NaKato Bar & Grill — Restaurant in North Mankato

Disclaimer: This is based solely on my experiences alone. This review is in no way, shape or form, meant to offend or discourage anyone: Nakato, Nakato… been a long time. I think I would like to start with what drew me in the handful of times. I never quite caught her name, but I remember the way she would always be so warm toward me, tell me of the deals going on, and invite me to sit wherever I was comfortable. There’s something about kindness that draws me in. I believe she was the lead server.. Anyway, I suppose you’re waiting on why I rated it 5 -as if kindness wasn’t enough-✨

Customer service (seems a bit lost these days, but not at Nakato) No rush, just being. (Like eat but don’t feel rushed, enjoy your time and just 🐝) Bomb food (see photos) The drinks… variety. Also, they (idk if still a thing there) have like half off of bottle wine days - which the old me was totally stoked for🥲!! drink responsibly and get home safe please Food is brought out in timely manner. Phone Pay- like you forgot your wallet? But did you forget your phone? 😎🤙🏽 Oooo OUTSIDE SEATING, totally forgot that one, but honestly, go inside, meet the workers… they’re so kind.

God bless on all of your future...

Since busters closed I have been going to NaKato. Usually it's good, pleasant & affordable. The last 2 times I've been there I've noticed new ppl & it seems not so friendly. I ordered a beer & food at the bar. By the way the bartender was great & working circles around the rest. There is a gal cook that seems like she doesn't want to be in the kitchen. She made my 1 order & was talking nonstop just like the time before. What I ordered takes less than 10 minutes. Over heard her tell the bartender that my order was sitting there for awhile, while she's out talking. He was filling the inventory waiting on ppl at the bar while she's still talking & irritating the crap out of me for the 2nd time. I asked them a simple question on the type/ brand of shrimp they had last week & nobody could give me an answer. I like it so I wanted to know. Just shrugged me off. I didn't eat last week bc that gal cook was even louder so I left. Today my food obviously was on the cold side, sitting there for a while. Even then the fries were not done, pale & limp. I believe that cook could have let the bartender know sooner my food was done or better yet, she could have been working like he was & delivered...

I went here with my brother and mother a few months back.

Overall it was decent food, but nothing that stood out. If you're just looking for some decent bar food then this place is fine.

Our waitress was nice and fun. She did mess up our order, but I just swapped meals with my mom because that was the wrong plate... she had ordered a California Burger but a BBQ bacon with onion rings burger (I think it's usually called a cowboy burger or something like that) arrived instead.

I ordered the shrimp basket so that's the meal we swapped.

The cheese curds were pretty good, and if I go back I'd get that as an appetizer again... and I always dip my cheese curds in ketchup so any other dipping sauce I will try, but nothing tastes as great as ketchup and cheese curds.

Everyone was friendly and the atmosphere was fine.

Overall, I would try it again, and I think it's worth trying if you haven't been...

We don't drink alcohol, and admittedly bar food is often catered for people drinking. So, if you're not drinking beers or cocktails my experience (across the board) has been that bar food is kinda mediocre.

Hopefully, this review helps. Thank you...