Nicollet Island Inn was such a cool anniversary dinner spot. The drive into the city was a little stressful for me since I'm not super familiar with the area, but once we got there, I really liked it. The building is beautiful, historic, and feels a little hidden away. I loved the chandeliers, the dim lighting, and the bar area looked especially nice. It definitely has that old-school, romantic feel. It was surprisingly quiet when we went, which honestly made it even nicer. We got to choose our table, and our server was very friendly and gave us great service throughout the meal. We started with the deviled eggs and chicken wild rice soup. The deviled eggs were a hit, and the soup was good, although I did add a little salt and pepper. I had the prime New York strip, which had a really nice crust and was cooked the way I asked. The portion was plenty for me. My husband had the Chicken Bryan and really liked it. I tried a little and thought it had a garlicky, tomato flavor that worked well. For dessert, we shared the signature chocolate cake. It was very rich and chocolatey, and it ended up being a nice way to finish the meal. They didn't have mocktails, so I just had a Coke, which was fine. Overall, though, I really enjoyed the experience. It feels like one of those places people forget about, even though it has so much character and is genuinely beautiful inside and out. I would definitely come back. read more

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I've always walked past and wanted to go! We finally went last night and it was great. I meant to take a photos of our meal at the beginning of our dinner but forgot because we were having such a good time! Portions were a good size. Our favorite was the bolognese! Some of the best bolognese I've ever had. We will definitely be coming back again. Our server was amazing! She was super nice and attentive. read more

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The staff and food were amazing! We were here for my aunts birthday. The owner even came over to wish her a happy birthday and gave her a gift. Wonderful place to visit for special occasions! read more

Oh, this place is charming. Located in a historic building on Nicollet Island, the Nicollet Island Inn is a comfortable and peaceful place to enjoy a meal with friends, family, or that special someone. Stepping into the building is like stepping back in time in the best way possible: dark wood, leaded glass windows, pretty chandeliers that catch the light, and other touches are instantly calming. We received wonderful service from Lilliana, whose recommendations never steered us wrong. She was prompt, helpful, and truly a delight. The food was also wonderful and featured classic dishes, including Minnesota favorites. We started with the bread service, which is a must-have. The bread slices are grilled to perfection, and the compound butter was on point. I started with the wild rice soup, which was very tasty indeed and really showcased the taste and texture of this local ingredient. For my main, I had the Impossible Burger. This was easily one of the best presentations of Impossible that I have enjoyed: savory mushrooms, crispy onions, melty cheese, and tangy whole grain mustard topped two juicy patties. Add in a pile of light and delicious fries? Goes perfectly with a Nah Hellen (which, incidentally, I was stoked to see--zero-proofers, Nicollet Island has you covered!). For dessert, I had the cheesecake. I chose wisely. This creamy, chocolatey slice of heaven is the perfect blend of tastes and textures: a bit of crunch from the Oreo crust, sweet from the caramel, a hint of tanginess from the cream cheese, and just the right amount of bitterness from the chocolate--my friends, it's a winner. If you're dining with someone else, be sure to ask for an extra fork (to defend your plate, not to share!). read more

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I went to Nicollet Island Inn for a baby shower brunch and they did a nice job of accommodating a group of ~18 people. We were in a side room with a door that closed, and it had a window with a nice view. They provided a shortened menu, with mimosas and coffee, mains, and dessert. There was a burger and one other item on the menu besides the traditional breakfast and french toast options. I got the traditional breakfast option of 2 eggs, hash, sausage and toast, but was also tempted by the french toast. The food was good, but not very plentiful. If I had ordered the french toast, I would definitely have been hungry. As it was, I could have eaten more even of the traditional breakfast. We were scheduled for 2 hours, but it took much longer. I had to leave before desert was even served. We were not the only people in the restaurant, but I think the portions could have been bigger, and the food could have come out faster. I would go back again not in a large group and try some other things! read more

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*This review is strictly about the hotel stay as I did not dine here.* I enjoyed my stay at this quaint little hotel! It's a historic stone building that has part boutique hotel energy, part bed & breakfast energy. I really like the unique nature of it, with a memorable aesthetic and a friendly staff, as opposed to a generic key card dime a dozen hotel. It was a bit unique in that the restaurant was closed when I was here, so I had to ring the doorbell each time to be let in. All part of the quirky charm, and aided by the fact that the staff was friendly. My room was comfortable; the WiFi worked well for a few video calls, and the bed was super comfortable (especially the sheets). The temp was finnicky; quite cold even though I had it set to warm, but I didn't raise an issue with it and the blankets were more than enough. They also offer some coffee, yogurt, muffins, and apples each morning on every floor. Careful on the shower here! I flipped it from bathtub to shower and didn't realize it's like a volume knob on a radio. I turned it up to high and was flailing around like Kramer when he buys a black market high pressure shower head. It was seriously close to my power washer at home, but once I dialed it down it was more normal. Also really like the proximity here; went for early morning jogs on the Heritage Trail, walked to coffee and to work spots, and took a Lime bike down to the Twins game down Hennepin. Quite scenic and calm around here, too. Thanks for the stay, Nicollet Island Inn! read more

Nicollet Island - Hotels Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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This is a Beautiful location, we had good service and very good food. Look forward to going back.

Black manhattan $16 a rare find on the menu. One of my favorite drinks Amaretto sour $16 very good Lobster role $30 this was a pretty good rendition. Warm and tasty Breaded walleye sandwich $22 very nice fish but maybe a little too much roll for me. Roll was very thick for my taste. I ordered the sweet potato fries. Small cut and well fried. Chocolate mousse $12. Milk chocolate. Good Service by Thomas B was very good overall. read more

I took my mother here for a belated Mother's Day brunch just a few weeks ag. From the service to the food to the 60 minute wait, it was utterly disappointing. when I contacted the manager and shared my experience, he was less than empathetic. I asked if he would compensate us for the meal. He said he would. Unfortunately, he did not follow through on his promise. It s clear to me the Nicollet Island Inn is no longer a place for special occasions and family memories. read more

A great spot on the river that is also a hotel to stay at. I came for a lunch and had their salmon salad. The salmon was well cooked and seasoned and the salad was fresh and delicious with strawberries and a strawberry dressing. The staff there was very helpful and their service was great. The vibe inside is a nice white tablecloth atmosphere with a view of the river, I loved looking out on the nice "false spring" weather while I ate! read more

Nicollet Island - Salmon Salad - Hotels Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Surprised my guy with an overnight stay at the inn, drinks in the bar and dinner at the restaurant for his birthday. It was a great time at the quaint, historic in. Delicious pre dinner drinks in the bar and our dinner was impeccable. My seared seabass over roasted garlic parmesan risotto has me salivating just thinking about it. It was also nice that to celebrate his birthday they brought him a slice of cheesecake with a birthday candle as well as 2 glasses of champagne to celebrate. Definitely a great place to go for a special occasion, would like to go back in Spring or Summer to enjoy the rest of the island, read more

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We had a duel birthday celebration so we wanted somewhere special. With a nice ambiance and good food. Well one out of two isn't bad. I mean the ambience......we had four lunch entrees and not one was worth the price......oh,the fries were okay. I'm sure you're wondering why we didn't speak up. We were hungry and we had a nice view.....Tom our waiter was good but he wasn't the chef....two stars was generous......Reuben okay,walleye sandwich so so, not much walleye....lobster roll didn't even look good.....MPLS steak sandwich (elite) tenderloin.....well done......what a waste of good beef .......so disappointed...... read more

It was ok. It was a nice environment and quiet which I appreciated but the food was just meh. Nothing special to write about. My toast came out like white bread. I specifically asked for it to be well done toast. It came out as white bread. Nobody can seem to get this right. Not even this place. read more

My husband and I and our two adult children came last night to celebrate my 59th birthday. I love good dinning, BUT.. I really LOVE chandeliers... that's why I chose to dine at the Nicollet Island Inn for my birthday. I was so thrilled when the hostess walked to what I thought was the most beautiful table in the house= thank you. Thomas B. our server was just perfect and knows the joint. Lovely dinner and expect to pay just over $115 per person with dinner, wine and desert. Great night. Thank you. read more

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So bad. I cannot even believe what has happened here. Lobster rolls are a 1. The food is so mediocre. How are they still open? So sad.

I stayed here for three days in the twin city's to be a tourist in the best corner room over looking the Mississippi River and it was a nice hotel. The room and view was great but on my last day I came back from breakfast 2 plus hours before check out to find my room invaded by the cleaning staff before I even checked out which I explained to them but they wouldn't leave my room at all so I went to the front desk and the brunette brushed me off also with my complaints like on def ears so I just checked out and left before I was even ready to leave because I felt liked I was being kicked out. Check out is a noon but I was pretty much kicked out at 9:25 am with out anyone giving a care or listening to me. read more

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Truly a wonderful experience. Larry, Corey, Brad, Dan and the whole staff are attentive and gracious hosts. Restaurant and bar are top notch. I cannot say enough good things about how amazing this place makes you feel. Customer service is 5 stars read more

Nicollet Island - Food and drink are amazing - Hotels Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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The Nicollet Island Inn is way past its heyday. Booked a one night stay (thank goodness) The room was dated and reflected decor from the 1980's. I tried to salvage something from the one night stay experience by having dinner in yet another dated, old dining room. The food was as unaspiring as the room. This hotel needs to stop resting on its past due laurels and ripping off unsuspecting guests. Never again. read more

Looking for an Irish Coffee and an old school atmosphere. Nicolette island Inn. First proper Irish Coffee in Minnesota I have found. That's all I need to say. Oh yeah I do, ask Brad to hook you up with one! read more

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I was there on new years eve the food was exceptional the service was perfect and How I was greeted and seated was the best!

Great place, great staff, great food. Have been going for years and always go back, highly recommend

Nicollet Island is a gem in Minneapolis. Somehow if you can afford a house in this island, it's kind of like a little getaway from the city. The island host a high school and a nice walking path connecting to Boom Island Park. Just across from St. Anthony Main is the Nicollet Island Inn, I've never eaten there but the food looks amazing. read more

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Very delicious food served here! The pork chop was so juicy and paired nicely with the chutney, mashed potatoes, and artichokes. The lobster ravioli had so much flavor, and the bread was perfect for soaking up the last remaining sauce. Trust me... you don't want to leave anything behind. The service was good (our server Julia made great recommendations) and I definitely see myself coming back again! read more

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Was my first time visiting, our food came very quick, the waiter was very kind and funny as well, great staff! Great experience! I'll definitely be back again! read more

Nicollet Island - Walleye Sandwich House Salad Steak Frites - Hotels Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

We come to NII often as we live in the neighborhood. This Madi special is choose your meat (ham, bacon, sausage), eggs your way, cheddar cheese and hash browns on a brioche bun. Don't know how long they are going to have it, worth the trip in. read more

Nicollet Island - The Madi breakfast Sammie special - Hotels Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I got married at Nicollet Island Pavilion over Memorial Day weekend (2019), and since the pavilion does not have a bridal room, we rented the Bridal Ready Suite at Nicollet Island Inn. You are not allowed to bring outside food or drink into the bridal room, so we had lunch catered with unlimited nonalcoholic beverages and a round of mimosas. While we were happy with the room itself (minus the fact that you have to be out by 5pm the day of the rental), we did not have great service with beverages (only once did someone come and ask if we needed anything and there were not glasses or water readily apparent in the room) and our food was about an hour late, which meant that I did not have time to eat on my wedding day due to the tight schedule. I did give this feedback to my contact at the Inn afterwards and they credited me back for some of the food and beverage. Overall, it is a nice room to get ready in, but I was expecting better service on the day of the rental. read more

Thanks to the hotel desk staff, the restaurant and bar and the chef the few times I have either stayed or had lunch at the Nicollet Island Inn. The computer printer on the 3rd floor for docs was helpful and the ability to have the front desk shred some additional docs was also much Appreciated. ChristOpher read more

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Absolutely beautiful setting in a historic building. Almost a visit to the past where service and food are elegant. The Caesar salad, Sea bass and Breaded walleye were delicious. The chocolate mousse is also good. Attentive wait staff. Great for a celebration. read more

Amazing food and ambiance. Excellent service. Great spot for an anniversary or other special occasion.

New Years Eve Dinner The first thing that you experience is the warmth and ambience of the establishment. That, pairs with the warm greetings and staff that is very attentive to every detail. Drinks were quickly delivered And the deviled eggs are fabulous. Next we had salads and soup. The root vegetable was truly delicious. The wedge salads are plentiful, crisp And fresh. The dressing was wonderful. Great start. The dinners at our table were ok. The lobster pot pie was mildly received by the table. It could used more seasoning and thicker gravy. The rigatoni was good. Desserts were very good. The apple pastry was exceptional. The other drinks and desserts were good. We would definetly go back. My perfect meal? The deviled eggs, a wedge salad and root vegetable soup with the apple pastry, martini Nd ending with coffee. We will be back! read more

Server was amazing, attentive, and super friendly. Prices are fair for the ambience and service. We just went for drinks but had an amazing experience. A great date night stop next to north loop area. read more

Even though my family have only eaten here twice, the food and service have been great both times! Attentive service without being intrusive or pushy. Though the brunch menu is kind of limited, the food is really good. Plus the view of the river isn't bad either (I imagine it's much better outside of winter). Highly recommended! read more

My wife and I went for an anniversary dinner. Thoroughly enjoyed a cocktail and some crispy chicken wings that were recommended by the bartender. He also recommended we have the lamb chops and the sea bass for dinner. I followed his recommendation and ordered the lamb, which was done perfectly. The flavor was fantastic and I was literally gnawing the bone by the end of my meal. The potato purée was velvety and delicious. My wife opted for the walleye, which was a little disappointing. It was dry and overly breaded. She was sorry that she didn't follow the bartender's recommendation. As a nice plus, the waiter brought us a couple glasses of champagne to finish our meal. We don't know how they knew it was our anniversary, as we didn't tell them when we set up the reservation, but it was a very nice surprise. Loved the ambiance and service. read more

For as long as I can remember, this hotel and restaurant, plopped on an island in the Mississippi river in downtown Minneapolis, remains a romantic getaway and venue. We came for dinner to celebrate an anniversary. The setting, the interior, the views, and the history of the place-- while it can't be eaten-- can be savored and enjoyed. Which is exactly what we did. Thatt the food is good, but not great, did not spoil the evening. The Nicollet Island Inn is just a great place to spend an evening, if not a weekend. A visit should be on your to-do list. read more

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Make reservations and get dressed for this place. It is located in an absolutely beautiful view of the river and nearby nature. My last visit was fall and the tree colors were breathtaking. It is more expensive however the service is topnotch. Great place to celebrate a special occasion or have a fancy date night. Check out the menu online along with their rotating specials. They have a parking lot on site. Note: this place is not for small children, the crowed is mostly older. read more

This place is a hidden gem! The building itself is stunning as well as the inside - you walk in and feel like you're taking a step back in time, in a good way! The bar area is quaint and the dining area is beautiful. Now, the food - seriously I don't know where to start - so, so good! We started with a cheese plate, shared a starter salad (wedge with blue cheese) and had scallops (me) walleye (hubs), special was sea bass (friends had). Just plain stupid good - it's a fancy place with fancy food but it's so worth it - from the ambience, the food, and the staff - this is must visit - if I could've stayed overnight, I would've!!! read more

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I have to say this is one of the best dining experiences I have had in the Twin Cities...and I eat out a lot! Service: Our waiter Joe's service was impeccable! He was attentive and not over bearing. He suggested some delicious foods as well. The ambience was key. There was a woman with an amazing voice playing the piano and singing. Food: I had two entrees for dinner bc I couldn't pick between them. Scallops and gnocchi. Both were delicious. The scallops and risotto were probably my favorite. The risotto had a cow's milk cream that was to die for! We had all three desserts-pumpkin brûlée, chocolate thing and almond cake. Almond cake was the winner-super moist with tons of flavor and fresh apples and cream. I've lived in Minneapolis for a while and am so sad I didn't go sooner. This place is on the top of my list! read more

Nicollet Island - Three desserts. Mmm - Hotels Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

The restaurant and hotel are gorgeous and the food is very good, but expensive. I had a mushroom gnocchi, that was amazing, but I don't think it is offered anymore. But I would go back just for that! My husband said the steak was excellent and we shared a wedge salad. The house-made ranch was so good. read more

I just landed in Minneapolis for a weekend on August 3. I decided to take early evening run on the riverfront. I'm unfamiliar with the city, and didn't know there were no water fountains. I saw the Inn, and thought I'd check out the menu and ask to refill my water bottle in a sink. The host was very friendly, and said to go to the bar and they'd fill my bottle. The middle-aged bald-ish bartender there looked at me with nothing less than contempt when I told him the host said he'd fill the bottle. He seemed disgusted handling my water bottle and could not have rolled his eyes back further. So that was my first interaction with someone in The Twin Cities. If you want to be treated as less than, go to this bar. read more

Unfortunately this place doesn't deserve a five star rating from me anymore. The Valentine's Day fixed menu has gone downhill and they still charge $70/person. The French onion soup resembled a bowl of brown slop and was the opposite of romantic. It was impossible to divide the big glob of cheese and each scoop was long sopping wet onions that dangled over the spoon. The nuts on the salad tasted stale and old. I had to spend time trying to fish them out. The steak was delicious and so was the oyster but they only gave us one oyster per person. My boyfriend said his oyster was the size of a quarter and paltry. We were dressed to the nines but treated like kids since they seated us in a room by the bar away from the dining room. We should've requested a different table but figured we'd stick it out. The dessert was lack luster since the nuts made it disgusting and it tasted like the same chocolate mouse I can get anywhere. The server only checked on us once so we didn't really feel like he cared much. How hard is it to provide top notch service with a fixed menu?! Overall this place is a rip off for Valentine's Day and there are many better options in the cities if you are splurging on a special occasion. read more

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