody Mary had heat, making me sniffle, and was garnished with a variety of pickled veggies. the BF had the Seahorse Bloody Mary, clam juice to represent "Sea" and fresh horseradish to represent "Horse". this is a tad spicier than what I ordered. Egg Sammie was great and I even managed to not break the yolk. I enjoy eating my egg Sammie's as an open faced sandwich so I did not eat the top bun. French fries were fresh still with potato skins on and I enjoy a good French fry. --who doesn't. I can't wait to come back and try other items from the menu.
(4)Amy R.
Whimsical name. Interesting location. I'm thinking they are trying to revitalize and make Payne Avenue a bit of a go to spot? Met a friend for brunch. We both wanted to try this place and were both in the mood for a good Bloody Mary and some good brunch. The Bloody Mary wasn't the best we've had ; even with the horseradish vodka. I inquired whether it would be too spicy. It wasn't spicy, but it was a bit too tangy. We both remarked how sour and funny tasting the cauliflower was. The menu isn't overly big which is fine, but the choices were kind of iffy. I appreciate the push of the menu to step out of ones comfort zone, but some dishes when too many bells and whistles are added its iffy. I was going to "weekend at bennies" but was not sure about the chipotle sauce or the gravlax. My friend tried it and confirmed my apprehension. Just wasn't our thing. I tried the pork belly hash which was good. Lots of flavor and good looking when it came out. Service was good. Atmosphere nice. Reminded me of another places set-up. Just not sure whose. Nice place to try.
(3)Erin H.
After coming here several times, I finally had to write a review. I cannot express enough how great this place is. The food has so mc thought and care put into it. Every bite is exploding with flavor. I also appreciate their dedication to fresh, sustainable ingredients--which also means there are new menu features every time I go! The cocktails are listed by flavor profile, which is genius (and delicious.) The servers/bartenders are also very knowledgable about the wine/beer list and the food. Great atmosphere, grub and people. You can't go wrong!
(5)Noel M.
I went here with a friend for brunch on Sunday morning. We didn't have reservations and the dining room was full so we sat in the bar area. There are several tables in this area though and we didn't mind at all. Waiter was very helpful with questions and recommendations. Service was friendly but slightly on the slow side. It took quite a while for us to get drink orders in and then food orders in. Once we actually got to order something it came out relatively quickly though. They were busy though and I wanted to catch up with my friend so I didn't mind. Drinks - We each had a bloody mary. Really, really good. My friend had hers with the horseradish vodka, I had mine with the rail vodka. Both excellent. Delicious and just the right amount of alcohol. My friend had coffee, I don't drink coffee. She really liked the coffee but said it was ridiculously hot. She put ice cubes in it and she never ever does that. She is a bit of a coffee snob so she was embarrassed to do it but it was so hot. Food - My friend had the pork belly hash and I had the Weekend at Bennies. It's eggs benedict basically but with gravlax, avocado and chipotle hollandaise. My friend loved her hash and cleaned the plate. My eggs benedict was also excellent - eggs perfectly poached and you could taste all the flavors and how they worked together. Presentation was also beautiful. I don't generally take photos of my food but I almost took a picture of this, it was so pretty. I also cleaned my plate. I was full but not too full. Definitely glad we didn't order any extras, would have been stuffed if I had. Total bill for 2 drinks, 1 coffee and two entrees was under $50. Really reasonably priced. And even with the slow service we were there for about 1.5 hours which is about how long I wanted to spend anyway. Street parking on the weekend was a piece of cake, plenty all around the restaurant. Definitely planning to go back again for brunch and try it for dinner.
(5)Linda A.
This place was fun. We actually had reservations at a nearby steak/seafood place but when we walked up to that place, the filth on the doors and windows and the general disaster look to the place had us turn around and walk away. Book Cover Judgment, but I wasn't having it. We consulted Yelp and Tongue in Cheek looked like our kind of place and it was! They worked around hubby's garlic allergy just fine. First off...the drinks were excellent! I had the East Side Sling. If you're a gin drinker like me, get yourself one. We had the charred feta amuse bouche...so cute and delicious. Followed that with the Caprese-esque tomato and burrata salad which was perfect. My hubby had the short ribs which he devoured and I ordered the scallops. I have to say the presentation was beautiful. I'd never had anything in sea urchin sauce let alone brandade but it was all so good. Portions were just right and allowed us to split the chocolate dessert. Our server was an absolute doll too...I don't know her name but she reminded me of Rachel Dratch. We'd go back anytime.
(4)Jacco V.
A friend and I had planned to stop in for brunch due to an abundance of positive reviews. We were seated promptly (it was merely empty since we arrived as the doors opened) and orders were taken right away. The waitstaff was very pleasant and friendly. Our appetizer (Pastry du Jour--croissant with caramel topped with some sort of crumbled/powdered chocolate) was brought out in a timely manner, BUT had I known our main entrées (we ordered the Poached Eggs & Grits and the Coffee & French Toast) were going to take a long time (+50 minutes) I would have ordered more from the menu. Although our conversation was very engaging, my hunger was redirecting my focus by constantly looking over my shoulder anticipating for our meal. In conclusion, the turmoil my stomach was giving me from our long wait was overcome by the superb quality and delectable meal. I highly recommend and would venture back to explore more of their menu.
(4)Laurie B.
We heard the food was amazing but service was mediocre.. Not the case! Well, the food was AMAZING (try the teasers) but The service was friendly, prompt, and fun! Great place to try and we will definitely be going again. Only down part was the neighborhood is not the best, but we think this restaurant will be the catalyst to turn it around. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND. Best food I've had in a long long time!
(5)Andrew C.
We had multiple courses, the appearance, flavor, and service were all excellent. I don't give out 5 stars often, but this place has got it! The $2 teasers were especially delightful. Chocolate ganache dome in particular was skillfully plated with several interesting texture and flavor contrasts. The pork belly had a fantastic crispy crust and moist tender texture inside. The Chestnut foam on top was incredibly flavorful. Only slightly disappointing thing was the clams with charmoula, there was very little charmoula flavor ( or appearance of charmoula ingredients), also the clams wee a bit too chewy.
(5)Gaily G.
Very mediocre food. I get their vision and concept but it was not executed. Pork belly sample was very DRY! Food samples are Barbie doll food. Mac and cheese a disappointment for kids menu.
(1)Staci C.
Paul is the drink guru. Food options are amazing and all clean and sustainable. What a gem on the East Side.
(5)Brent H.
This is somewhat tough to review. Very nice looking bar and restaurant, food overall very good, prices reasonable, but service needs quite a bit of help. I've been there twice, once on a Thursday and most recently this past Tuesday. The first time I went without reservations and ended up sitting in the bar area with my daughters. We each tried a different $2 teaser, all very good. For entrees we tried the duck boob, risotto and pork belly, all excellent. The problem was it took forever. I don't mind a relaxed pace when I'm comfortable, but my daughters were sitting on old ice cream parlor chairs with very limited backs and I was on a footstool. If you aren't going to make customers comfortable, you should at least give them the chance to minimize the time spend in discomfort (tip: you'll make more money turning tables quicker too). For the second visit with my wife, I tried to phone to make reservations but no one answered. Left a message, but no one returned the call. Being a Tuesday, decided to risk it but ended up sitting in the bar again. Bartender was also serving tables, which was insane given how busy they were, but not his fault. Took about 30 mins before our food order was taken and it went downhill from there. I tried a couple of the cocktail teasers and both were quite good. My wife had the "sangria", but it tasted more like colored water. Food was very good again, some repeats from before but also added the short rib dish which was excellent. The problem was our entree order was forgotten until I was finally able to flag down the bartender after we had been sitting there for about 45 mins, including an empty water glass for at least 30 minutes. Total dinner took 2 1/2 hours and we saw several people come in much later than we did and still leave much earlier. Did I mention we were sitting on high, backless stools the entire time? Why a four star rating? Nice place, good food, but most importantly they handled the issue well. The situation was inexcusable, so they don't get a total pass, but once they figured out how badly they had screwed up they were very apologetic and did much to try to make it right. We received additional teasers and they topped off our wine so we could have something to sip on when our entrees finally arrived. I was tempted to make the review 3 stars but for now will give them the benefit of the doubt. Next time I'll make sure to have reservations and if we experience the same issues the rating will definitely drop. I really hate to see a place that does so much so well completely blow it on one particular aspect. Management really needs to take a look at their staffing levels ...
(4)Annie P.
Based on all the great reviews we decided to check it out last night. They did not have a tap beer menu in print but our server was very generous with samples. I fell in love with a Belgian beer called Poscha Rustica. I'd go back just for the beer:) Started with the watermelon salad; Simply wonderful with loads of feta and spinach. Dinner was steamed mussels in a delightful and very favorable broth. Too good to share. Hubby had the meat and potatoes special which was pork. i really didn't pay attention to his meal as my mussels were so tasty but he said it was the best he's ever had.
(4)Felix W.
Hello East Side! I went with a group of people to Tongue In Cheek on Friday night and was very pleasantly surprised. I have heard of this place, but never been. We showed up early and tried out the cocktail flight at the bar. I should point out that the bar is the only reason I'm not giving 5 stars here. I love an adventurous drink menu, but there were a couple duds on this one. Consensus amongst our group was that one of the drinks was basically not consumable. Still, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I would gladly come back and order a drink (of my choosing) again another day. The dinner we were there for was great. I had the scallops and my brother had the pork belly. I didn't hear a complaint the whole time. In fact, I'm planning on going back just to try out a couple more things. Service was excellent. Our waitress was positively bubbly. We had a big group, and she didn't seem daunted. She even offered to some of us do the chefs tasting without the whole table going in on it. Will I go back? Yep. Possibly next week.
(4)j e.
This was a 4-5 but I rounded up because the location is unexpected and the service was classy. The 2$ small bites were give-travail-a-run-for-their-money good (that is saying something) and I hope they expand this as we would come and have like 20 of these if they are available next time. So inventive and delicious. The burger was good, a little more standard but the pork belly might be my favorite pork belly ever. Loved this place.
(5)Stephanie O.
Planning a family outing to support my future MIL who was performing in a musical in Maplewood, my guy suggested we check out Tongue In Cheek for dinner beforehand. Jazzed about the happy hour time coinciding with when we would need to eat before the show, we booked our reservations...and then I realized that HH is only at the bar. Not disappointing enough to warrant the loss of a star, but this is a pet peeve of mine. When you're charging as much as you are for your menu items, I think you can afford to extend happy hour to the entirety of the establishment. Shorten the hours if you need to, but limiting it to the, what, 10 spots at the bar? Silly. Anyway, we decided to show up a little earlier than our reservation to snag a spot at the bar and enjoy SOME discounted beverage action before dinner. My parents were also at the bar (enjoying the steamed pork buns which were beloved, a GORGEOUS cheese plate, and the humble yet supposedly delicious cheeseburger...oh and I snagged some fries which were tasty) so we bellied up next to them and ordered the cocktail flight. At first look, it was a bit gin-heavy for my taste, but I am attempting to move past my distaste for gin because I enjoy aquavit which is somewhat similar and realize that my bias must lie mostly in memorably bad experiences. Some favorites from the flight were the Mother of Dragons (Jalapeno Jim Beam, Mathilde Peach, OJ...HECK YES), the When In Room (Linie Aquavit, Cynar, sweet vermouth, bitters), and the Cross Eyed Mary (Bloody Mary infused gin, Sriracha...plus a piece of pickled cauliflower made its way into our shooter...yum!). For $12, we were able to split samples of 6 drinks and kill a half an hour at the bar before the rest of our dinner group showed up. For dinner, we all ordered some teasers + the rest of the group split the beef tartare. They liked the tartare and the teasers of Charred Feta, East Fried Pride, and Berries & Bubbly. I had the Scallop Crudo (melted in my mouth...was like the most decadent seafood pudding...that probably sounds disgusting but seriously, it was phenomenal) and the Goldi-Lox (also impeccable...after the meal, which I'll get to, I started to think I should have just ordered about 10 of the teasers and a salad instead of an entree! They were that delicious)... For my entree, I asked that they prepare the Steelhead Trout (which normally comes with "chorizo, parsnip, rapinni, beans") without the chorizo. It was the only seafood option of the entrees at the time and the daily vegetarian delight involved a cheesy grits...our server (who was awesome, by the way) informed me that preparing the dish without chorizo meant also excluding the beans - and offered to substitute the grits in place of the beans. I appreciated the offer, but declined (as I knew there would likely be butter in the prep already and the idea of adding more dairy and then having to sit uncomfortably through a musical = bad bad bad news) and so my place, when it came out, was the fish (yum yum double yum), the rapinni (broccoli rabe is one of my favorite vegetables so OBVIOUSLY yum yum double yum), the circles of sweet, pureed parsnip, and buttermilk froth. I cleared my plate, naturally. Oh, I also ordered two cocktails throughout the course of the meal. Their cocktail menu is organized my flavor profile and my first drink came from the "spicy section"...it was a bloody mary option because I'd enjoyed the Cross Eyed Mary so much, but this one involved clamato and I *believe* was vodka based (but I don't remember and I can't locate the cocktail menu online). The second drink was excellent and reminded me of Marvel Bar's Oliveto...frothy from eggwhite, lemony, delicious. Finally, we succumbed to the temptation of dessert. While the others got chocolatey or Irish Coffee Brulee options, I went with the Raspberry Lemongrass Ice. It was light, refreshing, and the sliced fresh jalapeno was a nice touch. Like I said, I could easily have made a meal out of the teasers + a salad, but I am glad I tried an entree my first time. Their menu changes a little bit every so often so I look forward to coming back and seeing what else they have - and also stopping in for their intriguing brunch! Decor is perfect for either a casual or dressier date night - but prices are reflective of the quality of the food so it's definitely more of a splurge night for me. It is right in line with some of the other foodie hotspots on the East Side (Ward 6, Strip Club, etc.) and it is definitely an impressive addition to St. Paul's restaurant options!
(5)Billy D.
First and foremost, their happy hour. Go there ASAP - it's incredible. You can get different cheladas (beer/juce paring) for $3 or try some cocktail tasters for $2 (try the cross eyed mary). This alone is enough to keep me hooked. The menu is innovative and you can tell that the chefs are having a lot of fun in their new restaurant. Layout is easy to follow especially for the cocktails. The teasers are ornate and a perfect example of this - don't miss trying a couple of these to amuse your bouche before diving into the meal. The food was very tasty and I appreciate the gastronomic attention to detail while still keeping the restaurant approachable. The mussels were spot on and I heard the tartare is great. The day we tried the vegetarian delight - it featured eggplant and I was blown away at the flavors. Service was great - knowledgeable and friendly staff who will chat with you about anything. Prices are reasonable for the food quality. It's in a gentrifying part of St. Paul, still off the beaten path but definitely worth the trip. Your friends will be impressed.
(4)Bobby B.
This is the kind of place I wish I could have all to myself. But in reality, I alone cannot see to its success so I have to tell people about it. My wife and I have been here for brunch and dinner and will continue to go back. The food here is excellent (the pork belly melts in your mouth -- I have dreams about this pork belly), the cocktail offerings are well-varied and the bartender accommodating. Be sure to try the small bites. I only wish that there were more spicy options on the menu, but that's my personal taste. Tongue In Cheek sources for locally produced food and holds the philosophy that livestock should be raised in as happy and as best conditions possible -- and that I can agree with. They had just added a new patio on our last visit. We took a window table instead, but it's nice that there's that option.
(5)Marie C.
We tried Tongue in Cheek yesterday as a casual yet foodie-ish option for my fiancé's birthday. I'm so glad we tried it, it was delicious! We started with Poutine, Beef Tartare, Cheese and "Popcorn shrimp". All were delicious. The cheese was amazing! The beef tartare was a large portion and served on a Himalayan sea salt block. The chips were good but perhaps a bread option should be served to hold the weight of the meat. My friend didn't understand the "popcorn shrimp" correlation but still thought it was delicious. We all ordered burgers after having lots of apps and also tried the mac and cheese. The fries had a good crisp to them and the burger was juicy, the bun delicious and great cheddar and arugula. The mac and cheese was a twist on the normal cheddar based kind and it was creamy and good. Since there was 5 of us we tried all the desserts. I had the chocolate dome and it is worth a try for sure. My fiancé had the brûlée and devoured it. Our friends shared the shaved ice and loved the freshness of lemongrass. I want to try for brunch again and to come back and do the tasting. Delicious addition to the east side!
(5)Justine L.
I recently discovered this place as part of our Twin Cities Supper Club. Overall, the ambiance was great - sleek, cool, hip and well-lit. It was relatively quiet inside, which I really appreciated (I'm very anti-Bar-LaGrassa-lets-scream-at-our-table-Âbecause-its-so-loud!). It's in an "up and coming" neighborhood, so does seem slightly out of place. We started with the $2 teasers, which were AMAZING. I had the roasted pork (Can I order 5 of these for my entree) and the scallop crudo. Both were artistically prepared and so deliciously flavorful, I couldn't wait for my entree. And that's where it stopped... I had the scallop entree, which looked intriguing because it came with more roasted pork (yum from the teaser!). Unfortunately, the dish was so bad I should have sent it back. It was coated with an overly salty, bland corn bisque that took away dramatically from the flavor of both the scallops and the pork. It would have been better on a bed of greens. Sadly, wouldn't go back from entrees. While the $2 teasers were amazing, it wouldn't be worth the drive all the way to the Phalen neighborhood just for the teasers or happy hour. I also didn't like how we couldn't redeem the Happy Hour specials in the "dining area" which was not stated on their website (which is why we booked our reservation early during blue-haired special time). Overall, bit disappointed for as "good" as the reviews were.
(3)Amy H.
Incredible service. In our party we tried 4 different cocktails and all lived up to their explanation. Duck and short rib was excellent. We were in a time crunch and told the waitstaff prior to ordering. They had us out the door at the time we requested. We will be returning.
(5)Becky L.
Delicious food. Had carrot cake soup, pate, and the duck boobs and everything was to die for. Of those three my favorite was the chicken pate. The reason for 4 and not five stars... the neighborhood! It was 6 pm and within a mile of the restaurant we saw 3 arrests and a creepy clown.
(4)Vanessa W.
Tongue and Cheek has good food if youre looking for just that. However, I think customers should seek out better than mediocre food. Each time I visited TC, the food tastes a little different; this is not necessarily a bad thing, yet not the best either. On the other hand, the drinks are unique and delicious. Ladies if you're looking for a great cocktail after work, this maybe the place for you.
(3)Mar N.
Amazing food but terrible service. We almost walked out after ordering a drink. In the end, the food made up for the lack of service. We'll wait a while to return and see if things improve. The burger and fries and fried chicken were so good. Our friends had the risotto and loved that as well.
(3)Anna P.
Payne Ave is coming back! Very excited to see what else will open. This place is classy, fun dishes to try and unique. We had pop corn shrimp with an assortment of sauces. Delish, no not even close to Popeyes shrimp. We tried the rib eye, it was cooked perfectly and also the gnocchi which is made in house, actually everything is made in house. Finally dessert which was Creme brûlée and it was Devine. Great place for a date night or gather with friends. I am sure they are kid friendly, but for me as a diner I'd say get a sitter and take in the sights and sounds without them. I didn't see a kids menu. Aside from the steak the prices were great. The rib eye was $38. I will be back and recommend you try it.
(5)Courtney W.
The "teasers" were amazing... as was the mac & cheese (ordered it sans pork), and then finished the night with the chocolate dessert... OMG.
(4)Trever P.
Wow, this is what it's all about! Looks great and taste even better. I recommend this place to friends and go a couple times a month
(5)Scott S.
We made reservations for a Wednesday night at 6:00. When we arrived there was a light crowd in the bar area and the dining room almost empty. Instead of sitting by ourselves in the dinning room we switched over to the bar for atmosphere and happy hour drinks. I was looking forward to salmon after reading the great reviews of it but it was not on their menu. I was tempted by the Pork Belly or the Trout and the waiter suggested the Pork Belly since it was my first time there. I also ordered the Mediterranean salad. Salad looked great but was nothing special. I still prefer a good Caesar's. Pork Belly was excellent. My wife started out with the Roasted Pepper soup which was excellent. She then had the Mac and Cheese w Pancetta which was also excellent. Only thing they could improve is the happy hour, but maybe they don't want that crowd there. They'll keep going to Ward 6. Other than that tell the server to stop repeating in detail what I ordered when he delivers it to the table. I found it irritating.
(4)Danielle G.
Yum, yum, yum. Went there today for brunch. The atmosphere is nice and the art interesting. I had the shrimp and grits dish was AMAZING. So much depth of flavor. I can't wait to go back again. All the food was beautifully presented. My companions had the omelet and the French toast. I didn't taste them but heard no complaints and both looked delicious, the French toast especially. My service was great. Only issue is that they didn't split the check when we clearly weren't paying together, so make sure to request that up front.
(5)Fay D.
We were very excited to try this new restaurant that by all accounts is breathing new life into what has been a blighted area of the east side. But we were disappointed and likely won't be back. Service was sloooow. It 70 minutes between our starter cocktail and getting a bottle of wine. And the wine list needs some beefing up. Some of our group's entrees were truly great. (Short ribs). And some were way to complicated. (Duck boob and separately risotto) Lots of foam. Didn't that go out in 2001? Dessert was just weird. Good food doesn't have to be over thought.
(3)Melissa L.
Finally made a point to check out the place. Enjoyed the cheeseburger, fries and a beer. Also purchased a dessert to take home; the Ode to the Dome didn't weather the trip well. Flavor was good but not exceptional. Tried the pork belly teaser...was unique and very good. I'd probably try that as my entree next visit. Casual/trendy ambiance on the East Side. Wish better parking and could do without being approached on the sidewalk for gas money, but can happen anywhere. Worth everyone to check out if haven't tried yet.
(4)Robin K.
I must stop in as often as possible just to get an East Fried Pride. OMG foodgasmy goodness!
(5)kaosong y.
I really wanted to give this place at least 4 stars but the service was awful for the caliber or restaurant it could be. We arrived at 7p on a Tuesday night and it was busy. Maybe it was the Livingsocial deal, but they only had two servers and all tables were full. I understand they were understaffed but the staff made no effort to manage our expectations. It was almost as if they were trying very hard not to admit that they didn't plan well. We finally received our main entrees after around 8:15p. We asked for the check at 8:30p and it took another 15 minutes to get close out our meal. With that, the food was very good. Flavorful and unique. The sangria I had was good but they had messed up my original order and it was well finished before any substantial food came out to accompany it. We had the pork belly and scallops teasers, the Asian salad (which was my favorite item we ate). We told our server that we wanted to share the salad but they did not bring out an extra plate. Maybe it's not their policy. My husband had the pork belly entree; which was delicious and I had the Salmon Risotto; which was also very good. The food is the saving grace. My advice is that if you go, make sure to plan to enjoy your time there because you'll spend a long time there.
(4)Sara C.
Really wanted to like this new and interesting option in East Saint Paul. There has been so much buzz about it. I do not get the appeal. The two bite appetizers are interesting but our main courses were lackluster and covered with parmesan foam. This is not something I expected or enjoyed. Maybe I am just old. Y'all young people go lap up the parmesan foam at Tongue in Cheek.
(2)Mads V.
I love, love, love this place. After getting a living social I have been back numerous times. I haven't had a single bad meal or experience. The drinks are amazing and super unique. The cross eyed mary is my personal favorite. I love that I can get a burger or something fancier and it is always delicious. You have try the teasers as well, the watermelon and goldy lox are my favorite so far. Also, I LOVED the mascarpone cheesecake with passion fruit, its my new favorite flavor combo. Great service as well!
(5)Adam D.
Simply put - Amazing! Yes, this is arguably the best restaurant in St. Paul, but Tongue in Cheek also holds its own with the best of the best that the entire Twin Cities has to offer! Is it worth your drive, from Minneapolis or the suburbs? Yes, Yes, a thousand times, Yes! I was impressed by every element of this restaurant: ambiance, presentation, service, and of course, the glorious food! I hesitate to mention that the prices are excellent, as this is not a consideration at all in my ranking of quality. I've visited this restaurant twice now (once with packed seating and once sparse) and the high quality was consistent. What a shining example of a great restaurant!
(5)L T.
Pork buns were absolutely AMAZING!!!! Cheese grits and trout were also yummy. Nice decor and good very good service but very loud.
(4)Crystal S.
I love this place!! Such unique and thoughtful food. I was happy with everything I tried (curry risotto...oh my god!). Their drink menu is very unique and looks amazing. I respect a place that uses quality ingredients and makes a point to promote sustainability and humane carnivoreism :) (says the tree-hugging vegetarian!) Oh and I looove the mirror bar wall!! I wanted to head right out to make one of my own.
(5)jenel f.
The food is worth the trip! Truly a tasty burger. Impressive work. Interesting cocktails. Love to see this restaurant in this neighborhood.
(4)Crystal W.
Great Addition to the East Side! We tried Tongue in Cheek for the first time tonight. I highly recommend popping in for a Cocktail Teaser flight and sampling the options from the Teaser portion of the menu. The presentation of the drinks and food was great. Drink Highlights: Mother of Dragons and Cross Eyed Mary Food Highlights: Everything we tried! But specifically; Roasted Pork & Watermelon Squeeze Teasers and the Potato Gnocchi. Staff was friendly and fully prepared to answer questions. I am positive we will be back to experience the 7 course tasting menu!
(4)Alex G.
Super fresh, adventurous, and delicious. Sat at the bar on a Friday night and had great service. It was a culinary experience and we can't wait to go back!
(5)Georgia N.
Went last week for my husband's birthday and couldn't have been happier. We almost went to Ward 6 instead, which is just down the street and has become a favorite for breakfast, drinks, dessert, dinner, etc. However, we decided to branch out and try the newest place on the East Side. Boy are we happy we did. The food was great. Greeeeat. We started out with 2 bites - super small and super reasonably priced ($2) tasters. We had burnt feta and pork belly. Nom. The pork was so good my husband ended up getting it as his entree as well. I went simple with the burger (~$11). Whoa. I was expecting a decent burger, but this may be the best burger I've ever had at a restaurant. It was incredibly flavorful, not just your standard patty and bun. My husband enjoyed his as well, though I thought it could've used more of a side to balance it (it was pretty much a plate of pork belly) - to each his own. My husband got a tap beer (which as another reviewer pointed out wasn't on the menu). The server didn't really *know* them, but she has the descriptions written down, so, whatever. I got one of their cocktails. I don't remember what it was called, but it was delightful. Their cocktail menu is pretty simple - I think just 10 drinks - divided by taste (umame, bitter, sour, sweet, and...spicy? Or something). I thought that was unique and helpful in choosing. Finally, we got the Ode to the Dome for dessert. It is a chocolate ganache dome, filled with a sort of marshmallowy cream and sprinkled with peanut powder and crushed brittle. Well! It was great. Kind of a deconstructed, fancy s'more...on crack. It, and I believe all their desserts were pretty small and between $6-8. It was so rich we wouldn't have wanted it bigger! There was one hiccup - my husband ordered whiskey to go with dessert, and we saw it languishing at the end of the bar for a while. When our server finally figured it out she was super apologetic and had already taken it off our tab! Mistakes happen. She handled it great. I really appreciated the range in prices. There was a $9 entree and the burger was $11. They offered steaks up to around $40, most of the other entrees ran between $15-25. So you can have a great meal at a wide range of price points! No complaints. Happy to have them in the neighborhood!
(5)Carlos V.
This was my first time at Tongue In Cheek after reading about it from my friend's blog. The experience was as good as it gets. They do a good job at marketing local product from the wine to the proteins they serve. The service was efficient and our server was knowledgeable about the food they served. Wait time was no longer than 3 minutes for drinks, 5 minutes for appetizers, and 10 minutes for main course. The gold mine for my taste buds was the Beef Tartare! The most delicious item I had and I will return to eat it again! With that said, I used to work in the Eastside neighborhood and find that neighborhood to be ten times more lively than Downtown St. Paul. The Spanish culture, the Hmong culture, the Polish culture, and the African-American Culture all in one location make this neighborhood one of a kind. This just adds to the community.
(5)Karen A.
I have said this for years...if they build something nice, they will come. This restaurant is a fabulous addition to the Eastside. The atmosphere is striking - the back of the bar with all of the mirrors, the works of art...all fantastic. The food is a taste bud's blissful nirvana. I went with friends and started with tasty cocktails then the torched ahi tuna, artisan cheese trifecta, fried pork, and gnocchi. Paired with the perfect wines these small starter plates burst with flavor and texture. I had the filet mignon while my date had the scallops; we shared and it was a meal match made in heaven. The Port selection was nice and aided in finishing the meal on the right note. I highly recommend this delightful restaurant. It brings such class and polish to the Eastside of St. Paul. I look forward to frequenting this restaurant throughout the year to take in the seasonal menu changes. Thank you, Tongue In Cheek for being such a bright spot on Payne Ave.!!!
(5)Scott B.
I have to say I haven't tried any entrées yet, just sandwiches and brunch. The Benedict at brunch was very good, and the fried egg sandwich is pretty great too... But the whole reason I'm writing this review is because of the hamburger I had during my most recent visit. It looks inconspicuous enough, when they first set it down, but don't let that fool you. The patty is dense; the same size as the bun, and it's not outrageously decked out with condiments. When you use good beef and season it well, you don't need to. But the pickles they put on it...it reminded me of cutting up cucumbers slices from the garden when I was a kid, and soaking them in vinegar and water...when I got my first bite of pickle, for a moment I was transported back to the picnic table in our backyard, eating a grilled hamburger in the evening sun. Order this when you want a good, solid, burger that doesn't dress itself up to be something it's not. *update 2-13-15 I tried the pork belly, and oh my God... So good. The cheesecake was divine, topped with some little bubble-like concoction that they explained how they do it, but I'm still baffled by it. And it is delicious. This is my new favorite joint, a classy place to get great food at a fair price. The staff is helpful but not intrusive, and the chef delivers plates at the bar. There's no band in the corner, no tv screen hanging in the corner, it's my new favorite hang out.
(5)Leo S.
You have to try the fries and gravy, cholesterol and waistline be damned! The pork gravy was awesomely peppery and the fries might be some of the best you'll find in the Cities. The tuna tartare was great as well and the mussels had a nice spice to them ( and right now I'm sorry we forgot our left overs on the table when we left!). Marsha and I like eating small plates rather than one big meal and we will definitely be back here!
(5)Marci B.
Fabulous food from locally sourced farms. Really reasonably priced and amazing quality.
(5)Brent P.
Everything here was delicious. Portions range from small to large and there's something for everyone. The service was absolutely top-notch. Tongue in Cheek adds quite a different variety to Payne Ave which is certainly welcome. I will be back.
(5)Tedd R.
The other reviewers have nailed it - the food here is fabulous! We had a couple fun teasers - one gravlox and one scallops. My wife had the salmon and it was wonderful. I decided on the pork belly and it was outstanding! Rich and flavorful! But the stand out for us was the Sweet Potato soup of the day - unbelievably rich and full of flavor! The drink menu was interesting and you can order a flight of special cocktails. But if you are a martini lover steer clear of the "Tickle my Tiny Pickle" It was too watery for my taste. Good service but they probably could have used another wait person. Mimi was only one and the place filled up so things came a little slower than I would have liked. Nice ambiance - the place was crawling with bearded, flannel wearing hipsters, so I think that's a good sign.
(5)Larry M.
Celebrated my wife's birthday tonight with friends. We had a great dinner with very good service. Loved the steak tartar appetizer.The whole table tried small appetizers called bites that were creative and tasty. The scallop with pork belly entre was a hit but the highlight was a scruptious ode to dome desert.
(5)Sharon S.
Visited Tongue In Cheek for the first time on Tuesday night for happy hour. The ambiance is calm and relaxed and the staff is extremely friendly. We sat at the bar and had the flight of teasers, tickle my tiny pickle and crossed eyed mary were very good. The ginger & mary-ann was delicious and although I typically don't like sweet drinks, I could drink this all day. I asked the bartender (Mike, who was great) what to order and he recommended the burger which was cooked perfectly and topped with house-made pickles, yum. Some people may think this restaurant doesn't fit in with the neighborhood but I personally think it's wonderful to see new businesses open on the east side, I will visit again soon.
(4)Alex R.
great new place on the east side.. food was prompt and delicious and the service was top notch as well.
(5)Laura T.
My wife and i were there the other night for dinner. We got there in time for happy hour and greatly enjoyed $3 glasses of sangria before heading into the dining room for dinner. We started our meal off with two of the teasers. These are little 2 bite samplers for $2 each to get your taste buds tantalized. We had the compressed watermelon with blue cheese and the salmon; the first was refreshing while at the same time creamy and smoky and the second was fresh and briny with caviar without being salty. Next we shared the beef tartare, which is fabulous and generous. It's served on a chilled slab of Himalayan salt and comes with microgreens and house made chips. I agree with an earlier reviewer who said that the chips weren't quite strong enough to hold up to the beef. But, I like the added crunch. Maybe they could just cut them a little thicker. The whole meat and potato twist is worth holding on to. The beef itself was delicous and seasoned perfectly. For our entrees, we went with the scallop dish and the chili braised pork belly. Both were presented nicely. My wife, however, noticed that her scallops did not have any of the pork belly with them that was mentioned on the menu. The kitchen noticed as well, and before my wife could raise a finger to attract a server a runner came out and apologized for running our meal before the chef put the pork onto her dish. In a matter moment her plate was whisked away and returned promptly corrected. Both dishes were cooked well with sauce accompaniments that bordered on decadent. One of our favorite restaurants is Restaurant Alma and my wife asked me how I thought it compared. I'm a former chef myself and I love good food. So here is my assessment: The atmosphere is at Tongue in Cheek is more laid back, where as Alma has that hipster-finger-on-the-pulse of things vibe. There were several families dining with children the night we were there... not something you would see at Alma... but still, they did not seem out of place at Tongue in Cheek, and it didn't ruin my dining experience to see kids practicing their going-out-for-a-nice-dinner manners. As for the food, I thought it was very good, bordering on great. A bit more heavy handed than Alma, but we are on the East Side of St. Paul after all. I thought that the entrees were missing bright notes... you know a bit of citrus, tang, fruit or acid to balance out the rich and solid flavor profile that they are presenting. That being said, I will definitely go back and I would recommend it for anyone else to try. I hope they have a long and thriving business life.
(4)Sheila W.
First stop of a friend's going away party and we were very pleased. We only had a couple of apps but they were great. While we sat at the bar the aroma of all the other dishes being served made me a believer and I know I will be back for dinner and brunch!!
(4)Felix Z.
Went here for a birthday celebration and a night out from the kids. Had high expectations for this new restaurant. Unfortunately I was disappointed. My beer was served luke warm and had to send back the mojito which was just bad. Tried the tasting menu. Usually, I expect to fall in love with one or two dishes of a tasting menu and this was a 7 course tasting menu so I was excited. Appetizer was excellent. The rest of the meal was decent but not for the price. I am not complaining about the quantity of food because we both left full. The beef tartare was incredibly bland and served with chips. The salmon was cooked well but absolutely ruined with an overpowering gin flavor from the broth. The pork belly was good - as noted by many previous reviewers. The scallops with apples was just bad! The blue cheese dish was just a big hunk of blue cheese on a plate. The watermelon and ginger ice was quite refreshing. Finally, the desert was not good and had to leave it on the plate. Overall, the meal was decent but there are many other places in the cities to get a better meal for less or the same price. I really wanted to like this place but it just fell short.
(3)Miranda C.
Absolutely delicious. The teasers are fun and fabulous. Make sure to try the mi-whoa-sa and east fried pride. The staff is friendly and will guide you through your order. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Charles H.
First time there, heard about the teasers... sat at the bar, Ryan one of the proprietors he was very helpful. The flavors were like you'd experience in a posh high end restaurant. .. nicely done.
(4)Glenn A.
I only have been there for brunch (twice), but planning on going there soon for dinner and happy hour. first the food -- brunch and breakfast are my favorite meals, and the food here was awesome - different, but not too experimental. I had the french toast with ham and a cranberry compote and a homemade coffee-maple syrup (fabulous) topped with a fried egg. The second time I tried the hash which was also amazing. My friend had the omlette and also really enjoyed it. The service was good and I'm happy to see a cool gastro-pub like this in an urban area. However....the neighborhood is rough - so just be aware of that. Street parking is difficult to find, so use their lot off Jenks.
(4)Deborah A.
Wow, just... wow. The first bite of cheeseburger exploded with flavor and juiciness in my mouth. Unfortunately, it was my husband's plate, not mine. My s-i-l tried the steamed pork buns. They were on the sharing menu but I could easily have made them my whole meal. What a satisfying combination of contrasting flavors and textures. My brother also had a burger. He shared some of it with me so I could satisfy my longing for more of that piquant yet earthy bit of gastronomic heaven. I ordered the pork belly because it sounded so good. It was actually fairly lean, not fatty like bacon. I thought it was good, but my husband and brother thought it was fantastic. We shared everything and couldn't believe how good it all was. We even indulged in dessert and shared them, too. Both the chocolate dome and the mascarpone cheesecake were unusual and delicious. I recommend reservations. We didn't have one so we sat in the bar area, which was a little tight and noisy, but our friendly, helpful waiter made up for it. We will definitely be back.
(5)Anna W.
My fiance and I went here last night for dinner and couldn't have asked for a more satisfying meal. We called ahead for a party of two reservation, and upon our arrival were seated in a super cozy corner booth facing the window. We started with a couple cocktails. I had the Smartass which was lovely, summer-weight cocktail composed of green tea infused vodka, ginger, and lime. When my fiance realized he had made the wrong choice on his cocktail order (he's more of a craft beer guy) our server, who was just a delight, quickly sampled him and switched his drink out for a nice, hop-y beer. For food, we ordered a few Starters ( maybe they were listed as Tasters...I forget). Since I'm a vegetarian, I opted for the burnt feta and sweet pea. It was basically a large hunk of lightly grilled feta over a sweet pea puree with some microgreens on top. The sweetness of the pea puree really cut the naturally salty feta and made a perfect compliment. My fiance had both the pork belly and scallop starters and was extremely pleased. For an entree, he also had the scallop and pork belly dish with a potato puree and was in heaven. He was, however, a little jealous when he tasted my Cheese n' Mac, saying "it'd be worth skipping meat for"! I just have to take a second here to write about how good this dish was. The fusilli noodles in the Mac were perfectly chewy and, I'm assuming, made in-house. They were coated in a goat cheese sauce and served with mushrooms, arugula, and parmesan cheese (and maybe bread crumbs?). The whole dish was seasoned perfectly and it was hard to put down my fork to save room for dessert. Many restaurants have tried to do the "adult" mac n' cheese thing, but this is the only version that I've really felt hit the nail on the head. It was amazingly delicious! For dessert, we shared the Chocolate Ode to the Dome which was comprised of a semicircle of rich, chocolate ganache served with toasted marshmallow cream with peanut dust and brittle. This dish was very rich and plenty for two people to share, especially after such a hearty meal. Our bill came to just about $70, which is great for a meal of this quality. I likened this restaurant to Heartland in downtown Saint Paul, but a little more accessible in terms of pricing and menu. Our server, whose name I am very sorry to have forgotten, was wonderfully helpful. She made it clear right away that she was available for any and all questions and was very knowledgeable. I'm thrilled to see a restaurant of this quality join the East Side foodie micro-movement. It's hands down the best one yet!
(5)Kim S.
We just moved to Minneapolis and had a night out in St. Paul and met one of the chefs and decided to go for brunch. It was phenomenal. They said it was the busiest brunch they had ever had but the staff was working very hard and still extremely pleasant and gave you their full attention while talking even though you could see they had 20 different things going on. I ordered the Poached egg and grits with shrimp. Then I started seeing all the plates of Weekend at Bennies coming out of the kitchen and had remorse (it looked so delicious) but once my food arrived, I was not disappointed. It was so full of flavor. My husband got the cheeseburger with egg on top and was just as pleased. We also had the bloodmary extraordinaire and their spin on a mimosa with ginger. Both were very refreshing and I'm not fond of ginger or tomatoes but will definitely order again. We are already planning when we can go to dinner there for their tasting menu.
(5)William H.
Thank you Mike for another great experience. Cocktails and eats. Steak tartare, steamed pork buns, nothing has missed the mark yet.
(5)Elizabeth L.
Heard good things about Tongue in Cheek --- it is a out a ways from the City. However, it is worth a visit. Very low key vibe. Great bar service and $2 cocktail teasers are hysterical. (FYI - They do pack a punch...after the 3rd one.) The small apps were inventive and flavorful. I had the salmon, which was a tad overcooked. My friend had the scallops and the pork belly -- which was phenomenal. Gave it 4 because you do have to drive a bit to get here.
(4)Kelly W.
Summary: inviting, sunny interior that is perfect for a weekend brunch; playful updates on traditional American brunch fare; locally sourced/ ethically minded food preparation; fast, friendly and attentive service. Tongue in Cheek is still trying to get into a groove (I had brunch there on only the second weekend of operation), and I had a wonderful time. The server was very well-informed about each of the menu items and could answer questions about food items/spices that were unfamiliar to us. When my friend asked for a vegan substitution to a brunch dish with eggs, the server not only knew how to handle this situation, but made a suitable recommendation that gelled with the rest of the dish. The "Eye Openers" menu was a little bit confusing (brunch-style alcoholic beverages were listed under the same header as the small bites/amuse-bouche), but quickly explained by our server. I had the mimosa "eye opener" and was pleased with playful presentation of champagne and fruit in a small cordial glass. I ordered the salmon scramble style dish (poached eggs, potatoes, salmon, hollandaise) and found the potatoes, salmon and sauce to be flavorful, even though the eggs were over done and did not produce the runny yolk that I usually expect from poaching. Overall, I am likely to return to try their dinner menu and to see how their menu evolves with the seasons.
(4)Alex W.
Went there for brunch on a Sunday. Was really looking forward to the "teaser" dishes and was not let down. Great food at a very respectable price.
(5)Latha P.
There is not a lot going on at this place which is the best thing about it. Simple elegant delightfully flavorful food ambience and service. Every morsel of the Teaser flight made you crave for more. Petite wonders on a plate. Ordered the Burger and salmon with goat cheese risotto. Both tasted great. I would recommend this to friends and go back again. A perfect place for a cozy evening.
(5)Cassondra M.
We went for our anniversary and had the 7 course herbivore tasting with libations. The food was so thoughtfully put together. Each course was absolutely delicious. Our server was amazing. She helped make our night special. I would recommend this place to anyone!
(5)Brittney P.
I recently moved to east side St. Paul, and Tongue in Cheek opened around the same time. I like the concept, but it's crazy overpriced and super out of touch with the neighborhood. Both times I've been in there, I've seen people walk in, feel out of place, and walk out right away, not super inviting for the area. The first time I ate there, I convinced my boyfriend to eat there after reading the Citypages review. We had a few of the $2 teasers and entrees. The only $2 teaser I liked was the Berries & Bubbly, which was interesting and delicious. My $2 piece of feta was not interesting and not worth $2. For my entree I tried some adult mac'n'cheese. Pasta with goat cheese and mushrooms. I believe the pasta was handmade, and it was pretty good, the sauce was okay, but the mushrooms were really tough and had kind of an awful texture. I also just think all entrees, particularly pasta dishes, should come with a small side salad or something, and it just did not. The next time I came in for some drinks and an appetizer with a girl friend and we just sat at the bar. I'm not much of a person for girly drinks, but all of their specialty cocktails seemed to be more on the savory side (all involving pickles, sriracha, or curry), which just did not sound appealing at the time. We ended up going with the $2 Berries & Bubbly, and then some of the Palapa No Mas!, which was sort of like a grapefruit margarita, and the only cocktail on the sweeter side, but they were pretty delicious. We shared the ahi tuna appetizer. I'm a vegetarian and once or twice a year splurge and eat some seafood--this was not worth it! So disappointed! It was okay, but not great, and not worth my splurge day or the $9.50. I saw a woman order a watermelon salad at the bar that looked amazing. This place is okay, and I'm interested to see where it goes. I like the gastropub concept, but they should be cautious to not come off as too trendy and upscale and alienate the entire neighborhood.
(3)Kristin R.
Great place for birthday dinner with six girls. Mac and cheese was phenomenal and shareable with an appetizer. Cuts of salmon were delicious. Birthday girl had a free dessert at the end.
(4)Emily V.
Tongue in cheek was a much needed and refreshing change from our usual spots on grand. The atmosphere was inviting, the bartender (mike) was attentive and friendly, plus the food was exceptional. I had a chance to ask the chef what the daily vegetarian special was and he was gracious enough to make some changes to satisfy my preferences which went above and beyond my expectations. My fiancé and I were both left trying to remember the last time we had such a wonderful meal. It was truly a pleasant surprise!
(5)Kate M.
Had such a great night here! The food was really really good & the drinks were stellar too. It is pricey but I'm just so happy Payne has another awesome restaurant to hang. It is smaller but hey that's okay! The portions of food could be bigger but it's classy, fresh & savory! Check it out!
(5)Phyllis L.
Four of us had a fabulous experience at the Tongue in Cheek.We had the happy hour martini flight and the Goldi lox teaser which was very good. The meal was really great as well, pork belly, salmon, and scallops. Great service by MiMi. Great night!!
(5)