Blvd Tavern — Restaurant in West St. Paul

Well I moved to S. Sf. Paul about two years ago not far from the Boulevard on Mendota Rd. When I ddn't feel like cooking one evening I decided to give them a try. The food was good. Besides several Black men I was the only other Black person in the bar. I didn't think much of it because I am from MN and that seems to be the norm in certain neighborhoods. I thought they were being friendly enough so over the years (2) I have gone back several times. I began to notice little racist behaviors from management and wait staff like when I would come in the building they would huddle in a group and be discussing something and looking my way. Not being too welcoming. Then I was once asked after one of those huddles in a not so friendly manner if my name was such and such, just little things that made me uncomfortable when I was there ordering my food to go and having a cocktail while waiting. Tonight though was blatant racism. I requested a booth, was seated and ordered. It all went down hill from there. The waitress brought me the wrong drink. I didn't ask for it on the rocks and requested what I ordered. When she came back with a drink with no ice I asked was it made over or was the ice just taken out. She said it was a freshly made drink. I knew she was lying but it wasn't worth arguing with her about it. Then I smelled it. It didn't smell like tanqaurey gin, nor did It taste like lt. So I said so to the bartender and of course she said it was. And oh by the way, whatever kind of gin it was it was still cold from the ice she took out. The waitress never served me my food someone else did. Then she came in about 5 minutes and asked me if there was anything else she could get me. I said yes, some sour cream and salsa please. She left. Someone else brought it. I asked that person for a bottle of Modelo and then the original waitress brought it and asked me if I was ready for my check. I told her no. Mind you she just brought me the beer. She came back in about 2 minutes told me she was getting ready to leave and asked if I would take care of the check now. I kept watching her and a group of other Caucasians standing around talking and I figured they were up to something so I beckoned her to come over to the table and paid her $41.19+$5.00 tip. Mind you, I had not been in there no more than 30 minutes and had not even eaten my meal which was served to me in less than 15 minutes and was under cooked. I drank my drink Got a box for my food and took my beer to the other side of the bar. Guess what - there she was with those other Caucasians with a smirk on her face. There was a garbage can right where they were standing and I threw the food right in the garbage right in front of them and went a couple of seats down at the bar and had a seat and ordered a tanquary. She lied. She acted like because I was Black, I was going to run out without paying for the food and drinks. Another time I was in there a female bartender made a watermelon comment. Several times a female bartender who has a fiance that works there has refused to serve me. She acts as though I am invisible. He will come from the other side, where I ordered my food tonight, to serve me. They should put a sign out that says NO Ns Allwed only our...

I’ve been a loyal customer of The BLVD for years — I’ve dined here regularly and have even hosted an event at the restaurant. I’ve always enjoyed the food and atmosphere, which is why it’s so frustrating to be writing this. A visit in May left me feeling disappointed — not just because of the issue itself, but because of how it was handled.

During that visit, the fly problem was overwhelming. It was difficult to enjoy the meal while constantly swatting flies away, and we even had to cover our food with napkins just to keep them off our plates. It felt unsanitary and uninviting. I understand that flies can be hard to manage in open-air spaces, but when they’re this pervasive — including in the lobby and the areas where food is being prepared — it becomes a serious concern.

In response to my feedback, I was told that “the kitchen is up to code and that the restaurant recently passed a health inspection”. I don’t doubt that’s true, but it doesn’t address the core issue I brought up. You can’t fully control flies when windows and doors are left open — but that also means you can’t fully prevent hundreds of flies from entering spaces where food is being handled. That’s a problem. I’ve thought about this a lot in the time since, and what ultimately pushed me to write this review is the complete lack of follow-up. No additional response, no real acknowledgment, and frankly, what felt like a lack of genuine care. My concerns didn’t feel heard — they felt dismissed.

I truly want to continue supporting The BLVD, but unless this ongoing issue is taken seriously and addressed, I don’t see myself returning. If customers are having to cover their food with napkins just to keep it fly-free, you’d hope the restaurant would offer some kind of resolution or incentive to maintain customer retention. Cleanliness and customer care should be a top priority — and right now, neither one...

The owner decide to berate my friends and I because she was having a bad day and decided to insert her dominance by making it known who she was when I was in a conversation that had nothing to do with her. Then she proceeded to call me and my friends sketchy and accuse us of not buying our drinks. Mind you I had on expensive jewelry and high fashion well know attire on, yet she stated she doubts I bought my drinks. Mind you i bought everyones drinks that was in my 4 person group. She is rude as hell and slightly prejudice. I've been going there for years and have never seen that lady. I've never had any issues with anyone there I even overly tip the employees everytime I go there. This was a very uncomfortable interaction and very offensive. She was petty and probably intoxicated, that was no way to talk to a paying customer at any business, especially if the customer does not cause issues at you bar/ restaurant. I do not argue with females, nor debate with them. She was out of line. I believe she needs a hug and much needed counseling. Also with a drink already in my hand and being consumed, she questioned my age asked for ID, I gave her my passport. she didn't know how to read a passport, I had to show her. After proving my age, she immediately put on a stank face and continued to make bogus, rude and evil comments towards me. I will not be back and recommend you spend your money elsewhere to someone who appreciates...