06/07/09

Disappointed

by ratingreviews09

After making reservations for 10:00 pm for a party of 15 on a Wednesday night, they decided to close the restaurant at 11:00 pm. As the website said they closed at 2:00 am, we asked why they were closing so early, they stated because of the crowd. Since we were pretty much the only group in there, they felt it necessary to close down. I wouldn't have had a problem with this, however they should have at LEAST let us know on the phone, before I had made the reservations for 10:00.

Some of the group came in at 9:30 (before the reserved time of 10:00), instead of waiting at the table they had reserved for us they decided just to go to the bar and order drinks. They would not let them order anything at the bar if they were there for reservations. The group explained they were half an hour early, they continuously said that they had to sit down at their reserved table and just wait for the waitress. We did this multiple times just to get a quick drink, only to be turned away.

The staff didn't know much about the menu at all. I had seen on their website that it was $3 margaritas on Wednesday, when I had asked about that they stated there was no such thing written like that on their website. Of course when I looked at the website the next day, it didn't exist and I know it was on there before.

Unfortunately their guacamole was VERY good, but I will not be returning to support this restaurant. Based on how we were treated and how they clearly did not want our service, there is no way a restaurant like this will be able to stay in business for much longer.

• Pros: Guacamole
• Cons: service

05/30/09

They close down the outdoor seating, why?

by Chucho

Went here to sit outside and have a drink. They close down the outside seating after about 10. I asked why, they said crowd control. Humm, I wonder why all the other outdoor patios are open, is the staff here really that stupid that they cannot control outdoor seating? They serve $1 Dos X's on a Friday night, too bad you have to drink it inside on a perfect summer night.

• Pros: Great Guac, $1 Dos X
• Cons: No outdoor seating after 10

05/16/09

Bar Abilene

by thekritik

I decided to take my girlfriend to Bar Abilene because they are famous for two of her favorite things, guacamole and margaritas. She always makes guac at home so I trust her opinion, and she said the guac was the best restuarant guac she has had but it could have done without the roasted garlic. Personally, I loved it. We got there around 11 on Friday night, paid $9 for parking across the street. It wasn't too crowded at all when we got there, but of course that would change after midnight. We took our seats at a booth that was both out of the way and in the mix - if that makes sense. Service was prompt and everything was delivered to us very quickly. Decor was chic and inviting, but I was surprised to see the TVs both displaying a Fox Sports Net fishing show, it was so out of place it was comical.

Almost everything (including the Margaritas), was priced between $7.95 and $12.95. The tequila list was extensive, with one shot flights ranging from $6 to $8. Most of the margaritas came in regular glasses with cubed ice, which was a little surprising. I tried the Tejas and the Dirty Rita, and they were both sub-par. The Dirty Rita was supposed to have a "splash" of olive juice, but it tasted like it was 1/4 olive juice, 3/4 margarita mix. My girlfriend had the Margarjito (sp?) and the Green Iguana, both were better than the two I tried, but none of them were anything to brag about. After we finished the $9.95 guac we ordered some real food. I tried the bbq shrimp tacos. Unfortunately, they were probably the worst tacos I ever had. I love mexican food and I'm usually not very picky, but I only managed to finish 2 bites of one. For $9.95 for only two small tacos and a little beans and rice, I was a bit dissapointed. My girlfriend had the tortilla soup, which again was underwhelming.

Luckily, a few things were half off because of happy hour, so we didn't spend as much as I thought we were going to. All in all we had four margaritas, two entrees, and an order of guac for $50, about $25 less than it otherwise would have been.

If you like tequila and you like guac, this is a cool place. It also seemed to be a pretty good place for singles, although the crowd started to get a little "fratboy-ish" as it got later into the evening. If I ever go back, I won't be eating anything but the guac and I'll probably skip the margaritas and sample more of the extensive tequila selection.

• Pros: Best Guac, Decor, People Watching, Tequila List, Service
• Cons: Food

01/09/09

Friendly Staff, Great Deals

by arenas17

Some nights the bar has 1/2 off wine & appetizers. The taquitos aren't the best but the other appetizers are really good. The staff is super friendly & the atmosphere is really nice. They play a good mix of music also! I would definitely recommend this restaurant/bar!

• Pros: Good deals & friendly staff
• Cons: Parking is expensive in Uptown

06/15/08

"Holiday" Brunch

by LCJC

I've been a big fan of Bar Abilene in the past. Love their Margaritas, and other food items. However, Today I was quite disappointed. It's father's day. We decided that we would go there for brunch. The food was good, Glassware was dirty though. The wait staff was professional, quick and attentive. My disappointment came in when we got the bill. $15.95 per person for a normally $12.95 brunch. They had their normal sign up outside saying "$12.95 all you can eat brunch". So we took it. Only to get our bill and see they added three extra dollars per person. We did ask the wait person we had if they had different items for brunch today. They replied.. "I don't know" As far as I could tell, it was their normal brunch. So, We talked with the Mgr. he was not polite or professional at all. His reply to it "It's a holiday". Um, Yes.. it's father's day but no where have I read that it costs more on holidays. Plus, they had their normal $12.95 sign outside the door. Bait and switch tactic with no apology or care in the world. He would not answer any questions on if the food was different or anything. Just kept on saying it's a holiday. We told him he needs to remove his sign today because it's not correct. Every person in there was scammed as far as I'm concerned today. I didn't like the way he treated us, nor did I like his comments on "It's a holiday" and leaving it at that as if we should know although their sign says differently. I don't appreciate businesses taking advantage of people in this way.

Food is normally good, Stay away during holidays that fall on a sunday.

• Pros: Good food
• Cons: Baits and Switches on brunch that falls on a holiday.

06/10/08

Worst food and service!!!

by loveuptown

The food was horrible and it was topped off with terrible service. I would never go to that bar again.

05/19/08

Great Times

by Namaste13

This is my favorite place to go out in the Twin Cities. The drinks, food, music, and crowd combine to create unforgettable nights time and time again. If you're looking for a margarita recommendation, try the Latin Lover. Make sure to order the guacamole (they make it tableside). After about 11:00 or 11:30 the dancefloor picks up, and that's when the fun begins...

• Pros: Everything (see review). But also kids eat free during Sunday brunch.

03/21/08

Stellar customer service and atmosphere

by mayagirl22

Bar Abilene mixes a southwestern feel with an urban twist. The bar can get incredibly packed on Friday nights making a bit difficult to maneuver, especially if in a group. But, the bartenders are attentive, quick, and enjoy talking to their customers which usually guarantees that you will feel welcome and won't have to wait long for a drink. The guacamole and mashed potato tapas are also two things to try next time you are in.

01/03/08

Great Place in Uptown!

by kos_2007

I spend a lot of time in the Uptown area and this place is definitely the best around. I have been there several times for both dinner and the night life and have had great experiences every time. The food is great, you must try the tableside guacamole. Also, they have great margaritas and I have had wonderful service each time. The night life is great too, I highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a fun time.

08/05/07

Awful food

by jkundtz

We haven't been to Bar Abilene in a couple of years and thought we would try it again. We were very disappointed. The chop salad we shared was soggy, the tuna dish was far too chewey and the black bean enchiladas were bland and overcooked. It tasted like much of the food was pre-made and then heated up. The beer was good and our server was quite nice. Unfortunately, we will not return.