Nicollet Island Inn Review

I had a date here on Valentines Day 2021 and I was highly disappointed with the food for the price point (or any price for that matter). The restaurant setting is very nice, sitting right next to the Mississippi River allows for beautiful scenery. They have a lot of big open windows that really give a nice setting for dinner. The decor is very old school and cozy. They also offer free coat check at the hotel front desk. Now as far as dinner service I had a bad experience. 1. Our waiter had almost no knowledge of the menu, as it was our first time I was asking for suggestions and he was really struggling to help. I asked if he was a newer employee he said he had been there for a long time.... ..... now once we ordered what he said they were popular menu items they were subpar. Absolutely no flavor to the food, they lacked seasoning and were just bland. My date order the filet mignon $50 and she only took maybe 2 bites off the whole plate. I tried hers and it was like they didn t even try to season the food. My food was the same way.... underwhelming to say the least. The manager came over to our table and asked what the issue was we informed him of the food and he solution was to offer us a free dessert (chocolate mousse). $100 in entrees and his solution was to offer dessert. Not make something else to her liking or anything. So for this reason they were rated low. Maybe I went on a bad night, but Valentines night restaurants should be on their A game, especially since at this time it was only about 2-3 other couples in the establishment. So for $150 total I would have rather gone to Manny s or fine dining restaurants in Minneapolis.

Excellent food & service! We were not rushed at all, important to me. Scallops entree was delicious. Great atmosphere. Pricey, but good value. I highly recommend it!

"What a great little place with lots of parking, intimate atmosphere, and finer touches to elevate your stay. I recently had to come to the cities for a visit to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, and thankfully Nicolet Island Inn is pet friendly. There are lots of places to walk my humans, though since it was February, the temperatures made that a challenge. The continental breakfast we had in our room had plenty to offer, along with a large carafe of hot coffee. The only thing to improve on it, would have been a few protein options. Maybe some hard boiled eggs, sliced meats and cheeses? Dog biscuit? Thank you for the memorable stop off." - River, the dog.

Amazing dinner venue with delicious courses and an breathtaking views. The bartender Brad is great at pairing drinks with your dinner. You will not be disappointed.

Lovely building and location. Great wait staff. Food is mostly fantastic but on not always.

We've come to love this place for casual dinners in the bar and date night or special events in the restaurant. Cozy, safe, easy (free) parking, etc. We went there for their Annual Lobster week. This year it is for the month of January. Amazing value, great service, delicious food, always love the ambience. They also have a top-notch bartender Brad who makes some of the best cocktails in the Twin Cities. Photos of Lobster Cakes and main course Lobster tail. Highly recommend!

I just received an invite to the Nicollet Inn Sweetheart Tea to celebrate Valentine s Day 2021. It reminded by of what a great job the venue does of offering a remarkable formal tea experience. The building that is currently the Nicollet Island Inn was constructed in 1893 for the Island Sash & Door Company. The building alone is worth visiting; we loved seeing the horse and buggy carriages coming and going.

While I ve attended one before within the lush setting of this Inn s history main floor, for some reason, they opted to use the basement space this time. It worked okay. However, being someone who loves windows and sunlight, it wasn t quite the same setting that I hoped to return to. I understand that this year s Valentines Tea will be back on the main level.

Our first course was a colorful salad that echoed all the tones of Christmas. It was made of spinach, blue cheese, dried cranberries, apples, oranges, and walnuts in a homemade Champagne Vinaigrette.
The second course was a generous variety of finger sandwiches. My personal favorite was the smoked trout with capers and cream cheese on brioche toast.

The Herb Roaster Turkey Breast main course was accompanied with Maple Sugar Glazed Brussels Sprouts and a Sweet Potato Hash. My turkey was moist and nicely seasoned; as well the Brussel sprouts had just the right amount of sweetness without overdoing it. The turkey was beautifully presented with a tasty gravy topped with red and green fresh sprouts for a dash of holiday color and flavor.
Although, far and away my favorite is having a variety of scones served at an English Tea, the petit fours were fresh and tasty. A nice blend of teas was offered throughout the event.

Parking is no problem; The Nicollet Inn provides Valet Parking Services as well. For individuals thinking for going this year, the staff states that they provide thoroughly sanitized with electro-static sprayers and we routinely disinfect high-touch surfaces and all tables/tableware.

I highly recommend taking in one of their special occasion teas; it is well worth the price.

The bartender takes great care and has great passion that (a) his customers are happy and that (b) his drinks are perfect. And I'm sorry I didn't get his name. There were seven of us and he helped us find a place to sit in a crowded (yet quiet and talk-able) bar. He explained all the wines, drinks and food to us.The room was warm and welcoming.

Perfect overnight stay. Neighborhood was safe, quiet, low-traffic--even had horse-drawn carriage rides available and views of the river. Close walk to Nye's Bar. The hotel bar was a classic--with real bartenders who understand the nuances of each drink--real professionals. The room met every expectation. Finally, breakfast was also spot-on--great food and coffee, well-served. We'll definitely be back.

Absolutely awesome, astounding, blew me away with the service and food and hospitality! Even during the Rona! Cory was wonderful, kind, easy to get along with, extremely accommodating and made my wife and I feel very welcome. He ran that show and did a tremendous job! Will keep coming back every year! Customers for life!