The Uptowner Cafe on Grand
| Address: | 1100 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, USA |
| Phone: | +1 651-224-0406 |
| Site: | uptownercafeongrand.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 6:30AM–2:30PM 6:30AM–2:30PM 6:30AM–2:30PM 6:30AM–2:30PM 6:30AM–2:30PM 6:30AM–3PM 7AM–3PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
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Chuck Zandy
It all depends on what you like, I guess. I can see how this place could have a cult following -- the portions are huge and it has that down-to-earth feel (the anti-chain restaurant). But if you value quality, cleanliness, and healthfulness, this is not the place for you. The restaurant essentially epitomizes the greasy spoon stereotype. [new paragraph] Walking in, I immediately noticed the lack of cleanliness. Thats not always a bad thing -- part of the charm of a hometown establishment can come from its clutter and lived-in quality. But in this case, it goes well beyond that. There was literally grease dripping from a vent in the ceiling, down the wall, and over a framed picture. My fork was visibly dirty; I had to wipe it off with my napkin. [new paragraph] As for the food, the portions may be large, but they were swimming in grease, and not very tasty, either (unless you simply love the taste of greasy food). I had the Cajun breakfast after reading recommendations of it here. I couldnt finish even half of it, it was so greasy. My wife had the French toast; it wasnt grease-soaked, at least, but it was bland and uninteresting. Even the sourdough toast with my meal was soaked in what tasted like imitation butter. Id rather it had been plain. [new paragraph] On the plus side, the wait staff was friendly. The prices would have been reasonable had the food been at least halfway decent. [new paragraph] If youre looking for good quality at a reasonable price, there are much better options in the St. Paul area. If price is your main factor, The Little Oven is cheaper than the Uptowner with better quality food. If quality is your main factor, The Woodbury Cafe has superb quality and is only slightly more expensive than here.
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Andrew Petriuusi
Right off the bat, parking was a bit confusing. There is a sign out front that says free parking, so we pulled in to the lot. The attendant said he didnt really know what the agreement was on parking, but that he thought customers received a 50% discount. We parked on the nearby street just because we werent sure. The staff were very friendly and helpful as soon as we arrived. We ordered our meals, the Cajun and Eggs/Hash browns/Pancakes, which sounded really good, but were also very spendy (though the Groupon helped offset that). My meal (Eggs/HB/Pancakes) came with meat, a bit to my surprise, and I was rather disappointed to learn that they would not substitute or reduce price if I did not want the meat. The food was good; the hash browns were cooked right and the hollandaise/cajun dish was very flavorful. The pancakes were a bit disappointing, which was odd as those are supposed to be a big draw. The portions were generous, and left us with enough to bring home. Overall, this is not a bad review. Just an honest recap of our experience. If I could condense my feedback, it would be to simplify /clarify the parking situation (vouchers are cool - bike racks could also decrease vehicle congestion), consider allowing meat substitution or offer meat-alternatives (I know it seems a pain but little things like that can go a long ways), and maybe reduce portions if needed to find a lower price range.
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Michael Green
We waited a bit for a table on Labor Day but the egg-cellent service delivered by Tori and our egg-cellent breakfasts made the wait worthwhile. The ambiance is kinda cool with drawings hanging on the walls but it was very hot and humid once we were seated in our booth. Laurie enjoyed the Cajun Breakfast and ended up taking about half of it home. The andouille sausage side delivered some heat and was gloriously spicy, but skimpy for the considerable upcharge. My Meat Master omelet, or whatever its called, was cooked very well - I DETEST over-cooked eggs and these were glistening and perfect! - but the meats, while ample, were bland. The ham and sausage especially. Wanna pack a memorable flavor punch? Dice up a picnic ham instead of using that processed ham and water product. I had no idea sausage could be so bland. What not use a few crumbles of the andouille already on hand or at least an American breakfast sausage, like a Hormel Little Sizzler, with a more assertive flavor profile? Bacon was good! HashBrowns were fresh-cooked to order and great! A selection of breads were available for toast which was a nice touch and Lauries sourdough toast had good chew and flavor. Friendly, fast, and smart, Tori did a great job taking care of us! Kudos!
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Ramona Wilson
I must say Ive heard a lot about the Uptowner Café and mostly positive. Recently my mother and I visited the café and was not impressed at all! Matter of fact we were frankly insulted. My mother and I along with a church friend was having a conversation about life in general --we were seated in the back enjoying our breakfast, talking and laughing. When the cook (apparently an owner) ran from behind the counter and told our church friend to keep it down. This was surprising to us because it didnt appear that we were disturbing any of the few customers in the Cafe. Its not a big place so regardless of were you sit ---you have a view of the entire place an we didnt see anyone complain. Our church friend suspected the owner didnt like the POISITIVE conversation we were having about President Obama and the First Lady! We were shocked to say the least by his attitude toward us and his comments; needless to say we will NOT spend our money at that Café again!
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Eric Larson
Service was actually pretty good for how busy the place was. Food was decent but extremely overpriced. I suppose they are charging you for the privilege of eating on Grand? Because its sure not for the quality of food or the actually restaurant. Thick cut french toast? It was cut thicker than the bacon but otherwise it was just a regular piece of sandwich bread. $4 for a small glass of orange juice? Maybe if the staff was squeezing the oranges right in front of you but this was just the same you get at the store. Experience was decent, I can see why people would want to try the place but with those prices I wont be going back.
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Lorelei Smith
This place is like the cafe version of "Cheers". I am greeted by the staff with a smile and recognition (I am not the only regular that I see there!). It is friendly, laid back, and very comfortable. The food portions are huge and it is prepared on an old-fashioned style grill (I love watching them make the bacon with the meat press). It is not the place I go when I am watching calories, but I love it for comfort food and a special start to a day. I think the decor is charming with childrens drawings,old fashioned booths, and a row of stools at the counter. Tabitha and the others offer excellent service!!!!
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Elena Navin
I go in on a regular basis and the moment I enter the building I am greeted by a friendly waitress with a smile!!! Although I have only got take out drinks the food looks and smells so good that one of these days I will stop in for breakfast or lunch. It sure must be very popular because every time i go the place is packed! I am looking forward to trying my first meal there. I did have lunch there on April 30th, 2014. The service was awesome and the Applewood Smoked Bacon Cheeseburger was great!!! The burger was tasty and they gave yoiu an abundance of fries. I would recommend this place to anyone!
