The Loon Cafe

Cafe · Downtown West

The Loon Cafe

Cafe · Downtown West

3

500 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

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The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null
The Loon Cafe by null

Highlights

Chili, Grape Apes, sports bar vibe, friendly staff  

Featured in Eater
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500 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 Get directions

looncafe.com
@thelooncafempls

$10–20 · Menu

Information

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500 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 Get directions

+1 612 332 8342
looncafe.com
@thelooncafempls
𝕏
@TheLoonCafe

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@eater

The Best Sports Bars to Watch the Vikings and the College Football Playoffs | Eater Twin Cities

"Another downtown Minneapolis classic, the Loon Cafe is a casual, cozy spot to catch the game. It’s got TVs, of course, but the vintage wood bar and memorabilia give the Loon Cafe a bit of an old-time feel." - Eater Staff

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/best-sports-bars-game-day-twin-cities-minneapolis-st-paul
View Postcard for The Loon Cafe
@eater

Catch the Game at These Twin Cities Sports Bars

"Another downtown Minneapolis classic, the Loon Cafe is a casual, cozy spot to catch the game. It’s got TVs, of course, but the vintage wood bar and memorabilia give the Loon Cafe a bit of an old-time feel." - Eater Staff

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/best-sports-bars-minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities
View Postcard for The Loon Cafe
@eater

Where to Eat and Drink Around Target Field | Eater Twin Cities

"The Loon is a Minneapolis staple. In a culinary scene that’s ever-changing, this is the hallmark of the old bar regime in the Warehouse District. Cold beer and Grape Apes harken back to a previous era, but the real money is on a bowl of chili as a primer before a crisp springtime game. Turkey, chicken, veggie, beef, and pork chilies are all options." - Eater Staff

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-bars-around-near-target-field-minneapolis-north-loop
View Postcard for The Loon Cafe

Brian Osweiler

Google
I’ve been here many times, but for some reason haven’t revived the place. The Loon has a long history and is a perfect spot for lunch or dinner before a game (or without the game)! They are friendly, super efficient and know how to handle a crowd, plus the food is always good and is a great value. Add the atmosphere and local history and you’ve got a winner. Next time you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by The Loon!

Hayley Di Naso

Google
Get a grape ape or don’t go at all! Just kidding! This is one of my favorite bars in MSP. I frequented the Loon after work when I worked in the NBA, and it was something special to come back after all these years and see its charm and success unchanged. The atmosphere and energy here is always on point and the bar staff is quality. The food is just fine, no complaints. I highly recommend wetting your whistle at the Loon when you’re in the Twin Cities. Preferably, with a grape ape!

Madeline B

Google
Service was good and the location was right by my hotel. I thought for them being “known for their chili” it could have been better. It was just regular chili nothing crazy. The fries were nice and hot.

P “Parzoufoodie”

Google
No non-sense local taverm with strong baseball theme and a menu full of opportunities to try local classics such as wild rice soup and wisconsin cheese curds. Definetely recommend a visit.

Dean Hooper

Google
Chili was way salty. Could have given me a bigger plate for my fries, enough for ketchup, and "waygu" burgers were lean, over cooked ground beef. Basically lied. 0 for 3. Waitress didn't want to hear it. Guage of food quality.

Richey- Haggard 1 Photography

Google
First off. We were greeted by a very friendly staff. The atmosphere was great ....but when I tell you this chicken was paper thin, I'm not kidding! This wasn't worth the price & maybe I just got the wrong thing...but my whole family was disappointed! It was just a bad food experience! That's not what I was expecting when i walked in!

salomon diaz

Google
I will give 5 stars even though we witnessed the manager eating fries from the plates and licking his fingers. He should be aware that people are watching him while he is working. He had lunch at the bar and then went back to work without washing his hands. Maybe a food service sanitation course might help him. The food was awesome. I went there twice. I got the Reuben the first time and the second time I had the sandwich with the fried eggs. The chilli (diablo) was excellent. Bartender Marcus was friendly and his service was great.

Noah Raisanen

Google
Grape Apes, Chili, good food, big beer selection, good service And

Christopher C.

Yelp
My first place to eat after getting off the plane in my first time in Minnesota. Was recommended the chillie and walleye tacos and don't regret it one bit. The chillie was hot and soul warming. The tacos were fresh and a great compliment to the chillie. The service was wonderful and the ambiance was straight out of the show cheers. Left a wonderful impression on me and I do plan on coming back on my next trip! Thank you Sarah for your service and the Kay for the recommendation
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Cass A.

Yelp
We visited The Loon to grab a drink and apps before a game at the Target Center. We ordered the cheese curds and southwest egg rolls to split. The cheese curds were exactly what you'd expect. The egg rolls were packed full of ingredients and paired well with the spiced ranch. The crispiness of the exterior balanced the soft filling. The waitress was a gem especially being busy but apologized for the service with a round of Grape Apes (completely unnecessary but who were we to say no, when they claim they're home of the Grape Ape?).
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Lisa S.

Yelp
Good place to stop between sessions of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament. After snacking on junk food, it was great to get a Greek salad. Dressing was a bit heavy on the oil but the salad had lots of toppings, especially Kalamata olives and feta cheese. I requested a cracker to eat with it and they brought a couple of packets quickly. Service was quick which was great with limited times between games. I like the atmosphere there and lots of TVs to catch up with your other sports. Good stop.
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MIlton S.

Yelp
"I am going to need something to kill time before my second beer. How about a first one?" ~Norm from Cheers It's friendly, fun, familiar, like your favorite chair where you cuddle up to watch TV on a cold, rainy Sunday afternoon. The Grape Ape is a fun drink to try. It feels like a local place where you know everyone and everyone knows your name. The bartenders were chatty and fun too.

Rachel A.

Yelp
The Loon is my go-to spot for dinner or drinks before an event downtown! The employees are kind and efficient, and the food is great classic bar fare. Went before a Timberwolves playoff game and it was PACKED, but they got us seated, in and out in 40 mins! Definitely try a Grape Ape while you're here!
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Sami G.

Yelp
Stopped here for lunch during a shopping trip downtown St Paul. There were just three of us and it took quite awhile to just get waters. We each ordered a sandwich and one order was placed incorrectly. I had the soup of the day-shrimp and corn chowder. It should have been called spicy soup as it had my mouth burning!! I also had the BLT which had rubbery bacon and soggy fried green tomatoes. Al three meals were mediocre at best. Disappointing.
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Kimberly K.

Yelp
Something about the dark wood bar and floors intrigued me about this place. You could tell the Loon Cafe has been around and is a staple in the downtown community for many years. It was slammed after the Twins game but I luckily found one of the last spots at the bar. The bartenders were quick to make drinks and take food orders. Mine even made a few recommendations. I ordered the beef nachos and the Pinto's Diablo chili. Yes it was a lot of food but I was told their chili is excellent so figured I'd give it a try. It was excellent. I can tolerate heat but this wasn't burn your lips off spicy: it was the spicy that had a hint of sweetness behind the heat. And since chili absolutely should contain beans (much to the ire of my fellow Texans) Minnesota chili has kidney beans in it. Buttered Texas toast came on the side for dipping (or not). The chili was a meal itself. The nachos were just plain huge. There was no shortage of meat and cheese and it came accompanied with a generous helping of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. Despite being packed after the ball game the staff here stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park with the food and service (baseball pun intended).
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Trey F.

Yelp
Lunch at @thelooncafempls will now be a regular occurrence when in Downtown Mpls! * A very unconventional burger but it was very solid and on brioche buns The burger meat was also shaped to fit the buns haha. French fries were served really hot and with a side of homemade ranch The pickle spear on the side really made my day though and let me know that their kitchen staff is like a well-oiled machine‼ * This seems to be the go-to spot before or after games or shows. Very busy, yet they do a wonderful job of getting you seated. Excellent service, classic meals, friendly and casual atmosphere
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Mark H.

Yelp
We popped into this fun bar right by the ballpark on our way to a Twins game. We were greeted warmly by Robbie, the manager, and bartenders Alex and Henry were quick and friendly with anything we needed. While the menu looked fantastic, we stuck with some pregame beverages, including the famous Grape Ape. I also had to try a Grain Belt beer after seeing the historic sign on Nicollet Island. The atmosphere of this place is incredible, and I think a big part of it comes from the staff. They always looked to be having a good time, even though they were absolutely slammed with business. It also speaks well of a place when you see the owner and the manager delivering food, busting tables, and seating guests. While it was a blast hanging here before a baseball game, I bet it would be out of this world before a Vikings game. Great job and five stars guys: y'all rock.
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Greg S.

Yelp
We flew into MNP for the weekend and took the Blue Line Metro to Loon on a Friday afternoon. Cool, old bar vibe right next to the Metro stop which was nice cuz we had luggage. Get the chili and walleye and you won't be disappointed. Service was fast and friendly too!
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Tyler C.

Yelp
Not far from stadiums. Reasonable prices. Comfortable seating. Quiet at times but gets loud too.
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Lexi M.

Yelp
We popped in here for dinner our first night in town. We were told about this spot as a sports bar from a couple of the locals. We came in during game 6 of the NBA and this place was packed! They have TV's throughout the place and they were playing the sound of the game. They had a huge menu and I decided to try the Loon Addict Special. It was really good and had great flavor! This is a great spot to catch the game and enjoy some good food!
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Sydney S.

Yelp
We stopped by the Loon Cafe before a Twins game to grab some drinks & food, and I was pleasantly surprised! The vibe of this place is a cross between the village pub and sports bar - it's warm and woody with lots of fun signage. The four of us sat at the bar and really had the "local" feel. Service here is superb - great for before a game! Drinks were on the table right after we ordered, and our three appetizers were out in minutes. Pro tip: make sure to get the Grape Ape here! They're known for them, and they taste like a purple jolly rancher. For food we ordered the nachos, Buffalo wigs and the spinach queso dip. The nachos were pretty average, and we ordered the smoked chicken on top. But who doesn't love some nachos? The Buffalo wings were delicious - tender and not too hot, they even had a little bit of sweetness to them. The winner of the three was definitely the spinach queso dip! It's the perfect mix between a hot and spicy queso with spinach and artichoke dip. Highly recommend! Overall, amazing service and good food - will definitely be back before a game!
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Lindsey S.

Yelp
The Loon is one of my favorite stops before an event at target center or target field. This time was pre basketball. I got the Buffalo chicken wrap which came with fries but I did the $1 upgrade to fries. Good decision. The wrap was messy and delish. Beer is always cold with a good selection of bottles and taps.
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Nikki S.

Yelp
What a fun stop for us before the Minnesota Twins game! Food & drinks came out super quick and our server (Ali I think?!) was great too! Laid back and fun sports bar that is family friendly! Can't wait to come back the next time we are in town!
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Marc L.

Yelp
This is the Minneapolis version of Cheers! Great atmosphere, excellent service. Great pub food and beer selections with excellent cocktail service. Two blocks from Target Field, a block north of Target Center, and three stops down the LRT to US Bank Stadium. Makes a great pregame or event check in. Or watch from there. Plenty of TVs for a good view from every section.
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Hnou V.

Yelp
I thought the food was below average. The wrap I got had chicken breast, ham, cheese, mayo, ranch, lettuce, and tomato. I thought it tasted okay but nothing exciting about it. My partner got the Cajun chicken breast sandwich. The bun they used was bad. It was way too much bread for the sandwich. It was also dry. However, the chicken was decent. The spicy sauce that came with it also was not very interesting. The service was okay. I hated how sound carried in this restaurant. It's was pretty loud in here with the chatter and music.
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Paige O.

Yelp
My family came here before a Twins game. It is very close to Target Field and an easy walk. Surprisingly on a game day, we were seated right away! We had come here before many years ago, but no time recent. On this visit I decided to get the loon addict sandwich. It was surprisingly very good. Got it with fries and they were also very good. The rest of my family all got different things on the menu from wings to ham and cheese but there was so complaints from anyone. A good meal overall before going to the game. The waitress was very nice and got us everything as fast as she could. It was still very busy in the restaurant. Again no complaints. Overall a good dining experience. Nothing too crazy but a good place to come for a bite downtown. I will definitely come back again.
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Maureen M.

Yelp
Great spot to come before a twins game. We were from the opposite team but service was great and food was good. Packed house 90 minutes before the game. Lots of local fans were there
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Marguerite A.

Yelp
I CO N I C C A F E Great place to start your evening in downtown MPLS. Hit this place up for the 1st time before the Willie concert at the Target Center. Most of the other guests had on Twins shirts, and everyone was getting their groove on. I was impressed with the professionalism of the staff. Fast, courteous, and attentive. Not just our bartender, but the hosts, servers and kitchen folks too. My chicken quesadilla was perfect for my Scandinavian palate The tap beer was fresh and tasty. No dirty lines here! All in all, a satisfying gastronomical experience. However, a trip to the ladies room downstairs was disappointing and scary. A trip back jn time!! Grubby Grubby Grubby. Old and in dire need of fresh toilet seats, icky. YOU CAN PEE HERE, BUT YOU WON'T LIKE IT

Samuel Z.

Yelp
Tim and John run one of the best shops in Downtown Minneapolis. Food and service are unmatched for their price point, and the ambiance is one of the more unique amongst bars in the area. Great stop for a Twins/Timberwolves pre game meal and drinks
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David S.

Yelp
My favorite spot any time I am in Minneapolis. The wait staff are always so nice and welcoming and great you like family. I got the Loon burger (shaped more like a hot dog) and my wife got the chicken Caesar wrap. The fries were very crispy and the wrap was very filling. If you like a sugary drink, the Grape Apes are for
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Bridget L.

Yelp
We are here on vacation for baseball and this gem is next to ball park and we have been here everyday sometimes twice in one day and will be back again tomorrow only because these employees Cody and Carl two bartenders were absolutely amazing and made us not want to leave. Food is amazing as well . I only got one pic of Dragon wings we had 2 days in a row and had walieye fish tacos both are sooo good. You want great atmosphere and great people to take care of you this is the place to be guaranteed! Gonna miss them but be back one more time tomorrow
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Cameron B.

Yelp
Meh this was rough. My friend got a cracked plastic cup of water that spilled everywhere only to realize that it was also leaking through the cracked table onto his pants. There are small TVs with not great viewing angles. I wouldn't say this place is great as a a sports bar.
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Jenny S.

Yelp
If your looking for over priced food and drinks this is the place. Stopped in with a group after an event. Very poor service & very rude. We got cold food & missing items. We didn't even care just asked them to take the things we didn't order. Got an old fat guy that said he was the owner in a messy outfit at our table. He just complained to us he was busy and they still messed up our bill. Someone in our group claimed he also made a racist comment. I do not recommend.
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Linda B.

Yelp
We traveled to St Paul for a family wedding, and happily found the Luna Cafe. The first night we enjoyed great food and a fun band outside. Then second night Patrick (most excellent bartender) welcomed us back in for some cocktails & munchies after the wedding reception. Great ambiance and good fun! Highly recommended!
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Ardur N.

Yelp
It was late at night. The place was not closed and I had asked the waiter politely if I could just hop in to go to the bathroom as a courtesy. I got a pretty rude "No" that was uncalled for. The way they treated a potential customer speaks volumes and the reason they treated me, has clear racist undertones, as some of the white customers were clearing allowed. I will make sure to report them to proper authorities in due time. The incident occurred in 2019.
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Amy R.

Yelp
I haven't been here since the late 90s, but a bunch of decided to go for lunch. Nice that it's situated right by the train. It was easier to take the train than to try and find parking. It's kind of dark inside, but they have a few tables if you want to sit outside. Food was okay. Fairly decent menu. Ordered the Chinese Chicken Salad which I usually devour, but this one was absolutely doused in dressing. I like dressing, but it felt the an entire bottle was mixed into this salad which made it kind of inedible. The chicken on top of the salad was good. The other party members enjoyed their lunch. The Loon burgers. Service was decent. Might venture back if in the area.

Geo L.

Yelp
First time coming here today, great environmental atmosphere, felt really welcomed. Food was good, prices matched the food given!
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Megan M.

Yelp
We stopped by for a quick bite before heading to a basketball game. The place looked a little sketchy at first but I soon realized I had nothing to worry about. Our waitress, Paige Weber, was very nice and the food was just as good. I really recommend this place if you want to have a good meal. P.S. I recommend the wings. -An 11-year-old chicken wing connoisseur
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Patti R.

Yelp
Dinner last night... it was ok but the Gourmet magazine chili was very so so. I didn't taste any season on the season fries. My lemon drop martini was sugar rimmed but mostly tasted like vodka. I think the really only lemon flavor was from the lemon rind. The staff was pleasant the food ok
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Trish S.

Yelp
29APR2018 Update: This place is STILL terrific! I tried the turkey burger on my more recent visit and it was on point! We usually sit at the bar because the service is fantastic and the bartenders are hysterical. We enjoy every visit, every time! This IS a local treasure, if only for the chili. Not in a chili mood? Don't let that distract you. There's a big menu filled with amazing goodness. Most recently, my husband and I were reminded that Da Loon Does Brunch in a BIG way. I had an awesome breakfast burrito that, honestly, could change my morning commute to pick one up every day. They were here when we landed back in the 90s and we support 'em now. You get all the sports, great drinks and big food. What are you waiting for?!
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Sam K.

Yelp
Was there for St Patrick's day this weekend and it was great. They were super busy but our waitress took good care of us the whole time. I can't remember her name but she deserves a medal for having to deal with that crowd that day. The chicken fingers were great and I will always stop in whenever I'm near downtown. Small spot but always a good time.
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Emily R.

Yelp
Stopped in right before a concert at the Target Center to grab a bite to eat. We shared some artichoke dip and mini burger sliders. The food came out fast and they had $3 rail drinks which was super nice. Overall the food was just fine. Nothing special or anything I would order again. On the other hand our server was AWESOME. She was very nice and attentive. She always had our drinks and water glasses full. We were in and out which was exactly what we wanted! I have also been to the Loon for the bar/nightclub scene. I will probably never come here again. They only had two bartenders working which made it impossible to get a drink. They also only have three bathrooms downstairs which creates chaos.
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Jacob R.

Yelp
This bar is a meeting place for a group of friends who love it and now I look forward to going every time. They allegedly invented the grape ape, which is the most delicious drink ever in the right climate. I have seen a lot of pro athletes here, celebrities in town, and anyone in between. It's chill and fun, I can't say anything bad about it.
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Jane J.

Yelp
Hadn't been to Loon Cafe for some time, and menu has become simply sports bar fare. Perfect if that what you want before or after a game. We were seated right away. Split a Kathryn's Salad with my husband and found the Coconut chicken bland and dressing overwhelming. Appreciated a friendly staff person greeting us when we arrived and thanking us for being there when we left.
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Matt G.

Yelp
It's impossible to turn down the opportunity to eat at a restaurant named after the Minnesota State Bird as well as the Brainerd Classic Rock Station the "Power Loon". Needless to say, I was not let down. The Buffalo Chicken wrap presentation was over and beyond with criss cross burn patterns on the tortilla that made me want to "JUMP! JUMP!" for joy when I got it. One aspect about the wrap that I respect is that they made it with blue cheese rather than ranch how it's supposed to be made. Unlike Barry Bonds, they hit it out of the park and did it the right way.
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Anthony N.

Yelp
Came here for a quick dinner the first night I was in town for the Saints - Vikings playoff game. Service was great, everyone was extremely friendly, even as I was wearing Saints gear. The food however was pretty average. I thought the chips and cheese would be a queso app, but it was actually just cheese nachos. The salsa that came with it was not very good, it had no flavor other than tomato. The smoked chicken quesadillas made up for this, they were delicious with just the right ratios meat and cheese. I got the pork chili with a side of fries for my meal, and while it was good, it tasted just like a normal homemade chili. The fries were excellent, well fried shoestring fries. Last bite: french fries.
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Kathie A.

Yelp
Stopped at the Loon on our way to Twins game Fan Appreciation weekend, seating outside on the sidewalk, good people watching, waitress seemed not to be aware what a Mexican beer was, told me they didn't carry any yet there were several on the menu, when I requested was told they were out. Had a Tanquerey and tonic, requested it not be "burnt" it came to me so strong it was undrinkable. Tried the Spinach dip that was on the menu listed as one of their best/most popular items, really flavorless and served luke warm at best. Was not impressed and would not go back anytime soon.
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Chrisp Y.

Yelp
Delicious! A lucky find for us, coming in for the weekend for the Saints v Vikings game. We tried 2 different kinds of chili (Pecos River and Pintos Diablo) both terrific, and the Texas toast so tasty. Then split a ham-n-cheese and fries, with leftovers. Restaurant setting vintage charm, a step back in time... Came back before a Vikings game, they asked us what game we'd like to watch while we snacked on onion rings, spinach artichoke dip and some wild rice soup. Highly recommend a stop here!
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Lorraine N.

Yelp
Not my kind of place. More of a sticky messy sports bar. Don't dig anything about it. I do believe the bartenders can make a decent cocktail which is the only reason I gave them two stars not one. I can live without ever going here again!
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Corey G.

Yelp
Couldn't decide where to eat in Minneapolis today, thought, "what's more Minnesota sounding than the "Loon Cafe." Sorely disappointing with a few bright spots as listed: Negatives * Burgers are offered on rye or sourdough. * Burgers should not be offered on sourdough * Seating is exceptionally uncomfortable * Proximity to Target Field drives prices up. I've eaten much better food for 50% less in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood * Relative lack of culture for its name and said proximity * Mysterious pulp in Bloody Mary accompanied by an assault of onion salt Positives * Server was friendly (Minnesota nice) * Water was phenomenal * Fries were good but tasted like Steak 'N Shake
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Dee D.

Yelp
I would have to say The Loon Cafe is very nice place for a quick bite to eat if you're in the area! I was in the downtown area for a concert at Mill City and was definitely hungry! I saw The Loon Cafe at the corner and decided to go ahead and check it out! To be honest, the atmosphere here was a sports bar & grill feel! The bar is immediately right in front of you as you walk in as well as seating around the restaurant. The seats I chose were next to the window and it was just for people watching! But didn't get a chance to explore the place fully! The only thing I ordered were the Walleye fingers and the jalapeño corn bread! The Walleye fingers are definitely a must in my opinion! The breading was perfect, it wasn't too thick nor was it too thin! It was perfect ratio of bread and walleye! For me adding the lemon on it made it taste amazing! The dish also came with two sauces: spicy mayo and I believe it was house Tatar sauce, which had a unique taste! This was only an appetizer but definitely a sharable dish! I felt super full after finishing it! I also went ahead and got the jalapeño cornbread to give it a try and that itself was amazing! Tasted just like your homemade cornbread with a kick from the jalapeño! I recommend either having it with a side of butter or have it with their house chili! Which is what my friend did! Definitely would like to return here and give some more fishes a try to see what else is delicious here.
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Nichole R.

Yelp
Walked into the Loon Cafe after trying to find SOMEWHERE to eat quickly downtown on a Tuesday night at 7:15pm after 5 other places were packed beyond belief. The Loon Cafe was extremely busy but we were seated within 5 minutes of being on a wait list so that was good. Our service wasn't bad as we were trying to order and get in and out within 30 minutes to catch a show and she succeeded in doing that. But WOOF...the food? Horrid. I ordered the Grilled Cheese which is highlighted as a "House Special"...ok, great...how can you eff up a grilled cheese? It's quick to make. I'll take it. It was the worst grilled cheese I've ever had in my life. It was described as "Sunflower seeds, minced onions, tomatoes, cheddar & swiss cheese on multi-grain bread." Yes, that is correct but it was just thrown together and n-a-s-t-y. The cheese was coming out in huge half cooked globs, the swiss was a stinky mess that left you with horrid breath, the onion looked like they weren't cooked at all...the only flavor I could taste was the flavor of nasty. Yes, that's a flavor. I was done after one bite. My other got the cheeseburger sliders and they weren't bad but very underwhelming. The fries definitely tasted like they were frozen. Meh all around. The only plus besides getting served pretty fast was that they had Castle Danger Cream Ale on their beer list. I suggest saving your money and going somewhere else. The Depot Tavern is much better and just around the block.
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Jason K.

Yelp
It was a beautiful day before a Twins game out with a good buddy of mine. It was Memorial Day, so we decided to try out NBA City.....Nope closed. Hey it is 12 o'clock on a beautiful day when 30 thousand people were going to be downtown. Of course it was closed. The we went a clock over to Bar 508...They did not want our money either. Then it was off to the Loon. Open. I ordered a solid Summit and it was super tasty, and then I ordered the Rachel. It was super cheesy with some good French fries on the side. I would have liked more turkey than cheese and a little more sauerkraut, but overall it was good. My friend cot a chicken club and it was huge. The fries were good and crispy and the beer was good as well as the service. I've been to the Loon about 5 times and every time they are really solid.
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Kevin R.

Yelp
While in St. Paul visiting family we were able to catch an early Twins game over at Target Field that ended around lunch time (Twins shut out the A's, woo!). During the game we were seated right behind the camera guy so we decided to ask for some lunch ideas within walking distance from the stadium. He immediately mentioned the Loon Cafe and the fact that it's basically around the corner from the Kirby Puckett entrance on 6th Street. Sold! For some stupid reason we didn't eat anything at the ballpark so when the game ended we headed straight to the Loon to finally get something to go along with the overpriced stadium beers. We were expecting it to be packed since the game just ended and thousands of hungry baseball fans were pouring into the downtown area, but we were lucky enough to snag a table because most people we just crowding around the bar. (not to mention it was a Wednesday around 3:00pm). It's obvious the management and staff at this local bar are proud of their sports teams as every professional team in the area is represented on the walls. The multiple flat screens over the bar were even playing more baseball game for those of us that just can't get enough. The menu is surprisingly diverse with the typical bar options mixed with Mexican food, their famous chilie, and also a gluten free section which we didn't see much of throughout the rest of the state! To get things going we got the Mexicali Loon nachos (tortilla chips, green onions, lettuce, olives, tomatoes, jalapeños, Monterey jack and cheddar cheese, with guacamole and sour cream). The festive 4th of July red, white, and blue chips were piled high and the bowl of salsa in the middle gave it just the right kick. After we devoured that out came my ranch turkey burger (with green chiles, onions, jalapeños, limes juice, and ranch seasoning on an onion bun). The patty was a perfect medium rare and the ranch dressing made the flavor pop even more. It was the perfect sidekick to my frothy, locally brewed, Summit EPA. The Loon Cafe is a great local hangout which even has the slogan "Baseball Spoken Here." After watching the home team win, what more could you ask for? Plus, whether you wanted to skip the headache of finding downtown parking, or if you indulged in a few too many cold ones, the Metro runs right by the front door with a stop across the street!
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Charles Gary M.

Yelp
TL;DR Gorgeous bartender gives good advice, Dirty Pork Stew better than the Chili. I'm from Dallas, TX, staying over the weekend. I started my Saturday morning jaunt to Mall of America by taking the long, light rail route: Green Line to Target Center, Blue Line to MOA. I saw The Loon Cafe from the platform, and decided to give it a look...and to relieve myself...ahem. Inside it looks like Cheers (btw, the bathrooms are down some narrow wooden stairs). The bar was tended by the Best Bartender in the World. She is certainly on of the prettiest; engaging, helpful, and efficient: gave me food and drink advice while filling three orders. She guided me towards the Dirty Pork Stew after we talked about chili, Texas, and beers. So I opted for a shootout: a cup of each. The chili is good: thick, no beans, chunk beef. Not tomato-y, but too light on powder, salt, and cayenne. Texas score: 7/10. The stew had me at Bite 1: thick, meaty, complex flavors. No porky over taste, juicy cubes. 9/10. Y'all come now, ya hear?
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Tony U.

Yelp
The Loon was my first impression of Minneapolis nightlife. I returned here after a long drive from West Des Moines and met up with my friends. The atmosphere's warm, laid back, comfortable, and a great place to watch a game and have a beer with friends. The service is very good and the pub grub was very good. I had the "loon addict" special, a grilled chicken sandwich that hit the spot. I definitely wouldn't mind coming here again someday. Regarding that sandwich, I was very impressed that I had a choice of fries or fruit. Fruit, a much healthier alternative. And it wasn't half bad either.
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Kelley L.

Yelp
Walked in for a quick bite before the game. The first time we were here about a year ago, it was average. Tonight, the food and service were, again, average. I ordered the Bulls-eye. It was ok. However, I hate cold buns. A grilled sandwich bun would have elevated the flavor almost to a four. Downstairs, the restrooms were dirty and unstocked. I actually waited to use the restrooms at the target center. Next time, I'll walk a few more blocks to find a restaurant that I can give a 4 star rating.
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Jackie K.

Yelp
Honestly I was a little reluctant based off the name + the decor but this place was great. I'm a first timer to MN, and I got the jalapeño crusted grilled Walleye.. It was fantastic. Flavorful and fresh. Even the side of cole slaw was great! It was long thin shredded slices of cabbage; fresh and flavorful. (I'm not a fan when it's overly sweet and creamy, this was not). Bartender was friendly and attentive, he helped me pick out and sample local beers. Seems like it might be a party scene at night; I can't attest to that, but the food was great!