St. Louis Park American Legion Post 282 — Restaurant in Saint Louis Park

The kitchen is in absolute shambles. One hand sink is not working, the walk-in is not working, and several pieces of equipment (the range, the char grill, and the small lip table the char grill sits on) are not in working order and are causing a huge hazard for staff. The hand sink by the dish pit only puts out cold water There are no available test strips for sanitizer The char grill catches on fire nearly nightly because the heating element covers need to be replaced The range has only two working burners because the gas input on the other 4 burners is missing a control valve and also needs to be replaced Due to the broken walk-in food is being stored against health code regulations in reach in coolers. Ready to eat foods are stored under or in the same containers as raw meats food is being used that is both unlabeled and out of date

The general manager refuses to answer questions for new employees. When doing my best to fix things so that we aren't killing our highly susceptible populations (specifically our pregnant and geriatric members) was told that I was overstepping. because she "likes things organized a certain way". Well her certain way was raw chicken in a cracked container wrapped loosely with seran wrap that was stored over and dripping onto raw romaine lettuce stored in cardboard. She refused to answer questions about processes for storing and cooking powder-to-product goods (I am a Chef, but I have never worked anywhere that made boxed or frozen foods so of course I had some questions).

Here are the things I fixed while present:

All "home" or non-NSF utensils removed and stored appropriately All out of date or unlabeled foods removed All shelves consolidated per FIFO Reorganized all drawers so that handles were facing the same way, and knives are being stored separately from other utensils Removed TCS foods from hot-holding at the appropriate times (4 hour periods) and changed utensils as per the MN health code. Removed several years of scraped on grease from the fryers

There were some other minute and trivial things as well.

In short, I have reported all of this to the labor and health departments, as well as the Fire Marshall. That kitchen is going to kill someone if something isn't done and if the GM can't step back and swallow her hubris for five minutes and let people do the work to make it better, it won't be long before that happens.

I may no longer work there, and I don't have a hand in fixing it anymore, but the members and other folks who may eat there deserve to know what they are getting into, and how high the risks...

The bartender and pull tab guy on Saturday night was so rude to me from the moment that I walked into the bar at 9:30 PM, I didn't know anyone, and I thought the bartender would be more friendly to a new Customer, But I was so wrong.. My best friend and her Mom were there to spend time with me and that bartender never came to see if we needed anything.. And when I asked for a another Colorado Bulldog he said in a rude voice I don't know when I can get you a drink I'm really busy right now as you can see! and pull tab man was very rude to me! I didn't do anything to the bartender and his pull tab friend.. I never talked to the pull tab guy the whole time that I was there at the bar.. And my girlfriend's never talked to the bartender and the pull tab guy too, And this pull tab guy approached me 45 minutes before closing time.. And he said in a very rude voice finish up your drink because I'm kicking you out? I told him what did I do wrong? He and he bartender are good friends and stick together and both said that I was getting kicked out of the bar?I kept saying what did I do wrong? I minded my own business, I never talked to the pull tab guy, And from the time I arrived around 9:30 PM the ONLY bartender was very RUDE to me!! The bartender didn't even know me, I was a new Customer and I told him that... I was very respectful to the bartender but he favored the regulars that come to the bar...The bartender accused me of talking to all his regulars? I'm like they were hugging and talking to me? I was was just being kind and friendly to the regulars trying to make new friends in a city St Louis Park that I've never been... And I was treated horrible by the bartender and the pull tab guy. !! I was treated wonderful by Angela the karaoke 🎤 lady on Saturday night that even wanted my phone number to keep in touch with me since we both know Reina Hastings... I do not recommend this bar...

If you had told me my daughter and son in law were regulars at this place I would have been amazed. WELL, THEY ARE! And off we go to watch Purdue (son in laws alma mater) play in the final four. In fact, all their friends (I affectionately call "the squad") is also coming. We arrive and the squad is greeted by staff and regulars. A pitcher of Hamms beer arrives as well as wings. My daughter explains, "as soon as we walk in, that order goes in." The server, Heather, is beloved by the squad and she takes great care of them and they do the same to her! 👏 the wings are juicy and smoky. Very meaty. Pretty darn good! Atmosphere is hearty and happy. I can see why the squad comes here! Love the staff. Love the atmosphere (God Bless America). Love the down home food and libations! Yes, looking forward to my next visit!

UPDATE! 05/15/2025. We arrive after my daughter's Masters graduation from the university of Minnesota. She's in her cap and gown and these incredibly wonderful vets all stand and clap as she walks in. 😭 PLEASE! we should be clapped them (and do!l). Sonja is our server and she happily takes care of 23 of us! YES! 16 platters of wings! 100 drinks! Many, many orders and this young lady delivers like a champ. Thank you Sonja! This is definitely my favorite place in the United States. The vets also came up to daughter and congratulated her. Say what? Other way around. This place is so good for...