Volstead House - Whiskey Bar & Speakeasy Eagan — Restaurant in Eagan

Short: Nice atmosphere and cleverly executed concept with decent drinks but spotty service and frozen food products.

Long: as mentioned, the atmosphere is exactly what you would expect. You arrive at a burger joint and are escorted to a hidden door that brings you into a very small dining and bar area in the back of the building. The bar is beautiful, featuring every whiskey/bourbon one could imagine and the shelves continue to the sky. The room is dimly lit, yet moody and very clean. The only complain, from an ambiance standpoint, is the seating. This is a very small space and they try to fill it with as many tables as they can possible fit in it, which doesn't necessarily bode well for anyone who might feel claustrophobic.

For such a small room, you would expect that service would be highly orchestrated and organized.. as the space is small, they should be working to keep tables turning as quickly as possible, yet in our experience, we had to flat down someone at each layer of our visit. Need something to drink? You have to flag someone down. Need something to eat? You have to flag someone down. Need more water? You guessed it... flag someone down and finally, ready to leave? Flag yourself someone to pay your check. Don't get me wrong, staff was friendly and since the space is so small, it is not difficult to get someone's attention but if you're the type of person that feels awkward having to get someone to help you, this is not the place for you.

Now, the drinks were good enough and frankly, you can have any kind of alcohol you can imagine... as long as you can read the list. I'm not kidding... the menu is 6 or 8 pages of just their stock alcohol... and the list is so dense that the font is tiny so bring a flashlight and your cheaters because you will struggle to read that menu.

Lastly... let's talk about the food. This is really the disappointing part of the story. We started with two duck bacon wontons... and when they arrived, I attempted to cut into one. The knife would not cut it... It would not even make a noticeable impression... it was as rubbery as an over microwaved pizza hot pocket... so much so that I decided to google duck bacon wonton and immediately found the exact product that was served to us. This is sort of like going to a movie theater that serves food and calls it "chef inspired." Now, if you man handle one of these rubbery biscuits and manage to break a section off to feed into your mouth, they are rather tasty... so it's not terrible product but it's really hard to find yourself surrounded by an atmosphere designed to invoke a sense of exclusivity and then be served a frozen hot pocket.

On to the main course... which for us, was a 45 dollar plate of stake frites... now again, the fries were absolutely another frozen product, reminiscent of mcdonalds French fries (which i love so I will not disparage)... but the steak: we were shocked. I honestly could not believe what we were served. The steak itself was a thin... it was nicely charred and cooked to our requested temp but there was absolutely, 100 percent, without a doubt... zero flavor beyond the char. No seasoning had been added and I strongly suspect this poor peice of meat had spent a long, hard season in a freezer and may have been thawed in a microwave. It just tasted like somehow, someone developed a way to add a char flavor to water.

When I was a kid, we would always end up a Dennys for breakfast after a long night of bad decisions (I'm not proud of admitting this...lol) but I remember ordering steak and eggs for breakfast, once... THAT is the steak I recieved last night. Someone acquired the Dennys breakfast steak recipe and brought it here to serve up with their frozen French fries and wontons.

Long story short: "If you want a interesting aesthetic, and a huge drink menu on your way to get food somewhere else... check this place out"... but it's still a stretch. When a company passes frozen food as their own, i have a hard time believing that they wouldn't play loose with the...

We come to Volstead semi frequently and have always had a great experience, so it was my first choice for my husbands birthday yesterday. I had a larger group of 7 people so I wanted to call and make a reservation for dinner and drinks. I called a little after they opened and spoke to the most monosyllabic and rude person I've ever talked to over a phone. After an incredibly short conversation where I learned I couldn't make a reservation, I pivoted to having the birthday dinner at another restaurant nearby, but still decided to bring people to Volstead for drinks after dinner. Our drinks group arrived at 8:30pm (1.5 hours before they closed), and our server was really inattentive. I asked about joining the "Best Damn Whiskey Club" and he quickly said "Oh I don't know anything about that" and didn't bring me any more information about it. He brought us an initial round and then popped by one more time at least 30 min later to get one more person a drink, but he didn't ask the rest of the table about drinks, so most of our table only got one drink in 1.5 hours. I asked another bartender about the club (which is prominently advertised on the premises) and she said "oh it involves a book that we don't have so I'll just give you a shot for your birthday instead, that's better than a club." The better-than-a-club shot turned out to only be rail drinks, which - at a place like Volstead - is a massive disappointment. Right before they closed the server came back and my husband had to quickly order a birthday shot that he didn't really want after being informed that they couldn't do his first shot choice because they don't have pickles for a chaser. To cap off the night, the sliding doors were open to the great weather, but there is clearly no mosquito control onsite so our group got bitten up even though we were sitting inside.

Overall it was a missed opportunity for Volstead to get a lot of business from a chill group of 8 people who were just looking to celebrate a birthday. The drinks were really good as always, but the lack of basic courtesy over the phone and the disinterested staff were a sour note over the evening. If this is strange and rude disinterest is the new vibe of Volstead, we'll be finding a new speakeasy...

If you're looking for a hidden gem in the heart of the city, Volstead's is the place to be. This speakeasy is the epitome of charm and sophistication, making it an ideal spot for a date night.

From the moment you step through the unmarked door, you're transported back to the roaring 1920s. The ambiance is intimate and cozy, with dim lighting and vintage decor that exudes an air of mystery and romance. It's easy to lose track of time as you soak in the elegant surroundings and the smooth jazz playing softly in the background.

The cocktail menu at Volstead's is nothing short of spectacular. Each drink is expertly crafted with a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you prefer a classic Old Fashioned or a unique concoction, the skilled bartenders are sure to impress. The attention to detail in every drink is evident, making each sip a delightful experience.

The staff at Volstead's deserve special mention for their impeccable service. They are attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that your evening is seamless and enjoyable. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to recommend the perfect drink make the experience even more memorable.

One of the highlights of Volstead's is its exclusivity. The speakeasy vibe adds an element of adventure to your night out. Finding the entrance and gaining access feels like you're part of a secret club, adding to the allure of the experience.

For a date night, Volstead's is unparalleled. The combination of the intimate setting, exceptional cocktails, and top-notch service creates an unforgettable evening. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking to enjoy a night out with your significant other, Volstead's is the perfect choice.

In summary, Volstead's is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and romantic night out. It's a place where history, elegance, and exceptional cocktails come together to create a truly magical experience. Don't miss out on this hidden treasure – it's a date night destination you'll want to return to...