Smorgie's

Smorgies just opened in January 2025, and we decided to take a gamble and stop in before a Nine Inch Nails concert at the Xcel Energy Center. Normally, we don’t stop at new places without many reviews, but the few that were here had a solid 4.5 stars, and now I see why! The location is excellent. It’s right across from the Xcel Energy Center (Now called Grand Casino Arena) making it a perfect stop before a concert or Wild game. The atmosphere is fun and unique. It's seat yourself (which I loved), and they have such a cool mix of seating: booths, tall tables, swing benches, cozy chairs, standing tables, and even outdoor seating. It gives you a lot of options depending on your vibe. They also have a pull tab machine and pull tabs at the bar, which is always a win in my book. Ordering was simple. You can grab a paper menu, or scan a barcode to pull it up on your phone. You can order individually or as a group, so everyone can use their own device. Super convenient! One thing to note: they run a condensed menu around event times, so not everything you see online on their website menu will be available when you get there! Bit of a bummer because my husband and I really wanted to try the Tater Tot Hot Dish, but it wasn’t offered. Online it says "Kitchen hours daily 11:00am-1:00am". It mentions nothing about an event menu and certain items not being available. To improve, I’d recommend updating the website with a clear note (in bold red lettering) next to what items aren’t available during/around event times. That way expectations match up. That said, the food came out lightning fast, which honestly shocked me. I got the double smash burger with tater tots and also tried the chili wings—both were excellent. Drinks are Pepsi products (which I prefer), reasonably priced, and you get to do your own free refills at the machine. Love that setup because there's no waiting around for someone to bring a refill, and I wish more places did this. Overall, this place exceeded my expectations. Between the quick service, great food, fun atmosphere, and prime location, I can’t recommend it enough. We’ll absolutely be coming back!!

We had to pay $10 to park but it was worth it. A modern but at the same time a homey atmosphere. The food we all ordered was yummy! The tator tots are great and come with most meals. The BOGO Happy Hour was nice too! Will definitely go again!

Had a good dinner here at Smorgie’s. You order from the code on your table and the water is self-serve too. Waiters were friendly and busy since there was a hockey game across the street. Food was piping hot, but I was not too crazy about the burger sauce or the big chunks of cooked onion on top.

This place is alright, the food was tasty and came out pretty quick, but there a few small things that, if fixed, would probably benefit all of their patrons. I want to say up front though, that I would still recommend eating here, it was nice. So, there is no physical menu. You have to do the QR thing.. which is annoying.. for everyone. Being upset about this is the only thing the boomers have been right about for the last two or three decades. OK, but since its digital, you might think they would have nice pictures of the food and a decent description. Negative. The descriptions are short, and could use some added detail. For example, the walking taco.. the description doesn't mention that it comes in a bag, cut in half, and that its not a taco at all. That's alright, we'll just ask the server about it. Also negative. There are no dedicated servers. I flagged down and asked the only girl I saw working, and to her credit, she was very nice and helpful. These are small issues, but they are still worth noting, as they could effect you depending on your situation.

Great atmosphere, but the service was very poor. The QR code ordering is pretty shady. As you add items to your tab, it only captures some items to pay. Then the rest are put through after you leave and the tip was chosen on my behalf. The service was poor and she deserved .33 of the tip that she received. I asked for a to go container and she never brought it. We also didn't receive the 2 for 1 deal and were charged full price. Really disappointed in pizza, service, fake promotions, and poor ordering/payment system. I decided to write this review after I noticed 2 charges and had to request a copy of a second receipt for the 2nd charge. It was one bill, but two transactions. Why my full tab wasn't paid when I pushed "pay now" is the issue. So, in response to the owner, yes, I did pay my tab and apparently gave 2 tips. I'm calling you out on claiming I asked for a refund and that you issued one. I can now clearly see that the restaurant is not being professionally managed and perhaps set up to rip customers off intentionally.

The food here is SO good. I’ve had the burger, fried chicken sandwich, tenders and all the apps. Really great patio and atmosphere as well. It isn’t as busy as some other spots around but don’t let this fool you. Food is as good or better than any similar options around.

Smorgie's is a wonderful bar and restaurant with great food and drinks, friendly staff, and a really neat atmosphere inside. The location is perfect with it being right across from the Xcel and right by the West 7th businesses. I've had a few of the appetizers and sandwiches, and all have been delicious and are quite reasonably priced. They had 2 4 1's drinks last time I went during late afternoon on a Saturday. The staff has always been friendly and helpful.

Showed up at 4:35 on a Tuesday hoping to get a cocktail during their 3-5 happy hour. There were many folks at tables (possibly a sponsored event) and absolutely no one at the bar. So I bellied up, chose my drink, and waited. And waited. 10 minutes alone at the bar and I left. I believe I saw a waitress or bartender at the end of the bar but no head nod or “one moment” hand wave.

Was wanting to give this place a try si ce they opened. Have to say, I was a bit medium (not bad, not great) on our experience. First off, parking stinks. There isn't a lot (or at least, not one we could find) and no real closeby street parking. Might be fine if you're already attending an event at Xcel or The Ordway and parking for those things, but if just coming down for an evening out, not ideal The space is sort of fun, some tables with patio swing seating, lots of decor. After reading you can submit a recipe that they may put on the menu, I figured this would be a good place to get some homemade-style comfort food. Unfortunately, I didnt see anything like this on the menu during our visit. Lots of fried goodies and some different burgers. Service was fast, although you use a QR code and order online. The night we visited, only the bartender was on duty, so they had to run around the whole restaurant. May try to give it another whirl when down for an event.

Was at Omnifest at the Science Museum and saw this place nearby, in walking distance and checked it out. We were greeted by a staff member at the door. He asked if we have been here yet and we had not. He kindly explained the process of how they do things. We needed to show our ids (in case we do order alcoholic drinks) and then get stamped. We then would sit down at a table and scan the QR code on our phone to bring up the menu and order right there from our phone app. You can order as a whole table or individually. Drinks and food was brought out quickly and service was friendly. I had the Smash burger which was good. I'm not such a tator tot person, but that was tasty. I was craving onion rings which was tasty too. My friend ordered the pickle fries and that was surprisingly good too.

WELL HELLO... what a cutey place here in the St Paul nooks and crannies of the food scene scatter over by the Xcel. Attached to a hotel that offers valet.. take my car...but bring it back lol! Super awesome to start our dinner date for the evening! We hit this up since it was posted by an awesome foodie person on instagram. When you walk in the place is all set up with cute decor and cool seating. You order from a QR code with your table number... if there is more than one of you order as a group because the app is kinda dumb and you cant change that after you start... so we had to head to the bar to get ordered. We ordered an appetizer Fried pickles.. cause why not... and then decided on doing a Smorgies Smash and a Big Dilly Chicken Sandwich one with fries and one with onion rings. Split in half and half so we could try each others out and neither disappointed! Was a bummer though cause allllll came out at one time and with having a tiny tummy was a bummer.. i like a staggering of food coming out! The gentleman that was clearing tables was super attentive as we finished stuff and asked questions! Again stupid app as we wanted to order dessert it wasnt offered in the app so up to the bar we headed again .. lucky for us the gentleman cleaning around us grabbed it while i was hanging out waiting. The basement bars... F yes amazing! Keep doing what you all are doing, i know there are some kinks to still get out!

I was able to speak to the manager and got everything resolved. Which I appreciate. Manager was very kind and supportive.

Food: Good, not exceptional. It came out quickly and it was aesthetically pleasing. As for taste, it was good and came out super hot, but didn't stand out from other places Service: Its a hands off kind of place. You scan a qr code to order and see the menu and you get up to get your own water. The server was super nice and friendly and they were awesome as a staff Ambiance: There was a lot of natural lighting and light chatter. It felt homey and it was super spacious! It was a modern setup

Enjoyed this laid back experience, where we were able to seat ourselves, order from our table, and not have to overly interact with the waitstaff. The food was good, the drinks were great (though maybe a little small), our waiter was great. Would definitely return. Food prices were reasonable, but drinks were a little overpriced for the size of the drink.

My SIL and I had tickets to Tim McGraw and stopped in for a drink before our dinner reservation elsewhere. Sat at the bar and had a couple drinks and some pickle fries. The space is big and open. Really cute seating areas with couches. Price point is pretty reasonable wasn't clear if the menu was an event menu or the actual menu. Looks like a nice spot maybe before our Wild games.

My sister and I tried our Smorgie's for the first time on a whim and we were impressed! Service was fast and friendly. The bartender only had about 1/4 of the bar full but he made sure we didn't have to wait on anything. We got two different tap options and both were yummy - I was happy to see they had summer shandy out of season, one of my favorite Leine's! Drinks were about $7 a piece so a little pricey for a tap but it makes sense given this place's great location next to the XCEL. We came during lunch hour which we expected to be slow but the bartender told us how exciting it gets when there's games or concerts going on. We had their smashburger with tots and ranch. The burger was actually really good, the smash burger had good flavor, the sauce was yummy, the cheese was melty, and the bun kept it all together well. The tots were very average but there was a good amount of them. We got a side of ranch which was disappointing, very watery, didn't even hold onto the tots, just slid right off. The burger was $12 with tots included so actually very reasonably priced as well. Service was great and we will return, just fix the ranch recipe please

A little disappointing. Had hoped service, food and drinks would be better. At least the price is right.

My first time going here was not bad the inside felt very gogo like with many tables and a comfy lounge seating areas. They have a nice bar with great options as well as a nice outdoor seating area with a walk-up bar. I stopped in with a friend for drinks and sat and enjoyed a nice cold bottle of cava. On staff this day bartending and doing everything was Paul. For the lack of support and staff, Paul did an amazing job. Thank you Paul for the cold bubbly and great service despite the obstacles.

Located next to the Courtyard. I went on Sunday when they were having a R&B brunch. There was lots of cute seating both indoor and outdoor but I just sat at the bar. They didn't have many brunch options, but I got the breakfast burrito and it was good. The bartender was friendly and the food was affordable.

My server (Veronica I think) was very sweet and accommodating. I got the burger and it was surprisingly really good. I'm not a fan of tots so I wish they had French fries but that's a personal preference. I would definitely go there again for the burger when I stay at the Marriott attached to it again.

This is a super cute spot across from excel energy center (and thus has no convenient parking). This place is an "order and pay on your phone" type establishment. We got our drinks quickly and the food came shortly thereafter. Food was ok. Really just bar food. Ambience is great and fun with some unique table set-ups!

Food was great! Fast service! On an event day couldn't have been a better place to stop. Good atmosphere

Slow and horrible. Sitting for 30 minutes trying to order wings. Not enough bartenders

We went before the Madonna concert , great little place to relax and visit, loved the atmosphere. Burger basket was very good, but the smash sauce was a little too spicy for me, it overtook the flavor a little too much. Onion rings were great also. My friend loved the burger so much she wanted to go back just to eat there again.

The hamburgers and chick burgers were absolutely delicious. The staff was very friendly. Highly recommend this place.

The Mini corn dogs where so good and the food came out super fast and the cheese burger is so good

If I could give 0 I would. Only on line service and failed to deliver drinks. Nobody from the "wait staff" would help us out - they just wanted us to leave. Definitely will not be coming back.

Great food and nice ambiance. It's perfectly set up especially once it's warm and they're able to open up huge doors patio doors. I was there when it was calm, but it'd be a great place to grab a beer or food before/after an event at the Xcel.

you can only order food and drinks via a QR code. we sat down and waited 15 minutes before someone told us there are no service people. once we figured that out the ordering was fast and efficient....i kind of liked it. when we went to pay our bill an automatic 22% tip was added to the order. I don't even know who we were tipping. I literally didn't speak to a single human being while I was there. the ordering process is no different than a McDonald's or Taco Bell. I have no problem with the ordering process like is ado it actually works well but I had no idea who I was tipping or what kind of service they did or didn't provide. I was also insulted that the place assumed I was incapable of tipping so they tipped for me. the server simply just bring out food and drinks with a click of a button on your phone. there is no service at all but we were automatically required to tip with no disclosure at all.

they say 2 for 1 drinks. but it is only if you sit at the bar. it says that nowhere! very false advertisement!