Sarna's Classic Grill — Restaurant in Columbia Heights

Basically an expensive version of Applebee's. I have been here multiple times, but the last few visits made me realize my money is better spent elsewhere. The only reason that this isn't 1 star is because the food is generally pretty good, though not necessarily worth the money.

1 - Went on a day when the drink special was martinis. Specifically asked the bartender if I specified the alcohol brand, would it still qualify for the special's price; bartender confirmed. Fairly slow night but bartender was not attentive to the point where, when I finally got her attention and ordered one, she rang it up but never made it. Finally decided to close out and had to ask her to take off the "extra" drink. Got the new total then realized that the drinks were more than the special's price. Why didn't she tell me that they didn't qualify? I would have ordered something else.

2 - Went to watch a hockey game, game 4 and if the team lost, they were out. Game was approaching the end of the second period, my friend and I had about half our drinks left, and it was about 9:30pm (they close at 10pm). Suddenly all the tv's were turned off. Had to ask for the tv to be turned back on (they did, but only the two on our side of the bar so the other patrons couldn't see). Not even 10 minutes later, the tv's were turned off again and the bartender made up some excuse. Realizing we were being kicked out, I went to the bathroom and when I came back out, my friend was standing to the side of the bar holding my to-go box. Apparently, someone had come through and was wiping down the bar, moved my food with my friend sitting next to it so they could wipe down the bar under my food, then put the food back and continued to wipe around on the other side of her. I understand the staff wants to leave, but it was still 15 minutes before closing. Calm down.

3 - Asked the bartender if they had any non-alcoholic beer and was told yes. I ordered one and bartender asked to see my ID. I asked why she needed to see it if the beer was non-alcoholic, and was told there actually was a little bit of alcohol in the beer. I guess either they don't have non-alcoholic beer, or the bartender needs...

Lovely cozy restaurant. Wonderful service. Sad to report that our food did not meet our expectations. We visited this restaurant for the first time last Sunday around 4:30 PM. Our waitress was prompt and polite. She brought our drinks right away and notified us that appetizers were $3.00 off for happy hour. I ordered a Mr. Pibb and my friend ordered a fancy martini. The appetizer we ordered was the PIEROGIS. We did enjoy these very much. For dinner I ordered a special that was beef enchiladas served with tortilla chips and salsa. The enchiladas tasted pretty good, but they were served not even what I would consider warm. We had plans to see a show at the Orpheum that night, so I got up to find our waitress to have my food warmed up. The waitress apologized, and took my plate to the kitchen to warm up my food. She returned shortly. Unfortunately, my food was still not hot. When our waitress came back to check on us, I told her my food was still not hot but that I would try to eat it as we had a show to get to get to. My friend ordered the fettuccine alfredo with broccoli and shrimp. She made a comment that the alfredo sauce was super runny . She showed me with her spoon and it looked like soup. My friend said her food tasted fine but should have been cooked longer. Towards the end of our meal, the waitress offered us anything from the desert menu for our experience. We decided on the chocolate mousse cake. Sadly, the cake was really poor quality. I had a couple bites as to not leave a huge piece of cake on the table. It honestly was not worth eating. Our bill came to about $55.00 plus tip. My friend and I were really disappointed with our meal. We chose Sarna's as we wanted a nice dinner before seeing our show. Even though our waitress was understanding and kind, we would not choose this restaurant again. The food quality just...

I'm clearing out my old, ancient review and updating it with current, accurate, and succinct reflections!

I live near Sarna's; within walking distance. They have become one of my favorite places to go. It's one of the most comfortable restaurants in the Twin Cities with a changing menu and weekly specials that always has something I will enjoy.

I would say that their specialty is "home cooking" although saying "American cuisine" would also not be untrue. My favorites shift and change along with their menu but I'll always love their Clam Chowder, Chicken Salad Sandwich, occasional Cuban Pot Roast, Kramarczuk pierogi with polish sausage, dry-rub Beijing Wings, weekend Prime Rib, and Sunday brunch! Desserts are wonderful (but be sure to get them to share; they're HUGE) with my favorites being the occasional chocolate bread pudding, carrot cake, or apple crisp. Desserts change, often, too ... so don't be disappointed if a favorite isn't on the menu: try something else and find a new fave! And there's so much more, beyond these: always check their weekly specials ... they are always worth it!

Their booths are good for those of us with bad backs and the staff is always courteous, prompt, professional, and friendly! You are always at home, here: trust me! That's over 10 years of experience I have with this lovely establishment!

During BINGO it can get a little bit noisy and, sometimes, the televisions can distracting but, honestly, those are the only issues I've ever had. I love sitting on their patio during summer evenings and by one of the fireplaces in winter. Sarna's is a welcoming place that really embodies the phrase, "Neighborhood...