Thistles Restaurant

Creme Brule and lobster bisque - deelish... NOT too bright and NOT too noisy - who's the curmudgeon. For starters... the music is great. Go in there with the mindset that you want to relax. I don't know how it could be too noisy. Even though a jazz band would use speakers to amplify their music, let's keep in mind that it's Jazz. Chill baby!

For being too bright... wrong again. The kitchen provides a warm glow to the bar side of the restaurant. The action is fun to watch while you listen to the music.

Now.. on to the menu. TERRIFIC. Kick your meal off with a Mint Julep... they're good, but if you're male, ask for the big boy glass... not the Pat O'Brian's hurricane style glass. It's a tad on the feminine side for bourbon. A bit out of character for a Mint Julep. You can't go wrong with the wine selection and the menu is delicious. The scallops are terrific, the lobster bisque is creamy and flavorful, and the creme brule is some of the best I've had (and I'm a creme brule snob).

The wait staff is friendly and attentive. The place isn't that big and the kitchen is out in the open, so your server is in eyeshot most of the time. So, to say that you get bad service, is pretty tough, either you are not making eye contact or you are not assertive enough to raise your hand to stop them as they pass by (never do that while they are talking to another table... that's just rude, c'mon I know some of you do that).…

Examples: Best pizza anywhere, Avoid on Friday nights, Great customer service. Be conversational: Write it as if relaying your experience to a good friend. Be specific: Generalities like "lazy service" or "tasty pizza" leave people wanting more detail. Be yourself: If you're an expert on burgers, let us know. If this is your first-time massage, say so.

Compare apples to apples: Burger joints shouldn't be held to the same standards as four-star restaurants…

A Friday Night Date. I finally heard the owner talk about the restaurant on the radio and decided to check the place out being it's located a reasonable distance from home. My first impression was ~ small, but quaint. Two rooms to dine in. We were seated in the area away from the entertainment~ which was actually really nice. We could enjoy it as background rather than too loud or close. Although we decided the room we were in was probably a much better space to put live music. The food was good. My husband ordered a wild rice meatloaf~ I had the Salmon. The menue is a nice array. Anything from Fajitas to a Walley dinner. It's not your typical dinning experience...it felt more intimate. We were impressed that two different staff members who may have very well been owners for all we know stopped by to ask how dinner was. Our waitress was excellent. Overall we enjoyed the experience. I think the only complaint my husband had was the chairs. Mine was being seated against a wall ~ thinking the seating could be done differently. I will most definately go back again for a second opinion.…

GREAT FIND!. My husband and I dined with two other couples on a Friday night at 7p. We were seated at a great table right next to the bar/by the back door/in front of the open air kitchen. Mike was our server - he was awesome and very attentive. He was quite knowledgable and helpful with menu choices. We dine out quite often - and have to say - it was one of the best dining experiences AND best food we've eaten in the Twin Cities. The other couples agreed and we call can't wait to meet and dine at Thistles again. My husband had the hashbrown crusted Salmon - and commented that it was the best Salmon he's eaten. I chose the Crab filled Walleye - and it too was the best Walleye I've ever experienced. It didn't taste like fish - rather more like a seafood. Other's at our table ordered the ribeye and pastry puff pork loin - and raved about their entrees as well. We all ordered a different dessert - and the portions were perfect for one. Of course we all had a bite of each others - and they were absolutely ALL incredible. It's a great choice - highly recommend it - after all - FREE parking too! Pleasantly decorated - and live music on Friday night too. We'll be back! Thanks! and I hope you all enjoy Thistles as we did!…