Zelo

Skip It

by Karina Taylor at Citysearch

The food was very poor. It was cold and rubbery.

Also to be noted is the fact that their online menu is inaccurate. Most of the items are $3-4 more than they are listed for. The menu has about half as many options as are listed as well. Don't expect to find an entree (even a burger) under $15. I'm happy to pay $20+ for a plate if if the food is good. This was not worth it.

The service was excellent, but it isn't worth dealing with the horrible food. I would avoid this place.

Utter Failure

by KCarlson at Citysearch

Our experience with Zelo was far less than satisfactory. We had made a reservation 2 weeks ahead of

Valentines day 2011. We had planned a trip to Minneapolis for the Valentines weekend. Traveling 200 miles

we made a trip to Zelo a highlight of our trip. Upon arriving 10 mins early Feb. 14 at 9:20pm we were

told our table would be ready soon. All seemed fine. We were seated and again I was impressed with the

surroundings and it seemed as though we had picked a very nice place. As 5 and 10 mins went by we watched

as other tables were being served and helped. Then we watched as other couples seated 15 minutes after us

were served and attended to. This was starting to feel very odd and it seemed like we were being ignored.

I tried to get the attention of the wait staff but Zelo personnel walked by our table as though we were

not even there. Finally after 23 minutes a man came to out table stating there had been a "mis-

communication". They stated they were sorry for the long wait. We watched for almost 25 full minutes as

others were helped and we sat being ignored. We were offended and felt that there was no place for this

type of unacceptable service in an establishment that was managed in a way that should be way beyond this

type of rudeness. A restaurant of this caliber should never allow for anyone to experience what we had,

and on Valentines evening no less. The waiter who assisted us seemed half interested at best in assisting

us with our meal. It seemed that one person was chosen or forced to assist us after what ever "mis-

communication" had occoured. I felt as though we were treated like unwanted guests that somehow had to be

assisted by staff that did not have the time for us. How Zelo completely forgot about a reservation made

weeks ahead of time is astounding to me. I had even called ahead that same day to confirm our

reservation. What started as our first Valentines dinning experience ended quickly and with sour rude

notes accompanied by a half hearted effort by wait staff and management to make our night even somewhat

acceptable. The food did arrive, we both ordered the lasagna. The waiter had told us that our main dish

was "pre-made", yes that was his exact wording. And trust me the food we had definitely had a pre-made

taste. Nothing of what we were expecting of Zelo ever materialized. We were treated rudely and the food

was marginal at best. I asked to speak to the restaurant manager. A woman came to our table explaining in

a very non empethetic way how out of line they had been. She seemed far less interested in really helping

us enjoy our night but more interested in moving on with whatever she had to do that evening. Clearly

another case of unprofessional staff missing the reason they are there in the first place. Zelo seems to

be a hit or miss restaurant. We sure were treated to a poor night that no couple should have to ever

endure, especially on our first Valentines evening together. We will never go back, getting burned once

is always more than enough for me to stay away for life. I only wish I would have made reservations

elsewhere. What started as careful and much anticipated planning in choosing just the right dining

experience for my beautiful girlfriend and I ended in an embarrassing and hopeless night of one rude act

after another by a staff caught up in themselves to make priority to the very reason they are there and

open for business, and that is to offer a positive experience for those who take the time and hard earned

money to give them the chance to do so. With us Zelo failed solidly and should be embarrassed to even

offer the kind of hopeless experience we had to endure. Not even 1/2 of a star rating from us. A complete

well rounded failure.

Wonderful Food and Service

by Ang88 at Citysearch

My review is based on a walk-in visit on a Saturday night. I feel it's necessary to post after reading the bad reviews here.

My boyfriend and I rarely make reservations, which often finds us in a bind, especially on a Saturday night in downtown Minneapolis. We set off towards Nicollet Mall to find a place to eat before our play at The Orpheum. Zelo is on the corner and looks interesting, so we walk in. We check with the hostess and they are all booked for the night, BUT... the lounge (bar) is seat yourself. So we find a couple chairs looking out on to the street.

Our server comes over (I wish I could remember her name now), and is as sweet as can be. She asks if we want drinks and suggests their new margarita (which uses grapefruit juice, St. Germain, and pure agave nectar), I opt to try it as I love me a good Marg. This drink was so amazing and refreshing... I had to have two!

After looking over the menu a bit and asking our server what she would suggest, we opt to try out a few small plates and try many things. The food was absolutely delicious!!! The Ahi Tuna on Sesame Crisps ware amazing; flavorful and full of texture with the seared tuna, avocado, and the crunch of the crisps, MMmm!

Again, the food was delicious and our service was above par; attentive, helpful, friendly. We inquired about the St. Germain used in the margarita and she told us about it and even offered a little sample of it. I'd say going above and beyond is a sign of good service.

I love this place and I can't wait to go back!!

• Pros: Location, Service, Food, MARGARITA!
• Cons: None

Im very disappointed in Zelo

by fischerspooner at Citysearch

I had an absolutely aweful server, and this is coming from someone who used to be a server. I am very understanding of mistakes and forgetfulness, but this server was rude, neglectful (even though she only had 1 other table!), and actually made me and my guest feel like just getting up and leaving. We ended up leaving cash and bolting in silence. Leaving her a VERY SMALL TIP.

• Pros: multiple exits in main dining room
• Cons: SUPER BAD SERVICE

Worst service ever

by xochi74 at Citysearch

The hostess had attitude.

The server was drunk, and rude.

The food was small on portion.

We started with an appetizer, and the salad was rotten--I mean black and slimy leaves drenched in dressing.

We got a hold of the manager, who apologized, and offered to replace the salad.

We refused.

If they treat their greens so badly on a Friday night why eat there.

We left and ate at the Dakota instead where fresh food is de rigeur on a weekend night.

It is the second time we have tried to eat there and had such rudeness foisted upon us.

That and a drunk waiter.

Gross!

• Pros: bland food
• Cons: service