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Reviews
by Roseanne Pereira, Minnesota Public Radio
Enter 128 Cafe and you'll first notice the cozy atmosphere, tiny candles at each table, the murmur of the crowd. The restaurant is a subterranean alcove. It's located in the basement of an apartment building on Cleveland Avenue, across from the University of St Thomas campus. (more)
by Michael May, Weekend America
It's Saturday night and chef Ian Pierce is still running around this small kitchen finishing prep work for the coming rush. "We got 60 people in the restaurant, 40 people eating between 5 and 6 o'clock and another hundred after that..."
I've known Ian Pierce since high school. He was sort of a hippie and class clown. It's fair to say he never lived up to his potential as a student. So I was a bit surprised when I read the reviews calling him one of St. Paul's best chefs. I guess we all grow up, sort of.
In the kitchen, Ian breaks in with a rousing chorus. "I wanna be your lover, lover, lover boy... Got any lemons?" (more)
by Rick Nelson, Star Tribune
The upcoming Oscars have me thinking about Jill Wilson.
Pretend, just for a moment, that the Academy Awards include a category for Best Performance by a St. Paul Restaurateur.
I'm fairly certain that Wilson would at least make the short list of nominees, if not hear Scarlett Johansson or Seth Rogen announce her name from the stage of the Kodak Theatre, following the words, "And the award goes to..." (more)
by C.J., Star Tribune
Sandra Oh has been navigating the Twin Cities as though her escort is from these parts.
Thanks to e-mailers and others, I've been able to confirm the movement of the "Grey's Anatomy" star to places such as St. Paul's 128 Cafe and Muffeletta. Sunday's column reported confirmed sightings of Oh dining at Chambers, a celebrity hot spot, and checking out exhibits at the world famous Walker Art Center. (more)
by Rick Nelson, Star Tribune
"This is a perfect winter's night restaurant," said my friend as we shucked our coats and settled into our table on the grand reopening night at the 128 Cafe last week. Absolutely. It's hard to imagine a cozier spot, a pair of small-scaled rooms tucked into a space a For Rent want-ad would optimistically call the "garden level" of a 100-year-old apartment house. (more)
by Rick Nelson
The coziness continues under new ownership, which has spiffed up the signature knotty pine ambience and retained several can't-miss dishes, including what might be the city's best ribs. (more)
"The roasted garlic was so good it is my new standard. Service was nice, prices were reasonable for the gourmet fare. Good vegetarian menu options."
"It's charming to think that you could open a restaurant on the ground floor of an apartment building, hire some good chefs and servers, and entertain the patrons. Of course there is more to it than that, owning a restaurant. But somehow, 128 Cafe makes it seem easy."
"You might not know it from the outside, but this is one of the best places to eat in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The place is cozy (with only twenty or so tables in two small rooms). The menu and food are definitely prepared by a chef who knows what he or she is doing. There are no bad choices. Even the ribs (and this is not a rib joint) are tremendous. If they have halibut on special, get it if you like fish."
"This darling place is tucked into the ground floor of an apartment building. Two small rooms, aglow with candles are usually packed with sophisticated patrons on dates. The chefs start with basics, like organic meats and fresh seafood, adding elegant simplicity to enhance each dish. The result is exciting New American fare that changes every few weeks. A perennial favorite is tiger shrimp in a piquant sauce while roasted chicken breast is cooked with tart capers, lemon and white wine."
"Hearty mid-western fare and vegetarian options - my dish tasted like they stopped by the farmer's market that morning to pick up some fresh asparagus and organic, run around in the sun chicken. Not too expensive considering the quality of the meal & centrally located in the TC. Loved that I could check out a sample menu on their web site. The food was very good, staff genuinely nice & atmosphere comfortable. Accommodated our group of 12 quite well. I'll definitely be back for a romantic dinner with my husband, who will love their wine list. We will, however, split dessert - it was huge! Also, it's a great place to take guests in from the East if you don't want to throw one of our TC Italian restaurants up against a Little Italy crowd."
"As a resident of this area, I am sorely disappointed with myself. Why haven't I been to 128 Cafe before? 128 Cafe is a charming restaurant tucked in the bottom of an apartment building. The food is delicious, and the portions are just right. One is tempted to overeat here. (The prices help with that.) This cozy place would be a great date spot.'
"We keep coming back to 128 Cafe. For me it is the premiere restaurant in the Twin Cities for high quality food and service and is consistent. I've never had a bad experience here. The menu has a few items- but they are all delicious! Fun atmosphere, great staff, and reasonable prices. I'll keep going here!"
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