Charlie's Minneapolis Club

“First off the service here was impeccable! Upon first greeting to final good-byes our server was attentive without being pushy or overbearing, she had suggestions for drinks and food, she made small talk, she checked back to ensure we liked the things we were unsure about, A++ service! The food was also very good, French onion soup was delicious with a hint of sweetness, really stellar! Oysters were fresh and cold, burger was delicious (but could have handled a pinch more salt for my liking), lobster was great, but the French fries were to die for. That was unexpected, I like fries, but had no idea I could love them this much.. Drinks were great, some really fun options and twists on otherwise boring cocktails. Bread service at the beginning of the meal is always a plus. The entire place is cute and fun to look around, ladies bathroom was a neat little stop too, full of amenities! Hope they stick around for the long haul, I'd love to see seasonal menu offerings from Charlies!”

“We were a party of two on Saturday hoping to try this new restaurant. Having dined at the original “Charlie’s Cafe Exceptionale” we had fairly high expectations. We were not disappointed! Each of our selections was well above average but the highlight was the serving of Brussels sprouts which we shared. The bitter honey glaze was outstanding.”

“What knocks this to three star for me is that I don’t do restaurants with “service fees”, and would not have been there if I’d known about this one. My standard tip is 20%, but I still balk at being told to do a service fee, particularly for a table of two, and particularly at this overall price point. Service was good, the food was entirely satisfactory and kudos to the bartender for a fine martini. Glad I saw the place- it is nice and I think you for a good meal but I’ll go where I decide what to offer voluntarily for good service.”

“So the Minneapolis Club is a beautiful space, that dark wood moody perfect ambiance Charlie's restaurant inside is just okay - decent but the food was underwhelming unfortunately The prime ribeye special on Friday’s was under seasoned and the popovers they forgot initially came out too crispy and burnt The artichoke dip for an appetizer was delicious- the texture almost seems like they blended it Dessert was tiny and although tasted fine it seemed like it wasn't fully thawed out? What gave us the good experience was the service particularly from the manager- very friendly and as we were celebrating a special occasion they comped the first round of drinks and dessert!! The cocktail list is very small but the wines were good and big pours Would come back maybe just for drinks at the bar and appetizers as the main meal is very expensive but not amazing Should be noted that this is a slower pace restaurant where they want you to stay a while so your dinner is a slow event- don't come if you have plans after”

“Update: they really don’t care because I emailed the concierge a detailed account of my experience and Tau told me he would be forwarding it to management and a week later no one followed up. I was looking forward to dining here and made a reservation for 2 in advance when they opened bookings to the public. I had made a reservation for two and the food & beverage manager chose to seat us at the worst table in the restaurant, a four top close to the kitchen doors and main service aisle. The restaurant was almost empty ( two other parties seated) and there were at least three other two tops and several other larger tables in a nicer part of the restaurant. I had the lobster which was good but the fries served with it were inedible due to being overly salted and I like salty food. My dad mentioned this to the manager and she didn’t offer to send out new fries. I noticed the manager/host was seating Minneapolis club members at the better back tables including a woman who was inappropriately dressed for dinner ( as in I’ve seen exotic dancers in more conservative attire). While eating due to our table being close to the service door I had to overhear a staff member swearing. If Charlie’s is opening their restaurant to non members they should treat them like any other valued guest not like they are doing people a favor by deigning to allow non members to dine there. One star for service and food is a three star under normal circumstances. I mentioned my concerns to the manager on the way out and she said sorry and admitted she was holding those better tables for others who cancelled last minute. I really don’t understand why we were placed at the worst table in a virtually empty restaurant. After this experience I would never consider returning or joining the Minneapolis club.”