1881 Eating House

Review summary

1. M

   Michelle VIP

   Minneapolis30 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Love this place! Unique atmosphere at the historic Union depot. I had the sunnies and they were delicious. Husband had the lamb burger and he’s still talking about it! Nice wine list too.
   

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Minneapolis3 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food here is just OK. Nothing special. Not disagreeable in anyway. They play this kind of spacey New Age music, which kind of brings down the ambience of the whole depot with its wonderful historical architecture. But it’s not a dealbreaker. Just a little bit too loud. Our service was absolutely wonderful!  perhaps overall it would be a better breakfast or lunch spot for grabbing a quick sandwich then a fine dining experience for dinner.
   

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3. A

   Andrea

   Minneapolis2 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on March 9, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 4

   As a long time patron of Lake Elmo Inn, I was really hoping this location would be a great experience but was beyond disappointed. First, we were greeted by a very casually dressed hostess (?) clearly on her way out the door with things in her hand and a purse over her shoulder. The location in the Depot is really lovely and the noise level was low. The battery operated light on our table kept flickering and we swapped it out with one on the table next to us as they were very few diners. We ordered an appetizer and a salad, which we never got. Mocktails were good. We waited almost an hour for our reasonably priced food. Burgers were charred and tasteless, Mahi sandwich was better but not much fish, and french fries were decent. When (I assume) the manager stoped by our table, I informed her we did not get some of our food. She clearly wanted to make this right and was apologetic. She took it off our bill, packed the food to go and threw in an extra order and a piece of carrot cake. We were presented with a dessert menu but actually had to ask our waitress what the daily options were when she returned to take our order. Desserts were subpar and seemed to have possibly spent too long in a freezer. We ended up being there 2.5 hours, and while we enjoyed each other's company, it was not what we expected and was way too long for our puppy back home in her crate. Will not be back.
   

   1881 Eating HouseResponded 4 days ago

   Dear Andrea, Thank you for sharing your feedback. As longtime patrons, your support means the world to us, and I’m truly sorry your recent visit to 1881 was disappointing. From the greeting to the missed items and food quality, your experience fell far short of what we aim to provide. While I’m glad our manager attempted to make things right, I understand it didn’t offset the evening. Please know we’re actively working through growing pains and addressing these issues seriously. Your honest feedback helps us improve, and I’d welcome the chance to speak with you directly. Thank you again for your loyalty and for giving us the opportunity to learn from this. Sincerely, Anthony Rios General Manager 1881 Eating House 952-698-1881
   

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4. J

   Julie VIP

   Minneapolis6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great service! Wonderful food. We had the scone charcuterie with scones and lovely toppings. We had pancakes with bananas, nuts and caramel syrup. We had a steak and eggs breakfast with hash towns and toast. Lovely food, quiet atmosphere, will return! Want to try other mealtimes as well.
   

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Minneapolis2 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on March 1, 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 5

   Upon having reservations at 11:30, we didn’t receive our food until 12:15 and all we ordered was French toast and sausage. When our food arrived; cold and without sausage, no one seemed particularly concerned. It then took another 15 minutes to get our check. Very sad as the ambience is beautiful and it was a very special day for my grandson and I.
   

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6. J

   Jeff

   Minneapolis3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 28, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   1881 is an "open-air" restaurant in Union Depot. The decor, service, ambiance, and food were all outstanding. The restaurant is also associated with the Lake Elmo Inn, which we've enjoyed. Do realize there are people coming and going, as there are other businesses within the depot, to include train operations. We did enjoy our meal. The service was outstanding and the setting was unique. We plan to return on a regular basis.
   

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7. R

   Roxann

   Minneapolis2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 28, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Such a fun place for dinner with friends and family. Excellent food, service and a fun setting. Highly recommend it!
   

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8. J

   John

   Minneapolis14 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on February 21, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   The tuna in the sandwich was too cold. Though it was seared it felt and toasted like it was in the fridge until just before it was brought out.
   

   1881 Eating HouseResponded on February 21, 2025

   Thank you for your feedback! Our tuna sandwich is intentionally served chilled, with the tuna being seared in the morning and then cooled to maintain its freshness and avoid wilting the garnishments. We understand that preferences vary, and we appreciate you sharing yours with us. If you'd like, we’re happy to recommend some of our warm sandwich options on your next visit! Hope to see you again soon!
   

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9. L

   Luann VIP

   Minneapolis59 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 19, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A great space with excellent food and service. Can't wait to go back for brunch
   

   1881 Eating HouseResponded on February 25, 2025

   Thanks for checking us out Luann! We look forward to serving you soon!
   

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10. CO

    CarolO VIP

    Las Vegas7 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5

    Where were your fabulous cookies? We LOVE those and were not given any this time. It was such a nice and very yummy unique treat to bring home and remind us why we enjoy 1881. Bring them back!!
    

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