Tuesday February 9, 2010

Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant venue

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Capsule review: The Dakota's bar, restaurant and peerless live-music venue all work in well-rehearsed harmony. The food boasts the nuance, imagination and technical prowess of some of the city's top kitchens, but its tone is playfully approachable and full of surprises. At dnner, highlights include crostini with a glossy smoked trout rillette; fried oysters on a celery-root salad; curry-rubbed pork, roasted in an apple cider grilled lamb, and even plain-old roast chicken and wild rice. The wine list has a wide range of all-American choices. (Rick Nelson, 2/19/2004)

Read the StarTribune.com review

Price: $$$
Meals served: Lunch, Dinner, Late-night
Handicapped accessible: yes
Outdoor seating: yes

Where

1010 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
612-332-1010
http://www.dakotacooks.com

Photos

dakota 3. from wacso
dakota 2. from wacso
the dakota 1. from wacso

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User reviews & ratings

Ratings:

StarTribune rating: *** 1/2
Average rating: **** 8 users

Not-so-snazzy
posted by emilysparks on Apr. 3, '09 at 8:16 PM

After reading the many rants and raves on this Jazz club/ restaurant, I eagerly made reservations for my friends and I when they came to visit Minneapolis. I did not pay the steep price to be on the side of the restaurant with the jazz stage, so our table was hidden behind a curtain where few other tables were seated. We received a menu list with very minimal food options, because there were 7 of us. The prices were outrageous considering the portions were tiny. Although the taste was exceptional, I would have expected more for what i was paying. The waiter was polite and accommodating, but he seemed irritated with our table. My experience was less-than-average, and I don't plan on going back any time soon. Rating: **

The Ubiquitous Jalapeno Popper Has Met It's Match!
posted by Pinchette on Mar. 19, '09 at 2:28 PM

Forget everything your mind conjures up about the stale, greasy, fried bastions of bar food. The Dakota's take on the jalapeno popper is simply devine! Large, fresh jalapeno peppers are seeded, and filled with serrano ham and fontina cheese, then lightly melted. They're nestled on a bed of creme fraiche and lightly sprinkled with freshly chopped cilantro and finely diced tomato. A plate of 5 halves is $8, and worth every cent. They are to die for! Rating: *****

Swank
posted by spongebobjess on Dec. 18, '07 at 1:16 PM

If you go before performance, there is no cover, but drinks and apps are SPENDY. Make sure you know how to order fancy drinks or what Cognacs or Whiskeys are appropriate for sipping straight up whilst sitting at the bar. It's an experience for sure, but nothing that I would choose to go to unless someone specific was playing that I really wanted to see. Rating: ***

Not all it's cracked up to be?
posted by ecg129 on Dec. 4, '07 at 1:38 PM

It's like a crapshoot for what you're gonna get. Last time I went cover was expensive even though it was already past midnight. The musicians on stage WERE talented...but there have been other experiences where that is not true. Finally...I ordered a martini..something you can't mess up too bad?? But it was horrible. I couldn't finnish it...and EXPENSIVE.

Maybe I'd go back for a specific performer..otherwise no. Rating: **

So good!
posted by kbyoung83 on Aug. 8, '07 at 5:56 PM

This place was pleasantly surprising. The food was all amazing. I ordered the beet and apple salad and the chicken, and was blown away by the presentation and the taste. Good place to impress someone. Be aware that the dining room is separated from the lounge area, so you can't really see, but you can hear just fine. Rating: *****

Late Night
posted by beyun on Mar. 18, '07 at 6:52 PM

On Friday and Saturday evenings starting about 11 they have Late Night at the Dakota. $3 cover, drinks, and food. Plus great local jazz bands. I think it's a great time for the money especially considering how it can be kinda spendy there. Rating: ****

Good relaxing Happy Hour
posted by buflo on Mar. 16, '07 at 7:50 AM

I like coming to The Dakota for Happy Hour on days when I don't want to fight for a seat or a drink at the bar and when I want a more relaxing atmosphere and a conversation that doesn't require me to yell. The jazz band they have during HH is great too, you can't help but be in a good mood. My favorite HH food deal here is the shrimp cocktail ... very good and you get a lot for the price. Rating: ****

A More Mature Club
posted by glamourous on Feb. 9, '07 at 3:23 PM

Upon arrival, we were whisked inside & chose a seating that was a little farther from the stage. The club was packed that night, for some reason! I forget who was playing but I could care less for jazz. :) My two friends loved it so much that they abandoned me at the table & went to dance along with the music! Besides not carrying one of my fave liquer - Vanille Royale, if you must know - I was happy with the service and menu selection. I don't think I would visit again... unless I could get into jazz music. Rating: ***

mpls fancy jazz watering hole
posted by aimlessname on Dec. 30, '06 at 6:12 PM

To begin I'd say that the cover to get in the door is overpriced, but the staff is very accomodating; if you are lucky you and your date will get a seat at the very cozy half-circle booths along the front window.