Where/Why:
Craving a unique, cool, relaxed spot to hang out with a
friend, watch some live, local music, and eat some great homemade food while
you’re at it? Icehouse has what you’re
looking for. Even when there isn’t live
music playing they still make sure to give you the ultimate smooth, jazz
feeling. Sitting in the middle of the
restaurant surrounded by tall ceilings and long wooden frames I had a feel of a
ski lodge mixed with a warm, intimate venue with some great decorations - like
the carboy light fixtures which were great!
Here’s a little taste:
I think the moment I
knew I loved this spot is when while immersed in my amazing bowl of shrimp gumbo,
‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ came on, but with a jazzy twist that I had never
heard before. I almost forgot I was
right on 25th and Nicollet, which is another thing that makes this
place a perfect place to get away!
The Menu:
Offering four different menus depending on the time of day (lunch,
dinner, snack, and brunch), Icehouse does a great job with comfort food for all
tastes. Their menu definitely isn’t
something you’ll find at any other restaurant, in a very good way! Take for instance the shrimp gumbo I had
topped with a chicken wing for a twist.
This was amazing, huge pieces of shrimp, scallops, and pork tenderloin
with great spice. You can also get
Bangers (sausage) & Mash, Scottish Salmon, Beef Short Rib Stroganoff, and
Hash. I’m not even skimming the top of
it with that list either. They also have
great breakfast options, delicious snacks, and ice cream/sorbet selections you
won’t find many other places. Need and example? How about beat sorbet , tobacco ice cream and
smoked chocolate ice cream! Not to leave out their beverages either, who
could after seeing these! You can get a
Bloody Mary garnished with a mini-doughnut, or if you’d rather have a
Screwdriver with a twist you’ll have to try the ‘WanDangSuperTang’. I can’t wait to keep coming back to try
another unique item on one of their inimitable menus!
The Price:
Prices are what you’d expect for Nicollet's eat street, but you definitely
pay for quality food. Lunches range from
$11-$15, dinner from $18 - $22, small plates, desserts and snacks around $8,
and beverages mainly range from $6 - $11.
You can also get a scoop of one of their many ice cream and sorbet
selections for $2! And daily late night
specials, like $5 Tequila & Tacos Tuesday, and $6 Dawg & Tallboy
Saturdays.
The Service:
Icehouse can get busy and it definitely depends on the day,
time, and if there’s live music playing so it might be a good idea to check out
their website first if you’re wanting a quiet night (Icehouse ). They do take reservations during their dinner
and brunch hours if you want to lock down your munching spot. Staff is friendly, and relaxed yet insightful
and knowledgeable of the menu options.
Icehouse is just a great, unique, and easy to fall in love
with restaurant. The feel of the large
open rooms and tall ceilings paired with the music and the unmatchable,
strange, yet awesome and delicious menu, this is a place everyone should try,
and try again.
