StormKing Brewpub and Barbecue — Restaurant in Minneapolis

Food is great, like 4.5 for their BBQ Ambiance is good, like 4.5 But here’s the reason for the low rating. Let’s see if you’ld agree… I walked in, ordered a beer at the bar. Told them i will be ordering food to-go. It was a big order, about $90. I ordered the beer to sip while waiting for my order. PrePaid at time of order for everything at once, put it on credit card. When the screen on the tablet came up to sign, i was surprised at the seemingly high total and that there was not the usual screen asking for a Tip. While i did Not have a table, i still wanted to tip something, because that’s what i do. I’m a relatively generous tipper. I asked, oh hey, the screen didn’t prompt me for a tip. The guy said, “oh yeah, there’s an 18% gratuity on all carry-out orders, it’s already included”. Hmmm ok. But I’m here. It was not a phone order, there was no table service, all they did was enter the order into the register. And then! when my order was up, he just set it over at the table for carry-out orders, did not say a word, even though he was right in front of me, and instead i got a text informing the order was ready… ok fine, that’s their system. Then i looked inside the bag and said, oh hey, could i please get some sauce and napkins? He pointed to the end of the counter and said “the sauce and napkins are over there, take what you want”. Note there were only 2 little plastic sauce cups left, so that station had not been attended to.

So, in summary: What exactly did he do to earn an 18% tip? And should that tip be automatically applied? No table service, i was present when ordering, and no service after the sale. I understand “obligatory tips” for parties of several people and/or for cheapskates. But “18% automatic obliatory tips” for what i experienced is not fair. Should McDonalds and Subway add 18% to their orders? Because at least they smile and put napkins and ketchup...

Had an absolutely wonderful time! Had to park a block or two away, but we went at a busier time.

Beer: Didn't drink any.

Service: Super! Called ahead and Rachel was very nice on the phone. She explained that there was no reserving tables and if we had a large group we were free to put some tables together. The bartender (didn't catch his name, tall guy) was very fun and joked around with us. He was more than happy to serve and offer suggestions. The staff clearly got along with each other really well and everyone seemed like they were happy to work there.

Food: Delicious BBQ! Pulled Pork: Falling apart, must've come from a happy pig. Brisket Plate: My god, no need to chew, it melts in your mouth and sings hallelujah. Chicken Wings: YEAH BABY! These guys don't mess around. Full wings, rich smokey flavor. Ribs: These bad boys were pretty good. Not as good as the brisket, but very good for the twin cities. If I'd only had them I would sing their song louder. Chicken: They only had a 1/4 bird left. We wanted a full bird, and this guy was dry. It was literally THE LAST CHICKEN they had, so I can give them a pass on a dry bird. I'm also not a fan of light meat, so there's that. If you can get there before they run out of chicken, maybe give it a shot?

Beans: They're cooked with pork and other stuff. I would pick it as your side. Coleslaw: Meh. It was fine. Salad: Dope salad for a BBQ place. Salad and beans is probably the best bet. Fries: Solid fries. Not amazing, but good.

Key Lime Pie: Bud, you gotta save room! The pie was rich, creamy, and just what I needed after...

We went to StormKing before a show at The Fillmore. I would best describe the experience as just ok & unremarkable. To order your food, you stand in line, and then place your order with the bartender. I ordered the brisket by the lb, and I feel like that was just average at best, and for the price, not worth it. I also ordered onion rings and they were clearly not home made; they came from the onion ring factory, so not worth the price. The onion rings I get at Cub and I put in my air fryer are better. I ordered a rail whiskey sour, but they said they were "out", so I got an on tap, Old Fashioned, which was also average. I think they just didn't want to make it when they can just poor a drink from the tap.

As others have pointed out, you have to pay a 18% fee for the staff, but you don't get 18% worth of service. You wait in line, order food from the chalk board menu, bring your drink to your table, grab your own plastic utensils & condiments. You get the same service as you do at McDonald's, but they don't up charge you 18%.

So in the end, it's totally not worth the expense for the food & service you receive. I personally think that Famous Dave's food is way better and you get a way better value & experience. I will not be going back to StormKing for...