Solid place. Everybody liked the starters of beef tips, Szechwan green beans and house seasoned dry rub wings. My full rack of ribs was (shamefully) too much for me after the appetizers and it was delicious. No complaints about the food or service and the band didn't disappoint either. Solid night.
Looks can be deceiving. Do yourself a favor, grab a bite at Narrows sometime. Let me tell you why. My parents began building a house on Lake Minnetonka this year, so they'd been exploring good places to eat when they stumbled across the Narrows Saloon earlier this year. With construction currently happening on one entrance, and a hard-to-miss entrance on the other side, this place is the best kept secret of the locals. The environment is rich, music plays in the evenings, people are friendly, it's just very down-to-earth. There's a great craft beer selection on tap, I usually find myself getting a local IPA or double IPA, or a beer from the famous Fort Collins Odell's. Speaking to the food, we usually get the nachos with chicken as an appetizer. What more can I say, it's loaded with cheese, jalapeños, chicken, and other amenities, etc. I've gotten a variety of sandwiches and entrees that I love. Something along the lines of a Cajun chicken sandwich had a nice spicy zest to it. Similarly, I am a huge fan of blackened fish, and their Mahi Mahi is unreal. Both the sandwich and the fish tacos have blown me away on separate occasions. Plus, you can't beat the prices. The fish tacos had this amazing mango salsa on top with a nice spicy kick. Any spicy eaters out there will love it. Honestly, do yourself a favor. Stop by today.
(5)
Kaitlyn F.
I drive past the Narrows six days a week. Up until two days ago, I had no idea what I was driving past! The outside is a bit intimidating from the road. No marked signs, construction on one external wall, and shadows of people inside like they are part of a secret society. However, once you brave the construction and get to the back entrance, you are taken into a rustic chic bar and grill with a stage and high top tables. The atmosphere is very fun and lively with many local brews on tap. And, we haven't even gotten started on the menu yet. There are plenty of great options for your carnivores, veggies, and everything in the middle. My lunch mate had the lobster BLT with the tots and I had the ahi club with the tots. Both entrees were fantastic. I loved how the ahi club had so many fresh elements to it, wasabi, avocado, tomato, greens and the ahi itself. Yum. In other words, know that there is food there and don't be afraid to go in. It's worth every bite!
(5)
Liz G.
I'm not even sure where to start on this review. It's a fun bar. It's a great place to go if you happen to be in the area for whatever reason. We were a bit surprised to have a $5 cover, but the band was fun and totally worth it! It's definitely a low-key place, though probably 30% of the women were dressed up like they were going to a nightclub (and even I was a bit overdressed for the jeans and t-shirt feel). It was totally fun though, with a nice space for dancing, and super reasonable prices for drinks! Much more affordable (and heavier pours) than the restaurant where we had dinner. It was also LOUD, which makes sense, but don't go here expecting an intimate, candle-lit table for two. It's not that kind of place. Definitely a fun option in the area!
(4)
Heather F.
I was a really big fan of both the atmosphere and the beer selection for it being in such a small area. The food was pretty good, I went for a basic burger during their lunch special and it was not bad. Just maybe not as good as others in the area. I would like to go back to have a brew friend friends on a music night.
(3)
Cindy M.
my favorite local watering hole. Great food great bands I love Tuesday open mic blues jam and Taco Tues. Sunday brunch features the BEST Huevos Rancheros.... Love the Dirty Pork Stew, the walleye and the Chicken Mozarella Sandwhich Ladies room could use an update .. but hey it's a blues bar! Scotty is the best bartender
(5)
Stella H.
Good food. Usually great music/bands. I've seen some great blues here. It is an older crowd. Old biker crowd. Come for the music, the food won't disappoint. Typically the music won't either. And the old guy who runs the place is sure to hit on you!
(4)
Drew M.
Great breakfast and pull tabs. Recommend any sandwich. To go orders are quick and pick up is easy. Great music at night. Friendly staff Only complaint is no high chairs or booster seats so they must be trying to keep young families out.
(4)
Julie M.
Yes it's a bar, but the food is really decent. Always seems clean to me unlike the one reviewer, and when I go its generally for lunch. But yes, it is a bar.
(4)
Deanna D.
Good food, awesome entertainment! Love this place. They book great bands with a $5 cover but it's worth it. They have pretty much anything you would want on their menu. I have eaten there a handful of times and had great food every time. Only negative thing I can say is it is a small place and gets really packed so finding a table can be a challenge if you don't get there early. Staff is very friendly and accomodating! Definitely recommend going if you are in the mood for a great time!
(5)
John B.
Overall the experience was good. I ordered a habanero crusted fish sandwich, it tasted good, but was not spicy at all. Good local beer selection, friendly locals and bartender, live band sounded ok and wasn't to loud to hold a conversation.
(3)
Nancee N.
I've been to the Narrows a bunch of times. They often have really good bands but need to lose the cover charge of $5 in the winter. I can see a $2-3 cover but $5 is pushing it for how far out of the city this place is. Happy Hour is okay. It brings appetizers down to $5 a piece rather than $7-11. Regular priced food and cocktails are outrageous in my opinion. Stick to burgers, nachos and standard bar fair or you'll be disappointed you spent the extra $$ on mediocre food. Bar tenders are always friendly but waitstaff could use an attitude adjustment.
(3)
sarah p.
Out and about on a sunny, cold winter day, pulled into the Narrows for a late lunch bite. Not the most convenient spot, it is out in the Navarre-part of Lake Minnetonka but if you ever find yourself rolling by stop in, usually really great eats. Today I had the hot Ham and Cheese with saunteed mushrooms, actually quite exellent, while my dining mate had the special: the steak sandwich (reported to be delicious times 2.) Not a huge fan of the chips I had with my sandwich but heard the fries were good. Must admit, I have been here a bunch of times before (I got some family in the neighborhood) and it should be noted that it is a great stop for live music; I always think of it as a "Northwoods-Honkey-Tonk" after hours.
(4)
Rick A.
Had heard about the burgers, went there yesterday about Noon. Found out that I had to order off of the breakfast menu, (lunch not till one). A bit disappointed, but I had a breakfast burger with American fries. Excellent. Will definitely be back for lunch/dinner. Love the atmosphere also.
(4)
Gabriel S.
I have been here quite a few times with my inlaws who live on the lake. Seems like one of the more laid back hang outs for locals. They are not cheap but they have good food. I usually get the fish special . I think they also have specials on buckets of drinks. Its a nice place to pour one back with some friends or family.
(5)
Mark B.
Wow, I never would have expected this place to have such good food. The burgers are among the best I have tried in the Twin Cities. Everything else I have tried there has been excellent too. I will be back!!
(5)
I'm O.
The only place on the western side of Lake Minnetonka to hear good music on a regular basis. Musical focus is on Blues and they often serve up solid acts. Menu is decent but hasn't changed in several years -- a freshen up would be welcome. The lobster tacos are not to be missed. In the winter this place is PACKED. Other seasons are also good. There's ample parking in back -- an Orono City public lot. Be warned that the Orono Police Department camps in the lot and follows cars that leave during drinking hours. IOW, don't be a fool and drink and drive, they're right to bust you and they take that responsibility VERY seriously. Also, other than the first row of spots closest to the building, every parking space is public property and the city (Orono) has made it illegal to park there overnight -- a moronic, unjust tax on people smart enough to get a sober ride home rather than drive. As an Orono resident I appreciate the desire to keep drunks off the road but this policy is abusive, moronic and counterproductive for the case of 'public safety.'
(4)
Jen B.
I came to this place because I had gotten a restaurant .com gift certificate for it. It's a little out of the way for me, but figured a little dinner and live music could be a good date night for me and the hubby. We got there about an hour and a half before the live music started, yet there were no open tables and we had to sit at the bar. We were also charged $5 to get in. Again, this was an hour and a half BEFORE the band was even scheduled to start. We could easily have eaten and been gone by then. But, whatever. It annoyed me but didn't ruin my night. The food was really, really good. The beer/wine selection also met our approval. The bartenders were friendly and very attentive. The bill shocked me. For two dinners- a burger and a sandwich, 2 glasses of wine and 3 beers, it was over $80 before tip. Luckily we had the gift certificate which got us $25 off the tab. I thought $8/glass was a little steep for house wine. This place isn't a fancy place- it's pretty much a dive! (I mean that in the best way possible!) Thank God I only had 2! I will mention though, that this place was PACKED after the band started, and as strange as it sounds, it was full of douche bags! But these weren't your average douche bags, they were 50 year old plus douche bags. It was bizarre! Guys in their 50's stuck in the 80's. One guy was even dressed like Don Johnson- Miami Vice! That was funny! It was such a mixed bag of people, but they were ALL 45+. We were by far the youngest people in the place. Maybe it was that particular band...not sure. A favorite local band is coming soon, so we will probably check it out again soon to see if this band draws a younger crowd. Otherwise, I'd probably go back for the food, earlier in the evening...
(4)
Jon H.
Great food. Fair prices.
(4)
Eric P.
Went to the Narrows for supper tonight. Had the coconut shrimp as the appetizer. It was as good or better than any of the coconut shrimp I had in the Florida Keys during my honeymoon. I also had the hot ham & cheese...a huge sandwich with very good steak fries. Very reasonable in price too. I will definately be going there again.
(4)
Marilee A.
I'm not an offensive person by nature, just an honest one. Somethings just need to be said, it's a tough job, but here goes.I have nothing against you, Narrows, I just think you should get a new floor.May I suggest Home Depot.My concern is that every time I have been there, urged there by friends psyched to experience the Amazing Bands you bring in, my Nose is assaulted by an unforgettable odor , that looking down, comes from a Sub floor that has soaked up years of Beer Spills, Regurgitations, who knows!!! The Result must be a Mold Issue, I always leave there stuffed up & with a Sinus headache that lingers for days.I don't even have a sensitivity to this,or a large Snout, this only happens here.So, taking that into account, how can anyone think of eating here? If this is what is visible, what kind of conditions are out of site in the Kitchen?Hmmmm, curious, but won't take a chance of finding out until something is done about this problem, that , I am not the only person to have noticed, just the only one who dares bring it up.I have tried to be a Good Sport, have gone there enough times to say it isn't just a one night problem.Please, please, rip out those moldy old boards & you will see business improve drastically & I will even give your food a Fair Shot.I am not trying to put you out of Biz, just calling attention to a Health Issue that can easily be resolved. You will find I am actually a nice S.A.P. (Swedish American Princess) that would Love to kiss & Make Up & be able to come for the Fun & the Food.Kudos on your Band Choices
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Loud Music : Live Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Tue, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes
Steven D.
Solid place. Everybody liked the starters of beef tips, Szechwan green beans and house seasoned dry rub wings. My full rack of ribs was (shamefully) too much for me after the appetizers and it was delicious. No complaints about the food or service and the band didn't disappoint either. Solid night.
(5)Lara N.
The Narrows is a neighborhood gem. Scotty the bartender is great, and his fiancée (wife?) is wonderful as well. Food is always delicious! It gets really loud when they have live music but it's perfect if that's what you're looking for.
(5)Andrew W.
Looks can be deceiving. Do yourself a favor, grab a bite at Narrows sometime. Let me tell you why. My parents began building a house on Lake Minnetonka this year, so they'd been exploring good places to eat when they stumbled across the Narrows Saloon earlier this year. With construction currently happening on one entrance, and a hard-to-miss entrance on the other side, this place is the best kept secret of the locals. The environment is rich, music plays in the evenings, people are friendly, it's just very down-to-earth. There's a great craft beer selection on tap, I usually find myself getting a local IPA or double IPA, or a beer from the famous Fort Collins Odell's. Speaking to the food, we usually get the nachos with chicken as an appetizer. What more can I say, it's loaded with cheese, jalapeños, chicken, and other amenities, etc. I've gotten a variety of sandwiches and entrees that I love. Something along the lines of a Cajun chicken sandwich had a nice spicy zest to it. Similarly, I am a huge fan of blackened fish, and their Mahi Mahi is unreal. Both the sandwich and the fish tacos have blown me away on separate occasions. Plus, you can't beat the prices. The fish tacos had this amazing mango salsa on top with a nice spicy kick. Any spicy eaters out there will love it. Honestly, do yourself a favor. Stop by today.
(5)Kaitlyn F.
I drive past the Narrows six days a week. Up until two days ago, I had no idea what I was driving past! The outside is a bit intimidating from the road. No marked signs, construction on one external wall, and shadows of people inside like they are part of a secret society. However, once you brave the construction and get to the back entrance, you are taken into a rustic chic bar and grill with a stage and high top tables. The atmosphere is very fun and lively with many local brews on tap. And, we haven't even gotten started on the menu yet. There are plenty of great options for your carnivores, veggies, and everything in the middle. My lunch mate had the lobster BLT with the tots and I had the ahi club with the tots. Both entrees were fantastic. I loved how the ahi club had so many fresh elements to it, wasabi, avocado, tomato, greens and the ahi itself. Yum. In other words, know that there is food there and don't be afraid to go in. It's worth every bite!
(5)Liz G.
I'm not even sure where to start on this review. It's a fun bar. It's a great place to go if you happen to be in the area for whatever reason. We were a bit surprised to have a $5 cover, but the band was fun and totally worth it! It's definitely a low-key place, though probably 30% of the women were dressed up like they were going to a nightclub (and even I was a bit overdressed for the jeans and t-shirt feel). It was totally fun though, with a nice space for dancing, and super reasonable prices for drinks! Much more affordable (and heavier pours) than the restaurant where we had dinner. It was also LOUD, which makes sense, but don't go here expecting an intimate, candle-lit table for two. It's not that kind of place. Definitely a fun option in the area!
(4)Heather F.
I was a really big fan of both the atmosphere and the beer selection for it being in such a small area. The food was pretty good, I went for a basic burger during their lunch special and it was not bad. Just maybe not as good as others in the area. I would like to go back to have a brew friend friends on a music night.
(3)Cindy M.
my favorite local watering hole. Great food great bands I love Tuesday open mic blues jam and Taco Tues. Sunday brunch features the BEST Huevos Rancheros.... Love the Dirty Pork Stew, the walleye and the Chicken Mozarella Sandwhich Ladies room could use an update .. but hey it's a blues bar! Scotty is the best bartender
(5)Stella H.
Good food. Usually great music/bands. I've seen some great blues here. It is an older crowd. Old biker crowd. Come for the music, the food won't disappoint. Typically the music won't either. And the old guy who runs the place is sure to hit on you!
(4)Drew M.
Great breakfast and pull tabs. Recommend any sandwich. To go orders are quick and pick up is easy. Great music at night. Friendly staff Only complaint is no high chairs or booster seats so they must be trying to keep young families out.
(4)Julie M.
Yes it's a bar, but the food is really decent. Always seems clean to me unlike the one reviewer, and when I go its generally for lunch. But yes, it is a bar.
(4)Deanna D.
Good food, awesome entertainment! Love this place. They book great bands with a $5 cover but it's worth it. They have pretty much anything you would want on their menu. I have eaten there a handful of times and had great food every time. Only negative thing I can say is it is a small place and gets really packed so finding a table can be a challenge if you don't get there early. Staff is very friendly and accomodating! Definitely recommend going if you are in the mood for a great time!
(5)John B.
Overall the experience was good. I ordered a habanero crusted fish sandwich, it tasted good, but was not spicy at all. Good local beer selection, friendly locals and bartender, live band sounded ok and wasn't to loud to hold a conversation.
(3)Nancee N.
I've been to the Narrows a bunch of times. They often have really good bands but need to lose the cover charge of $5 in the winter. I can see a $2-3 cover but $5 is pushing it for how far out of the city this place is. Happy Hour is okay. It brings appetizers down to $5 a piece rather than $7-11. Regular priced food and cocktails are outrageous in my opinion. Stick to burgers, nachos and standard bar fair or you'll be disappointed you spent the extra $$ on mediocre food. Bar tenders are always friendly but waitstaff could use an attitude adjustment.
(3)sarah p.
Out and about on a sunny, cold winter day, pulled into the Narrows for a late lunch bite. Not the most convenient spot, it is out in the Navarre-part of Lake Minnetonka but if you ever find yourself rolling by stop in, usually really great eats. Today I had the hot Ham and Cheese with saunteed mushrooms, actually quite exellent, while my dining mate had the special: the steak sandwich (reported to be delicious times 2.) Not a huge fan of the chips I had with my sandwich but heard the fries were good. Must admit, I have been here a bunch of times before (I got some family in the neighborhood) and it should be noted that it is a great stop for live music; I always think of it as a "Northwoods-Honkey-Tonk" after hours.
(4)Rick A.
Had heard about the burgers, went there yesterday about Noon. Found out that I had to order off of the breakfast menu, (lunch not till one). A bit disappointed, but I had a breakfast burger with American fries. Excellent. Will definitely be back for lunch/dinner. Love the atmosphere also.
(4)Gabriel S.
I have been here quite a few times with my inlaws who live on the lake. Seems like one of the more laid back hang outs for locals. They are not cheap but they have good food. I usually get the fish special . I think they also have specials on buckets of drinks. Its a nice place to pour one back with some friends or family.
(5)Mark B.
Wow, I never would have expected this place to have such good food. The burgers are among the best I have tried in the Twin Cities. Everything else I have tried there has been excellent too. I will be back!!
(5)I'm O.
The only place on the western side of Lake Minnetonka to hear good music on a regular basis. Musical focus is on Blues and they often serve up solid acts. Menu is decent but hasn't changed in several years -- a freshen up would be welcome. The lobster tacos are not to be missed. In the winter this place is PACKED. Other seasons are also good. There's ample parking in back -- an Orono City public lot. Be warned that the Orono Police Department camps in the lot and follows cars that leave during drinking hours. IOW, don't be a fool and drink and drive, they're right to bust you and they take that responsibility VERY seriously. Also, other than the first row of spots closest to the building, every parking space is public property and the city (Orono) has made it illegal to park there overnight -- a moronic, unjust tax on people smart enough to get a sober ride home rather than drive. As an Orono resident I appreciate the desire to keep drunks off the road but this policy is abusive, moronic and counterproductive for the case of 'public safety.'
(4)Jen B.
I came to this place because I had gotten a restaurant .com gift certificate for it. It's a little out of the way for me, but figured a little dinner and live music could be a good date night for me and the hubby. We got there about an hour and a half before the live music started, yet there were no open tables and we had to sit at the bar. We were also charged $5 to get in. Again, this was an hour and a half BEFORE the band was even scheduled to start. We could easily have eaten and been gone by then. But, whatever. It annoyed me but didn't ruin my night. The food was really, really good. The beer/wine selection also met our approval. The bartenders were friendly and very attentive. The bill shocked me. For two dinners- a burger and a sandwich, 2 glasses of wine and 3 beers, it was over $80 before tip. Luckily we had the gift certificate which got us $25 off the tab. I thought $8/glass was a little steep for house wine. This place isn't a fancy place- it's pretty much a dive! (I mean that in the best way possible!) Thank God I only had 2! I will mention though, that this place was PACKED after the band started, and as strange as it sounds, it was full of douche bags! But these weren't your average douche bags, they were 50 year old plus douche bags. It was bizarre! Guys in their 50's stuck in the 80's. One guy was even dressed like Don Johnson- Miami Vice! That was funny! It was such a mixed bag of people, but they were ALL 45+. We were by far the youngest people in the place. Maybe it was that particular band...not sure. A favorite local band is coming soon, so we will probably check it out again soon to see if this band draws a younger crowd. Otherwise, I'd probably go back for the food, earlier in the evening...
(4)Jon H.
Great food. Fair prices.
(4)Eric P.
Went to the Narrows for supper tonight. Had the coconut shrimp as the appetizer. It was as good or better than any of the coconut shrimp I had in the Florida Keys during my honeymoon. I also had the hot ham & cheese...a huge sandwich with very good steak fries. Very reasonable in price too. I will definately be going there again.
(4)Marilee A.
I'm not an offensive person by nature, just an honest one. Somethings just need to be said, it's a tough job, but here goes.I have nothing against you, Narrows, I just think you should get a new floor.May I suggest Home Depot.My concern is that every time I have been there, urged there by friends psyched to experience the Amazing Bands you bring in, my Nose is assaulted by an unforgettable odor , that looking down, comes from a Sub floor that has soaked up years of Beer Spills, Regurgitations, who knows!!! The Result must be a Mold Issue, I always leave there stuffed up & with a Sinus headache that lingers for days.I don't even have a sensitivity to this,or a large Snout, this only happens here.So, taking that into account, how can anyone think of eating here? If this is what is visible, what kind of conditions are out of site in the Kitchen?Hmmmm, curious, but won't take a chance of finding out until something is done about this problem, that , I am not the only person to have noticed, just the only one who dares bring it up.I have tried to be a Good Sport, have gone there enough times to say it isn't just a one night problem.Please, please, rip out those moldy old boards & you will see business improve drastically & I will even give your food a Fair Shot.I am not trying to put you out of Biz, just calling attention to a Health Issue that can easily be resolved. You will find I am actually a nice S.A.P. (Swedish American Princess) that would Love to kiss & Make Up & be able to come for the Fun & the Food.Kudos on your Band Choices
(1)