Bar La Grassa or 112 Eatery

[pitbossmgm]

I'm coming to Minneapolis soon with two friends. None of us live in Minneapolis, although I lived in the city in the early '90s. We've heard great things about these places. I assume we'll eat at one of them. Any thoughts? We will probably eat late, at 9 or later. Both menus look fantastic. Is one a bit more laid-back than the other? We aren't looking for a candlelight dinner, but we are looking for a great meal.

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112 Eatery
112 N 3rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Bar La Grassa
800 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

[pitbossmgm]

Thanks to all of you guys! We had a fantastic dinner at La Grassa. The soft lobster and eggs was fanfreakingtastic. Ditto for the St. Louis ribs. Big fan of the gnocchi. I got a sea urchin pasta that was regrettable - without flavor, dry, just appalling. There was a scallop dish that was pretty good. A crab ravioli that was nice. It wasn't a mind-blowing meal, but the menu is huge and the three of us only sampled a sliver of it. I'd definitely go again. Also had a fantastic breakfast - bison benedict with rosti potatoes - at Hell's Kitchen, and two great meals (a lunch and breakfast) at French Meadows in Uptown. Had fun drinking beer on the roof at Stella's, too. It's such a fantastic town, and it was great to revisit, after 20 years of being away. I plan to get back to Minneapolis more routinely.

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Hell's Kitchen
80 South 9th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402

[JimGrinsfelder]

Same people own both places. In my experience, the food at 112 is far better. Both have decent wine selections. I like eating at the bar upstairs at 112.

I thought the food at Bar La Grassa was nothing special. I make better carbonara at home. The much vaunted lobster+scrambled eggs didn't taste much like lobster and was over the top in fat/salt. The scene is much more lively/loud at Bar La Grassa.

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Bar La Grassa
800 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

[pitbossmgm]

Thanks to all of you for your help! I can't wait to get back to Minneapolis. I lived there in the early 90s, at the corner of Lyndale and ... maybe 24th? Leaning Tower of Pizza was on one corner; across Lyndale was Muddy Waters. Such a great town and neighborhood.

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Muddy Waters Bar & Eatery
2933 Lyndale Ave So., Minneapolis, MN 55405

Leaning Tower of Pizza
2324 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405

[soupkitten]

believe it or not (i can't) both establishments are still there :)

[bob s]

Actually, Muddy Waters has moved down Lyndale 5 blocks to 2933 Lyndale. It's just north of the Lyndale Tap House and south of Galactic Pizza. It's also expanded its offerings to add more food. (I've not been so I can't say anything about the new place.)

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Muddy Waters Bar & Eatery
2933 Lyndale Ave So., Minneapolis, MN 55405

[soupkitten]

thanks. i'd noticed some construction there but didn't know what was going on (i prefer caffetto when in that hood)

[bob s]

It's probably been great for Caffetto that they've moved. There really isn't much in the way of other coffee places anywhere near there now.

[mtullius]

BLG: definitely much louder. It's a happening, loud, modern, busy, exciting vibe. Better cocktails than 112, if that matters.

112: still plenty hip, but definitely quieter and not quite as trendy as its younger brother. Lots of great food.

Really just depends on which you're in the mood for-- the food is obviously quite different (check out menus online if you haven't already), and so is the vibe.

[MNLawGirl]

I recently went to both in one day. Drinks and an appetizer with work friends around 5. BLG for dinner with the hubby at 7:30. BLG is fantastic, the gnocchi alone is worth the trip. But I will always stick with 112. The foie gras meatballs, the sweetbreads and the most addicting scallops - I will always put 112 on top. If you want to catch up with your two friends, 112 is the perfect way to go - especially if you get a table on the second floor. Its just more intimate. If you have room for dessert, get the tres leches.

[BigE]

Similar vibes, both are casual. 112 is significantly smaller and probably a little more quiet. BLG is a giant raucous room with loud music and conversation that strains to be even louder.

I would strongly advise reservations for both, even with the late meal time.

Two recommendations (one from each spot)...papardelle with foie meatballs at 112, chicken (note, a whole good sized chicken) at BLG. I know, chicken sounds boring, but this thing is tremendous.

I haven't been to 112 in the last year or so, but I've heard a few grumblings about drop in quality. Take that for what it's worth.