Tender Lovin Chix — Restaurant in Minneapolis

We went in August not too long after they opened. Had been driving by a few times and was excited for a chicken place to open.

The outside of the restaurant is a little deceiving. You would think it’s a focused chicken place but upon entering, it’s a bar/restaurant setting. We were sat at the bar to order and the menu is actually fushion. It was just the bartender taking all orders and even though there wasn’t a lot of people (a handful of people at the bar and tables were empty), service was slow (maybe no wait staff hired yet?).

Ordered food to go. Pretty expensive, but the workers were raving about how good the food is so we wanted to support the business and maybe this would be our new favorite chicken tender place.

While we waited, we checked out what other people ordered and it seemed ok but nothing special.

Food: they didn’t give us any dipping sauce for the chicken tenders or fries. I guess you have to specifically ask for dipping sauce and ketchup. The fries were good. The chicken was not seasoned at all. No salt or pepper. We were surprised and ate the breading and meat separately to see if there was any seasoning. Nope, the meat and breading were both tasteless, really bland. At least the chicken was tender??

The tacos weren’t bad but we’ve had better flavor elsewhere. Fried chicken wings is also just your everyday chicken, nothing special.

Since they had just opened, we figured they were still figuring things out so maybe we will stop in sometime in the future (drive by all the time) to give them a second chance. Maybe.

It’s an interesting menu and spacious space. Just disappointed that out of everything, the fries were the best and...

We went in with high expectations due to the recent reviews. We came in and were greeted by the owner who sat in back on his phone the whole time even when bringing our menus over. The metal small barstool type seats were uncomfortable as all get out. Doesn't make me want to sit and stay for game day forsure.The waitress came over and let us know the happy hour specials. Got an Arnie Palmer that was watered down. She gave us our recommendations with the wings. She was super friendly and knowledgeable . I got the rush hour 4, 2 tenders with fried rice and yum yum sauce. my guy got the spicy wings 16$ for 6 wings!!!!( korean restaurant ,where are the Korean style wings?)mine was 17.00!!!! I was so disappointed, rice was greasy and flavorless not restaurant quality at all and two tendersfor 17 bucks. Are you serious?! I can run down to Canes get 4 tenders Texas toast, fried coleslaw and sauce for 13 bucks. The wings were over cooked decent flavor but not for the price. I pushed my plate away to see if anyone would notice as we were the only ones in there. They didn't come over,owner still on his phone. I called the waitress over and let them know my experience and they immediately took action, compt the whole bill and listen to my feedback and were appreciative for the feedback. It's unfortunate as Uptown is trying to make a comeback but with high prices, sub par at best food and small portion for the price a owner who stays on his phone while running a business in front of customers. The waitress encouraged us to come back and try something different but why when our first time was a disappointment. I wish them the best but they need...

Okay, so I get it, there's been a LOT of chicken spots. It's got a high floor and a low ceiling, right? Maybe it did, but yo let me tell you, this place is another level. Nah, it's like five levels up. This is the best chicken I've ever had.

And yeah, I'm white, and I'm Cuban. I've had some TASTY chicken. In Queens, NY, that PioPio chicken is fire. This place is better.

I don't know how to describe the degree of tenderness of this chicken without sounding creepy because I've never had chicken that like supple and soft while staying firm. And still have the right amount of flavor, especially with that Yum sauce. Omfg that sauce is insane. Dip your fries in it, too. It's insane.

The basil chicken is absolute fire and I would encourage someone youre with to order it and let you try it so you can also get a Rush Hour 4, which is worth eating every day. I do think the rice is best with some soy sauce.

Oh, and did you want a drink? I had a fine hazy ipa, well I had two, and they had a hell of a cocktail menu, too.

They had wall to wall women's sports, too. Great shit! We had US Open Tennis, and the Fever/Sparks game on alternating big screens. It was perfect. So much fun.

The service was perfect. Incredibly friendly and attentive and kind. We took some home and it reheats great, but is obviously dope when cold the next morning, too.

Look, I don't hype up too many restaurants. I don't know the owners or anything. But I have worked in restaurants for 25 years, fwiw. And I can't say it enough, you should eat here. Often and soon. Go for lunch or dinner. Get it delivered. Just eat this food. This chicken is...