MontegoBlu - Tropical American Kitchen — Restaurant in Excelsior

MontegoBlu - A Neighborhood Gem in Excelsior

MontegoBlu, located in the heart of Excelsior, Minnesota, has quickly become a cherished neighborhood gem, infusing the community with vibrant energy and authentic island flavors. Under the passionate stewardship of owners Ben and Ken, along with Ken’s son, Obadiah, who skillfully manages the bar during evening hours, MontegoBlu offers an inviting and lively atmosphere that resonates with both locals and visitors.

The culinary journey at MontegoBlu is nothing short of exceptional. Drawing from authentic tropical cuisine, each dish is crafted with intentionality and care, reminiscent of the rich flavors found in Jamaica. The Jerk Chicken Wings, accompanied by a selection of sauces including Monty’s Jerk, Mango Habanero, Strawberry Pineapple, and Hibiscus Ginger, are a standout. My daughter, Benedetta, particularly enjoyed the Strawberry Pineapple sauce, while I had the opportunity to sample their secret hot sauce, which delivered a delightful heat that left me pleasantly invigorated.

The menu’s depth is a testament to MontegoBlu’s commitment to bringing unique flavors to Excelsior. The Curry Goat, a dish not commonly found in the area, was tender and flavorful, served with coconut rice and beans, and Caribbean slaw. Benedetta also loved the cheese curds, and my wife, Sabrina, was thoroughly impressed with the Surf and Turf Steak Sandwich, which she described as an absolute hole-in-one.

Beyond the delectable cuisine, MontegoBlu has significantly contributed to the social fabric of Excelsior. Their dance nights have reintroduced a much-needed vibrancy to the city, providing a space for community members to gather, dance, and forge connections. The warmth and hospitality exuded by the establishment have garnered widespread appreciation, fostering a sense of belonging among patrons.

A particularly heartwarming aspect of MontegoBlu is the Jingle Bar, their event space that undergoes a festive transformation during the Christmas season. The collaborative effort from various Excelsior businesses in bringing the Jingle Bar to life exemplifies the strong community spirit that makes living in Excelsior so special.

As a realtor, I often encourage clients to consider Excelsior for its dynamic lifestyle, rich with diverse dining options and a community that actively engages in events and fosters genuine relationships. The addition of establishments like MontegoBlu has elevated the town’s appeal, offering residents and visitors a place where exceptional food, lively entertainment, and heartfelt camaraderie converge.

In conclusion, MontegoBlu stands as a testament to the revitalizing power of passionate ownership and community collaboration. For those seeking an authentic tropical dining experience, coupled with a welcoming atmosphere and a touch of island flair, MontegoBlu in Excelsior is an absolute must-visit.

Your happy friend and...

Where do I begin.. first and last time at this place! Sat down to sticky tables , seats and menu's. No AC when it was 90 degrees outside, or skin was sticking to tables. Waited over 20 min for waters. Finally ordered after about 35 min. Tried to numb the pain of this experience with a few cocktails, waiting over 15 min for those and had to ask another serve to grab them for us as watched them sit and get watered down from ice melt! Food came in stages, first 4 meals then after 10-15 mins the rest of the food came ( our friends were almost done with their food already!!!! )Server kept saying they were busy( not even half full), but no apologies for the LONGEST wait of my life. There was NO sense of urgency from any staff there.. when paying for dinner out EVERYONE expects more! The tables around us were equally annoyed and disgusted with the service. The best part of this lunch was LEAVING! This place should be TAKE OUT only, they don't know what service is. Food was ok, but not worth over 1 hour and 20 min wait and bad service. NEVER EVER AGAIN..I will make sure my fiends avoid this...

Our experience at Montego Blu was one of the worst dining experiences we've had in a long time. From start to finish, the service was careless and dismissive. Our server barely checked on us, we never got a single water refill, and the drinks were awful—weak, watered down, and poorly made. We sent two back and still couldn’t finish the replacements.

The behavior of the staff was shockingly unprofessional. When returning a drink, the bartender actually rolled her eyes, facepalmed, and muttered “Jesus Christ” under her breath. That alone should have been enough to walk out. As if that wasn’t bad enough, our server blatantly checked our tip amount while we were still sitting at the table.

The food? Edible, but absolutely forgettable. And just to put the icing on the cake, we noticed shady upcharges on our bill.

The experience was so disappointing that we literally had to stop at Lago Tacos afterward just to get the bad taste of Montego Blu’s service out of our mouths.

There are way better spots in town that know how to treat people right. Save yourself the time, money, and...