Basil's Restaurant

Recommends

alyssa55

Joined 2 years ago

Great Hotel BUT.... It's a great hotel but if any of you are looking to save some $$ then book it at referer.us/8/GoodHotelDeals They usually have some pretty good deals on there!

Doesn't Recommend

tcwriter

Joined 5 years ago

Left so much to be desired.... We recently ate there on 7.26.08. The food came out cool, and the waiter was not apologetic when we had to send a salad back because it contained fish, (not noted on the menu,) as I'm highly allergic. The food was bland, cool and meaningless. We waited when we first entered the establishment and had to physically find the hostess to seat us, (as we had a reservation that evening.) There were only two other parties dining that night, (six people total, including us.) We remarked about this as we entered.

We were charged for the salad we returned, (and told that it was already on, 'the receipt.') We were livid, but decided to leave a smaller tip and leave, as the waiter was already incredibly inattentive.

Wish that could be the end of the story- but we were charged... FOUR times for our food. (FOUR.) How does that even HAPPEN? We were told the manager was 'out' for today, and we could speak to her later in the week. Really, we'd like the $400.00 in overages back- and we'll be contacting our bank.

Will never dine again, and will tell everyone of our experience.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Casual hotel eatery with large glass windows offers tourists and office workers a view and above-average American cuisine.. In Short
With herb-filled flower boxes and tables overlooking IDS Crystal Court's fountain below, Basil's balcony is like dining outside--inside. When winter winds howl, downtown corporate types fill the place. Choice tables are on the terrace, but the clubby dining room with salmon and sage tones offers good window seats, too. The large menu features huge portions of wild rice chowder, Gruyere-topped steak sandwiches and Cajun pasta. For dessert, there's berry-topped cheesecake and tiramisu.

Doesn't Recommend

meesh427

Joined 9 years ago

Not so great. I went to lunch with a co-worker and was not impressed by the food or service. I ordered the thin grilled sirloin steak. I ordered it medium temperature and it came to me well done. Well done steak is a travesty in my book. It didn't even taste like steak. Absolutely awful! I would have complained but the waitress never bothered to come back to the table to ask how our food tasted. She didn't come back until we were finished. The warm fingerling potato salad that came with the steak was good but not enough to make my meal worth the $19 I was charged for a lunch entree.

Recommends

mcfoodie12

Joined 6 years ago

Impressed. It had been a long time since I'd last been to Basil's. I wasn't expecting much. However, we were treated to a lovely meal, with reasonably-priced wine and good service. Thumbs up to Herb, who seemed to be waiting on numerious tables, yet was fun and knowledgeable. The shrimp potstickers, tuna and orange/ginger salad appetizer was terrific. Our friends ordered the wild rice soup and enjoyed it very much. They also enjoyed the duck entree. I and a friend ordered the marlin, which was served with a seaweed/radish salad. I initially sent the marlin back because when it arrived at the table, was dry as a bone. No flake or moisture left at all. Herb apologized and swiftly took my fish back. The replacement that arrived was succulent, flaky and worked well with the soy/cream sauce. My husband was disappointed with the quality of his ribeye, but otherwise enjoyed the wine, presentation, ambience and service. Our party of six agreed we'd like to return to Basil's.

Recommends

ger100

Joined 8 years ago

Lunch at Basil. Conveniently located and close to my IDS office in the complex. Great food.

Recommends

foodiefreakazoid

Joined 8 years ago

Kudos to a hotel restaurant. After a friend recommended Basil's I thought we would give it a try. We were greeted friendly and sat promptly. Once seated they brought out what they called an amuse bouche for free. A little deviled duck egg with truffles. Wow! I ordered the ribeye steak and it was the best, most tender steak that I have EVER had. My girlfriend ordered the soft-shell crab (tempura style) and it was to die for. Soft-shell crab can be hit or miss and Basil's sure hit it right on! We shared a chocolate-chipotle dessert that was heaven. With the service, quality of food, and the value we cannot think of a better hotel restaurant downtown Minneapolis.

Doesn't Recommend

oksanen

Joined 8 years ago

Wowed the first time, this time not impressed.. I had been here two years ago. I had the ribeye steak and my girlfriend the prawns. We were amazed at the meal and service. My girlfriend took me there tonight and unfortunately the same did not occur, I see mixed reviews, either excellent or poor seems to be the norm for this restaurant. As for my birthday dinner:

The bus boy was more attentive than waiter. The doiley from our calimari was soaked in grease. Softshell crab was greasey and was more like a batter rather than a tempura as stated on the menu. My girlfriends duck was a bit over cooked and kindof dry. We will not return. We even recieved one of our meals free by using our NPR member card and I feel even with the $20 savings this evening was no value. I recommend you stay away from this joint. It is inconsistant and unpredictable.

Recommends

noasgirl

Joined 11 years ago

Wowed. A friend and I went for dinner. It was absolutely delightful. The service was impeccable - compliments to our server Herb and wait-assist Jamie. Not only did our server offer helpful suggestions, but when my friend and I discussed sharing two entrees, they arrived split on separate plates with a smile. Every step of the way the service was charming. And the food! We had halibut and chicken. Both were the type of dish that makes you stop and really savor your food. The crabcake appetizer had large chunks of crab and was delicious as well. We had cocktails, a glass of wine, an appetizer, two entrees, coffee, and a dessert. Our bill came to $73 with happenings. That's insane. I haven't had a dinner I wanted to rave about this much in a while.

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seinfeldin5a

Joined 9 years ago

Give it a try...You'll love it.. My wife and I were greeted with smiles and were seated promptly by the host. We went with the chef's recommendation and were extremely impressed. We give the food, service and romantic atmosphere an A+, and will dine with Basil's again in the near future.