Very good food in a nice casual environment at brunch
(4)
Jordan S.
When I was 21, I received a nickname for my eating habits (no, this isn't the description of John Water's Pecker). I was given the moniker of "Birder" since I had a bird-like appetite. I have never finished an entree meal at a restaurant. Until this year. Maybe my stomach is expanding in my old age and this is the beginning of the end of my metabolism, but when Barbette's asparagus & sugar snap pea risotto arrived in front of me. I expected leftovers like usual. It was sensational. Too hot, but I didn't care. I took down each bite even though my mouth began to blister with pleasure. I couldn't consider stopping until every parmesan crisp was gone. It wasn't too creamy. It was slightly sweet. It was delicious. My date ate his roasted kadejan chicken with polenta cake. He called it fancy, healthier KFC. He ate every bite as well. I had to fight all my vegetarian beliefs. I succeeded, but the aroma alone was almost enough to convert me. It's a spendier place. While I am convinced that I ate every bite because of the pure splendor, I think the meal sizes are smaller than a normal restaurant. Though I might mention that there is nothing wrong with responsible portions.
(5)
Connie D.
The staff was so inviting, the wait for a table was no problem. The food was prompt and perfect. The best borscht of my life! Definitely worth the wait and price! Can't wait to go back for brunch!
(5)
Suzanne H.
I loved it. The pomme frites are as good as everyone says, although I wasn't a fan of their aioli. I wanted to try the crepe sandwich, but being the soup-lover I am, I had to try the curry cauliflower soup. It was good, but not as good as I think Cheeky Monkey could have done. It was overly creamy as well as overly pureed. I think it would have been nice to have a little texture from the cauliflower. My husband liked his eggs benedict, but would have liked bleu cheese dressing for his salad. Isn't bleu cheese a french thing? I liked the ambiance, but the place does need a little work; i.e., the mosaic tile on one of the posts is really chipped, which is what I had a perfect view of. Management must be reading reviews, because the hostess and waitress were nothing short of fantastic. They were very friendly and attentive. The food arrived in what I would call record time. My husband really hated the choice of music, which happened to be Middle Eastern for this Sunday brunch. Hmmm, French restaurant, Middle Eastern music. Maybe? He's just not a fan. I didn't mind it for the half hour we were there. I imagine if I were there longer, I would have the same image he did, of being atop a camel, plodding through a desert. Overall, I definitely want to go back and try some crepes.
(4)
Mike L.
The food was decent, it was lacking the originality that make a restaurant great. I have only been here once, but I'm not dying to return.
(3)
Carolyn A.
I hadn't been to Barbette in a while, but after a late night dinner a few weeks ago and yummy brunch last weekend, it's still a solid 4 stars for me! I need to get it back into the regular rotation. Maybe happy hour is next?
(4)
Lindsay K.
Although I've only visited Barbette a handful of times, I have yet to be let down. Their atmosphere is warm and inviting. It's small, and can get a little loud as the dinner crowd picks up, but not to an overwhelming degree. I generally take a busy restaurant as a good sign, unless I'm at a Buffalo Wild Wings in Bismarck, ND. The service here is sorta "hit or miss" I suppose. Last time I was in our server was pretty spacey; seemed like she just quit caffeine and was on day 2 or 3. I'm not into the whole "I want to be waited on like royalty when I go out, all hail Lindsay" though, so unless the service is just terrible, I'm pretty forgiving. The Food though, I mean this is why you go to a restaurant right? The steamed mussels are enough to keep me coming back; I'd probably indulge at least once a week if I could convince myself that delicious and outstanding mussels are worth dealing with being in Uptown that often. The mussels are supple and smooth, no grit here, and the white wine broth is perfection. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd bring in my trusty Caribou travelers mug and tell them to fill er up with that garlicky goodness and drink it while in-line skating around Lake Calhoun. It really is that good. Everything else I've had has been amazing too; really not a single complaint. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Molten Chocolate Cake with salted caramel is superb. One last note is their Happy Hour. I would argue that it is the best in the city. Their Sunday-Thursday 10pm to 1am portion of HH is super generous. Want appetizers for $5? Done. A tasty quality beer/glass of wine/drink for $4? Done. Or a few cheap beers for $3? Done AND done. Perfect.
(5)
Luthien N.
Everything. I love everything here. Happy hour (3-6pm, M-F, $4 wine, $3 PBR, $5 appetizers (get the mussels) (only get the frites if you are with a friend because it is an enormous portion)), live local music many nights a week, free wi-fi, delicious breakfast served for most of the day, a commitment to using local food, genuinely nice waitstaff (not in an over-the-top, annoying way), great ambiance. The only thing I haven't experienced here yet is the dinner, it's a bit out of my price range these days (see: review started with HH ravings), but if everything else is any indication, I can only assume it is also excellent.
(5)
RJ H.
Jour Bastille Heureux chacun! Certainly good timing to write a review about Barbette-yes it is Bastille day and they have sponsored a great local event in uptown every year but the focus of this review is just how consistently good this restaurant is....and for a restaurant in the states , authentically French. Barbette is part of the local stable of restaurants owned by the same individual that includes the Bryant Lake Bowl, the Red Stag Supper Club and Pat's tap...I like them all but Barbette is the best. And in one of the great independent and creative food capitals in the US and i would even include a number of European cities on that list, I have to admit this is my favorite, albeit always over $100 local eatery. Honestly although we have attempted to try some of the other on menu and special entrees honestly this review will focus on one choice...because this is how it goes EVERY time we eat there.... And I recommend this in it's entirety : Highly recommend a reservation....and they are now on open table, however, many times we have lucked out in between 7 and 8 pm to at least sit at the bar. An acceptable beer selection but frankly part of why they are authentic is they serve Kronenberg 1664...served throughout Europe and best on tap....a great light slightly mild pilsner.....and a seemingly creative list of signature drinks...girlfriend leans towards anything including St Germain-the elderflower liquor. Next - the oysters 6 and sometimes 12 at a time...incredibly consistently fresh and the minuet sauce if you have not tried it is excellent...you will never go back to the horseradish again. Now the best - "steak frites"...- hanger steak cut which typically could be mediocre at other restaurants is frankly cooked perfectly....medium rare for me and rare for my better half. Now there is an additional beverage or two mixed in...your choice If you have the room, the heart, the guts....then order and share the carrot cake.....the sour creme icing is awesome and it's a freaking giant piece. We have learned to love the wait staff - so typically French...lol...they even can be slightly surly until they recognize you and then? ils Sont magnifiques! Check out their Monday Pris Fixe specials as well.
(5)
Mary Jo C.
Hell of a HH! 2 glasses of rose, pate w Brie and apple, steamed mussels, and pomme frites for $24.99? You cant beat it-that's like buying a cute little dress! Patio and service are great-will def be back.
(4)
Bev L.
Stopped in for late lunch on a Saturday since we were in the area and I had been wanting to take my husband there after having breakfast a while ago. We will be back because this funkily funrished neighborhhod bistro hits the right notes. Brunch options were still available and my husband had his favorite eggs benedict and liked their version very much, commenting on the thin slices of ham stacked under the egg. Think the juice was freshy squeezed too. I had a crepe with spinich, roasted tomato and chevre, which was quite good, but could have used something else as it was bit bland.. Next time I think I will go for one of the classic French offerings, like croque monsiuer, but I do like that they aren't stuck on just the classics. The dinner menu was up on the board and it looked great!
(4)
Kelly H.
Perfect for a date, for catching up with an old friend, for impromptu last-minute rendez-vous, for an after dinner drink, and of course perfect for happy hour. The ambiance can't be beat with the sparkly pillars, low lighting and cafe chatter. I can (and usually do) sit here for hours drinking $5 glasses of the house red, munching on $5 apps and loving life. Oh the fries, my love of the fried potato resonates here. The mussels are usually good, although the last time I came here they changed the broth and I like them less than previous experiences. Can't go wrong with the cheese plate or olives. I've had a few brunch items - the salad with a poached egg and the buckwheat crepe. All delicious.The waitstaff has always been cool during my visits, sometimes borderline indifferent but that doesn't bother me. I would never turn down an invitation to go here, nor do I ever feel "not in the mood" to eat or drink here. Wonderful wonderful wonderful.
(4)
kyle t.
Best meal and service I have had while sitting at a bar. It's been a while since I have been here but my wife and I went on a night with little advanced planning. There was a wait for a table but there was an open spot at the bar. I am always fine sitting at a bar but that doesn't mean I get to do it very often, this night the thought of the wait was enough to justify the bar service. This was the best idea. The bartender was a better waiter than most I have had. Drinks were always full, good wine knowledge, full water, plates brought out and he didn't hover. The food was fantastic. I had a very nice steak and my wife had a the same,done different both both came out together and were done perfect. Loved the Pom Frits. We will definitely go back and I wouldn't think twice about sitting at the bar again. I've always been right, when in doubt go to the bar. KT
(4)
Jess H.
All of the lights! Such a pretty ambience here. My last night in Minneapolis for a conference was spent here with some lovely friends, an excellent bottle of wine, some pomme frites, citrusy beet salad and mouth-watering desserts. It wasn't too loud, even though it was full and the music was really good. Barbette was a great way to end a fun trip with a few close friends. I would love to visit again.
(4)
Cait B.
5 stars. This place saved me a flight to Europe :) I came here for brunch and was seated next to the large front windows. The mimosa I had was delicious...the orange juice was fresh and not too sweet the way the wannabe ones are. The brie omlet was light and cooked to perfection. I took small bites of egg, melted brie and spring greens. It was like a group hug in my mouth. I also impulse ordered the pommes frites aka french fries. The saffron dipping sauce was a perfect pairing. I love the decor and can't wait to come back to this cozy gem!
(5)
Marsha L.
This place is really cute/comforable/romantic atmosphere (you don't have to be dressed to the nines here). I went here at night to try the famous french fries (which are the bomb btw!) and I also had the fondue which was also amazing. It was one of those places where you saw food at other peoples tables and you think "Oooh, I want to try that next time, then I'll try that over there, and that..." Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Emily A.
I've been here for both dinner and brunch. Both were great but I don't remember what I had for dinner so I'm just writing about brunch. I ordered a mimosa and was served a nice big goblet full. I noticed on another table there was a tiny champagne flute mimosa. Maybe I'm special? I ordered a pretty basic breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and potatoes. But it was soo good! The best eggs I've had in a long time. Big fluffy and flavorful. The hash browns included herbs which was a nice touch. And the bacon! Great, high quality, thick bacon. My friend got the croque monsieur which also had high quality delicious ham. I asked the waitress about the smoke chicken hash. Her description sounded amazing but I was feeling boring today. I'll be back to try it! Love the outside seating area too.
(4)
John M.
This is good stuff. Every dish I've had here has been pretty outstanding. It's definitely a date place, but I've gone here with groups of friends and it's been fun. If you're looking for original dishes, Barbette's pricy, but worth the taste.
(4)
Thao '.
I had high expectations going in and overall I thought it was good. The restaurant is very cute, the decor and ambience is fun, casual, but still feels elegant. We had just come back from France, so we were looking forward to some of the same flavors. The mussels and the frites were good, but the charcuterie fell flat for me. Everything was not great, and not bad. Saw that most reviews were around brunch, might have to come back and try that instead.
(3)
Aubrey T.
Love this spot! One of my faves for brunch (eggs Benedict is one of the best in town) or the French toast!! Or for happy hour, or for a nice date night! Cute, cozy and yummy!
(5)
Fawn Q.
Awesome happy hour! The thai curry mussels were delicious, mix that with some $5 sparkling wine and creme brulee, what more could you ask for on a Thursday afternoon. LOVE!
We stopped into Babette for dinner tonite and it was fun and fabulous . We had the French onion soup, mussels, pork chop and salads. My niciose sald was authentic with a gorgeous chunk of tuna. The clientele is as eclectic as the menu. If I were local, this would be a regular haunt for me.
(5)
Ayon J. R.
Cool ambience...the artwork on wall is great. Great food. Very reasonable prices.
(4)
weston w.
Did we just have a journey moment! OK here is the deal, I'm half in on this YELPing Stuff. We love the website as a search engine but last night on our maiden journey to Barbette i found myself wondering, Am i a picture guy or not. Happy to report we are not, at least not yet, We had a great time and recommended this place, many times since we ate here Saturday 12/7. But the guy who took a picture of his food reminded me how we are all pretending to be something we are not. Sorry to poop on the parade but i feel as if I am born again, Free to enjoy a dinner and reflect on it after, So for the review The oysters app was pretty good and i enjoyed the presentation The Bourbon on the rocks ordered was a great way to set the dinner, the tomato soup inspired me to write this review while recreating it in my uptown lab,,,urrr kitchen The quail while petite was a amazing vessel to the polenta cake that i licked off the plate. The cheese plate was top notch as well and as we were smart enough to pre-order the lava cake like crazy fans it was amazing. PS we will be back
(5)
Jenn T.
Quite tasty! Everyone inside (customers, staff) was so stylish. And the menu as well. Lots of great brunch dishes. Wish we had one in Milwaukee!
(4)
chris s.
I used to love Barbette, it was one of my favorite places in the city. I always was defending it against friends who talked about the snotty service and the aura of entitled attitude that surrounds the place. I held fast that charm outweighed attiude. That is until today. It's our 10th wedding anniversary and is our custom whenever my wife and I get afternoon to ourselves to go to Barbette for their happy hour and hanging out on their sidewalk patio. Today we checked in with the maitre'd got a seat, and waited, and waited, and then waited some more. Watching various waitstaff pass us, ocassionaly making eye contact, the place was not busy and the patio nearly empty. After another couple sat down and was greeted by a waiter almost immediately, passing us by while looking us right in the eye. That's when we went in bringing back our menus and lettung them know what we just experienced. Their response was to tell us we needed to check in, when I responded that we had, the waitress just kept repeating that we needed to check in, meanwhile the waiter who just passed us announced he was bringing us water. total fail. We wound up across the street at Amore Victoria, Sure, the foods not what wanted, but they did give a great customer service experience. Thanks for a super awesome time Barbette, you just lost me as a customer.
(1)
Jade C.
I went for a summer lunch on the patio with two friends... it was amazing! A longtime fan of Salut, I'd never been to Barbette, and was totally impressed. Service was casual but friendly, and very good. We were allowed to seat ourselves and our waitress came out right away. She was great, very attentive and personable. One of my friends recommended the pomme frites, which we got with extra bearnaise sauce. Okay, hands down these were the best French fries I have ever had. EVER. They're very thinly julienned and deliciously crispy. And the bearnaise sauce is to die for. Seriously. (And we weren't charged for the extra!) Our entrees was also amazing. I got the croque monsieur, which came with a mixed green salad. The price points were great; all of us spent about $16 including tip for our lunches. The atmosphere is also charming, as the restaurant is tucked in a hip but cozy corner of Uptown. I can't wait to go back, whether for dinner or for brunch.
(5)
Caitlin T.
My boyfriend and I have both worked in the industry, and in our own dining experiences, unfortunately, excellent customer service is rare. We ate at barbette last night, Noah was our server. We come on the regular because we tend to eat late and it's in the neighborhood - but last night we were blown away by the service. Drinks stayed full, great recommendations, food came out quickly and we had even a better time than usual. Thanks for giving us a refreshing night out!! We will be back and hope Noah is our server next time too! Cheers!
(5)
Sonya Y.
Warm welcome when I came in but the service could use some help. I tried the restaurant week lunch menu and the food was lacking flavor. Also, both the website and the menu they handed me listed a dessert but when I asked the server about it he said that dessert was not included. Very disappointed and I will most likely not recommend this place.
(2)
Courtney J.
Despite giving this place only three stars, I would still recommend it to someone who enjoyed French cuisine. In the interest of full disclosure, I have a difficult time with the textures of French food. However, this overall experience was very pleasant. We showed up without reservations on a Thursday night and while it was fairly busy, there was enough space outside to sit which is what we wanted. The waiter came over and was very attentive throughout the whole evening. We ordered 3 different appetizers all of which were delicious. We also both had the Ace Pear Cider which I loved--I'm a huge pear cider fan but it's not that easy to find. :) As a whole, I really enjoyed my experience and for anyone who loves French food--I am confident you won't be disappointed. I have seen this place packed while walking past so at typical peak hours I would recommend calling ahead to make a reservation.
(3)
Marilee A.
Gnocchi Baby!!! Great Menu, Very Euro Bistro & this is def a Foodie Spot .Have heard that a Couple of Ladies own the Place, so Yayyyy for the Girl Power, YOU GO GIRL"S.Ya, I'll Bar"bet"te Ya'll have a wonderful Meal.Ya Ya BarbetteYa 4 out of 5 Tiara's
(4)
John C.
The menu, the cozy atmosphere, and the flavors cant be compared. Great place to unwind, drinking a glass of wine, or enjoying a number of flavorful dishes. Highly recommend.
(4)
Melissa T.
My friend and I decided to hit up Barbette after reading about it in Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine. We live in the neighborhood and just hadn't had a chance to stop in yet. The magazine write-up we read said they were very friendly to vegetarians and vegans and the new chef was willing to alter some menu items. We called that morning after looking up the reservation number on the website. The host was a little snippy, saying they didn't usually accept same-day reservations (which differs from what their website says), but that she could fit us in. The restaurant is tiny, but has decent acoustics so you don't feel like you're listening to your neighbors' conversations. Our server was a little short and not very willing to help me search out vegan options. I was a little surprised by this based on what the article had said about the restaurant, but I went with it and ordered a salad sans cheese. My friend had the vegetarian-friendly fondue. Our food was arrived quickly and was delicious. No complaints there; I just wish the server had been more willing to work with me on the menu. I felt as though I was bugging her by asking her about various items. All in all I don't think I'll be rushing back due to the limited options for me. Maybe I should blame Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, but Barbette could have worked with me a little more.
(2)
Breehan C.
I moved away from Minneapolis years ago and when I was back a couple weeks ago for a quick weekend visit this was one of the only places on my list of must-visit-restaurants. I've eaten brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner there and it's always been superb food! The quiche is always so good, and I've never gone wrong with their dinner special-whatever it may be on a particular night. I love the ambiance, and when it's nice outside it's fun to people watch at one of their outside tables.
(5)
Chris R.
This past Monday was the old wedding anniversary for me and the misses... I had heard good things about the chef (training in some pretty impressive places, Thomas Keller etc) and actually used to live 2 blocks away from here, but had never taken the time to stop by. Being that our anniversary landed on a Monday, I figured we could probably find something special, some special deal, since it seems like restaurants are always trying to bring people in on Sundays and Mondays. It turns out, every Monday at Barbette, they put together a Prix Fixe menu of 4-5 courses for around $35/person. Not usually what I would spend for a typical weeknight out (or even a weekend for that matter!) but right in my wheelhouse for a special occasion. For those who didn't venture outside of the air-conditioning this past Monday, the mercury topped out at about 100 degrees in the twin cities (the urban heat vortex strikes back!) - giving us even more reason to find a nice cold beer or bottle of wine and celebrate our marriage. Side Note - for those who don't remember our wedding day (which I'm sure most of your do), June 6 2009 was about 47 degrees, making June 6th 2011 TWICE the tempurature... Side note over.... So, with relatively high expectations, we venture to Barbette. When we arrive we are shown to our table and the hostess mentions that they've been having some mechanical problems in the kitchen, but it should be solved within 10 minutes and our waiter will probably be able to explain in further detail. A moment or two later, our attentive waiter stopped by and wondered "to what degree we understood their mechanical problems this evening". We explained we knew very little, but were interested to hear about the issues. Long story short, there was a issue with the Vent Hoods and they would not be able to "cook" anything for at least an hour, probably longer. This cut down the menu considerably to salads and a handful of other cold appetizers. My guess is that because of the extreme heat, without the vent hoods the kitchen would become sooo hot, that the chefs would risk melting - like butter in a microwave.... So we had a glass of wine, debated our options and were forced to leave (hunger is a powerful motivator). I'd give this place zero stars, since a restaurant that can't cook food is a little pointless but the waiter was nice, understanding and attentive (1 star) and the glass of wine was pretty good (1 more star). With that said, this seems like a temporary set-back and I may have to give this place another chance. The ambiance is nice and parking (for uptown) is not that difficult.
(2)
Monica S.
I gave this place an extra star because the ambiance reminds me of being in a cafe in NYC that I miss so much. I came here for Easter brunch and it was reservation only, which really kept out the crowds. Luckily I had prepared and made us a ressie so we were seated quickly, and although it took a bit to order we were fine with that. I had the eggs bennie and the man had the smoked chicken hash and both of us were impressed. This is going to become a go to brunch place for me. My one "eh" is that the poached eggs weren't quite there yet and were a little too runny for my liking. Maybe I will bump this up to 5 stars if their raw bar impresses..
(4)
Steven K.
I consider Barbette to be a top-tier, innovative, and reliable restaurant. I've been there for lunch. I've been there for dinner. I've been there for wine and appetisers on Bastille Day. Each time, I've been thoroughly impressed. On our most recent visit, we tried the Monday night prixe fixe menu. It was great. (My wife often doesn't like prixe fixe because she likes to pick which items to eat. But she was very pleased with the items served the night we tried it.) Also, Barbette is providing a forum for good local musical talent with live music on Mondays and Thursdays. They also have a 'happy hour' after 10 p.m. Overall, I consider this to be one of the best restaurants in town.
(5)
Amber E.
Ooh la lamb. I was initially not too thrilled to be coming to Barbette as I had wanted to eat somewhere else. So glad things didn't go as planned. We ordered pomme frites to start. The portion was more than generous and it was all I could do to avoid stuffing myself to oblivion before the main course arrived. For my main course I had the special of the day, which was a lamb tasting platter. Ever had bacon made of lamb? I have. And it was every bit as awesome as it sounds. Everything was cooked to perfection. Even the brussel sprouts and carrots were delectable.
(4)
JS J.
Had dinner here for the first time Monday night, and loved it. We decided to go for the 4 course Prixe Fixe dinner menu - essentially a predetermined menu chosen by the chef. Every one of the plates was excellent. We had a lemon pasta, an incredible hangar steak, and a nice dessert and also an intro plate, some smoked salmon with a zesty topping. The atmosphere of the small restaurant is casual and eclectic and trendy "French." Great people-watching, too. Overall I found the fixed menu lots of fun, and we plan to return in a few months to try it again. One other note: the staff were very friendly and un-pretentious. Made the evening delightful.
(5)
Serena R.
Great uptown location. I had the whipped truffle Brie, charred octopus salad and chorizo salad and the molten chocolate cake for dessert. Nice ambience with good beats pumped in. I went back for breakfast the next morning and had the buckwheat scrambled egg crepe which was tasty but not warm enough. Overall my experience was great with Barbette. Seems like a good date spot!
(4)
Anna M.
Happy Hour Review The atmosphere was very relaxing with a touch of sophistication. I loved the variety of different light fixtures! What I didn't love was the sudden attitude we received from our server when we asked about happy hour. It was 3:45 in the afternoon- did she think we were there for lunch? Dinner? Regardless- the $5 apps were mostly delicious and the $4 glasses of wine were relaxing. I say mostly because the oysters were not to my liking- but it seems all restaurants only put the less desirable types of oysters on special. The best part of Barbette was that it made me feel young and mature at the same time! As someone in my late 20's- most locations in Uptown seem to cater to a much younger crowd. It was a real treat to not be one of the oldest people room. I will definitely go back to try out dinner.
(3)
Curio D.
I enjoyed the entree of pork because of the two different qualities of preparation. I just returned from Egypt, where they don't serve pork and maybe the reason other than religion is that it is really salty and over bearing all other flavors. The ambiance was extremely loud and at the bar a person had their hand down another persons pants (get a room). I felt like I was at a high school bar, this is not my cup of tea. On my first date with my soon to be wife we tried comin here two years ago. No wonder I had the gut instinct to leave after ordering a cranberry juice and getting a spotty glass. Not my favorite place for service either as I asked for a picture to be taken of the place and the waitress came back 5 minutes later as we were patiently waiting. This place is over crowded and trying to sell sex french style to the masses.
(2)
Maureen B.
Have you been to Barbette recently? This restaurant has always been great -- food, philosophy and atmosphere, but they were recently blessed in hiring a new chef and all I can say is - WOW!! The food is not only incredibly flavorful, it is also artfully prepared and very thoughtful. We are thrilled!!! Our recent visit --- vegetable of the day: perfect golden, small baby beets. Seared line-caught mahi mahi with brussels sprouts and squash puree was a lovely entree.....oh, and a wonderful 'hen of the woods' mushroom salad.... (organic wine selections , too) Rejoice! :)
(5)
Rachel D.
Best risotto I've ever had -- and at a French restaurant! My husband and I went here for dinner and loved everything about it. We shared Fondue, I had the risotto and he had the wild boar special. Everything we ate was fantastic, and we loved the small, intimate atmosphere. Excellent service, an excellent time. We will be back.
(4)
JENNIFER SOUN L.
Having moved to Minneapolis from Los Angeles some two months ago, I am determined to find charming and interesting venues/restaurants that will ease my transition to life in the tundra. Barbette came somewhat highly recommended to me by another transplanted Angeleno, so I was eager to try the little bistro-style French/American restaurant nestled on a corner in Uptown. Overall, I would have to say that the food was decent, but a little greasy and on the heavy side. Even for 'French' cuisine. My meal consisted of a bowl of cream of mushroom soup, butternut squash ravioli, a side of frites shared with my dining companions and a glass of malbec. I thought the prices fair, but my taste buds were not inversely blown away by the food. Plating was uninspired. Not finished yet. My digestive track was blown away by Barbette. It was squarely sucker punched, drop kicked to the floor and shanked by the shitty quality of the food. As if on cue, no sooner did the waiter clear our plates, did I start to feel the dreaded sweatbomb that accompanies food poisoning. I vomited twice in Barbette's bathroom and even got a little splash back which was lovely since I was wearing silk and it was designer. And then I vomited once outside, making my own special kind of tie dye in the snow. Oh, and then I threw up twice on my way home and I don't even want to get into the remainder of my night which was about as 180º away from sexy as it gets. I rescheduled a date to eat here. Barbette, nique ta mere.
(1)
Mark B.
I had restaurant week reservations with my date. We arrived and were promptly seated. The decor is very comfortable, unique, and inviting. The service was all-around fantastic. We decided to go with the restaurant week menu (naturally). We both started with the butternut squash soup with pumpkin seed oil and toasted pepitos for the first coarse. It was divine - sumptuous, heady, savory - we both almost licked our bowls clean. But that was unfortunately the best part of the meal. I had the mushroom ricotta ravioli with grilled radicchio and braised pearl onions, and my date had the pork chop. The portions were fairly small by American standards which, quite honestly, is not a terrible thing, but if that was going to be the only course, we would've starved. My ravioli were, on the whole, pretty meh. There wasn't enough mushroom flavor or salt. And the pasta could've been more intensely flavored by cooking them in light veggie stock instead of just plain water. The radicchio was good, but seemed like an odd accompaniment to the pasta. It was also cold and not thoroughly cooked/grilled. My date's pork chop was tiny, just a few slices. Flavorful and cooked perfectly, however. He wasn't entirely pleased with it, though. It was literally just pork chop. No accompanying sauce for it or prepared any special way. You can cook a pork chop, that's great, now do something to make it more than just a pork chop. And for dessert there was only one choice, so we both had the pistachio panna cotta with some sort of nut brittle cookie. Both were very good. Tiny portions, but I'm not a huge fan of sweets, so I was satisfied by it. And the wine was good, and well-priced!
(4)
Elizabeth S.
I've got to upgrade my rating just a little. (Yes, I went back.) While I waited for a table, I was offered something to drink and a menu to peruse. My waitress couldn't have been more attentive or kind. And, of course, I had my way with the aioli. As much as I enjoyed myself during my last visit, I think it'll take a few more good experiences before I can budge higher than three stars.
(3)
Praful M.
In a neighbourhood where street parking is free only after 10 PM this place has their own parking lot. So it's a good start. When I reached there patio was full, so we had to seat inside. At prime time me and my friend were the only 2 guys that were there other than date guys. It seems ladies love this place. It can get very noisy inside when busy. Our service was good, however about food (I had herb roasted cod), I have nothing to write home about. May be I am not fan of french food (this is only my second). Though if you want to have french dinner with (mostly) locals in a place with good vibe this is place to be.
(3)
Nicole P.
Wine list - Large Food Selection - Expensive & short Out door seating - Yes Takes reservations - Yes Wait staff- Very nice So all in all I'll give it a 3 because the food is generally good though highly buttery, the pomfrits (thin fries) are quite nice and the fondue is a good appetizer to share but in general the food is generally pretty spendy for what you get. All the times I've eaten here I've been satisfied but not blown away. They have a large wine list and the prices are fair and they have a good cocktail selection also. The atmosphere is great and the outdoor seating is a must if you can find some. Best time to go would be for a happy hour or brunch that's when the food is the best for the best prices
(3)
Caitlin R.
I was so disappointed... I finally got the chance to check out Barbette this weekend after hearing so much about it! It was an awful experience. I don't know if they were all just having an awful day or if a few employees quit and walked out, but it was pretty ridiculous. I think the bartender hated us, as she was constantly avoiding our attempts at communication. Every time we did get her to give us a second, we felt horrible for wasting her time. I wanted to help her because she seemed so stressed out and angry. I don't like feeling like an inconvenience when I'm spending money to relax. My husband ordered some mussels, which were undercooked. He ate a couple of them...but only because he was starving. And trying to order anything else was impossible, since our server was oblivious to our existence. In retrospect, it was pretty bad. It seems like there are other great reviews on here, so maybe we caught them on an awful day? The owners sure spent some time decorating the place... it was beautiful and the ambiance was perfect. It's a shame the service was so bad. I say, try this place at your own risk... we sure won't be going back.
(1)
Brien G.
2.5 Stars. This place has potential, but all in all, if it's trying to be a french brassiere it's got a long ways to go. I always think the owners ate at Pastis or Balthazar in New York and ripped the concept in a half-assed way. Everything could be better about this place. What works for me is quiet weekday breakfasts at the bar. Always good service, though the kitchen is slow no matter where you sit. Outside is hit or miss. If they remember that you're out there it will be slow and bearable. If not, it will be slow and unbearable. I've eaten in the dining room at the tables a few times and every time I regret it. It's challenging for some reason. Takes forever and usually something in my order gets screwed up. I also don't like that this place seems to chew through talent in the kitchen, seems like someone different is always cooking and it shows in the consistency of the food.
(2)
Rick D.
Our dining club hit this local hotspot last night. We had a pleasant dinner. Started with a couple of domestic locally brewed beers. Surly Furious quite funky, but I liked it. For an appetizer I ordered the bowl of olives. Good stuff. I had the hearts of Palm salad as an appetizer. Nice, but not off the chart. I love hearts of palm and was excited to see what this might turn out like. Just a little underwhelmed. For the main course I had the Mushroom Risotto. Great rich flavor. A bit dry and heavy, but that's why I ordered it. For desert, we shared a bowl of Cranberry sorbet which was nice and tart and very good. Atmosphere was conducive to conversation and the wait staff was courteous and attentive.
(3)
Minh T.
Barbette has fancy food, but doesn't take itself too seriously. The pork shoulder is incredible -- rich and tender. It has just the right amount of melt-in-your-mouth fat, and every bite had great flavor that wasn't overdone. It's served on top of black truffle creamed corn, which is as good as it sounds. The only criticism I have are the grilled spring onions, which weren't cooked for long enough, resulting in a sharp and astringent taste. It's not something I'm too worried about, and I'd definitely come back again, perhaps to try their prix fixe menu.
(5)
Ronnie G.
Loved Barbette. Great date spot with incredible ambiance and charming waitstaff. Mussels in Red Wine, Tomato, and Garic: Perfectly steamed and cooked mussels that came with crispy toast. A well done dish. rating: 8/10 Steak Au Poivre: Flat iron steak pan cooked very well. The meat was the perfect temperature but I didn't care for the peppercorn sauce. As everyone mentioned, the pomme frites are fried just right with a lemon aioli dipping sauce. rating: 8/10 Red Snapper Special: Light airy fish with excellent accompanying aioli. A great dish at an affordable price. rating: 8/10 One neg. The food came out pretty late so it may be a good thing if you've got a hot date (which I was lucky to have). We'll be back soon B.
(4)
Tara J.
I love Barbette! This is my dog Dirk's favorite restaurant. I take him there often in the summer, and the staff are all so sweet to him. If you have a dog, this is an awesome place to hang out when the weather is good. His favorites are the pomme frites and the carrot cake. I love the pomme frites too and have enjoyed many of the vegetarian specials on the menu. Barbette has a great happy hour that always includes a sparkling wine of some sort, which is a rarity. The wines featured on their happy hour are always of a good quality, which is also a nice change of pace. The servcie at Barbette is wonderful and the atmosphere is so relaxing and charming. Any place that loves my puppy almost as much as I do is tops in my book! Dirk gives Barbette 6 barks! He loves it so much that it's off the scale.
(5)
Melanie L.
Eggs Florentine with roasted tomatoes and a perfect holly sauce. A Black Velvet (Guiness/Pear Cider) and an order of frites with lemon tarragon aioli to share. It was a splendid lunch. We were seated promptly and the place was packed. Staff was on the ball. We had a new waiter--Ambrose. He's new to the place and is already getting the hang of the craziness that is Barbette when it is crowded. The music was a little loud, but I'm getting old and deaf anyways, so it's bound to bother me. Good times were had. I can't wait until summer and there is sidewalk seating again. I do want to add that I miss the variety of crepes that used to be available and the missing individual cheesecakes that used to be on the menu when Lisa Carlson was the chef. That blood orange and chevre cheesecake was orgasmic!
(4)
Jess R.
Food - A (Had the Pomme frites, and the mushroom risotto - very good flavor. Quite a bit food) Waitress - C (I think she thought we were just another two-some coming in for apetizers, she was not very attentive until we actually ordered an entree.) Table/Atmosphere - F (We made reservations and got the worst table in the joint. Directly center stage with tables not more than 3 inches away from us on both sides. There went the romantic date night) Not going to rush back
(3)
Kyle B.
Barbette is the best place I know of to eat a late dinner. I have a weakness for the Steak Frites which always comes with an enormous pile of pomme frites that could be dinner unto itself if there wasn't a perfectly cooked flatiron steak there also. Service isn't that fast, but I'm never in a hurry to leave so it doesn't matter much. The ambience is great and a perfect place for a date. The only downside is its a little expensive at non-happy-hour prices.
(4)
Mark S.
From my wife.. Really cute place. Started with a cheese and fruit plate... I would recommend this. Good chicken wild rice soup. Superb warm chocolate cake.. Wait staff was a bit slow at the beginning, but then really cool girl. She bought us dessert at the end because she said we were cool. ( I would say she also had impeccable taste in people... ha)
(4)
Dan S.
There is a comfortable atmosphere, a good selection of beer and wine, and excellent fries. The kitchen is open late and has a good late night happy hour during the week. The service is good, but don't sit outside without asking first, even if there are 5 empty tables. Barbette is also one of the prettier restaurants around.
(5)
Max L.
kinda quirky food is always great great coffee always beautiful art on walls never had a bad meal .....
(5)
Whitney G.
I love that they serve organic/local/grass-fed meats. Being a foodie never made ya feel more guilt-free when you eat here. And their wines are pretty good, too.
(4)
Kat H.
Barbette and I have a tumultuous relationship, but I've stuck by this restaurant since its opening and I will defend it to the death for three reasons: 1. Pomme frites. Good luck finding better fries (or saffron aioli) in Minneapolis. 2. The cheese fondue with baguette, green apples and mushrooms (though I forgo the latter). Tastes best when it's absolutely freezing outside. Can be shared, but why would you do a thing like that? 3. The colorful, warm interior, which manages to capture the feel of a Parisian bistro while avoiding any traces of pretension. On the negative side, the service can be pretty lackluster. The kitchen always seems to be having problems. But at least Barbette admits to their shortcomings: on my last visit, my brother's entree was 20 minutes late and was automatically comped. Our waiter even offered us free dessert! Needless to say, we left happy and full of warm chocolate cake. Other great dishes: steak frites, the farmhouse chicken, any of the crepes, and the daily specials are always fresh. A great place to take your family, friends, or a date. Viva la France!
(4)
Bridget A.
My boyfriend and I went to Barbette for a first time a few weeks ago, after I heard how great the breakfast was, and now we try to go every Sunday. The interior's decor is eclectic and artsy without being cold. The service is always great as well. But my favorite thing is the macadamia nut pancakes. They're fluffy, with just the right amount of crunch from the nuts, and the bananas on top add a perfect amount of sweetness. Their bloody mary's are great too, they come decked out with all the fixings, and the mix tastes like it has a bit of horseradish in it. They also serve breakfast for most of the day, which is never a bad thing.
(5)
Bugs B.
3 words: Perfect egg benedict!
(5)
Joseph N.
I ate at Barbette last night, and I had a quite acceptable meal with very attentive service. So why only 3 stars? To begin with the obvious, the place is a dump. The decor is shabby and in great need of a complete make-over. While I would be very unlikely to give 5 stars to such a dump, I would go to 4 or 4.5 if the food and service were really great. Unfortunately, the menu is almost completely uninspired, especially the main courses. My wife had eaten at Barbette previously and had had a lamb special that she enjoyed. Not surprisingly, yesterday's specials were different and, unfortunately, uninspiring. After considering simply leaving and going to another restaurant, we decided to make a meal from the appetizers. My wife had a beet salad special that featured really good local greens, although the beets were nothing special. The salad was large and we were able to share and have plenty. I had a dozen oysters that were fresh, well-presented and reasonably flavorful. For a second course, my wife ordered the charcuterie platter and I ordered the braised lamb shortribs. Although a small serving, the shortribs were the highlight of the meal. We also ordered a side of olives, which were served warm and were quite generous. The charcuterie was generous enough that we could share, so I didn't starve. The place was not busy, and our waitress was quite attentive. The wine list is heavily French and has a good variety of selections. There are no bargains, but there are some reasonably-priced bottles. There are 3 vegetarian dishes and usually a vegetarian special. Acceptable, but with so many good restaurants in Minneapolis, not recommended.
I've been to Barbette multiple times -- for dinner and for brunch. Their menu changes frequently, and I've frequently had the specials. Their hibiscus tea during brunch-time is awesome.. the perfect hot drink on a cold winter or "spring" day -- very flavorful but not sweet. Also, the Scrambled Eggs & Truffles, and Waffles, are great as well. I'd like to revisit Barbetter for dinner. The special sweet potato gnocci with sage brown butter was fantastic, and the mussels tasted quite authentic. Overall, I'm very impressed by this neighborhood gem.
(4)
Chris K.
Disclaimer: I've always had a thing for French bistros. I can't help it. I think they're romantic. Cozy. Specially suited to good wine, warm olives and wearing those new jeans I just bought. The thing is, here in Twincy, there just ain't too many good French joints. We've got Tim McKee's wonderfully expensive and over-the-top La Belle Vie. We've got Vincent. And, here comes my S. Mpls bias, we've got a gem in Barbette. Atmosphere alone with get you in the mood for food and love. Breakfast and lunch bring an airy, sunny feel to the restaurant. Something between coffeeshop and early morning bar, Barbette is quiet, respectful and yet still edgy in the morning. And the crepes. Wow. Evening, though, is where Barbette shines. Golden lighting and dark wood trim give the restaurant clubby feel. Windows overlooking the busy Lake Street give it urbanity. The food makes it monumental. I'm a big fan of nearly everything on the menu at Barbette. The steak frites is a classic and well worth the money. The daily seafood specials are always delicious, and their mussels are to die for. Still, I like to pick my way through their small plates, or in French, amusements. Warm olives and a cheese plate are a near perfect way to start a night. The olives are salty goodness paired with baguette. The cheeses, always rotating based on seasonality and freshness, give your mouth a creamy introduction to dinner. $6 for the olives is a deal. $11/$17 for the cheeses is spendy ($11 for two cheeses, $17 for four), though they're ridiculously tasty. Next up, the pommes frites (fries). Barbette makes a special brand of fries, and you either love them or hate them. Personally, I think they're spectacular. Thin, crisp and well seasoned, these aren't overwhelming bunches of salt and flavor, just good fries with a good sauce on the side. I'd shoot through the whole menu for you, but that'd take waaaay too long, so I'll say this: try out Barbette. Dance through their small plates, or dive into their full dishes, but give it a try. Their culinary mastery is well worth the dollars, and far and away the best bistro experience in Twincy.
Fantastic brunch joint for a hangover. Outdoor seating on a beautiful day...awesome. It wasn't the best, but the bloody mary was great for the hair of the dog. Awesome poached eggs...with delicious thick pork bacon. Awesome waffles with blueberry compote and lemon curd. Wow! And the prices...so cheap. Service was a little spotty, though...very authentic French.
(5)
Alison M.
Thanks "anonymous owner/employee".. I see that your TWO reviews are 5-stars for Barbette and BLB, both of which are owned by the same person. Is that you Kim Bartmann? I suppose I should clarify my Barbette experience. I was NOT being factually inaccurate so let me clear up what I meant to say. I was trying to emphasize the level to which I was DISAPPOINTED with what I was served. Perhaps that is exactly how your restaurant decided to serve these meals and if that's the case then all I'm saying is I was disappointed. I didnt expect tapenade necessarily--I was just hoping for something more than a bowl of olives warmed over. I should have said that I was DISAPPOINTED that all I got was a lame bowl of olives and it was my wishful thinking to want something more dynamic or delicious. As for bread, maybe your chef decides to serve a chintzy amount of bread. If so, I am saying that it is inadequate for the meal and in my mind makes it a nonsensical proportion of bread. Again, I want to emphasize how DISAPPOINTED I was with how much bread we got. Conspiracy maybe not, but if your chef is the one making all the decisions, somebody (perhaps you--the owner?) needs to tell him/her that they are BAD DECISIONS. As for the olive dish being the same during dinner and happy hour, you have just successfully convinced me to NEVER come to Barbette for dinner, since it is just as pathetic as happy hour was. Thanks for the heads up! I wish I still had the receipt because I was just as surprised as you that I was charged for bread. If you dont charge for extra bread and dont see it as a huge expense, why the hell dont you include more with the plates?! Your logic is just as mysterious as your identity. I seriously thought it was an off night, but thank goodness you have explained to the world that my bad experience was status quo for Barbette. Disappointing, disappointing, disappointing. I will never be back.
(2)
David D.
Yes. Good. Go here!
(5)
Josh E.
There hasn't been a lot of hanging out on Lake St so far for me, but I was there Sunday morning for brunch at the behest of a friend. So, this was my first visit to Barbette. The vibe was a little bit NYC (Village) and the combination of light and shadows made it cozy. No smoking in the Twin Cities, but I could almost see the ghostly smoke drifting slowly through the sunbeams. The waitstaff was very friendly and the leisurely pace of the meal suited me just fine. I ordered the Royale With Cheese w/ a half order of Pomme Frites. I mean, how could I resist the Pulp Fiction nod? The half order is about the size of a full anywhere else. The Royale was considerably undercooked, but still tasted good enough for me not to complain. However, the combination of cheese and meat grease turned it into a runaway train of a mushy mess. The roll only lasted for about 2 bites before it disintegrated under the fatty assault. The frites were well prepared but the dip was a little bit of a near Hollandaise overkill. In my judgment, the food was overpowering... just too rich. I have become a big fan of subtlety in cuisine and Barbette needs to work on that a bit before I can heartily endorse their style of Twin Cities French.
(3)
Clare M.
I just moved to the Bay Area a few months ago, and one of the things I miss the most about living in Minneapolis is dinner at Barbette. I spent many an hour in my younger days languishing with friends at Cafe Wyrd. The Wyrd grew up and became Barbette at exactly the moment when I grew up and started ordering wine with dinner. The food is always good. The mussels, the cheese plate, the Amish chicken, the pomme frites. All of it, always good. And the steak au poivre - the most expensive item on the menu - is seriously worth the $$. I recall particularly spirited waitress who told vivid stories about the cheese on the cheese plate. If you're having issues with the staff, it's probably because you're being an asshole.
(5)
Ebbin M.
Great brunch (eggs benedict!!!), mussels and fries... and the bloody marys and cold coffee & Guiness are awesome! Lots of vegie-friendly options. I love the funky atmosphere (crazy coolors, crockery shard terrazo counter tops and gold lame' rafters) and ever-changing art. Though it can get be a bit loud (auditorily and visually) the food has always been great and in the summer you can escape to the outdoor seating.
(4)
Jordan H.
Great little restaurant with excellent food and drinks. They even have live music most nights and the atmosphere is very intimate, same with the outdoor seating. It is just far enough away from the main uptown area that it is a bit more quite and relaxed.
(5)
I'm O.
Never had a bad meal here. Servers can be obnoxious in a wanna-be-New York sort of way.
(5)
Andrew B.
I'm in MN a couple of times a year to hang out with the in-laws and of all the restaurants I've tried so far, this is my favorite. Even the mixed greens on the side were delicious (slightly salted vinaigrette). I had the omelette special consisting of braised pork, corn and swiss. Sounds strange on paper, but is excellent in person. The pork was fork tender and delicious. The corn, sweet and small of kernel, as it should be. The swiss melted perfectly and was not too strong in flavor. Everything came together for a wonderful meal. I can only hope the in-laws don't mind leaving the 'burbs for a trip to the city next time we come.
(5)
Nilu r.
Unique little restaurant. I remember this place back when it was a dingy little coffee shop called Cafe Wyrd. The location is great, the ambiance is cool. The food is good, especially by MN standards. The service was cold and austere and somewhat inattentive. Our server whispered so quiet that I felt like I was a lip reader. What I liked most was the size of the portions. The portions were not as large as the typical Midwest portion so you didn't end up feeling like you are eating out of a trough. All in all, this is a staple in Minneapolis for future visits.
(4)
sarah p.
Today was one of those Sundays when everything that happened was happy, sunny -- almost chirpy. My day started with Brunch Club at Barbette. I'd never eaten there for brunch before, and the poached egg frissee salad with lardons was the perfect way to start what felt like the first day of Spring. Light, tasty, crisp, and flavorful. The perfect beginning to the first gorgeous Sunday of 2010.
(4)
Molly S.
Horrible service! I loved Barbette in the past. This was my favorite spot to meet my best friend for Brunch for over a year, but I'll skip it for a while. Our waitress moved as fast as a snail. Her "I'm so Uptown" vibe bugged and her inability to service our table made us leave without eating. Cold eggs Benedict can push one over the edge. When you go somewhere and your paying your hard earned dollars for a nice meal most expect good service to go hand and hand. Her body language said, "I'm doing you a favor", my tip said, "You'll go home broke today."
(2)
Jeannette K.
Oh Barbette's.... If you were any closer, I would have gone bankrupt. I spent endless hours here whenever I had free time. Love the food, love the drinks, love the mussels. The atmosphere was just as cool. Surprisingly, I've never had problems finding free parking!
(5)
C K.
Great service by friendly staff and excellent, basic cuisine. My sister and I took my elderly parents here for brunch and had a nice time.
(3)
Lori G.
I tried their tea and pancake. Nothing surprising~
(3)
rb l.
Just one tip here: The larger order of pomme frites comes on a full dinner plate as a mountain of fries. Be sure to share with at least 3 people!
(4)
Jason W.
Sophie's Choice. I will not choose a favorite dish. You can't make me. After taking a brief winter hiatus to help Kim Bartmann plan the next phases of her empire building, Chef Kevin Kathman has returned to helm the Monday prix fixe. AND IT SHOWS. Tonight's journey towards gustatory ecstasy! - Basil Lillet - One of the newer cocktails they've put on the menu. Crisp, refreshing aperitif. Ready to eat? Damn skippy! - Baked Oysters: chorizo, manchego, spinach - Meet Juan Diego Rockefeller. The chorizo adds a Spanish flair to the Oysters Rockefeller preparation - creamy sweet oysters on the half shell baked with spinach and manchego cheese browned on top, punctuated by the spicy salty tang of the chorizo. Ay mi dios, you had me at hola. - 5/5. - Haddock: english peas, carrots, radishes, ramps - Unfortunately, the red-headed stepchild of the bunch. Not that it was bad; no, it was great and well executed, it's just that everything else was slightly more inventive and thoughtful. Perfectly done and moist white fish. Precious veggies. Could have used more ramps. Love ramps, but they're just coming into their own with this prolonged malingering winter we've been having. This dish is said to be joining the regular menu, but with sole instead of haddock. Any other time, I would have been ga-ga over this, but it was eclipsed by its menu-mates. - 4.5/5 - Pork Belly: corn, truffles, spring onion - Don't make me choose. This was one of the evening's stars. Rich without being greasy. Glistening pork belly with a beautifully caramelized sweet skin. Subo's supposed pork candy pales in comparison. Initially thought the truffles could have been overpowering, but they were well balanced in the corn providing an earthy undertone and complexity to the sweet crisp kernels. Pork paradise. - 6/5. - OFF MENU: Bone in Lamb Chop: kidneys with fleur de sel, celery root puree, fava beans - Don't want to choose! Chef Kathman slipped this into the progression of our prix fixe. He had recently butchered a lamb and had these beautiful fresh kidneys to go along with the lamb chop left on the rib. Kidneys clean and fresh tasting, no hint of urea (Whee-whee! Oui oui! No pee-pee!). Fleur de sel added a nice seasoned crunch and textural contrast to the slightly toothsome roasted renal tissue. Lamb done perfectly pink. Gnawed the meat from the bone. Plate was pried from my hands as I snarled like a pit bull. - 6/5. - Fillet of Beef: asparagus, serrano ham, bearnaise I cannot choose. Serrano ham wrapped around 2 asparagus spears, perfectly done fillet, creamy bearnaise. I couldn't decide which bite to end on, so the last bite was all of it stacked together. This too was a trial for the regular menu and will reportedly be served with a strip steak for the larger regular entree portion. - 6/5 - Chocolate Mousse: white, dark, caramel - Did not have. Had a cheese dessert substituted instead. - */5 - French Alpine Goat's Milk Cheese: first plain, and then with macadamia nut brittle, roasted cashews, honey - Is not choosing ultimately a choice? Kevin had this wonderful artisanal cheese (whose name escapes me) and initially offered it to us as a cheese course before dessert. Creamy and rich with subtle chevre undertones. No overpowering billy goat's gruff. We tried to savor each morsel, but I ended up inhaling the stuff. When he expressed a slight reservation about the chocolate mousse and encouraged us to substitute for a different dessert, I knew what I wanted. I wanted more cheese. (I guess I did choose after all.) Only I wanted a little extra along with the cheese to sweeten the deal and Kevin didn't disappoint. Sweet crunchiness of the brittle contrasted with and complimented the smoothness of the cheese. The cashews added a mildly bitter depth to broaden the palate. I need to remember the name of this cheese! But my carotid arteries were overwhelmed by the micelles of buttery sweet rich goodness depriving my limbic system of any faculty for memory. Remember the name of the cheese? I can barely remember my own name. Huh? What? Me like a da cheese. Cheese gud. - 6/5. I respect Chef Kathman's integrity to steer his customers away from things he wasn't completely satisfied with - the consistency of the bottom layer of the mousse just wasn't up to his standards. We weren't the only ones allowed to substitute. Other diners around us, partaking in the prix fixe, were also allowed to substitute desserts. With Kevin back in charge of the prix fixe menu, the dishes were clean and well presented. He let his technique, preparations, and locally sourced as possible ingredients speak for themselves. Most importantly, no fucking thoughtless micro-greens! All for $32! (- the EtOH). Sophie's choice. I cannot choose just one. Just like Pokemon, I gotta have 'em all. Do yourself a favor and stop in to try Chef Kathman's Monday night prix fixe menu. Just don't y'all try do it all at the same time, ya hear? I like having my regular Monday night table.
(5)
Alph G.
This place was very sweet. The service was excellent and I loved being in the restaurant. I kind of wanted to just hang out there. My salad was just okay though. I ate some of my friend's fries which were delicious. I need to come back and give it a second try.
(3)
Bill F.
Had Sunday brunch, service and food were great. Brie omelet was delicious, waffle with fruit great and sides of crisp bacon. Wonderful Bloody Mary. Our server was professional and friendly, always a smile on her face.
(5)
Leigh A.
The atmosphere and location are quite enjoyable. The spicy tomato soup was way too spicy. The habaneros used need to be cooked or infused in the cooking oil. Simply adding heat doesn't make a dish. The braised beef was way over cooked and almost hard to swallow. The chicken with polenta and carrot frisse was very good. The chicken was moist and the flavor were delectable. The pom frites were fantastic and the chocolate molten cake was good. Frankly, after all the hype I have heard, I expected more. Next time I'll try the mussels.
(3)
Jenna P.
The daily omelet was watery and bland and the service was so so. Have heard good things from other people, so may just have to try again. Definitely like the atmosphere of the place, though.
(2)
Joe P.
Barbette features excellent mussels, delicious pommes frites & aioli, and Pernod served with a water carafe. And if you stop in solo for a chapter and a drink on a Saturday night you'll find a spot at the low, circular bar and feel welcomed. Plus the late night and happy hour menu is reasonable. I must come back for brunch sometime.
(5)
Guptan K.
Share a large order of the "pomme frites" with ketchup and lemon aioli before you order food. Fresh cut and delicious. Some food items have high prices but there are deals too. Happy hour has $5 appetizers and $4 tap beers. "Vegetarian-friendly" menu and one of the best brunch restaurants in Uptown. One thing, Barbette should serve food later at night not just until 12:30 am.
(4)
John S.
The Coffee is ridiculously good and the atmosphere is cozy. I could be convinced to give it another star, but the food was just A-OK worthy.
(3)
Travis N.
Love the food, art and service. The bathroom was very drafty, though.
(5)
P X.
Order the Nicoise Salad and a side of fries. You will NOT be disappointed! Seriously, my mouth is watering as I write this! There is also a fairly solid wine menu and the restaurant itself is warm and cozy...a perfect place to hunker down and chat with a few close friends. The missing star comes from the fact that I have never had very great service here....but I keep coming back for the food. Delicious!
(4)
Mike F.
Barbette rocks. I had a group of about 8 eating there a couple of months ago, and the service, food, and beverages couldn't be any better. I'd never eaten here when I lived in St. Paul, but now it'll be a stand-by when I go back. UPDATE: So I've now been back to Barbette 5 times since I moved away. It is a MUST EAT place in the Twin Cities. Be sure to ask for Gerald as your server when you're there, he's been great every time I've been there. I wish they had a Barbette in LA, I'd be their most loyal customer.
(5)
madeleine s.
I grew up in Minneapolis area but only come back occasionally and I must say, when you need to showcase the great service and gay-friendliness of the Midwest Minneapolis shines. I had a Maker's Manhattan and smoked trout salad; she had a side car and a brie omelet. We shared fancy french fries of some type...ah a few hours away from the kids! The service was warm and lovely and quick at lunch. The patrons were attractive, well-to-do, not showy but rough-hewn Minnesota types with raggedy kids like I'd see back in the SF bay area. I was so pleased to spend a winter afternoon here. Good happy hour started at 3 too.
(4)
Shannon C.
Such a sweet little place with a beautiful, romantic vibe. Fun taste adventures, all with a French twist. And the best Pomme Frites in town!!
(4)
Scott E.
I have been here three times and never again. I do not get how this place survives. The benchs are full of splinters, the look to me is not modern rather old school house that needs renovation. The seating is crowded and the menu has never stood out as special. The place was under staffed and it showed in the lack of emotion from our waitress. The noise level is loud. The food on all three visits has ranged from bland to bad. Parking is on the street and difficult at times.
(1)
Elias A.
We adore this place; the food is outstanding, the service is prompt and helpful and tasteful, and the dining room is such a great spot for first-rate cuisine. Highly recommended, and we'll be back again and again!
(4)
Jim S.
I just had the best chicken I've ever eaten! Yeah, chicken sounds like a tame option compared to the other dishes on their menu, but no way. The juicy baked chicken was placed on a cake of grits (don't knock it until you try it) on a bed of arugula. I don't know what the glaze is on the chicken, but it was awesome: not too sweet, but full of flavor. The chicken was in two pieces, one with a handy little leg bone sticking up (so you can grab it and eat every bit of the savory meat on it) and the other is a fillet of juicier chicken. There was no skimping on skin, which may be a turn off for some, but for people who love flavor, it's fantastic. The grits cake was cooked in something delicious (maybe more fat....after all, it's a French restaurant! No fear of fat here!} The taste of the chicken, grits and arugula together was something to remember. Barbette is a funky little restaurant with a kicking kitchen. The waitstaff was friendly and efficient. (The chicken was her recommendation....and I'm so grateful!). I can't wait to return and try out some of the other options.
(5)
Jessica S.
From the outside, Barbette always seemed so warm, cozy and inviting. Now that I finally had the opportunity to dine here, I can safely say this was not an illusion. I loved the atmosphere and the design/decor of the restaurant (especially the lamps that hung overhead that really jazzed the place up). The restaurant, which is actually bigger than it appears from the outside, was crowded (including people waiting to be seated) so I was happy to have made a reservation. We were seated immediately. We ordered the truffle whipped brie for an appetizer. Buttery and so indulgent! Yum! I got the hot smoked salmon salad. The way the salad was assembled got to me a bit. Many of the ingredients were hidden underneath the greens. There was minimal dressing, just a light brush of olive oil. But because there were enough goodies (eggs, salmon- two big chunks-, beans, potatoes, olives) to be eaten with every bite full of salad, I was fine with this. While I am apparently not a huge hot smoked salmon fan, the ingredients really were high quality. My dining partner got some kind of rolled chicken with herbs inside. Also very high quality but he was not crazy about the filling. (It was also a little too smoky/ham tasting.) For dessert, I got an apple tart and my friend got the chocolate lava cake. Mine was very yummy. My friend enjoyed his too, but not sweet enough for a girl with a super huge sweet tooth. The drinks were also good. I got a French Gimlet (St. Germaine/Gin) and my friend got a 2 Gingers Whiskey drink. Our waitress was sweet and pleasant. Dinner (1 app, 1 salad, 1 entree, 2 drinks, 2 dessert) took us just over $100. This is really not awful considering the quality of the food was very good. I would go back.
(4)
Kate B.
Lunch with a friend, the cheese plate was great, but her buckwheat crepe pretty tasteless. My French toast was wonderful. The service was extremely slow, even though the place was half empty. What really killed it for me was the "Irish Coffee". When my server dropped it off, I questioned where the cream and sugar was, because it looked like black coffee. She said "Oh, you meant you wanted a Bailey's coffee." I explained that Irish Coffee always has heavy cream, sugar, good whisky and strong coffee - all the major food groups. She insisted it should be just coffee and whisky. Maybe they should list their version as "Diet Irish Coffee".
(3)
Scott B.
Good fries.
(3)
L M.
We have visited several times, never disappointed. Recently we went for Saturday brunch and I discovered the poached egg and vegetable hash. Amazing!!! Perfectly cooked, fresh and light; such a great alternative to the traditionally heavy and fatty breakfast food. I am hooked and will make this a regular weekend treat.
(5)
Nadine Y.
Yes, I'm Asian, but I was born in France, and I needed a place to do some reading on a Saturday. So, the obvious choice was Barbette (thanks for the reco, MC). Lovely place and the hostess didn't flinch when I said, "just one today." Coming in during high brunch traffic time didn't help with the noise level as the chatter echoed like crazy, but it wasn't horrible. Eggs Benedict. So delish! It came with a lite salad instead of heavy perkins-like hash browns, which my stomach and heart thanked me (them) for. I was tempted to try the Croche Madame, but it was a completely different version than what I was used to (I'm used to an egg on it). Anyway, the staff kept my coffee hot and I noticed something that I typically don't at other restaurants... that they swagger. Yeah, they had it going on. They got along. They were having fun. And that, mon ami, is a beautiful thing. The non beautiful thing? Not sure if they have a lot, but I took meter parking. Four quarter gets you an hour, two hour max.
(4)
L. S.
I could have stopped at the cheese plate, but then I would have missed out on the fries. And what if I'd stopped there and passed on the seared sole?
(5)
Maggie F.
I just like this place. It is great for a chat, but it's not a real quiet spot. The staff is super friendly, and I've enjoyed the wine I've had there. I don't have a lot of experience with the food, but what I have had (mostly small plates/apps) are tasty. Cute atmosphere. Like I said, I just like this place!
(4)
B V.
I want to love Barbette. Great name, great location, cute interior and nice ambiance... but Barbette is still a restaurant. Their food is just not good. The pomme frites are a 1 on a scale of 5. The happy hour is decent, therefore would suggest Barbette as a nice place to stop by for a drink or happy hour, but that is about it.
(2)
Mark A.
Great little place to go. If you are in a hurry skip this place and go through a drive thru instead. This is a place for foodie types. Quiche is excellent and the eggs Benedict was delicious. Take your time and enjoy the place.
(5)
Melanie B.
This is such a fun and tasty place. The buckwheat crepes are so delicious. I love the eclectic decor and staff!
(5)
Nick M.
Absolutely delightful. The ambiance is comfortable and social -- you sit pretty close to your neighbors, but everyone's generally interested in their own table, and it's not so loud that you can't hear anything. I had been here twice before, once for a drink, once for breakfast, and somehow never made it down for dinner. Pleased that we did. Our server was full of energy, had a lot of great selections, and was honest about what was available. She knew when to stay back, when to come by to see how things were going. The food was fantastic -- I had a (ever so slightly overcooked) bass, my wife had a rock shrimp risotto. Both full of very complex flavors, and despite looking quite small, filled us really well. We started with a fondue that wasn't kept on heat, but was so perfectly mixed that it was delicious until the bottom of the bowl. The wine selection was wonderful, and just seemed to fit what we were surrounded by. I have nothing bad to say, except in a perfect world, I'd pay less. Frankly, that's anywhere. We had wine, that's how it goes. We had a great time.
(4)
Marian C.
Charcuterie Platter: MMMM.. the pate! yum yum... but only good w/bread.. the terrine was flavorless Artisanal Cheeses & Fruit Plate (happy hour speical... only 2 pieces of cheese??) Steamed Mussels (yummy sauce) Coq Au Vin Rouge (braised chicken, carrot, potato, onion, bacon.. really good as well) Overall, had good food in a beautiful old-style bar/restaurant. lovely multi-colored lamps to gaze at while wining and dining.
(4)
Keegan S.
For what Barbette lacks in size it makes up for in the atmosphere and menu items. Although some may see the crowd as a bit pretentious at times this is a great place to have a low key dinner or more intimate happy hour with some friends. Some of my favorites would have to be the nicoise salad and the left bank martini. In the summer they set tables up along the sidewalk which is great for the warm summer nights. Seating outside is pretty minimal however so I would recommend making a reservation or sipping on a few cocktails if you're willing to wait.
(4)
Sarah J.
I start to get happy when I walk in the door. I think the lighting or the paintings or the shape of the bar agrees with me. This place is not to be missed as a hang out. The food food is a little bit expensive, so I don't go for dinner. But brunch is reasonable and tasty. Service can be touch and go on weekend mornings (well, all the time) but if you can actually get a table, the food is yum. What's earned Barbette it's place in my heart though, is the late night happy hour. After 10pm, you see, there's $3 beer, wine, and often champagne (which I love) and $5 small plates like their dreamy pomme frittes + aioli, mussels, cheese, olives, and the like. I know other places do late night happy hour, but Barbette is made for the night. It's comfortable but romantic. I actually bike here from Northeast sometimes - a half hour ride each way is a commitment when you have work in the morning and the night starts at 10. Be sure to check out the art along the side wall. It changes every few months and is often pretty good. I've met some nice folks at the bar on solo trips. It seems to be very GLBT friendly to boot. What a place!
(5)
Keshar N.
Barbette is definitely one the better places to go in Uptown. It's a very casual yet sophisticated bistro with a lot of old world charm. The waitstaff is very helpful and friendly, and the menu doesn't disappoint either. I had a delicious pasta dish with fresh snap peas, fresch ricotta cheese and a delicious garlic sauce. Wonderful! My boyfriend had their special beef dish and also loved it. We ended our meal with their raspberry sorbet and it was the perfect ending to our meal. I would say of all the Chino Latino-esque restaurants in Uptown, Barbette serves up something refreshingly comforting and familiar.
(4)
Lea S.
Kudos for making delicious toast and potatoes! The ambiance of the place was spectacular. Also the guy that set our plates and silverware down was a fox, so that is a way to start your day off pretty sweet. Am I right ladies!? Ok forget the ladies, this place was still very delicious, and properly priced. The staff was attentive, and they served diet coke in a can. I will definitely go back, and probably brush my hair next time before going.
(5)
Flummerie Junket L.
I've been here in past and quite enjoyed the french fries as well as the outdoor seating but I won't be going back any time soon. I refuse to willingly let a restaurant gouge me as Barbette did today. I ordered the fruit bowl which for 7 bucks got me 1/4 of an apple, 1 strawberry and 4 grapes (one of which was rotten) and I paid an additional $30 for 2 lemon drops!! WHAT THE FECK? I've lived in major cities all my life and never paid $30 for 2 lemon drops in the middle of the afternoon. The funny thing is, I ordered the bowl of fruit so what would a cup got me? 1 strawberry for a fiver. No fanks! Yeah outdoor seating is great but so is my rooftop and a bottle of vodka. I say BOSH to restaurants taking you for everything you have. I don't mind paying a little extra for great food but this wasn't worth the little extra.
(1)
Nicole P.
The perfect bistro for a Sunday brunch. Warm and inviting, eclectic decor and a menu to make any chic French lady say ooh la la! We were seated right away when we arrived around 11 and offered deliciously strong cups of coffee by our server (who was excellent, by the way). I am an indecisive person by nature, but the menu at Barbette was pulling me in one direction then the other. French toast? Omelette? Crepes? They all sounded divine, but I settled on the chicken hash and vowed to return to try the others before I had even tasted a bite of Barbette's cooking. I expected to receive a heavy, skillet browned hash of mostly potatoes, but what I received was infinitely better. The smoked chicken was balanced with coins of fingerling yukon golds and tossed with slivers of asparagus, kernels of corn and bright green beans all nestled in just enough warm chicken broth to sop up with a slice of baguette. Atop the hash, two perfectly poached eggs that dribbled golden yolks down the mountain of hash beneath like the lava of a warm eggy volcano. It was heavenly - hearty, yet light at the same time and I was completely satisfied, without feeling overstuffed. I imagine that eating food like this is what helps French women keep their slender figures. My next visit to Barbette can't come soon enough!
(5)
Tiffiny C.
Beautiful little spot, feels very French in a lowbrow/sexy way. Great savory pies, French Roast coffee, and as everyone says, a great late night menu ($5 for a 1/2 lb of steamed mussels!). Their current "Tasting of Peaches" dessert is amazing as well, which consisted of peach jellies, peach-infused honey, half a peach with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on-top, and a tiny peach shake. Great sexy waiter on top of it all. Clearly, you just can't go wrong with this place. GO NOW.
(5)
Lisa H.
Another wonderful dinner at Barbette! Food for thought... I wish I could give it a 4 1/2 stars! Here's the thing about Barbette. Don't just go and order two entrees with water or diet coke. Barbette's dinners are meant to be savored. I recommend ordering a nice bottle of wine, appetizer, first course, salad and splitting an entree. That way you can enjoy a variety of dishes and take time to actually look forward to the next course. Soups are usually good too. If you like dessert go for the chocolate molten cake - decadent and delicious.
(4)
Liz E.
Delicious food. Great brunch. Tasty salads and egg dishes. Heirloom tomatoes in my omelette? Yes please. Great coffee and cappuccino. Eclectic, fun decor. It's the kind of Bohemian look that I love but could never execute in my own apartment. So why 3 stars? I've been here twice, and twice there has been something forgotten. The first time, my cappuccino never came. The second time, the fries (that were ordered as an appetizer for the table to share) eventually came, after we had finished our entrees. Our waitress didn't ask if we still wanted them (no), just explained that there was a back up at the fryer. Um... ok... Otherwise, a great place.
(3)
Christina P.
Oh me, oh my... Barbette you warm my soul! A quaint but lovely spot in Uptown, this place embodies Europe and the food is amazing. Come for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks - you simply cannot go wrong. And gentlemen (or ladies), take note .. Barbette is perfect for a date! Bonus for the outdoor seating in the summer, and for those adorable lights outside too - how chic!
(5)
Emily H.
Barbette is absolutely a gem, a little french surprise in the bustling area of midtown. The restaurant has very dark lighting with a warm, casual atmosphere. The food was absolutely amazing. For a starter I had the herb-whipped brie which was delicious. I wish there was more baguette for the amount of brie we had, since I was practically licking the plate. For my dinner I had the pea and corn risotto, which took a while to get out of the kitchen but that's what I expected for a properly cooked risotto. The vegetables were fresh and sweet and the risotto was absolutely perfectly cooked. For desert we had the carrot cake because I had read rave reviews about on Yelp. Warning: the slice is huge! I shared it with another person and still had half the cake left over. I liked it as much as any other carrot cake, but was not wowed. I definitely want to go back to Barbette soon!
(4)
Clara K.
a bottle of vouvray + steak au poivre with pommes frites. can't go wrong with that!
(4)
Katy R.
I have special place in my heart for French cuisine. I've only eaten a proper dinner here a few times and I remember being happy afterwards. I'm usually here for drinks and amusements. The Charcuterie Plate is fantastic as is their Artisan Cheese & Fruit Plate. The mussels always hit the spot as well. In my opinion, this is a one of a kind place. Where else can you dip in for a drink and some French?!
(5)
Gerhart T.
Barbette, located in Uptown Minneapolis is a gem of a place. I have been to Barbette more that a few times over the past couple years for both lunch and dinners. Barbette models itself after a French bistro with an eclectic casual hip atmosphere. Barbette prides itself on it's use of local and organic ingredients. Every time I been there I have ordered a steak and every time it was amazing. As an experiment or ongoing evening out, the experience is worth the price. Another benefit is that you can walk over to Chino's for cocktails after a wonderful dinning experience. Enjoy your evening out. GT
(4)
Ariel K.
I feel guilty coming here anytime other than happy hour just because its so cheap during those selected hours: 5$ for a giant bowl of crispy pommes frites with a side of saffron aioli (the best in Minneapolis) and 5$ for the mussels (that's the cheapest I've seen!). Also there is half off selected alcoholic beverages. The place definitely has its flaws (I don't order anything else besides the pommes frites or the mussels). I've had a friend get food poisoning here which was upsetting, but I still come back for the warm decor with decorations that really do remind me of a quaint Parisian bistro.
(3)
Jolie V.
Great food. Fantastic drinks. Chill place, with wifi, and server is intuitive. I loved the French gimlet, & the intro to St. Germain.
(4)
Sean D.
I used to live super close with a few friends and would stop in for lunch or happy hour from time to time, had good food once the last 3 or so visits have left us asking why we bother. The service has always been poor at best. The only thing good about this place is the location
(1)
Monica M.
Their hollandaise sauce is killer, if you're a fan of such scrumptuous and creamy things. I would suggest getting their by 10:30 am on weekends to avoid the crazy brunch rush. Overall, I like the laid back atmosphere and funky collaged setting. And a quick glance at the wine menu was enough to convince me to return another time, perhaps to check out their late night plate specials.
(4)
Ajumma C.
If you love salt, then you'll love the food at Barbette.
(2)
Jen B.
I chose Barbette as a lunch spot for my bridal party on my wedding day. They were happy to accommodate a semi-last-minute reservation for a large group, and our server really took care of us. She was recently engaged herself and we chatted about wedding planning for a bit, which put me at ease on an otherwise hectic day (rain + outdoor wedding = crazy bride). She was so sweet and charming, and even brought us out a complementary slice of carrot cake to share. Awesome! Food was great - I had a spinach salad and we split an order of the fries. They are as addicting as I remember. And right as the meal ended, the sun came out - yay! Thanks Barbette for making my special day that much brighter.
(4)
Mieke V.
I'm sorry to have to write this but this place is a no for me. Atmosphere was nice but a waitress that doesn't know which way is up or down? I got a nasty case of food poisoning here. And, what's with serving chips with everything in the midwest?
(2)
Emma O.
I was looking around on Yelp for a place to take my best friend, who was visiting from New York, for brunch. This seemed perfect, and it did not let me down! We went on a gorgeous day and sat inside (because we had a bigger group, otherwise we totally would have grabbed a seat on the sidewalk). Everyone loved the kitchy cool decor and atmosphere. Th service was great and the menu had loads of options. I got the omelet du jour, which was ham, arugula, and ramps, and it was delicious. Others got the waffles, quiche, brie and herb omelet, Eggs Benedict, and french toast. All had nothing but good things to say about the food. I'm already anxious to go back with friends, and this time I'll also sample a Bloody Mary!
(4)
Maureen F.
This place is totally quaint and adorable. My friend and I were actually planning to grab drinks at another establishment but there was a long wait for a table. I am glad we wandered in here. I really had no intention of eating dinner, but we ordered some fondue as an appetizer. Not the best I've ever had, but flavorful with apples, bread and mushrooms.The dinner menu looked a little pricey for my taste, but I loved the atomosphere and the service. I'd come back again.
(4)
Erin C.
I love Barbette for its atmosphere and its happy hour. Perfect for a date, but the dinner is on the pricier side for a causal evening (entrees $17-$30). Definitely recommend the live music on mondays and the outdoor patio in the summer. Love the espresso fondue, the fries, and the wine. Leave the entrees unless you are looking to spend a bit more.
I have been here a couple of time for brunch now. I like the vibe of the inside and the nice option of sitting outdoors when the weather is warm. I didn't love my dish the first time (crepe with eggs and brie). It was just boring. I did very much enjoy my bloody mary though! The second time, I split the banana macadamia pancake and smoked chicken hash with butternut squash, shallots and eggs with a friend. I thought the pancakes were really good when I got bites with the topping. The bites without were a little bland. That hash though? DELICIOUS!! The coffee is good and refills are plentiful. Our waitress was very sweet. The table by the sun-filled window was nice, but I felt like an ant under a magnifying glass after a while. The unexpected sunshine was not the fault of the restaurant, but I wish there had been a solar shade or window open to help combat it. I don't like getting sweaty when I eat. So, overall, a three star experience, but the hash gets an A++/5 stars from me. By far, one of the best brunch dishes I have ever had.
(3)
D. L.
Barbette is a place that always delivers the goods, for me at least. I'm always happy and content when I'm here. Maybe it's because I'm ready to eat Frenchified food 24-7 but I'm not sure if there's anyplace else in the metro that offers such reasonably priced casual French fare with such great ambiance. And yeah, those happy hour specials are killer. Fries, charcuterie plate, mussels, all at a deal plus they have great drinks. I especially appreciate the late night happy hour as eating late or having a 2nd dinner is in my blood.
(4)
Brooke S.
mmmmm delicious delicious summery afternoon.....after a lovely walk around calhoun (did i just make a rhyme?) a little pim's cup in the afternoon....the evening ended way too soon... sooooo i'll stop rhyming now and spare all of you.....barbette is a great place for happy hour, early evening snack, dinner (although not my fave) or a late night cocktail and dessert. the fries are TO DIE FOR and come with a lemony fabulous aioli....their carrot cake is fantastical (pair it with a glass of viognier and i'm in a personal state of bliss) and their mushroom risotto is oh so silky and full of flavor...yum yum yum
(4)
Wade D.
Oh, wow. How can this be less than a five? Every time I'm in Minneapolis, Cafe Barbette is my first and favorite place to eat. Did NOT disappoint. One word: Short Ribs. ...okay, two.
(5)
Becca H.
What I love about Barbette is the way the sun comes in the windows as you enjoy a cup of coffee. I've had delicious brunch at Barbette a few times-- but the last time I had the most delicious french toast I have ever tasted. It almost brought tears to my eyes, and the Bellini is delicious.
(4)
Bo T.
I was disappointed with Barbette - most of our main courses were overseasoned and the fish was overcooked. I do like the vibe at Barbettes and outdoor seating options are nice, but I'm not sure I'd go back for the food. We also ordered the red wine mussels and it was blah. My advice - stick with white wine sauce for seafood.
(2)
Chanstay Y.
I had a good time here, but I really don't think it had anything to do with the restaurant so I can't speak much on the atmosphere or staff except to say that the music was loud for a slow Monday night. The drink prices were ok, but we stayed in the late night happy hour which was great. We ordered food twice to share and each time it was average. I would go back but only because it was cozy and we were able to sit and enjoy ourselves for a couple hours.
(3)
Amy L.
Decent, but the entrees are overpriced for their quality. I used to enjoy a tiny place in SF called Chez Maman that serves similar dishes. They used higher-quality ingredients, were made better, and cost about half as much. That said, the servers nice, and the atmosphere is great. I'm going to continue going there, and I'm looking forward to checking out their happy hour.
(3)
Peter G.
Barbette's a great little restaurant on Lake Street with cliched fin-de-siecle French decor and decent overpriced food. If you're a complete tool bag you should take your next date here, but if you want to be easy on your wallet and your image grab a group of friends and come for happy hour with $5 hors d'oeuvres on a snowy day. Parking in back is sometimes full but if you don't want to pay a meter you can sneak into the Lund's lot a block away.
(4)
Zeb C.
If I could give 20 stars, I would. It's amazing. There's nothing I would change, it's perfect. The food is inspired and fun, the drinks are the right price and the service is always friendly. I can take a vegetarian with me and be proud of their dinner.
(5)
britta c.
I have only been here for breakfast, but it was wonderful and I am excited to return for dinner or happy hour!
(4)
Jason C.
I went at night after spending the day walking around the Mall of America. The service was great and the food reminded me of what I could get back home in the SF Bay Area (at SF prices! Ouch.). There was a nice band playing too.
(4)
Kelly M.
Barbette is my favorite restaurant in Minneapolis. Here is why: inexpensive Rhone wine, wonderful decor, frites, crepes, espresso, mussels, Lillet and fondue.
(5)
Steve U.
i've had something of a love hate thing with barbette over the years. it was a reliable source for a crack infused baked macaroni for me for a while there, but i've found that the overall quality has waxed and waned. one thing that is consistent is the level of cool exhibited by the staff. they are cooler than you and this is reflected in the service. you best have your hipster face on if you want to have good service. a feat i've rarely managed to accomplish.
(2)
Sarah B.
Like the atmosphere and the outside seating in the summer (definitely wouldn't enjoy THAT particular part right now...!). Also like how they let me customize my brunch by adding spinach to my Eggs Benedict! :) Will definitely be back for brunch again!
(4)
pepper r.
Mussels, pommes frites, happy hour, outside seating in the summer and cozy indoor seating in the winter. Good for date night to family night. Love, love, love!!!!
(5)
Anonymous N.
Me likey. I've never had a bad experience here. Is the food the best in Mpls? No, but better than enough, and the menu changes regularly so there's plenty of reasons to keep going back. The prices are reasonable. The staff is generally quick and professional. The atmosphere is cozy without making cozy a euphemism for "crowded." Overall, you can count on barbette to deliver a nice evening.
(4)
Amy B.
Barbette is a very interesting restaurant. I went as part of a girl's night/birthday party. We had reservations, and our table was ready when we got there. Tasty selection of wines. Cozy atmosphere... a little dark. Our server was prompt and attentive. However, he was comical because we would ask what he'd recommend or what his opinion was for a particular entree, and his reply would always have "nice" in it. I'm really not an "artsy" person so that wasn't helpful, you know? Just tell me: delicious or not? Ha! We all got a different dish, and everyone really enjoyed their food. Small portions and unique ingredient combinations for a higher price tag. The bad news? We waited over an hour for our food.
(3)
Jasmine M.
This review is only for late night happy hour. Really, one of my favorite things about Minneapolis-the kick ass happy hours here. In NY, there is no way, I could have a 4 dollar glass of cab/malbec that actually tastes good along with a huge cheese plate with fruit and bread that is also quality. There is no way I could get a big plate full of pommes frites, mussels, or terrine all for 5 dollars and in a nice bistro bohemian warm atmosphere. Barbette does make me feel like I'm in Paris or NYC, and not in Minneapolis. 5 stars for the transporting experience and the incredible happy hours.
(5)
Jennifer K.
I went there once, and should give it another shot-maybe. I got some kind of a frittata or something-I don't even remember. Cute place, but wasn't too impressed with the food.
(2)
Jenny R.
came here for brunch on a saturday morning, and while the food was not amazing, the atmosphere and the decor was fantastic. i'm not from minneapolis, but if i were - i would make sure to come here on a date with my non-existent boyfriend. with all the hanging lanterns and small tables, it seems like it would be a very romantic spot in the evening. food-wise, i had my usual of eggs, bacon, and potatoes. it wasn't bad, it wasn't great. my friend and i also ordered a "small" pommes frites...we didn't even put a dent in it, but they were fabulous.
(4)
Erin B.
Always fabulous - a small menu of amazing dishes that are all lovingly prepared. Service is genuinely friendly - never negligent or overbearing. The atmosphere is relaxing and warm. If you're on a budget (which we often are), one of our favorite dates is to go to Barbette and share a Fondue au Fromage - slices of bread, apples, a beautiful clean white mushrooms for dipping in cheese fondue.
(5)
Ryan D.
Bring your appetite and your checkbook. The food is french and expensive. If you drink enough of the Belgian ales all your cares will diminish and you can savor the flavors without any guilt. If you want to check out the menu without any big committments, grab a quick bite...the pomme frites and a glass of beer/ wine should fill your sufficiently. The food is spectacular the atmosphere is truly cozy ( hand dishwashing anyone). Come prepared for downtown prices and you shouldn't have any sticker shock.
(5)
Mary Z.
Eight friends recently enjoyed the Monday Night PreFixe, with some of us selecting items from the menu. Food was marvelous, service was fantastic, and we all had a wonderful time.
(5)
David U.
I dig. Barbette is a great place to start and/or end the day with a small group/date. With Barbette a block from where I live, I have finished many nights back in the hood w/ the olives, pommes frites, and dessert. The food was good, and with Landon Schonefeld (previously of Bulldog NE) joining as chef, I am sure the food will be even better.
(4)
Lacey P.
This restaurant only gets a star for its atmosphere. I went here for Sunday brunch because supposedly this place was so good and voted best of the City Pages. I vote it best place to regret going. We waited an hour for our food, and when we got it it was bland. They had no hot sauce, no tofu to replace eggs and no dressing or anything else on the "salad" that accompanied our tasteless crepe. The fancy side of potatoes was really just hash browns. It was horrilby overpriced, and disappointing. We won't be going here again. Boo hoo. I had such high hopes.
(1)
Ann G.
i went for brunch on saturday around noon and was pleasantly surprised! their bunch menu is $10 or under and they have a list of wonderful brunch drinks! it was a great place to meet up with friends and chat for a couple hours.
(3)
Severin S.
Love it! I've dined all over Europe and the U.S. and Barbette's lunch salads are the very best. The prix fixe was top notch and dinner is always terrific. Fun, classy, with a touch of uptown.
(5)
Judd S.
This is by far my favorite resto-bar in all Minneapolis-land. Why? Well, they do everything right - good wine and beer selection, every comestible I've had has been quality, and the atmosphere gets 6 stars, especially for Minneapolis. Open late, lively with a good chill crowd, and they are one of the few places that understands design. This town doesn't seem to get sidewalk cafes. Most places have these horrendous Home Depot backyard dinettes stuck out on the sidewalk. The seats make you sink back like you are semi-reclining, the metal hurts your posterior, and the damned holes in the tables cause whatever you spill or drip to land right on your pants. Here at Barbette the outdoor space is straight out of Paris. Small, charming cafe tables made of wood and painted different colors. String lights hung above the trees. Dark and intimate. The inside is done just as competently, as are the frites. Truly 6 stars.
(5)
Jonathan R.
Been here four or five times, for a variety of purposes--lunch, dessert, afternoon munch. I like it every time. The croque monsieur and other cheesy grilled sandwiches have been quite tasty, and the salads and soups are consistently filling and a little fatty without being unhealthful. Fries are great. Sitting at a sidewalk table on a sunny day will make you feel very happy to find yourself in Minneapolis.
(4)
Victoria H.
Delicious! Delicious delicious! I've never had something I didn't love. Expensive, yes, but delicious! Loved our server every time, she's very professional, and the wine is good. The late night happy hour house wine is also good and they have one of the best burgers anywhere! mmm! My only comment would be that they should turn up the lights, because not only does it always look closed from the outside, but it can be a little too dim for good group conversation on the inside.
(5)
Joy M.
I loved this place! We went for appetizers and got fondue, fries and this awesome gnocci with shrimp. It was all so tasty and I left feeling fuller than I've felt in a looong time. I love the atmosphere and our waiter was super speedy and the most friendly waiter I've had anywhere in the Twin Cities (I've been here for 9 months and have never met so many mean people! Yeesh!). We'll definitely be going back!
(5)
Robynn D.
Fun atmosphere, the food was so-so. I ordered the scallops which themselves were wonderful, but the side items were very blah and boringly presented on the plate. I tried the Panna Cotta for desert which tasted ok, but had a strange gelatinous texture, more like pudding. Service was very good.
(3)
Christine W.
Stumbled upon this place while on vacation! Very nice decor inside and cute tables outside. Had a nice dinner consisting of the Pomme fries, get the large! They are SO GOOD! The asparagus risotto with prawn shrimp was delicious! Just the right amount to be satisfied and it was not heavy at all! The service was prompt and attentive!
(4)
Mindi D.
I came here for breakfast/brunch and was very underwhelmed. To begin with, when we walked in, the hostess was very rude. The place was pretty busy but she didn't/couldn't even give me an estimate of how long the wait might be...so we just sat at the bar with a group of five. I regret that we didn't just leave at that time. It took about ten minutes to even get waters at our table. Then, our group ordered the waffle with lemon curd and blueberry compote to start (and share) and that was the high point of the meal. The waffle arrived quickly, and was delicious. For individual meals, we ordered the organic eggs/potatoes/bacon, the vegetable hash, the organic poached eggs, and the brie and fine herb omelette. The eggs, potatoes, bacon, and hash all were very, very ordinary and it would have been cheaper to make those meals at home on your own. The poached eggs both in the dish and on the hash were overcooked, and the yolk was not runny at all. If you order the organic poached eggs, be ready for a salad as your meal, with two small poached eggs on top. Additionally- the food took 30 minutes to get to our table from when we ordered. I will mention that someone found hair in their dish, but when we told the server, she was very responsive and apologetic and quickly brought a new dish out. She also comped the dish as well as the waffle- that was excellent service, and the kind of service we expected from the hostess at the very beginning. I won't come back here for breakfast.
(2)
Sam L.
Great atmosphere and great service - but portion size can be a tad larger. Coming to visit Minneapolis has its pros and cons. There are restaurants that give you American gigantic portion sizes, and then there are ones that starve you for the same price. Barbette is a bit on the latter end, even though it was probably better for my health. For Sunday brunch, my friends who live locally recommended Barbette and immediately we all spoke about the great open atmosphere. While the waiters/waitresses were busy, they still tend to every request and questions throwing their way. I specifically ordered the seasonal hash with roasted chicken, while my partner in crime ordered an omelet. The seasonal hash looks big, but there's a good amount of 'juice' that's on the bottom (don't ask me why there's juice in a hash). They tasted okay but we ended up chomping on chips by the time we got back to our car. Don't worry, our BMI isn't through the roof, it's just the portion size could be 30% larger for the price. Hopefully my local friends will try Barbette a few more times and find out its sweet spots - we just happen to be hungry after spending $28 (for the two of us), and there's no excuse for that.
(3)
erin c.
Ate here while visiting for work. Two stars for cozy old-timey decor and the server accommodating my request to change an order last minute, oh and for the waffle with lemon curd and blueberry compote which was delicious (and a good latte). Otherwise, I got the vegetable hash which was very oily and a small portion- tasted like an amateur homemade dish. My friend's ham and cheese omelette was pretty basic despite the fancy description, and took so long to come out that my food and the waffle were done by the time he took his first bite (and I waited as long as I could!). Was pricey for being underwhelming. I've paid less for better here in the food mecca of the Bay Area.
Barbette was disappointing. Mostly because of the service and cleanliness. The food was tasty. The decor was cute/flamboyant but dirty. There is one bathroom total and it is disgusting. THe service was weird. I waited for several minutes before being acknowledged, blah bah blah.... over not welcoming. They were not busy. The parking is street. I had the special - the lobster tortelli (made up word?) and it tasted good. The esprsso cremem brulee was also good. I won't come back here.
MN colleagues chose this place during our Nov visit and we were WOWED! loved it. very eclectic and hip vibe and the food is AB FAB making for difficult decisions on what to choose. Warm olives with red wine to start followed by Gnocchi with brussels sprouts was divine. i would def dine here again - street parking was easy and convenient. although pricey - worth it!!!
(5)
Erin A.
Went for breakfast. The food was very good, and the eggs very flavorful. I got the buckwheat crepe and it was very tasty. At first I was a little surprised, as the brie flavor was a tad overwhelming, but then I paired it with some of the apple and it blended perfectly. The lemon ginger scone was a perfect texture, and paired well with my jasmine green tea. Portions were a good size, but if you're starving may be a bit on the small side. The only down was the side of bacon ordered came out WAY too overcooked. I love crispy bacon, but this was charred and dry. My fiance got the braised lamb eggs benny and was very happy. I tasted the lamb and it was perfectly cooked. Bravo, Barbette! What I really enjoyed was the lack of wait. We were able to get a table for four within minutes at noon on Sunday. BONUS: Free parking at the meters on Sunday.
(4)
Bonnie H.
I used to meet clients at Barbette frequently, but unfortunately I encountered what another here has deemed "pretentious service." The last time I was there my client, who is a fairly recognizable expert in his field and a lovely older gentleman, and I waited for quite some time to be noticed. We weren't sure she had seen us and politely waved to which the rude response was "yes I know you're there". Another twenty minutes to get a cup of coffee with only 3 other tables in the room and when asked if she remembered the order, this server literally rolled her eyes at us. We were quite embarrassed by this person's rude behavior. The rest of the meal was unpleasant to say the least due to this person's attitude. What sealed the deal for me was the unanswered email sent to managers explaining the incident. Barbette is good food, overpriced but people like it for the ambience so I was a frequent patron with my clients. I had always had a wonderful experience at this restaurant, but unfortunately one bad apple did indeed spoil the whole bunch and they lost a regular customer. A response to my complaint would probably have rectified the matter but sadly they did not seem to care.
(2)
Zehr S.
Super small and noisy , not cozy; noisy as a circus :-( Dinner Menu is laughable, is this really french? did the chef or all these 4-5 star reviewers know anything about French cuisine???? or ever been to France at all? I'm a HUGE HUGE fan of French food, but this would be a HUGE disappointment!!! Wine list is mediocre Sigh :-( PS. I found that people in Minneapolis are super generous with their ratings. almost everything, anything got 4 or 5 stars....:-( Do they get paid to write their crap or what????????? Some stupid "Bob, G" sent me a compliment saying "what a dumb review". I think you are a dumb ass, Mr. Bob G. You might as well use this time and effort to read a real French recipe book or cook some dishes for yourself. Get yourself educated!! Cheers!
(2)
Ashley M.
I went into Barbette with higher expectations, but just had a mediocre time. I took my bf here for his birthday, and was expecting a quieter, more romantic ambience, or at least something fun, but just ended up with a crowded, noisy atmosphere. The menu wasn't very French-inspired... my bf ended up ordering Nori Yellowtail, and I got the mushroom tart and a tomato bisque. The tart was pretty good, but a bit too buttery and rich for my tastes. All in all, not really what I expected. :|
(2)
Jeannine D.
I feel so silly for not having tried this place sooner. What wonderful ambiance, drinks and food! And they have private parking? It doesn't get much better than this. I'd avoided this place on the weekends because I'd heard that it was always so packed. I was lucky today -- I'd left another brunch spot because there were no tables available. It was 1PM on a Sunday, brunch prime time, so I was prepared to go back home and settle for PB&J or cereal. BF suggested we stop by Barbette. There were tables available!! After our fabulous and reasonably-priced meal, we decided that this is our new fav weekend brunch spot... Love: Private parking Kitschy decor Treehugger coffee with nonfat dairy milk (sub for soy) Service Smoked chicken hash Didn't love: Coffee creme brulee (the custard was still warm and wasn't fully set)
(4)
Carolyn B.
As anyone who has read a few of my reviews knows, I am always on the lookout for places where I can get a high quality, creative vegetarian meal. I was happy with my meals at Barbette and hope they continue to be veggie-friendly. I was excited to see that Barbette seems to have a stable vegetable tasting plate. I thought this might be a combination of some of the sides, but it literally was a plate of a bunch of different kinds of vegetables. They were good, but basically just veggies sauteed in butter and light herbs. I hear that sometimes it is olive oil. Is it something I am going to crave and want to spend ~$20 on in the future? Probably not. Is it a nice gesture and decent execution? Yes. I went back the following week with an out of town guest and tried the risotto. One of my veggie beefs is when a nice restaurant's only vegetarian option is pasta or risotto. However, this asparagus risotto was really good--creamy and flavorful. Made me think again about my anti-risotto sentiments. It was preceded by a delicious beet salad and followed with a nice carrot cake, making it a very satisfying meal. On a side note, I didn't think there was much "french" about the menu. It was a relief to me, because I typically don't care much for french food, but someone seeking traditional french food would likely be disappointed.
(4)
Lucien F.
This has been my favorite breakfast spot in Minneapolis going on about 10 years I think. So this review is breakfast/brunch only. In terms of ambiance, It has the perfect mix of the Parisian cafe and Uptown Minneapolis diner. It's always busy but there's never a wait over 5 minutes (how do the DO that?) for a party of two or four. The food is VERY good. and somehow it just always seems light and fresh. The coffee is the best I've had in the city, the frites and the saffron are amazing, and the soup of the day is typically just short of a religious experience. Lastly, as a person with young kids....I must say that this place has some sort of magic that allows kids to go there and totally fit in and behave appropriately. Not sure how they do that either. Not that there are tons of families at Barbette but they are scattered in there and it totally works.
(5)
Chelsey E.
My husband and I used to live a block from here. We would stop in a lot for late night happy hour to get raw oysters on the half shell. My husband LOVES them, we live in Fargo now and every time we are in MPLS he hasssss to stop in here to get some. I love the little sidewalk seating in the summer.
(5)
Matthew S.
Our visit to Barbette was frustrating for everyone involved, but no more so than the staff. We settled in to this funky spot in lovely Uptown on a recent visit and it was just what the doctor ordered: a bustling small space cranking out thoughtful, delicious food. We snagged one of the few empty seats in the place, at the bar, and ordered up some coffee. I dived into my delicious cappuccino, brought by our lovely friendly server, who was running her butt off behind the bar, and we settled in. And waited. And waited. With just a few hours left before we had to hit the road, we were anxious to spend some more time in the city. As our wait hit the 30 minute mark, we remained patient and didn't make a fuss, but the team of attentive servers began to take notice. They were clearly swamped, and we heard some chatter about staffing challenges because of the July 4th holiday. Three different servers checked in with us, apologizing on their way to see just what the heck was going on in the kitchen. Finally, one of the servers went into the kitchen and starting running the show. We were in earshot and heard him barking out orders with a courteous but urgent tone. We learned that our choice of a waffle was contributing to our delay, since apparently there are only two waffle irons available to crank those out. When the food finally arrived, it was delicious, if not worth the hour wait. We picked a couple of favorites from the Yelp reviews: the waffle with lemon curd and blueberrt compote, and the chicken hash. That pesky waffle wasn't piping hot, so who knows what happened there, but it was delicious, the toppings a touch of gourmet over just any old waffle. The chicken hash wasn't exactly what we expected, but in my opinion, it was better. It was delicate and flavorful, with thin slices of potato bobbing in a light chicken broth with broccolini and chunks of chicken that actually tasted like chicken. It wasn't characteristic of your typical hearty brunch, but it was a perfect companion to the waffle in the sweet and savory brunch derby. We ended our long stay with our drinks being comped, which included a few extras we ordered to help pass the time, and a constant stream of heartfelt apology. We believed them, and knew it wasn't their fault and clearly not typical. No foul. A great breakfast in a great neighborhood in a great town! Thanks Minneapolis!
(4)
Mon P.
Breakfast review I and my mom are not a big fan of European/ American greasy breakfast, but we saw that his place has salad with crepe for breakfast, so we thought we'd give it a try. Upon entering, we thought that the place looked so eclectic and fun. It was still early in the morning so we were greeted and seated immediately. Our server was nice and attentive. We ordered a peach scone, and a plate of buckwheat crepe with scrambled eggs, herbs, brie and strawberries. The scone was kind of dry, but it had great flavor. The crepe was good, but the filling was kind of bland. The mixed green salad that came with the crepe though was really good. The dressing was very tasty. Overall, it was just ok. I'll be back for lunch and dinner though but probably not for breakfast.
(3)
D B.
We have been here a numer of times in the 5+ years we have lived here, experiencing the tweaking of the menu by each new chef (and there have been a few). The first time was the best, and now I think we are done. Barbette just does not compute for us. We SO want to like it, like we did the first time, but it doesn't add up. We come here for the bistro atmosphere, the local/organic food, and what used to seem like a pleasing and affordable night out. What is no longer computing for us is the prices for what we are getting. An average of $24+ for a dinner entree, a glass of wine, and perhaps a desert + tip and we were easily at $90 for the night. We are so done paying top dollar for a casual night out with food that when we leave we say 'eh...wasn't worth it'. Barbette is the type of place you want to go for a casual night, with your family or friends, not spend white tablecloth prices for so-so food and service. What's happening here? There seems to again have come a point when eating out in Minneapolis is costing more than New York or San Francisco and the justification just isn't there (good food, livable wages, be damned - it's Minneapolis for goodness sakes!). I just ate at Tender Greens in SD and had essentially the same style meal and the same atmosphere for half the price. Is it me, or is Minneapolis quickly forgetting we have been in a recession? I will pay good money for a good meal, but somewhere we have to draw a line.
(2)
J B.
My daughter turned 11 a few days ago. The thing she wanted was to eat, Mussels, oysters, and a charcuterie plate. We headed to Barbette, for their happy hour. Since it was not busy, we really got great attention paid to us, which made our daughter super happy. (I am in no way saying we would have gotten bad service if it had been busy.) Our waiter's name was Peter, and he did a great job making our daughter feel important., as well as providing great service. We had: mussels, oysters, pate, olives, and pomme frites. Because we came before 5, they did not have the charcuterie plate, which almost made her cry. So, we had our food, which was all very good. (I think the mussels could have had a little more flavor.) Then we walked around the area for awhile, and came back for the charcuterie plate. We sat outside and it was quite lovely. Our server was a woman with a pretty colorful skirt on. I had being those people that come and order one thing, but we told her our situation, and she treated us just fine. Our daughter wanted to try head cheese, so she was very happy it was on the plate. She didn't like it, but she loved everything else on the plate, and so did we. The chicken mouse was amazing. All in all it was a great time, and a great food, and a great experience. I am looking forward to going back and trying more items on the menu.
(5)
Jeffery B.
Reporting back to you in my quest for the perfect brunch... Me & the missus ventured to Uptown to check out the hubb-bubb surrounding Barbette. They immediately had two things in their favor: Reservations & reserved parking. We rolled in during prime time on Sunday and were immediately seated. Coffee & tea were nothing to write home to Yelp about. The smoked chicken hash, on the other hand, was amazing. Along with a fried egg - which, let's be honest, makes everything better - it rolled deep with brussel sprouts, turnips, potatoes & summer squash. Add that to the chicken batting clean up, and you've got yourself a great dish. Good on you, Barbette. See you soon... maybe dinner?
(4)
Melissa K.
Three words to describe the food...yum, yum and yum! Met my sister here for brunch this morning and the food was amazing. I had the french toast, which taste great. It had blueberries and a little powdered sugar on top. The portion was a little smaller than I expected, so I was glad I ordered a side of bacon. Btw, the bacon was thick and made just the way I like it...crispy but not burnt. My sister ordered the truffle eggs, which were very tasty. I highly recommend you try it! If I ever make it back to this place I'd order both and share with a friend. The only part of the experience that was unfortunate was the service. Though my server was really nice, she was slow in regards to refilling my coffee and water and then bringing the check. Give this place a try and support this local business!
(4)
Cindy D.
Cute little area and great happy hour! one of my favs...
(4)
Candace V.
Long wait for order to arrive. Inattentive server. Small portions, big prices. Not a good value for my money. Only redeeming factor was dining al fresco with outstanding people watching.
(2)
Katheryn A.
Drinks outside with mussels and pommes frites with aioli. Knock yourself silly!
(4)
Jonathan E.
Another great visit to Barbette. The free parking lot is a fantastic touch as always, and the outdoor seating is perfect for Minnesota summers. Our server, Don, was very informative and gave a us some great recommendations including the Kaffir lime & basil creme brulee (see photo) which was delicious and interesting. The truffle whipped brie was tasty as an appetizer, although you will probably need to ask for more than 3 slices of baguette. Mussels are always on point there whether it's the white wine sauce or basil lemongrass. It can get rather pricey if you are doing three courses, but considering the quality, ambience, great service, etc. it's definitely my favorite French option in the Twin Cities. If $32 for rabbit doesnt sound appealing to you, they have a fairly affordable lunch and brunch menu. Also, the mussels are $15 which is pretty darn good.
(4)
Kedar D.
I like the vibe at Barbette, and the urban-cool look and location of the joint. It's near a lake, it's in a relatively quiet area (except for the weekends) with lots of old homes and trees and just generally feels like a sidewalk cafe in some foreign country you're supposed to backpack through when you're in your 20s. I came late on a Tuesday to try their french fries, as I'd heard good things about them. The fries ($5) were okay, but not great by any means; some were crisp and some were soft and limp/soggy. Don't they have any quality control on one of their most famous items? The service was extremely friendly, smart and hip (I believe our server's name was "Ted"---thank you, Ted!). Supposedly Barbette can also make rudimentary vegan dishes if you call in advance; otherwise, the menu is sadly animal product-heavy, which negates any faith I might have in the place having a creative chef. Come to Barbette for the atmosphere and drinks, maybe. Probably not for the food.
(3)
Mariel L.
Hmph. I had a rather lukewarm introduction to Barbette, a much-lauded French-cuisine restaurant in Uptown (corner of Lake and Irving). I went for BFF reasons (Brunch Food Forever) with a couple of friends, and it was fairly easy to get a table. We tried the pommes frites, which is probably one of the let-downs of the meal. I was really expecting to be blown away; they did have the confidence to call french fries by its haughty french name. Alas, the fries were limp and oversalted. The aioli was delish, but it wasn't enough to overshadow the fries, which were also a tad too greasy. For the entree, I went for their buckwheat crepe with brie, scrambled eggs, greens, and strawberries, with a side of Pastures a Plenty sausage. The crepe was lightly done, and I really don't get too judgmental when brie is involved. Sausage was very delicious, three long links for $3. The ambiance was really nice, and I would actually like to try dinner at this place sometime, and hear the awesome live music I heard they have.
(3)
Mark L.
The mussels are to die for. In the butter garlic cream sauce....Wow Most nights you will find live music ranging from a two person acoustic set to a string quartet. It is a classy yet casual environment. Come early because the place is small. Great selection of french wine and vegetarian items. This is a rare find in Uptown and a great place for a date.
(4)
Monica S.
Went on a weekend trip to Minneapolis, and my friend researched places that looked good to eat at for the Saturday night we'd be there and found this place. It was wonderful!!! They had a reasonably priced prixe fix menu, and although I can't remember what the starter was, I am still thinking about that butternut squash ravioli entree I had! They were delicate, and creamy...you knew they were house made!! We also ordered some extra veggies- roasted brussel sprouts, YUM! Topped the meal off with a chocolate filled cake and ice cream. The atmosphere was lovely- dim, and with interesting art, and the live music was perfect - not overwhelming, as some places have. When I come back to Minneapolis, I would love to stop here again!
(5)
Attila S.
This is a consistently nice place to eat in all facets of service, victuals and libation, but is there a bread shortage at Barbette's? The three meager pieces of bread sawn-off a baguette that accompanied both the charcuterie plate and steak tartar were simply not adequate. Additionally, a larger swatch of mustard and more substantial pile of greens would better round-out the charcuterie plate. We had to request another helping of bread twice for these amusements. Of course that's nitpicking, but it's an annoyance that should not arise when emptying the wallet at this establishment.
(2)
Jim C.
Barbette is a staple in our rotation. Step inside the door and you immediately feel like you've been transported to a trendy French cafe. We often go for happy hour to have a drink and dine on the pommes frites with aoli and/or steamed mussels. The best part is soaking up some of the mussel broth with crusts of french bread. Be sure to try one of their cocktails that include St. Germain elderflower liqueur. C'est magnifique!
(4)
Lan F.
After talking to the hubs (first timer) into going to Barbette for at least an hour on a Sunday morning - I already had a skeptic on my hands. We arrived during the peak of Sunday brunch goers (not happy). We only waited for 10 minutes for a table (although there was seating at the bar). We ordered the pomme frites (very good) and the mussels with white wine sauce (amazing!). I got the quiche of the day (light and savory) and hubs got the lamb burger (perfectly done). We got so full and I totally forget about they had carrot cake on their menu. The waitress could read my eyes that I really wanted it. She talked us into getting it to go (so resourceful)! She brought it out and we couldn't resist at least trying it while we were there. All of a sudden the whole thing disappeared - seriously we have no self control! It was the best carrot cake!! It immediately transformed my amazing Barbette experience into an extraordinary experience. I was so happy with our service, everything we ordered, I cannot wait to go back! I am also happy to report that the hubs is now a big fan.
(5)
Kathleen R.
Oh, Barbette, you sultry little temptress you. Your drinks are lovely and a fine selection. Your interior is inviting and well styled. You showcase great bands that don't overwhelm the atmosphere. Your food is solid and location is nice. I like you.
(4)
Melissa C.
Here's what I've had at Barbette: wine, steak, steak tartare. But oh, do they ever do those things right. Their house wine is quite good (and relatively inexpensive). It's a great place to sit at the bar, watch people filter in, and enjoy a few glasses. The steak tartare. I'm a *sucker* for a beautifully-done steak tartare, and Barbette is about the best place in town for a fantastic steak tartare done right with all the trappings. Perfectly cooked egg with yolk oozing seductively onto your raw meat? Foodgasm. It was DELICIOUS and so worth it. The steak was cooked properly. Not a standout ah-mazing, you-gotta-go-here-for-it steak, but delicious and flavorful; so much so that I didn't even think about getting grumpy about the price. It was lovely. Plus, as others have mentioned, sitting at the bar and eating a meal is a total treat. The bartenders are attentive and pleasant (and one guy is really, really cute... not that that should matter, but *ehhem* I do like ambiance), and the bar-seating doesn't diminish the meal experience.
(5)
Matt M.
My wife and I have enjoyed breakfast numerous times, but dinner was not as good. Both entrees were overwhelmed with sweet corn . . . We will go back for breakfast but not dinner.
(2)
Prachee M.
Love the ambiance and decor. The waitstaff is attentive and friendly. But most importantly, the food is excellent. Specifically, all the fish entrees that I have tried are cooked to perfection. Outdoor seating and brunch is an additional bonus. They serve HOT coffee which always gets extra points from me. Salads served on the side for brunch are fresh, tasty and super-light. I tried a dessert the other night that I instantly fell in love with - it was bread pudding made with croissants. Raised bread pudding to a classy new level for me. A great choice for a special occasion. It can get loud in the evenings and make conversation difficult.
(4)
Kate L.
Stopped in last night to round out the evening for a night cap and...wait for it.....OYSTERS! Who really gets cravings for oysters? Me. And to my surprise it was easy to find a seat at the bar (for future reference, it was around 10pm). But there were, of course, plenty of people at the tables as usual. Before I tell you my order, I ask you not to judge me. You should know first, that I was accompanied by my Beau AND we were coming from a work function where I really didn't eat (too much talking!) So, I have a good excuse for what comes next... Vodka Soda (boring)....1/2 dozen oysters.....Small order of mussels....ANOTHER 1/2 dozen oysters. Okay, okay...the small order of mussels is 1lb....but that just sounds bad, so I'm sticking with "small". Hey...I skipped dinner!! The oysters clearly did not disappoint and the mussels were plump and in good shape. I don't know how they do it, but their white wine sauce for the mussels is so great! I will need to pick their brains on this one, because mine is not even close. You will want/need more crusty bread to make the most of it. So this update really isn't a review as much a testament to the oysters and the mussels (and how much I eat...sorry). And if you happen to see a couple with piles of oysters shells in front of them on your next visit, stop by and say hello! We would love to meet you.
(5)
Emily T.
I wanted to like this place because of the cute atmosphere and the prime location, but this place is way hyped. I sat down to wait for someone and ordered my drink, and told the waitress I would wait to order food when my friend came. She snootily replied that she couldn't serve to someone who wasn't here anyway- thanks. The other thing that turned me off was the prices. If you're going to have poor, slow service and snooty attitudes, you have NO business charging $19 per plate. In my opinion, it gets 2 stars because I liked the decoration. I did not like the people and probably wouldn't return unless I had to.
(2)
Amy S.
Although a French bistro is not the most "American" place to celebrate Independence day, I still thought it was a good idea and Barbette did not disappoint! We went for a late lunch and had the Croque Monsier, Oysters, and Royale (burger). The Royale was very flavorful and juicy. I liked that the mixed greens had a bit of dressing but was not over-dressed. The homemade chips were good. My only complaint was for such a hot day, the water didn't have ice cubes. Since it was so hot, we didn't feel like a cocktail and instead tried the hibiscus punch. It was quite refreshing and very tasty.
(4)
Laurie O.
Barbette is my favorite post shift late night spot. Getting off work around 10 and not ready to head home I love stopping at barbette for some late night happy hour. $5 glass of champagne goes perfectly with the happy hour steamed mussels and pomme frites. And if I'm feeling overly indulgent one of their many fabulous desserts to finish the night off. The staff is wonderful! This is one of the few spots I like going to by myself in the summer with a book for dinner.
(5)
Sam N.
Late night happy hour with live music. The prices were extremely good with a reasonable selection of beers on tap. A mussel plate for $5, unheard of. They were plump and good. When I visited, it was a bit understaffed given the number of people there. That made service a bit sluggish and stressful on the wait staff. Given the excellent music, fairly good food, and very reasonable prices I still would rate the place 5 stars.
(5)
Vivian O.
I had the opportunity to visit this place on my first trip to Minneapolis visiting a friend in February on a late Friday nite. I really loved the vibe of this place! The crowd was very Park Slope hipster. The decor seemed to be an interesting mix of rustic meets mid-century modern (I love both styles..so that was a plus). The place wasn't too packed when we arrived, but we opted to sit at the bar anyways. We split the steamed mussels and the molten chocolate cake - both were fabulous. They also had a great cocktail list as well. This will definitely be a spot to visit again when in Minneapolis!
(4)
Patrick and Jes D.
Good food, Decent wine and very tasty deserts.
(4)
Adam W.
Like so many have mentioned, there's a good vibe here. So nice to sit at the bar and share a glass of wine and mussels with a friend. Friendly bartender, and the mussels were so good we decided to enjoy a cheese plate. Note to self: return for late night happy hour (10pm-close Sunday - Thursday).
(4)
Dave G.
I was really impressed with Barbette. I went here for brunch on a weekday and had a great time. Service was excellent. The menu is large enough for you to find something you'll enjoy but also very unique so you can mix in some adventure. The beer selection is also quite good and includes a lot of local beers.
(5)
Nate W.
Great place for tasty food in a casual atmosphere! Definitely check it out. My wife and I went to Barbette for an early dinner and it was great in every apsect. 1. Food: My wife had the halibut and I had the arctic char. Both were delicious. I also recommend starting with the whipped truffle brie. Tasty!! 2. Atmosphere: Very casual. A lot more casual than expected as the booths showed wear and tear and things seemed a little worn. But it totally worked. It just felt cozy. 3. Service: Our waitress was great and very knowledgeable of the food. It reminded us of a bistro you would find in NYC and we will definitely be returning.
(4)
Jennie T.
Flawless! The ambiance is quaint, like a Parisian bistro, but with more elbow room. The service was excellent, the food spectacular. I had the Beet salad with wilted greens. it was perfect! I followed that with the Salmon special with beluga lentils, you rarely get salmon cooked this well, my complements to the chef! , my partner had the Pommes Frites as an appetizer and the Duck Cassoulet for her entree, a deconstructed version, it was nicely presented and delicious. the portions are appropriately sized and both of us were so full that we couldn't find room for desert, though we were tempted! Our waitress was wonderful, the perfect mix of warm, attentive and efficient. I can't believe we haven't been here before, but we WILL be back again, very soon!
(5)
Wesley H.
Came here on a Sunday night for a beer while we're biking through. We asked the hostess if we could sit on the bench just for one beer as it was very busy and no tables were open. She said it was ok and gave us a menu. We sat on the bench for 10 minutes while at least 3 servers passed us by numerous times. We ended up just leaving. I don't know if this was simple miscommunication or not, but ignoring customers repeatedly for 10 minutes seems unacceptable. I doubt I'll be back.
(1)
Esther Y.
Barbette is such a cute place! I went with a friend and we started with the beet salad (which was more of a salad with some beets sprinkled in it...not what I imagined, but still good) and the gnocchi. Both were really good. My friend ordered the white fish for her entree and I had the steak frites. Both of our meals were really good, as evidenced by our clean plates. We didn't have any dessert, as we were stuffed, but there were some things on the menu that sounded pretty good. The service was super friendly, nice, and attentive, and I think it would be a great happy hour spot if you lived in Minneapolis.
(4)
Siobhan W.
I went to Barbette for the first time on a weekend at around 12:30. I was expecting the lunch menu, but they only serve brunch on the weekends apparently. I had been intent on trying the lunch menu...so was disappointed. Since it's unavailable on the weekends, I probably never will get the chance. I ordered the cobb salad, which was not a good choice. The pomme frittes were good though. I shared the creme brulee with my friend. It was good, not amazing, but definitely good. Just FYI, everything served, including the salad could have been shared by two, maybe even three people!!! I had assumed a french restaurant would be serving small size servings, but I'm completely wrong. Service on a busy Saturday was excellent. Servers were lovely. Oh, and for a french restaurant, it's not a very romantic atmosphere. People are crowded closely together, so there is not much privacy for a couple on a date. Rinata Italian restaurant is a cozier and more romantic spot for lovers. Overall not sure yet what I think about Barbette. I think I'll have to try dinner next to get a more valuable impression.
(3)
H L.
My favorite brunch spot, but any mealtime here is great.
(5)
Kimberly T.
Barbette is a great place for happy hour & Sunday brunch. I went for breakfast this morning & had excellent food and service. I ordered the daily quiche which was onions, peppers, spinach & swiss. It was the size of a large piece of pizza & came with a small green salad. It was absolutely delicious! The entire menu looked delicious for that matter. Great atmosphere & a lot of food for $8. I look forward to coming back soon! *Check in on Yelp for HH drink deals!
(4)
Courtney M.
I used to like Barbette. The atmosphere is great and the food is pretty ok. The service is spotty, at best. But after learning that Barbette's new management has been firing some of their best employees, with no notice or sound reason, I will no longer be a customer. I do not care to patronize a business that does NOT value its employees or treat them fairly and with respect. Shame on you, Barbette.
(1)
Chad W.
One of my favorite restaurants in Minneapolis. The atmosphere is very comfortable, the cocktails are top notch, the service is uniformly good, and the food is exceptional.
(5)
Vivek N.
Outdoor seating: check Appropriate outside lighting: check Late night happy hr: check Friendly service: check Live music: check
(4)
Leigh B.
I go here almost exclusively for the late night happy hour specials. I really enjoy the small plates: the pomme frites come with the most delicious dipping sauce, the fondue is fun and yummy, and you can't go wrong with the cheese plate (especially if you get a glass of wine while you're at it). Some reviewers have complained about the service... while I personally don't have anything negative to say, I do notice that the wait staff seem to take a pretty hands-off approach. I love that they use locally-sourced and organic ingredients. I think this is a great restaurant to take a date.
(4)
Kent L.
Pretty good food, but this place has no business charging as much as they do, as Barbette lacks some key characteristics of a "fine dining" restaurant, most notably the ambiance (this place is loud and feels like a bar). Space is also tight. In addition to being expensive, I found the menu to be overly confusing (unless you really know your French food). Typical glass of wine will run $7-$9 Typical appetizer $12+ Typical entree $25+ In summary, Barbette is overpriced and feels more like a bar than an upscale restaurant. It is not a good place for a first date, as it is extremely loud. Total cost of our dinner for two was just over $100. For a much better dinner option in Uptown, great for a date, go to Amore Victoria, which will cost you half of a dinner at Barbette.
(3)
Zach S.
Stopped in to Barbette for Yelp Drinks for my happy hour this week. Cocktails were great, I tried their take on a Manhattan and my pal tried the Bloody Mary. Both get top notch reviews from us. The service seemed a little slow and it wasn't clear if it was because they were busy or if they were disappointed we only came in for a drink. Other times I've been here I've had no complaints. Brunch is always a good bet.
I love this place except for one thing: the service sucks. The food is wonderful. The space is original. The price is reasonable for the quality of food. But my god, the service is terrible. Not that they're not nice, they are. But holy slow. On my last visit we waited for an hour for our food. An hour!!! Go if you have an entire evening to kill and aren't starving. The food can be worth the wait, but only if you're in the right frame of mind.
(3)
Paul E.
Wonderful food (I had the Royale with cheese and the most delicious Pommes Frites). Wonderful waiting staff, and outside seating for the first 70º day in over 6 months. Wonderful!!
(5)
Melissa C.
I have always loved this place. It's a cute, quaint little spot with a warm and inviting ambiance and attentive staff. Great place to go for an after work Happy Hour and get great deals on small plates of delicious food. I have also had full dinners here and have thoroughly enjoyed them as well.
(4)
Katie R.
Barbette is probably my favorite restaurant in Minneapolis. Have had both brunch and a couple dinners here - all equally delicious. The Steak au Poivre is my favorite dish and I'm not a huge fan of steak to begin with. I also love the atmosphere. The sidewalk patio in the summer is perfect for winding down after a long day. I look forward to many more meals here.
(5)
Nicole N.
I was lucky enough to have lunch at Barbette for restaurant week, and I had the best time! I picked out a great french wine to pair with my delicious food, and then sat and sipped and ate in such a great environment. The music was spot on, my fellow diners were all having a great time, the food was good, my server was the sweetest guy in the world, and it was all enough to make me really feel as though I was sitting in a little French restaurant with hours to enjoy a meal. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Rachael L.
I've seriously experienced better. The reason for my low star rating is because it just simply was not a good value. My boyfriend and I went on Friday night and got seated right away without a reservation, which was awesome, however it did take about 15-20 minutes to get a waitress to notice us - it was almost like we were in no ones territory which continued throughout most of the experience. I eventually ordered the beet salad for an appetizer and then my boyfriend and I both got the pasta special and a glass of wine and we were starving after - and were both not very big eaters! There was hardly any food on our plates, we only got a couple bites of pasta! $78 later and we went to McDonalds across the street to finish our meal. Super disappointed and parking was really difficult too.
(1)
Marcela A.
I love this place. Every time I went there was a happy experience! Food is great, staff is great and the atmosphere is unique! The place is small Nd cozy. However, I just went there for brunch (many times) and late happy-hour (this used to be Our late night date spot when Joe loved in uptown). I love the mimosa and Bloody Mary, as I love the eggs Benedict and it comes with a side of salad. Everything is very well presented on your plate! For the late happy hour all small plates are great! Steamed Mussels, olive, cheese and fruit are some of them. Just grab a glass if whine (or whatever you like to drink) and you are ready! They have live music twice a week, which makes the date night complete! Great people, and great atmosphere!
(5)
Jody G.
My wife and I like going to Barbette for breakfast. French toast is great. We went for dinner on a Friday night and like the other reviews mentioned, the service was slow.....Not being in a hurry - it was no big deal....if you are in a hurry be prepared. Wine and steaks were very good.
(4)
Brian D.
Went to Barbette again last night and again it was remarkably good. My biggest complaint about vegetarian offerings at non-vegetarian restaurants is that there is always one vegetarian entree, maybe two, and they usually involve cheese. Last night there were two, one had cheese and the other, the soy glazed bok choy, was without any animal products at all. I had the soy glazed bok choy and it was wonderful. I am concerned about this because my brother is a vegetarian and I test out entrees for when he comes to visit. I think he would be delighted with the soy glazed bok choy. I certainly was. The kimchee in the dish was VERY strong and the bok choy was bok choy, which is usually somewhat bland, but when you est them together it is wonderful and I expect that is the correct way to eat it. My wife's duck breast was very nicely done, though I have to say that I didn't notice the skin and I usually notice if the skin is crisped the way it should be. Her acorn squash appetizer was very nice as well (my raw oysters were Malpiques and very plump). All in all, a very fine meal yet again, but please, someone, give the poor vegetarians another option that doesn't involve milk. As an aside, how about doing an All Hail Seitan dish?
(5)
Barclay W.
What a fun and delicious brunch! We came her with our newly married friend to say goodbye before she left for her honeymoon part 1. She would be gone for the rest of the time that I would be visiting. The food here is very elevated classic breakfast foods (at least for brunch). I did the buckwheat crepe with scrambled eggs, herbs, and brie. Cullen H. is right that it is like a breakfast burrito, only way better. It is like the breakfast burritos classier twin that you didn't know existed. They also have killer bloody marys. The best part of them was that they came with an optional beer back. The waiter had to explain that to us California people. I guess in Minnesota it is normal to get a small beer with your beverage. Why this has not made it to California is beyond me. Finally I think what really won us over was our waiter. He was sassy and fun. We were quite the table and he kept throwing it back at us in the best ways. He made us laugh, he made us smile, and he made the experience. I don't know if anyone that works there will ever read this and sadly we forgot his name, but we did write we had so much fun on the receipt.
(5)
Rachelle G.
Barbette was good, not great. Best part of brunch was the mixed greens tossed in a lemon vinaigrette that comes as a standard side with most meals.
(3)
Anna B.
This place is solid. My husband and I both love the steak frites. Thats really what we come here for. I think they increased their prices so not so happy about that but the food, service and atmosphere is great. The desserts are a little too American for my taste. Free parking in the back. Great place for a romantic date night.
(4)
Hawley S.
I got the pommes frites (limp and meh) the radishes (good, but you know, basically just radishes and butter) and the house salad (very 90's in that the dressing was weirdly sweet and lettuce was clearly just from a huge box of salad mix) and house red wine (good!) So: food is good but not great, and pretty spendy, but the ambiance of the place was so lovely that I'd totally come here again.
(4)
Bill H.
This was our first visit to Barbette. My brother knows that my wife and I like to try spots like this and he got us a gift card. Since he also threw in baby sitting (yes, my brother is just that awesome) we had some time to have an experience at Barbette, not just a meal. We started with some raw oysters and the truffle whipped brie. The oysters were absolutely perfect. Very flavorful, fresh and expertly prepared. I took them straight-up, but my wife enjoyed the wine vingar drizzled on top of hers. The brie was simply amazing. The texture and flavor were so delightful that I didn't want to stop chewing. I honestly could have just kept re-ordering the oysters and brie all night, but after this great start, we had to keep going. Next up was the tartare of the day, which, was beef. Another amazing dish. The presentation was so beautiful that it was almost a shame to tear it apart... though, that's what we did. The beef was course ground and went perfectly with the other little "amusements" that decorated the plate. I was particularly fond of the potato chips. We kept going down the menu and decided to split the mushroom risotto. It was perfectly creamy and didn't contain an overwhelming amount of mushroom flavor. It was another delightful plate. With the risotto we also ordered the Carr Valley Cardona Goat Cheese dish, which was yet another beautiful and tasty dish. The figs and honey went perfectly with the goat cheese. After all that, we were getting a litte full, but the cheeses stood out so much, we decided to end with the Artisanal Cheese & Fruit Plate and the Alexis Bailly Vineyards Solaris desert wine... and it was a perfect finish. Throughout the night, our server, Carolyn, was very attentive, keeping the table full of the great plates of food and our glasses full of fantastic drink. We did indeed have an experience at Barbette, and it was a great one.
(4)
Z J.
After our horrible Amore Victoria experience, Barbette more than made up for it. We walked in, we were seated immediately, they apologized up and down for our bad service across the street and got to work! We had gnocchi and risotto that were delicious, the brie and bread for a starter had a lovely contrast. Our server gave a very quick and confident wine pairing that was spot-on. SInce it was nearly an hour after I had tried to get dinner at Amore and I was starving and thirsty, I was very impressed with how quickly someone else made up for the experience. I am not a French food person but wouldn't consider this the usual, fussy and intimidating meal. It was approachable and fabulous. Thanks for rescuing our evening, Barbette!
Mmmmmm the lamb burger with goat cheese!!!! And I don't know what goes into the little side salad that goes with the burgers but it's magical, so simple but the most delicious! Love the decorations too :)
(5)
Michael L.
I had a disappointing experience at Barbette. The decor is cool and the menu is moderately interesting, and the place was lively (sat. night). The prices are high for what you get (small portions). But all that could easily still add up to 4-stars, if it was executed well, however it was not in my case. To get straight to the main complaint, 1. I ordered the grilled vegetable salad ($12). It was described as a large assortment of fall and winter vegetables served with a champagne vinaigrette and Brussels sprouts chips. I have never had Brussels sprout chips, I love roasted vegetables, I was looking forward to the dish. 2. It arrives as a small pile of lettuce with 2 miniature RAW carrots underneath and a light vinaigrette. PERIOD. No chips, no other vegetables, and nothing is grilled. I almost never send anything back, but this was not acceptable. If it was $3 maybe, $12? hell no. 3. I called the waiter and he says, "oh, I should have told you, we grill things very lightly here". Me: "Um, so lightly that they are still totally raw and almost frozen? Ok, well, there still should be more than 3 bites of carrots right? and where are the Brussels sprouts chips?" Waiter: "Hm.. I will ask." (comes back) "OK, they say that if you dig into the bottom, there are more vegetables under the greens." I dig and produce one cold miniscule flavorless piece of beet in addition to the 2 mini carrots. "Sorry, that's not good enough, and where are the Brussels sprouts chips?" Waiter: "Ok, I will take that back and I'll be SURE to get those chips on there!" 5min later: He comes back, the same salad, now with a few bites of tasteless raw squash added to the side, but now, no dressing! Utterly flavorless. And of course, no chips. Finally I just said "I'm sorry, but this is terrible, just take it off the bill, forget about it." Which he did, at least. Still, the fact that they remain proud of calling this a grilled vegetable salad and serving it at all nevermind for $12 is very disappointing. And the fact that he argued with me insisting that these were "lightly grilled" when they were plainly raw was also insulting. And the fact that the salad actually got WORSE the second time around, well, not good. The other dish we had was a mushroom risotto with truffle flavor that was very tasty. Pretty small portion for $18, but good. Other people had tomato soup which they said was very good. All in all, I hope I just had very bad luck and I would be willing to try Barbette again since I know it has a good reputation and I do like BLB and NE Social. But I'm in no hurry.
(2)
Molly M.
I've been to Barbette many times over the past few years and have never been disappointed. The steamed mussels, duck cassoulet and steak are great choices off the menu, and they have good nightly specials. Nice atmosphere for a date night. A little spendier than places in the area but worth it.
(5)
Stephanie B.
We ate here on a Sunday night. Oysters were spectacular, says oyster-connoisseur spouse. I had the salmon Niçoise salad, which was quite tasty. Salmon was nicely smoked. We shared a charcuterie plate, which included lamb bacon, trout rillette, prosciutto, and more. The accompanying Dijon mustard was lovely. The bread was delish - but I wish we'd had a bit more of it. Salad would have been perfect with a baguette slice or two. Dessert beignets were perfectly cinnamoned, and the chocolate sauce was tasty - and there wasn't too much of it. But they weren't cooked all the way through, which was a drag. All in all, quite good.
Last night we ate at this place, I was very pleased. The server greeted us within the first 3 minutes we were seated and water was broad out to us as soon as we set down. This is one of my favorite restaurants, food here is always good, on time, and there is consistency in the flavors (which is such a hard combination to find). I ordered two of my favorite appetizers "pomme frites" and "mussels," they came to the table 10 minutes after placing the order which was fast considering the fact that it was rush hour. The pomme frites were just perfect: crispy, warm, and no too oily. The hollandaise sauce they are served with is the perfect combination of flavors, there is no need for ketchup. Mussels are always a winner at this place, it is sooooo hard to find well prepared mussels. They were flavorful where you can taste the white wine, the garlic and the mussel itself, without having the fishy aftertaste in every bite. The ambiance at this place is always great, appropriate for a fun dinner. If you want recreate a memory from a previous visit to France or parts of Europe, this is the perfect place to go. I recommend going on a Wednesday night where there is live music. Service here is always good, so if you are looking for a place to feel welcome, get your food on time, enjoy delicious flavors and have a great time with the people you love, come to Barbette.
(4)
Abbie F.
I love this place! Brunch is simple yet delicious! Service is stellar. From beginning to end Barbette does an amazing job. I absolutely love the quiche and the greens that come alongside. I don't like going to the same place twice but Barbette is the exception!
(5)
Annalee T.
Blueberry lemon curd waffle. Be the envy of everyone at your table and get this insanely bomb, and comparably cheap brunch item.
(5)
Yolinda B.
Look, I've been here many times. All I can really say is your miliage will vary here. Some times really good, some times not so good. The mussels are usually good in the white wine. Chicken, salads, beef (aka steak) all up in the air depending on the day and the cook. Like the place, cuz its close and generally good, not cheap though.
(2)
Jon L.
Small, unique, inviting, and cozy. Our first impressions when stopping in here. Oh yeah, did I mention the heat? Holy broken thermostat, Batman. Even though it was mid-January, we disrobed to the appropriate comfort level and settled in to a small table towards the back restroom. More on that later . . . This was our second visit for brunch and I ordered the chicken hash and my wife got the quiche special. It was the daily quiche. Bacon, onion, spinach, and mushroom. While we waited, my wife sipped on her cup of coffee and we enjoyed the unique decor and personalized interior. Simple tables, french styling throughout and a bar. When you enter, there is a 3/4 circle gold table that seats about 8 that would be for a larger party, otherwise pretty standard seating. The food arrived quickly and we dug in. The hash looked like it had a couple of dollops of sour cream or something on top. It wasn't. It was the the eggs. I cut into them and the yolk spilled out all over the rest of the chicken and seasonal veggies. The taste of the dish was a perfect mixture of sweet and savory. The eggs complimented the dish perfectly. One mystery vegetable that we could not identify was a white beet. Never had one before and it was tasty. The only minor complaint that I had was that the dish only comes with one small slice of toasted bread. The dish could certainly use another to help sop up all the juicy goodness. My wife's quiche was just as good. Very flavorful and delicious. Great food at a great price. Oh yeah, the bathroom. If you think it is warm in the restaurant, just crank it up another 15 degrees in the restroom. They have a disclaimer in there that the landlord has not resolved the issue yet, which was appreciated, but it sure is annoying. We had a great time, the service was great (she was always refilling the drinks) and I am sure we will be back!
(5)
Julia T.
One of our favorite places. Great, reliable and consistent.. Whether it is a busy NY eve or a quiet snow day, the service and food and wine and cocktails are always very good. On New Years eve this year we arrived very late, I had the crud. The waitress brought me honey and lemon in addition to our order and was kind and attentive. A true neighborhood gem in busy Uptown. Ask the staff to recommend a wine and don't miss out on the fries and great cheese plate!
(5)
JD H.
How can you not like a place that promotes Sparkling Wine consumption around the holidays by NOT marking the bottle prices up from standard retail? Finding Pierre Gimonet 1er Cru Cuvee Brut in half bottle format for cheap made the night! Top that off with skinny pommes frites that could stand up to any bistro in France and this becomes a great little neighborhood spot with many more things going for it. An eclectic interior with an odd half-circle bar at the front generates conversation but also creates an obstruction to easy egress (a Feng Shui expert would have a field day with an entry hand-grenade here). Besides that, there are some really nice things going on here such as the focus on local farm product (such as lamb from Meeker County's Lamb Shoppe), house-made charcuterie and pickles (lamb bacon and pickled jalapeños!) and breakfast availability with a bar for those that work dog-watch shifts and want a cocktail with their eggs. I'm also impressed with the creativity of the kitchen staff (Frog-leg Risotto) and their ability to also maintain some French classics (Croque Monsieur, Steak Tartare, and on the night I visited, a seasonal Cassoulet). Definitely deserves a rating as a solid 4+ stars unless you do not like French-influenced food, a refreshing wine program with interesting selections, and good cooking (in which case you might want to check yourself for a pulse).
(4)
Jonathan M.
Nothing fancy except for the price. Food is ok.
(3)
Bert B.
Stayed with the Amusements: Mussels, greens, mixed a lamb crepe. Light and packed with flavors.
(4)
Paige S.
My husband and I recently attended brunch at Barbette. We both got Bloody Mary's which were delicious. They were made with horseradish, but we not even close to being too spicy. I got the waffles with blueberry compote and lemon curd, which was definitely the best waffle (and best price) I have ever had! My husband had the ham and gruyere omlette with a side of the rosi potatoes, which he both enjoyed. We live a couple blocks from this restaurant and will definitely be back!
(4)
Cullen H.
On a lovely Sunday morning earlier this month my wife treated her brother and me to brunch at Barbette, a restaurant that was previously unknown to me. From now on, however, whenever brunch is mentioned Barbette will likely be amongst my most aggressive of suggestions. In other words, I loved it! I ordered the buckwheat crepe with scrambled eggs, herbs, and brie. In my mind it was similar to a breakfast burrito, but way better, and with a simple but delicious side salad. The eggs inside were so fluffy and the crepe container was a treat. Cinnamon apples were a nice topper. My wife had a ham and Gruyere omelet and loved it. The few bites I had were tremendous. My bro-in-law ordered vegetable hash and unfortunately did not like it much. It wasn't exactly a hash, which I think was his main complaint. The hostess and waiter were both fantastic. The waiter especially seemed to love his job, and constantly flashed an infectious and genuine smile to his patrons. I love the location in Uptown too... not too hard to find parking, interesting people watching. Just a great experience all around!
(5)
Marissa C.
A friend and I wanted to try a new place in the uptown area for dinner, so after clicking through Yelp for a few minutes, we decided to try Barbette. We went fairly late on a Sunday night and there were maybe only 10 other people in the restaurant, but that's to be expected. We decided to share everything and ended up ordering way too much food, but here's my take on everything we ordered: Tomato basil soup: This was the soup of the day, and I usually avoid ordering tomato because restaurants tend to make it too salty for my taste, but my friend decided to order it and I am so glad she did. It was a creamy tomato which I prefer, and it was probably the best tomato soup I have ever had. Highly recommend it if it's available. Pommes Frites: I had read on Yelp that these were delicious so we decided to order them, but I was a little disappointed. Firstly, it was a mountain of fries that we could not finish alone (we even ordered the smaller plate), but the saffron aioli was delicious. The frites themselves, however, were kind of limp and stringy...not what I expected. My friend loved them though, so I suppose this may just be a personal frite preference. Herb Whipped Brie: Again, this had amazing reviews from my fellow Yelpers, but I was a little disappointed. Maybe I'm jaded in terms of my experiences with cheese, but I know good cheese when I see it, and this dish was ehh. It reminded me of eating herbed butter on a baguette, so it was still pretty tasty, but it was missing the bite I was expecting from the truffle. The reduced balsamic was a nice touch though. Mushroom Risotto: I believe they change the menu seasonally because online it only lists Sweet Corn Risotto, which was not on the menu as of Nov 10, but the mushroom risotto was amazing. Even after being pretty satisfied after all of the small dishes, this was still the highlight of our dinner. Possibly the best risotto I've ever had. Chai crème brulèe: It was actually as amazing as it sounds. Perfect for two to share. Cappuccino: Standard cappuccino. Not much else to add there. One final thing I would like to add - the service was great. Not that there were tons of other customers to divert our waiter's attention, but he was knowledgable about the menu and very nice. I ordered a glass of wine and he asked to see my ID which I did not have, and a few minutes later he started walking toward me with a glass of wine, then turned away and said "Oh, I am so sorry. I forgot about our previous exchange..." It was a little awkward, but not a big deal. Once we requested the check, however, he comped us the cappuccino in apology for the wine mishap, which was unexpectedly cool. Basically - good food with some items that shine, others that are average, none that were bad. Great service, nice atmosphere. Not what I would call "trendy," but a nice place to bring your parents when they're in town.
(4)
Megan E.
I've had both brunch and dinner here. After speaking with other friends who have been I can say that the service is consistently great. I have made reservations both times I have come so I can't speak to wait time. The food at both brunch and dinner has been great. I have had the steak frites and a brunch special eggs benedict with some interesting flavors that put a yummy spin on the classic.
(5)
J W.
Very good food and menu selection. Nice atmosphere and good service.
(4)
Bridget U.
LOVE this neighborhood gem! The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic date night if you cozy up to a table in the back or lends to an ultra-cool after work cocktail if you grab a bar stool. The servers are great and make really good recommendation so don't be afraid to ask! Top choices: French Fries (award winning), herb whipped brie (you will want to eat it all yourself but its rich so I suggest you share), any risotto and for brunch don't miss the truffle scrambled eggs. One minute tip: grab some of their tasty bubbles and discounted fries during happy hour!
(5)
Kevin K.
Best breakfast! Cool and chic spot with an affordable menu! Did the braised beef Benedict and it was delicious! Will be coming for more!
(5)
Johannah O.
A girlfriend and I had brunch there around 11 today (it's a Monday) and it was absolutely AMAZING! 1) I love any place that serves brunch every day of the week 2) the staff couldn't have been nicer 3) the corn beef hash special was to die for. I'd go here over a chain brunch place any day!
(5)
Marianna G.
My friend and I met here on a beautiful sunny Friday for lunch. We got prime outdoor seating, and enjoyed the scenery. I hadn't been here in years, so wasn't quite sure what to expect. Lo and behold, I had the best lunch I've had in a long, long time. Our waitress was fun and super sweet, and didn't pressure us to order + eat + get out like so many busy restaurants do. We both got the buckwheat crepe, chock full of roasted tomatoes, chevre, and spinach. It was the best crepe I have EVER had. What did you do to me, Barbette?! I crave this dish almost every day - thanks a lot. We both polished off our plates without a second's hesitation. We also got a side of fries, and, no surprise, they're oh-so-near perfection. They are perfectly crispy, perfectly salted, and come with a saffron aioli that complements the french fries deliciously and uniquely. Since I had to go back to work after lunch, I got the hibiscus iced tea. It was refreshing and unsweetened (just the way I like it!); my friend got a mimosa, of which I could only dream about taking a sip. If you want a pleasant, super tasty meal, definitely check out Barbette. The interior is reminiscent of a cozy, warm little French bistro. The outdoor seating lines Lake Street and Irving, so you get to people-watch and city-watch while you're chatting + imbibing. Uptown usually bums me out, but Barbette is genuine and delicious, and the staff make you feel completely welcome. I'll be back!
(5)
Rachael A.
Such a solid place to dine. Most especially for breakfast or brunch. Love that they have local options and really showcase the flavors of the ingredients themselves instead of adding all sorts of oils, spices, sugar, etc. I have never been disappointed with an experience at Barbette and in the summer there are few spots I enjoy as much as the little sidewalk patio in the sun enjoying my fresh, tasty food. Oh and of course some delightful coffee to wash it down. The only thing I wish is that the menu was just a wee bit bigger because of my eating preferences, but regardless Barbette is a gem.
(4)
Josh R.
Love this place for brunch on the weekends. It can get really busy, so prepare for a 15-30 min wait, especially if you have more than two people. If you're willing to sit at the bar, you can almost always get in immediately. My fav is the veggie hash!
(5)
Serena S.
I have to say it is surprise that the restaurant can survive so long. The service speed is super slow- waited about 40 minutes to get my food; indoor area has no air condition-at least I can not feel it; the food is only eatable- nothing impressive. I will never recommend anyone to go there.
The drinks are good and the place is real cute. It's a little too pricey for someone cheap like me but my girlfriend really likes it there so I just let her take me on dates there and treat me.
(4)
Arvind M.
The coffee is rich and robust! The truffled eggs are luxurious. The portion sizes are european. The ambiance is charming french. I recommend this place.
Brunch is very good. Dinner plates are simple yet good flavor. I like it for any day lunch/brunch dinner. Good ambiance.
(4)
Tracy P.
This is the second time dining at Barbette and we were hoping that maybe we just had an off night. However, this experience was just as disappointing as the first. The service was very slow, the waitress didn't check in for us to place an order, and then forgot about requested beverages for long periods of time. The food was tasty but nothing exceptional and for the price we were expecting something better. We have friends who love this place but we just have had mediocre dishes and les than optimal service.
(2)
Ameena R.
Had brunch here. Lovely place to be. Everything was good. The hostess was kind enough to seat in 5 mins or less though it was really packed. Overall good.
(5)
Lauren S.
It is really hard to find a breakfast spot that takes reservations at 9:00 am. Look no further and go to Barbette for one of the best, freshest, healthiest breakfast in town. I had the brie and herb omlette and asked them to add the smoke trout. It was yummy. Loved the atmosphere because it allowed for great conversation without having to scream. My friends loved their egg dishes. We all shared the muffin which was awesome and came out warm. This could be my new go to spot for breakfast. it was just delightful.
(4)
Elga T.
Everything I have ever had here is delicious.. The vinaigrette salad dressing is so light and good. The frise, lardon and poached egg brunch salad makes my mouth water thinking about it. Friendly wait staff!
(5)
Patti K.
My dinner at Barbette was simply delightful. The beet salad was a feast for the eyes --arugula covering magenta and bright yellow beets, garnished with flash-fried red carrots and other goodies. It was splashed with colorful dots of flavor like a cheese dressing, and a deep magenta sauce that might have been made with red cabbage. It's pretty rare when I have this much fun with a salad. The English pea risotto was also a happy surprise. The rice was richly and carefully seasoned, and the peas were cooked crisp-tender. It was garnished with "micro greens" and garlic and onion crisps. Somehow it wasn't too heavy, even with the cheese. I also tried the pork loin, which had a slightly sweet pulled pork component and a pork steak. I liked the pulled pork better as the pork steak was a little dry, but that was also on the whole a nice dish, paired with cooked apple and turnips. The two slight disappointments were a slightly watery champagne cocktail and a somewhat dry molten chocolate cake with ice cream. They were tasty and certainly a grade better than those you can get at a number of other places, however. This was a nice place to eat alfresco. The service was quite good, and there is actually a parking lot behind the restaurant as well. I look forward to my next visit where I can try some more dishes.
(4)
Sara W.
Barbette is a magical place, especially in the evening. I went here recently on my birthday, and the ambiance was enchanting, and extremely cozy. A terrific spot for a date night out. Being a Frenchie at heart, the traditional chevre chaud salad has been on my radar since I've been back in the states. Barbette didn't have one, BUT I did manage to find one with my beloved goat cheese. It was a wonderful mix of duck confit, goat cheese, nuts, and dried fruit. It was a perfect portion, to act as my main course. Lots of flavor, and the perfect amount of dressing. My date & I also had the steamed mussels with coconut lime sauce, per our servers suggestion. Tres interestante, as the French might say, or I wasn't exactly a huge fan. I think mussels just aren't for me, so this was just a bad call by myself. I am very eager to return again for happy hour, their late night music, and especially for brunch. Oh, and for their house wine, as Melissa C. stated is quite delicious & not too bad on the wallet.
(4)
Mary K.
Yum! Wish I lived in Minneapolis to go back here for brunch! We stumbled upon this place when we were shopping and it is so cute. We went for brunch and had an amazing meal - lemon ginger scone, this broth-based seasonal vegetable hash, and a brie & herb omelette. The server was also one of the friendliest I think I've ever had! Would definitely recommend this place.
(5)
S W.
Three Stars for dinner, four for brunch and late night happy hour. It's not a place I rush to go for dinner, but it's a place I don't hesitate a second to go snack and hang out. This is a terrific place to imbibe (solid cocktails) and eat enough good bistro shoestring fries so that you're not idiotic drunk. Mussels aren't bad, I'm a bit snobbish about inland seafood and these don't suck. They don't light my world on fire either. They sure do lay on those fries for your five bucks, way more generous with starter food than a lot of competition. Olives, similarly generous and nice selection, good oily. I've had good burgers, OK hangar steaks, some not that memorable dinners, fantastic soups, consistently, and some very stellar brunches here. Barbette is best at its low lit snack cheap drink lavishly HH.
(4)
Michael H.
Five star breakfast. One star lunch. Price point and options are great for breakfast at $10-15 but I dropped in for dinner today and the place was empty on a nice day. The short dinner hour menu is about $30 and up which is huge change in price point. I waited to ask if they served sandwiches on another menu, and waited, and waited. I walked up to the bar to ask and the three people making drinks were too busy to acknowledge me. Someone said have a nice day as left then as the server saw their income leaving stopped me to ask if she could help. I said I had a question but everyone was busy. She offered to help and I explained that I wondered if there was a sandwich menu at this hour. ( Barbette also serves late night brunch ) She said no just the dinner menu and only during those hours. I said that is a huge departure in price point compared to the rest of the day. Her answer was it has always been that way and that I could have looked on the internet first rather than saying she would pass it along. I have been there for breakfast 5-10 times but now I do not feel so valued. I walked further into uptown for the quick solo dinner I wanted.
(1)
Kate L.
This was my first visit to Barbette, and everything was delicious. I went with a friend to catch up over happy hour (arrived about 4:45 on a Wednesday) and was promply greeted by our server who was very friendly and mostly knowledgeable about the menu. We started with the Mussels, which were amazingly cooked in a lemon-wine-garlic broth. No toughness, no grit, just silky soft little pods of deliciousness. The serving was small, but the prep was perfection (which is hard to say about most places who serve mussels, which are very easy to overcook). I know that good seafood in Minnesota is hard to come by, but these definitely exceeded my expectations. We then had the Charcuterie plate, which was a hit. The headcheese was my favorite, very flavorful, gorgeous and melted in your mouth. What they have on the plate is rotating, so our waitress didn't know what exactly we were ordering, but we took that risk anyways. I must clarify that I ALWAYS order Mussels and Charcuterie at restaurants I have yet to eat at. I find it as a good standard to judge a restaurant on, basically testing them to see if the kitchen has and idea of what quality ingredients are. Barbette passed with flying colors and I would highly recommend both. I also ordered the Crepe, which was filled with arugula, smoked salmon, and creme fraiche. This thing was HUGE and it came with a very lightly dressed little side salad. It was delicious, but a bit over-salted. It was a limited special so I am curious to see what other daily crepes they might serve. Towards the end of the night we had a 3pc order of oysters. I am not so experienced with these, but they tasted fresh and came with a cup of red wine vinegar and shallots. The waitress made sure to stop by right before happy hour ended to see if we wanted to sneak something in before time ran out. Even though it is a small gesture, I really love when wait staff does that because it just seems like common courtesy for cheapskates like me :) As far as drinks go, I had a delicious Cava and a very jammy and rich Zinfandel blend that was the house wines for happy hour. Who ever is their liquor buyer deserves a pat on the back because they tasted like $9 glasses of wine and they were only $4 during happy hour. Overall my visit was wonderful. It was everything I hoped it would be and I never regret paying high prices (except the HH stuff) for a meal that is prepared correctly and with high quality ingredients.
(4)
Stephanie R.
I came here with some friends and ate outside after a nice wander around the lake and had a wonderful lunch. Love the rainbow tables outside! Decor inside is really cute. The buckwheat crepe with spinach, tomato and chèvre was excellent. Fries were pretty good but the sauce did not meet my expectations. Overall highly recommend this place for brunch or lunch when the weather is nice!
(4)
Dawn G.
Went to Barbette for Restaurant Week. It's a nice quiet place with quite a bit of charm. Everyone at our table decided to order multiple appetizers instead of a meal because the apps all looked so good. We had the fries, the cheese plate, the gnocchi, olives, fondue au fromage, and mussels. All were very good, especially when paired with the ice wine.
(3)
Randall N.
I have to admit I geeked out over this place for two reasons: the chef trained under Susan Spicer, a New Orleans chef that I adore and made my college graduation dinner at Bayonna unforgettable. Secondly, this place made me feel like I was in my favorite city...New Orleans. Anything New Orleans makes me all tingly inside. I came for brunch with my mama. We had the cheese plate for starter. I really didn't know a cheese plate could be so good. The cheese was phenomenal but the chevre coated in red mustard seeds was a touch of genius. The truffled honey they serve with the plate is out of this world. I want them to bottle it so i can slather it on everything from grilled cheese to hot chocolate to ribs. Seriously this stuff is amazing. When I tasted it I couldn't put my finger on what the other flavor in the honey was. Then our server said truffled and it clicked. Who knew I could be so excited for honey. I also had the brie and ham crepe. I usually will not order ham but I loved this but ended up losing half to my mother when she decided her tomato, spinach and goat cheese crepe had too much goat cheese. No such thing if you ask me but both were delish. My ham and brie was better though. Especially with the raisins...which I also dislike but worked here. Love that the crepes are buckwheat too. They add a dimension of flavor usually missing from crepe batter. Dessert was fantastic too. Keffir lime and basil creme brulee. A tad overkill on the basil but still great. Everything was created with care and you can tell. It's not super fancy food likely to scare off the less adventurous (Piccolo) and you don't have to ask what everything is because you don't speak chefalese but its crafted well and tastes great. I cannot wait to come back here for dinner. And come back I will. if only to talk to the chef about New Orleans and susan spicer.
(4)
Lorraine N.
The food was average---terribly overpriced--and the attitude of the staff was rude. I would recommend spending your hard-earned money at an establishment that actually acts like it is happy you are there....
(1)
Jamison U.
First this isn't french, making some fries and calling them 'Pomme Frites' isn't french. The starters were -across the board- unacceptable. The Oysters were runny and previously frozen (nasty). My Kir Royal was good. My Main dish was fair (Artic Char) my table faired ok, one other dish (the chicken) was flavorful but very overcooked, and the Lamb chops were tough (poor meat selection). Desert was spice cake with strawberry rhubarb. Dry flavorless
(2)
Michael C.
After not having been to Barbette for some time, I took a recent trip here with my wife for a late night (at least late for MPLS) this past weekend. I got the lamb chop special, she got the mussels, and we split a side of brussel sprouts. All were excellent. Yet another successful visit to Barbette.
(4)
Jeremie L.
Actually downloaded yelp today to post because I had such a poor experience . Service was such that I felt the server had a personal vendetta against our table. Personality was non existent, food was okay, no manager to speak of. Have been to Barbette many times but today was a miss for sure.
(1)
Townsend F.
Best French food in Minneapolis. The ambiance is romantic and fun. The food is amazing. The mussels and pomme frites are amazing! Great French wind selection too.
(5)
Erik R.
Hot-smoked Salmon Nicoise Excellent! Flavors separate and the soft boiled egg and purple potatoes are great details that add to the overall mix.
(4)
Noor G.
Little disapointed. Cute place. Great espresso. Vegetable hash was quite flavourless...really quite blahh. Don't think I would come again, despite really wanting to like the place.
(2)
Alexa C.
The fries here are always spot on delicious and in their own separate fryer, so they're gluten free friendly. They are very gluten free friendly in general. Their breakfast is divine and great for the price. The food can get pricey for entree's, but it's good food, and the menu changes periodically by the season. Their wine list is great, and the location, and patio seating is great as well.
(3)
Katherine M.
Had a nice Sat morning brunch at Barbette and it was great! First off we had a large group of 10 and they were extremely accommodating (we did make reservations). Our party arrived at different times and I appreciated the waitresses patients. Now on to the important part... The food! That did not disappoint either! I had the eggs benedict over braised beef and cabbage. So great!! Everyone else in my group really enjoyed their meal too. To top if off the waitress was really sweet about divvying up checks for us. I can't wait to come back to Barbette for another meal!
(4)
Melissa B.
Menu is small but a nice variety, fries are awesome and for someone with food allergies, this place was great! As a person who is Celiac, I never get French fries because of the slew of non-GF food deep fried in the same oil. So the fries were a true treat! About 80% of the menu was already GF and with a couple ommissions I was able to have the Rack of lamb dairy free too. A little pricey but for a special night I would go back. Dig the interior too!
(3)
James B.
Just a bad experience overall. Overcooked steak with soggy fries. Gummy gnocchi in a overly salty sauce. Brussels sprouts cooked to absolute mush and a server that seemed annoyed that we were there. All this plus two glasses of wine for a whopping $80. Boo on you Barbette.
(2)
Colleen M.
I used to love Barbette when I lived in Minneapolis, now more than three years in the past. I dragged the Mister and some local friends there on Labor Day for a nostalgic brunch. I am STILL apologizing to the Mister for this one. And if our friends are reading this - I'm sorry to them as well. Despite calling ahead and being told there was no wait, we ahd a very confusing 20mn wait while there were several open tables. After a few pointed questions, we finally got one. Our waitress came over and asked us how we were. She then corrected the grammar of three out of four people at table. (Those who answered 'good' instead of 'well' were chastised.) She took our order and left. We didn't see her again for more than 30mn. What did we see? Our order, sitting under the heat lamps in the kitchen. The Mister, after failing to make eye contact with our waitress, walked over to her and asked what was going on with our food. I don't think he's been snapped at like that since his crazy ex girlfriend! She laid into him, literally pointing out the tables that were ahead of us to get their food as our totally available food continued to cool under the 'heat' lamps. I have never seen a waitress snap at a customer that way. She later came over and tried to smooth things over, but was discouraged by the fact that our table's conversation had turned to discussing other horrible customer service experiences. Our food arrived. It was exactly the food we'd seen under the lights at least 10mn earlier. The Mister's eggs were rubber and my fries were stone cold, but we were too annoyed and ready to leave to send them back. We'd ordered off a really small menu and frankly, the food wasn't impressive either. The bacon was stingy, the eggs bland, my sandwich boring, and the rest of it was - at best - okay. The waitress ended up taking our drinks off the check as some sort of compensation for wait. Yes, we were annoyed by how long it took to get our food. But it was her attitude that ruined the brunch for us. Barbette lost four customers that morning.
Barbette, to me, is like a burlesque show. I go twice a year, more to watch than to touch. Because touching gets me in trouble. Safety words here include "fries," "mussels," and "oysters." Almost everything else I have ever ordered here tastes mysterious. (Not the good kind of mysterious.) Take the salmon nicoise salad, for instance. The salad was laid out on a large white plate like a Klimt painting. The greens, purple potatoes, and olives tasted very fishy. Halfway through the dish, I noticed two long pieces of anchovy. I like anchovies! But those should have been added last so that the strong oils didn't make the whole salad taste like the alleyway behind a seafood store. I held my nose for every bite (except when I was actually eating the anchovies...weird). Cocktails never quite taste right. (Moscow mule tasted like a chemistry set.) Servers often look confused about which table to bring food to. The patio has a view of a cute tree-lined neighborhood. The inside has a wide variety of seating arrangements. Anyway, remember my safety words and get wild at your own risk.
(2)
Laura S.
The ingredients are SO FRESH! I am obsessed with Barbette, I want to eat here every day. When a restaurant uses fresh ingredients it makes all the difference in the world. Mussels- white wine and herb broth, soooo flavorful. The bread dipped in the broth was heaven Grilled hearts of palm salad- out of this world delicious and creative Asparagus risotto- I could eat this every day of my life. Brown butter cake- a beautifully delicious creation! Great outdoor seating and friendly staff!!
(4)
Erin G.
Such high reviews led me here but it was average and disappointing. I had high expectations based upon yelp photos of eggs benedict. I came in craving poached eggs but evidently the benedicts are only on the weekends. My fault though, I didn't read the menu first. There was a chicken and veggie hash that came with poached eggs instead. Sold! The food took a little while to come out, and when it came out it was very pretty and I washoping to get a great yolk porn photo, with it oozing out onto the rest of the food in all its glory. I poked it with my fork, ready to take the picture, but no yolk came. They were compeltely poached hard. Sigh. I told my server and she was going to take my dish back, but I was on a time crunch on lunch break and had to start eating, so she just took the eggs off the top back and I started on the rest. By the time my new poached eggs were done, I was mostly done with my meal, so I didn't get to enjoy the eggs with the carrots/parsnips/potatoes/chicken/kale mixture. I was disappointed. The server gave me a little chip for free fries with my next visit, which doesn't mean anything to me because I don't eat french fries. The flavors of the rest of the food was pretty good but overall it was a disappointing experience so I am not going to go out of my way to come back here again.
(2)
Frederico G.
Very good breakfast. I ordered a Ham & Gruyere Omelette. The server Catherine was very friendly. I would definitely have breakfast here again.
Had a great waffle with lemon curd and blueberry compote. It is delicious and is a must try! If you plan on getting a side of fruit with your waffle, note that the side of fruit will cost just as much as the waffle. The fruit was not worth the price, especially when the fruit was overly ripe! While I was unpleasantly surprised by the cost and taste of my side of fruit, I did really enjoy the waffle so I will be back for more!
(4)
Meg C.
Love this place. For some reason I forget about it with all of the great restaurants in the Twin Cities and am always happy to "rediscover" Barbette. Their truffled scrambled eggs are amazing and we recently tried the French toast, which was delicious (but a little too tough for our little boy given its made from baguette, which has a tougher crust than the brioche version you typically find). Look forward to rediscovering this place for years to come!
What can I say? Barbette will always have my heart. Decor and ambiance hasn't changed a bit in the 10+ years I've known this place, which for me, makes it a nostalgic place filled with memories of late nights sipping French wines over countless bowls of moules et frites. This last visit was a Monday night where I enjoyed their special Prix Frix menu while sipping on their featured cocktail of the night - an incredibly delicious tomato water martini (where I now officially proclaim Tomato Water as the latest culinary trend). Every dish brought before me was impossibly delicious. Hats off to the chef for using quality ingredients and creativity that actually works on the palate. On the flip side, was my friend's $13 tomato/watermelon salad worth the 3 pieces of cubed watermelon with 8 pieces of microgreens on her plate? No. And as much as I love that this place looks exactly the same as it did 10 years ago, is the decor now teetering on the edges of charming and grungy? Perhaps. Will I come back? Absolutely.
(4)
Emily L.
The food and service are good, but I come for the ambiance. This place probably saved my relationship, on more than one occasion. On a dark winter night when everything sucks and romance is a distant memory, head to Barbette. Three glasses of happy hour wine later, it's all good.
(4)
Crystal L.
Love the food. So good. Portions can use a little more loving!!!! And if the prices dropped down just a smidgen I'd totally be going once or twice a month! The steamed mussels are to die for as well as the Chicken Liver Pate (if you're feeling extra fatty). I really wanted to try the Charcuterie cause I heard great things, but damn, everything was just so expensive! For meals we got the Steak Frites which was eh, and the Pan Roasted Duck Breast, which was YUM. Overall, good experience. LOVE the place itself. It's so cute and cozy and the drinks are soooooooo delicious!
(4)
Tony R.
How is this place not a 5 star. Holy crap! You Minneapolitains are a snarky bunch. I have never had a bad meal here. Also, I have always asked for the same server. If you don't have Carolyn, you are waiting for someone else who does not care as much about your happiness and satisfaction. I have never been disappointed. Order the strip steak, you will be out $32-36, but you will thank me. It is freaking brilliant. God, I love this dish.
(5)
Erin D.
If you're looking for a quaint restaurant with great atmosphere and even better food, look no further than Barbette. Located in Uptown, right off of Lake Street, Barbette provides a great change in scene than the typical Uptown restaurant. I have now had breakfast and dinner there, and was impressed each time with the authentic and delicious French cuisine. The fruit and cheese plate is delicious. It's so nice to experience good quality cheese, which I think is taken for granted by many. I had the ham and Gruyere omelette for breakfast. It was simple, but delicious. High quality ingredients make a huge difference.
(4)
Kimberley C.
This restaurant leaves a LOT to be desired. Not sure how it can get so many good reviews. I guess the expectations are very very low. Decor: Kitschy, Artsy, Fartsy Ambiance: Casual, Relaxed, Let it all hang out.... coffee shop style People: Arty Food: Terrible Service: Terrible Parking: Street, and very very far away from where you want to be... The bathroom (not bathrooms) is dirty. I cannot believe how filthy it was around every crack in the walls and floor. French cuisine is a favorite of mine so I was greatly disappointed. Later on in the day and into the next day, there was a lingering overall feeling of, "this food is not sitting well with me". Nothing disastrous happened but suffice it to say that Barbette and all it's so called "hipness" is permanently off of my radar.
Ordered: Tartare: Luke warm and served quick. Too quick. Maybe it was somebody's return? Soup: - Wife adored the soup. Butternut squash type thingy. We ordered the peppercorn stake (to share) and asked for the chefs recommended doneness. Waitress said that is going to be medium rare. 1 hour and 37 minutes later we were served a rubbery, over well-done, just nasty steak covered in coffee black goopy peppercorn sauce. One bite and we were both done. Fries were served soggy and cold. Wife begged me to not complain because it was her birthday. $100+ mea and we both drove home fuming with a box- to- go of a nasty puck of a steak with soggy cold Frites. Not glowing from a delish meal which was what we intended for her special birthday night. Emailed Barbette twice to explain how displeased with the quality of the product. But.. Lo and behold. No response back and that was 2 weeks ago. Lazy waitress, Disgusting $47 steak, LONG wait time, No response from management. So very disappointed in this establishment. Won't be back.
(1)
Amber J.
The food here is simply amazing! This place is definitely pricey, but that's what happy hours were made for! I love getting stuffed on mussels and frites while sipping a delicious glass of wine. That's my kind of night! And the brunch?! Life changing stuff! And actually very reasonably priced. Try the chicken hash or if you've got a sweet tooth, go for the waffles!
(5)
Thomas S.
Oh Barbette. You are like the first season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix. Like eating chocolate, naked in bed. Like organizing my sock drawer. Never. Disappointing. Buckwheat crepes. Steak frites. Croque Monsieur. Awesome service. Casual European vibe (ok, I've never been to Europe...work with me people!). Great wines. A few blocks from work, Lake Calhoun and Great Clips. Yep. I get my hair cut at Great Clips. Barbette? You Bet!
(5)
April P.
I ordered the shrimp risotto which included roughly 3 scoops of rice and 4 pieces of shrimp - tails included (not exaggerating) for $22. No flavor, very bland and I left still hungry & feeling robbed. Nothing special.
(1)
Lani M.
I was first introduced to Barbette through a friend who invited my husband and I out with her and her husband for the Happy Hour specials and of course, her favorite part: free live music. When I stepped in, the first thing I noticed was that the place was fairly small. With the dimmed lights and decor - it however, created a cozy, inviting, and warm atmosphere to you could most definitely bring your friends out to for a casual catch-up. As soon as we were seated, the live jazz music had just started and they were great! We were immediately served our waters and asked if we wanted to order any drinks. I was in the mood for a sweet type of wine, which when I asked the server, he told me that they didn't have anything sweet (which I found odd because most places I've been almost always have sweet wines). Instead, he recommended something of an orange limoncello cocktail, so I agreed to try it out and it turned out to be way too strong for me. I was not impressed and in the future, will not be ordering any drinks there if that is the sweetest thing they have. We also shared two orders of the steamed mussels and oysters. The steamed mussels was served with a delicious broth made up of white wine, lemon, and garlic in which I soaked the French bread that was provided with in. It was yummy! It was also me and my husband's first time having oysters. The couple that brought us to Barbette are absolute oyster lovers and mentioned that the oysters were quite small. Overall, we were satisfied with what we ordered - especially for the price of $5 for each order! I can't say too much about the service since we were pretty engaged in our conversations, but that they did a great job in consistently refilling our glasses with water, which is always a plus at restaurants. Lastly, is it a bad thing that I wasn't even aware that this was a "French" restaurant? I didn't know until after I left and read the other reviews here on Yelp! =/ Haha. I will come back to try it again!
(3)
Leah S.
This review is for their brunch. We met some friends here on a Saturday and made reservations. The coffee was good The service was good They serve booze with brunch (we didn't partake in the boozy brunch this time but I had a chai tea that was delightful) The food is delicious and they have some unique items. My husband had corned beef eggs Benedict. We loved it and we will be back! It was a little on the spendy side.
(4)
Daylin T.
My first time in Minneapolis and I've had a great time. A group of friends and I were recommended this place while visiting Lake Calhoun. You can tell it's a def hot spot as soon as you walk through the door. The place was packed and absolutely no tables available, the host seated us at the round bar and the service was fast and pleasant. It looks like an upscale/ french bar with a NYC feel. I ordered the Steak Frites with veggies. The steak was great juts right texture veggies were not saggy and the cheese dip on the side was excellent pairing. I would definitely come back.
(5)
Dillin R.
The food here was excellent. The atmosphere was very nice, service was on point, interior style was great. The coffee was so very good. Would go back here for sure.
(5)
Moody S.
I'm done with this place. Kitchen refused to make the mussels without the white wine though I've had it here in the past. I explained that to the sever who was kind enough to explain that to them but to no avail. Service this time around was really good but as I mentioned in my previous review, it's extremely inconsistent. Ranges from good to terrible. Again, too many good places around Minneapolis to settle for inconsistent service and a stubborn, arrogant and moody (no pun intended) kitchen. I'll definitely miss some good unique plates, but oh well, it was oooookay while it lasted.
(1)
Caroline A.
I had a great experience at Barbette based on food and wine. Service can be inconsistent depending on how full the restaurant is during dinner. The one time we had a long wait to get our entrees, the waitress made up for it by handing out free pommes frites tokens. She acknowledged the delay and apologized up and down for the service. I came here recently on a cold night and had the larger portion of mussels and the chicken entree to share which hit the spot. I was also happy with the wine selection and ended up with a recommendtaion from our server. I'll be back to check out the brunch menu.
(4)
Susan C.
Best frites anywhere! I didn't like aioli with fries until I found this place. Great atmosphere, great service, good for brunch or dinner.
(5)
John R.
I really want to love this place. The sidewalk tables are nice and the food and service also. Maybe It would be perfect for brunch?
(4)
Sarah U.
oysters are fresh here, a little pricey, even for HH but food is usually not disappointing. Fries are bomb.com late night, or brunch are the best times!
Always a delicious and inventive menu with a relaxing atmosphere. Nothing more is needed. Full bar too!
(5)
Anya C.
Benedict was good - I ordered the spinach one and added ham. Love the source of the salad - a bit sour n not overwhelming. Ham sandwich was good, too. The fresh cut potato chips were great. Only thing I don't like is the old and dirty deco.
(4)
Sue S.
We've been returning to Barbette lately, but for brunch instead of dinner. As excellent as the dinner is, the brunch is better. First of all, I appreciate deeply that this is a restaurant that actually believes in giving you vegetables. Rather than serving you more carbs in the form of potatoes, many of the brunch entrees come with a nice little side salad. Be sure to ask your server for the specials -- sometimes they forget. I love when the have Benedict on special. So yummy and made with wonderful ham. Also, the coffee is delicious -- nice and strong. And no matter how busy they are, they never, ever rush you. Five stars.
(5)
Rowena N.
Came here for brunch to have a low key celebration for couple august birthdays. Wait staff here is super nice but the seating is a bit limited particularly if you want to hold group events. The earliest reservation I could get was at 1pm which was a bit late for brunch. + : Food was pretty good. I got the lamb burger, medium done and it was delicious (very juicy). It came with chips and salad. Other birthday girl and friends got more breakfast items but they all enjoyed it as well. The croque monsieur is on smaller portion side but the ham and cheese was melt in your mouth good. The portion sizes were average (although it seemed like the people who got vegetable hash had a tinier meal). - : the coffee drinks here are meh. I got chai because I needed just a teensy bit of caffeine to wake me up from yesterday night out but the chai was very much watered down. Other friends who got their coffee (hot/cold) was also meh about their drinks -- the iced one was a bit watered down (too much ice in proportion to coffee) and the one with hot coffee thought it was comparable to any other chain coffee shop. However, other birthday girl got a bloody mary which she said was pretty darn good. Service: The food came out pretty slow. We ordered within the half hour of getting seated but probably waited about 45 minutes to an hour to get our food. It seemed like they were bit short-staffed. I felt bad because people were starving by then (past 2pm) as most people didn't eat before coming. They charged for cake cutting fee ($1 per person) since someone brought a cake. Overall, I haven't been here for a meal besides happy hour snacks and drinks. But I was pretty pleased with the meal and service (minus the bit longer wait).
(4)
Jessica M.
Barbette is the best place to go on a date!!! I've never been to France, but when I'm sitting in this little French bistro I feel like I have been there. The food is pricier but good and I've always had really good luck with the staff. I went there for brunch on a sunday, the first nice "Brunch Patio" day of the year, and it was complete chaos. I don't think anyone got the right food at the right time, but our server handled it well and with class. They will hopefully sort out brunch before the weather gets nice. It was the first brunch I had ever had there, but lots of people had recommended it to me. I'm going to go ahead and give it another shot, since I love the dinners and late nights there and I love the atmosphere!!
(4)
Audrey P.
Great brunch place if you're looking to class it up. Great vegetarian options and good coffee!
(4)
Tracy P.
Firstly, wait staff was very attentive. But on to the food...it was delish, although I must admit, the drink menu was 3 times the selection vs the dishes. The outdoor seating was quaint, and very personal. Probably my favorite part! For sitting outdoors, on a Friday night (near town), it was much quieter than inside. I would definitely visit again.
(4)
Bob J.
Wonderful French food, great wine, fun atmosphere. Terrible, snotty service on at least three occasions, but the food is great. Why keep such horrible servers around? We return for the food, and love the patio vibe, but can just barely stand the service. Any chance you might do some training one of these days??? Really?
(4)
Emily N.
I really like Barbette - it is a quaint and cozy little restaurant, and along with it's upscale French cuisine, it definitely has a European flair and feel to it. This is the type of restaurant that would be great for a romantic date-night (and Mondays are a Prix Fixe menu) - it's a bit dark, and the place just has an intimate feel, and the food is really exquisite. There are mismatched paintings and prints all along the wall - it gives a laid-back and casual feel to the restaurant. I had the gnocchi with tasso ham, brussel sprouts and a mustard-glaze. It was definitely on the salty side, but it worked because this was a such a savory dish. The mussels here are great, done very well - the wine sauce is perfect and lite, with garlic and lemon. The pomme frites are sinful and lovely (yes you can combine those words) - and the saffron aioli is a nice addition, the flavor is a bit muted, it isn't overpowering - I like this, but some people would maybe expect more flavor. My fellow diners ordered the beet salad, which look great - but do not get it to share, you will be disappointed with the portion. I think as a pre-dinner nosh this is a good choice, but I would not split with someone else, you won't get much salad. There is a great late-night scene here as well, I've come for wine and snacks. I've had the cheese and fruit plate with wine - oui oui! It is delicious - the cheeses are rich, pungent, and creamy and accompanied with different seasonal fruits and bread - this is a good plate to share. In general, the food is a bit pricey - but the vibe is oh so casual and relaxed. You will see dates, friends, families and large parties - this isn't a stuffy restaurant by any means, so don't let the French flair and prices throw you. Of course, you're in Uptown - so expect to be patient in finding parking. In the summer the patio area on the sidewalk is adorable - even decorated with cute lights at night. What a little slice of France!
(5)
E T.
I love this place and have been coming here for years to grab a glass of wine and dessert. I highly recommend the chocolate cake, try it, it is amazing. I also love the artwork in this place, it is awesome!
(4)
Shandel S.
I loved this place! Great menu for breakfast, brunch or dinner. Coffee is good, bar is stocked, art is diverse and the menu is delicious. The baked goods were fresh and delicious and I think this will be a common place for me to suggest to friends. Staff was friendly. This reminded me more of a menu in Montreal than Parisian. So think north France...with a splash of Uptown. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Julie M.
I always want to love this place. I keep trying. It's just ok. Our server was blah. The tap was broken (we think--although the server did not know why there was no tap beer available) so no beer on tap. The bottled beer was warm--the server did switch beers for a cold one, but recommended we drink from the bottle because their glasses are not cold The food is expensive for what you get. I love many of their other restaurants, but I really don't see the love in this place--although it's cute and has a great location. Oh--the fries are amazing, but really, should I be going to a place like this for the fries?
(2)
John R.
Ended up here twice for breakfast and enjoyed both plan to make it a regular stop when in town
(4)
Lia K.
I hate writing bad Yelp reviews, but nevertheless here we go: I feel like I sort of have to write this because I had such an annoying experience the last time I was at Barbette. I'd been going to Barbette for years and have always enjoyed myself. This time, was terrible however. I got there around 2pm on a weekday, and the place was totally dead. There was maybe one other table that was occupied. It was a beautiful day, and I decided to work outside on my laptop with a pastry and a cup of coffee. Since they have complimentary wi-fi, it seems they may even welcome this type of customer. After I was seated, it took the server way too long to come see me. All she said to me as a greeting was, "Do you know what you what?" I couldn't help but feel that she was somehow annoyed that I was working on my laptop and no emitting a cool, bohemian vibe like her. I asked her if there were any specials and she said "no". I asked her what pastries they had, and she said "none" (me, looking back at the menu, which says they have a variety of pastries... ). I said, "Okay, well since there are no specials and no pastries, and it's not lunch or dinner, I guess I will just have coffee." I was looking to have more than coffee, but it was impossible to order more because of the time of day and their selection. The server seemed annoyed that I was sitting there and only ordering coffee. I'm sorry, but your WHOLE section is EMPTY. So, isn't one person in it ordering coffee better than none? I just really did not appreciate her classic entitled Uptown server vibe. I don't like when people have attitude for being asked to do a good job at work, and I don't like when people give me attitude when I'm doing my work. I'm paying them to be there, after all, so shouldn't they be a little bit considerate? I did end up staying for happy hour, because my friend walked by. My fiance joined us, and I was very annoyed to see the female server treating him much better than me. In short, I'm over it. I just want good food and good service, and Barbette has neither. Oh yeah, and the bearnaise sauce that tastes like dyed mayo. Yuck.
(1)
Johnny P.
Who doesn't love Barbette. This place is quaint and very lively, the food is excellent and the staff is friendly and trendy,
(5)
Kelsey B.
Love it here. Love the aura in here, the decor, the food, the service, and the type of people that hang out here. Great neighborhood upscale restaurant with a French twist.
(5)
Katherine B.
Barbette shines during the morning. Sure, I love going for the fries and cocktails, but the eggs. The EGGS. Truffled and lovingly scrambled. Poached to perfection with sherry vinegar. The daily quiche never disappoints. The atmosphere is one of a kind. Every one who works here is cool. (but some of them are slow). The people watching is fabulous. In fact this might be my favorite place to play "name that relationship" AND "what are those people doing with the rest of their day?" Also, you can order fries and cocktails with breakfast.
After a failed attempt to have dinner elsewhere, my boyfriend and I ate stopped in here randomly one night during Restaurant Week. It was busy (and about 8pm) but we got a table within 5 minutes so it wasn't too long of a wait. Service was incredibly slow for some reason-- more of a wait than reasonable for a busy dinner hour. We ordered our drinks and they didn't come for 15-20 minutes. If you've been to Barbette, you know it is small so??? I'm not sure why it took so long? Not sure if the server forgot to put in our drinks or what happened there. When our drinks finally came we ordered our food... This time it took almost half an hour for our food to come out. In the mean time, my boyfriend just went straight to the bar to order our next two drinks to avoid the 10-15 minute wait in between. if it were not for the other server noticing we had been sitting there for quite a while unattended and without explanation, I would have given this place a 3 star rating. She comped our initial two drinks that weren't ordered from the bar. That was nice of her, and just the acknowledgement itself was a really nice gesture. The meal was phenomenal though. I had a salad and it was melt in my mouth, want-to-lick-my-plate delicious. We must come back! I'm sure Restaurant Week was just a bit insane for them.
(4)
Avneet S.
In conversation with a few friends recently about where you can go and have a consistently outstanding experience, Barbette came up as one of the very few options out there. The food is good, approachable yet inventive, and (a plus given all my newly discovered food allergies) usually adjustable. Awesome lattes for a restaurant and very creative drink menu. I've never been disappointed by the daily vegetable or the soup when I can have it. And of course, the amazing fries. The atmosphere is wonderful. It's great for a cozy catch up with friends, a date, fun place to take out of town friends for a taste of the established Minneapolis food scene, and there's live jazz during late night happy hour on Monday nights. Amazing. Where Barbette really, REALLY excels is service. Just the right amount attentive, friendly, knowledgable, quick, but let you linger if you like - everything you could want out of your servers. Really nice to go somewhere to be a little spoiled at a generally moderate price (at least for veggie-friendly dishes). I've certainly gone in for breakfast with only a book as company on a few Saturdays that followed really rough workweeks - I always know I'm going have a great, relaxing experience.
(5)
Leah O.
It took me five years to go to Barbette. If you live a thrift store lifestyle and going out to eat usually means Mesa Pizza, the menu pricing will make your calves sweat. There are no two ways about it- Barbette is pricey as hell. Plus, as a vegetarian I like a menu with some variety- more than one vegetarian dish, interesting flavor choices- if I'm going to drop serious dollaz on a meal. But holy bejeezus, they nailed the food. This place lives up to its hype. The mushroom risotto I had here was eye-rolling-into-the-back-of-your-head good. Mushroom risotto seems easy- it's not hard to make, and the flavors are pretty basic, but this was multi-layered, subtle, and delicious. Sticky without being gummy, fresh, and well-portioned, I can honestly say it was worth every penny. And dipping their sourdough bread into the mussel broth is a religious experience. Plus, the ambiance and service was lovely. It was dressy/special without being stuffy/quiet/awkward, and our server was helpful and responsive. Because it's that Most Wonderful/Torturous Time of the Year (Valentine's) you should know that if you want to go here for VDay you should probably just call now for a table in 2015. I hear they're booked way, way, way out- but they'd be a solid choice.
(5)
Elisabeth B.
Best dinner I've had in weeks! Made my trip to Minneapolis all worth while. :) We ordered the angel hair pasta with basil pesto and grape tomatoes, broccolini, New York strip steak frites, and for dessert: chocolate molten lava cake with vanilla ice cream and carrot cake. Every dish was delish! Wouldn't change a thing about our dining experience here. The only negative: no bread while we waited for our dinner to be served.
(5)
Cooper A.
I've been to quite a few bad restaurants and I've always talked about writing a bad review, but ultimately decided it wasn't worth the effort. That being said this place was so bad it drove me to finally create a Yelp account. We went there on a Monday around Noon and the place was dead. They were out of pretty much everything so our choices were limited. No big deal, I didn't need a muffin or a scone. Anyways we got 2 orders of the Vegetable Hash (one with chicken) and a sausage omelet. The food took like 30 minutes come out and there was no one in the restaurant. There's no reason there should have been a hold up. When we actually got our food the only thing that looked like it was prepared fresh was the omelet. The hash was pretty much just one ladle full of their hash. Which was pretty much just chicken broth with a few sprigs of kale and one golf ball sized potato sliced into the smallest wedges imaginable. The Chicken Vegetable Hash also included about 2-3 small bites of chicken (for $4 of course). And of course it was topped with 2 poached eggs which must have been quail eggs cause I've never seen such small eggs. Not much to complain about the omelet it was just an omelet. Just holy shit, I don't see how a ladle full of soup and a small slice of a baguette can be $13. I was fucking famished when I left the place. I was aiming for something healthy, but I didn't want a child's portion. There couldn't have been more than 250 calories in my entire meal. There is nothing special about chicken broth and kale. I don't even see how it qualifies as a hash. To be fair about everything, the food tasted fine. It was good for what it was, but it wasn't much at all. In the time it took to come out, I could have gone to the store, shredded up a rotisserie chicken, sliced up a golf ball sized potato, and cooked the kale in some chicken broth in less than 30 minutes.
(1)
Autumn S.
Romantic, lively, and full of energy. Staff is knowledgeable and considerate of all of their guests, I never felt rushed or unwelcome when the place gets busy (and it DOES GET BUSY)! I come for the atmosphere and stay for the wine, the menu is less to be desired if you're less than familiar with french cuisine. I often just have someone make a recommendation for me which has worked out fine! The small out door seating under a string of christmas lights is the perfect way to spend a summer night.
(5)
Allie H.
Found myself thinking of prices in Euros here! Definitely felt like I was back in France! Had friendly service and delicious food! Definitely want to go back!
(5)
Shannon A.
The service was excellent and the food was amazing. It's not cheap to eat here, but it was worth every penny. I had the duck and everyone else at the table had risotto. I didn't think I liked risotto but now I do! I know how good it can be. We will definitely come back again.
(5)
Yesenia S.
Excellent place food is always good and the service is amazing. You have to try the French toast during brunch.
(5)
Jordan W.
At this point in my twenty-something life brunch is my part-time job so I couldn't resist meeting an old college friend while I was in mpls on vacation. First strike in favor of Barbette was the fact that I arrived about 20 minutes late and the hostess said that the restaurant doesn't cancel reservations due to tardiness which relieved me as the place was packed with a 20 minute wait! (thanks again Barbette). Regarding the layout some folks might find the interior cramped but I actually kind of liked the fact that you sit very close to your neighbors; it gives a homey togetherness environment which is hard to explain but you definitely feel it when a couple is sitting and drinking coffee maybe a foot away. I must say that I was very impressed with the menu, especially the coffee and tea menu. Suffering from choice paralysis from the coffee and tea menu alone I decided to order a simple and delicious mimosa (which for $7 was huge). I am a lover of all things waffles first, then pancakes second and was ecstatic to try the waffle with blueberry compote and lemon curd. This is a dish I can order at dozens of places in Westport and the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City but I'm always interested to experience how other regions or cities interpret the waffle. This waffle came out a little crispy, the way I love it, and the lemon curd was so sweet and creamy that I hardly needed syrup. I have to admit that I wanted another waffle after I finished because it was that good! Wrapping things up I must add that our server was very friendly and exemplified the look and charm of Uptown. Speed of service was acceptable overall and our only slight pain point was checking out (but my friend Selden and I were so engrossed in conversation that we didn't mind waiting awhile to pay). If I find myself vacationing again in the area (or perhaps moving here!) I will certainly have to stop by again.
(4)
Austin K.
I really want to like this place, but I don't! We went there around 7 on a Saturday night. It has a cool hipster/bohemian vibe to it, and it wasn't too crowded. We were told there was room at the bar, and we tried to sit down. The hostess abandoned us and there wasn't a place to sit. When we finally found chairs, we became invisible. The bartender looked right through us, and when we finally got someone's attention it took too long for the drinks. Dinner took double time, and we were told there were big orders in front of us. Our rack of lamb was dried out from sitting under the heat lamp too long. Good food....lousy, lousy service. I'm never going back, and will recommend others to avoid it as well. Lucia's was much better!!
(1)
Andrew R.
Everyone I've ever brought here loves this restaurant. It's a hidden gem if you haven't visited the neighborhood. Their entrees are mouth watering & their drinks are smooth. It's a good place for a date too. Just be sure you have made reservations if it's on a weekend or you might not get in.
(4)
Joey F.
Nice outdoor setting. Can't give this place a great review. Service was very slow. By the time they took our orders they had ran out of crepe's. Disappointing for a Sunday morning. The waitress was really nice and gave a free mimosa. Then took forever to get our food. Waitress felt bad again so gave us a free frite to come back. Food wasn't that good either. Only gets 3 stars because of a good waitress.
(3)
Ellen C.
I was excited to try this place with all the rave reviews, went with a group of friends and was left a bit disappointed. I loved the ambience of the place - the cute French bistro, mismatched art, mismatched colors, super adorable. I will definitely be back just for that, esp since the prices are pretty reasonable. The seating options are great, they have some booths, some square tables, some rectangular tables, and they have a great bar area with a C type marble slab table in the front. The food is where I was left disappointed though. I got the two eggs with the hash and sausages, comes with sourdough toast for about $8. Portions were good - could be considered disappointing since it's smaller than diners, but for eating more correct portion sizes, this works. The hash browns were made perfectly, the eggs were of a different variety somehow, they tasted of more substance. The ham & gruyere omelette was pretty good - it had caramelized onions, sharp gruyere and ham in a fluffy omelette. It was accompanied by a frisee salad, which was $11. The bloody mary was pretty good (~$8) was in a tall glass accompanied with two green olives, a pickle, and a cucumber. Yum! I'll likely be back to bring friends and family that visit because of the ambience, it's unique, it's cute, it's affordable. But I wouldn't set their expectations super high like I had going in. Great location too! It's a few blocks away from Calhoun Square and a few other stores for shopping in case you feel up for it and want to bring friends and family for some things to do.
(3)
Thang C.
Great service - every time! It's become a neighborhood hub for many of our friends and a regular stop frequently requested by our visiting guests. The food is always delicious, innovative and socially conscious. The drinks are reasonable and great. The weekends have a excellent entertainment too! Be sure to make reservations so you aren't waiting forever for a table for two. It helps them out tremendously!
(5)
Jeff W.
I absolutely love it when a chef takes the time to pay attention to the subtle details that certain recipes require to be amazing. In this case I had the eggs benedict, the eggs were poached skillfully to perfection (and I don't say this lightly). The ham was juicy, tender, and fresh as if cut from an only just cooked thanksgiving ham. The english muffin was also fresh and toasted just the right amount. The hollandaise was superb as well. In addition to the eggs benedict there was a small salad that accompanied it, which was fresh and crisp, but the highlight was how the citrus (I believe lemon) vinaigrette dressing coupled with the hollandaise. I've had many eggs benedict breakfasts but this was the best, and i believe who ever the chef was that day should be proud of their work. In addition to the food I enjoyed the wait staff they were fun, although a bit slow to bring the ticket at the end, but they were quite busy so I understood. I will go there again.
(5)
Carl F.
The Royale with cheese tasted great, and it needed to -- i went there because I've seen Pulp Fiction, I dunno, 20 times? (I think of myself as more like Jules than Vincent.) I sat at an outdoor table--the waitress was a saucy wench, and I mean that in a totally complimentary way. She was fun. Just one question -- where's the Kahuna Burger?
(5)
Sophie B.
I heard good things about Barbette, and decided to come here for a family birthday. I should have looked through the Yelp photos, because the ambience was totally not what I expected. Barbette is not a French bistro. It was cramped, and the chairs were back-to-back. It was loud. It's a bit dingy. A bunch of kids were drunk (or something) at a nearby table, so that was not very pleasant. The waitress did not write down our order. A minute later, she returned to verify it. Then she served us the wrong thing. Don't try to commit the order to memory if you can't! Our waitress was not very friendly, nor was she unfriendly, but the service was not pleasant. The tomato soup was delicious, the oysters were mediocre, and the salad was good. The fries were terrible! They were thin and soggy. The accompanying aioli had zero flavor - no garlic flavor, no creaminess...it was just yellow, and no one at our table touched it. My curried vegetables were ok, but very overpriced at $19. There were two to three of each type of vegetable, and maybe 15 small pieces total with tons of soggy rice. That's it! The best dish at our table was the lobster risotto, which was delicious. The "lamb chops" were also not what I expected. The cut was different. There were two pieces of meat, each of which contained a good portion of fat. This was not marbled fat you would eat. Rather, there were large chunks of unappetizing fat lining the meat. The pieces were small to begin with. After cutting off the fat and the bones, there was not much meat left. The plate had some sauce and garnish, but nothing else - no potatoes, no vegetables, just two pieces that amounted to the size of two quarters. It was $28. This was a massively disappointing dish. The people in our party who ordered this left still hungry. Lastly, my beer was a bit warm. While there were a few things I enjoyed at Barbette, far too many things were wrong with our dinner. Given the ambience, service, quality and portion of the food, the place is grossly overpriced. Unfortunately, I would not recommend it.
(2)
Phil L.
Barbette, what an absolute gem. Having left Minnesota nearly 7 years ago, I'm very glad to know that the restaurant scene is changing for the better in the city. The restaurant is expansive, high ceilings, low lights, and certainly a more modern rustic feel. The pricing of the menu is probably what I would consider high for Minneapolis but pretty standard pricing for an average restaurant in Manhattan. For my order, I had the special of the night which was a ribeye served on top of sauteed kale and some sort of puree. Our starter was a charcuterie plate. The charcuterie was simply fantastic, a good assortment of pates, meats, and terrines. The plate only came with four slices of bread (crazy since we ended up asking for 4 more plates of bread to polish it off). The ribeye was simply fantastic, although it was overcooked (I asked for rare and received medium rare). The sauce they had made perfectly accented the meat and the puree with kale was absolute perfection. The service we received from our waiter was great and the kitchen kept the pace up in churning out our dishes in a timely manner. This is definitely a good date night spot or perhaps stopping by the bar for a drink after work.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Tom A.
Barbette is the first place I want to go when I visit Minneapolis. Not only is the location ideal (in the heart of Uptown and within walking distance of Lake Calhoun and the indie theaters), but Barbette is unabashedly weird, romantic and unique. Check out the website: barbette.com . When they say "amusements", they aren't kidding. From the whimsical colored glass to the local artist galleries, Barbette carves out a special niche of Minneapolis space and time, its own cozy little dimension of delightful strangeness. From that niche I have derived many powerful memories: of big, fluffy snowflakes drifting down through street lamps among Christmas lights through Barbette's huge streetside windows over fondue and cider; of not minding while I wait for oddball dates to show up so that I can sample selections from the latest wine list on a lazy sunlit afternoon, or one of Barbette's many fresh and perfectly appointed salads. Barbette is a place of art, whimsy and memories that could only be created by someone who lived in France long enough to bestow some of the many gifts of its older, less modest and more wistfully amused culture to Minneapolis. Enjoy and cherish the oversized panache of this little café. Bonuses: wonderful modern music and a supporter of local artists and sustainable food practices. When you patronize Barbette, you give back.
(5)Josh L.
Very good food in a nice casual environment at brunch
(4)Jordan S.
When I was 21, I received a nickname for my eating habits (no, this isn't the description of John Water's Pecker). I was given the moniker of "Birder" since I had a bird-like appetite. I have never finished an entree meal at a restaurant. Until this year. Maybe my stomach is expanding in my old age and this is the beginning of the end of my metabolism, but when Barbette's asparagus & sugar snap pea risotto arrived in front of me. I expected leftovers like usual. It was sensational. Too hot, but I didn't care. I took down each bite even though my mouth began to blister with pleasure. I couldn't consider stopping until every parmesan crisp was gone. It wasn't too creamy. It was slightly sweet. It was delicious. My date ate his roasted kadejan chicken with polenta cake. He called it fancy, healthier KFC. He ate every bite as well. I had to fight all my vegetarian beliefs. I succeeded, but the aroma alone was almost enough to convert me. It's a spendier place. While I am convinced that I ate every bite because of the pure splendor, I think the meal sizes are smaller than a normal restaurant. Though I might mention that there is nothing wrong with responsible portions.
(5)Connie D.
The staff was so inviting, the wait for a table was no problem. The food was prompt and perfect. The best borscht of my life! Definitely worth the wait and price! Can't wait to go back for brunch!
(5)Suzanne H.
I loved it. The pomme frites are as good as everyone says, although I wasn't a fan of their aioli. I wanted to try the crepe sandwich, but being the soup-lover I am, I had to try the curry cauliflower soup. It was good, but not as good as I think Cheeky Monkey could have done. It was overly creamy as well as overly pureed. I think it would have been nice to have a little texture from the cauliflower. My husband liked his eggs benedict, but would have liked bleu cheese dressing for his salad. Isn't bleu cheese a french thing? I liked the ambiance, but the place does need a little work; i.e., the mosaic tile on one of the posts is really chipped, which is what I had a perfect view of. Management must be reading reviews, because the hostess and waitress were nothing short of fantastic. They were very friendly and attentive. The food arrived in what I would call record time. My husband really hated the choice of music, which happened to be Middle Eastern for this Sunday brunch. Hmmm, French restaurant, Middle Eastern music. Maybe? He's just not a fan. I didn't mind it for the half hour we were there. I imagine if I were there longer, I would have the same image he did, of being atop a camel, plodding through a desert. Overall, I definitely want to go back and try some crepes.
(4)Mike L.
The food was decent, it was lacking the originality that make a restaurant great. I have only been here once, but I'm not dying to return.
(3)Carolyn A.
I hadn't been to Barbette in a while, but after a late night dinner a few weeks ago and yummy brunch last weekend, it's still a solid 4 stars for me! I need to get it back into the regular rotation. Maybe happy hour is next?
(4)Lindsay K.
Although I've only visited Barbette a handful of times, I have yet to be let down. Their atmosphere is warm and inviting. It's small, and can get a little loud as the dinner crowd picks up, but not to an overwhelming degree. I generally take a busy restaurant as a good sign, unless I'm at a Buffalo Wild Wings in Bismarck, ND. The service here is sorta "hit or miss" I suppose. Last time I was in our server was pretty spacey; seemed like she just quit caffeine and was on day 2 or 3. I'm not into the whole "I want to be waited on like royalty when I go out, all hail Lindsay" though, so unless the service is just terrible, I'm pretty forgiving. The Food though, I mean this is why you go to a restaurant right? The steamed mussels are enough to keep me coming back; I'd probably indulge at least once a week if I could convince myself that delicious and outstanding mussels are worth dealing with being in Uptown that often. The mussels are supple and smooth, no grit here, and the white wine broth is perfection. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd bring in my trusty Caribou travelers mug and tell them to fill er up with that garlicky goodness and drink it while in-line skating around Lake Calhoun. It really is that good. Everything else I've had has been amazing too; really not a single complaint. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Molten Chocolate Cake with salted caramel is superb. One last note is their Happy Hour. I would argue that it is the best in the city. Their Sunday-Thursday 10pm to 1am portion of HH is super generous. Want appetizers for $5? Done. A tasty quality beer/glass of wine/drink for $4? Done. Or a few cheap beers for $3? Done AND done. Perfect.
(5)Luthien N.
Everything. I love everything here. Happy hour (3-6pm, M-F, $4 wine, $3 PBR, $5 appetizers (get the mussels) (only get the frites if you are with a friend because it is an enormous portion)), live local music many nights a week, free wi-fi, delicious breakfast served for most of the day, a commitment to using local food, genuinely nice waitstaff (not in an over-the-top, annoying way), great ambiance. The only thing I haven't experienced here yet is the dinner, it's a bit out of my price range these days (see: review started with HH ravings), but if everything else is any indication, I can only assume it is also excellent.
(5)RJ H.
Jour Bastille Heureux chacun! Certainly good timing to write a review about Barbette-yes it is Bastille day and they have sponsored a great local event in uptown every year but the focus of this review is just how consistently good this restaurant is....and for a restaurant in the states , authentically French. Barbette is part of the local stable of restaurants owned by the same individual that includes the Bryant Lake Bowl, the Red Stag Supper Club and Pat's tap...I like them all but Barbette is the best. And in one of the great independent and creative food capitals in the US and i would even include a number of European cities on that list, I have to admit this is my favorite, albeit always over $100 local eatery. Honestly although we have attempted to try some of the other on menu and special entrees honestly this review will focus on one choice...because this is how it goes EVERY time we eat there.... And I recommend this in it's entirety : Highly recommend a reservation....and they are now on open table, however, many times we have lucked out in between 7 and 8 pm to at least sit at the bar. An acceptable beer selection but frankly part of why they are authentic is they serve Kronenberg 1664...served throughout Europe and best on tap....a great light slightly mild pilsner.....and a seemingly creative list of signature drinks...girlfriend leans towards anything including St Germain-the elderflower liquor. Next - the oysters 6 and sometimes 12 at a time...incredibly consistently fresh and the minuet sauce if you have not tried it is excellent...you will never go back to the horseradish again. Now the best - "steak frites"...- hanger steak cut which typically could be mediocre at other restaurants is frankly cooked perfectly....medium rare for me and rare for my better half. Now there is an additional beverage or two mixed in...your choice If you have the room, the heart, the guts....then order and share the carrot cake.....the sour creme icing is awesome and it's a freaking giant piece. We have learned to love the wait staff - so typically French...lol...they even can be slightly surly until they recognize you and then? ils Sont magnifiques! Check out their Monday Pris Fixe specials as well.
(5)Mary Jo C.
Hell of a HH! 2 glasses of rose, pate w Brie and apple, steamed mussels, and pomme frites for $24.99? You cant beat it-that's like buying a cute little dress! Patio and service are great-will def be back.
(4)Bev L.
Stopped in for late lunch on a Saturday since we were in the area and I had been wanting to take my husband there after having breakfast a while ago. We will be back because this funkily funrished neighborhhod bistro hits the right notes. Brunch options were still available and my husband had his favorite eggs benedict and liked their version very much, commenting on the thin slices of ham stacked under the egg. Think the juice was freshy squeezed too. I had a crepe with spinich, roasted tomato and chevre, which was quite good, but could have used something else as it was bit bland.. Next time I think I will go for one of the classic French offerings, like croque monsiuer, but I do like that they aren't stuck on just the classics. The dinner menu was up on the board and it looked great!
(4)Kelly H.
Perfect for a date, for catching up with an old friend, for impromptu last-minute rendez-vous, for an after dinner drink, and of course perfect for happy hour. The ambiance can't be beat with the sparkly pillars, low lighting and cafe chatter. I can (and usually do) sit here for hours drinking $5 glasses of the house red, munching on $5 apps and loving life. Oh the fries, my love of the fried potato resonates here. The mussels are usually good, although the last time I came here they changed the broth and I like them less than previous experiences. Can't go wrong with the cheese plate or olives. I've had a few brunch items - the salad with a poached egg and the buckwheat crepe. All delicious.The waitstaff has always been cool during my visits, sometimes borderline indifferent but that doesn't bother me. I would never turn down an invitation to go here, nor do I ever feel "not in the mood" to eat or drink here. Wonderful wonderful wonderful.
(4)kyle t.
Best meal and service I have had while sitting at a bar. It's been a while since I have been here but my wife and I went on a night with little advanced planning. There was a wait for a table but there was an open spot at the bar. I am always fine sitting at a bar but that doesn't mean I get to do it very often, this night the thought of the wait was enough to justify the bar service. This was the best idea. The bartender was a better waiter than most I have had. Drinks were always full, good wine knowledge, full water, plates brought out and he didn't hover. The food was fantastic. I had a very nice steak and my wife had a the same,done different both both came out together and were done perfect. Loved the Pom Frits. We will definitely go back and I wouldn't think twice about sitting at the bar again. I've always been right, when in doubt go to the bar. KT
(4)Jess H.
All of the lights! Such a pretty ambience here. My last night in Minneapolis for a conference was spent here with some lovely friends, an excellent bottle of wine, some pomme frites, citrusy beet salad and mouth-watering desserts. It wasn't too loud, even though it was full and the music was really good. Barbette was a great way to end a fun trip with a few close friends. I would love to visit again.
(4)Cait B.
5 stars. This place saved me a flight to Europe :) I came here for brunch and was seated next to the large front windows. The mimosa I had was delicious...the orange juice was fresh and not too sweet the way the wannabe ones are. The brie omlet was light and cooked to perfection. I took small bites of egg, melted brie and spring greens. It was like a group hug in my mouth. I also impulse ordered the pommes frites aka french fries. The saffron dipping sauce was a perfect pairing. I love the decor and can't wait to come back to this cozy gem!
(5)Marsha L.
This place is really cute/comforable/romantic atmosphere (you don't have to be dressed to the nines here). I went here at night to try the famous french fries (which are the bomb btw!) and I also had the fondue which was also amazing. It was one of those places where you saw food at other peoples tables and you think "Oooh, I want to try that next time, then I'll try that over there, and that..." Can't wait to go back.
(5)Emily A.
I've been here for both dinner and brunch. Both were great but I don't remember what I had for dinner so I'm just writing about brunch. I ordered a mimosa and was served a nice big goblet full. I noticed on another table there was a tiny champagne flute mimosa. Maybe I'm special? I ordered a pretty basic breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and potatoes. But it was soo good! The best eggs I've had in a long time. Big fluffy and flavorful. The hash browns included herbs which was a nice touch. And the bacon! Great, high quality, thick bacon. My friend got the croque monsieur which also had high quality delicious ham. I asked the waitress about the smoke chicken hash. Her description sounded amazing but I was feeling boring today. I'll be back to try it! Love the outside seating area too.
(4)John M.
This is good stuff. Every dish I've had here has been pretty outstanding. It's definitely a date place, but I've gone here with groups of friends and it's been fun. If you're looking for original dishes, Barbette's pricy, but worth the taste.
(4)Thao '.
I had high expectations going in and overall I thought it was good. The restaurant is very cute, the decor and ambience is fun, casual, but still feels elegant. We had just come back from France, so we were looking forward to some of the same flavors. The mussels and the frites were good, but the charcuterie fell flat for me. Everything was not great, and not bad. Saw that most reviews were around brunch, might have to come back and try that instead.
(3)Aubrey T.
Love this spot! One of my faves for brunch (eggs Benedict is one of the best in town) or the French toast!! Or for happy hour, or for a nice date night! Cute, cozy and yummy!
(5)Fawn Q.
Awesome happy hour! The thai curry mussels were delicious, mix that with some $5 sparkling wine and creme brulee, what more could you ask for on a Thursday afternoon. LOVE!
(4)Kawai Y.
Need a place that has a great selection of high quality food for vegetarians or non-vegetarians? If you can't decide what you're hungry for, go to Barbettes and you will find your appetite will appeal to whatever you end up deciding on. My favorite is the niçoise or an order of the best fresh fries ever and mussels. They even give you bread with your mussels and if you want more they won't charge you extra like Northeast Social or Eat Street Social does. The entrées are generously portioned, especially the meat. Price range can vary depending on how hungry you are. I think they're reasonable hence I would choose $$, but you can get to $$$ range which I've done by ordering an appetizer, starter, entrée, and dessert. They're consistent in food and service. I've frequented this restaurant an average of 5-8 times a year. It's not much, but every time I go it's good. The staff is great and attentive. Any problem, they're quick to fix it and make you happy. This is a true bistro setting with interesting eye wandering decor and art work. The area the restaurant is in is nice and busy. You're sure to find lots of great places to walk to after your lovely meal. Bon appétit!
(4)Christina J.
We stopped into Babette for dinner tonite and it was fun and fabulous . We had the French onion soup, mussels, pork chop and salads. My niciose sald was authentic with a gorgeous chunk of tuna. The clientele is as eclectic as the menu. If I were local, this would be a regular haunt for me.
(5)Ayon J. R.
Cool ambience...the artwork on wall is great. Great food. Very reasonable prices.
(4)weston w.
Did we just have a journey moment! OK here is the deal, I'm half in on this YELPing Stuff. We love the website as a search engine but last night on our maiden journey to Barbette i found myself wondering, Am i a picture guy or not. Happy to report we are not, at least not yet, We had a great time and recommended this place, many times since we ate here Saturday 12/7. But the guy who took a picture of his food reminded me how we are all pretending to be something we are not. Sorry to poop on the parade but i feel as if I am born again, Free to enjoy a dinner and reflect on it after, So for the review The oysters app was pretty good and i enjoyed the presentation The Bourbon on the rocks ordered was a great way to set the dinner, the tomato soup inspired me to write this review while recreating it in my uptown lab,,,urrr kitchen The quail while petite was a amazing vessel to the polenta cake that i licked off the plate. The cheese plate was top notch as well and as we were smart enough to pre-order the lava cake like crazy fans it was amazing. PS we will be back
(5)Jenn T.
Quite tasty! Everyone inside (customers, staff) was so stylish. And the menu as well. Lots of great brunch dishes. Wish we had one in Milwaukee!
(4)chris s.
I used to love Barbette, it was one of my favorite places in the city. I always was defending it against friends who talked about the snotty service and the aura of entitled attitude that surrounds the place. I held fast that charm outweighed attiude. That is until today. It's our 10th wedding anniversary and is our custom whenever my wife and I get afternoon to ourselves to go to Barbette for their happy hour and hanging out on their sidewalk patio. Today we checked in with the maitre'd got a seat, and waited, and waited, and then waited some more. Watching various waitstaff pass us, ocassionaly making eye contact, the place was not busy and the patio nearly empty. After another couple sat down and was greeted by a waiter almost immediately, passing us by while looking us right in the eye. That's when we went in bringing back our menus and lettung them know what we just experienced. Their response was to tell us we needed to check in, when I responded that we had, the waitress just kept repeating that we needed to check in, meanwhile the waiter who just passed us announced he was bringing us water. total fail. We wound up across the street at Amore Victoria, Sure, the foods not what wanted, but they did give a great customer service experience. Thanks for a super awesome time Barbette, you just lost me as a customer.
(1)Jade C.
I went for a summer lunch on the patio with two friends... it was amazing! A longtime fan of Salut, I'd never been to Barbette, and was totally impressed. Service was casual but friendly, and very good. We were allowed to seat ourselves and our waitress came out right away. She was great, very attentive and personable. One of my friends recommended the pomme frites, which we got with extra bearnaise sauce. Okay, hands down these were the best French fries I have ever had. EVER. They're very thinly julienned and deliciously crispy. And the bearnaise sauce is to die for. Seriously. (And we weren't charged for the extra!) Our entrees was also amazing. I got the croque monsieur, which came with a mixed green salad. The price points were great; all of us spent about $16 including tip for our lunches. The atmosphere is also charming, as the restaurant is tucked in a hip but cozy corner of Uptown. I can't wait to go back, whether for dinner or for brunch.
(5)Caitlin T.
My boyfriend and I have both worked in the industry, and in our own dining experiences, unfortunately, excellent customer service is rare. We ate at barbette last night, Noah was our server. We come on the regular because we tend to eat late and it's in the neighborhood - but last night we were blown away by the service. Drinks stayed full, great recommendations, food came out quickly and we had even a better time than usual. Thanks for giving us a refreshing night out!! We will be back and hope Noah is our server next time too! Cheers!
(5)Sonya Y.
Warm welcome when I came in but the service could use some help. I tried the restaurant week lunch menu and the food was lacking flavor. Also, both the website and the menu they handed me listed a dessert but when I asked the server about it he said that dessert was not included. Very disappointed and I will most likely not recommend this place.
(2)Courtney J.
Despite giving this place only three stars, I would still recommend it to someone who enjoyed French cuisine. In the interest of full disclosure, I have a difficult time with the textures of French food. However, this overall experience was very pleasant. We showed up without reservations on a Thursday night and while it was fairly busy, there was enough space outside to sit which is what we wanted. The waiter came over and was very attentive throughout the whole evening. We ordered 3 different appetizers all of which were delicious. We also both had the Ace Pear Cider which I loved--I'm a huge pear cider fan but it's not that easy to find. :) As a whole, I really enjoyed my experience and for anyone who loves French food--I am confident you won't be disappointed. I have seen this place packed while walking past so at typical peak hours I would recommend calling ahead to make a reservation.
(3)Marilee A.
Gnocchi Baby!!! Great Menu, Very Euro Bistro & this is def a Foodie Spot .Have heard that a Couple of Ladies own the Place, so Yayyyy for the Girl Power, YOU GO GIRL"S.Ya, I'll Bar"bet"te Ya'll have a wonderful Meal.Ya Ya BarbetteYa 4 out of 5 Tiara's
(4)John C.
The menu, the cozy atmosphere, and the flavors cant be compared. Great place to unwind, drinking a glass of wine, or enjoying a number of flavorful dishes. Highly recommend.
(4)Melissa T.
My friend and I decided to hit up Barbette after reading about it in Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine. We live in the neighborhood and just hadn't had a chance to stop in yet. The magazine write-up we read said they were very friendly to vegetarians and vegans and the new chef was willing to alter some menu items. We called that morning after looking up the reservation number on the website. The host was a little snippy, saying they didn't usually accept same-day reservations (which differs from what their website says), but that she could fit us in. The restaurant is tiny, but has decent acoustics so you don't feel like you're listening to your neighbors' conversations. Our server was a little short and not very willing to help me search out vegan options. I was a little surprised by this based on what the article had said about the restaurant, but I went with it and ordered a salad sans cheese. My friend had the vegetarian-friendly fondue. Our food was arrived quickly and was delicious. No complaints there; I just wish the server had been more willing to work with me on the menu. I felt as though I was bugging her by asking her about various items. All in all I don't think I'll be rushing back due to the limited options for me. Maybe I should blame Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, but Barbette could have worked with me a little more.
(2)Breehan C.
I moved away from Minneapolis years ago and when I was back a couple weeks ago for a quick weekend visit this was one of the only places on my list of must-visit-restaurants. I've eaten brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner there and it's always been superb food! The quiche is always so good, and I've never gone wrong with their dinner special-whatever it may be on a particular night. I love the ambiance, and when it's nice outside it's fun to people watch at one of their outside tables.
(5)Chris R.
This past Monday was the old wedding anniversary for me and the misses... I had heard good things about the chef (training in some pretty impressive places, Thomas Keller etc) and actually used to live 2 blocks away from here, but had never taken the time to stop by. Being that our anniversary landed on a Monday, I figured we could probably find something special, some special deal, since it seems like restaurants are always trying to bring people in on Sundays and Mondays. It turns out, every Monday at Barbette, they put together a Prix Fixe menu of 4-5 courses for around $35/person. Not usually what I would spend for a typical weeknight out (or even a weekend for that matter!) but right in my wheelhouse for a special occasion. For those who didn't venture outside of the air-conditioning this past Monday, the mercury topped out at about 100 degrees in the twin cities (the urban heat vortex strikes back!) - giving us even more reason to find a nice cold beer or bottle of wine and celebrate our marriage. Side Note - for those who don't remember our wedding day (which I'm sure most of your do), June 6 2009 was about 47 degrees, making June 6th 2011 TWICE the tempurature... Side note over.... So, with relatively high expectations, we venture to Barbette. When we arrive we are shown to our table and the hostess mentions that they've been having some mechanical problems in the kitchen, but it should be solved within 10 minutes and our waiter will probably be able to explain in further detail. A moment or two later, our attentive waiter stopped by and wondered "to what degree we understood their mechanical problems this evening". We explained we knew very little, but were interested to hear about the issues. Long story short, there was a issue with the Vent Hoods and they would not be able to "cook" anything for at least an hour, probably longer. This cut down the menu considerably to salads and a handful of other cold appetizers. My guess is that because of the extreme heat, without the vent hoods the kitchen would become sooo hot, that the chefs would risk melting - like butter in a microwave.... So we had a glass of wine, debated our options and were forced to leave (hunger is a powerful motivator). I'd give this place zero stars, since a restaurant that can't cook food is a little pointless but the waiter was nice, understanding and attentive (1 star) and the glass of wine was pretty good (1 more star). With that said, this seems like a temporary set-back and I may have to give this place another chance. The ambiance is nice and parking (for uptown) is not that difficult.
(2)Monica S.
I gave this place an extra star because the ambiance reminds me of being in a cafe in NYC that I miss so much. I came here for Easter brunch and it was reservation only, which really kept out the crowds. Luckily I had prepared and made us a ressie so we were seated quickly, and although it took a bit to order we were fine with that. I had the eggs bennie and the man had the smoked chicken hash and both of us were impressed. This is going to become a go to brunch place for me. My one "eh" is that the poached eggs weren't quite there yet and were a little too runny for my liking. Maybe I will bump this up to 5 stars if their raw bar impresses..
(4)Steven K.
I consider Barbette to be a top-tier, innovative, and reliable restaurant. I've been there for lunch. I've been there for dinner. I've been there for wine and appetisers on Bastille Day. Each time, I've been thoroughly impressed. On our most recent visit, we tried the Monday night prixe fixe menu. It was great. (My wife often doesn't like prixe fixe because she likes to pick which items to eat. But she was very pleased with the items served the night we tried it.) Also, Barbette is providing a forum for good local musical talent with live music on Mondays and Thursdays. They also have a 'happy hour' after 10 p.m. Overall, I consider this to be one of the best restaurants in town.
(5)Amber E.
Ooh la lamb. I was initially not too thrilled to be coming to Barbette as I had wanted to eat somewhere else. So glad things didn't go as planned. We ordered pomme frites to start. The portion was more than generous and it was all I could do to avoid stuffing myself to oblivion before the main course arrived. For my main course I had the special of the day, which was a lamb tasting platter. Ever had bacon made of lamb? I have. And it was every bit as awesome as it sounds. Everything was cooked to perfection. Even the brussel sprouts and carrots were delectable.
(4)JS J.
Had dinner here for the first time Monday night, and loved it. We decided to go for the 4 course Prixe Fixe dinner menu - essentially a predetermined menu chosen by the chef. Every one of the plates was excellent. We had a lemon pasta, an incredible hangar steak, and a nice dessert and also an intro plate, some smoked salmon with a zesty topping. The atmosphere of the small restaurant is casual and eclectic and trendy "French." Great people-watching, too. Overall I found the fixed menu lots of fun, and we plan to return in a few months to try it again. One other note: the staff were very friendly and un-pretentious. Made the evening delightful.
(5)Serena R.
Great uptown location. I had the whipped truffle Brie, charred octopus salad and chorizo salad and the molten chocolate cake for dessert. Nice ambience with good beats pumped in. I went back for breakfast the next morning and had the buckwheat scrambled egg crepe which was tasty but not warm enough. Overall my experience was great with Barbette. Seems like a good date spot!
(4)Anna M.
Happy Hour Review The atmosphere was very relaxing with a touch of sophistication. I loved the variety of different light fixtures! What I didn't love was the sudden attitude we received from our server when we asked about happy hour. It was 3:45 in the afternoon- did she think we were there for lunch? Dinner? Regardless- the $5 apps were mostly delicious and the $4 glasses of wine were relaxing. I say mostly because the oysters were not to my liking- but it seems all restaurants only put the less desirable types of oysters on special. The best part of Barbette was that it made me feel young and mature at the same time! As someone in my late 20's- most locations in Uptown seem to cater to a much younger crowd. It was a real treat to not be one of the oldest people room. I will definitely go back to try out dinner.
(3)Curio D.
I enjoyed the entree of pork because of the two different qualities of preparation. I just returned from Egypt, where they don't serve pork and maybe the reason other than religion is that it is really salty and over bearing all other flavors. The ambiance was extremely loud and at the bar a person had their hand down another persons pants (get a room). I felt like I was at a high school bar, this is not my cup of tea. On my first date with my soon to be wife we tried comin here two years ago. No wonder I had the gut instinct to leave after ordering a cranberry juice and getting a spotty glass. Not my favorite place for service either as I asked for a picture to be taken of the place and the waitress came back 5 minutes later as we were patiently waiting. This place is over crowded and trying to sell sex french style to the masses.
(2)Maureen B.
Have you been to Barbette recently? This restaurant has always been great -- food, philosophy and atmosphere, but they were recently blessed in hiring a new chef and all I can say is - WOW!! The food is not only incredibly flavorful, it is also artfully prepared and very thoughtful. We are thrilled!!! Our recent visit --- vegetable of the day: perfect golden, small baby beets. Seared line-caught mahi mahi with brussels sprouts and squash puree was a lovely entree.....oh, and a wonderful 'hen of the woods' mushroom salad.... (organic wine selections , too) Rejoice! :)
(5)Rachel D.
Best risotto I've ever had -- and at a French restaurant! My husband and I went here for dinner and loved everything about it. We shared Fondue, I had the risotto and he had the wild boar special. Everything we ate was fantastic, and we loved the small, intimate atmosphere. Excellent service, an excellent time. We will be back.
(4)JENNIFER SOUN L.
Having moved to Minneapolis from Los Angeles some two months ago, I am determined to find charming and interesting venues/restaurants that will ease my transition to life in the tundra. Barbette came somewhat highly recommended to me by another transplanted Angeleno, so I was eager to try the little bistro-style French/American restaurant nestled on a corner in Uptown. Overall, I would have to say that the food was decent, but a little greasy and on the heavy side. Even for 'French' cuisine. My meal consisted of a bowl of cream of mushroom soup, butternut squash ravioli, a side of frites shared with my dining companions and a glass of malbec. I thought the prices fair, but my taste buds were not inversely blown away by the food. Plating was uninspired. Not finished yet. My digestive track was blown away by Barbette. It was squarely sucker punched, drop kicked to the floor and shanked by the shitty quality of the food. As if on cue, no sooner did the waiter clear our plates, did I start to feel the dreaded sweatbomb that accompanies food poisoning. I vomited twice in Barbette's bathroom and even got a little splash back which was lovely since I was wearing silk and it was designer. And then I vomited once outside, making my own special kind of tie dye in the snow. Oh, and then I threw up twice on my way home and I don't even want to get into the remainder of my night which was about as 180º away from sexy as it gets. I rescheduled a date to eat here. Barbette, nique ta mere.
(1)Mark B.
I had restaurant week reservations with my date. We arrived and were promptly seated. The decor is very comfortable, unique, and inviting. The service was all-around fantastic. We decided to go with the restaurant week menu (naturally). We both started with the butternut squash soup with pumpkin seed oil and toasted pepitos for the first coarse. It was divine - sumptuous, heady, savory - we both almost licked our bowls clean. But that was unfortunately the best part of the meal. I had the mushroom ricotta ravioli with grilled radicchio and braised pearl onions, and my date had the pork chop. The portions were fairly small by American standards which, quite honestly, is not a terrible thing, but if that was going to be the only course, we would've starved. My ravioli were, on the whole, pretty meh. There wasn't enough mushroom flavor or salt. And the pasta could've been more intensely flavored by cooking them in light veggie stock instead of just plain water. The radicchio was good, but seemed like an odd accompaniment to the pasta. It was also cold and not thoroughly cooked/grilled. My date's pork chop was tiny, just a few slices. Flavorful and cooked perfectly, however. He wasn't entirely pleased with it, though. It was literally just pork chop. No accompanying sauce for it or prepared any special way. You can cook a pork chop, that's great, now do something to make it more than just a pork chop. And for dessert there was only one choice, so we both had the pistachio panna cotta with some sort of nut brittle cookie. Both were very good. Tiny portions, but I'm not a huge fan of sweets, so I was satisfied by it. And the wine was good, and well-priced!
(4)Elizabeth S.
I've got to upgrade my rating just a little. (Yes, I went back.) While I waited for a table, I was offered something to drink and a menu to peruse. My waitress couldn't have been more attentive or kind. And, of course, I had my way with the aioli. As much as I enjoyed myself during my last visit, I think it'll take a few more good experiences before I can budge higher than three stars.
(3)Praful M.
In a neighbourhood where street parking is free only after 10 PM this place has their own parking lot. So it's a good start. When I reached there patio was full, so we had to seat inside. At prime time me and my friend were the only 2 guys that were there other than date guys. It seems ladies love this place. It can get very noisy inside when busy. Our service was good, however about food (I had herb roasted cod), I have nothing to write home about. May be I am not fan of french food (this is only my second). Though if you want to have french dinner with (mostly) locals in a place with good vibe this is place to be.
(3)Nicole P.
Wine list - Large Food Selection - Expensive & short Out door seating - Yes Takes reservations - Yes Wait staff- Very nice So all in all I'll give it a 3 because the food is generally good though highly buttery, the pomfrits (thin fries) are quite nice and the fondue is a good appetizer to share but in general the food is generally pretty spendy for what you get. All the times I've eaten here I've been satisfied but not blown away. They have a large wine list and the prices are fair and they have a good cocktail selection also. The atmosphere is great and the outdoor seating is a must if you can find some. Best time to go would be for a happy hour or brunch that's when the food is the best for the best prices
(3)Caitlin R.
I was so disappointed... I finally got the chance to check out Barbette this weekend after hearing so much about it! It was an awful experience. I don't know if they were all just having an awful day or if a few employees quit and walked out, but it was pretty ridiculous. I think the bartender hated us, as she was constantly avoiding our attempts at communication. Every time we did get her to give us a second, we felt horrible for wasting her time. I wanted to help her because she seemed so stressed out and angry. I don't like feeling like an inconvenience when I'm spending money to relax. My husband ordered some mussels, which were undercooked. He ate a couple of them...but only because he was starving. And trying to order anything else was impossible, since our server was oblivious to our existence. In retrospect, it was pretty bad. It seems like there are other great reviews on here, so maybe we caught them on an awful day? The owners sure spent some time decorating the place... it was beautiful and the ambiance was perfect. It's a shame the service was so bad. I say, try this place at your own risk... we sure won't be going back.
(1)Brien G.
2.5 Stars. This place has potential, but all in all, if it's trying to be a french brassiere it's got a long ways to go. I always think the owners ate at Pastis or Balthazar in New York and ripped the concept in a half-assed way. Everything could be better about this place. What works for me is quiet weekday breakfasts at the bar. Always good service, though the kitchen is slow no matter where you sit. Outside is hit or miss. If they remember that you're out there it will be slow and bearable. If not, it will be slow and unbearable. I've eaten in the dining room at the tables a few times and every time I regret it. It's challenging for some reason. Takes forever and usually something in my order gets screwed up. I also don't like that this place seems to chew through talent in the kitchen, seems like someone different is always cooking and it shows in the consistency of the food.
(2)Rick D.
Our dining club hit this local hotspot last night. We had a pleasant dinner. Started with a couple of domestic locally brewed beers. Surly Furious quite funky, but I liked it. For an appetizer I ordered the bowl of olives. Good stuff. I had the hearts of Palm salad as an appetizer. Nice, but not off the chart. I love hearts of palm and was excited to see what this might turn out like. Just a little underwhelmed. For the main course I had the Mushroom Risotto. Great rich flavor. A bit dry and heavy, but that's why I ordered it. For desert, we shared a bowl of Cranberry sorbet which was nice and tart and very good. Atmosphere was conducive to conversation and the wait staff was courteous and attentive.
(3)Minh T.
Barbette has fancy food, but doesn't take itself too seriously. The pork shoulder is incredible -- rich and tender. It has just the right amount of melt-in-your-mouth fat, and every bite had great flavor that wasn't overdone. It's served on top of black truffle creamed corn, which is as good as it sounds. The only criticism I have are the grilled spring onions, which weren't cooked for long enough, resulting in a sharp and astringent taste. It's not something I'm too worried about, and I'd definitely come back again, perhaps to try their prix fixe menu.
(5)Ronnie G.
Loved Barbette. Great date spot with incredible ambiance and charming waitstaff. Mussels in Red Wine, Tomato, and Garic: Perfectly steamed and cooked mussels that came with crispy toast. A well done dish. rating: 8/10 Steak Au Poivre: Flat iron steak pan cooked very well. The meat was the perfect temperature but I didn't care for the peppercorn sauce. As everyone mentioned, the pomme frites are fried just right with a lemon aioli dipping sauce. rating: 8/10 Red Snapper Special: Light airy fish with excellent accompanying aioli. A great dish at an affordable price. rating: 8/10 One neg. The food came out pretty late so it may be a good thing if you've got a hot date (which I was lucky to have). We'll be back soon B.
(4)Tara J.
I love Barbette! This is my dog Dirk's favorite restaurant. I take him there often in the summer, and the staff are all so sweet to him. If you have a dog, this is an awesome place to hang out when the weather is good. His favorites are the pomme frites and the carrot cake. I love the pomme frites too and have enjoyed many of the vegetarian specials on the menu. Barbette has a great happy hour that always includes a sparkling wine of some sort, which is a rarity. The wines featured on their happy hour are always of a good quality, which is also a nice change of pace. The servcie at Barbette is wonderful and the atmosphere is so relaxing and charming. Any place that loves my puppy almost as much as I do is tops in my book! Dirk gives Barbette 6 barks! He loves it so much that it's off the scale.
(5)Melanie L.
Eggs Florentine with roasted tomatoes and a perfect holly sauce. A Black Velvet (Guiness/Pear Cider) and an order of frites with lemon tarragon aioli to share. It was a splendid lunch. We were seated promptly and the place was packed. Staff was on the ball. We had a new waiter--Ambrose. He's new to the place and is already getting the hang of the craziness that is Barbette when it is crowded. The music was a little loud, but I'm getting old and deaf anyways, so it's bound to bother me. Good times were had. I can't wait until summer and there is sidewalk seating again. I do want to add that I miss the variety of crepes that used to be available and the missing individual cheesecakes that used to be on the menu when Lisa Carlson was the chef. That blood orange and chevre cheesecake was orgasmic!
(4)Jess R.
Food - A (Had the Pomme frites, and the mushroom risotto - very good flavor. Quite a bit food) Waitress - C (I think she thought we were just another two-some coming in for apetizers, she was not very attentive until we actually ordered an entree.) Table/Atmosphere - F (We made reservations and got the worst table in the joint. Directly center stage with tables not more than 3 inches away from us on both sides. There went the romantic date night) Not going to rush back
(3)Kyle B.
Barbette is the best place I know of to eat a late dinner. I have a weakness for the Steak Frites which always comes with an enormous pile of pomme frites that could be dinner unto itself if there wasn't a perfectly cooked flatiron steak there also. Service isn't that fast, but I'm never in a hurry to leave so it doesn't matter much. The ambience is great and a perfect place for a date. The only downside is its a little expensive at non-happy-hour prices.
(4)Mark S.
From my wife.. Really cute place. Started with a cheese and fruit plate... I would recommend this. Good chicken wild rice soup. Superb warm chocolate cake.. Wait staff was a bit slow at the beginning, but then really cool girl. She bought us dessert at the end because she said we were cool. ( I would say she also had impeccable taste in people... ha)
(4)Dan S.
There is a comfortable atmosphere, a good selection of beer and wine, and excellent fries. The kitchen is open late and has a good late night happy hour during the week. The service is good, but don't sit outside without asking first, even if there are 5 empty tables. Barbette is also one of the prettier restaurants around.
(5)Max L.
kinda quirky food is always great great coffee always beautiful art on walls never had a bad meal .....
(5)Whitney G.
I love that they serve organic/local/grass-fed meats. Being a foodie never made ya feel more guilt-free when you eat here. And their wines are pretty good, too.
(4)Kat H.
Barbette and I have a tumultuous relationship, but I've stuck by this restaurant since its opening and I will defend it to the death for three reasons: 1. Pomme frites. Good luck finding better fries (or saffron aioli) in Minneapolis. 2. The cheese fondue with baguette, green apples and mushrooms (though I forgo the latter). Tastes best when it's absolutely freezing outside. Can be shared, but why would you do a thing like that? 3. The colorful, warm interior, which manages to capture the feel of a Parisian bistro while avoiding any traces of pretension. On the negative side, the service can be pretty lackluster. The kitchen always seems to be having problems. But at least Barbette admits to their shortcomings: on my last visit, my brother's entree was 20 minutes late and was automatically comped. Our waiter even offered us free dessert! Needless to say, we left happy and full of warm chocolate cake. Other great dishes: steak frites, the farmhouse chicken, any of the crepes, and the daily specials are always fresh. A great place to take your family, friends, or a date. Viva la France!
(4)Bridget A.
My boyfriend and I went to Barbette for a first time a few weeks ago, after I heard how great the breakfast was, and now we try to go every Sunday. The interior's decor is eclectic and artsy without being cold. The service is always great as well. But my favorite thing is the macadamia nut pancakes. They're fluffy, with just the right amount of crunch from the nuts, and the bananas on top add a perfect amount of sweetness. Their bloody mary's are great too, they come decked out with all the fixings, and the mix tastes like it has a bit of horseradish in it. They also serve breakfast for most of the day, which is never a bad thing.
(5)Bugs B.
3 words: Perfect egg benedict!
(5)Joseph N.
I ate at Barbette last night, and I had a quite acceptable meal with very attentive service. So why only 3 stars? To begin with the obvious, the place is a dump. The decor is shabby and in great need of a complete make-over. While I would be very unlikely to give 5 stars to such a dump, I would go to 4 or 4.5 if the food and service were really great. Unfortunately, the menu is almost completely uninspired, especially the main courses. My wife had eaten at Barbette previously and had had a lamb special that she enjoyed. Not surprisingly, yesterday's specials were different and, unfortunately, uninspiring. After considering simply leaving and going to another restaurant, we decided to make a meal from the appetizers. My wife had a beet salad special that featured really good local greens, although the beets were nothing special. The salad was large and we were able to share and have plenty. I had a dozen oysters that were fresh, well-presented and reasonably flavorful. For a second course, my wife ordered the charcuterie platter and I ordered the braised lamb shortribs. Although a small serving, the shortribs were the highlight of the meal. We also ordered a side of olives, which were served warm and were quite generous. The charcuterie was generous enough that we could share, so I didn't starve. The place was not busy, and our waitress was quite attentive. The wine list is heavily French and has a good variety of selections. There are no bargains, but there are some reasonably-priced bottles. There are 3 vegetarian dishes and usually a vegetarian special. Acceptable, but with so many good restaurants in Minneapolis, not recommended.
(3)Joshua W.
Barbette has all the quaintness of a French Cafe and the same price as one along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The food is great but the portions are super small. I don't think I've ever before spent more than $25 on a meal and still was hungry afterward. I got the Bison Short Ribs, and they were phenomenal. The cook prepared them and the lentils to perfection. We got a cheese plate and their Wisconsin Nut Brown Ale cheese is brilliant!. Get the French Fries! They are well worth it I guess the only two things that failed me here was the service, because it seemed like the servers were overwhelmed when the place was what appeared to me to be dead, and the price to portion ratio. Also, I don't know who came up with the breakfast bar in the front but it honestly annoyed me. It was so out of place, short compared to the regular bar, and took up a lot of space right next to the door. Atmospheric Faux Pas Barbette.
(3)Shen L.
I've been to Barbette multiple times -- for dinner and for brunch. Their menu changes frequently, and I've frequently had the specials. Their hibiscus tea during brunch-time is awesome.. the perfect hot drink on a cold winter or "spring" day -- very flavorful but not sweet. Also, the Scrambled Eggs & Truffles, and Waffles, are great as well. I'd like to revisit Barbetter for dinner. The special sweet potato gnocci with sage brown butter was fantastic, and the mussels tasted quite authentic. Overall, I'm very impressed by this neighborhood gem.
(4)Chris K.
Disclaimer: I've always had a thing for French bistros. I can't help it. I think they're romantic. Cozy. Specially suited to good wine, warm olives and wearing those new jeans I just bought. The thing is, here in Twincy, there just ain't too many good French joints. We've got Tim McKee's wonderfully expensive and over-the-top La Belle Vie. We've got Vincent. And, here comes my S. Mpls bias, we've got a gem in Barbette. Atmosphere alone with get you in the mood for food and love. Breakfast and lunch bring an airy, sunny feel to the restaurant. Something between coffeeshop and early morning bar, Barbette is quiet, respectful and yet still edgy in the morning. And the crepes. Wow. Evening, though, is where Barbette shines. Golden lighting and dark wood trim give the restaurant clubby feel. Windows overlooking the busy Lake Street give it urbanity. The food makes it monumental. I'm a big fan of nearly everything on the menu at Barbette. The steak frites is a classic and well worth the money. The daily seafood specials are always delicious, and their mussels are to die for. Still, I like to pick my way through their small plates, or in French, amusements. Warm olives and a cheese plate are a near perfect way to start a night. The olives are salty goodness paired with baguette. The cheeses, always rotating based on seasonality and freshness, give your mouth a creamy introduction to dinner. $6 for the olives is a deal. $11/$17 for the cheeses is spendy ($11 for two cheeses, $17 for four), though they're ridiculously tasty. Next up, the pommes frites (fries). Barbette makes a special brand of fries, and you either love them or hate them. Personally, I think they're spectacular. Thin, crisp and well seasoned, these aren't overwhelming bunches of salt and flavor, just good fries with a good sauce on the side. I'd shoot through the whole menu for you, but that'd take waaaay too long, so I'll say this: try out Barbette. Dance through their small plates, or dive into their full dishes, but give it a try. Their culinary mastery is well worth the dollars, and far and away the best bistro experience in Twincy.
(5)Lara B.
One word: Frites. The vibe is really great; it's sort of an urban/french/bohemian thing. The food is consistently good. The menu changes frequently enough so as not to bore. There's a comprehensive wine list and if you're lucky, your server will be able to offer a good suggestion. Recommended: Assuming there's two of you, start with the Steamed Mussels, then split the Steak au Piovre and a side of the Pomme Frites. And always, always finish with the Crème Brûlée.
(4)Jeff P.
Fantastic brunch joint for a hangover. Outdoor seating on a beautiful day...awesome. It wasn't the best, but the bloody mary was great for the hair of the dog. Awesome poached eggs...with delicious thick pork bacon. Awesome waffles with blueberry compote and lemon curd. Wow! And the prices...so cheap. Service was a little spotty, though...very authentic French.
(5)Alison M.
Thanks "anonymous owner/employee".. I see that your TWO reviews are 5-stars for Barbette and BLB, both of which are owned by the same person. Is that you Kim Bartmann? I suppose I should clarify my Barbette experience. I was NOT being factually inaccurate so let me clear up what I meant to say. I was trying to emphasize the level to which I was DISAPPOINTED with what I was served. Perhaps that is exactly how your restaurant decided to serve these meals and if that's the case then all I'm saying is I was disappointed. I didnt expect tapenade necessarily--I was just hoping for something more than a bowl of olives warmed over. I should have said that I was DISAPPOINTED that all I got was a lame bowl of olives and it was my wishful thinking to want something more dynamic or delicious. As for bread, maybe your chef decides to serve a chintzy amount of bread. If so, I am saying that it is inadequate for the meal and in my mind makes it a nonsensical proportion of bread. Again, I want to emphasize how DISAPPOINTED I was with how much bread we got. Conspiracy maybe not, but if your chef is the one making all the decisions, somebody (perhaps you--the owner?) needs to tell him/her that they are BAD DECISIONS. As for the olive dish being the same during dinner and happy hour, you have just successfully convinced me to NEVER come to Barbette for dinner, since it is just as pathetic as happy hour was. Thanks for the heads up! I wish I still had the receipt because I was just as surprised as you that I was charged for bread. If you dont charge for extra bread and dont see it as a huge expense, why the hell dont you include more with the plates?! Your logic is just as mysterious as your identity. I seriously thought it was an off night, but thank goodness you have explained to the world that my bad experience was status quo for Barbette. Disappointing, disappointing, disappointing. I will never be back.
(2)David D.
Yes. Good. Go here!
(5)Josh E.
There hasn't been a lot of hanging out on Lake St so far for me, but I was there Sunday morning for brunch at the behest of a friend. So, this was my first visit to Barbette. The vibe was a little bit NYC (Village) and the combination of light and shadows made it cozy. No smoking in the Twin Cities, but I could almost see the ghostly smoke drifting slowly through the sunbeams. The waitstaff was very friendly and the leisurely pace of the meal suited me just fine. I ordered the Royale With Cheese w/ a half order of Pomme Frites. I mean, how could I resist the Pulp Fiction nod? The half order is about the size of a full anywhere else. The Royale was considerably undercooked, but still tasted good enough for me not to complain. However, the combination of cheese and meat grease turned it into a runaway train of a mushy mess. The roll only lasted for about 2 bites before it disintegrated under the fatty assault. The frites were well prepared but the dip was a little bit of a near Hollandaise overkill. In my judgment, the food was overpowering... just too rich. I have become a big fan of subtlety in cuisine and Barbette needs to work on that a bit before I can heartily endorse their style of Twin Cities French.
(3)Clare M.
I just moved to the Bay Area a few months ago, and one of the things I miss the most about living in Minneapolis is dinner at Barbette. I spent many an hour in my younger days languishing with friends at Cafe Wyrd. The Wyrd grew up and became Barbette at exactly the moment when I grew up and started ordering wine with dinner. The food is always good. The mussels, the cheese plate, the Amish chicken, the pomme frites. All of it, always good. And the steak au poivre - the most expensive item on the menu - is seriously worth the $$. I recall particularly spirited waitress who told vivid stories about the cheese on the cheese plate. If you're having issues with the staff, it's probably because you're being an asshole.
(5)Ebbin M.
Great brunch (eggs benedict!!!), mussels and fries... and the bloody marys and cold coffee & Guiness are awesome! Lots of vegie-friendly options. I love the funky atmosphere (crazy coolors, crockery shard terrazo counter tops and gold lame' rafters) and ever-changing art. Though it can get be a bit loud (auditorily and visually) the food has always been great and in the summer you can escape to the outdoor seating.
(4)Jordan H.
Great little restaurant with excellent food and drinks. They even have live music most nights and the atmosphere is very intimate, same with the outdoor seating. It is just far enough away from the main uptown area that it is a bit more quite and relaxed.
(5)I'm O.
Never had a bad meal here. Servers can be obnoxious in a wanna-be-New York sort of way.
(5)Andrew B.
I'm in MN a couple of times a year to hang out with the in-laws and of all the restaurants I've tried so far, this is my favorite. Even the mixed greens on the side were delicious (slightly salted vinaigrette). I had the omelette special consisting of braised pork, corn and swiss. Sounds strange on paper, but is excellent in person. The pork was fork tender and delicious. The corn, sweet and small of kernel, as it should be. The swiss melted perfectly and was not too strong in flavor. Everything came together for a wonderful meal. I can only hope the in-laws don't mind leaving the 'burbs for a trip to the city next time we come.
(5)Nilu r.
Unique little restaurant. I remember this place back when it was a dingy little coffee shop called Cafe Wyrd. The location is great, the ambiance is cool. The food is good, especially by MN standards. The service was cold and austere and somewhat inattentive. Our server whispered so quiet that I felt like I was a lip reader. What I liked most was the size of the portions. The portions were not as large as the typical Midwest portion so you didn't end up feeling like you are eating out of a trough. All in all, this is a staple in Minneapolis for future visits.
(4)sarah p.
Today was one of those Sundays when everything that happened was happy, sunny -- almost chirpy. My day started with Brunch Club at Barbette. I'd never eaten there for brunch before, and the poached egg frissee salad with lardons was the perfect way to start what felt like the first day of Spring. Light, tasty, crisp, and flavorful. The perfect beginning to the first gorgeous Sunday of 2010.
(4)Molly S.
Horrible service! I loved Barbette in the past. This was my favorite spot to meet my best friend for Brunch for over a year, but I'll skip it for a while. Our waitress moved as fast as a snail. Her "I'm so Uptown" vibe bugged and her inability to service our table made us leave without eating. Cold eggs Benedict can push one over the edge. When you go somewhere and your paying your hard earned dollars for a nice meal most expect good service to go hand and hand. Her body language said, "I'm doing you a favor", my tip said, "You'll go home broke today."
(2)Jeannette K.
Oh Barbette's.... If you were any closer, I would have gone bankrupt. I spent endless hours here whenever I had free time. Love the food, love the drinks, love the mussels. The atmosphere was just as cool. Surprisingly, I've never had problems finding free parking!
(5)C K.
Great service by friendly staff and excellent, basic cuisine. My sister and I took my elderly parents here for brunch and had a nice time.
(3)Lori G.
I tried their tea and pancake. Nothing surprising~
(3)rb l.
Just one tip here: The larger order of pomme frites comes on a full dinner plate as a mountain of fries. Be sure to share with at least 3 people!
(4)Jason W.
Sophie's Choice. I will not choose a favorite dish. You can't make me. After taking a brief winter hiatus to help Kim Bartmann plan the next phases of her empire building, Chef Kevin Kathman has returned to helm the Monday prix fixe. AND IT SHOWS. Tonight's journey towards gustatory ecstasy! - Basil Lillet - One of the newer cocktails they've put on the menu. Crisp, refreshing aperitif. Ready to eat? Damn skippy! - Baked Oysters: chorizo, manchego, spinach - Meet Juan Diego Rockefeller. The chorizo adds a Spanish flair to the Oysters Rockefeller preparation - creamy sweet oysters on the half shell baked with spinach and manchego cheese browned on top, punctuated by the spicy salty tang of the chorizo. Ay mi dios, you had me at hola. - 5/5. - Haddock: english peas, carrots, radishes, ramps - Unfortunately, the red-headed stepchild of the bunch. Not that it was bad; no, it was great and well executed, it's just that everything else was slightly more inventive and thoughtful. Perfectly done and moist white fish. Precious veggies. Could have used more ramps. Love ramps, but they're just coming into their own with this prolonged malingering winter we've been having. This dish is said to be joining the regular menu, but with sole instead of haddock. Any other time, I would have been ga-ga over this, but it was eclipsed by its menu-mates. - 4.5/5 - Pork Belly: corn, truffles, spring onion - Don't make me choose. This was one of the evening's stars. Rich without being greasy. Glistening pork belly with a beautifully caramelized sweet skin. Subo's supposed pork candy pales in comparison. Initially thought the truffles could have been overpowering, but they were well balanced in the corn providing an earthy undertone and complexity to the sweet crisp kernels. Pork paradise. - 6/5. - OFF MENU: Bone in Lamb Chop: kidneys with fleur de sel, celery root puree, fava beans - Don't want to choose! Chef Kathman slipped this into the progression of our prix fixe. He had recently butchered a lamb and had these beautiful fresh kidneys to go along with the lamb chop left on the rib. Kidneys clean and fresh tasting, no hint of urea (Whee-whee! Oui oui! No pee-pee!). Fleur de sel added a nice seasoned crunch and textural contrast to the slightly toothsome roasted renal tissue. Lamb done perfectly pink. Gnawed the meat from the bone. Plate was pried from my hands as I snarled like a pit bull. - 6/5. - Fillet of Beef: asparagus, serrano ham, bearnaise I cannot choose. Serrano ham wrapped around 2 asparagus spears, perfectly done fillet, creamy bearnaise. I couldn't decide which bite to end on, so the last bite was all of it stacked together. This too was a trial for the regular menu and will reportedly be served with a strip steak for the larger regular entree portion. - 6/5 - Chocolate Mousse: white, dark, caramel - Did not have. Had a cheese dessert substituted instead. - */5 - French Alpine Goat's Milk Cheese: first plain, and then with macadamia nut brittle, roasted cashews, honey - Is not choosing ultimately a choice? Kevin had this wonderful artisanal cheese (whose name escapes me) and initially offered it to us as a cheese course before dessert. Creamy and rich with subtle chevre undertones. No overpowering billy goat's gruff. We tried to savor each morsel, but I ended up inhaling the stuff. When he expressed a slight reservation about the chocolate mousse and encouraged us to substitute for a different dessert, I knew what I wanted. I wanted more cheese. (I guess I did choose after all.) Only I wanted a little extra along with the cheese to sweeten the deal and Kevin didn't disappoint. Sweet crunchiness of the brittle contrasted with and complimented the smoothness of the cheese. The cashews added a mildly bitter depth to broaden the palate. I need to remember the name of this cheese! But my carotid arteries were overwhelmed by the micelles of buttery sweet rich goodness depriving my limbic system of any faculty for memory. Remember the name of the cheese? I can barely remember my own name. Huh? What? Me like a da cheese. Cheese gud. - 6/5. I respect Chef Kathman's integrity to steer his customers away from things he wasn't completely satisfied with - the consistency of the bottom layer of the mousse just wasn't up to his standards. We weren't the only ones allowed to substitute. Other diners around us, partaking in the prix fixe, were also allowed to substitute desserts. With Kevin back in charge of the prix fixe menu, the dishes were clean and well presented. He let his technique, preparations, and locally sourced as possible ingredients speak for themselves. Most importantly, no fucking thoughtless micro-greens! All for $32! (- the EtOH). Sophie's choice. I cannot choose just one. Just like Pokemon, I gotta have 'em all. Do yourself a favor and stop in to try Chef Kathman's Monday night prix fixe menu. Just don't y'all try do it all at the same time, ya hear? I like having my regular Monday night table.
(5)Alph G.
This place was very sweet. The service was excellent and I loved being in the restaurant. I kind of wanted to just hang out there. My salad was just okay though. I ate some of my friend's fries which were delicious. I need to come back and give it a second try.
(3)Bill F.
Had Sunday brunch, service and food were great. Brie omelet was delicious, waffle with fruit great and sides of crisp bacon. Wonderful Bloody Mary. Our server was professional and friendly, always a smile on her face.
(5)Leigh A.
The atmosphere and location are quite enjoyable. The spicy tomato soup was way too spicy. The habaneros used need to be cooked or infused in the cooking oil. Simply adding heat doesn't make a dish. The braised beef was way over cooked and almost hard to swallow. The chicken with polenta and carrot frisse was very good. The chicken was moist and the flavor were delectable. The pom frites were fantastic and the chocolate molten cake was good. Frankly, after all the hype I have heard, I expected more. Next time I'll try the mussels.
(3)Jenna P.
The daily omelet was watery and bland and the service was so so. Have heard good things from other people, so may just have to try again. Definitely like the atmosphere of the place, though.
(2)Joe P.
Barbette features excellent mussels, delicious pommes frites & aioli, and Pernod served with a water carafe. And if you stop in solo for a chapter and a drink on a Saturday night you'll find a spot at the low, circular bar and feel welcomed. Plus the late night and happy hour menu is reasonable. I must come back for brunch sometime.
(5)Guptan K.
Share a large order of the "pomme frites" with ketchup and lemon aioli before you order food. Fresh cut and delicious. Some food items have high prices but there are deals too. Happy hour has $5 appetizers and $4 tap beers. "Vegetarian-friendly" menu and one of the best brunch restaurants in Uptown. One thing, Barbette should serve food later at night not just until 12:30 am.
(4)John S.
The Coffee is ridiculously good and the atmosphere is cozy. I could be convinced to give it another star, but the food was just A-OK worthy.
(3)Travis N.
Love the food, art and service. The bathroom was very drafty, though.
(5)P X.
Order the Nicoise Salad and a side of fries. You will NOT be disappointed! Seriously, my mouth is watering as I write this! There is also a fairly solid wine menu and the restaurant itself is warm and cozy...a perfect place to hunker down and chat with a few close friends. The missing star comes from the fact that I have never had very great service here....but I keep coming back for the food. Delicious!
(4)Mike F.
Barbette rocks. I had a group of about 8 eating there a couple of months ago, and the service, food, and beverages couldn't be any better. I'd never eaten here when I lived in St. Paul, but now it'll be a stand-by when I go back. UPDATE: So I've now been back to Barbette 5 times since I moved away. It is a MUST EAT place in the Twin Cities. Be sure to ask for Gerald as your server when you're there, he's been great every time I've been there. I wish they had a Barbette in LA, I'd be their most loyal customer.
(5)madeleine s.
I grew up in Minneapolis area but only come back occasionally and I must say, when you need to showcase the great service and gay-friendliness of the Midwest Minneapolis shines. I had a Maker's Manhattan and smoked trout salad; she had a side car and a brie omelet. We shared fancy french fries of some type...ah a few hours away from the kids! The service was warm and lovely and quick at lunch. The patrons were attractive, well-to-do, not showy but rough-hewn Minnesota types with raggedy kids like I'd see back in the SF bay area. I was so pleased to spend a winter afternoon here. Good happy hour started at 3 too.
(4)Shannon C.
Such a sweet little place with a beautiful, romantic vibe. Fun taste adventures, all with a French twist. And the best Pomme Frites in town!!
(4)Scott E.
I have been here three times and never again. I do not get how this place survives. The benchs are full of splinters, the look to me is not modern rather old school house that needs renovation. The seating is crowded and the menu has never stood out as special. The place was under staffed and it showed in the lack of emotion from our waitress. The noise level is loud. The food on all three visits has ranged from bland to bad. Parking is on the street and difficult at times.
(1)Elias A.
We adore this place; the food is outstanding, the service is prompt and helpful and tasteful, and the dining room is such a great spot for first-rate cuisine. Highly recommended, and we'll be back again and again!
(4)Jim S.
I just had the best chicken I've ever eaten! Yeah, chicken sounds like a tame option compared to the other dishes on their menu, but no way. The juicy baked chicken was placed on a cake of grits (don't knock it until you try it) on a bed of arugula. I don't know what the glaze is on the chicken, but it was awesome: not too sweet, but full of flavor. The chicken was in two pieces, one with a handy little leg bone sticking up (so you can grab it and eat every bit of the savory meat on it) and the other is a fillet of juicier chicken. There was no skimping on skin, which may be a turn off for some, but for people who love flavor, it's fantastic. The grits cake was cooked in something delicious (maybe more fat....after all, it's a French restaurant! No fear of fat here!} The taste of the chicken, grits and arugula together was something to remember. Barbette is a funky little restaurant with a kicking kitchen. The waitstaff was friendly and efficient. (The chicken was her recommendation....and I'm so grateful!). I can't wait to return and try out some of the other options.
(5)Jessica S.
From the outside, Barbette always seemed so warm, cozy and inviting. Now that I finally had the opportunity to dine here, I can safely say this was not an illusion. I loved the atmosphere and the design/decor of the restaurant (especially the lamps that hung overhead that really jazzed the place up). The restaurant, which is actually bigger than it appears from the outside, was crowded (including people waiting to be seated) so I was happy to have made a reservation. We were seated immediately. We ordered the truffle whipped brie for an appetizer. Buttery and so indulgent! Yum! I got the hot smoked salmon salad. The way the salad was assembled got to me a bit. Many of the ingredients were hidden underneath the greens. There was minimal dressing, just a light brush of olive oil. But because there were enough goodies (eggs, salmon- two big chunks-, beans, potatoes, olives) to be eaten with every bite full of salad, I was fine with this. While I am apparently not a huge hot smoked salmon fan, the ingredients really were high quality. My dining partner got some kind of rolled chicken with herbs inside. Also very high quality but he was not crazy about the filling. (It was also a little too smoky/ham tasting.) For dessert, I got an apple tart and my friend got the chocolate lava cake. Mine was very yummy. My friend enjoyed his too, but not sweet enough for a girl with a super huge sweet tooth. The drinks were also good. I got a French Gimlet (St. Germaine/Gin) and my friend got a 2 Gingers Whiskey drink. Our waitress was sweet and pleasant. Dinner (1 app, 1 salad, 1 entree, 2 drinks, 2 dessert) took us just over $100. This is really not awful considering the quality of the food was very good. I would go back.
(4)Kate B.
Lunch with a friend, the cheese plate was great, but her buckwheat crepe pretty tasteless. My French toast was wonderful. The service was extremely slow, even though the place was half empty. What really killed it for me was the "Irish Coffee". When my server dropped it off, I questioned where the cream and sugar was, because it looked like black coffee. She said "Oh, you meant you wanted a Bailey's coffee." I explained that Irish Coffee always has heavy cream, sugar, good whisky and strong coffee - all the major food groups. She insisted it should be just coffee and whisky. Maybe they should list their version as "Diet Irish Coffee".
(3)Scott B.
Good fries.
(3)L M.
We have visited several times, never disappointed. Recently we went for Saturday brunch and I discovered the poached egg and vegetable hash. Amazing!!! Perfectly cooked, fresh and light; such a great alternative to the traditionally heavy and fatty breakfast food. I am hooked and will make this a regular weekend treat.
(5)Nadine Y.
Yes, I'm Asian, but I was born in France, and I needed a place to do some reading on a Saturday. So, the obvious choice was Barbette (thanks for the reco, MC). Lovely place and the hostess didn't flinch when I said, "just one today." Coming in during high brunch traffic time didn't help with the noise level as the chatter echoed like crazy, but it wasn't horrible. Eggs Benedict. So delish! It came with a lite salad instead of heavy perkins-like hash browns, which my stomach and heart thanked me (them) for. I was tempted to try the Croche Madame, but it was a completely different version than what I was used to (I'm used to an egg on it). Anyway, the staff kept my coffee hot and I noticed something that I typically don't at other restaurants... that they swagger. Yeah, they had it going on. They got along. They were having fun. And that, mon ami, is a beautiful thing. The non beautiful thing? Not sure if they have a lot, but I took meter parking. Four quarter gets you an hour, two hour max.
(4)L. S.
I could have stopped at the cheese plate, but then I would have missed out on the fries. And what if I'd stopped there and passed on the seared sole?
(5)Maggie F.
I just like this place. It is great for a chat, but it's not a real quiet spot. The staff is super friendly, and I've enjoyed the wine I've had there. I don't have a lot of experience with the food, but what I have had (mostly small plates/apps) are tasty. Cute atmosphere. Like I said, I just like this place!
(4)B V.
I want to love Barbette. Great name, great location, cute interior and nice ambiance... but Barbette is still a restaurant. Their food is just not good. The pomme frites are a 1 on a scale of 5. The happy hour is decent, therefore would suggest Barbette as a nice place to stop by for a drink or happy hour, but that is about it.
(2)Mark A.
Great little place to go. If you are in a hurry skip this place and go through a drive thru instead. This is a place for foodie types. Quiche is excellent and the eggs Benedict was delicious. Take your time and enjoy the place.
(5)Melanie B.
This is such a fun and tasty place. The buckwheat crepes are so delicious. I love the eclectic decor and staff!
(5)Nick M.
Absolutely delightful. The ambiance is comfortable and social -- you sit pretty close to your neighbors, but everyone's generally interested in their own table, and it's not so loud that you can't hear anything. I had been here twice before, once for a drink, once for breakfast, and somehow never made it down for dinner. Pleased that we did. Our server was full of energy, had a lot of great selections, and was honest about what was available. She knew when to stay back, when to come by to see how things were going. The food was fantastic -- I had a (ever so slightly overcooked) bass, my wife had a rock shrimp risotto. Both full of very complex flavors, and despite looking quite small, filled us really well. We started with a fondue that wasn't kept on heat, but was so perfectly mixed that it was delicious until the bottom of the bowl. The wine selection was wonderful, and just seemed to fit what we were surrounded by. I have nothing bad to say, except in a perfect world, I'd pay less. Frankly, that's anywhere. We had wine, that's how it goes. We had a great time.
(4)Marian C.
Charcuterie Platter: MMMM.. the pate! yum yum... but only good w/bread.. the terrine was flavorless Artisanal Cheeses & Fruit Plate (happy hour speical... only 2 pieces of cheese??) Steamed Mussels (yummy sauce) Coq Au Vin Rouge (braised chicken, carrot, potato, onion, bacon.. really good as well) Overall, had good food in a beautiful old-style bar/restaurant. lovely multi-colored lamps to gaze at while wining and dining.
(4)Keegan S.
For what Barbette lacks in size it makes up for in the atmosphere and menu items. Although some may see the crowd as a bit pretentious at times this is a great place to have a low key dinner or more intimate happy hour with some friends. Some of my favorites would have to be the nicoise salad and the left bank martini. In the summer they set tables up along the sidewalk which is great for the warm summer nights. Seating outside is pretty minimal however so I would recommend making a reservation or sipping on a few cocktails if you're willing to wait.
(4)Sarah J.
I start to get happy when I walk in the door. I think the lighting or the paintings or the shape of the bar agrees with me. This place is not to be missed as a hang out. The food food is a little bit expensive, so I don't go for dinner. But brunch is reasonable and tasty. Service can be touch and go on weekend mornings (well, all the time) but if you can actually get a table, the food is yum. What's earned Barbette it's place in my heart though, is the late night happy hour. After 10pm, you see, there's $3 beer, wine, and often champagne (which I love) and $5 small plates like their dreamy pomme frittes + aioli, mussels, cheese, olives, and the like. I know other places do late night happy hour, but Barbette is made for the night. It's comfortable but romantic. I actually bike here from Northeast sometimes - a half hour ride each way is a commitment when you have work in the morning and the night starts at 10. Be sure to check out the art along the side wall. It changes every few months and is often pretty good. I've met some nice folks at the bar on solo trips. It seems to be very GLBT friendly to boot. What a place!
(5)Keshar N.
Barbette is definitely one the better places to go in Uptown. It's a very casual yet sophisticated bistro with a lot of old world charm. The waitstaff is very helpful and friendly, and the menu doesn't disappoint either. I had a delicious pasta dish with fresh snap peas, fresch ricotta cheese and a delicious garlic sauce. Wonderful! My boyfriend had their special beef dish and also loved it. We ended our meal with their raspberry sorbet and it was the perfect ending to our meal. I would say of all the Chino Latino-esque restaurants in Uptown, Barbette serves up something refreshingly comforting and familiar.
(4)Lea S.
Kudos for making delicious toast and potatoes! The ambiance of the place was spectacular. Also the guy that set our plates and silverware down was a fox, so that is a way to start your day off pretty sweet. Am I right ladies!? Ok forget the ladies, this place was still very delicious, and properly priced. The staff was attentive, and they served diet coke in a can. I will definitely go back, and probably brush my hair next time before going.
(5)Flummerie Junket L.
I've been here in past and quite enjoyed the french fries as well as the outdoor seating but I won't be going back any time soon. I refuse to willingly let a restaurant gouge me as Barbette did today. I ordered the fruit bowl which for 7 bucks got me 1/4 of an apple, 1 strawberry and 4 grapes (one of which was rotten) and I paid an additional $30 for 2 lemon drops!! WHAT THE FECK? I've lived in major cities all my life and never paid $30 for 2 lemon drops in the middle of the afternoon. The funny thing is, I ordered the bowl of fruit so what would a cup got me? 1 strawberry for a fiver. No fanks! Yeah outdoor seating is great but so is my rooftop and a bottle of vodka. I say BOSH to restaurants taking you for everything you have. I don't mind paying a little extra for great food but this wasn't worth the little extra.
(1)Nicole P.
The perfect bistro for a Sunday brunch. Warm and inviting, eclectic decor and a menu to make any chic French lady say ooh la la! We were seated right away when we arrived around 11 and offered deliciously strong cups of coffee by our server (who was excellent, by the way). I am an indecisive person by nature, but the menu at Barbette was pulling me in one direction then the other. French toast? Omelette? Crepes? They all sounded divine, but I settled on the chicken hash and vowed to return to try the others before I had even tasted a bite of Barbette's cooking. I expected to receive a heavy, skillet browned hash of mostly potatoes, but what I received was infinitely better. The smoked chicken was balanced with coins of fingerling yukon golds and tossed with slivers of asparagus, kernels of corn and bright green beans all nestled in just enough warm chicken broth to sop up with a slice of baguette. Atop the hash, two perfectly poached eggs that dribbled golden yolks down the mountain of hash beneath like the lava of a warm eggy volcano. It was heavenly - hearty, yet light at the same time and I was completely satisfied, without feeling overstuffed. I imagine that eating food like this is what helps French women keep their slender figures. My next visit to Barbette can't come soon enough!
(5)Tiffiny C.
Beautiful little spot, feels very French in a lowbrow/sexy way. Great savory pies, French Roast coffee, and as everyone says, a great late night menu ($5 for a 1/2 lb of steamed mussels!). Their current "Tasting of Peaches" dessert is amazing as well, which consisted of peach jellies, peach-infused honey, half a peach with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on-top, and a tiny peach shake. Great sexy waiter on top of it all. Clearly, you just can't go wrong with this place. GO NOW.
(5)Lisa H.
Another wonderful dinner at Barbette! Food for thought... I wish I could give it a 4 1/2 stars! Here's the thing about Barbette. Don't just go and order two entrees with water or diet coke. Barbette's dinners are meant to be savored. I recommend ordering a nice bottle of wine, appetizer, first course, salad and splitting an entree. That way you can enjoy a variety of dishes and take time to actually look forward to the next course. Soups are usually good too. If you like dessert go for the chocolate molten cake - decadent and delicious.
(4)Liz E.
Delicious food. Great brunch. Tasty salads and egg dishes. Heirloom tomatoes in my omelette? Yes please. Great coffee and cappuccino. Eclectic, fun decor. It's the kind of Bohemian look that I love but could never execute in my own apartment. So why 3 stars? I've been here twice, and twice there has been something forgotten. The first time, my cappuccino never came. The second time, the fries (that were ordered as an appetizer for the table to share) eventually came, after we had finished our entrees. Our waitress didn't ask if we still wanted them (no), just explained that there was a back up at the fryer. Um... ok... Otherwise, a great place.
(3)Christina P.
Oh me, oh my... Barbette you warm my soul! A quaint but lovely spot in Uptown, this place embodies Europe and the food is amazing. Come for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks - you simply cannot go wrong. And gentlemen (or ladies), take note .. Barbette is perfect for a date! Bonus for the outdoor seating in the summer, and for those adorable lights outside too - how chic!
(5)Emily H.
Barbette is absolutely a gem, a little french surprise in the bustling area of midtown. The restaurant has very dark lighting with a warm, casual atmosphere. The food was absolutely amazing. For a starter I had the herb-whipped brie which was delicious. I wish there was more baguette for the amount of brie we had, since I was practically licking the plate. For my dinner I had the pea and corn risotto, which took a while to get out of the kitchen but that's what I expected for a properly cooked risotto. The vegetables were fresh and sweet and the risotto was absolutely perfectly cooked. For desert we had the carrot cake because I had read rave reviews about on Yelp. Warning: the slice is huge! I shared it with another person and still had half the cake left over. I liked it as much as any other carrot cake, but was not wowed. I definitely want to go back to Barbette soon!
(4)Clara K.
a bottle of vouvray + steak au poivre with pommes frites. can't go wrong with that!
(4)Katy R.
I have special place in my heart for French cuisine. I've only eaten a proper dinner here a few times and I remember being happy afterwards. I'm usually here for drinks and amusements. The Charcuterie Plate is fantastic as is their Artisan Cheese & Fruit Plate. The mussels always hit the spot as well. In my opinion, this is a one of a kind place. Where else can you dip in for a drink and some French?!
(5)Gerhart T.
Barbette, located in Uptown Minneapolis is a gem of a place. I have been to Barbette more that a few times over the past couple years for both lunch and dinners. Barbette models itself after a French bistro with an eclectic casual hip atmosphere. Barbette prides itself on it's use of local and organic ingredients. Every time I been there I have ordered a steak and every time it was amazing. As an experiment or ongoing evening out, the experience is worth the price. Another benefit is that you can walk over to Chino's for cocktails after a wonderful dinning experience. Enjoy your evening out. GT
(4)Ariel K.
I feel guilty coming here anytime other than happy hour just because its so cheap during those selected hours: 5$ for a giant bowl of crispy pommes frites with a side of saffron aioli (the best in Minneapolis) and 5$ for the mussels (that's the cheapest I've seen!). Also there is half off selected alcoholic beverages. The place definitely has its flaws (I don't order anything else besides the pommes frites or the mussels). I've had a friend get food poisoning here which was upsetting, but I still come back for the warm decor with decorations that really do remind me of a quaint Parisian bistro.
(3)Jolie V.
Great food. Fantastic drinks. Chill place, with wifi, and server is intuitive. I loved the French gimlet, & the intro to St. Germain.
(4)Sean D.
I used to live super close with a few friends and would stop in for lunch or happy hour from time to time, had good food once the last 3 or so visits have left us asking why we bother. The service has always been poor at best. The only thing good about this place is the location
(1)Monica M.
Their hollandaise sauce is killer, if you're a fan of such scrumptuous and creamy things. I would suggest getting their by 10:30 am on weekends to avoid the crazy brunch rush. Overall, I like the laid back atmosphere and funky collaged setting. And a quick glance at the wine menu was enough to convince me to return another time, perhaps to check out their late night plate specials.
(4)Ajumma C.
If you love salt, then you'll love the food at Barbette.
(2)Jen B.
I chose Barbette as a lunch spot for my bridal party on my wedding day. They were happy to accommodate a semi-last-minute reservation for a large group, and our server really took care of us. She was recently engaged herself and we chatted about wedding planning for a bit, which put me at ease on an otherwise hectic day (rain + outdoor wedding = crazy bride). She was so sweet and charming, and even brought us out a complementary slice of carrot cake to share. Awesome! Food was great - I had a spinach salad and we split an order of the fries. They are as addicting as I remember. And right as the meal ended, the sun came out - yay! Thanks Barbette for making my special day that much brighter.
(4)Mieke V.
I'm sorry to have to write this but this place is a no for me. Atmosphere was nice but a waitress that doesn't know which way is up or down? I got a nasty case of food poisoning here. And, what's with serving chips with everything in the midwest?
(2)Emma O.
I was looking around on Yelp for a place to take my best friend, who was visiting from New York, for brunch. This seemed perfect, and it did not let me down! We went on a gorgeous day and sat inside (because we had a bigger group, otherwise we totally would have grabbed a seat on the sidewalk). Everyone loved the kitchy cool decor and atmosphere. Th service was great and the menu had loads of options. I got the omelet du jour, which was ham, arugula, and ramps, and it was delicious. Others got the waffles, quiche, brie and herb omelet, Eggs Benedict, and french toast. All had nothing but good things to say about the food. I'm already anxious to go back with friends, and this time I'll also sample a Bloody Mary!
(4)Maureen F.
This place is totally quaint and adorable. My friend and I were actually planning to grab drinks at another establishment but there was a long wait for a table. I am glad we wandered in here. I really had no intention of eating dinner, but we ordered some fondue as an appetizer. Not the best I've ever had, but flavorful with apples, bread and mushrooms.The dinner menu looked a little pricey for my taste, but I loved the atomosphere and the service. I'd come back again.
(4)Erin C.
I love Barbette for its atmosphere and its happy hour. Perfect for a date, but the dinner is on the pricier side for a causal evening (entrees $17-$30). Definitely recommend the live music on mondays and the outdoor patio in the summer. Love the espresso fondue, the fries, and the wine. Leave the entrees unless you are looking to spend a bit more.
(3)G. Benjamin S.
pretty great-save room for dessert. The Charcuterie platter is a little heavy, and the paté is bland, but the rest of the meal was dotted with wonderful notes including our waitress who was incredibly personable-if perhaps to the fault of not spending enough time with others while conversing with us. I hope to return and focus on one entré rather then splitting a few with a friend
(4)Julie S.
I have been here a couple of time for brunch now. I like the vibe of the inside and the nice option of sitting outdoors when the weather is warm. I didn't love my dish the first time (crepe with eggs and brie). It was just boring. I did very much enjoy my bloody mary though! The second time, I split the banana macadamia pancake and smoked chicken hash with butternut squash, shallots and eggs with a friend. I thought the pancakes were really good when I got bites with the topping. The bites without were a little bland. That hash though? DELICIOUS!! The coffee is good and refills are plentiful. Our waitress was very sweet. The table by the sun-filled window was nice, but I felt like an ant under a magnifying glass after a while. The unexpected sunshine was not the fault of the restaurant, but I wish there had been a solar shade or window open to help combat it. I don't like getting sweaty when I eat. So, overall, a three star experience, but the hash gets an A++/5 stars from me. By far, one of the best brunch dishes I have ever had.
(3)D. L.
Barbette is a place that always delivers the goods, for me at least. I'm always happy and content when I'm here. Maybe it's because I'm ready to eat Frenchified food 24-7 but I'm not sure if there's anyplace else in the metro that offers such reasonably priced casual French fare with such great ambiance. And yeah, those happy hour specials are killer. Fries, charcuterie plate, mussels, all at a deal plus they have great drinks. I especially appreciate the late night happy hour as eating late or having a 2nd dinner is in my blood.
(4)Brooke S.
mmmmm delicious delicious summery afternoon.....after a lovely walk around calhoun (did i just make a rhyme?) a little pim's cup in the afternoon....the evening ended way too soon... sooooo i'll stop rhyming now and spare all of you.....barbette is a great place for happy hour, early evening snack, dinner (although not my fave) or a late night cocktail and dessert. the fries are TO DIE FOR and come with a lemony fabulous aioli....their carrot cake is fantastical (pair it with a glass of viognier and i'm in a personal state of bliss) and their mushroom risotto is oh so silky and full of flavor...yum yum yum
(4)Wade D.
Oh, wow. How can this be less than a five? Every time I'm in Minneapolis, Cafe Barbette is my first and favorite place to eat. Did NOT disappoint. One word: Short Ribs. ...okay, two.
(5)Becca H.
What I love about Barbette is the way the sun comes in the windows as you enjoy a cup of coffee. I've had delicious brunch at Barbette a few times-- but the last time I had the most delicious french toast I have ever tasted. It almost brought tears to my eyes, and the Bellini is delicious.
(4)Bo T.
I was disappointed with Barbette - most of our main courses were overseasoned and the fish was overcooked. I do like the vibe at Barbettes and outdoor seating options are nice, but I'm not sure I'd go back for the food. We also ordered the red wine mussels and it was blah. My advice - stick with white wine sauce for seafood.
(2)Chanstay Y.
I had a good time here, but I really don't think it had anything to do with the restaurant so I can't speak much on the atmosphere or staff except to say that the music was loud for a slow Monday night. The drink prices were ok, but we stayed in the late night happy hour which was great. We ordered food twice to share and each time it was average. I would go back but only because it was cozy and we were able to sit and enjoy ourselves for a couple hours.
(3)Amy L.
Decent, but the entrees are overpriced for their quality. I used to enjoy a tiny place in SF called Chez Maman that serves similar dishes. They used higher-quality ingredients, were made better, and cost about half as much. That said, the servers nice, and the atmosphere is great. I'm going to continue going there, and I'm looking forward to checking out their happy hour.
(3)Peter G.
Barbette's a great little restaurant on Lake Street with cliched fin-de-siecle French decor and decent overpriced food. If you're a complete tool bag you should take your next date here, but if you want to be easy on your wallet and your image grab a group of friends and come for happy hour with $5 hors d'oeuvres on a snowy day. Parking in back is sometimes full but if you don't want to pay a meter you can sneak into the Lund's lot a block away.
(4)Zeb C.
If I could give 20 stars, I would. It's amazing. There's nothing I would change, it's perfect. The food is inspired and fun, the drinks are the right price and the service is always friendly. I can take a vegetarian with me and be proud of their dinner.
(5)britta c.
I have only been here for breakfast, but it was wonderful and I am excited to return for dinner or happy hour!
(4)Jason C.
I went at night after spending the day walking around the Mall of America. The service was great and the food reminded me of what I could get back home in the SF Bay Area (at SF prices! Ouch.). There was a nice band playing too.
(4)Kelly M.
Barbette is my favorite restaurant in Minneapolis. Here is why: inexpensive Rhone wine, wonderful decor, frites, crepes, espresso, mussels, Lillet and fondue.
(5)Steve U.
i've had something of a love hate thing with barbette over the years. it was a reliable source for a crack infused baked macaroni for me for a while there, but i've found that the overall quality has waxed and waned. one thing that is consistent is the level of cool exhibited by the staff. they are cooler than you and this is reflected in the service. you best have your hipster face on if you want to have good service. a feat i've rarely managed to accomplish.
(2)Sarah B.
Like the atmosphere and the outside seating in the summer (definitely wouldn't enjoy THAT particular part right now...!). Also like how they let me customize my brunch by adding spinach to my Eggs Benedict! :) Will definitely be back for brunch again!
(4)pepper r.
Mussels, pommes frites, happy hour, outside seating in the summer and cozy indoor seating in the winter. Good for date night to family night. Love, love, love!!!!
(5)Anonymous N.
Me likey. I've never had a bad experience here. Is the food the best in Mpls? No, but better than enough, and the menu changes regularly so there's plenty of reasons to keep going back. The prices are reasonable. The staff is generally quick and professional. The atmosphere is cozy without making cozy a euphemism for "crowded." Overall, you can count on barbette to deliver a nice evening.
(4)Amy B.
Barbette is a very interesting restaurant. I went as part of a girl's night/birthday party. We had reservations, and our table was ready when we got there. Tasty selection of wines. Cozy atmosphere... a little dark. Our server was prompt and attentive. However, he was comical because we would ask what he'd recommend or what his opinion was for a particular entree, and his reply would always have "nice" in it. I'm really not an "artsy" person so that wasn't helpful, you know? Just tell me: delicious or not? Ha! We all got a different dish, and everyone really enjoyed their food. Small portions and unique ingredient combinations for a higher price tag. The bad news? We waited over an hour for our food.
(3)Jasmine M.
This review is only for late night happy hour. Really, one of my favorite things about Minneapolis-the kick ass happy hours here. In NY, there is no way, I could have a 4 dollar glass of cab/malbec that actually tastes good along with a huge cheese plate with fruit and bread that is also quality. There is no way I could get a big plate full of pommes frites, mussels, or terrine all for 5 dollars and in a nice bistro bohemian warm atmosphere. Barbette does make me feel like I'm in Paris or NYC, and not in Minneapolis. 5 stars for the transporting experience and the incredible happy hours.
(5)Jennifer K.
I went there once, and should give it another shot-maybe. I got some kind of a frittata or something-I don't even remember. Cute place, but wasn't too impressed with the food.
(2)Jenny R.
came here for brunch on a saturday morning, and while the food was not amazing, the atmosphere and the decor was fantastic. i'm not from minneapolis, but if i were - i would make sure to come here on a date with my non-existent boyfriend. with all the hanging lanterns and small tables, it seems like it would be a very romantic spot in the evening. food-wise, i had my usual of eggs, bacon, and potatoes. it wasn't bad, it wasn't great. my friend and i also ordered a "small" pommes frites...we didn't even put a dent in it, but they were fabulous.
(4)Erin B.
Always fabulous - a small menu of amazing dishes that are all lovingly prepared. Service is genuinely friendly - never negligent or overbearing. The atmosphere is relaxing and warm. If you're on a budget (which we often are), one of our favorite dates is to go to Barbette and share a Fondue au Fromage - slices of bread, apples, a beautiful clean white mushrooms for dipping in cheese fondue.
(5)Ryan D.
Bring your appetite and your checkbook. The food is french and expensive. If you drink enough of the Belgian ales all your cares will diminish and you can savor the flavors without any guilt. If you want to check out the menu without any big committments, grab a quick bite...the pomme frites and a glass of beer/ wine should fill your sufficiently. The food is spectacular the atmosphere is truly cozy ( hand dishwashing anyone). Come prepared for downtown prices and you shouldn't have any sticker shock.
(5)Mary Z.
Eight friends recently enjoyed the Monday Night PreFixe, with some of us selecting items from the menu. Food was marvelous, service was fantastic, and we all had a wonderful time.
(5)David U.
I dig. Barbette is a great place to start and/or end the day with a small group/date. With Barbette a block from where I live, I have finished many nights back in the hood w/ the olives, pommes frites, and dessert. The food was good, and with Landon Schonefeld (previously of Bulldog NE) joining as chef, I am sure the food will be even better.
(4)Lacey P.
This restaurant only gets a star for its atmosphere. I went here for Sunday brunch because supposedly this place was so good and voted best of the City Pages. I vote it best place to regret going. We waited an hour for our food, and when we got it it was bland. They had no hot sauce, no tofu to replace eggs and no dressing or anything else on the "salad" that accompanied our tasteless crepe. The fancy side of potatoes was really just hash browns. It was horrilby overpriced, and disappointing. We won't be going here again. Boo hoo. I had such high hopes.
(1)Ann G.
i went for brunch on saturday around noon and was pleasantly surprised! their bunch menu is $10 or under and they have a list of wonderful brunch drinks! it was a great place to meet up with friends and chat for a couple hours.
(3)Severin S.
Love it! I've dined all over Europe and the U.S. and Barbette's lunch salads are the very best. The prix fixe was top notch and dinner is always terrific. Fun, classy, with a touch of uptown.
(5)Judd S.
This is by far my favorite resto-bar in all Minneapolis-land. Why? Well, they do everything right - good wine and beer selection, every comestible I've had has been quality, and the atmosphere gets 6 stars, especially for Minneapolis. Open late, lively with a good chill crowd, and they are one of the few places that understands design. This town doesn't seem to get sidewalk cafes. Most places have these horrendous Home Depot backyard dinettes stuck out on the sidewalk. The seats make you sink back like you are semi-reclining, the metal hurts your posterior, and the damned holes in the tables cause whatever you spill or drip to land right on your pants. Here at Barbette the outdoor space is straight out of Paris. Small, charming cafe tables made of wood and painted different colors. String lights hung above the trees. Dark and intimate. The inside is done just as competently, as are the frites. Truly 6 stars.
(5)Jonathan R.
Been here four or five times, for a variety of purposes--lunch, dessert, afternoon munch. I like it every time. The croque monsieur and other cheesy grilled sandwiches have been quite tasty, and the salads and soups are consistently filling and a little fatty without being unhealthful. Fries are great. Sitting at a sidewalk table on a sunny day will make you feel very happy to find yourself in Minneapolis.
(4)Victoria H.
Delicious! Delicious delicious! I've never had something I didn't love. Expensive, yes, but delicious! Loved our server every time, she's very professional, and the wine is good. The late night happy hour house wine is also good and they have one of the best burgers anywhere! mmm! My only comment would be that they should turn up the lights, because not only does it always look closed from the outside, but it can be a little too dim for good group conversation on the inside.
(5)Joy M.
I loved this place! We went for appetizers and got fondue, fries and this awesome gnocci with shrimp. It was all so tasty and I left feeling fuller than I've felt in a looong time. I love the atmosphere and our waiter was super speedy and the most friendly waiter I've had anywhere in the Twin Cities (I've been here for 9 months and have never met so many mean people! Yeesh!). We'll definitely be going back!
(5)Robynn D.
Fun atmosphere, the food was so-so. I ordered the scallops which themselves were wonderful, but the side items were very blah and boringly presented on the plate. I tried the Panna Cotta for desert which tasted ok, but had a strange gelatinous texture, more like pudding. Service was very good.
(3)Christine W.
Stumbled upon this place while on vacation! Very nice decor inside and cute tables outside. Had a nice dinner consisting of the Pomme fries, get the large! They are SO GOOD! The asparagus risotto with prawn shrimp was delicious! Just the right amount to be satisfied and it was not heavy at all! The service was prompt and attentive!
(4)Mindi D.
I came here for breakfast/brunch and was very underwhelmed. To begin with, when we walked in, the hostess was very rude. The place was pretty busy but she didn't/couldn't even give me an estimate of how long the wait might be...so we just sat at the bar with a group of five. I regret that we didn't just leave at that time. It took about ten minutes to even get waters at our table. Then, our group ordered the waffle with lemon curd and blueberry compote to start (and share) and that was the high point of the meal. The waffle arrived quickly, and was delicious. For individual meals, we ordered the organic eggs/potatoes/bacon, the vegetable hash, the organic poached eggs, and the brie and fine herb omelette. The eggs, potatoes, bacon, and hash all were very, very ordinary and it would have been cheaper to make those meals at home on your own. The poached eggs both in the dish and on the hash were overcooked, and the yolk was not runny at all. If you order the organic poached eggs, be ready for a salad as your meal, with two small poached eggs on top. Additionally- the food took 30 minutes to get to our table from when we ordered. I will mention that someone found hair in their dish, but when we told the server, she was very responsive and apologetic and quickly brought a new dish out. She also comped the dish as well as the waffle- that was excellent service, and the kind of service we expected from the hostess at the very beginning. I won't come back here for breakfast.
(2)Sam L.
Great atmosphere and great service - but portion size can be a tad larger. Coming to visit Minneapolis has its pros and cons. There are restaurants that give you American gigantic portion sizes, and then there are ones that starve you for the same price. Barbette is a bit on the latter end, even though it was probably better for my health. For Sunday brunch, my friends who live locally recommended Barbette and immediately we all spoke about the great open atmosphere. While the waiters/waitresses were busy, they still tend to every request and questions throwing their way. I specifically ordered the seasonal hash with roasted chicken, while my partner in crime ordered an omelet. The seasonal hash looks big, but there's a good amount of 'juice' that's on the bottom (don't ask me why there's juice in a hash). They tasted okay but we ended up chomping on chips by the time we got back to our car. Don't worry, our BMI isn't through the roof, it's just the portion size could be 30% larger for the price. Hopefully my local friends will try Barbette a few more times and find out its sweet spots - we just happen to be hungry after spending $28 (for the two of us), and there's no excuse for that.
(3)erin c.
Ate here while visiting for work. Two stars for cozy old-timey decor and the server accommodating my request to change an order last minute, oh and for the waffle with lemon curd and blueberry compote which was delicious (and a good latte). Otherwise, I got the vegetable hash which was very oily and a small portion- tasted like an amateur homemade dish. My friend's ham and cheese omelette was pretty basic despite the fancy description, and took so long to come out that my food and the waffle were done by the time he took his first bite (and I waited as long as I could!). Was pricey for being underwhelming. I've paid less for better here in the food mecca of the Bay Area.
(2)Sara J.
It was the perfect day to sit on the patio, our waiter was great as was my mimosa, that's where it ended. First they messed up my order so I had to wait for them to redo it while my friends ate, I wasn't too upset and if the food had been amazing it wouldn't have even been noted it my review but my meal was not pleasing. I got the croque madame and simply put, it was not good. For a croquet madam I expect a warm gooey egg and béchamel topped ham sandwich, in this case I got a grilled cheese with tomatoes sans cheese... You can add an egg for $2, really? Isn't an egg what makes it a madame vs a monsieur? Also there was no mornay/béchamel sauce on the top, it literally just looked like a sad empty grilled cheese (note: the tomatoes in it were good). I ended up dipping it in my friends ketchup for some flavor. Also, the side salad was wet which made it appear dressed but it had little to no flavor. I spent $20 on lunch and left hungry and disappointed, I went home and had to eat again.
(2)Amanda B.
Barbette was disappointing. Mostly because of the service and cleanliness. The food was tasty. The decor was cute/flamboyant but dirty. There is one bathroom total and it is disgusting. THe service was weird. I waited for several minutes before being acknowledged, blah bah blah.... over not welcoming. They were not busy. The parking is street. I had the special - the lobster tortelli (made up word?) and it tasted good. The esprsso cremem brulee was also good. I won't come back here.
(3)Jonathan T.
Damn those lucky bastards that live above Barbette! I envy that they're able to walk down stairs on a whim and grab some delectable eats and sips at this oh-so quaint French café. In a perfect world, I would have Barbette, a pho joint, a Chinese bakery, a taco stand, and a coffee shop. Err, maybe a pet store, too. They would all be amazing, of course, and I would visit them everyday. (Everyday!) Yeah, that sounds about right... **** I stopped by around lunchtime, craving breakfast food. My server suggested either their omelet or buckwheat crepe, and I went with the former. I. FOOD *Ham And Gruyere Omelette (with caramelized onions, greens, and toast): I'm convinced that my brother makes the best ones ever, but Barbette's is definitely on par. Why? Mine was perfectly executed and had just the right touch of butter. Not to mention, the ham and gruyere sort of made my eyes roll in the back of my head. ***Snaps fingers.*** The toast also came with generous servings of tasty jelly and butter, and I totally didn't care that I made a promise to myself to ease up on the carbs. (Summer is coming, ya know...) I also ordered a side of sausages, and they were plenty tooth-some. The greens had a nice touch of salt. II. SERVICE My server was a sweetheart. If there ever was a situation where she was at a bar and had no money, I would totally buy her several beers. #becauseiknowshesagoodperson III. AMBIENCE Love it! With beautiful art covering the walls, vintage tables and chairs, and Parisian-meets-old-school bar, what's not to like? They also play some lounge-y music that makes me want to return just for that. IV. OVERALL I love this place, and I can't wait to come for happy hour or romantic night out with my boo to try other things on their menu.
(4)K T.
MN colleagues chose this place during our Nov visit and we were WOWED! loved it. very eclectic and hip vibe and the food is AB FAB making for difficult decisions on what to choose. Warm olives with red wine to start followed by Gnocchi with brussels sprouts was divine. i would def dine here again - street parking was easy and convenient. although pricey - worth it!!!
(5)Erin A.
Went for breakfast. The food was very good, and the eggs very flavorful. I got the buckwheat crepe and it was very tasty. At first I was a little surprised, as the brie flavor was a tad overwhelming, but then I paired it with some of the apple and it blended perfectly. The lemon ginger scone was a perfect texture, and paired well with my jasmine green tea. Portions were a good size, but if you're starving may be a bit on the small side. The only down was the side of bacon ordered came out WAY too overcooked. I love crispy bacon, but this was charred and dry. My fiance got the braised lamb eggs benny and was very happy. I tasted the lamb and it was perfectly cooked. Bravo, Barbette! What I really enjoyed was the lack of wait. We were able to get a table for four within minutes at noon on Sunday. BONUS: Free parking at the meters on Sunday.
(4)Bonnie H.
I used to meet clients at Barbette frequently, but unfortunately I encountered what another here has deemed "pretentious service." The last time I was there my client, who is a fairly recognizable expert in his field and a lovely older gentleman, and I waited for quite some time to be noticed. We weren't sure she had seen us and politely waved to which the rude response was "yes I know you're there". Another twenty minutes to get a cup of coffee with only 3 other tables in the room and when asked if she remembered the order, this server literally rolled her eyes at us. We were quite embarrassed by this person's rude behavior. The rest of the meal was unpleasant to say the least due to this person's attitude. What sealed the deal for me was the unanswered email sent to managers explaining the incident. Barbette is good food, overpriced but people like it for the ambience so I was a frequent patron with my clients. I had always had a wonderful experience at this restaurant, but unfortunately one bad apple did indeed spoil the whole bunch and they lost a regular customer. A response to my complaint would probably have rectified the matter but sadly they did not seem to care.
(2)Zehr S.
Super small and noisy , not cozy; noisy as a circus :-( Dinner Menu is laughable, is this really french? did the chef or all these 4-5 star reviewers know anything about French cuisine???? or ever been to France at all? I'm a HUGE HUGE fan of French food, but this would be a HUGE disappointment!!! Wine list is mediocre Sigh :-( PS. I found that people in Minneapolis are super generous with their ratings. almost everything, anything got 4 or 5 stars....:-( Do they get paid to write their crap or what????????? Some stupid "Bob, G" sent me a compliment saying "what a dumb review". I think you are a dumb ass, Mr. Bob G. You might as well use this time and effort to read a real French recipe book or cook some dishes for yourself. Get yourself educated!! Cheers!
(2)Ashley M.
I went into Barbette with higher expectations, but just had a mediocre time. I took my bf here for his birthday, and was expecting a quieter, more romantic ambience, or at least something fun, but just ended up with a crowded, noisy atmosphere. The menu wasn't very French-inspired... my bf ended up ordering Nori Yellowtail, and I got the mushroom tart and a tomato bisque. The tart was pretty good, but a bit too buttery and rich for my tastes. All in all, not really what I expected. :|
(2)Jeannine D.
I feel so silly for not having tried this place sooner. What wonderful ambiance, drinks and food! And they have private parking? It doesn't get much better than this. I'd avoided this place on the weekends because I'd heard that it was always so packed. I was lucky today -- I'd left another brunch spot because there were no tables available. It was 1PM on a Sunday, brunch prime time, so I was prepared to go back home and settle for PB&J or cereal. BF suggested we stop by Barbette. There were tables available!! After our fabulous and reasonably-priced meal, we decided that this is our new fav weekend brunch spot... Love: Private parking Kitschy decor Treehugger coffee with nonfat dairy milk (sub for soy) Service Smoked chicken hash Didn't love: Coffee creme brulee (the custard was still warm and wasn't fully set)
(4)Carolyn B.
As anyone who has read a few of my reviews knows, I am always on the lookout for places where I can get a high quality, creative vegetarian meal. I was happy with my meals at Barbette and hope they continue to be veggie-friendly. I was excited to see that Barbette seems to have a stable vegetable tasting plate. I thought this might be a combination of some of the sides, but it literally was a plate of a bunch of different kinds of vegetables. They were good, but basically just veggies sauteed in butter and light herbs. I hear that sometimes it is olive oil. Is it something I am going to crave and want to spend ~$20 on in the future? Probably not. Is it a nice gesture and decent execution? Yes. I went back the following week with an out of town guest and tried the risotto. One of my veggie beefs is when a nice restaurant's only vegetarian option is pasta or risotto. However, this asparagus risotto was really good--creamy and flavorful. Made me think again about my anti-risotto sentiments. It was preceded by a delicious beet salad and followed with a nice carrot cake, making it a very satisfying meal. On a side note, I didn't think there was much "french" about the menu. It was a relief to me, because I typically don't care much for french food, but someone seeking traditional french food would likely be disappointed.
(4)Lucien F.
This has been my favorite breakfast spot in Minneapolis going on about 10 years I think. So this review is breakfast/brunch only. In terms of ambiance, It has the perfect mix of the Parisian cafe and Uptown Minneapolis diner. It's always busy but there's never a wait over 5 minutes (how do the DO that?) for a party of two or four. The food is VERY good. and somehow it just always seems light and fresh. The coffee is the best I've had in the city, the frites and the saffron are amazing, and the soup of the day is typically just short of a religious experience. Lastly, as a person with young kids....I must say that this place has some sort of magic that allows kids to go there and totally fit in and behave appropriately. Not sure how they do that either. Not that there are tons of families at Barbette but they are scattered in there and it totally works.
(5)Chelsey E.
My husband and I used to live a block from here. We would stop in a lot for late night happy hour to get raw oysters on the half shell. My husband LOVES them, we live in Fargo now and every time we are in MPLS he hasssss to stop in here to get some. I love the little sidewalk seating in the summer.
(5)Matthew S.
Our visit to Barbette was frustrating for everyone involved, but no more so than the staff. We settled in to this funky spot in lovely Uptown on a recent visit and it was just what the doctor ordered: a bustling small space cranking out thoughtful, delicious food. We snagged one of the few empty seats in the place, at the bar, and ordered up some coffee. I dived into my delicious cappuccino, brought by our lovely friendly server, who was running her butt off behind the bar, and we settled in. And waited. And waited. With just a few hours left before we had to hit the road, we were anxious to spend some more time in the city. As our wait hit the 30 minute mark, we remained patient and didn't make a fuss, but the team of attentive servers began to take notice. They were clearly swamped, and we heard some chatter about staffing challenges because of the July 4th holiday. Three different servers checked in with us, apologizing on their way to see just what the heck was going on in the kitchen. Finally, one of the servers went into the kitchen and starting running the show. We were in earshot and heard him barking out orders with a courteous but urgent tone. We learned that our choice of a waffle was contributing to our delay, since apparently there are only two waffle irons available to crank those out. When the food finally arrived, it was delicious, if not worth the hour wait. We picked a couple of favorites from the Yelp reviews: the waffle with lemon curd and blueberrt compote, and the chicken hash. That pesky waffle wasn't piping hot, so who knows what happened there, but it was delicious, the toppings a touch of gourmet over just any old waffle. The chicken hash wasn't exactly what we expected, but in my opinion, it was better. It was delicate and flavorful, with thin slices of potato bobbing in a light chicken broth with broccolini and chunks of chicken that actually tasted like chicken. It wasn't characteristic of your typical hearty brunch, but it was a perfect companion to the waffle in the sweet and savory brunch derby. We ended our long stay with our drinks being comped, which included a few extras we ordered to help pass the time, and a constant stream of heartfelt apology. We believed them, and knew it wasn't their fault and clearly not typical. No foul. A great breakfast in a great neighborhood in a great town! Thanks Minneapolis!
(4)Mon P.
Breakfast review I and my mom are not a big fan of European/ American greasy breakfast, but we saw that his place has salad with crepe for breakfast, so we thought we'd give it a try. Upon entering, we thought that the place looked so eclectic and fun. It was still early in the morning so we were greeted and seated immediately. Our server was nice and attentive. We ordered a peach scone, and a plate of buckwheat crepe with scrambled eggs, herbs, brie and strawberries. The scone was kind of dry, but it had great flavor. The crepe was good, but the filling was kind of bland. The mixed green salad that came with the crepe though was really good. The dressing was very tasty. Overall, it was just ok. I'll be back for lunch and dinner though but probably not for breakfast.
(3)D B.
We have been here a numer of times in the 5+ years we have lived here, experiencing the tweaking of the menu by each new chef (and there have been a few). The first time was the best, and now I think we are done. Barbette just does not compute for us. We SO want to like it, like we did the first time, but it doesn't add up. We come here for the bistro atmosphere, the local/organic food, and what used to seem like a pleasing and affordable night out. What is no longer computing for us is the prices for what we are getting. An average of $24+ for a dinner entree, a glass of wine, and perhaps a desert + tip and we were easily at $90 for the night. We are so done paying top dollar for a casual night out with food that when we leave we say 'eh...wasn't worth it'. Barbette is the type of place you want to go for a casual night, with your family or friends, not spend white tablecloth prices for so-so food and service. What's happening here? There seems to again have come a point when eating out in Minneapolis is costing more than New York or San Francisco and the justification just isn't there (good food, livable wages, be damned - it's Minneapolis for goodness sakes!). I just ate at Tender Greens in SD and had essentially the same style meal and the same atmosphere for half the price. Is it me, or is Minneapolis quickly forgetting we have been in a recession? I will pay good money for a good meal, but somewhere we have to draw a line.
(2)J B.
My daughter turned 11 a few days ago. The thing she wanted was to eat, Mussels, oysters, and a charcuterie plate. We headed to Barbette, for their happy hour. Since it was not busy, we really got great attention paid to us, which made our daughter super happy. (I am in no way saying we would have gotten bad service if it had been busy.) Our waiter's name was Peter, and he did a great job making our daughter feel important., as well as providing great service. We had: mussels, oysters, pate, olives, and pomme frites. Because we came before 5, they did not have the charcuterie plate, which almost made her cry. So, we had our food, which was all very good. (I think the mussels could have had a little more flavor.) Then we walked around the area for awhile, and came back for the charcuterie plate. We sat outside and it was quite lovely. Our server was a woman with a pretty colorful skirt on. I had being those people that come and order one thing, but we told her our situation, and she treated us just fine. Our daughter wanted to try head cheese, so she was very happy it was on the plate. She didn't like it, but she loved everything else on the plate, and so did we. The chicken mouse was amazing. All in all it was a great time, and a great food, and a great experience. I am looking forward to going back and trying more items on the menu.
(5)Jeffery B.
Reporting back to you in my quest for the perfect brunch... Me & the missus ventured to Uptown to check out the hubb-bubb surrounding Barbette. They immediately had two things in their favor: Reservations & reserved parking. We rolled in during prime time on Sunday and were immediately seated. Coffee & tea were nothing to write home to Yelp about. The smoked chicken hash, on the other hand, was amazing. Along with a fried egg - which, let's be honest, makes everything better - it rolled deep with brussel sprouts, turnips, potatoes & summer squash. Add that to the chicken batting clean up, and you've got yourself a great dish. Good on you, Barbette. See you soon... maybe dinner?
(4)Melissa K.
Three words to describe the food...yum, yum and yum! Met my sister here for brunch this morning and the food was amazing. I had the french toast, which taste great. It had blueberries and a little powdered sugar on top. The portion was a little smaller than I expected, so I was glad I ordered a side of bacon. Btw, the bacon was thick and made just the way I like it...crispy but not burnt. My sister ordered the truffle eggs, which were very tasty. I highly recommend you try it! If I ever make it back to this place I'd order both and share with a friend. The only part of the experience that was unfortunate was the service. Though my server was really nice, she was slow in regards to refilling my coffee and water and then bringing the check. Give this place a try and support this local business!
(4)Cindy D.
Cute little area and great happy hour! one of my favs...
(4)Candace V.
Long wait for order to arrive. Inattentive server. Small portions, big prices. Not a good value for my money. Only redeeming factor was dining al fresco with outstanding people watching.
(2)Katheryn A.
Drinks outside with mussels and pommes frites with aioli. Knock yourself silly!
(4)Jonathan E.
Another great visit to Barbette. The free parking lot is a fantastic touch as always, and the outdoor seating is perfect for Minnesota summers. Our server, Don, was very informative and gave a us some great recommendations including the Kaffir lime & basil creme brulee (see photo) which was delicious and interesting. The truffle whipped brie was tasty as an appetizer, although you will probably need to ask for more than 3 slices of baguette. Mussels are always on point there whether it's the white wine sauce or basil lemongrass. It can get rather pricey if you are doing three courses, but considering the quality, ambience, great service, etc. it's definitely my favorite French option in the Twin Cities. If $32 for rabbit doesnt sound appealing to you, they have a fairly affordable lunch and brunch menu. Also, the mussels are $15 which is pretty darn good.
(4)Kedar D.
I like the vibe at Barbette, and the urban-cool look and location of the joint. It's near a lake, it's in a relatively quiet area (except for the weekends) with lots of old homes and trees and just generally feels like a sidewalk cafe in some foreign country you're supposed to backpack through when you're in your 20s. I came late on a Tuesday to try their french fries, as I'd heard good things about them. The fries ($5) were okay, but not great by any means; some were crisp and some were soft and limp/soggy. Don't they have any quality control on one of their most famous items? The service was extremely friendly, smart and hip (I believe our server's name was "Ted"---thank you, Ted!). Supposedly Barbette can also make rudimentary vegan dishes if you call in advance; otherwise, the menu is sadly animal product-heavy, which negates any faith I might have in the place having a creative chef. Come to Barbette for the atmosphere and drinks, maybe. Probably not for the food.
(3)Mariel L.
Hmph. I had a rather lukewarm introduction to Barbette, a much-lauded French-cuisine restaurant in Uptown (corner of Lake and Irving). I went for BFF reasons (Brunch Food Forever) with a couple of friends, and it was fairly easy to get a table. We tried the pommes frites, which is probably one of the let-downs of the meal. I was really expecting to be blown away; they did have the confidence to call french fries by its haughty french name. Alas, the fries were limp and oversalted. The aioli was delish, but it wasn't enough to overshadow the fries, which were also a tad too greasy. For the entree, I went for their buckwheat crepe with brie, scrambled eggs, greens, and strawberries, with a side of Pastures a Plenty sausage. The crepe was lightly done, and I really don't get too judgmental when brie is involved. Sausage was very delicious, three long links for $3. The ambiance was really nice, and I would actually like to try dinner at this place sometime, and hear the awesome live music I heard they have.
(3)Mark L.
The mussels are to die for. In the butter garlic cream sauce....Wow Most nights you will find live music ranging from a two person acoustic set to a string quartet. It is a classy yet casual environment. Come early because the place is small. Great selection of french wine and vegetarian items. This is a rare find in Uptown and a great place for a date.
(4)Monica S.
Went on a weekend trip to Minneapolis, and my friend researched places that looked good to eat at for the Saturday night we'd be there and found this place. It was wonderful!!! They had a reasonably priced prixe fix menu, and although I can't remember what the starter was, I am still thinking about that butternut squash ravioli entree I had! They were delicate, and creamy...you knew they were house made!! We also ordered some extra veggies- roasted brussel sprouts, YUM! Topped the meal off with a chocolate filled cake and ice cream. The atmosphere was lovely- dim, and with interesting art, and the live music was perfect - not overwhelming, as some places have. When I come back to Minneapolis, I would love to stop here again!
(5)Attila S.
This is a consistently nice place to eat in all facets of service, victuals and libation, but is there a bread shortage at Barbette's? The three meager pieces of bread sawn-off a baguette that accompanied both the charcuterie plate and steak tartar were simply not adequate. Additionally, a larger swatch of mustard and more substantial pile of greens would better round-out the charcuterie plate. We had to request another helping of bread twice for these amusements. Of course that's nitpicking, but it's an annoyance that should not arise when emptying the wallet at this establishment.
(2)Jim C.
Barbette is a staple in our rotation. Step inside the door and you immediately feel like you've been transported to a trendy French cafe. We often go for happy hour to have a drink and dine on the pommes frites with aoli and/or steamed mussels. The best part is soaking up some of the mussel broth with crusts of french bread. Be sure to try one of their cocktails that include St. Germain elderflower liqueur. C'est magnifique!
(4)Lan F.
After talking to the hubs (first timer) into going to Barbette for at least an hour on a Sunday morning - I already had a skeptic on my hands. We arrived during the peak of Sunday brunch goers (not happy). We only waited for 10 minutes for a table (although there was seating at the bar). We ordered the pomme frites (very good) and the mussels with white wine sauce (amazing!). I got the quiche of the day (light and savory) and hubs got the lamb burger (perfectly done). We got so full and I totally forget about they had carrot cake on their menu. The waitress could read my eyes that I really wanted it. She talked us into getting it to go (so resourceful)! She brought it out and we couldn't resist at least trying it while we were there. All of a sudden the whole thing disappeared - seriously we have no self control! It was the best carrot cake!! It immediately transformed my amazing Barbette experience into an extraordinary experience. I was so happy with our service, everything we ordered, I cannot wait to go back! I am also happy to report that the hubs is now a big fan.
(5)Kathleen R.
Oh, Barbette, you sultry little temptress you. Your drinks are lovely and a fine selection. Your interior is inviting and well styled. You showcase great bands that don't overwhelm the atmosphere. Your food is solid and location is nice. I like you.
(4)Melissa C.
Here's what I've had at Barbette: wine, steak, steak tartare. But oh, do they ever do those things right. Their house wine is quite good (and relatively inexpensive). It's a great place to sit at the bar, watch people filter in, and enjoy a few glasses. The steak tartare. I'm a *sucker* for a beautifully-done steak tartare, and Barbette is about the best place in town for a fantastic steak tartare done right with all the trappings. Perfectly cooked egg with yolk oozing seductively onto your raw meat? Foodgasm. It was DELICIOUS and so worth it. The steak was cooked properly. Not a standout ah-mazing, you-gotta-go-here-for-it steak, but delicious and flavorful; so much so that I didn't even think about getting grumpy about the price. It was lovely. Plus, as others have mentioned, sitting at the bar and eating a meal is a total treat. The bartenders are attentive and pleasant (and one guy is really, really cute... not that that should matter, but *ehhem* I do like ambiance), and the bar-seating doesn't diminish the meal experience.
(5)Matt M.
My wife and I have enjoyed breakfast numerous times, but dinner was not as good. Both entrees were overwhelmed with sweet corn . . . We will go back for breakfast but not dinner.
(2)Prachee M.
Love the ambiance and decor. The waitstaff is attentive and friendly. But most importantly, the food is excellent. Specifically, all the fish entrees that I have tried are cooked to perfection. Outdoor seating and brunch is an additional bonus. They serve HOT coffee which always gets extra points from me. Salads served on the side for brunch are fresh, tasty and super-light. I tried a dessert the other night that I instantly fell in love with - it was bread pudding made with croissants. Raised bread pudding to a classy new level for me. A great choice for a special occasion. It can get loud in the evenings and make conversation difficult.
(4)Kate L.
Stopped in last night to round out the evening for a night cap and...wait for it.....OYSTERS! Who really gets cravings for oysters? Me. And to my surprise it was easy to find a seat at the bar (for future reference, it was around 10pm). But there were, of course, plenty of people at the tables as usual. Before I tell you my order, I ask you not to judge me. You should know first, that I was accompanied by my Beau AND we were coming from a work function where I really didn't eat (too much talking!) So, I have a good excuse for what comes next... Vodka Soda (boring)....1/2 dozen oysters.....Small order of mussels....ANOTHER 1/2 dozen oysters. Okay, okay...the small order of mussels is 1lb....but that just sounds bad, so I'm sticking with "small". Hey...I skipped dinner!! The oysters clearly did not disappoint and the mussels were plump and in good shape. I don't know how they do it, but their white wine sauce for the mussels is so great! I will need to pick their brains on this one, because mine is not even close. You will want/need more crusty bread to make the most of it. So this update really isn't a review as much a testament to the oysters and the mussels (and how much I eat...sorry). And if you happen to see a couple with piles of oysters shells in front of them on your next visit, stop by and say hello! We would love to meet you.
(5)Emily T.
I wanted to like this place because of the cute atmosphere and the prime location, but this place is way hyped. I sat down to wait for someone and ordered my drink, and told the waitress I would wait to order food when my friend came. She snootily replied that she couldn't serve to someone who wasn't here anyway- thanks. The other thing that turned me off was the prices. If you're going to have poor, slow service and snooty attitudes, you have NO business charging $19 per plate. In my opinion, it gets 2 stars because I liked the decoration. I did not like the people and probably wouldn't return unless I had to.
(2)Amy S.
Although a French bistro is not the most "American" place to celebrate Independence day, I still thought it was a good idea and Barbette did not disappoint! We went for a late lunch and had the Croque Monsier, Oysters, and Royale (burger). The Royale was very flavorful and juicy. I liked that the mixed greens had a bit of dressing but was not over-dressed. The homemade chips were good. My only complaint was for such a hot day, the water didn't have ice cubes. Since it was so hot, we didn't feel like a cocktail and instead tried the hibiscus punch. It was quite refreshing and very tasty.
(4)Laurie O.
Barbette is my favorite post shift late night spot. Getting off work around 10 and not ready to head home I love stopping at barbette for some late night happy hour. $5 glass of champagne goes perfectly with the happy hour steamed mussels and pomme frites. And if I'm feeling overly indulgent one of their many fabulous desserts to finish the night off. The staff is wonderful! This is one of the few spots I like going to by myself in the summer with a book for dinner.
(5)Sam N.
Late night happy hour with live music. The prices were extremely good with a reasonable selection of beers on tap. A mussel plate for $5, unheard of. They were plump and good. When I visited, it was a bit understaffed given the number of people there. That made service a bit sluggish and stressful on the wait staff. Given the excellent music, fairly good food, and very reasonable prices I still would rate the place 5 stars.
(5)Vivian O.
I had the opportunity to visit this place on my first trip to Minneapolis visiting a friend in February on a late Friday nite. I really loved the vibe of this place! The crowd was very Park Slope hipster. The decor seemed to be an interesting mix of rustic meets mid-century modern (I love both styles..so that was a plus). The place wasn't too packed when we arrived, but we opted to sit at the bar anyways. We split the steamed mussels and the molten chocolate cake - both were fabulous. They also had a great cocktail list as well. This will definitely be a spot to visit again when in Minneapolis!
(4)Patrick and Jes D.
Good food, Decent wine and very tasty deserts.
(4)Adam W.
Like so many have mentioned, there's a good vibe here. So nice to sit at the bar and share a glass of wine and mussels with a friend. Friendly bartender, and the mussels were so good we decided to enjoy a cheese plate. Note to self: return for late night happy hour (10pm-close Sunday - Thursday).
(4)Dave G.
I was really impressed with Barbette. I went here for brunch on a weekday and had a great time. Service was excellent. The menu is large enough for you to find something you'll enjoy but also very unique so you can mix in some adventure. The beer selection is also quite good and includes a lot of local beers.
(5)Nate W.
Great place for tasty food in a casual atmosphere! Definitely check it out. My wife and I went to Barbette for an early dinner and it was great in every apsect. 1. Food: My wife had the halibut and I had the arctic char. Both were delicious. I also recommend starting with the whipped truffle brie. Tasty!! 2. Atmosphere: Very casual. A lot more casual than expected as the booths showed wear and tear and things seemed a little worn. But it totally worked. It just felt cozy. 3. Service: Our waitress was great and very knowledgeable of the food. It reminded us of a bistro you would find in NYC and we will definitely be returning.
(4)Jennie T.
Flawless! The ambiance is quaint, like a Parisian bistro, but with more elbow room. The service was excellent, the food spectacular. I had the Beet salad with wilted greens. it was perfect! I followed that with the Salmon special with beluga lentils, you rarely get salmon cooked this well, my complements to the chef! , my partner had the Pommes Frites as an appetizer and the Duck Cassoulet for her entree, a deconstructed version, it was nicely presented and delicious. the portions are appropriately sized and both of us were so full that we couldn't find room for desert, though we were tempted! Our waitress was wonderful, the perfect mix of warm, attentive and efficient. I can't believe we haven't been here before, but we WILL be back again, very soon!
(5)Wesley H.
Came here on a Sunday night for a beer while we're biking through. We asked the hostess if we could sit on the bench just for one beer as it was very busy and no tables were open. She said it was ok and gave us a menu. We sat on the bench for 10 minutes while at least 3 servers passed us by numerous times. We ended up just leaving. I don't know if this was simple miscommunication or not, but ignoring customers repeatedly for 10 minutes seems unacceptable. I doubt I'll be back.
(1)Esther Y.
Barbette is such a cute place! I went with a friend and we started with the beet salad (which was more of a salad with some beets sprinkled in it...not what I imagined, but still good) and the gnocchi. Both were really good. My friend ordered the white fish for her entree and I had the steak frites. Both of our meals were really good, as evidenced by our clean plates. We didn't have any dessert, as we were stuffed, but there were some things on the menu that sounded pretty good. The service was super friendly, nice, and attentive, and I think it would be a great happy hour spot if you lived in Minneapolis.
(4)Siobhan W.
I went to Barbette for the first time on a weekend at around 12:30. I was expecting the lunch menu, but they only serve brunch on the weekends apparently. I had been intent on trying the lunch menu...so was disappointed. Since it's unavailable on the weekends, I probably never will get the chance. I ordered the cobb salad, which was not a good choice. The pomme frittes were good though. I shared the creme brulee with my friend. It was good, not amazing, but definitely good. Just FYI, everything served, including the salad could have been shared by two, maybe even three people!!! I had assumed a french restaurant would be serving small size servings, but I'm completely wrong. Service on a busy Saturday was excellent. Servers were lovely. Oh, and for a french restaurant, it's not a very romantic atmosphere. People are crowded closely together, so there is not much privacy for a couple on a date. Rinata Italian restaurant is a cozier and more romantic spot for lovers. Overall not sure yet what I think about Barbette. I think I'll have to try dinner next to get a more valuable impression.
(3)H L.
My favorite brunch spot, but any mealtime here is great.
(5)Kimberly T.
Barbette is a great place for happy hour & Sunday brunch. I went for breakfast this morning & had excellent food and service. I ordered the daily quiche which was onions, peppers, spinach & swiss. It was the size of a large piece of pizza & came with a small green salad. It was absolutely delicious! The entire menu looked delicious for that matter. Great atmosphere & a lot of food for $8. I look forward to coming back soon! *Check in on Yelp for HH drink deals!
(4)Courtney M.
I used to like Barbette. The atmosphere is great and the food is pretty ok. The service is spotty, at best. But after learning that Barbette's new management has been firing some of their best employees, with no notice or sound reason, I will no longer be a customer. I do not care to patronize a business that does NOT value its employees or treat them fairly and with respect. Shame on you, Barbette.
(1)Chad W.
One of my favorite restaurants in Minneapolis. The atmosphere is very comfortable, the cocktails are top notch, the service is uniformly good, and the food is exceptional.
(5)Vivek N.
Outdoor seating: check Appropriate outside lighting: check Late night happy hr: check Friendly service: check Live music: check
(4)Leigh B.
I go here almost exclusively for the late night happy hour specials. I really enjoy the small plates: the pomme frites come with the most delicious dipping sauce, the fondue is fun and yummy, and you can't go wrong with the cheese plate (especially if you get a glass of wine while you're at it). Some reviewers have complained about the service... while I personally don't have anything negative to say, I do notice that the wait staff seem to take a pretty hands-off approach. I love that they use locally-sourced and organic ingredients. I think this is a great restaurant to take a date.
(4)Kent L.
Pretty good food, but this place has no business charging as much as they do, as Barbette lacks some key characteristics of a "fine dining" restaurant, most notably the ambiance (this place is loud and feels like a bar). Space is also tight. In addition to being expensive, I found the menu to be overly confusing (unless you really know your French food). Typical glass of wine will run $7-$9 Typical appetizer $12+ Typical entree $25+ In summary, Barbette is overpriced and feels more like a bar than an upscale restaurant. It is not a good place for a first date, as it is extremely loud. Total cost of our dinner for two was just over $100. For a much better dinner option in Uptown, great for a date, go to Amore Victoria, which will cost you half of a dinner at Barbette.
(3)Zach S.
Stopped in to Barbette for Yelp Drinks for my happy hour this week. Cocktails were great, I tried their take on a Manhattan and my pal tried the Bloody Mary. Both get top notch reviews from us. The service seemed a little slow and it wasn't clear if it was because they were busy or if they were disappointed we only came in for a drink. Other times I've been here I've had no complaints. Brunch is always a good bet.
(3)Michael J.
Really nice establishment...the service was impeccable and the waitress knew the wine list intimately...recommended a great Syrah Grenache blend to us from a great, unpretentious list. The prices also are not pretentious for the quality of food served. I'd say Barbette's strength is their meat: my lamb chops were superb, as were their steak frites. The creme brûlée dessert was also great, their vaunted pecan pie not as good. Some great selections in the "amusements" section: would heartily recommend the goat cheese plate and quinoa salad.
(4)Jen W.
I love this place except for one thing: the service sucks. The food is wonderful. The space is original. The price is reasonable for the quality of food. But my god, the service is terrible. Not that they're not nice, they are. But holy slow. On my last visit we waited for an hour for our food. An hour!!! Go if you have an entire evening to kill and aren't starving. The food can be worth the wait, but only if you're in the right frame of mind.
(3)Paul E.
Wonderful food (I had the Royale with cheese and the most delicious Pommes Frites). Wonderful waiting staff, and outside seating for the first 70º day in over 6 months. Wonderful!!
(5)Melissa C.
I have always loved this place. It's a cute, quaint little spot with a warm and inviting ambiance and attentive staff. Great place to go for an after work Happy Hour and get great deals on small plates of delicious food. I have also had full dinners here and have thoroughly enjoyed them as well.
(4)Katie R.
Barbette is probably my favorite restaurant in Minneapolis. Have had both brunch and a couple dinners here - all equally delicious. The Steak au Poivre is my favorite dish and I'm not a huge fan of steak to begin with. I also love the atmosphere. The sidewalk patio in the summer is perfect for winding down after a long day. I look forward to many more meals here.
(5)Nicole N.
I was lucky enough to have lunch at Barbette for restaurant week, and I had the best time! I picked out a great french wine to pair with my delicious food, and then sat and sipped and ate in such a great environment. The music was spot on, my fellow diners were all having a great time, the food was good, my server was the sweetest guy in the world, and it was all enough to make me really feel as though I was sitting in a little French restaurant with hours to enjoy a meal. I will definitely be back!
(5)Rachael L.
I've seriously experienced better. The reason for my low star rating is because it just simply was not a good value. My boyfriend and I went on Friday night and got seated right away without a reservation, which was awesome, however it did take about 15-20 minutes to get a waitress to notice us - it was almost like we were in no ones territory which continued throughout most of the experience. I eventually ordered the beet salad for an appetizer and then my boyfriend and I both got the pasta special and a glass of wine and we were starving after - and were both not very big eaters! There was hardly any food on our plates, we only got a couple bites of pasta! $78 later and we went to McDonalds across the street to finish our meal. Super disappointed and parking was really difficult too.
(1)Marcela A.
I love this place. Every time I went there was a happy experience! Food is great, staff is great and the atmosphere is unique! The place is small Nd cozy. However, I just went there for brunch (many times) and late happy-hour (this used to be Our late night date spot when Joe loved in uptown). I love the mimosa and Bloody Mary, as I love the eggs Benedict and it comes with a side of salad. Everything is very well presented on your plate! For the late happy hour all small plates are great! Steamed Mussels, olive, cheese and fruit are some of them. Just grab a glass if whine (or whatever you like to drink) and you are ready! They have live music twice a week, which makes the date night complete! Great people, and great atmosphere!
(5)Jody G.
My wife and I like going to Barbette for breakfast. French toast is great. We went for dinner on a Friday night and like the other reviews mentioned, the service was slow.....Not being in a hurry - it was no big deal....if you are in a hurry be prepared. Wine and steaks were very good.
(4)Brian D.
Went to Barbette again last night and again it was remarkably good. My biggest complaint about vegetarian offerings at non-vegetarian restaurants is that there is always one vegetarian entree, maybe two, and they usually involve cheese. Last night there were two, one had cheese and the other, the soy glazed bok choy, was without any animal products at all. I had the soy glazed bok choy and it was wonderful. I am concerned about this because my brother is a vegetarian and I test out entrees for when he comes to visit. I think he would be delighted with the soy glazed bok choy. I certainly was. The kimchee in the dish was VERY strong and the bok choy was bok choy, which is usually somewhat bland, but when you est them together it is wonderful and I expect that is the correct way to eat it. My wife's duck breast was very nicely done, though I have to say that I didn't notice the skin and I usually notice if the skin is crisped the way it should be. Her acorn squash appetizer was very nice as well (my raw oysters were Malpiques and very plump). All in all, a very fine meal yet again, but please, someone, give the poor vegetarians another option that doesn't involve milk. As an aside, how about doing an All Hail Seitan dish?
(5)Barclay W.
What a fun and delicious brunch! We came her with our newly married friend to say goodbye before she left for her honeymoon part 1. She would be gone for the rest of the time that I would be visiting. The food here is very elevated classic breakfast foods (at least for brunch). I did the buckwheat crepe with scrambled eggs, herbs, and brie. Cullen H. is right that it is like a breakfast burrito, only way better. It is like the breakfast burritos classier twin that you didn't know existed. They also have killer bloody marys. The best part of them was that they came with an optional beer back. The waiter had to explain that to us California people. I guess in Minnesota it is normal to get a small beer with your beverage. Why this has not made it to California is beyond me. Finally I think what really won us over was our waiter. He was sassy and fun. We were quite the table and he kept throwing it back at us in the best ways. He made us laugh, he made us smile, and he made the experience. I don't know if anyone that works there will ever read this and sadly we forgot his name, but we did write we had so much fun on the receipt.
(5)Rachelle G.
Barbette was good, not great. Best part of brunch was the mixed greens tossed in a lemon vinaigrette that comes as a standard side with most meals.
(3)Anna B.
This place is solid. My husband and I both love the steak frites. Thats really what we come here for. I think they increased their prices so not so happy about that but the food, service and atmosphere is great. The desserts are a little too American for my taste. Free parking in the back. Great place for a romantic date night.
(4)Hawley S.
I got the pommes frites (limp and meh) the radishes (good, but you know, basically just radishes and butter) and the house salad (very 90's in that the dressing was weirdly sweet and lettuce was clearly just from a huge box of salad mix) and house red wine (good!) So: food is good but not great, and pretty spendy, but the ambiance of the place was so lovely that I'd totally come here again.
(4)Bill H.
This was our first visit to Barbette. My brother knows that my wife and I like to try spots like this and he got us a gift card. Since he also threw in baby sitting (yes, my brother is just that awesome) we had some time to have an experience at Barbette, not just a meal. We started with some raw oysters and the truffle whipped brie. The oysters were absolutely perfect. Very flavorful, fresh and expertly prepared. I took them straight-up, but my wife enjoyed the wine vingar drizzled on top of hers. The brie was simply amazing. The texture and flavor were so delightful that I didn't want to stop chewing. I honestly could have just kept re-ordering the oysters and brie all night, but after this great start, we had to keep going. Next up was the tartare of the day, which, was beef. Another amazing dish. The presentation was so beautiful that it was almost a shame to tear it apart... though, that's what we did. The beef was course ground and went perfectly with the other little "amusements" that decorated the plate. I was particularly fond of the potato chips. We kept going down the menu and decided to split the mushroom risotto. It was perfectly creamy and didn't contain an overwhelming amount of mushroom flavor. It was another delightful plate. With the risotto we also ordered the Carr Valley Cardona Goat Cheese dish, which was yet another beautiful and tasty dish. The figs and honey went perfectly with the goat cheese. After all that, we were getting a litte full, but the cheeses stood out so much, we decided to end with the Artisanal Cheese & Fruit Plate and the Alexis Bailly Vineyards Solaris desert wine... and it was a perfect finish. Throughout the night, our server, Carolyn, was very attentive, keeping the table full of the great plates of food and our glasses full of fantastic drink. We did indeed have an experience at Barbette, and it was a great one.
(4)Z J.
After our horrible Amore Victoria experience, Barbette more than made up for it. We walked in, we were seated immediately, they apologized up and down for our bad service across the street and got to work! We had gnocchi and risotto that were delicious, the brie and bread for a starter had a lovely contrast. Our server gave a very quick and confident wine pairing that was spot-on. SInce it was nearly an hour after I had tried to get dinner at Amore and I was starving and thirsty, I was very impressed with how quickly someone else made up for the experience. I am not a French food person but wouldn't consider this the usual, fussy and intimidating meal. It was approachable and fabulous. Thanks for rescuing our evening, Barbette!
(5)Kristi C.
Love the outdoor patio seating option, the eclectic décor and the vibe. What I don't love are host/hostesses that don't acknowledge customers who walk in the door and wait to be seated. I noticed I wasn't the only one in line that seemed to get the same treatment. And if you're wondering, the restaurant was only about 3/4 full. OK, so I could get over that one offense, but what I can't overlook is a pretentious server. It really puts a damper on a dining experience. Hence the 3 star rating. On the upside, the other servers I encountered were friendly and service was overall very efficient. On to the food. But first, kudos for a strong latte! My Veggie Hash was a true delight. Asparagus, fingerling potatoes, pattypan squash and two perfectly poached eggs. They have he portion size right, too. Something I really appreciate.
(3)S K.
Mmmmmm the lamb burger with goat cheese!!!! And I don't know what goes into the little side salad that goes with the burgers but it's magical, so simple but the most delicious! Love the decorations too :)
(5)Michael L.
I had a disappointing experience at Barbette. The decor is cool and the menu is moderately interesting, and the place was lively (sat. night). The prices are high for what you get (small portions). But all that could easily still add up to 4-stars, if it was executed well, however it was not in my case. To get straight to the main complaint, 1. I ordered the grilled vegetable salad ($12). It was described as a large assortment of fall and winter vegetables served with a champagne vinaigrette and Brussels sprouts chips. I have never had Brussels sprout chips, I love roasted vegetables, I was looking forward to the dish. 2. It arrives as a small pile of lettuce with 2 miniature RAW carrots underneath and a light vinaigrette. PERIOD. No chips, no other vegetables, and nothing is grilled. I almost never send anything back, but this was not acceptable. If it was $3 maybe, $12? hell no. 3. I called the waiter and he says, "oh, I should have told you, we grill things very lightly here". Me: "Um, so lightly that they are still totally raw and almost frozen? Ok, well, there still should be more than 3 bites of carrots right? and where are the Brussels sprouts chips?" Waiter: "Hm.. I will ask." (comes back) "OK, they say that if you dig into the bottom, there are more vegetables under the greens." I dig and produce one cold miniscule flavorless piece of beet in addition to the 2 mini carrots. "Sorry, that's not good enough, and where are the Brussels sprouts chips?" Waiter: "Ok, I will take that back and I'll be SURE to get those chips on there!" 5min later: He comes back, the same salad, now with a few bites of tasteless raw squash added to the side, but now, no dressing! Utterly flavorless. And of course, no chips. Finally I just said "I'm sorry, but this is terrible, just take it off the bill, forget about it." Which he did, at least. Still, the fact that they remain proud of calling this a grilled vegetable salad and serving it at all nevermind for $12 is very disappointing. And the fact that he argued with me insisting that these were "lightly grilled" when they were plainly raw was also insulting. And the fact that the salad actually got WORSE the second time around, well, not good. The other dish we had was a mushroom risotto with truffle flavor that was very tasty. Pretty small portion for $18, but good. Other people had tomato soup which they said was very good. All in all, I hope I just had very bad luck and I would be willing to try Barbette again since I know it has a good reputation and I do like BLB and NE Social. But I'm in no hurry.
(2)Molly M.
I've been to Barbette many times over the past few years and have never been disappointed. The steamed mussels, duck cassoulet and steak are great choices off the menu, and they have good nightly specials. Nice atmosphere for a date night. A little spendier than places in the area but worth it.
(5)Stephanie B.
We ate here on a Sunday night. Oysters were spectacular, says oyster-connoisseur spouse. I had the salmon Niçoise salad, which was quite tasty. Salmon was nicely smoked. We shared a charcuterie plate, which included lamb bacon, trout rillette, prosciutto, and more. The accompanying Dijon mustard was lovely. The bread was delish - but I wish we'd had a bit more of it. Salad would have been perfect with a baguette slice or two. Dessert beignets were perfectly cinnamoned, and the chocolate sauce was tasty - and there wasn't too much of it. But they weren't cooked all the way through, which was a drag. All in all, quite good.
(4)Anjali C.
Came here based on Yelp reviews, and was not disappointed! The first time I came here was on a date on a Sunday night. Super Bowl Sunday. The place was obviously fairly dead. My boyfriend and I had excellent service, with the server being very attentive to our vegetarian requests and questions about the menu. Herbed brie with bread to start - amazing. Squash dish with wild rice, smoked raisins, and chickpeas - phenomenal. Brussels sprouts and gnocchi - to die. Everything was cooked perfectly, seasoned well, and the service was perfect as well. We finished with the chai creme brûlée and I decided that I would never look at another creme brûlée again! (Would highly recommend this one.) We had a few drinks and some late night snacks (pomme frites, fondue, potato leek soup) on a Saturday night as well, and they had great live music. Would recommend the potato leek soup and the pomme frites. The fondue wasn't amazing but I wasn't expecting much either. This is just such a wonderful, quirky little place that serves delicious food without a stuffy atmosphere. I'll be back soon for the happy hour!
(5)Ruth E.
Last night we ate at this place, I was very pleased. The server greeted us within the first 3 minutes we were seated and water was broad out to us as soon as we set down. This is one of my favorite restaurants, food here is always good, on time, and there is consistency in the flavors (which is such a hard combination to find). I ordered two of my favorite appetizers "pomme frites" and "mussels," they came to the table 10 minutes after placing the order which was fast considering the fact that it was rush hour. The pomme frites were just perfect: crispy, warm, and no too oily. The hollandaise sauce they are served with is the perfect combination of flavors, there is no need for ketchup. Mussels are always a winner at this place, it is sooooo hard to find well prepared mussels. They were flavorful where you can taste the white wine, the garlic and the mussel itself, without having the fishy aftertaste in every bite. The ambiance at this place is always great, appropriate for a fun dinner. If you want recreate a memory from a previous visit to France or parts of Europe, this is the perfect place to go. I recommend going on a Wednesday night where there is live music. Service here is always good, so if you are looking for a place to feel welcome, get your food on time, enjoy delicious flavors and have a great time with the people you love, come to Barbette.
(4)Abbie F.
I love this place! Brunch is simple yet delicious! Service is stellar. From beginning to end Barbette does an amazing job. I absolutely love the quiche and the greens that come alongside. I don't like going to the same place twice but Barbette is the exception!
(5)Annalee T.
Blueberry lemon curd waffle. Be the envy of everyone at your table and get this insanely bomb, and comparably cheap brunch item.
(5)Yolinda B.
Look, I've been here many times. All I can really say is your miliage will vary here. Some times really good, some times not so good. The mussels are usually good in the white wine. Chicken, salads, beef (aka steak) all up in the air depending on the day and the cook. Like the place, cuz its close and generally good, not cheap though.
(2)Jon L.
Small, unique, inviting, and cozy. Our first impressions when stopping in here. Oh yeah, did I mention the heat? Holy broken thermostat, Batman. Even though it was mid-January, we disrobed to the appropriate comfort level and settled in to a small table towards the back restroom. More on that later . . . This was our second visit for brunch and I ordered the chicken hash and my wife got the quiche special. It was the daily quiche. Bacon, onion, spinach, and mushroom. While we waited, my wife sipped on her cup of coffee and we enjoyed the unique decor and personalized interior. Simple tables, french styling throughout and a bar. When you enter, there is a 3/4 circle gold table that seats about 8 that would be for a larger party, otherwise pretty standard seating. The food arrived quickly and we dug in. The hash looked like it had a couple of dollops of sour cream or something on top. It wasn't. It was the the eggs. I cut into them and the yolk spilled out all over the rest of the chicken and seasonal veggies. The taste of the dish was a perfect mixture of sweet and savory. The eggs complimented the dish perfectly. One mystery vegetable that we could not identify was a white beet. Never had one before and it was tasty. The only minor complaint that I had was that the dish only comes with one small slice of toasted bread. The dish could certainly use another to help sop up all the juicy goodness. My wife's quiche was just as good. Very flavorful and delicious. Great food at a great price. Oh yeah, the bathroom. If you think it is warm in the restaurant, just crank it up another 15 degrees in the restroom. They have a disclaimer in there that the landlord has not resolved the issue yet, which was appreciated, but it sure is annoying. We had a great time, the service was great (she was always refilling the drinks) and I am sure we will be back!
(5)Julia T.
One of our favorite places. Great, reliable and consistent.. Whether it is a busy NY eve or a quiet snow day, the service and food and wine and cocktails are always very good. On New Years eve this year we arrived very late, I had the crud. The waitress brought me honey and lemon in addition to our order and was kind and attentive. A true neighborhood gem in busy Uptown. Ask the staff to recommend a wine and don't miss out on the fries and great cheese plate!
(5)JD H.
How can you not like a place that promotes Sparkling Wine consumption around the holidays by NOT marking the bottle prices up from standard retail? Finding Pierre Gimonet 1er Cru Cuvee Brut in half bottle format for cheap made the night! Top that off with skinny pommes frites that could stand up to any bistro in France and this becomes a great little neighborhood spot with many more things going for it. An eclectic interior with an odd half-circle bar at the front generates conversation but also creates an obstruction to easy egress (a Feng Shui expert would have a field day with an entry hand-grenade here). Besides that, there are some really nice things going on here such as the focus on local farm product (such as lamb from Meeker County's Lamb Shoppe), house-made charcuterie and pickles (lamb bacon and pickled jalapeños!) and breakfast availability with a bar for those that work dog-watch shifts and want a cocktail with their eggs. I'm also impressed with the creativity of the kitchen staff (Frog-leg Risotto) and their ability to also maintain some French classics (Croque Monsieur, Steak Tartare, and on the night I visited, a seasonal Cassoulet). Definitely deserves a rating as a solid 4+ stars unless you do not like French-influenced food, a refreshing wine program with interesting selections, and good cooking (in which case you might want to check yourself for a pulse).
(4)Jonathan M.
Nothing fancy except for the price. Food is ok.
(3)Bert B.
Stayed with the Amusements: Mussels, greens, mixed a lamb crepe. Light and packed with flavors.
(4)Paige S.
My husband and I recently attended brunch at Barbette. We both got Bloody Mary's which were delicious. They were made with horseradish, but we not even close to being too spicy. I got the waffles with blueberry compote and lemon curd, which was definitely the best waffle (and best price) I have ever had! My husband had the ham and gruyere omlette with a side of the rosi potatoes, which he both enjoyed. We live a couple blocks from this restaurant and will definitely be back!
(4)Cullen H.
On a lovely Sunday morning earlier this month my wife treated her brother and me to brunch at Barbette, a restaurant that was previously unknown to me. From now on, however, whenever brunch is mentioned Barbette will likely be amongst my most aggressive of suggestions. In other words, I loved it! I ordered the buckwheat crepe with scrambled eggs, herbs, and brie. In my mind it was similar to a breakfast burrito, but way better, and with a simple but delicious side salad. The eggs inside were so fluffy and the crepe container was a treat. Cinnamon apples were a nice topper. My wife had a ham and Gruyere omelet and loved it. The few bites I had were tremendous. My bro-in-law ordered vegetable hash and unfortunately did not like it much. It wasn't exactly a hash, which I think was his main complaint. The hostess and waiter were both fantastic. The waiter especially seemed to love his job, and constantly flashed an infectious and genuine smile to his patrons. I love the location in Uptown too... not too hard to find parking, interesting people watching. Just a great experience all around!
(5)Marissa C.
A friend and I wanted to try a new place in the uptown area for dinner, so after clicking through Yelp for a few minutes, we decided to try Barbette. We went fairly late on a Sunday night and there were maybe only 10 other people in the restaurant, but that's to be expected. We decided to share everything and ended up ordering way too much food, but here's my take on everything we ordered: Tomato basil soup: This was the soup of the day, and I usually avoid ordering tomato because restaurants tend to make it too salty for my taste, but my friend decided to order it and I am so glad she did. It was a creamy tomato which I prefer, and it was probably the best tomato soup I have ever had. Highly recommend it if it's available. Pommes Frites: I had read on Yelp that these were delicious so we decided to order them, but I was a little disappointed. Firstly, it was a mountain of fries that we could not finish alone (we even ordered the smaller plate), but the saffron aioli was delicious. The frites themselves, however, were kind of limp and stringy...not what I expected. My friend loved them though, so I suppose this may just be a personal frite preference. Herb Whipped Brie: Again, this had amazing reviews from my fellow Yelpers, but I was a little disappointed. Maybe I'm jaded in terms of my experiences with cheese, but I know good cheese when I see it, and this dish was ehh. It reminded me of eating herbed butter on a baguette, so it was still pretty tasty, but it was missing the bite I was expecting from the truffle. The reduced balsamic was a nice touch though. Mushroom Risotto: I believe they change the menu seasonally because online it only lists Sweet Corn Risotto, which was not on the menu as of Nov 10, but the mushroom risotto was amazing. Even after being pretty satisfied after all of the small dishes, this was still the highlight of our dinner. Possibly the best risotto I've ever had. Chai crème brulèe: It was actually as amazing as it sounds. Perfect for two to share. Cappuccino: Standard cappuccino. Not much else to add there. One final thing I would like to add - the service was great. Not that there were tons of other customers to divert our waiter's attention, but he was knowledgable about the menu and very nice. I ordered a glass of wine and he asked to see my ID which I did not have, and a few minutes later he started walking toward me with a glass of wine, then turned away and said "Oh, I am so sorry. I forgot about our previous exchange..." It was a little awkward, but not a big deal. Once we requested the check, however, he comped us the cappuccino in apology for the wine mishap, which was unexpectedly cool. Basically - good food with some items that shine, others that are average, none that were bad. Great service, nice atmosphere. Not what I would call "trendy," but a nice place to bring your parents when they're in town.
(4)Megan E.
I've had both brunch and dinner here. After speaking with other friends who have been I can say that the service is consistently great. I have made reservations both times I have come so I can't speak to wait time. The food at both brunch and dinner has been great. I have had the steak frites and a brunch special eggs benedict with some interesting flavors that put a yummy spin on the classic.
(5)J W.
Very good food and menu selection. Nice atmosphere and good service.
(4)Bridget U.
LOVE this neighborhood gem! The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic date night if you cozy up to a table in the back or lends to an ultra-cool after work cocktail if you grab a bar stool. The servers are great and make really good recommendation so don't be afraid to ask! Top choices: French Fries (award winning), herb whipped brie (you will want to eat it all yourself but its rich so I suggest you share), any risotto and for brunch don't miss the truffle scrambled eggs. One minute tip: grab some of their tasty bubbles and discounted fries during happy hour!
(5)Kevin K.
Best breakfast! Cool and chic spot with an affordable menu! Did the braised beef Benedict and it was delicious! Will be coming for more!
(5)Johannah O.
A girlfriend and I had brunch there around 11 today (it's a Monday) and it was absolutely AMAZING! 1) I love any place that serves brunch every day of the week 2) the staff couldn't have been nicer 3) the corn beef hash special was to die for. I'd go here over a chain brunch place any day!
(5)Marianna G.
My friend and I met here on a beautiful sunny Friday for lunch. We got prime outdoor seating, and enjoyed the scenery. I hadn't been here in years, so wasn't quite sure what to expect. Lo and behold, I had the best lunch I've had in a long, long time. Our waitress was fun and super sweet, and didn't pressure us to order + eat + get out like so many busy restaurants do. We both got the buckwheat crepe, chock full of roasted tomatoes, chevre, and spinach. It was the best crepe I have EVER had. What did you do to me, Barbette?! I crave this dish almost every day - thanks a lot. We both polished off our plates without a second's hesitation. We also got a side of fries, and, no surprise, they're oh-so-near perfection. They are perfectly crispy, perfectly salted, and come with a saffron aioli that complements the french fries deliciously and uniquely. Since I had to go back to work after lunch, I got the hibiscus iced tea. It was refreshing and unsweetened (just the way I like it!); my friend got a mimosa, of which I could only dream about taking a sip. If you want a pleasant, super tasty meal, definitely check out Barbette. The interior is reminiscent of a cozy, warm little French bistro. The outdoor seating lines Lake Street and Irving, so you get to people-watch and city-watch while you're chatting + imbibing. Uptown usually bums me out, but Barbette is genuine and delicious, and the staff make you feel completely welcome. I'll be back!
(5)Rachael A.
Such a solid place to dine. Most especially for breakfast or brunch. Love that they have local options and really showcase the flavors of the ingredients themselves instead of adding all sorts of oils, spices, sugar, etc. I have never been disappointed with an experience at Barbette and in the summer there are few spots I enjoy as much as the little sidewalk patio in the sun enjoying my fresh, tasty food. Oh and of course some delightful coffee to wash it down. The only thing I wish is that the menu was just a wee bit bigger because of my eating preferences, but regardless Barbette is a gem.
(4)Josh R.
Love this place for brunch on the weekends. It can get really busy, so prepare for a 15-30 min wait, especially if you have more than two people. If you're willing to sit at the bar, you can almost always get in immediately. My fav is the veggie hash!
(5)Serena S.
I have to say it is surprise that the restaurant can survive so long. The service speed is super slow- waited about 40 minutes to get my food; indoor area has no air condition-at least I can not feel it; the food is only eatable- nothing impressive. I will never recommend anyone to go there.
(2)Annie D.
I adore Barbette for many reasons, and I will tell you about them now. Happy Hour: Barbette is consistently killing it from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. most days (and then again from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.). The only day without a happy hour is Saturday, and I can handle that. Domestic taps and house wine (red, white, rose and bubbly) is $4. Appetizers like frites, warm olives, cheese plates and a 1/2 lb of white wine mussels are each $5. Food: I've eaten here a few times outside of happy hour and have always liked my meals. The quality French menu is small and some things change seasonally. I always a few specials on the chalkboard, so don't forget to look up there. They are open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night, so it's always a great stand-by when your date is being indecisive because it's highly likely that it'll be open and serving food whether it's 8 a.m. or 11 p.m. (note: I'm usually the indecisive date.). There's also a multi-course prix fixe on Mondays for $32. I haven't tried it, but it seems like fun. The Mussels: The mussels get their own category because whoa. I've eaten some of the largest bivalves ever at Barbette (some normal sized ones too) and they are always perfectly steamed and swimming in a perfectly garlicky white wine, herb and lemon broth. You can also get them with chorizo-harissa. I doubt I've ever been to this restaurant without eating mussels. The Brunch Drinks: Let's face it. At least half the charm of brunch is that you get to drink more. And Barbette's brunch beverages are more exciting than average: Bellini, Red Dwarf, Bloody Beer, Black Velvet... yum. Decor: French circus is just about the coolest inspiration for a restaurant interior. It's colorful and classy at the same time. Cliché as this may sound, it does feel like a little Parisian corner cafe. Patio: Their sidewalk patio is pretty much what everybody else's sidewalk patio is trying to be. The cafe lighting is so charming, the tables are colorful and, for being just off a major street, it's quiet and relaxed. It's also shady, which is great on hot summer days. My only beef with this place (or shall I say, boeuf) is that the interior can be rather uncomfortable at the height of summer because they don't have air conditioning. Other than that, I've had lovely times at Barbette.
(4)Brody L.
The drinks are good and the place is real cute. It's a little too pricey for someone cheap like me but my girlfriend really likes it there so I just let her take me on dates there and treat me.
(4)Arvind M.
The coffee is rich and robust! The truffled eggs are luxurious. The portion sizes are european. The ambiance is charming french. I recommend this place.
(5)T W.
A great experience from beginning to end! We were walk-ins at 6:30 on a Friday night. Although they were getting busy, the hostess sat us immediately. The atmosphere is cozy French Bistro, relaxed and a little noisy as it gets busy. Our server, Laurie, was friendly and helpful in answering our questions, and offered recommendations on entrees and wine. We both had a perfectly cooked chicken dish I would say was a fusion of French bistro and soul food. The plate consisted of a boned breast and thigh both tender and moist, with seared crispy skin and reduction sauce, bedded on the best sautéed collard greens I've ever tasted, with a corn bread cake muffin for the starch. My spouse has celiac so the chef substituted whole baby carrots for the muffin to accommodate her gluten free needs. The wine list has many good european wines reasonable priced. Domestic wines were limited. Also carried Widmer's Omission lager and ale for those who need a gluten free beer option. Two beers, two glasses of wine and two great entrees: $84. We would return if we lived in the area.
(5)G N.
Brunch is very good. Dinner plates are simple yet good flavor. I like it for any day lunch/brunch dinner. Good ambiance.
(4)Tracy P.
This is the second time dining at Barbette and we were hoping that maybe we just had an off night. However, this experience was just as disappointing as the first. The service was very slow, the waitress didn't check in for us to place an order, and then forgot about requested beverages for long periods of time. The food was tasty but nothing exceptional and for the price we were expecting something better. We have friends who love this place but we just have had mediocre dishes and les than optimal service.
(2)Ameena R.
Had brunch here. Lovely place to be. Everything was good. The hostess was kind enough to seat in 5 mins or less though it was really packed. Overall good.
(5)Lauren S.
It is really hard to find a breakfast spot that takes reservations at 9:00 am. Look no further and go to Barbette for one of the best, freshest, healthiest breakfast in town. I had the brie and herb omlette and asked them to add the smoke trout. It was yummy. Loved the atmosphere because it allowed for great conversation without having to scream. My friends loved their egg dishes. We all shared the muffin which was awesome and came out warm. This could be my new go to spot for breakfast. it was just delightful.
(4)Elga T.
Everything I have ever had here is delicious.. The vinaigrette salad dressing is so light and good. The frise, lardon and poached egg brunch salad makes my mouth water thinking about it. Friendly wait staff!
(5)Patti K.
My dinner at Barbette was simply delightful. The beet salad was a feast for the eyes --arugula covering magenta and bright yellow beets, garnished with flash-fried red carrots and other goodies. It was splashed with colorful dots of flavor like a cheese dressing, and a deep magenta sauce that might have been made with red cabbage. It's pretty rare when I have this much fun with a salad. The English pea risotto was also a happy surprise. The rice was richly and carefully seasoned, and the peas were cooked crisp-tender. It was garnished with "micro greens" and garlic and onion crisps. Somehow it wasn't too heavy, even with the cheese. I also tried the pork loin, which had a slightly sweet pulled pork component and a pork steak. I liked the pulled pork better as the pork steak was a little dry, but that was also on the whole a nice dish, paired with cooked apple and turnips. The two slight disappointments were a slightly watery champagne cocktail and a somewhat dry molten chocolate cake with ice cream. They were tasty and certainly a grade better than those you can get at a number of other places, however. This was a nice place to eat alfresco. The service was quite good, and there is actually a parking lot behind the restaurant as well. I look forward to my next visit where I can try some more dishes.
(4)Sara W.
Barbette is a magical place, especially in the evening. I went here recently on my birthday, and the ambiance was enchanting, and extremely cozy. A terrific spot for a date night out. Being a Frenchie at heart, the traditional chevre chaud salad has been on my radar since I've been back in the states. Barbette didn't have one, BUT I did manage to find one with my beloved goat cheese. It was a wonderful mix of duck confit, goat cheese, nuts, and dried fruit. It was a perfect portion, to act as my main course. Lots of flavor, and the perfect amount of dressing. My date & I also had the steamed mussels with coconut lime sauce, per our servers suggestion. Tres interestante, as the French might say, or I wasn't exactly a huge fan. I think mussels just aren't for me, so this was just a bad call by myself. I am very eager to return again for happy hour, their late night music, and especially for brunch. Oh, and for their house wine, as Melissa C. stated is quite delicious & not too bad on the wallet.
(4)Mary K.
Yum! Wish I lived in Minneapolis to go back here for brunch! We stumbled upon this place when we were shopping and it is so cute. We went for brunch and had an amazing meal - lemon ginger scone, this broth-based seasonal vegetable hash, and a brie & herb omelette. The server was also one of the friendliest I think I've ever had! Would definitely recommend this place.
(5)S W.
Three Stars for dinner, four for brunch and late night happy hour. It's not a place I rush to go for dinner, but it's a place I don't hesitate a second to go snack and hang out. This is a terrific place to imbibe (solid cocktails) and eat enough good bistro shoestring fries so that you're not idiotic drunk. Mussels aren't bad, I'm a bit snobbish about inland seafood and these don't suck. They don't light my world on fire either. They sure do lay on those fries for your five bucks, way more generous with starter food than a lot of competition. Olives, similarly generous and nice selection, good oily. I've had good burgers, OK hangar steaks, some not that memorable dinners, fantastic soups, consistently, and some very stellar brunches here. Barbette is best at its low lit snack cheap drink lavishly HH.
(4)Michael H.
Five star breakfast. One star lunch. Price point and options are great for breakfast at $10-15 but I dropped in for dinner today and the place was empty on a nice day. The short dinner hour menu is about $30 and up which is huge change in price point. I waited to ask if they served sandwiches on another menu, and waited, and waited. I walked up to the bar to ask and the three people making drinks were too busy to acknowledge me. Someone said have a nice day as left then as the server saw their income leaving stopped me to ask if she could help. I said I had a question but everyone was busy. She offered to help and I explained that I wondered if there was a sandwich menu at this hour. ( Barbette also serves late night brunch ) She said no just the dinner menu and only during those hours. I said that is a huge departure in price point compared to the rest of the day. Her answer was it has always been that way and that I could have looked on the internet first rather than saying she would pass it along. I have been there for breakfast 5-10 times but now I do not feel so valued. I walked further into uptown for the quick solo dinner I wanted.
(1)Kate L.
This was my first visit to Barbette, and everything was delicious. I went with a friend to catch up over happy hour (arrived about 4:45 on a Wednesday) and was promply greeted by our server who was very friendly and mostly knowledgeable about the menu. We started with the Mussels, which were amazingly cooked in a lemon-wine-garlic broth. No toughness, no grit, just silky soft little pods of deliciousness. The serving was small, but the prep was perfection (which is hard to say about most places who serve mussels, which are very easy to overcook). I know that good seafood in Minnesota is hard to come by, but these definitely exceeded my expectations. We then had the Charcuterie plate, which was a hit. The headcheese was my favorite, very flavorful, gorgeous and melted in your mouth. What they have on the plate is rotating, so our waitress didn't know what exactly we were ordering, but we took that risk anyways. I must clarify that I ALWAYS order Mussels and Charcuterie at restaurants I have yet to eat at. I find it as a good standard to judge a restaurant on, basically testing them to see if the kitchen has and idea of what quality ingredients are. Barbette passed with flying colors and I would highly recommend both. I also ordered the Crepe, which was filled with arugula, smoked salmon, and creme fraiche. This thing was HUGE and it came with a very lightly dressed little side salad. It was delicious, but a bit over-salted. It was a limited special so I am curious to see what other daily crepes they might serve. Towards the end of the night we had a 3pc order of oysters. I am not so experienced with these, but they tasted fresh and came with a cup of red wine vinegar and shallots. The waitress made sure to stop by right before happy hour ended to see if we wanted to sneak something in before time ran out. Even though it is a small gesture, I really love when wait staff does that because it just seems like common courtesy for cheapskates like me :) As far as drinks go, I had a delicious Cava and a very jammy and rich Zinfandel blend that was the house wines for happy hour. Who ever is their liquor buyer deserves a pat on the back because they tasted like $9 glasses of wine and they were only $4 during happy hour. Overall my visit was wonderful. It was everything I hoped it would be and I never regret paying high prices (except the HH stuff) for a meal that is prepared correctly and with high quality ingredients.
(4)Stephanie R.
I came here with some friends and ate outside after a nice wander around the lake and had a wonderful lunch. Love the rainbow tables outside! Decor inside is really cute. The buckwheat crepe with spinach, tomato and chèvre was excellent. Fries were pretty good but the sauce did not meet my expectations. Overall highly recommend this place for brunch or lunch when the weather is nice!
(4)Dawn G.
Went to Barbette for Restaurant Week. It's a nice quiet place with quite a bit of charm. Everyone at our table decided to order multiple appetizers instead of a meal because the apps all looked so good. We had the fries, the cheese plate, the gnocchi, olives, fondue au fromage, and mussels. All were very good, especially when paired with the ice wine.
(3)Randall N.
I have to admit I geeked out over this place for two reasons: the chef trained under Susan Spicer, a New Orleans chef that I adore and made my college graduation dinner at Bayonna unforgettable. Secondly, this place made me feel like I was in my favorite city...New Orleans. Anything New Orleans makes me all tingly inside. I came for brunch with my mama. We had the cheese plate for starter. I really didn't know a cheese plate could be so good. The cheese was phenomenal but the chevre coated in red mustard seeds was a touch of genius. The truffled honey they serve with the plate is out of this world. I want them to bottle it so i can slather it on everything from grilled cheese to hot chocolate to ribs. Seriously this stuff is amazing. When I tasted it I couldn't put my finger on what the other flavor in the honey was. Then our server said truffled and it clicked. Who knew I could be so excited for honey. I also had the brie and ham crepe. I usually will not order ham but I loved this but ended up losing half to my mother when she decided her tomato, spinach and goat cheese crepe had too much goat cheese. No such thing if you ask me but both were delish. My ham and brie was better though. Especially with the raisins...which I also dislike but worked here. Love that the crepes are buckwheat too. They add a dimension of flavor usually missing from crepe batter. Dessert was fantastic too. Keffir lime and basil creme brulee. A tad overkill on the basil but still great. Everything was created with care and you can tell. It's not super fancy food likely to scare off the less adventurous (Piccolo) and you don't have to ask what everything is because you don't speak chefalese but its crafted well and tastes great. I cannot wait to come back here for dinner. And come back I will. if only to talk to the chef about New Orleans and susan spicer.
(4)Lorraine N.
The food was average---terribly overpriced--and the attitude of the staff was rude. I would recommend spending your hard-earned money at an establishment that actually acts like it is happy you are there....
(1)Jamison U.
First this isn't french, making some fries and calling them 'Pomme Frites' isn't french. The starters were -across the board- unacceptable. The Oysters were runny and previously frozen (nasty). My Kir Royal was good. My Main dish was fair (Artic Char) my table faired ok, one other dish (the chicken) was flavorful but very overcooked, and the Lamb chops were tough (poor meat selection). Desert was spice cake with strawberry rhubarb. Dry flavorless
(2)Michael C.
After not having been to Barbette for some time, I took a recent trip here with my wife for a late night (at least late for MPLS) this past weekend. I got the lamb chop special, she got the mussels, and we split a side of brussel sprouts. All were excellent. Yet another successful visit to Barbette.
(4)Jeremie L.
Actually downloaded yelp today to post because I had such a poor experience . Service was such that I felt the server had a personal vendetta against our table. Personality was non existent, food was okay, no manager to speak of. Have been to Barbette many times but today was a miss for sure.
(1)Townsend F.
Best French food in Minneapolis. The ambiance is romantic and fun. The food is amazing. The mussels and pomme frites are amazing! Great French wind selection too.
(5)Erik R.
Hot-smoked Salmon Nicoise Excellent! Flavors separate and the soft boiled egg and purple potatoes are great details that add to the overall mix.
(4)Noor G.
Little disapointed. Cute place. Great espresso. Vegetable hash was quite flavourless...really quite blahh. Don't think I would come again, despite really wanting to like the place.
(2)Alexa C.
The fries here are always spot on delicious and in their own separate fryer, so they're gluten free friendly. They are very gluten free friendly in general. Their breakfast is divine and great for the price. The food can get pricey for entree's, but it's good food, and the menu changes periodically by the season. Their wine list is great, and the location, and patio seating is great as well.
(3)Katherine M.
Had a nice Sat morning brunch at Barbette and it was great! First off we had a large group of 10 and they were extremely accommodating (we did make reservations). Our party arrived at different times and I appreciated the waitresses patients. Now on to the important part... The food! That did not disappoint either! I had the eggs benedict over braised beef and cabbage. So great!! Everyone else in my group really enjoyed their meal too. To top if off the waitress was really sweet about divvying up checks for us. I can't wait to come back to Barbette for another meal!
(4)Melissa B.
Menu is small but a nice variety, fries are awesome and for someone with food allergies, this place was great! As a person who is Celiac, I never get French fries because of the slew of non-GF food deep fried in the same oil. So the fries were a true treat! About 80% of the menu was already GF and with a couple ommissions I was able to have the Rack of lamb dairy free too. A little pricey but for a special night I would go back. Dig the interior too!
(3)James B.
Just a bad experience overall. Overcooked steak with soggy fries. Gummy gnocchi in a overly salty sauce. Brussels sprouts cooked to absolute mush and a server that seemed annoyed that we were there. All this plus two glasses of wine for a whopping $80. Boo on you Barbette.
(2)Colleen M.
I used to love Barbette when I lived in Minneapolis, now more than three years in the past. I dragged the Mister and some local friends there on Labor Day for a nostalgic brunch. I am STILL apologizing to the Mister for this one. And if our friends are reading this - I'm sorry to them as well. Despite calling ahead and being told there was no wait, we ahd a very confusing 20mn wait while there were several open tables. After a few pointed questions, we finally got one. Our waitress came over and asked us how we were. She then corrected the grammar of three out of four people at table. (Those who answered 'good' instead of 'well' were chastised.) She took our order and left. We didn't see her again for more than 30mn. What did we see? Our order, sitting under the heat lamps in the kitchen. The Mister, after failing to make eye contact with our waitress, walked over to her and asked what was going on with our food. I don't think he's been snapped at like that since his crazy ex girlfriend! She laid into him, literally pointing out the tables that were ahead of us to get their food as our totally available food continued to cool under the 'heat' lamps. I have never seen a waitress snap at a customer that way. She later came over and tried to smooth things over, but was discouraged by the fact that our table's conversation had turned to discussing other horrible customer service experiences. Our food arrived. It was exactly the food we'd seen under the lights at least 10mn earlier. The Mister's eggs were rubber and my fries were stone cold, but we were too annoyed and ready to leave to send them back. We'd ordered off a really small menu and frankly, the food wasn't impressive either. The bacon was stingy, the eggs bland, my sandwich boring, and the rest of it was - at best - okay. The waitress ended up taking our drinks off the check as some sort of compensation for wait. Yes, we were annoyed by how long it took to get our food. But it was her attitude that ruined the brunch for us. Barbette lost four customers that morning.
(1)Erik H.
Wait, French breakfast is amazing. How did I miss this all my life? It's a difference in both quality and creativity compared to traditional American diners. I love greasy spoons as much as the next red-blooded American, but sometimes an extra pound of butter just isn't going to make up for a dish's shortcomings. Enter Barbette. I ordered an omelet that was not particularly inspired; it was simply ham and gruyere. And yet it excelled in every way. The eggs themselves were moist but not greasy, and they were filled with a generously overflowing mix of meaty, salty ham, with the more subtle gruyere tying it all together, and onions so unobtrusive that I didn't even know they were there for several bites. It all went perfectly with the light salad, flaky croissant and powerful coffee. On the creativity side, my fiancée's Grand Marnier French Toast with blueberry compote was tops/the hanky panky/20s slang for "great." The toast itself was made out of a baguette, lending a crusty exterior and wonderfully chewy interior, and the fruitiness of the Grand Marnier and the blueberry was subtly sweet, nothing like the overpowering American French toast blast of sugar. And it was just the right amount. I haven't converted to French food (we'll see, though, after our honeymoon in Paris), but the focus on quality and complex flavors at Barbette is certainly appealing.
(5)Cindy T.
Barbette, to me, is like a burlesque show. I go twice a year, more to watch than to touch. Because touching gets me in trouble. Safety words here include "fries," "mussels," and "oysters." Almost everything else I have ever ordered here tastes mysterious. (Not the good kind of mysterious.) Take the salmon nicoise salad, for instance. The salad was laid out on a large white plate like a Klimt painting. The greens, purple potatoes, and olives tasted very fishy. Halfway through the dish, I noticed two long pieces of anchovy. I like anchovies! But those should have been added last so that the strong oils didn't make the whole salad taste like the alleyway behind a seafood store. I held my nose for every bite (except when I was actually eating the anchovies...weird). Cocktails never quite taste right. (Moscow mule tasted like a chemistry set.) Servers often look confused about which table to bring food to. The patio has a view of a cute tree-lined neighborhood. The inside has a wide variety of seating arrangements. Anyway, remember my safety words and get wild at your own risk.
(2)Laura S.
The ingredients are SO FRESH! I am obsessed with Barbette, I want to eat here every day. When a restaurant uses fresh ingredients it makes all the difference in the world. Mussels- white wine and herb broth, soooo flavorful. The bread dipped in the broth was heaven Grilled hearts of palm salad- out of this world delicious and creative Asparagus risotto- I could eat this every day of my life. Brown butter cake- a beautifully delicious creation! Great outdoor seating and friendly staff!!
(4)Erin G.
Such high reviews led me here but it was average and disappointing. I had high expectations based upon yelp photos of eggs benedict. I came in craving poached eggs but evidently the benedicts are only on the weekends. My fault though, I didn't read the menu first. There was a chicken and veggie hash that came with poached eggs instead. Sold! The food took a little while to come out, and when it came out it was very pretty and I washoping to get a great yolk porn photo, with it oozing out onto the rest of the food in all its glory. I poked it with my fork, ready to take the picture, but no yolk came. They were compeltely poached hard. Sigh. I told my server and she was going to take my dish back, but I was on a time crunch on lunch break and had to start eating, so she just took the eggs off the top back and I started on the rest. By the time my new poached eggs were done, I was mostly done with my meal, so I didn't get to enjoy the eggs with the carrots/parsnips/potatoes/chicken/kale mixture. I was disappointed. The server gave me a little chip for free fries with my next visit, which doesn't mean anything to me because I don't eat french fries. The flavors of the rest of the food was pretty good but overall it was a disappointing experience so I am not going to go out of my way to come back here again.
(2)Frederico G.
Very good breakfast. I ordered a Ham & Gruyere Omelette. The server Catherine was very friendly. I would definitely have breakfast here again.
(5)Louise M.
I still love Barbette and I finally tried their dinner menu. Though by this time, I was sick of eating out and Restaurant Week, I went for my final RW menu to celebrate a friend's birthday. She picked Barbette. At first, I wasn't too excited about her choice because I had been there a couple of times; but, at the end, it was okay as our meal was very good. We got here when happy hour was still in effect. We ordered HH mussels and cheese plate of Brie and Blue. Both were delicious! We were starving and those just came at the right time. For $5, I thought they were pretty substantial and good value. The mussels were terrific and we all asked for more bread to soak in the white wine sauce. I wanted another order of those! We did the RW menu and our server was pushing us towards the vegetarian croquette. Comparing that to the Lobster pasta, it didn't sound too good. I bet they still had a lot of the croquettes left. Lol. All three of us ordered the Lobster Pasta as the croquette just sounded meh. Nothing can win against lobster unless you're deathly allergic to shellfish. Nice try though in persuading us to order mashed tater in a ball. It wasn't my fault you put two contrasting items in the menu and if most of the patrons aren't flaming idiots, they wouldn't go for the croquettes. We usually try to order different entrées so we could have a try. However there was 0 interest in the croquettes. Sorry Croquettes! If you were the appetizer, I'd go for you. But you weren't entrée material. The first course of curried cauliflower soup was decent and delicious. I wasn't overly excited about it but it tasted fine. Birthday girl was in love with it and she thought it was so delicious. Another friend got the lamb pâté and since I gave up meat on Friday, I didn't try it. They loved it. I tried the cherry mostarda and that was very nice. The lobster pasta was awesome! It was simple and light and basically it was fresh pasta, with chunks of lobsters, spinach, crushed pistachios, in a beurre blanc sauce. Amazing. I am going to replicate it at home. It was tiny portion and again, I wanted another order! The dessert of tiny vanilla cupcakes with several different sauces of passion fruit, basil, raspberry, and kiwi sorbet was just okay. I didn't jump up and down but birthday girl was all over it and loved it. That's most important that she loved her birthday meal. It was pretty presentation but the cupcakes were dry. Overall, I loved the meal. It was good and satisfying. I thought I'd be hungry in several hours but I wasn't. The only hiccup was our server jumped from appetizers to dessert by mistake. We didn't really noticed the hiccup because we were busy chatting but I guess they had to scramble to get our entrées out as he thought we already had it. Not sure how it happened, but like I said we barely noticed it until he was clearing our silverwares and offered us coffee. That was funny. He got it handled and when we finally had dessert he came and offered us our entrées again as a joke. We laughed and thought he was hilarious. He comped us one of the HH appetizers without us asking, as seriously, we could care less and we barely realized there was an issue. That was very cool of them though unnecessary. So, I still love the food here brunch or dinner. It turned out to be a great close to Restaurant Week. I am going to try to eat in and maybe copy and cook some of the dishes I ate this week at home.
(4)Gabriela L.
Visited this past weekend with two friends. We were all various levels of hungry, so we decided to start with the fries and go from there. The service was fine, we were seated in the requested patio area quickly and the staff was attentive throughout the visit. I'm still adjusting to the number/varying levels of courtesy among smokers in Minneapolis...I guess our table neighbor's habits contributed to the Frenchness of the atmosphere, but also dampened my enthusiasm for the cute patio. The fries were the best part. Hands down. I've been passively looking for great fries in Minneapolis and I have found them. I'll be back just for those, I'm sure. The chicken liver paté was also fantastic and airy and delicate. Didn't come with enough toast for even one person, but they happily supplied more upon request, which was nice. The charcuterie was alright. I don't remember what all was on it besides tasty spicy pickled things (I'm sure they have a French name I'm blanking on right now,) wax--I mean--lamb bacon, and beef heart (fine taste, weird texture.) The salmon niçoise was fine. Standard, as advertised. Not memorable, but maybe it's just isn't the kind of salad I'm into? The salmon was fine. I don't really dig eggs boiled to any texture, but the person who ate the entire egg said it was delicious. So, so far, I'd be ready to hand out four stars, but I must say that the drinks were disappointing. Definitely on the pricier side for Minneapolis cocktails (and dining in general? For what it was?) and I wasn't really sure why at the moment. I would love to try the prix fixe and/or brunch and I'll be back for the frites, but I probably will stay away from the other things we ordered (and come less hungry and remembering to appreciate the subtler flavors of French cuisine) next time.
(3)Katrina O.
Had a great waffle with lemon curd and blueberry compote. It is delicious and is a must try! If you plan on getting a side of fruit with your waffle, note that the side of fruit will cost just as much as the waffle. The fruit was not worth the price, especially when the fruit was overly ripe! While I was unpleasantly surprised by the cost and taste of my side of fruit, I did really enjoy the waffle so I will be back for more!
(4)Meg C.
Love this place. For some reason I forget about it with all of the great restaurants in the Twin Cities and am always happy to "rediscover" Barbette. Their truffled scrambled eggs are amazing and we recently tried the French toast, which was delicious (but a little too tough for our little boy given its made from baguette, which has a tougher crust than the brioche version you typically find). Look forward to rediscovering this place for years to come!
(5)Kenzi C.
Our meal there was delicious. We also had great service! The 2 stars are due to the order I purchased to go. For $27 I expect a little more than to be disappointed when I get home with the 'meal' I bought for my fiancé. The bison short ribs meal was little more than two tiny pieces of meat, 2 squares of an unrecognizable melon, and a sauce to put over it. Will never order to to go again.
(2)Joanne L.
What can I say? Barbette will always have my heart. Decor and ambiance hasn't changed a bit in the 10+ years I've known this place, which for me, makes it a nostalgic place filled with memories of late nights sipping French wines over countless bowls of moules et frites. This last visit was a Monday night where I enjoyed their special Prix Frix menu while sipping on their featured cocktail of the night - an incredibly delicious tomato water martini (where I now officially proclaim Tomato Water as the latest culinary trend). Every dish brought before me was impossibly delicious. Hats off to the chef for using quality ingredients and creativity that actually works on the palate. On the flip side, was my friend's $13 tomato/watermelon salad worth the 3 pieces of cubed watermelon with 8 pieces of microgreens on her plate? No. And as much as I love that this place looks exactly the same as it did 10 years ago, is the decor now teetering on the edges of charming and grungy? Perhaps. Will I come back? Absolutely.
(4)Emily L.
The food and service are good, but I come for the ambiance. This place probably saved my relationship, on more than one occasion. On a dark winter night when everything sucks and romance is a distant memory, head to Barbette. Three glasses of happy hour wine later, it's all good.
(4)Crystal L.
Love the food. So good. Portions can use a little more loving!!!! And if the prices dropped down just a smidgen I'd totally be going once or twice a month! The steamed mussels are to die for as well as the Chicken Liver Pate (if you're feeling extra fatty). I really wanted to try the Charcuterie cause I heard great things, but damn, everything was just so expensive! For meals we got the Steak Frites which was eh, and the Pan Roasted Duck Breast, which was YUM. Overall, good experience. LOVE the place itself. It's so cute and cozy and the drinks are soooooooo delicious!
(4)Tony R.
How is this place not a 5 star. Holy crap! You Minneapolitains are a snarky bunch. I have never had a bad meal here. Also, I have always asked for the same server. If you don't have Carolyn, you are waiting for someone else who does not care as much about your happiness and satisfaction. I have never been disappointed. Order the strip steak, you will be out $32-36, but you will thank me. It is freaking brilliant. God, I love this dish.
(5)Erin D.
If you're looking for a quaint restaurant with great atmosphere and even better food, look no further than Barbette. Located in Uptown, right off of Lake Street, Barbette provides a great change in scene than the typical Uptown restaurant. I have now had breakfast and dinner there, and was impressed each time with the authentic and delicious French cuisine. The fruit and cheese plate is delicious. It's so nice to experience good quality cheese, which I think is taken for granted by many. I had the ham and Gruyere omelette for breakfast. It was simple, but delicious. High quality ingredients make a huge difference.
(4)Kimberley C.
This restaurant leaves a LOT to be desired. Not sure how it can get so many good reviews. I guess the expectations are very very low. Decor: Kitschy, Artsy, Fartsy Ambiance: Casual, Relaxed, Let it all hang out.... coffee shop style People: Arty Food: Terrible Service: Terrible Parking: Street, and very very far away from where you want to be... The bathroom (not bathrooms) is dirty. I cannot believe how filthy it was around every crack in the walls and floor. French cuisine is a favorite of mine so I was greatly disappointed. Later on in the day and into the next day, there was a lingering overall feeling of, "this food is not sitting well with me". Nothing disastrous happened but suffice it to say that Barbette and all it's so called "hipness" is permanently off of my radar.
(2)Heather S.
We were quite disappointed. Although the food was adequate, the service was quite poor. The only shining moment was the service when we were seated. After this, the service was lackadaisical and the noise from one of the servers behind the bar crashing plates, silverware and breaking glasses the entire meal was distracting. Our server seemed disengaged and never asked if we wanted entrées after we ordered an appetizer which we specifically said "to start, we would like to have....". We nearly left after being ignored for 30 minutes after our appetizer to go to another restaurant for our entrées. The room was quite stiflingly hot, which added another element of disappointment. All in all, we will never be back.
(2)Johnny C.
Ordered: Tartare: Luke warm and served quick. Too quick. Maybe it was somebody's return? Soup: - Wife adored the soup. Butternut squash type thingy. We ordered the peppercorn stake (to share) and asked for the chefs recommended doneness. Waitress said that is going to be medium rare. 1 hour and 37 minutes later we were served a rubbery, over well-done, just nasty steak covered in coffee black goopy peppercorn sauce. One bite and we were both done. Fries were served soggy and cold. Wife begged me to not complain because it was her birthday. $100+ mea and we both drove home fuming with a box- to- go of a nasty puck of a steak with soggy cold Frites. Not glowing from a delish meal which was what we intended for her special birthday night. Emailed Barbette twice to explain how displeased with the quality of the product. But.. Lo and behold. No response back and that was 2 weeks ago. Lazy waitress, Disgusting $47 steak, LONG wait time, No response from management. So very disappointed in this establishment. Won't be back.
(1)Amber J.
The food here is simply amazing! This place is definitely pricey, but that's what happy hours were made for! I love getting stuffed on mussels and frites while sipping a delicious glass of wine. That's my kind of night! And the brunch?! Life changing stuff! And actually very reasonably priced. Try the chicken hash or if you've got a sweet tooth, go for the waffles!
(5)Thomas S.
Oh Barbette. You are like the first season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix. Like eating chocolate, naked in bed. Like organizing my sock drawer. Never. Disappointing. Buckwheat crepes. Steak frites. Croque Monsieur. Awesome service. Casual European vibe (ok, I've never been to Europe...work with me people!). Great wines. A few blocks from work, Lake Calhoun and Great Clips. Yep. I get my hair cut at Great Clips. Barbette? You Bet!
(5)April P.
I ordered the shrimp risotto which included roughly 3 scoops of rice and 4 pieces of shrimp - tails included (not exaggerating) for $22. No flavor, very bland and I left still hungry & feeling robbed. Nothing special.
(1)Lani M.
I was first introduced to Barbette through a friend who invited my husband and I out with her and her husband for the Happy Hour specials and of course, her favorite part: free live music. When I stepped in, the first thing I noticed was that the place was fairly small. With the dimmed lights and decor - it however, created a cozy, inviting, and warm atmosphere to you could most definitely bring your friends out to for a casual catch-up. As soon as we were seated, the live jazz music had just started and they were great! We were immediately served our waters and asked if we wanted to order any drinks. I was in the mood for a sweet type of wine, which when I asked the server, he told me that they didn't have anything sweet (which I found odd because most places I've been almost always have sweet wines). Instead, he recommended something of an orange limoncello cocktail, so I agreed to try it out and it turned out to be way too strong for me. I was not impressed and in the future, will not be ordering any drinks there if that is the sweetest thing they have. We also shared two orders of the steamed mussels and oysters. The steamed mussels was served with a delicious broth made up of white wine, lemon, and garlic in which I soaked the French bread that was provided with in. It was yummy! It was also me and my husband's first time having oysters. The couple that brought us to Barbette are absolute oyster lovers and mentioned that the oysters were quite small. Overall, we were satisfied with what we ordered - especially for the price of $5 for each order! I can't say too much about the service since we were pretty engaged in our conversations, but that they did a great job in consistently refilling our glasses with water, which is always a plus at restaurants. Lastly, is it a bad thing that I wasn't even aware that this was a "French" restaurant? I didn't know until after I left and read the other reviews here on Yelp! =/ Haha. I will come back to try it again!
(3)Leah S.
This review is for their brunch. We met some friends here on a Saturday and made reservations. The coffee was good The service was good They serve booze with brunch (we didn't partake in the boozy brunch this time but I had a chai tea that was delightful) The food is delicious and they have some unique items. My husband had corned beef eggs Benedict. We loved it and we will be back! It was a little on the spendy side.
(4)Daylin T.
My first time in Minneapolis and I've had a great time. A group of friends and I were recommended this place while visiting Lake Calhoun. You can tell it's a def hot spot as soon as you walk through the door. The place was packed and absolutely no tables available, the host seated us at the round bar and the service was fast and pleasant. It looks like an upscale/ french bar with a NYC feel. I ordered the Steak Frites with veggies. The steak was great juts right texture veggies were not saggy and the cheese dip on the side was excellent pairing. I would definitely come back.
(5)Dillin R.
The food here was excellent. The atmosphere was very nice, service was on point, interior style was great. The coffee was so very good. Would go back here for sure.
(5)Moody S.
I'm done with this place. Kitchen refused to make the mussels without the white wine though I've had it here in the past. I explained that to the sever who was kind enough to explain that to them but to no avail. Service this time around was really good but as I mentioned in my previous review, it's extremely inconsistent. Ranges from good to terrible. Again, too many good places around Minneapolis to settle for inconsistent service and a stubborn, arrogant and moody (no pun intended) kitchen. I'll definitely miss some good unique plates, but oh well, it was oooookay while it lasted.
(1)Caroline A.
I had a great experience at Barbette based on food and wine. Service can be inconsistent depending on how full the restaurant is during dinner. The one time we had a long wait to get our entrees, the waitress made up for it by handing out free pommes frites tokens. She acknowledged the delay and apologized up and down for the service. I came here recently on a cold night and had the larger portion of mussels and the chicken entree to share which hit the spot. I was also happy with the wine selection and ended up with a recommendtaion from our server. I'll be back to check out the brunch menu.
(4)Susan C.
Best frites anywhere! I didn't like aioli with fries until I found this place. Great atmosphere, great service, good for brunch or dinner.
(5)John R.
I really want to love this place. The sidewalk tables are nice and the food and service also. Maybe It would be perfect for brunch?
(4)Sarah U.
oysters are fresh here, a little pricey, even for HH but food is usually not disappointing. Fries are bomb.com late night, or brunch are the best times!
(4)Bryan M.
Beautiful, bustling bistro brimming w/ bronzed babes, bosses & bon vivants. A ballet of bouquets balanced the background. Our brassy butler brought bold beignets, better bruleé and brewed beverages; Barbette basically the best banqueting in the bity.
(5)Tom F.
Always a delicious and inventive menu with a relaxing atmosphere. Nothing more is needed. Full bar too!
(5)Anya C.
Benedict was good - I ordered the spinach one and added ham. Love the source of the salad - a bit sour n not overwhelming. Ham sandwich was good, too. The fresh cut potato chips were great. Only thing I don't like is the old and dirty deco.
(4)Sue S.
We've been returning to Barbette lately, but for brunch instead of dinner. As excellent as the dinner is, the brunch is better. First of all, I appreciate deeply that this is a restaurant that actually believes in giving you vegetables. Rather than serving you more carbs in the form of potatoes, many of the brunch entrees come with a nice little side salad. Be sure to ask your server for the specials -- sometimes they forget. I love when the have Benedict on special. So yummy and made with wonderful ham. Also, the coffee is delicious -- nice and strong. And no matter how busy they are, they never, ever rush you. Five stars.
(5)Rowena N.
Came here for brunch to have a low key celebration for couple august birthdays. Wait staff here is super nice but the seating is a bit limited particularly if you want to hold group events. The earliest reservation I could get was at 1pm which was a bit late for brunch. + : Food was pretty good. I got the lamb burger, medium done and it was delicious (very juicy). It came with chips and salad. Other birthday girl and friends got more breakfast items but they all enjoyed it as well. The croque monsieur is on smaller portion side but the ham and cheese was melt in your mouth good. The portion sizes were average (although it seemed like the people who got vegetable hash had a tinier meal). - : the coffee drinks here are meh. I got chai because I needed just a teensy bit of caffeine to wake me up from yesterday night out but the chai was very much watered down. Other friends who got their coffee (hot/cold) was also meh about their drinks -- the iced one was a bit watered down (too much ice in proportion to coffee) and the one with hot coffee thought it was comparable to any other chain coffee shop. However, other birthday girl got a bloody mary which she said was pretty darn good. Service: The food came out pretty slow. We ordered within the half hour of getting seated but probably waited about 45 minutes to an hour to get our food. It seemed like they were bit short-staffed. I felt bad because people were starving by then (past 2pm) as most people didn't eat before coming. They charged for cake cutting fee ($1 per person) since someone brought a cake. Overall, I haven't been here for a meal besides happy hour snacks and drinks. But I was pretty pleased with the meal and service (minus the bit longer wait).
(4)Jessica M.
Barbette is the best place to go on a date!!! I've never been to France, but when I'm sitting in this little French bistro I feel like I have been there. The food is pricier but good and I've always had really good luck with the staff. I went there for brunch on a sunday, the first nice "Brunch Patio" day of the year, and it was complete chaos. I don't think anyone got the right food at the right time, but our server handled it well and with class. They will hopefully sort out brunch before the weather gets nice. It was the first brunch I had ever had there, but lots of people had recommended it to me. I'm going to go ahead and give it another shot, since I love the dinners and late nights there and I love the atmosphere!!
(4)Audrey P.
Great brunch place if you're looking to class it up. Great vegetarian options and good coffee!
(4)Tracy P.
Firstly, wait staff was very attentive. But on to the food...it was delish, although I must admit, the drink menu was 3 times the selection vs the dishes. The outdoor seating was quaint, and very personal. Probably my favorite part! For sitting outdoors, on a Friday night (near town), it was much quieter than inside. I would definitely visit again.
(4)Bob J.
Wonderful French food, great wine, fun atmosphere. Terrible, snotty service on at least three occasions, but the food is great. Why keep such horrible servers around? We return for the food, and love the patio vibe, but can just barely stand the service. Any chance you might do some training one of these days??? Really?
(4)Emily N.
I really like Barbette - it is a quaint and cozy little restaurant, and along with it's upscale French cuisine, it definitely has a European flair and feel to it. This is the type of restaurant that would be great for a romantic date-night (and Mondays are a Prix Fixe menu) - it's a bit dark, and the place just has an intimate feel, and the food is really exquisite. There are mismatched paintings and prints all along the wall - it gives a laid-back and casual feel to the restaurant. I had the gnocchi with tasso ham, brussel sprouts and a mustard-glaze. It was definitely on the salty side, but it worked because this was a such a savory dish. The mussels here are great, done very well - the wine sauce is perfect and lite, with garlic and lemon. The pomme frites are sinful and lovely (yes you can combine those words) - and the saffron aioli is a nice addition, the flavor is a bit muted, it isn't overpowering - I like this, but some people would maybe expect more flavor. My fellow diners ordered the beet salad, which look great - but do not get it to share, you will be disappointed with the portion. I think as a pre-dinner nosh this is a good choice, but I would not split with someone else, you won't get much salad. There is a great late-night scene here as well, I've come for wine and snacks. I've had the cheese and fruit plate with wine - oui oui! It is delicious - the cheeses are rich, pungent, and creamy and accompanied with different seasonal fruits and bread - this is a good plate to share. In general, the food is a bit pricey - but the vibe is oh so casual and relaxed. You will see dates, friends, families and large parties - this isn't a stuffy restaurant by any means, so don't let the French flair and prices throw you. Of course, you're in Uptown - so expect to be patient in finding parking. In the summer the patio area on the sidewalk is adorable - even decorated with cute lights at night. What a little slice of France!
(5)E T.
I love this place and have been coming here for years to grab a glass of wine and dessert. I highly recommend the chocolate cake, try it, it is amazing. I also love the artwork in this place, it is awesome!
(4)Shandel S.
I loved this place! Great menu for breakfast, brunch or dinner. Coffee is good, bar is stocked, art is diverse and the menu is delicious. The baked goods were fresh and delicious and I think this will be a common place for me to suggest to friends. Staff was friendly. This reminded me more of a menu in Montreal than Parisian. So think north France...with a splash of Uptown. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Julie M.
I always want to love this place. I keep trying. It's just ok. Our server was blah. The tap was broken (we think--although the server did not know why there was no tap beer available) so no beer on tap. The bottled beer was warm--the server did switch beers for a cold one, but recommended we drink from the bottle because their glasses are not cold The food is expensive for what you get. I love many of their other restaurants, but I really don't see the love in this place--although it's cute and has a great location. Oh--the fries are amazing, but really, should I be going to a place like this for the fries?
(2)John R.
Ended up here twice for breakfast and enjoyed both plan to make it a regular stop when in town
(4)Lia K.
I hate writing bad Yelp reviews, but nevertheless here we go: I feel like I sort of have to write this because I had such an annoying experience the last time I was at Barbette. I'd been going to Barbette for years and have always enjoyed myself. This time, was terrible however. I got there around 2pm on a weekday, and the place was totally dead. There was maybe one other table that was occupied. It was a beautiful day, and I decided to work outside on my laptop with a pastry and a cup of coffee. Since they have complimentary wi-fi, it seems they may even welcome this type of customer. After I was seated, it took the server way too long to come see me. All she said to me as a greeting was, "Do you know what you what?" I couldn't help but feel that she was somehow annoyed that I was working on my laptop and no emitting a cool, bohemian vibe like her. I asked her if there were any specials and she said "no". I asked her what pastries they had, and she said "none" (me, looking back at the menu, which says they have a variety of pastries... ). I said, "Okay, well since there are no specials and no pastries, and it's not lunch or dinner, I guess I will just have coffee." I was looking to have more than coffee, but it was impossible to order more because of the time of day and their selection. The server seemed annoyed that I was sitting there and only ordering coffee. I'm sorry, but your WHOLE section is EMPTY. So, isn't one person in it ordering coffee better than none? I just really did not appreciate her classic entitled Uptown server vibe. I don't like when people have attitude for being asked to do a good job at work, and I don't like when people give me attitude when I'm doing my work. I'm paying them to be there, after all, so shouldn't they be a little bit considerate? I did end up staying for happy hour, because my friend walked by. My fiance joined us, and I was very annoyed to see the female server treating him much better than me. In short, I'm over it. I just want good food and good service, and Barbette has neither. Oh yeah, and the bearnaise sauce that tastes like dyed mayo. Yuck.
(1)Johnny P.
Who doesn't love Barbette. This place is quaint and very lively, the food is excellent and the staff is friendly and trendy,
(5)Kelsey B.
Love it here. Love the aura in here, the decor, the food, the service, and the type of people that hang out here. Great neighborhood upscale restaurant with a French twist.
(5)Katherine B.
Barbette shines during the morning. Sure, I love going for the fries and cocktails, but the eggs. The EGGS. Truffled and lovingly scrambled. Poached to perfection with sherry vinegar. The daily quiche never disappoints. The atmosphere is one of a kind. Every one who works here is cool. (but some of them are slow). The people watching is fabulous. In fact this might be my favorite place to play "name that relationship" AND "what are those people doing with the rest of their day?" Also, you can order fries and cocktails with breakfast.
(4)Michelle F.
First off, for dinner at least I would really list this place as 3 $$$ rather than 2 $$ -- I'm not sure how one could spend only $11 here, perhaps for lunch or happy hour, or if you were only having one glass of wine and a small plate. Don't get me wrong, It's a quality that's worth the money you spend, but unless it's happy hour don't expect a cheap date. Anyway, we went out to celebrate my birthday, so were happy to splurge a little. It's definitely a cozy and romantic ambience, and everything we had was top notch. For the two of us, the 4-cheese plate and an order of pâté was enough for a delicious decadent dinner alongside a bottle of wine (more on that later). The liver pâté was the best we've had in town (though you will definitely need extra bread). We finished up with a spectacular espresso creme brûlée and their wonderful espresso (the closest I've had in town to a real Parisian petit cafe) and were pleased as punch. Including the splurge on the bottle of wine (around $40) and tip, we came in neatly under $100 for two. The wine, by the way, was entirely worth it. Our waiter was ready with a few knowledgable recommendations once we told him what we were in the mood for, and we were delighted with our selection -- the 2011 Rioja Loriñon Crianza -- a really beautifully balanced red with just enough warmth and spice to stand up against strong cheeses while not overpowering the sweeter and milder options. No idea what a bottle like this costs off a shelf -- but whatever the markup, I'd have to think of it as a much-deserved finder's fee. This wine was fantastic right out of the bottle, no breathing needed. Would definitely trust the wine list and the staff to accommodate whatever wine whim I came to Barbette desiring fulfill. :-)
(4)Philip K.
Love the ambience in this place. Great fries and pâté. Also, very good service. I've never had a bad experience here. And if you're a night owl you should check out their late night music on Wednesday nights.
(5)Autumn V.
After a failed attempt to have dinner elsewhere, my boyfriend and I ate stopped in here randomly one night during Restaurant Week. It was busy (and about 8pm) but we got a table within 5 minutes so it wasn't too long of a wait. Service was incredibly slow for some reason-- more of a wait than reasonable for a busy dinner hour. We ordered our drinks and they didn't come for 15-20 minutes. If you've been to Barbette, you know it is small so??? I'm not sure why it took so long? Not sure if the server forgot to put in our drinks or what happened there. When our drinks finally came we ordered our food... This time it took almost half an hour for our food to come out. In the mean time, my boyfriend just went straight to the bar to order our next two drinks to avoid the 10-15 minute wait in between. if it were not for the other server noticing we had been sitting there for quite a while unattended and without explanation, I would have given this place a 3 star rating. She comped our initial two drinks that weren't ordered from the bar. That was nice of her, and just the acknowledgement itself was a really nice gesture. The meal was phenomenal though. I had a salad and it was melt in my mouth, want-to-lick-my-plate delicious. We must come back! I'm sure Restaurant Week was just a bit insane for them.
(4)Avneet S.
In conversation with a few friends recently about where you can go and have a consistently outstanding experience, Barbette came up as one of the very few options out there. The food is good, approachable yet inventive, and (a plus given all my newly discovered food allergies) usually adjustable. Awesome lattes for a restaurant and very creative drink menu. I've never been disappointed by the daily vegetable or the soup when I can have it. And of course, the amazing fries. The atmosphere is wonderful. It's great for a cozy catch up with friends, a date, fun place to take out of town friends for a taste of the established Minneapolis food scene, and there's live jazz during late night happy hour on Monday nights. Amazing. Where Barbette really, REALLY excels is service. Just the right amount attentive, friendly, knowledgable, quick, but let you linger if you like - everything you could want out of your servers. Really nice to go somewhere to be a little spoiled at a generally moderate price (at least for veggie-friendly dishes). I've certainly gone in for breakfast with only a book as company on a few Saturdays that followed really rough workweeks - I always know I'm going have a great, relaxing experience.
(5)Leah O.
It took me five years to go to Barbette. If you live a thrift store lifestyle and going out to eat usually means Mesa Pizza, the menu pricing will make your calves sweat. There are no two ways about it- Barbette is pricey as hell. Plus, as a vegetarian I like a menu with some variety- more than one vegetarian dish, interesting flavor choices- if I'm going to drop serious dollaz on a meal. But holy bejeezus, they nailed the food. This place lives up to its hype. The mushroom risotto I had here was eye-rolling-into-the-back-of-your-head good. Mushroom risotto seems easy- it's not hard to make, and the flavors are pretty basic, but this was multi-layered, subtle, and delicious. Sticky without being gummy, fresh, and well-portioned, I can honestly say it was worth every penny. And dipping their sourdough bread into the mussel broth is a religious experience. Plus, the ambiance and service was lovely. It was dressy/special without being stuffy/quiet/awkward, and our server was helpful and responsive. Because it's that Most Wonderful/Torturous Time of the Year (Valentine's) you should know that if you want to go here for VDay you should probably just call now for a table in 2015. I hear they're booked way, way, way out- but they'd be a solid choice.
(5)Elisabeth B.
Best dinner I've had in weeks! Made my trip to Minneapolis all worth while. :) We ordered the angel hair pasta with basil pesto and grape tomatoes, broccolini, New York strip steak frites, and for dessert: chocolate molten lava cake with vanilla ice cream and carrot cake. Every dish was delish! Wouldn't change a thing about our dining experience here. The only negative: no bread while we waited for our dinner to be served.
(5)Cooper A.
I've been to quite a few bad restaurants and I've always talked about writing a bad review, but ultimately decided it wasn't worth the effort. That being said this place was so bad it drove me to finally create a Yelp account. We went there on a Monday around Noon and the place was dead. They were out of pretty much everything so our choices were limited. No big deal, I didn't need a muffin or a scone. Anyways we got 2 orders of the Vegetable Hash (one with chicken) and a sausage omelet. The food took like 30 minutes come out and there was no one in the restaurant. There's no reason there should have been a hold up. When we actually got our food the only thing that looked like it was prepared fresh was the omelet. The hash was pretty much just one ladle full of their hash. Which was pretty much just chicken broth with a few sprigs of kale and one golf ball sized potato sliced into the smallest wedges imaginable. The Chicken Vegetable Hash also included about 2-3 small bites of chicken (for $4 of course). And of course it was topped with 2 poached eggs which must have been quail eggs cause I've never seen such small eggs. Not much to complain about the omelet it was just an omelet. Just holy shit, I don't see how a ladle full of soup and a small slice of a baguette can be $13. I was fucking famished when I left the place. I was aiming for something healthy, but I didn't want a child's portion. There couldn't have been more than 250 calories in my entire meal. There is nothing special about chicken broth and kale. I don't even see how it qualifies as a hash. To be fair about everything, the food tasted fine. It was good for what it was, but it wasn't much at all. In the time it took to come out, I could have gone to the store, shredded up a rotisserie chicken, sliced up a golf ball sized potato, and cooked the kale in some chicken broth in less than 30 minutes.
(1)Autumn S.
Romantic, lively, and full of energy. Staff is knowledgeable and considerate of all of their guests, I never felt rushed or unwelcome when the place gets busy (and it DOES GET BUSY)! I come for the atmosphere and stay for the wine, the menu is less to be desired if you're less than familiar with french cuisine. I often just have someone make a recommendation for me which has worked out fine! The small out door seating under a string of christmas lights is the perfect way to spend a summer night.
(5)Allie H.
Found myself thinking of prices in Euros here! Definitely felt like I was back in France! Had friendly service and delicious food! Definitely want to go back!
(5)Shannon A.
The service was excellent and the food was amazing. It's not cheap to eat here, but it was worth every penny. I had the duck and everyone else at the table had risotto. I didn't think I liked risotto but now I do! I know how good it can be. We will definitely come back again.
(5)Yesenia S.
Excellent place food is always good and the service is amazing. You have to try the French toast during brunch.
(5)Jordan W.
At this point in my twenty-something life brunch is my part-time job so I couldn't resist meeting an old college friend while I was in mpls on vacation. First strike in favor of Barbette was the fact that I arrived about 20 minutes late and the hostess said that the restaurant doesn't cancel reservations due to tardiness which relieved me as the place was packed with a 20 minute wait! (thanks again Barbette). Regarding the layout some folks might find the interior cramped but I actually kind of liked the fact that you sit very close to your neighbors; it gives a homey togetherness environment which is hard to explain but you definitely feel it when a couple is sitting and drinking coffee maybe a foot away. I must say that I was very impressed with the menu, especially the coffee and tea menu. Suffering from choice paralysis from the coffee and tea menu alone I decided to order a simple and delicious mimosa (which for $7 was huge). I am a lover of all things waffles first, then pancakes second and was ecstatic to try the waffle with blueberry compote and lemon curd. This is a dish I can order at dozens of places in Westport and the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City but I'm always interested to experience how other regions or cities interpret the waffle. This waffle came out a little crispy, the way I love it, and the lemon curd was so sweet and creamy that I hardly needed syrup. I have to admit that I wanted another waffle after I finished because it was that good! Wrapping things up I must add that our server was very friendly and exemplified the look and charm of Uptown. Speed of service was acceptable overall and our only slight pain point was checking out (but my friend Selden and I were so engrossed in conversation that we didn't mind waiting awhile to pay). If I find myself vacationing again in the area (or perhaps moving here!) I will certainly have to stop by again.
(4)Austin K.
I really want to like this place, but I don't! We went there around 7 on a Saturday night. It has a cool hipster/bohemian vibe to it, and it wasn't too crowded. We were told there was room at the bar, and we tried to sit down. The hostess abandoned us and there wasn't a place to sit. When we finally found chairs, we became invisible. The bartender looked right through us, and when we finally got someone's attention it took too long for the drinks. Dinner took double time, and we were told there were big orders in front of us. Our rack of lamb was dried out from sitting under the heat lamp too long. Good food....lousy, lousy service. I'm never going back, and will recommend others to avoid it as well. Lucia's was much better!!
(1)Andrew R.
Everyone I've ever brought here loves this restaurant. It's a hidden gem if you haven't visited the neighborhood. Their entrees are mouth watering & their drinks are smooth. It's a good place for a date too. Just be sure you have made reservations if it's on a weekend or you might not get in.
(4)Joey F.
Nice outdoor setting. Can't give this place a great review. Service was very slow. By the time they took our orders they had ran out of crepe's. Disappointing for a Sunday morning. The waitress was really nice and gave a free mimosa. Then took forever to get our food. Waitress felt bad again so gave us a free frite to come back. Food wasn't that good either. Only gets 3 stars because of a good waitress.
(3)Ellen C.
I was excited to try this place with all the rave reviews, went with a group of friends and was left a bit disappointed. I loved the ambience of the place - the cute French bistro, mismatched art, mismatched colors, super adorable. I will definitely be back just for that, esp since the prices are pretty reasonable. The seating options are great, they have some booths, some square tables, some rectangular tables, and they have a great bar area with a C type marble slab table in the front. The food is where I was left disappointed though. I got the two eggs with the hash and sausages, comes with sourdough toast for about $8. Portions were good - could be considered disappointing since it's smaller than diners, but for eating more correct portion sizes, this works. The hash browns were made perfectly, the eggs were of a different variety somehow, they tasted of more substance. The ham & gruyere omelette was pretty good - it had caramelized onions, sharp gruyere and ham in a fluffy omelette. It was accompanied by a frisee salad, which was $11. The bloody mary was pretty good (~$8) was in a tall glass accompanied with two green olives, a pickle, and a cucumber. Yum! I'll likely be back to bring friends and family that visit because of the ambience, it's unique, it's cute, it's affordable. But I wouldn't set their expectations super high like I had going in. Great location too! It's a few blocks away from Calhoun Square and a few other stores for shopping in case you feel up for it and want to bring friends and family for some things to do.
(3)Thang C.
Great service - every time! It's become a neighborhood hub for many of our friends and a regular stop frequently requested by our visiting guests. The food is always delicious, innovative and socially conscious. The drinks are reasonable and great. The weekends have a excellent entertainment too! Be sure to make reservations so you aren't waiting forever for a table for two. It helps them out tremendously!
(5)Jeff W.
I absolutely love it when a chef takes the time to pay attention to the subtle details that certain recipes require to be amazing. In this case I had the eggs benedict, the eggs were poached skillfully to perfection (and I don't say this lightly). The ham was juicy, tender, and fresh as if cut from an only just cooked thanksgiving ham. The english muffin was also fresh and toasted just the right amount. The hollandaise was superb as well. In addition to the eggs benedict there was a small salad that accompanied it, which was fresh and crisp, but the highlight was how the citrus (I believe lemon) vinaigrette dressing coupled with the hollandaise. I've had many eggs benedict breakfasts but this was the best, and i believe who ever the chef was that day should be proud of their work. In addition to the food I enjoyed the wait staff they were fun, although a bit slow to bring the ticket at the end, but they were quite busy so I understood. I will go there again.
(5)Carl F.
The Royale with cheese tasted great, and it needed to -- i went there because I've seen Pulp Fiction, I dunno, 20 times? (I think of myself as more like Jules than Vincent.) I sat at an outdoor table--the waitress was a saucy wench, and I mean that in a totally complimentary way. She was fun. Just one question -- where's the Kahuna Burger?
(5)Sophie B.
I heard good things about Barbette, and decided to come here for a family birthday. I should have looked through the Yelp photos, because the ambience was totally not what I expected. Barbette is not a French bistro. It was cramped, and the chairs were back-to-back. It was loud. It's a bit dingy. A bunch of kids were drunk (or something) at a nearby table, so that was not very pleasant. The waitress did not write down our order. A minute later, she returned to verify it. Then she served us the wrong thing. Don't try to commit the order to memory if you can't! Our waitress was not very friendly, nor was she unfriendly, but the service was not pleasant. The tomato soup was delicious, the oysters were mediocre, and the salad was good. The fries were terrible! They were thin and soggy. The accompanying aioli had zero flavor - no garlic flavor, no creaminess...it was just yellow, and no one at our table touched it. My curried vegetables were ok, but very overpriced at $19. There were two to three of each type of vegetable, and maybe 15 small pieces total with tons of soggy rice. That's it! The best dish at our table was the lobster risotto, which was delicious. The "lamb chops" were also not what I expected. The cut was different. There were two pieces of meat, each of which contained a good portion of fat. This was not marbled fat you would eat. Rather, there were large chunks of unappetizing fat lining the meat. The pieces were small to begin with. After cutting off the fat and the bones, there was not much meat left. The plate had some sauce and garnish, but nothing else - no potatoes, no vegetables, just two pieces that amounted to the size of two quarters. It was $28. This was a massively disappointing dish. The people in our party who ordered this left still hungry. Lastly, my beer was a bit warm. While there were a few things I enjoyed at Barbette, far too many things were wrong with our dinner. Given the ambience, service, quality and portion of the food, the place is grossly overpriced. Unfortunately, I would not recommend it.
(2)Phil L.
Barbette, what an absolute gem. Having left Minnesota nearly 7 years ago, I'm very glad to know that the restaurant scene is changing for the better in the city. The restaurant is expansive, high ceilings, low lights, and certainly a more modern rustic feel. The pricing of the menu is probably what I would consider high for Minneapolis but pretty standard pricing for an average restaurant in Manhattan. For my order, I had the special of the night which was a ribeye served on top of sauteed kale and some sort of puree. Our starter was a charcuterie plate. The charcuterie was simply fantastic, a good assortment of pates, meats, and terrines. The plate only came with four slices of bread (crazy since we ended up asking for 4 more plates of bread to polish it off). The ribeye was simply fantastic, although it was overcooked (I asked for rare and received medium rare). The sauce they had made perfectly accented the meat and the puree with kale was absolute perfection. The service we received from our waiter was great and the kitchen kept the pace up in churning out our dishes in a timely manner. This is definitely a good date night spot or perhaps stopping by the bar for a drink after work.
(4)