Blue Nile Restaurant and Lounge

June 5, 2008
Stopped in for dinner while in MN for business. First time having Ethiopian food and I have to say I enjoyed it. I love hot/spicy foods, so that worked out well for me. Got to meet and spend some time with the Rate Beer loyal bar manager Al. Great guy! Beer selection was solid with three Surly beers on in addition to Southern Tier Hoppe. There was other craft beer on as well and no BMC beers on tap!

February 5, 2008
Not a huge selection of beers, but Al knows his stuff and there is always at least a couple of very tasty things on tap. I like the Ethiopian food, but they have some bar food as well if Ethiopian food isn’t your style.

January 28, 2008 [ Updated August 21, 2008 ]
Finally made it down here, after many failed attempts. The first thing that hits me is the smell, that combined with the decor for some reason took me back to Turkey, or maybe east Africa, but that is not the point. The layout is nice, and Al has some kickin beers on tap. Hopslam, Bells TC Old Ale 06, N’Ice Chouffe, Surly Furious, Surly Mild, Surly Bender, and more that I can’t recal. Good pricing on the beers as well. I only paid $4.50 for the Mild, which compared to some other high end establishments is pretty good, and the high end Belgians were capped at like $8-9. The food was superb as well, and took me back to areas I have not traveled to in a little while. Try the Gosa Gosa (appetizer sampler?) platter if you are aprehensive (my wife is the pickiest eater ever, and she liked it.) All in all a great experience, although the music wasn’t quite my bag. Edit: After a visit for Al’s B-day the score has to go up, as he had Oak Aged Cynic!

January 25, 2008
Went here the day after the Surly Two release so as to avoid the crowd. I went around 9pm on a Thursday and there was no crowd at all, just a few scattered people around the bar. The bartenders were very polite and helpful. The selection, from the menu I was given, was not huge by any means but did have some beers I had not seen on tap at other places (Ommegang Indulgence and St. Bernardus Tripel). The place is very spacious and the decor and atmosphere are relaxing.

October 30, 2007
Stopped by for unveiling of Surly Darkness. Good atmosphere, plenty of room and places to sit. Only had Darkness, but looked like some other good stuff there. Can’t comment much about service as it was incredibly busy when there. Will definitely go back some time.

June 27, 2007 [ Updated November 22, 2007 ]
Very nice ambiance in this place. Pigfoot was very friendly as is his staff. good selection of brew on tap and the food smelled good enough where I’ll have to go back one day.

June 26, 2007
I did finally make my way into the Blue Nile a few months ago for Surly Darkness. The bar manager (Al - Pigfoot) keeps the place well stocked with beer. At the time, in addition to Darkness, was Sierra Nevada Harvest Ale on tap. He’s had Bernardus 12 on several times that I can recall. There is always a couple great things on.

April 24, 2007
A quiet locale since I showed up right at closing time by accident. Good service, kind of odd ambiance and a great selection of bottles. Cranberry One on tap was lovely. I’ll definitely be back.

February 2, 2007
What can you say about this place? Al is the man! I went and savored Surly One, Bell’s Hopslam, and Bell’s Batch 7000. Selection is astonishing and top of the line. Great bar, great service, great place. Nice glassware and tasteful prices. A definite stop on all future trips to MSP.

December 25, 2006
Have beeb here a few times but never rated it. Pigfoot aka Al was a great host and not to mention has some marvelous brews on tap. The bar is normally pretty quite which is nice, no smoking also helps when you are trying to rate on the spot.