1881 Eating House

Review summary

1. J

   Julie

   Minneapolis9 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything was amazing. Even our kiddo loved the curry mussels. We will absolutely go again
   

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2. c

   carol

   Minneapolis25 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 30 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing Scone-cuterie board and caramel roll. Amazing place for brunch everyone should try!!
   

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3. D

   Danny

   Minneapolis14 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 29 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great cocktails, service, and food. It's a blend of supper club and trendy Manhattan bar.
   

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4. K

   Kip

   Minneapolis1 review

   2.0

   Dined on 26 March 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 2

   It's hardly equal to Lake Elmo Inn. The tuna appetizer was like eating pencil erasers! The server was apparently used to this response as she simply nodded and smiled and replied that she would deliver our comments to the kitchen. I asked if this was common and she replied that they should just take it off the menu it was so common! If you are looking for fine cuisine, it is obvious that the Lake Elmo owners know by now that they made a huge mistake and have "dumbed down" the menu to overcharge on burgers and simple fare just to pay the rent! The drinks were EXCELLENT. Our server was EXCELLENT. The food was NOT!
   

   1881 Eating HouseResponded 6 days ago

   Thank you taking the time to share your feedback. While we're truly glad to hear you enjoyed the drinks and received excellent service from your server, we're very sorry to learn that your dining experience did not meet expectations. We were especially disappointed to hear your experience with the tuna appetizer, and it's clear we missed the mark. What your server shared is not the standard we strive for, and comments like yours are exactly what help us take a closer look at what needs to change. 1881 Eating House was created to stand apart from Lake Elmo Inn with a more casual, playful approach to food and atmosphere—but never at the cost of quality. We're continuing to refine our menu and offerings, and we hope you’ll consider giving us another try in the future.
   

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5. M

   Michelle

   Minneapolis30 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 15 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Love this place! Unique atmosphere at the historic Union depot. I had the sunnies and they were delicious. Husband had the lamb burger and he’s still talking about it! Nice wine list too.
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Minneapolis3 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 13 March 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food here is just OK. Nothing special. Not disagreeable in anyway. They play this kind of spacey New Age music, which kind of brings down the ambience of the whole depot with its wonderful historical architecture. But it’s not a dealbreaker. Just a little bit too loud. Our service was absolutely wonderful!  perhaps overall it would be a better breakfast or lunch spot for grabbing a quick sandwich then a fine dining experience for dinner.
   

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7. A

   Andrea

   Minneapolis2 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on 9 March 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 4

   As a long time patron of Lake Elmo Inn, I was really hoping this location would be a great experience but was beyond disappointed. First, we were greeted by a very casually dressed hostess (?) clearly on her way out the door with things in her hand and a purse over her shoulder. The location in the Depot is really lovely and the noise level was low. The battery operated light on our table kept flickering and we swapped it out with one on the table next to us as they were very few diners. We ordered an appetizer and a salad, which we never got. Mocktails were good. We waited almost an hour for our reasonably priced food. Burgers were charred and tasteless, Mahi sandwich was better but not much fish, and french fries were decent. When (I assume) the manager stoped by our table, I informed her we did not get some of our food. She clearly wanted to make this right and was apologetic. She took it off our bill, packed the food to go and threw in an extra order and a piece of carrot cake. We were presented with a dessert menu but actually had to ask our waitress what the daily options were when she returned to take our order. Desserts were subpar and seemed to have possibly spent too long in a freezer. We ended up being there 2.5 hours, and while we enjoyed each other's company, it was not what we expected and was way too long for our puppy back home in her crate. Will not be back.
   

   1881 Eating HouseResponded on 13 March 2025

   Dear Andrea, Thank you for sharing your feedback. As longtime patrons, your support means the world to us, and I’m truly sorry your recent visit to 1881 was disappointing. From the greeting to the missed items and food quality, your experience fell far short of what we aim to provide. While I’m glad our manager attempted to make things right, I understand it didn’t offset the evening. Please know we’re actively working through growing pains and addressing these issues seriously. Your honest feedback helps us improve, and I’d welcome the chance to speak with you directly. Thank you again for your loyalty and for giving us the opportunity to learn from this. Sincerely, Anthony Rios General Manager 1881 Eating House 952-698-1881
   

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8. J

   Julie VIP

   Minneapolis6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 8 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great service! Wonderful food. We had the scone charcuterie with scones and lovely toppings. We had pancakes with bananas, nuts and caramel syrup. We had a steak and eggs breakfast with hash towns and toast. Lovely food, quiet atmosphere, will return! Want to try other mealtimes as well.
   

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Minneapolis2 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on 1 March 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 5

   Upon having reservations at 11:30, we didn’t receive our food until 12:15 and all we ordered was French toast and sausage. When our food arrived; cold and without sausage, no one seemed particularly concerned. It then took another 15 minutes to get our check. Very sad as the ambience is beautiful and it was a very special day for my grandson and I.
   

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10. J

    Jeff

    Minneapolis3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 28 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    1881 is an "open-air" restaurant in Union Depot. The decor, service, ambiance, and food were all outstanding. The restaurant is also associated with the Lake Elmo Inn, which we've enjoyed. Do realize there are people coming and going, as there are other businesses within the depot, to include train operations. We did enjoy our meal. The service was outstanding and the setting was unique. We plan to return on a regular basis.
    

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