STEPCHLD — Restaurant in Minneapolis

We had a pushy server that was clearly trying to churn our table out from the moment we got there. We ordered an appetizer, main courses, and multiple drinks. At one point someone came up and took the rest of my food away (the wagyu pasta) without asking while my fork was held up in my hand then 10 minutes later the server told us they needed our table. We quietly and confused said we are still ordering and she stated we could sit at the bar if we want. When she went to talk to the manager we decided not to fight and got up to the bar. It should be noted multiple tables opened up within 10 minutes of them kicking us off ours and other tables who had been there as long as us were not asked to move. We were not squatting at the table we ordered meals and appetizers and multiple drinks. We did not leave a tip (though we did pay the $30 service charge that they had on there) but we didn’t make a complaint because we didn’t want a confrontation. The bartender who served us one drink but closed out our whole bill came over and pretended she wanted feedback to make their service better but was very clearly agitated at the lack of tip confronted us while we were shoulder to shoulder with others. We still didn’t want a public confrontation so we simply said “it was okay but we were kicked off our table” and didn’t mention other parts of poor service. She went on an angry rant about how we were wrong in an attempt to publicly shame us. We again didn’t fight it and quietly looked behind us at all the empty tables after she left. The bartender came back over to yell at us while we were quiet and minding our own business as she starts with “I see you pointing out the empty tables to each other” and was so angry and belligerent other people stared and smirked at us. If they hadn’t taken my food away before I was finished I would have tipped. Gratuity is optional especially when already charging a service charge, berating and harassing customers out of anger who have been quiet and not disruptive is not ok. At no point in the interaction did we raise our voice or become argumentative to voice our side of the argument. We just let her rampage. I will never recommend stepchld to anyone. The food is not worth the treatment especially if we’re not allowed to finish it. I would like to reiterate that at no point were we loud or rude or swearing. I was shocked and appalled at the treatment and business practices of the staff...

When I returned to Minnesota, I was deliberate about my birthday celebratory dollars would exclusively be towards BLACK OWNED BUSINESS not only that it is BLACK HISTORY month! I mean it was only right, right! Lol. I swear I thought I made a post but maybe I did under another name or so…anyways! I went in at arrival of hitting Minneapolis so it was between ish 19:00 and 21:00 hours. The place was pretty busy but the lovely waitress created a space for me at the bar. I sat by their fish. We talked about the Betta and my Betta. Small connection but shows even in chaos of rush she was acknowledging of all customers. It was my birthday 🎂 so I was offered alcohol…boo! Do not drink. 🤣So then she offered me sweet potato fritters, the description sounded like a odd combination. But I like odd so I agreed. Honey! This was a very different taste to the palette. It was warm and gooey and filled with different flavors that were combined perfectly. I fail to recall the dish so sorry in advance but dish was shrimp 🍤 and it was served with a bed of coconut ginger rice, again her suggestion. She was right. It was amazing. Waitress was very attentive to all her customers but it was so meaningful the extra attention she devoted to me sitting at the part of the created space at the bar. I will definitely definitely definitely return and will highly recommend. I hate I forgot her name but she knows who she is and how she was that evening and I say that you for kindness, great food and when you learn of the reason behind the intentional missing “i” in STEPCHLD. It shows and I also have to say I love that on the recent is has a place for a percentage that is given to ALL the workers customers may not think highly of. It is a beautiful intimate place with a extraordinary mural of Nina Simone and Erykah Badu. I could not stop staring. Hope to return again real soon!!!...

This has been on my to-try list for a while, and I'm so glad we were finally able to go! I heard about it from all the buzz surrounding Guy's episode here, but I still don't think Stepchld is talked about enough...

The vibes are wonderful. The space is much smaller than I was expecting, with an open kitchen and bar area, and it was so fun to watch everything prepared from our seats. It made me wish I could order one of everything.

We came for Valentine's day and opted to order off the regular menu instead of the Valentine's day menu, which did look delish. We shared an order of the cauliflower, the copper burger, and the lavender nori shrimp. There was not a single bad bite. The cauliflower has a sweet and sour sauce, served with strawberries, and topped with sesame seeds. I would never have thought to combine sweet & sour with strawberries and lemon, but it works so well. The portion size is also very generous. The copper burger was to die for. The cheese stands out, along with the homemade pickles and aioli. The aioli had a surprising lively flavor that elevates it above the standard smash burger, with just the right amount of kick. It is seriously good and I loved the unique twists. The lavender nori shrimp were my favorite!!! I don't do spice, these are spiccyyyy, and I still could not get enough. You're still able to taste the lavender at the same time, making it the perfect combo. The shrimp are more flavorless, which I loved, and paired so well with all of the flavors in the sauce. I recommend getting a side of the coconut rice to go with it! We ended the meal with a tiramisu which was also really good!

Every dish seemed familiar but each with their own twists that really make it special. It's safe to say we'll be back to try everything...