Black Dog Restaurant

01/30/08

Because we need black dogs

by CelineA

The food is nice, the people are nice, the music is often great and the feel of friendship and freedom are pretty smashing in times dominated by super controled factory type food places. It doesn't try to be what it isn't, no false hipmania, no bourgeois heavyness either. Places like the Black Dog show that there could still be a life after all the George W. alined, a place full of the values that made us who we are.

And check the pizzas and the french limonade for loon sake !!!

• Pros: Ambience

11/27/07

It is what it is, and it is great.

by nathan3e

The one star review below is hilarious although it clearly is not meant to be. Apparently, the freelance writer went to the Black Dog ?at least 2 times a week? despite the rude staff, bad artwork, flies, dirty tables, and sub-par coffee and food. The freelance writer also brought people who were previously unaware of this bad food and bad art. How magnanimous can one get! Call me a skeptic, but I find this narrative a wee bit difficult to believe. We have been to the Black Dog 100 times if we have been there once, and we have never encountered the conditions described. We are currently eating a Black Dog take out cheese pizza that is quite tasty thank you. The staff will never be confused with Patrick?s French Bakery, but you are not paying $2.50 for a scone are you? Does anyone going to a cafe in Lowertown really need to be patted on the head by the staff? The rough-around-the-edges aspect is part of the allure; it certainly appeals to our children, who prefer this to any other food establishment. And anyone claiming the art on display is bad shows only that they know nothing at all about art. The Black Dog does not need to be saved, unless it is from people like the freelance writer.

• Pros: Art, ambience, food, child friendly
• Cons: Saint Paul Law Enforcement will magically appear the moment your meter hits zero. Prepare accordingly.

07/08/07

'Nuf said

by lapin

"it certainly appeals to our children..."

Compelling.

Also, relax a bit. Your review of a restaurant was strangely focused on the review of another reviewer. You seem really angry and unfocused. Kids will do that to you. Try to get some sleep.

• Pros: great tables for gaming, working, eating; fun music
• Cons: other people's children

10/11/06

Great Spot for Coffee and Food and Music (sometimes)

by bryaaker

I love this spot! Its got great ambience, art pieces, photography and other wall art. The pizza's are fantastic. Stop by after a visit to The Zeitgist Theater or The Farmers Market. Sara Remke is a great owner and she is the person behind the GREAT music festival SUR SEINE. Stop by there and talk with her about it, she's wonderful.

• Pros: Easy to visit, meet or listen to music
• Cons: Isn't a chain, so we can have this spot in Mpls. !

Editorial Review by Citysearch Editors

by Contributor

Kitty-corner from the farmers' market, this Lowertown coffeehouse offers live music, java and vino in an exposed-brick warehouse space.

03/14/06

You can learn tango!

by donnay

Every third Saturday the Black Dog hosts local tango dancers. There's a half hour lesson, then a dance until 11:00. Friendly, fun, relaxed! The cover charge is only $3

• Pros: pizza, tango, price

03/14/06

there is life in lowertown

by sarabanfil

Hey Black Dog good job on the new portabella sandwich and the salads. The eclectic wine list is quite refreshing. I was there a few nights ago and the place was swinging. It is so good to see people out and about in lowertown. Keep up the good happenings.

• Pros: warm atmosphere, parking pay lot, unusual music
• Cons: parking pay lot, self service

11/07/02

Every Dog Has Its Day

by Mike51857

Although I live in the Nation's Capital, Washington DC, when every I visit St. Paul, a must stop every morning it the Black Dog Coffee & Wine Bar.

The staff and service are terrific, and the coffee....well, let's just say, it's a great way to start the day.

A day without Black Dog Coffee is like peanut-butter without jelly....toast without butter....Richard without Liz.....

I think you get the picture....enjoy.......mike

• Pros: service, staff, coffee
• Cons: early closing, limited parking