(612) 332-9997
1225 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis,
MN
55403
44.9745
-93.2806
Neighborhoods: Loring Park, Central
What People Are Saying About Eli's Bar & Grill
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – A ketchup-hued bar area and mustard-colored walls are the perfect backdrop for this neighborhood joint--popular for its three varieties of toppings-heavy hot dogs. But it's not just the bar food that draws the young downtown condo dwellers. Menu items like filet mignon with truffled mushroom ragout are the norm on the upscale menu. Soft jazz, easy conversation and a well-rounded wine and martini list make this welcoming hangout a more-than-once-a-week routine for its loyal, local fans.
gone downhill
by hage0269
The food is still delicious here; however, it is sllllooooowwwww, SO slow! Also, the service has definitely gone downhill. When the food is taking that long, the service needs to be top notch. I did not see my server for a long time. Then when i said that i needed my food boxed to go, she gave me attitude. Go for the food (I could care less about service which only reflects in tipping) and don't have anywhere to go to immediately afterward.
Delicious Food and Friendly Service
by beckytracy
Eli's is a wonderful neighborhood bar and restaurant. It is casual and reasonably priced, while the food is always fresh and delicious. They have both basic fare and some interesting items. My husband's favorite is the beef sandwich, it is wonderful. I love the pastas & salads, they have some on their menu and great weekly specials. The service is always friendly and attentive. They have a full bar, with a nice wine and beer selection too. I am fortunate it is close to home, it is a perfect spot for a casual, but good dinner, or for take out.
- Pros: Good food, some basic and some creative items, friendly, quick service
- Cons: Parking can be a challenge if it's busy
Good Food - Poor Service
by dj0501975
I have been to Elis several times over the past two years. Overall, I have always enjoyed the food there. Their sloppy joes and hamburgers are very good. However, I have been disappointed on a few occasions by the poor service: order food and not have the wait staff check in with us as we wait, having to wait for 45 minutes or more, and then being yelled at because we asked for another drink. At first I dismissed it due to the large crowds. My friends were not so willing to agree. But I kept going back.
That all changed recently. I went with a friend of mine to enjoy dinner. It was a Wednesday night and the place was rather full when we got there. A few tables were still open and some people were leaving. Not too concerned, we ordered our food. After 20 minutes of waiting we informed by the waitress that the salad we ordered could not be made as they did not have the lettuce. Finding it strange that it took 20 minutes to figure that out, we became concerned. I insisted we stay.
An hour later I was no longer amused. We had not received our food, the waitress wouldn't even acknowledge our table, and it really was obvious that no one cared. We decided to leave as we couldn't handle being ignored or not receiving our food. As we stood, the waitress finally noticed us and asked, with a shocked look on our face, why we were leaving. Upon being told that it was well over an hour that we had to wait, she did nothing to encourage our staying.
This was a real disappointment for me. I truly did enjoy the place and the food. But I don't think I will ever go back there after having this happen. I would be much more willing if the staff actually made an attempt to acknowledge the wait.
- Pros: Good Food
- Cons: Bad service
The Details on Eli's Bar & Grill
The Extras:
This is one of the only places in Minneapolis that serves food until 1am seven days a week--perfect for a classy nibble after seeing a show down the street at the Orpheum.
Know Before You Go:
Vegetarians and health nuts note: You can substitute veggie burgers and hot dogs at no additional cost.












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