Cafe Twenty-Eight

Any restauranteur wanting to convert a first-time customer into a never-again customer who can legitimately only have bad things to say about their dining experience should look to Cafe Twenty-Eight to show how it's done. We were annoyed to be served our entrees while only half way through our salad course. Then the server slapped our check on the table before we were finished, let alone offered coffee and desert. We realized they were throwing us out of the restaurant to open up the table! Upon our protest, the hostess claimed we were told we would have to leave at a certain time. That idea may have crossed her mind but she never actually communicated that to us. And we absolutely never agreed to leave at a particular time, and without time to finish our meal. Come on -- who would do that? This hostess made a mistake in 1). seating us without allowing adequate time to dine, 2). not being clear about expectations to leave at a certain time and by not getting our explicit agreement that we would leave at an appointed hour and 3). even thinking you can seat a party without adequate time, in the first place (had the hostess politely told us we could not be accommodated, we would have just gone elsewhere and made a note to try Cafe Twenty-Eight some other time). Recently became aware that the owner is a brewmaster for Surly Beer. Hysterical because ""surly"" was the word that immediately popped into my mind as we were badly handled by the restaurant staff. Really! Guess which beer brand, and which future restaurant, will be banished for all my future personal and business entertainment? Will never give my patronage to anyone who treats customers so badly. My friend and I were on the receiving end of rude treatment by the restaurant staff, taking it out on us for their error and bad judgement. These people absolutely ruined an evening I had hoped to enjoy catching up with a friend visiting from out of town for a holiday weekend. The food was so-so, not-bad, not good. One of our entrees was served cold and had to be returned to the kitchen. There are so many other restaurants in Uptown, S. Minneapolis and 50th & France area with better food and much better customer treatment -- I CANNOT recommend Cafe Twenty-Eight. more

I used to love going to Cafe Twenty Eight, especially because I have two small children and I felt that it was a restaurant that welcomed small kids yet provided a nice meal for adults. I was lulled into thinking small kids were welcome by the availability of high chairs, booster chairs, a kids menu and crayons that get put on your table when you sit down. Plus the acoustics are loud that it seems to compensate for the somewhat noisier disposition of small diners. I have only ever eaten at the restaurant for lunch but after today I will no longer be eating there as it was made quite clear that small children are not welcome. Cafe Twenty Eight is located in one of the most kid-friendly neighborhoods in Minneapolis and having got caught out with my two boys today doing some shopping at the toy stores and book shops in the area with not enough time to go home and fix lunch, I thought we could have a quick meal at Cafe Twenty Eight. My oldest son is three and my youngest is 16 months, so I know that I was a bit crazy for trying to take them both to lunch by myself but they are well behaved so I was up for it. My youngest son did not make any noise while we were having lunch and my three old was well, a typical three year old. He was having fun and was a bit loud, but in a happy, jolly way. After finishing what I thought was a successful meal, I was preparing to leave and trying to round up my boys in the hallway, when a server came out, and without even looking at me or seeming to address me directly, rudely said ""people are trying to have a nice experience in here"". I was stunned and humiliated, up until that point I did not realize that we had been a problem and if I felt that we were causing a problem I would have left, as I have left places before when my kids are misbehaving. When I got home I called and spoke to the owner, who defended her wait staff and essentially told us that we were not welcome in her restaurant. So, if you have small children I warn you not to eat here. They don't want your business and will be unapologetically and openly rude to you. It is such a shame as we used to highly recommend Cafe 28 to our friends. Cons: Rude service more

A friend introduced me to this restaurant a few months ago and I went back 3 times in the first weeks! I love the food. I could order almost anything on the menu and be totally thrilled! Also, the prices are very reasonable and the setting is very cozy. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting a modern take on traditional dishes! Pros: Food/Great menu, Ambience, Good prices Cons: Parking more

Our experience at Cafe 28 went like this...Despite the fact that we had reservations, we were relegated to the icy cold hallway for a half an hour wait and when were finally seated our server's disposition wasn't much warmer. The food, albeit at the right temperature, was a freakish combination of diner fare and gourmet provisions, and failed to satisfy a taste for either. But if you're feeling brave and in the mood for something different, you may have better luck than we did. I must admit that the pumpkin cake (bar?) with cream cheese frosting was good. more

I had heard about Cafe Twenty Eight, but it kept slipping my mind to go there. Now that I have gone there, I will contine to return over and over. The setting is quaint and charming, the service was delightful and the food was the best I've experienced in a long long time. I usually don't even like brussel sprouts, but I ate all that were on my plate, even before touching my local pork loin. I've had lots of Fischer Farm's pork, it's always tender and delicious. Tim Fischer knows what he's doing and the chef know how to cook what Tim F. can produce. My dining companion had the lamb and it was cooked perfectly and it was out to the table in a flash. I can't wait to go back and try something else. Kudos to the staff, both front and back. Oh, and the wine was more than I expected. Thank you Cafe Twenty Eight for, what I can say enough, was a great experience. Pros: everything Cons: parking was a little tricky more

My experience at Cafe 28 was quite pleasing. We stuck with mostly Latin cuisine despite the fact that there was a very good looking Lamb dish on the menu along with some other tempting choices. The tacos we had were awesome. The flavors were there and they were huge! Two tacos was more than enough. They were perfectly garnished and loaded with juicy chicken, tasty avocado and a refreshing and cooling queso fresco. The tortillas, although thin and a bit easy to break, were the most authentic I've tasted since I left Guatemala. I hade the adobo braised Pork and it was everything it needed to be. Smoky, and just the right amount of spice for a truly latin signature. My only criticism would be the sheer amount of sauce that accompanied the perfectly cooked meat (I will say that I would rather have too much sauce than rubbery, dry meat)This is a flavor profile that is often missed if even offered around most local restaurants. I will without a doubt come back to Cafe 28 and am looking forward to exploring other menu options. Try it, you'll like it. Pros: Well executed food at an affordable price, great beverage list Cons: Tough toget a tablesometimes , call ahead or go on a non-peak night! more

My husband and I came here with another couple and we were all impressed with our selections. I had a crusted walleye that was cooked to perfection. My dining companions had steaks/fish and we were all quite pleased. Even though it was a busy Friday night when owner Linda Haug does her Wisconsin fish fry, she graciously accepted our last minute reservation. The atmosphere is warm and cozy & they have an impressive wine menu and wonderful Belgian brews. Our waiter was witty and charming and it was a great evening. I am very supportive of unique one of a kind restaurants that have great food, service, wine and a philosophy that supports sustainable farming & organic methods. I wish the owner great success. We will definitely return. Pros: Supports organic farming, great menu diversity, good wines/brews, cozy atmosphere more

I couldn't tell what it was. Is it a McD's for the snobby? Could be with all the kids running around and the fried food on the menu. Is it a casually elegant bistro? I think it wants to be but again the kids hanging off the walls isn't art work you know what I mean? is it fine dining? Parts of the menu tries but fails. Pros: location, guac Cons: Food, atmosphere more

The first time I visited I was alone and turned away. The couple behind me got seated. Must have been a decision made on potential profit with limited seating left at that time. I was dressed well and clean. The matre d was somewhat condescending about it to boot. Somehow I mustered up courage to return and was pleasantly delighted by a Sunday salmon brunch with goumet hash. My husband and I subsequently enjoyed a fine walleye dinner as well as returning for the salmon dish. And then on another visit I made the mistake of ordering the ""organically grown beef,"" the most expensive item on the menu. (Which is continually new and different) And when I mentioned to the waiter that the grizzle in the steak was so massive that I almost choked he left and came back with a tough luck statement of the manager said ""that's the way organic beef is"". I would have been happy with a coupon for an appetizer on the next visit or at very least some sort of apology. My husband explained the ""organic"" meant grass fed instead of corn fed. It was horrible. Stay with the gourmet items of the house and you'll be fine. They have sides like a potatoe that is layed like lasagna, unique and tasty. On the gourmet side the dishes are exquisate but stay away from beef. And be prepared to deal with the snobbishness of the management and the help. Pros: High brow and truly gourmet Cons: You have to know what to select or you can get burned more

When I lived nearby in Uptown, I always wanted to eat here when it used to be D'Amico's. But this is so much better! Pros: quiet, delicious food, price Cons: Needs extended hours more

We went to Cafe 28. Seated a large group at two tiny tables pushed together even though the restaurant was open. The server accidentally hit me while we were ordering and didn't apologize. Rude at best. Gentleman that brought our food was the only redeeming quality. Witty and outdid the tasteless food. Salsa tasted like air, tuna sandwich has no cilantro as advertised. Everyone's food was bland. None of the hungry guests could finish the underaverage food. Even the coffee was bad! Uninspired dishes, not worth the price. I was surprised to find such rave reviews here. I wouldn't recommend this place. Overpriced for Denny's style food. more

This place hasn't gotten a review in awhile, I still love it, I went there years ago, and just had lunch there last thursday, They split everything beautifully, my girlfriend and I loved it, Its so cute and charming, with awesome food. I have one complaint though, not of the restaurant.. but of restaurant reviews in general.. this might be the only industry in the world where people are allowed to talk trash about a darling perfect little restaurant because they don't brew iced tea, I'm over it, everyone I know in the business strive to do their best and often do, why not relax a little people. It's just food.. on a plate. They really do want to make you happy. Pros: great service, delicious food, charming atmosphere Cons: not a single thing more

Cafe 28 was everything my dear friend, Nancy Gormley said it would be and more. Service was outstanding. The food and drink were wonderful. Mr. Cory Carlson sang at my request, and no one was disappointed. This young man is truly an asset to Cafe 28. I will return with friends. Pros: Food, Wine, Music Cons: A tad expensive more

Cafe 28 is perfect! The dining room, as well as restrooms, are beautiful and inviting. The atmosphere is romantic as well as family friendly. The food is fresh, interesting, and delicious. The wine list is extensive and yet understandable. Cafe 28 is the kind of restaurant I wish I owned, or at least dined at a few times a week! I love it! Pros: Beautiful Dining room, Perfect for families, Incrediable food more

Cafe 28 is a great place for a salad and an even better place for a Friday night Fish Fry. My only complaint is that they don't serve fresh brewed iced tea. They only have the fake, disgusting Nestea fountain version. Other than that, this is a great restaurant. Pros: location, atmosphere, variety Cons: Fake iced tea more

A delightful place to have lunch or dinner. Monthly menu's with a creative edge, and nice selection of interesting wines. While it's still warm, you can even sit outside. Not to mention very well priced food so you can go home with something still in your pocket! Pros: Changing Menu, Wine list, Service Cons: Size, Variety more