Downtowner Woodfire Grill

Had lunch today I have to say the food was terrible everyone of us had a complaint. The place is beautiful but our chairs were broke in to say the least the server was terrible thank god for water because my family would of died of thirst. I just cant believe with the food alone they can stay open. more

Made reservations to sit at a table by the fire and when we got there we had a perfectly set table directly in front of the fire. The service was excellent, we told our server it was our sisters birthday and he put a candle in her omlet, cute. Also, brought her a muffin sundae after our meals. All of the food was delish and perfectly cooked. Everything about it was wonderful and we all agreed we'd be back. more

My husband and I went out for what we thought would be a nice get-a-way from the kids, but most importantly, our 18 yr anniversary dinner. It was a Monday evening, so of course the place was empty. I was asked where I would like to sit at this empty restaurant, and when I pointed to the nice table I wanted, I was told by our host, ""oh no, this is reserved."" Of course no one was seated there the entire time as we didn't even get there till 8pm (on a Monday). I ordered my pork chops to please, please, be on the medium to rare side. I made this crystal clear which I did not think would be a problem since we were almost the only table in the house. Well surprise, my pork chops came out well done. Seriously, to the point of gritty. I told the server at my husband's insistence, and she whipped them away to have them be replaced literally, 3 minutes later, (as my husband guility ate his food) by bloody raw meat that was barely cooked on the outside, much less the inside. Mind you, the place was EMPTY. The second time I sent them back was met by eye rolling. When they came back the third time and my husband completely done eating, they were good, but I was sick with what a sad dinner the whole thing was. We changed from a happy, celebrating couple, to when the bill arrived, jaw-droppingly disapointed. I was honestly not surprised to see the entire meal was billed in full. Wow. We even told them it was our special day. No desert was offered, no compensation. My husband actually had to demand to be compensated for my pork chops. Saying it was a disappointment on a dead night is putting this mildly. I won't be back, hello. more

We had a large party. The server forgot to bring my wine while all others were served. I waited for 1/2 hour. Server did not tell me I had no salad with salmon nor did she offer me to order one for an extra charge. After the meal, all at the table were asked for dessert. Three at my end were not offered dessert or after dinner drink or coffee. I /we were ignored and the 10% tip reflected this. I hear jazz is being discontinued and that is too bad because I loved the jazz. Pros: Salmon was the best I have ever eaten. Great happy hour. Cons: Server ignored me, jazz will be discontinued more

We love eating at Mo's Downtowner Woodfire Cafe! The atmosphere is a blend of woodsy lodge and sophisticated urban restaurant, with a very relaxing, aromatic wood smoke smell. Hardly a restaurant around has this kind of friendly, professional service, and the food is almost always top notch! Mo's cajun breakfast is my personal favorite! Pros: Friendly owner and staff, decor, food Cons: parking sometimes more

My fiancee took me to the Downtowner to celebrate a romantic Valantines Day and I was so pleased! I have to let others know. The atmosphere is incredibly romantic with dim lighting and a big roaring fire, the fountain on the wall.. it all just felt so warm and intimate. Hard to do on a freezing February night. Pros: The food! the menu is not too big to be intimidating and everything is great Cons: Maybe the parking.. as the have a private lot.. but it was full more

My wife took me to the Woodfire for my birthday, as we had heard good things about the restaurant. We were both very disappointed. The New York Strip I had was tasteless, and my wife's shrimp was overcooked. The salads, bread, and atmosphere were excellent, but overall the experience was not worth the cost. Pros: atmosphere Cons: food more

We made reservations for NYE after the Wild game. We were a little underdressed - in jeans - for their establishment, but they accomodated us nonetheless. Luckily, we weren't the only ones who came right after the game in our game attire. : ) The restaurant itself is gorgeous - beautiful craftsmanship and architecture within, white tablecloths - very rich-looking. We were seated in a back room that appeared to be for small groups (4 or less) who had made reservations for the evening. If I had one complaint - one tiny complaint at all - it would be that the tables were a little too close together in our area. Rather that witty banter between the two of us, we became devoured by our neighboring table's conversation (which was rather entertaining, so I can't really complain TOO much). My SO had the T-bone steak with mashed potatoes, I had the fettucine alfredo primavera with shrimp. The steak, for one, was cooked to perfection and the woodfire flavor was amazing. The fettucine was also fantastic - excellent sauce and the shrimp were BIG. The portions were perfect - not to much, not to little. We each had a glass of Vigonier and shared the chocolate lava cake (their special for the evening). We were shocked when the bill came and it was only $90! We've spent more $$ DT Mpls on food I could consider sub-par to the Downtowner. The service was also wonderful - our waitress was obviously very busy, but she somehow remained very attentive! Overall, I would definitely recommend this establishment! Wonderful little gem on W 7th in St. Paul - who knew! Pros: Great service, affordable, wonderful ambience, excellent food Cons: [tiny con] Tables a little close together in some areas more

Subpar mussels, the broth was flavorless and the mussels weren't cooked properly. One look at the pasta and I knew it was extremely poor. The sauce was cheese-colored water, tasteless and soupy. I sent it back immediately and got a pizza, that came made with such low-quality ingredients - bad meat, bar-grade mozzarella - it was unbelievable. Completely overpriced, with apparently exorbitant prices for bad food. My friend's chicken breast was decent, wood-cooked and juicy, and the service was great, but it's just a den of bland Midwestern food. Pros: Service Cons: Poopy food more

There were four of us for an early dinner on a moderately busy Sunday evening (there were numerous empty tables). The prices generally were what can be expected from the location and style of eatery, but the food overall was average. Two of our party ordered pizzas, which were pretty good. Two others ordered Persian fire-roasted items (chicken and hen), which were ok, but nothing special for the price. I?ve certainly had much better kabob-style entrees elsewhere (Holy Land, Jerusalem?s, Mediterranean Cruise Cafe, etc). But the biggest disappointment was the service, which was some of the poorest we?ve ever experienced. Our waiter barely made eye contact most of the evening. During his rare inquiries into our well-being, he was literally turning around to go elsewhere as he finished his question. When presenting my friend with our wine, he poured her glass and stared at her for about two seconds, before he asked in a rude manner ?Well are you going to try it?? ? very embarrassing for her. Our water glasses were never refilled during our nearly two hours there. Our check took an abnormally long time ? the table next to us had come in after us, eaten after us, yet got their check and were able to leave a good 10 minutes before us. Our waiter wasn?t even subtly rude, I would say he very nearly ?snubbed? us altogether. Normally, our tip is well over 20% - I can remember only once in the past few years where we left less than 20%, but his service earned him a paltry 10% - a sum he hardly deserved. I speculate that this service is the exception rather than the rule at this establishment, but I know I won?t be testing this theory again any time soon. Pros: Ambience, location Cons: Poor Service, average food more

My husband and I went to the Downtowner Woodfire Grill for breakfast recently. My first visit there and we intend to go back. The interior is cozy and inviting with a touch of contemporary sophistication. The service is good and our breakfasts were very good (He had the cajun and I the strawberry, cream cheese-stuffed toast, we shared a side of delicious bacon). more

I made reservations for four (even though it was a Tuesday night) because we had enjoyed the restaurant so much on our first occasion. Too bad. The service was friendly and helpful, the ambiance was relaxing, but the food was just a disappointment. No flavor, the pizza was soggy, both steaks undercooked (not a problem for me but my girlfriend is training herself away from well done to medium and couldn't eat the middle at all). The half priced wine was great, but overall, still too expensive for food that was not enjoyable. Last note, it also bothered me that even though the reservation was in my name, the host/manager only referred to my boyfriend and would not make any eye-contact with me at all. It was just disappointing. Pros: comfortable, supporting st. paul Cons: too expensive for quality of food more

Quick and very nice service, but the food was a disappointment. Maybe they are trying to hard? Over cooked, over flavored. The food looked good, but for the price was not something I would go back for again. Pros: service, ambiance Cons: food, price more

U get what u pay 4! We stayed for 3 hours, had an unforgettable evening, and will definately be back. Had reservations for 2 @ 8pm (friday) requested near a fireplace. Greeded very pleasantly & seated quickly, by a fireplace, 20 mins earlier than reserved. Ambience was very romantic & breathtaking. Smell of woodfire throughout. Great Jazz band from 8pm-11pm. After dinner, we sat at the bar to enjoy more music & wine. The waitress-very nice & personable. Ready to take your order when YOU'RE ready. Didn't feel rushed at all. Busy but had room for walk-ins. Food was perfect and inexpensive. Dinner for two with a bottle of wine, under $75. Make awesome flat bread with whipped butter. Both orded the Downtowner's Sirloin (highly recommend). Didn't wait long & both suprised it was a 14oz! Cooked exactly how we wanted it! Side dishes outstanding. Took home half. Pros: Inexpensive, Romantic, Breathtaking more

It is so nice to have such a great resturant right off of West 7th in St. Paul! The food was wonderful, the service wonderful! Great place for a date or just for a nice dinner with friends. Highly recommended. more

Cocktails, crabcakes, fireplace, great downtown St Paul view of busy West 7th Street, woodfire game hen, great live jazz, free parking, it just doesn't get much better anywhere. Pros: Free Parking , Live Jazz, Fireplace more

The ambience is good and the food is decent, but the choices for vegetarians are limited. If you ask to take the meat/fish out of an item, you will be charged the full price. Pros: free parking, good ambience Cons: crowded, spendy more

If you want to quit drinking, go here. Over 20 minutes for our drink order to be delivered. We were there 45 minutes until our food order was taken. Horrible service and this was after the lunch rush! Take my advice and only go here when you have six hours to kill. Besides the bad service (our server tried sucking up, but it was so fake), the food was good. Pros: Parking, Atmosphere Cons: No service more

Great food, great ambiance. I brought my fiancee` here and we were seated promptly by the manager. Our waitress seemed like she wanted to get done for the evening so it almost seemed like she was in a bit of a hurry. However, she got what she wanted, and a waiter waited on us. The food was great. The pita's are warm and on a cold wintry day there is not a better place than to sit by the gorgeous fireplace at the downtowner and sip on some exquisite martinis and bite into some delicious steak! PS..great for hockey..they have a parking lot! Mr. Shareef has done a fantastic job! Pros: Parking, great food, CLEAN! more

Friendly service is a plus for this location, not to mention the excellent food. The presence of the owner, Mr. Shariff was very eveident and his concern for the comfort and positive expenreince of the guests. Nice locatrion and ambience. Will visit again. Pros: Good Parking, Quiet, Good menu selections more