I decided not to wait for a date with Brian and Alyssa R.for my first encounter. I was way too curious. The fish and chowder are everything they say it is. We had to wait for the second batch of fish, and it came out piping hot. Normally this would rate a 5 star on its own merit. But to parrot Brian, the fries, coleslaw, and tarter sauce were so damned hideous, couldn't do it. However I would like to try other menu items, like a Greek style shrimp scampi. I had to drive around a couple of times to find a spot, that is typical for Friday, it's packed.
(4)
Chelsea S.
We used Rascals to cater our wedding! I am not over exaggerating in the slightest when I say MUTIPLE people said it was the best wedding food they have ever had. Marci was AMAZING our final menu wasn't even on the catering list but she did substitutions and add on's until we had everything we wanted. We had the texas BBQ course for our dinner- my husbands family IS from Texas and they said it was absolutely legit texas bbq and was delicious! We feel good that we have found a cater for all our futures families needs!
(5)
Adam W.
Cheap Fat Tire on tap and a chess-playing bartender. When you absolutely must party down in AV, start your adventure here.
(3)
Tina W.
Big menu = big opportunities.....for good and for evil ;) Actually, most of the menu is pretty good. Basic bar fare. Nice to be able to have 1/2 portions at lunch. I think it's a bit overpriced for what you get, but the atmosphere is nice. Strip mall location.
(3)
Jessica F.
I've been going to Rascal's on a pretty regular basis. We usually go for lunch, when they have a half-sandwich + cup of soup special. The prices are really good, the food tastes great - it has kind of a homemade, not over-processed quality - and comes in good sized portions. I love to eat and I always leave full, but never so full that it's uncomfortable. I usually have the Rachel and chili. Delicious.
(4)
B R.
I must start out by saying, we went over Mother's Day and without a reservation, so were turned away. The review I am writing about is not about being turned away but the rude, frazzled and cranky hostess, Wanda. She was so vile to my husband when he asked about a table that he walked out and said he'd never go back. It was purely about the evil witch working as the hostess (which happens to be the owner as well)...she is just purely unhappy, rude and the only customers that matter to her are the old ones, she's not interested in any new customers. So if you are new to Apple Valley area avoid this place, she doesn't want your business, we went up to Al Baker's in Eagan and they were equally as busy and were much more cordial and friendly.
(1)
Matt M.
A Good stop in place for a Quick Couple of Beers along the run of off the main Streets of AV just about a block in off of Ceader and same with Co.42 not hard to find ,it was a medium crowd of mostly Happy Hour Drinkers that stayed a bit past by the looks to me ,freindly bartenders fast service and Cold Beer! not to much more to ask for from me!
(3)
Kate P.
Great place tucked in an unfortunate strip mall. Atmosphere is interesting...sort of wants to be a sports bar on one side and more fine dining on the other. Food is good quality. The wait staff and owner/manager checked on us at least 5 times during our meal...it felt like after each bit there was someone asking how our meal was tasting. A solid place to get unique eats--food that's classic with a little extra spin like the pretzel bread pastromi sandwich. Whoa!
(3)
Brian K.
Great place to eat or drink.. The prices are great, the people are friendly Sam rules :-) Can't say enough good things about the place Meat raffle, and bingo OMG! These people definitely know how to treat a customer!
(5)
Erin G.
I've been here numerous times over the years but today I came in on a whim with a girlfriend for the Easter brunch. We didn't have reservations and I called ahead and she said we could just come in and try to find a seat at the bar, which we did, and got a seat right away! They have AWESOME Sunday deluxe bloodies, but today they did not. I was so disappointed, but the bartender said it was because of the holiday and it would take to long to make them if everyone ordered one, so I got the regular one, and it was fine, nothing special. The brunch was decent- scrambled eggs, prime rib, ham, cheesy hash browns, biscuits and gravy, fruit, shrimp, salmon, the usual stuff. I wished they had eggs benedict, because I am a fiend for those. They also had a table of cookies, mini cheesecakes, and DONUTS and muffins from Denny's bakery in Bloomington (YUM!) the regular donuts were nothing special, but the banana ones were fantastic. Overall a decent brunch buffet, although they only do it on Easter and Mother's Day. I've been here for breakfast a bunch of times, and it's solid, especially the cinnamon rolls! Service is fine but nothing spectacular.
(3)
Ron P.
Every time I come here, I am always happy with the food ! Tonight they had a Chicken Fajita Sandwich on a Pretzel bun that was fantastic ! Love their coleslaw ! Service was great too ! Good Job !
(4)
Ann J.
Stopped in on a whim for dinner on a Sunday night. I've lived in the Apple Valley area for the majority of my life but have only been to rascals once before and it was over 20 years ag... No good reason for not stopping in more often other than that this restaurant was not top of mind. But our experience today was very good... Very good service and the food was very good as well. My husband had the tequila lime shrimp ravioli and I have the bleu burger. Will definitely add this restaurant towards the top of our list going forward.
(4)
Miguel R.
I'm giving 5 stars based on the chicken wings as this is the only thing I've gotten from there. I think in total, I've had their wings half a dozen times, and they're great! Great price and flavor. I wouldn't say they are the best wings I have ever tired, but they're in my top 3! Which, I have tried wings all over Minneapolis, and I think these are the best wings in Apple Valley.
(5)
Josh V.
Excellent fish fry experience. Staff is very accommodating. I love the crinkle cut fries.
(5)
Nicole F.
Been there a few times for food, it's alright. Nothing stellar. We've had flatbread, salad, sandwiches, wings, burgers with fries. The bar area is nice, many TVs, friendly service. We will continue going for cocktails, but likely not plan a trip there for just food.
(3)
Judy L.
Good food every time. A great place to eat with good sized portions. Way better than the abundance of chain restaurants in the area. Great service too. A great place to go when you are looking for a casual night out!
(4)
Bob K.
A group of five of us were there on Wednesday night, food was outstanding all the way around the table!
(5)
Steven A.
I had the happy hour buffalo chicken and southwest sliders. Best bar food I have ever had for $6:00. Only down side is the bar seating.
(4)
Joshua S.
Great place to stop in for drinks! Good burgers, better Spaghetti and Meatballs... for after hours the bar menu has plenty of selection, and good prices. If they'd only add a pinball machine (or two) I'd stop in there a lot more often.
(4)
Brian R.
Alyssa R, our 6 month old daughter, and I came here for the first time to try the All-You-Can-Eat Friday Night Fish Fry. We called ahead & were informed they start serving it at 5 pm. We got there just before 6 and were able to get a table right away, with no waiting. The parking lot is shared with several other businesses. We found it to be a little tough to find a spot because of this. Nancy, our server, greeted us before we even had our jackets off. She asked us if we knew what we wanted to drink. Without being here before, we asked her what they had. She informed us they had a Happy Hour going till 6:30, so we could partake in cheaper drinks. We did. Alyssa R went with a Gin & Tonic. I did a Fat Tire. The place is set up as a Bar & Restaurant. The Bar area is separate from the Restaurant. Divided by glass windows. So, in the Restaurant, you can see all the fun everyone is having in the Bar, but not have to hear it. Nancy came back with our drinks and told us about the dinner specials they had. We both went with the AYCE Fish Fry. No choices with the Fish Fry. It comes standard with Beer Battered Haddock, French Fries, and Coleslaw. She gathered up the menus, and scampered away to put in our order. About two minutes after she left, Alyssa R & I got on a conversation about Clam Chowder. We decide we wanted to try some. We wave Nancy over, and ask her for a bowl to share. This comes in a minute. It looks & tastes spectacular. A top 5 Clam Chowder of all time for us. Very homemade. Clams in every bite. It is a must try. I thought about licking the bowl clean. Maybe if my daughter wasn't looking. When the Fish Fry's get dropped off, I gotta say, I was disappointed in how it looked. The plate had O'rida style crinkle cut French Fries and 1 inch x 2 inch cubes of breaded fish. We got a side plate of two small bowls of very creamy & white coleslaw. No color. It also came with a wedge of lemon and a ramekin of tartar sauce. As far as taste? The fries tasted just as they looked. O'rida-ee. The coleslaw was off. I swear it tasted fishy. I asked Alyssa R what she thought, and she thought the same thing. She said she thought the cook put the essence of fish fry into the slaw. It wasn't good at all. The Fish? Great. The Beer Batter was spot on. Crunchy, yet light. Perfectly done, flaky, white Haddock inside its golden shell. I wish they would keep the fillets intact for the eye appeal it brings, but the flavor wasn't compromised by cutting them up into cubes. The tartar wasn't anything special, and seemed store bought. It was sufficient, though. Nancy was on top of her game, and checked in with us often. We got a 3 piece reorder between us. They came in about three minutes. It didn't come with tartar or lemon. We needed to ask for these. I asked if the fries or coleslaw was also included with the All-You-Can-Eat. Not that I wanted anymore of either. It was not. Just the Fish was. Boo. When our check was dropped off, it totaled just over $42 after tax. $13.95 for the AYCE Friday Night Fish Fry. This price point is too high for what you get. If they are going to charge that much, they should be including everything as AYCE. OR....They could give you options with the Fish Fry. Like a choice of potato and side. Also, maybe another style of fish. Like Baked. But nope. They don't. That's going to be a factor going forward for us in choosing if we want to go here again for another Friday Fish Fry. I will stop in for that Clam Chowder again, though. Wow Wee. Was that good stuff, Maynard! (Shout Out, John O)
(3)
Katie C.
We go here quite often. The first couple times were hit and miss on what we ordered...we went back and kept trying different things and finally found the amazing food we were looking for. Their wild rice soup is one of my favs as well as my 7 year olds. Salads are always good there and so are the flat breads. We learned to steer clear of the turkey dinner..tastes like a microwave meal. We also went for Easter brunch..it was pretty amazing. I haven't tried it but have heard people raving around us about the meatloaf. It's like any other restaurant, they do something's great and others should be avoided.
(4)
Jacob J.
Memorial Day dinner with our kids. Was very happy to see more than chix strips and Mac/cheese on kids menu. Good portions for kids + a small dessert item as an added bonus. My wife and I each got burger special. Well-sized portions that tasted fresh and homemade. Dining area was separate from bar, which was nice for family, though a little bit dark (yet very clean and presentable atmosphere). Overall a great experience, value, and good food. Far better than the chains around the AV/LV area. We'll be back!!
(5)
Anne T.
Rascals has been here for years!! Drink by the Rink app takes you here in less than 2 minutes! Woot! Woot! Pre hockey game beer!! Great place..lots of room ..perfect for hockey players!!! Head over here after your hockey game at Hayes Arena in Apple Valley!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Rhonda G.
I decided not to wait for a date with Brian and Alyssa R.for my first encounter. I was way too curious. The fish and chowder are everything they say it is. We had to wait for the second batch of fish, and it came out piping hot. Normally this would rate a 5 star on its own merit. But to parrot Brian, the fries, coleslaw, and tarter sauce were so damned hideous, couldn't do it. However I would like to try other menu items, like a Greek style shrimp scampi. I had to drive around a couple of times to find a spot, that is typical for Friday, it's packed.
(4)Chelsea S.
We used Rascals to cater our wedding! I am not over exaggerating in the slightest when I say MUTIPLE people said it was the best wedding food they have ever had. Marci was AMAZING our final menu wasn't even on the catering list but she did substitutions and add on's until we had everything we wanted. We had the texas BBQ course for our dinner- my husbands family IS from Texas and they said it was absolutely legit texas bbq and was delicious! We feel good that we have found a cater for all our futures families needs!
(5)Adam W.
Cheap Fat Tire on tap and a chess-playing bartender. When you absolutely must party down in AV, start your adventure here.
(3)Tina W.
Big menu = big opportunities.....for good and for evil ;) Actually, most of the menu is pretty good. Basic bar fare. Nice to be able to have 1/2 portions at lunch. I think it's a bit overpriced for what you get, but the atmosphere is nice. Strip mall location.
(3)Jessica F.
I've been going to Rascal's on a pretty regular basis. We usually go for lunch, when they have a half-sandwich + cup of soup special. The prices are really good, the food tastes great - it has kind of a homemade, not over-processed quality - and comes in good sized portions. I love to eat and I always leave full, but never so full that it's uncomfortable. I usually have the Rachel and chili. Delicious.
(4)B R.
I must start out by saying, we went over Mother's Day and without a reservation, so were turned away. The review I am writing about is not about being turned away but the rude, frazzled and cranky hostess, Wanda. She was so vile to my husband when he asked about a table that he walked out and said he'd never go back. It was purely about the evil witch working as the hostess (which happens to be the owner as well)...she is just purely unhappy, rude and the only customers that matter to her are the old ones, she's not interested in any new customers. So if you are new to Apple Valley area avoid this place, she doesn't want your business, we went up to Al Baker's in Eagan and they were equally as busy and were much more cordial and friendly.
(1)Matt M.
A Good stop in place for a Quick Couple of Beers along the run of off the main Streets of AV just about a block in off of Ceader and same with Co.42 not hard to find ,it was a medium crowd of mostly Happy Hour Drinkers that stayed a bit past by the looks to me ,freindly bartenders fast service and Cold Beer! not to much more to ask for from me!
(3)Kate P.
Great place tucked in an unfortunate strip mall. Atmosphere is interesting...sort of wants to be a sports bar on one side and more fine dining on the other. Food is good quality. The wait staff and owner/manager checked on us at least 5 times during our meal...it felt like after each bit there was someone asking how our meal was tasting. A solid place to get unique eats--food that's classic with a little extra spin like the pretzel bread pastromi sandwich. Whoa!
(3)Brian K.
Great place to eat or drink.. The prices are great, the people are friendly Sam rules :-) Can't say enough good things about the place Meat raffle, and bingo OMG! These people definitely know how to treat a customer!
(5)Erin G.
I've been here numerous times over the years but today I came in on a whim with a girlfriend for the Easter brunch. We didn't have reservations and I called ahead and she said we could just come in and try to find a seat at the bar, which we did, and got a seat right away! They have AWESOME Sunday deluxe bloodies, but today they did not. I was so disappointed, but the bartender said it was because of the holiday and it would take to long to make them if everyone ordered one, so I got the regular one, and it was fine, nothing special. The brunch was decent- scrambled eggs, prime rib, ham, cheesy hash browns, biscuits and gravy, fruit, shrimp, salmon, the usual stuff. I wished they had eggs benedict, because I am a fiend for those. They also had a table of cookies, mini cheesecakes, and DONUTS and muffins from Denny's bakery in Bloomington (YUM!) the regular donuts were nothing special, but the banana ones were fantastic. Overall a decent brunch buffet, although they only do it on Easter and Mother's Day. I've been here for breakfast a bunch of times, and it's solid, especially the cinnamon rolls! Service is fine but nothing spectacular.
(3)Ron P.
Every time I come here, I am always happy with the food ! Tonight they had a Chicken Fajita Sandwich on a Pretzel bun that was fantastic ! Love their coleslaw ! Service was great too ! Good Job !
(4)Ann J.
Stopped in on a whim for dinner on a Sunday night. I've lived in the Apple Valley area for the majority of my life but have only been to rascals once before and it was over 20 years ag... No good reason for not stopping in more often other than that this restaurant was not top of mind. But our experience today was very good... Very good service and the food was very good as well. My husband had the tequila lime shrimp ravioli and I have the bleu burger. Will definitely add this restaurant towards the top of our list going forward.
(4)Miguel R.
I'm giving 5 stars based on the chicken wings as this is the only thing I've gotten from there. I think in total, I've had their wings half a dozen times, and they're great! Great price and flavor. I wouldn't say they are the best wings I have ever tired, but they're in my top 3! Which, I have tried wings all over Minneapolis, and I think these are the best wings in Apple Valley.
(5)Josh V.
Excellent fish fry experience. Staff is very accommodating. I love the crinkle cut fries.
(5)Nicole F.
Been there a few times for food, it's alright. Nothing stellar. We've had flatbread, salad, sandwiches, wings, burgers with fries. The bar area is nice, many TVs, friendly service. We will continue going for cocktails, but likely not plan a trip there for just food.
(3)Judy L.
Good food every time. A great place to eat with good sized portions. Way better than the abundance of chain restaurants in the area. Great service too. A great place to go when you are looking for a casual night out!
(4)Bob K.
A group of five of us were there on Wednesday night, food was outstanding all the way around the table!
(5)Steven A.
I had the happy hour buffalo chicken and southwest sliders. Best bar food I have ever had for $6:00. Only down side is the bar seating.
(4)Joshua S.
Great place to stop in for drinks! Good burgers, better Spaghetti and Meatballs... for after hours the bar menu has plenty of selection, and good prices. If they'd only add a pinball machine (or two) I'd stop in there a lot more often.
(4)Brian R.
Alyssa R, our 6 month old daughter, and I came here for the first time to try the All-You-Can-Eat Friday Night Fish Fry. We called ahead & were informed they start serving it at 5 pm. We got there just before 6 and were able to get a table right away, with no waiting. The parking lot is shared with several other businesses. We found it to be a little tough to find a spot because of this. Nancy, our server, greeted us before we even had our jackets off. She asked us if we knew what we wanted to drink. Without being here before, we asked her what they had. She informed us they had a Happy Hour going till 6:30, so we could partake in cheaper drinks. We did. Alyssa R went with a Gin & Tonic. I did a Fat Tire. The place is set up as a Bar & Restaurant. The Bar area is separate from the Restaurant. Divided by glass windows. So, in the Restaurant, you can see all the fun everyone is having in the Bar, but not have to hear it. Nancy came back with our drinks and told us about the dinner specials they had. We both went with the AYCE Fish Fry. No choices with the Fish Fry. It comes standard with Beer Battered Haddock, French Fries, and Coleslaw. She gathered up the menus, and scampered away to put in our order. About two minutes after she left, Alyssa R & I got on a conversation about Clam Chowder. We decide we wanted to try some. We wave Nancy over, and ask her for a bowl to share. This comes in a minute. It looks & tastes spectacular. A top 5 Clam Chowder of all time for us. Very homemade. Clams in every bite. It is a must try. I thought about licking the bowl clean. Maybe if my daughter wasn't looking. When the Fish Fry's get dropped off, I gotta say, I was disappointed in how it looked. The plate had O'rida style crinkle cut French Fries and 1 inch x 2 inch cubes of breaded fish. We got a side plate of two small bowls of very creamy & white coleslaw. No color. It also came with a wedge of lemon and a ramekin of tartar sauce. As far as taste? The fries tasted just as they looked. O'rida-ee. The coleslaw was off. I swear it tasted fishy. I asked Alyssa R what she thought, and she thought the same thing. She said she thought the cook put the essence of fish fry into the slaw. It wasn't good at all. The Fish? Great. The Beer Batter was spot on. Crunchy, yet light. Perfectly done, flaky, white Haddock inside its golden shell. I wish they would keep the fillets intact for the eye appeal it brings, but the flavor wasn't compromised by cutting them up into cubes. The tartar wasn't anything special, and seemed store bought. It was sufficient, though. Nancy was on top of her game, and checked in with us often. We got a 3 piece reorder between us. They came in about three minutes. It didn't come with tartar or lemon. We needed to ask for these. I asked if the fries or coleslaw was also included with the All-You-Can-Eat. Not that I wanted anymore of either. It was not. Just the Fish was. Boo. When our check was dropped off, it totaled just over $42 after tax. $13.95 for the AYCE Friday Night Fish Fry. This price point is too high for what you get. If they are going to charge that much, they should be including everything as AYCE. OR....They could give you options with the Fish Fry. Like a choice of potato and side. Also, maybe another style of fish. Like Baked. But nope. They don't. That's going to be a factor going forward for us in choosing if we want to go here again for another Friday Fish Fry. I will stop in for that Clam Chowder again, though. Wow Wee. Was that good stuff, Maynard! (Shout Out, John O)
(3)Katie C.
We go here quite often. The first couple times were hit and miss on what we ordered...we went back and kept trying different things and finally found the amazing food we were looking for. Their wild rice soup is one of my favs as well as my 7 year olds. Salads are always good there and so are the flat breads. We learned to steer clear of the turkey dinner..tastes like a microwave meal. We also went for Easter brunch..it was pretty amazing. I haven't tried it but have heard people raving around us about the meatloaf. It's like any other restaurant, they do something's great and others should be avoided.
(4)Jacob J.
Memorial Day dinner with our kids. Was very happy to see more than chix strips and Mac/cheese on kids menu. Good portions for kids + a small dessert item as an added bonus. My wife and I each got burger special. Well-sized portions that tasted fresh and homemade. Dining area was separate from bar, which was nice for family, though a little bit dark (yet very clean and presentable atmosphere). Overall a great experience, value, and good food. Far better than the chains around the AV/LV area. We'll be back!!
(5)Anne T.
Rascals has been here for years!! Drink by the Rink app takes you here in less than 2 minutes! Woot! Woot! Pre hockey game beer!! Great place..lots of room ..perfect for hockey players!!! Head over here after your hockey game at Hayes Arena in Apple Valley!
(4)