Red Stu Breakfast Bar — Restaurant in Bemidji

Cloe: The Hilariously Hostile Heroine of Hospitality

Let me start by saying this: if sarcasm were a sport, Cloe would have multiple gold medals and a Wheaties box. This woman is a national treasure wrapped in an apron with just the right amount of comedic aggression to make you question your life choices and your order — in the best way possible.

From the jump, Cloe approached our table like she knew we were going to be a handful — and she was thrilled to humble us. When my friend asked if the chicken was grilled or fried, Cloe looked her dead in the eye and said, “It’s emotionally fried. Like me. Pick a side.” I immediately started laugh-crying and almost choked on my water. A dangerous start. We continued anyway.

She roasted our indecisiveness with the grace of a stand-up comedian at open mic night — except we were the punchlines, and she was killing. “Take your time,” she said sweetly, “I’ve only got three other tables, a mild caffeine addiction, and a dream I’m slowly letting go of.” Iconic.

The menu was basic, but Cloe made it feel like an Oscar-nominated screenplay. “The burger is good. Will it change your life? No. But will it give you a reason to keep going until Thursday? Possibly.” Poetry.

At one point, when my friend asked for “just a little ice,” Cloe returned with one singular ice cube in the cup and stared him down like a caffeinated hawk. No one’s recovered since.

To sum it up: Cloe is part server, part insult comic, part life coach. She’ll serve you laughs, food, and an existential crisis — all with impeccable timing. If you enjoy delicious meals with a side of verbal sparring and giggle-induced tears, request Cloe. Just don’t come unprepared. She smells fear.

We’ll be back — emotionally unstable and ready for...

Maybe it's because I heard so many good things about this place that I had very high expectations, unrealistic ones even? I'd been hearing that the food here was impressive and the fact that it always seems to be busy would support that, so when the opportunity arose I was happy to give it a try.

I'm not too impressed. It isn't a place I will be rushing back to. I've never had a mushy Belgian waffle before. I typically prefer a waffle to a pancake because I like the texture better and a Belgian waffle, to me, should be more crisp than a regular waffle. This one was pure mush, softer than a pancake with parts that were closer to oatmeal consistancy. I'm also not a huge fan of undercooked pork (the crumbled pork was pretty decent until the last bite when I got a mouthful that wasn't cooked all the way). After our meals, we split a caramel roll. I had been told by several people they are to die for. It was definitely better than the waffle, nothing outstanding in my opinion though. To top it all off, if paying with a debit card, you pay the transaction fee for the restaurant. Whatever price you see on the menu goes up 4% when you pay unless you use cash.

The other people I was with said their meals were good.

I guess for my money there are better breakfast spots nearby. Maybe they won't have the snazzy east coast atmosphere that makes you feel like you are in Boston, but the food...

I drove the extra distance from cass lake to bemidji to see the sights as I'm was in the area and a newbie to the midwest (currently living in twin cities). After finishing up business very early in the morning I wanted to treat myself to some local coffee. I made the mistake of going to heroes rise first which is another story and I do not recommend anyone else going there. I saw great reviews of red stu and it was nearby downtown so I opted for it. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience with this establishment. The staff are very welcoming and had an impressive air of professionalism and care to their craft. Although they didn't have specialty coffee drinks on the menu(just drip roast and standard fixings) the server managed to concoct a delicious caramel coffee beverage. Aside from the staffs impeccable service and personality, the space is very ambient with full natural sunlight overhead and modern decor. Ido wish to visit again and try their dishes as they look sumptuous. It is evident that this business has every intention to impress and to standout as a comfortable yet...