Red Cow North Loop — Restaurant in Minneapolis

I’m sitting in Red Cow after the remodel, and I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic for what it used to be. This place once had that perfect balance — a polished, rustic charm that made it feel like an upscale burger joint without ever trying too hard. Now, it feels like they’ve traded that identity for something that doesn’t quite fit — a strange blend of southwest and modern that feels disconnected from both the Minnesota vibe and the North Loop aesthetic.

The layout itself hasn’t changed much, but the atmosphere certainly has. The booths, which used to have a cozy sense of privacy, now feel completely exposed. The partitions between them have been lowered so much that you can practically make eye contact with the person in the next booth over. It’s lost that comfortable, tucked-away feeling that made Red Cow perfect for a relaxed meal or quiet conversation. Now it feels oddly cafeteria-like — almost like you’re sitting at an IHOP, just with fancier cocktails.

And then there’s the décor. The new design choices are… puzzling. The lighting feels out of place — bright and harsh in some areas, dim and moody in others, with nothing that really ties it together. The fabrics and color palette look like they were borrowed from a Sedona resort rather than a North Loop staple. The accessories feel random, and the art — well, that might be the biggest miss of all. Where is the cow painting?! That was such an iconic, signature piece that tied the whole place together. Now it’s been replaced by modern, abstract art that feels cold and generic. Honestly, if I walked in off the street without knowing better, I’d think I was in an upscale Chi-Chi’s.

Even the small, practical touches that could’ve elevated the remodel were overlooked. There are still no purse hooks at the bar (seriously, how hard would that have been to add?), and while they had the bar torn apart, installing outlets for charging phones would’ve been a thoughtful update. It’s 2025 — a place like this should have both. And speaking of small details: I especially appreciated the handful of crumbs that landed in my lap when I picked up my purse from the kickboard to grab my chapstick. Nothing says “new era” like a little debris as a keepsake.

To be clear — the food is still incredible. That’s the saving grace here. The burgers, the fries, the cocktails — all top-notch, just as they’ve always been. And the service remains excellent: friendly, attentive, and genuinely invested in the guest experience. That consistency alone will keep people coming back. In fact, the place is already packed — very busy for 5 p.m. on a Friday — and I’m sure it’ll stay that way for a while.

But I can’t shake the feeling that something important was lost in translation with this remodel. Red Cow used to feel distinctive — like a local gem that understood its own personality. Now, it’s just another sleek, modern restaurant in a neighborhood already full of them. It looks nice, sure, but it doesn’t feel like Red Cow anymore. Regulars who loved the old warmth and character might still come (myself included), but there’s a good chance they’ll quietly miss what made this place special in the...

The 60/40 buger: 60% certified Angus beef 40% ground bacon, mixed together, fried into a patty and topped woth chedda and candied bacon. Fractions are fun, but simply put, its 100% to die for. I ordered my burger medium well, meaning there is a little pink when finished, but will cook itself through with its own heat. And cudos to the cook, it did exactly that, a medium well is the hardest temperature to master, especially in a thick burger like this.

The bacon in the patty double on the juice and savory-ness, and the candied bacon on top, and side of fries, makes a holy Trinity of sweet, savory and salty!

The cheese curds: white cheddar, with just enough breading to contain them. They offer a "ketchup" as a dip. which , as a person who isn't big on ketchup... I turned it down, but thanks to the server's persistence and explanation that it isn't really ketchup, i tried it. And well, I wish ketchup tasted like that. It was sweet and acidic, but not overly so like ketchup, and its got a lighter taste thebcurds were crispy and not oily. I polished off the basket. Shareables? I think not.

As far as the rest goes. The atmosphere is nice. The place was busy, but not loud, and looks like half of its business is in takeout for door dash. Its an interesting balance between fancy and casual, like drinking wine while watching sports. your food comes out in a plate with the sides and apps in a stainless biwl, bar style, but the silverware is wrapped in a crimson napkin and the seating is well upholstered, colored to match, fancy style. The cieling is dotted with Edison style lamps, and meat hooks... Which is an interesting combination of ambiance. But its fits together surprisingly well, and doesn't take away from the fact that the service is on point, the food comes out quick, hot, and cooked exactly as you want it.

I was too full to try desert, but i did order their shake of the day to have for later. A lemon pound cake shake. Had a sip, it was also delicious. And, it was on the house.

I suppose, if there were anything lacking, it would be in drinks. While i may very well have missed some menu options, its wine, beer and some seltzers. With water and sparking water. The list is pretty expansive but wine isnt much me thing for casual drinks and im unlucky with choosing beer. I had a sparkling water, which was surprisingly not as harsh tasting as others tend to be. But I would like to have seen a short cocktail menu or sodas. Again, i probably missed it though. Some reviews show both in pictures. a Manhattan or whiskey sour (cocktail, not the lime shots) would have been well paired with the entree.

This place, the Red Cow, lands itself firmly in the clean plate club. Cudos to the waitstaff who pressed me to try something new, cudos to the cook that nailed the burger and sides, and cudos to the owner for making this curveball of...

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Jacob and the entire team at the restaurant for turning an extremely difficult day into one filled with warmth and kindness. Today was particularly exhausting for me. I've been feeling overwhelmed and alone in my work, constantly helping others, and when I got home, I was just looking forward to a quiet night with a good meal.

After taking a shower, I accidentally knocked over my food, and it felt like the last straw on an already overwhelming day. I called the restaurant to explain what happened, and despite them being close to closing, they graciously allowed me to come in and dine there. When I arrived, the manager had already prepared my food and, to my surprise, refused to let me pay. This act of hospitality was truly touching.

Jacob was exceptional. He made sure I was comfortable, even offering me water and checking in to see if I needed anything else. The kindness didn’t stop there; everyone in the restaurant was incredibly caring, asking if I was okay and ensuring I was taken care of. Although I was struggling with a headache and my emotions, their support made a huge difference.

I broke down when I got home and shared the experience with my family, who were already concerned about my wellbeing. As someone who works in a service industry, I understand the importance of hospitality, and what Jacob and the team showed me today was beyond words. You truly never know what someone might be going through, and the simple act of kindness can mean the world.

Jacob, in particular, showed exceptional leadership and compassion. After I finished my meal, I had to give him a hug. I’m so thankful for him, the young lady who took my order, and everyone working that night. I hope you all have a blessed day, and Jacob truly deserves recognition for the care he provided. Thank you, and thank God for people like Jacob who remind us of the goodness...