Eli's East — Restaurant in Minneapolis

I had an amazing experience at Eli's East (I can't wait to go back to see if it holds up or if it was a fluke). My husband and I went before a show at the Gutherie and on Friday night. There was no wait at 6pm, which shocked me, but was very convenient. They have a standard menu and also a ton of weekly specials, including a weekly soup, appetizer, chicken wings, salad, sandwich, pasta, entree, veggie dish, and dessert.

We started with the half sized Marinated Tomato Salad with house-smoked mozzarella, grilled asparagus, marinated tomatoes, crispy prosciutto, mixed greens, balsalmic vinaigrette for $7. This was plenty large for 2 people to split before dinner and was delicious.They don't skip on the good parts of the salad and fill up your plate with sad lettuce - the portions were perfect.

We both ended up ordering a pasta dish - me from the specials menu and my husband the East Pasta from the standard menu. Mine was so chocked full of veggies it was amazing. I got the half portion and was stuffed. His had no vegetables, but the sauce was very flavorful (rosemary I believe) and was plenty as a half portion as well.

Our server was amazing - always seeing if we needed anything, clearing our table, refilling drinks, etc.

I can't wait to try...

I must say this is the worst establishment I have ever been to, and the service was the cornerstone of the the negativity. I live near by and I hoped for Eli's to be a venue that I could frequent based on its aesthetic. It really appealed to me but upon entering the venue, I was gravely disappointed. The employees acted as if the building was an elitist establishment, and patronized me every time I spoke. When my friend and I entered the building we saw a spot at the bar and took it, immediately beginning a conversation with the two people next to us. The fellow patrons were enjoying some light humor with us when the bartender asked "are you gonna order or just waste our time". Appalled and confused by the statement I looked at him blankly when he said, "don't act all faggy, I call it like I see it". At that point we left the building, and I promise I will...

We have been to Eli's in NE a few times and always have a pretty good experience. Service is always pretty good and the ambiance is something we enjoy. Food has always been from good to great but is inconsistent. My husband has had the same dish multiple times and something is always a little off (a little too salty, a little undercooked), but still tasty enough to keep ordering. I have had both of their chicken dishes and would say they are both OK. Mild in flavor, would maybe order one of the again if I was in the mood. The Marsala is a broth type sauce with peppers instead of the creamy mushroom sauce I was expecting. Their sandwiches are very good, I would recommend the steak sandwich, it is fantastic.

Overall solid dishes that are a bit more upscale than your standard NE bar at a reasonable price- I would recommend to...