Everything is great except the food. Food is mid. It's really disappointing because Excelsior has a restaurant problem. The salmon was tough and dried out on the burnt cedar plank. I had a lobster roll that was woefully undersized and cost $25. We had high hopes. Too bad. read more

Back for another shot at this establishment and it's much better on the porch (in December) with no flies Total winners were the burger and scallops (yet again)! Also huge fan of the lobstah roll and Chilean sea bass! Our server was top-notch she knew exactly what drinks to pair with our dinner, and she was super attentive, making sure our water lessons were always full! read more

See all

What a great new spot! The space is beautiful, love the jungle vibe. The food was delicious. Get the Neptune style for the johnnycake, it's awesome. The pastas are really tasty, we got the Stracci and Fregola. The duck fries were crispy and they come with unique dipping sauces. The mango sticky rice had great flavor and texture. Our server was so nice. The cocktails are very unique, we liked all of them. They accommodated for a stroller and had high chairs for our little one. There are a few parking spots that are free. There is a patio with big umbrellas for the summer as well. Make a reservation now, they are booking out! read more

See all

Everything was amazing here. From the food to the service to the location, it was a great experience. Definitely will go back. The Johnny cake was a must order, so delicious. The cheeseburger sounds simple but is so flavorful. The lobster roll with the brown butter aioli is incredible and might be the best lobster roll I've ever had. The sea bass and pasta were also great options to try. The cocktails were super unique and flavorful. Would definitely go back and order everything again! It's a super trendy interior and was pretty filled up when we went during the week for dinner, but it wasn't noticeably loud even with the crowd. read more

See all

Cool location, good service, and nice decor. But the food was good but not great. Wonderful patio to hang out on a sunny evening! The menu looked intriguing, maybe we have to go back and try some other dishes. read more

There is a new kid on Water Street and we could not be happier! Love the vibe of this sweet spot and while the menu may be small it's mighty!!! Mighty delicious The saffron broth the came in was outstanding! beet salad is completely different than I've had elsewhere . Absolutely perfectly perfect sear on the freshest scallops nestled in a creamy corn succotash was delish paired with the stracci & mushrooms Can't wait to work my way through the rest of the menu read more

See all

The service was excellent and the food was delicious. The ambiance was quaint. I recommend the Johnnycake. The best. I would come back again. read more

See all

This is a cute spot! Much smaller than I expected. Definitely make reservations if you plan to eat here. The host greeted me kindly and led me to the table. The server was friendly, answered our questions and gave her recommendations. I ordered the cosmojito, fried calamari and butternut squash. I was also able to taste my friend's brussel sprouts. The cosmojito is a pretty drink that is refreshing. It's sweet and tart without being too much of either. I didn't taste the alcohol at all. That could be a good or bad thing. The calamari comes with green beans and red bell peppers. All fried in the same batter. Or should I say, the beans and peppers came with some calamari. There wasn't much calamari. The batter, while perfectly fried (the right amount of crisp) was bland. The Thai chili sauce was the star of the show. Though I enjoyed it and like sauces in general, I don't like my food to depend on the sauce. It should be a nice compliment. I'm not sure what was on the butternut squash. It didn't do it justice. It had a charred almost burnt flavor and took away from the natural sweetness of the squash. The brussel sprouts were bland and had no distinct flavor. read more

See all

Food is unique and killer. Johnny cakes are a staple. Pork chops crushed. And the cocktails are spirit forward in a good way.

The restaurant is very pretty inside. As for the food I thought it was nothing special. We came here for our anniversary dinner and we were honestly not too impressed with the service and food. Not sure that I'll be back again. read more

See all

Loved this place. Food was extremely amazing. The lobster roll was probably the best thing I've ever eaten. The brown butter made it. Great service from Brian (believe the bar manager??). Fun night with a dear friend of mine. Great vibe and decor. read more

See all

Best hash browns I have ever had in my life. Service was pretty slow but really cute interior and fun menu!

Visited their patio on Sunday night with a party of 6. It was great sitting on the corner of the bike path and street to watch the stream of nice cars going by. As they have only been open for a month, we expected service to be spotty, but it was a little worse than we expected unfortunately. They definitely shouldn't be seating every table at the same time only one month in! Two guests were told that they ran out of their order and one had that happen twice! That shows very poor kitchen to server communications. it took forever to get drinks and food, luckily we were enjoying the weather. The Calamari starter was fine, good sauce, but not spectacular. The scallops were also good and the charred corn added a good amount of flavor. The smash burger was probably the winner of the night. We'll be back, but maybe not until the patio seating is closed so there's less risk of an overwhelmed kitchen and wait staff. It's got promise. Not a huge fan of the cocktails as all but the cosmo has some strange element that won't be welcome for the average drinker. (Mushrooms, wormwood, spruce tips, etc.) read more

Layline - Calamari - New American Near Me - Excelsior, Minnesota

See all

Once again the burbs' get a non-chain that puts out an unchanging lackluster menu, but this is what the typical burb eater wants, apparently. So let's dive in. What's to like? The Johnycakes. Yes, this is the stand-out of the menu and unique enough to give the place half a star (if I could). Get a couple. Better yet, order them for dinner and call it brunch. I would also say the server we had (both times we've been there) was super busy but good despite. The rest of the menu looks interesting but just doesn't quite deliver. (avoid the dry pastas) Unfortunately the wannabe Caribbean wallpaper doesn't prop up the food any more than being stuck in a table in the middle of a loud crowded bar area. The wine selection is so bad they know people will bring their own so they have jacked up the corcage fee higher than any place in the metro. Of course they did, how else will they push warm Pinot's and 100% markups. As I always say, if a place doesn't store their wine at the proper temp it's just Applebees in drag. We ate there twice hoping to give it a chance but won't be back. This is too bad as there are only so many places out on the west side. read more

Great atmosphere, but a confusing menu concept. It was eclectic and lacked a theme. I wanted to try the burger, but did not want fries. They refused to sub out for a different side. So, I had the Hong Kong noodles. It was a pile of ramen noodles with peanuts and lime. It was dry with no sauce and flavorless. I would not suggest getting this dish. I did try my fiancée's salmon that was really good, but it was paired a side dish comparable to rice-a-roni. read more

It pains me to leave a review of this low caliber, but I simply have to. The food was BEYOND sub par. Bland, boring and over priced. Porch was freezing cold. They wouldn't move us to the outdoor patio (so we could be in the sun - we had a newborn baby with us who was chilly) even though there were a billion open tables outside. Like why? So rude. Honestly unacceptable. The experience overall was so boring and not special. Vibes were off. I won't be returning and you shouldn't either unless you want to pay an arm and a leg for mediocre scrambled eggs. read more

Layline - New American Near Me - Excelsior, Minnesota

See all

Came to Excelsior to have a business meeting and some coffee at 318 Cafe, a small cozy place that was once owned by a friend but it turns out they weren't open for business when we needed to do business so the new owner recommended we go across the street to Layline. We did with no expectations but big appetites so we just dug in. Damn that was good food and service. We tried quite a number of dishes and each was better than the other. The lobster roll was the best I've had outside of the Maine coast. It was all remarkable. The brussels sprouts were the best I've ever had. Those two stick out but we will be back. Last words: I moved to the Twin Cities from NYC where part of my job was to eat out with people at high end restaurants, so I know food. Layline is on a par with the best without the pretentious attitude you find in NYC. Layline is a tad pricey but it's well worth the cost. read more

I came in with my husband, and we had a disappointing experience. Our server was not accommodating and kept arguing with me about my order. The prices are high. My husband ordered their burger and liked it. However, they have an unusual service fee that they claim is for the well-being of their employees. This seems odd, especially for such an expensive restaurant. It feels like the management is being greedy, as most other restaurants don't have this kind of fee. Additionally, my husband ordered a rhubarb pie dessert, and it was a very small piece and not good. Overall, it was pretty disappointing. read more

Starting with service: we had Oscar as our waiter. He's fantastic! Very personable and knowledgeable about the menu. He made the experience so much nicer. And the experience itself...atmosphere is very cute, my wife pointed out it's kind of Hai Hai decor. Overall very nouveau. And then the food...we split watermelon salad, Trofie pasta, and Hong Kong noodles. The watermelon salad was the surprise hit. I'm not normally a fan but it was perfectly sweet and salty accented with nuts. Truly wonderful. The Trofie bursts with flavor, very basil forward pesto so you have to be a strong basil fan. We found the Hing Kong noodles to be the next favorite (after the watermelon). It has a complexity of flavors that's very unique (NOT spicy!) and was a joy. We will definitely be back to try the sandwiches next time (saw them at other tables and they looked great). read more

Layline - Hong Kong noodles - New American Near Me - Excelsior, Minnesota

See all

Food and service good did not like the "fee" for the help they deleted and we gave a great tip charge what you need to but don't fee me to death read more

It was an all around good experience! Sat at the bar while waiting for our friends to arrive. Peach Aperol Spritz and an Old Fashioned. Love the extra touch with a sprig of flowers and etched ice. The calamari was one of the best I've had (which says a lot)!! Sea Bass was cooked perfectly and the carbonara was delicious! Highly recommended S'mores dessert was not only beautiful but was worth the late night calories!! Thank you for the great service and an enjoyable experience! read more

Layline - Old Fashioned of Sorts - New American Near Me - Excelsior, Minnesota

See all

The food, drinks and service were fantastic. Highly recommend this new restaurant in Excelsior. We also had the watermelon salad and beet salad and both were wonderful. read more

Layline - Marinara pasta dish - New American Near Me - Excelsior, Minnesota

See all

Breakfast at Layline. I always worry when a newish restaurant adds breakfast as it's usually the sign of a downward spiral. We chose to eat in the somewhat cramped dining room though we could have opted for the more spacious, extremely casual enclosed patio. Adding plants and color would make that space more inviting. Waitstaff was exceptional. A cup of coffee, a cappuccino, French toast, and a standard breakfast of eggs, potatoes, bacon and toast, with taxes and 5% "wellness tax" plus 15% tip came to well over 50 bucks. I'm always a bit resentful when management is too cheap to pay for the employee's healthcare and passes on the cost to the diners. Yes, I admit it, I lower my tip from 20% when I'm paying company costs for "wellness". The food was good, but breakfast anywhere is the biggest rip off there is in the dining world. You pay through the teeth for a couple slices of bread, eggs and potatoes. We get that, but close to sixty bucks is just too much. The ambience is below average here and they can command their price points because it's Excelsior, and there's a distinct lack of breakfast places around. But how long will it last? I fear for the future of this restaurant. read more

Unfortunately this restaurant will most likely not be an option much longer based on its sub-par leadership. The servers and bartenders are great but the lack of Management is appalling. If you don't want a vibe and you want to be among very few diners then you should go on a weeknight; it's crickets. I've witnessed staff being told to leave early due to lack of tables being filled. There's more guests on Friday and Saturday night, but if you've dined here more than twice, you will have the menu memorized as it has not changed in a year. read more

Made a Dining Room reservation for my husband's birthday. We arrived and were told there no tables available in main dining room because of large parties. Most of the dining room was empty at the time. Apparently a party of two has no priority. Placed in the 4-season porch with sun in our eyes. VERY subpar martini's! Vodka martini was watery. How long did it sit before strained into glass. Both drinks were 2/3rds full. I guess you don't need to care about service when there are two restaurant spaces empty in Excelsior What is the 4.95% service charge for? As we were leaving, expressed displeasure to host who seemed to care less then wished him a Happy Birthday- incredibly rude! read more

First time at Layline last night and we will definitely be back! So many wonderful options that it was difficult to choose. We started with the beet salad and then shared the roasted carrots ( my absolute favorite) the sea bass and the pesto pasta. The carrots may seem like a boring side but trust me, they are not. And the sea bass with stone fruit was beautifully plated and delicious. My husband really enjoyed his pasta as well. read more

I was so glad when I was finally able to check this place out! The atmosphere, food and service are all incredible -- and just the kind of spot Excelsior needs! My favorite item was the lobster roll. If you're looking for a new place in the western suburbs, I highly recommend this spot! read more

Pretty space but a little awkward with the layout and it's tiny! Be sure to have reservations for peak hours. Everything was as we expected for our location in price and quality. Overall I'd recommend it if someone asked how it is. I wouldn't drive across the country for it though. read more

Four of us went there for a celebratory dinner. The drinks, wedge salad, lobster roll, oysters, and Johnny cake were quite good. However, the pork chop was almost all fat with little substantial meat. The Hong Kong noodles were over-salted and basically just consisted of a mound of noodles with occasional pieces of pork. A great disappointment. Service was good and ambience was pleasant. We probably will go back again but make more discerning choices. read more

Wonderful! Excellent service, great food and atmosphere! We are going tonight with friends and are excited to introduce them to Layline.

I love coming back to this place, best cocktail option in excelsior by far. The food is really quite good. The service has always been great and has never been disappointing. Very cool summer vibe. read more

Fan of everything about Layline--food, drinks, service, atmosphere--all 5s! The sea bass and scallops are exceptional.

Girls night out.. First time at Layline. 4 of us ladies decided to try Layline on Friday, March 22nd. We sat in the main dining area right next to the bar. Our server, Molly I believe it's listed as (PM B) on our ticket started out strong. Drinks were great and the apps were perfect. Calamari Duck fat fries 2 of us had the tequila special cocktail and one had the dill and white chocolate gimlet - don't be fooled it's yummy! We ordered our dinner and it fell apart from there. 2 of us had carbonara (not listed anywhere that it's spicy.) 1 had sea bass The other had - Hong Kong .. had knowledge this dish would be spicy. Our food arrived and we never saw our server again until it was time to either order dessert or get the check. She was clearly severing tables and also behind the bar. Sea Bass - no complaints. One of the carbonara - no complaints C who enjoys spicy food ate it right up and loved the heat. I had maybe 3 bites and my mouth was on fire! I could not eat my dish. D who ordered the Hong Kong expected spicy but it was so hot she could not eat her dish. When our server came to clear what was left of our dishes. She asked D if she wanted a to-go-box and D said no. She never asked if there was a problem she just cleared a full dish. When she came around to mine I said I'll take a to-go because it is way to spicy. She was shocked that mine was spicy she said carbonara should not be spicy. That's when my friend who ordered the other carbonara dish chimed in and said it was so spicy, but I enjoyed it. She said she was going to tell the chef. I had maybe a little hope that they might fire another dish without the spice, maybe offer dessert or take it off the bill? Nothing.. no comment on what the chef said just brought out my to-go- box along with our check. I pondered for a day and finally called Saturday. The manager answered and I shared my experience. She did say Molly was both a server and behind the bar, she also was in the back when Molly asked the chef about my dish but never came out to check with our table. She said it's true the carbonara should not be spicy. They use a chili flake, which again is not listed, but it should be very mild.. I let her know about the Hong Kong dish. She said they have had several complaints that that dish is too spicy.. I told her I never expect a restaurant to give anything if the dishes don't level up to the customers expectations, but there were two dishes at our table that were too spicy for either one of us to eat. And it was just blown off like oh well. We didn't have a chance to chat with our server when our dishes first came out and or a manager. She took my information and said she would email the general manager. It's now been a week. I have not heard anything back and here I am leaving my review.. As far as the place itself, it's very beautiful! It is very loud because everybody is sitting so close together and it's a small space you have to elevate your voice in order to have a conversation with your own table but we also went on a Friday at 5:45 so maybe it was just that day of the week and time. read more

We visited on a Saturday night and got in fairly easy for a 7 pm seating. The waiter was great and walked us through the entire menu and suggested a drink option. We had the oysters and Carbonara and would highly recommend. Great spot for a cozy late night dinner. We'll be back! read more

Had the most amazing butternut squash ever !!! Would go back again just for that Also ordered the salmon ...which was great! Portion size was large and the potatoes that came with it were very good Just wish they had more items on the menu. Not a big selection Would definitely recommend it and will go back read more

My wife and I have been there multiple times. The food has always been perfect. Great drink menu great service. Reasonable prices.

Great cocktails. We had the Beeseax Sazerac, Forest Floor Martini, Cosmojito, and White Peach Aperol Spritz...all were very good. Food wise had the Kanpachi Crudo, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Duck Fat Fries (all excellent), and the Roasted Carrots which were good. Main course was the Chilean Striped Bass which was disappointing (lacked any real flavor), and the Prime Ribeye which was also pretty disappointing. Definitely would recommend going here, and we will go again. The main entrees were just really lack luster which is why this is a 4 out of 5 star rating. read more

The food is amazing! Scallops were delicious. Peach drink was as well. Husband liked his carbonara. Service needs some work but if they figure that out it would be 5 stars. read more

See all

Expensive. I had the chicken sandwich. It was awful. This is our 2nd trip. 1st time - Cheeseburger was great. Pasta dish very good. However, pricey spot. Not worth the cost. Very disappointed to get served a gross and chewy chicken. read more

Really wanted to love this place, but didn't. The orange fennel salad needed seasoning. The Brussels sprouts were delicious. Our main dishes arrived cold. Must have been sitting back there for a while. Cold steak and fries - not good. My friend said her Chilean bass tasted good even though it was cold. Overall: meh. read more