SPILL THE WINE - Minneapolis

Spill the Wine is a somewhat recent addition to the neighborhood near the new Guthrie Theater. This eatery is located in a building from the late 1800’s. The extremely large windows invite their diners into a wonderfully restored space with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, an open kitchen, and an interesting bar supported by several large wooden wine barrels.

Spill the Wine also has a separate side bar that has all the makings of a great space, but it misses with one unnecessary detail – the TVs. Lose them. It should not be another video or sports bar. Consider adding some fantastic background/conversation music your guests can enjoy. I can think of 2 or 3 series of music that would be perfect for this much needed dining addition to Washington Avenue. Spill the Wine has a wine boutique for your bottle purchases to go; diners receive a same day 10% discount on wines enjoyed during your dinner.

Tim & I stopped for a late night dinner. I ordered the Free Range Pan Roasted Chicken breast with a rice pilaf. The chicken had a fantastic orange juice reduction with white wine and shallots. The chicken was perfectly cooked which is not easy when cooking small, off-the-bone pieces of meat. The pilaf was too sweet; I would have preferred a nice brown rice with tidbits of roasted vegetables. As much as I would have liked a dessert, it was too late. I hope the lemon cake is an option on my next visit; it looked scrumptious!

Our waiter, Benjamin, had a charming personality and an infectious smile. He was always available when needed.

Request a table near the windows. Spill the Wine is a few short blocks to the Metrodome – home to the Twins & the Vikings. You may find the 1,000s of pedestrian/fans walking outside the windows on game day to be entertaining.

Mmm, Mmm...

http://www.spillthewinerestaurant.com

$$
++++
✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”