Nick and Eddie

1612 Harmon Pl
Minneapolis, MN
612-486-5800
http://www.nickandeddie.com/

Category: American - Casual

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 7
Service: 7
Ambience: 7

Recommendation: Very Good. The lunch menu here isn’t terribly fancy and very affordable – can’t go wrong with great value.

Nick and his coworker ended up at Nick and Eddie for lunch one day. We had heard good things and wanted something that was casual but not generic. Before you even step into the restaurant, you know Nick and Eddie has something going for it – the location is perfect, overlooking Loring Park and which was adorned with beautiful fall colors. The restaurant says European bistro all the way – a large space with high ceilings, light colors, and minimalist décor. Casual and inviting – its reminiscent of Paris; I feel I can sit along the window, drink an espresso while reading a book, and yet not be bothered by the restaurant staff or asked to vacate the table (caution – this is just a hunch.) Large windows stand between the diners and beautiful Loring Park – if you want to romance a loved one, this is an ideal setting.

I’ve only been there for lunch once, so the review is based on that experience. The lunch menu isn’t expansive, yet there’s something for everyone be it salad, soup, sandwich, or a meat/fish entrée. What really caught my eye was that most options were under $10; that’s hard to find at most restaurants, especially one of this caliber. We started with a soup and appetizer. The Baked Gnocchi with Cheese Sauce was spectacular (just a heads up that its not potato gnocchi – it’s a puff). Regardless, they were light and airy in a light cheese sauce, and the brown baked crust gave it great flavor. I wasn’t a big fan of the Beef and Cabbage Borscht – the flavors and rich, dark, and intense and this isn’t for everyone. For mains, the Spicy Steak Dip Sandwich is a winner – how can you go wrong with blue cheese and caramelized onions on a sandwich. The crusty bread was stuffed nicely with these ingredients and made for a wonderful texture and flavor combination. The side of coleslaw was crunchy and not overdressed. The Minute Steak was nicely done and was accompanied by crispy, well-seasoned fries. Service was attentive, always easier when the restaurant isn’t busy.

$. Most lunch options under $10. Parking meters across the street.