Salut917 Grand Ave
St Paul, MN 55105
Just to clear it up, this place is certainly a " Bar Americain" and NOT a "Bar Francais." There are a few elements of French, which makes it perfect for me! So this happy hour I speak of is remarkable because (one of them) takes place from 10pm - midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Their #1 (cheap house) wine is discounted as well as rails and taps. And the bar food is a tasty rendition of some classic happy hour bites: pizza, burgers, and fries. However the pizzas are these little flatbread wonders, the burgers are bite sized and loaded with all the fixin's, and the Pommes Frites are served with Bernaise. All are $3!!!
Experience Ratings:
Ambiance/Space: 8
They have high tops and booths and a nice bar top in the bar area. It's classy and comfortable. Haven't sat on the patio yet or in the dining area, but the patio's existence alone bumps this rating up.
Bathrooms: 8
Clean, bright, and big mirrors.
Food/Drink: 9
I like their happy hour food. They also serve oysters a la carte if you've never tried one. I think they're good. I've been acquiring the taste for em for a while though. I also had a small plate of mussels last time, and I LOVE mussels. Tried a little frizee salad once too, and Ian hated it, but I thought it was good. Overall, very diverse, and we've managed not to spend too much, although you could if you weren't careful.
Service: 6
The staff are always nice and helpful. However, I think they close at midnight every night including the weekends, and that is rediculous.
Overall: 8
Tres Bien! Want to go more often.
Loring Pasta Bar
327 14th Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Oh it is so lovely! So so gorgeous!
Experience Ratings:
Ambiance/Space: 10
Parking can be tricky, but there is a lot really close for $4. Otherwise walk through a bit of campus. Always a few sights to see. The decor is truly unique. Organic, classic, cozy, glitzy.... all of these things and more. There are huge windows and tons of potted plants, candlelit tabletops, highbacked chairs, huge round booths. Its so amazing. Here, I just have to post a picture. I cannot do it justice:
Ambiance/Space: 10
Parking can be tricky, but there is a lot really close for $4. Otherwise walk through a bit of campus. Always a few sights to see. The decor is truly unique. Organic, classic, cozy, glitzy.... all of these things and more. There are huge windows and tons of potted plants, candlelit tabletops, highbacked chairs, huge round booths. Its so amazing. Here, I just have to post a picture. I cannot do it justice:
Bathrooms: 10
Also unreal. Dark, mysterious, and strangely private despite half-walls and and open ceiling. Once again, I just have to post a picture.
Also unreal. Dark, mysterious, and strangely private despite half-walls and and open ceiling. Once again, I just have to post a picture.
Food/Drink: 8
The food is very good. Oh, the Sunday Brunch is FANTASTIC. I've had a number of pasta dishes that are very good. They use a lot of Saffron in their menu. We were pleasantly surprised that their sushi was really good! Drinks are good too.
Service: 9
Always sincere, always human (as opposed to bar&grill robots), and almost all uber-hipsters. Oh and on weeknights (and for brunch) they have a 30% student discount. That is huge!! Remember to carry your college student ID forever.
Overall: 10
I can't give it anything lower. Loring Pasta Bar, I love you so much.
