Cafe Twenty-Eight

02/03/09

My favorite restaurant in the Twin Cities!

by whysohardtosetupaccount

A friend introduced me to this restaurant a few months ago and I went back 3 times in the first weeks! I love the food. I could order almost anything on the menu and be totally thrilled! Also, the prices are very reasonable and the setting is very cozy. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting a modern take on traditional dishes!

• Pros: Food/Great menu, Ambience, Good prices
• Cons: Parking

11/23/08

Sixes and Sevens

by surlygurl

Our experience at Cafe 28 went like this...Despite the fact that we had reservations, we were relegated to the icy cold hallway for a half and hour wait and when were finally seated our server's disposition wasn't much warmer. The food, albeit at the right temperature, was a freakish combination of diner fare and gourmet provisions, and failed to satisfy a taste for either. But if you're feeling brave and in the mood for something different, you may have better luck than we did. I must admit that the pumkin cake (bar?) with cream cheese frosting was good.

10/23/08

The best meal in a LONG time

by mplsally

I had heard about Cafe Twenty Eight, but it kept slipping my mind to go there. Now that I have gone there, I will contine to return over and over. The setting is quaint and charming, the service was delightful and the food was the best I've experienced in a long long time. I usually don't even like brussel sprouts, but I ate all that were on my plate, even before touching my local pork loin. I've had lots of Fischer Farm's pork, it's always tender and delicious. Tim Fischer knows what he's doing and the chef know how to cook what Tim F. can produce. My dining companion had the lamb and it was cooked perfectly and it was out to the table in a flash. I can't wait to go back and try something else. Kudos to the staff, both front and back. Oh, and the wine was more than I expected. Thank you Cafe Twenty Eight for, what I can say enough, was a great experience.

• Pros: everything
• Cons: parking was a little tricky

10/31/07

Very Good Latin Dish

by hungryinsw

My experience at Cafe 28 was quite pleasing. We stuck with mostly Latin cuisine despite the fact that there was a very good looking Lamb dish on the menu along with some other tempting choices. The tacos we had were awesome. The flavors were there and they were huge! Two tacos was more than enough. They were perfectly garnished and loaded with juicy chicken, tasty avocado and a refreshing and cooling queso fresco. The tortillas, although thin and a bit easy to break, were the most authentic I've tasted since I left Guatemala. I hade the adobo braised Pork and it was everything it needed to be. Smoky, and just the right amount of spice for a truly latin signature. My only criticism would be the sheer amount of sauce that accompanied the perfectly cooked meat (I will say that I would rather have too much sauce than rubbery, dry meat)This is a flavor profile that is often missed if even offered around most local restaurants. I will without a doubt come back to Cafe 28 and am looking forward to exploring other menu options. Try it, you'll like it.

• Pros: Well executed food at an affordable price, great beverage list
• Cons: Tough toget a tablesometimes , call ahead or go on a non-peak night!

10/26/07

Warm & cozy near Lake Harriet

by uradel

My husband and I came here with another couple and we were all impressed with our selections. I had a crusted walleye that was cooked to perfection. My dining companions had steaks/fish and we were all quite pleased. Even though it was a busy Friday night when owner Linda Haug does her Wisconsin fish fry, she graciously accepted our last minute reservation. The atmosphere is warm and cozy & they have an impressive wine menu and wonderful Belgian brews. Our waiter was witty and charming and it was a great evening. I am very supportive of unique one of a kind restaurants that have great food, service, wine and a philosophy that supports sustainable farming & organic methods. I wish the owner great success. We will definitely return.

• Pros: Supports organic farming, great menu diversity, good wines/brews, cozy atmosphere
• Cons: none

09/17/07

wierd, just wierd

by pj3261

I couldn't tell what it was. Is it a McD's for the snobby? Could be with all the kids running around and the fried food on the menu. Is it a casually elegant bistro? I think it wants to be but again the kids hanging off the walls isn't art work you know what I mean? is it fine dining? Parts of the menu tries but fails.

I tried what looked to be great on paper. A gnochi dish with fresh summer vegetables. It was hands down teh worst gnochi I have ever put in my mouth. Tough and chewy texture. The flavor of the dish was rather bland too. The only good part of it was the few green beans around the rim that were fresh and very good. My wife had a snapper special that she liked but I didn't care for it. Very good "sweet and sour cucs" with it but lacked flavor and texture in teh dish otherwise.

Two things make this a 2 star rather than 1 star for me- the vino was great and the Guac is excellent!

• Pros: location, guac
• Cons: Food, atmosphere

11/17/06

Russian Roulett

by moml12

The first time I visited I was alone and turned away. The couple behind me got seated. Must have been a decision made on potential profit with limited seating left at that time. I was dressed well and clean. The matre d was somewhat condescending about it to boot. Somehow I mustered up courage to return and was pleasantly delighted by a Sunday salmon brunch with goumet hash. My husband and I subsequently enjoyed a fine walleye dinner as well as returning for the salmon dish. And then on another visit I made the mistake of ordering the "organically grown beef," the most expensive item on the menu. (Which is continually new and different) And when I mentioned to the waiter that the grizzle in the steak was so massive that I almost choked he left and came back with a tough luck statement of the manager said "that's the way organic beef is". I would have been happy with a coupon for an appetizer on the next visit or at very least some sort of apology. My husband explained the "organic" meant grass fed instead of corn fed. It was horrible. Stay with the gourmet items of the house and you'll be fine. They have sides like a potatoe that is layed like lasagna, unique and tasty. On the gourmet side the dishes are exquisate but stay away from beef. And be prepared to deal with the snobbishness of the management and the help.

• Pros: High brow and truly gourmet
• Cons: You have to know what to select or you can get burned

This spot in the old Linden Hills firehouse is casual enough to bring the kids, yet cool enough for couples.

by Contributor

In Short
At night, flattering candlelight creates cozy comfort in the small space. In the daytime, a beautiful, arched window offers views of the Linden Hills street scene. Only a few historic photographs let on that this was once a firehouse. The menu changes monthly, featuring mostly grilled, good-value meals. Among the comfort fare: A perfectly melted, clear-the-sinuses quesadilla, fresh greens jumbled with sliced peaches, sweet pistachios and savory Gorgonzola, or simple pasta with mushroom sauce.

05/24/06

Favorite Restaurant

by MyDogIsSmarterThanYour HonorStudent

When I lived nearby in Uptown, I always wanted to eat here when it used to be D'Amico's. But this is so much better!

The service is great and the food is excellent (try the pear salad, the quiche and Larry Schulz chicken). We have had the best waiter in the world -- the fellow with hair like Harvey Pecar) The ambience is so relaxing. The prices are very reasonable.

The staff here is great and you're treated like a good friend visiting. My dog (whom I bring on the patio when it is open) likes Topher because he always brings her a nice bowl of water with the other meals. Fellow diners are usually from the neighborhood and nice to chat with.

My only complaint is that it is not open later in the evenings.

• Pros: quiet, delicious food, price
• Cons: Needs extended hours

05/16/06

Disappointing Birthday Dinner

by mcpamela

We went to Cafe 28. Seated a large group at two tiny tables pushed together even though the restaurant was open. The server accidentally hit me while we were ordering and didn't apologize. Rude at best. Gentleman that brought our food was the only redeeming quality. Witty and outdid the tasteless food. Salsa tasted like air, tuna sandwich has no cilantro as advertised. Everyone's food was bland. None of the hungry guests could finish the underaverage food. Even the coffee was bad! Uninspired dishes, not worth the price. I was surprised to find such rave reviews here. I wouldn't recommend this place. Overpriced for Denny's style food.