Lyle's Bar & Restaurant

I've gone here quite a few times and have always had a great time, the staff is great, the drinks are awesome, the food is by far some of the best bar food I've ever had. Bar staff and management are a pleasure to deal with, but if you do have a problem, don't deal with the GM. She's a douchebag. She's rude, unprofessional and has zero communication skills when it comes to dealing with the public or any issues you may have. Good thing for her I won't hold that against the rest of them and I will return. more

So I was meeting a date to play Scrabble, the bouncer asked for my ID and held my Scrabble board while I grabbed it from my purse, then I sat down. 15 minutes later, I was told by the same bouncer that they don't allow games to be played at their bar. So, I told him to have my food order canceled and that we'd go elsewhere, since the date revolved heavily around playing Scrabble the first time we met. The manager fought with me that I should pay for the food, that I hadn't received yet, since I ordered it. I told him that I never would've ordered it if the bouncer told me in the first place we wouldn't be allowed to play, and in fact, he told me good luck when he handed my board back to me. Then the manager said I'd be 86'd forever. I said fine. Then he wanted to 86 my date, who is a regular there, just for being with me and started to take away his beers-- even though he had paid for them! I think it was a little crazy and overboard over a game of Scrabble. I can't believe the bouncer didn't know it wasn't allowed and the manager acted that way!! Cons: They booted me out! more

Frank is the best bar tender and not too bad on the eyes. Though not overly talkative, he made enough conversation to keep us entertained all night long. We were there Sunday afternoon for happy hour. 2 for 1 drinks from 10 AM to 6 PM. We had so much fun there on Sunday that we went back on Monday. The local boys that hang out there are lots of fun. The drinks were cheap and stiff and the people were fun. Next time I end up in Minneapolis I'll be hitting up Liquor Lyle's for sure! Pros: 2 for 1 drink, cheap food, good looking service Cons: juke box selection could be better more

The female bartender (the one that looks like she's had a hard life) is rude as hell. There was a misunderstanding regarding my drinks and I politely informed her of the mix-up and she told me that it was not her fault I can't hear and that she had already poured my drinks and that I had better pay up. Needless to say she got no tip. The bar was pretty packed that night as well which I guess caused problems for the servers. Instead of asking people to move however, they began yelling at people who were unaware that they were in the way. Lastly, afraid I would have to fight the bartender if she crossed me again, I went to the other side of the bar to ask the older male bartender for some fries. He seemed to be serving no one, but I had to wait for what seemed like forever for him to acknowledgement me after I had said excuse me serveral times. When I asked him about the fries he acted like it was an inconvencience for him to take the order but the fries came eventually. To sum things up -- never again. I think all the staff (except for the bouncer he was nice) need to learn some people skills. Pros: Fries Cons: Service more

I have NEVER been to a business establishment that treats its honest, paying customers with more disdain, contempt, or disrespect than many of the staff members at Liquor Lyle's. At 1:40 in the morning, bouncers were up in peoples' faces (both women and men who were in the midst of buttoning up their coats and compliantly leaving the bar), screaming at the top of their lungs. These guys got a sick pleasure out of it. I called multiple times that night to complain and was promptly hung up on; I called the next morning before 9:00 AM and spoke to, Frank, the manager, who interrupted me multiple times, cut me off, told me the call was, "Taking too long," offered no apology, and then admitted that he wasn't even at the bar the night before! He was defending something that he hadn't even observed. I have seen many bouncers at other bars clear the bar out professionally, quietly, and respectfully-- I have seen many bouncers deal with the difficult customers in a way that was professional, so I know that clearing out the bar on time can be done firmly but respectfully, and most of all, PROFESSIONALLY. It is, after all, a place of business. If, Val, the general manager, doesn't treat me with professional courtesy when I call back again this afternoon, I will never set foot in Lyle's again. Which probably won't bother them one bit, BECAUSE (to put it politely) THEY ARE JERKS. GO TO ANOTHER BAR INSTEAD. I will say, though, that the waitress at my booth was great. But that didn't make up for the appalling behaviors of the bouncers or the manager. Pros: relaxed, unpretentious Cons: bad attitude of employees more

I was also present at Lyle's for the night of the 2008 election. Although Obama's victory is something that will stay in my memory forever, so will the rude staff at Liquor Lyle's!! I was totally appalled by their insensitivity to their patrons! I know many of my friends that were there that evening walked out never to return again!! I have been at Lyle's for football games where the sound is booming through the establishment and it is difficult to hold a conversation...how come the election has such lowered status to football?? When patrons chanted to turn up the volume, and turn off the music nothing was done...when people tried to turn up the volume they were rudely yelled at by workers?? Although, two for one happy hours are a good deal...the service is slow, my turkey burger was cold and the staff do not care about pleasing their customers!! Do the country a favor and find a different bar!! Pros: If you like rude service...this is the place for you!! Cons: Lyle's does not seem to give a sh** about their customers! more

On the night of a historic election, where people are shouting from every corner of the bar to "turn down the music" and "turn off the jukebox", you'd think any bartender, bouncer, server, manager would WANT to give customers what they're asking for. But the folks who run "Liquor Lyle's" flat out refused to turn the music off or turn closed captioning on any of the TVs except one. By the time John McCain's concession speech was over, half the bar had left. Instant karma, if you ask me. It's almost like they were trying to antagonize the crowd. When asked why they wouldn't turn the music down, one server responded "It's been talked about and it's not going to happen." To their credit, they turned a barely audible radio station on for Obama's acceptance speech, but when a customer went to turn the volume up on a flat screen TV nearby, a numbskull, pinhead, steroid-pumped bouncer appeared out of nowhere shouting obscenities and raving like a rabid animal. Seemed to me he was just looking for a reason to get into it with someone. I can honestly say I will never step foot in this bar again. The employees are ridiculous and drunk on their own perceived "power". They are petty, cocky, losers! Pros: Uhhhh... Mmmmm... Uhhhh..... Can't think of anything they offer any friendlier place doesn't Cons: Employees are jerks! more

I went to Lyles after work for the happy hour. The beer was cheap but the service was slow and the help not very friendly. It felt like a place where the regulars come every day and stare at the newbies for something to do. No hot girls either. There are better places to go near there. Pros: Cheap drinks and nice pool tables. Cons: Slow service, regulars get the batenders attention first and they also stare more

I came to "Liquor Lyle's" to celebrate a going-away get-together with my friend. After a couple drinks, I was walking back from the restroom to my table, when I unexpectedly ran into a friend of mine who had also shown up for the party. In surprise, I hugged my friend excitedly. Immediately, a bouncer ran up to me, told me I was too drunk, and that I had to leave the bar. I re-entered the bar three more times after, making an effort to speak reasonably with the bouncers (there was two), requesting a manager. Neither one of the bouncers even attempted to listen to me, pushed my out onto the sidewalk, and said if they saw me back there again, they would quote, "beat my a**." The friend that I ran into inside came out afterward to defend me, and when he tried to get me back inside through the back door, he was also kicked out. Afterward and regrettably, in a fit of anger and bewilderment, my friend and I threw a few beer bottles and a smoking receptacle into the back entryway. Immediately afterward, we ran to the front of the building to retrieve our bicycles with which we each had arrived on. Just as mine was unlocked, one of the bouncers ran out of the front of the building, threatening to beat me in the face, at which point, I ran with my bicycle at my side, fearing for the feeling of his large fist in my face. My friend was unable to unlock his bicycle in time, and began to sprint, with bouncers in tow. My bicycle slipped from underneath me after a block, and I fell onto the ground face-first. Again, I regret that we threw trash into their back entryway, but the recklessness of the "authority" figures of this establishment needs to seriously be investigated. Afterward, we learned from a roommate of mine that my friend's unlocked bicycle had been thrown into the dumpster. We did not do any serious property damage to you, "Liquor Lyle's." Perhaps if you treat your customers with the same respect you request, these kind of things would not happen. Pros: Cheap drinks, cheap appetizers, good music Cons: The bouncers will beat you up, regardless of color or creed more

I have never written an online review of a bar or restaurant, and shy away from reading them because I feel that people that have had a bad experience are more likely to review an establishment. I had been to Lyle's maybe two or three times before tonight, but had never sat at the bar. Tonight, I sat at the bar with a friend of mine who is a regular. First, I had to wait over ten minutes to get a drink, despite sitting in a stool right at the bar. I was completely visible, yet the bartender skipped over me three times. I am a bartender, so I always give the benefit of the doubt, because I know I make mistakes and it can be a tough job. Once I finally got a beer ordered and delivered I attempted to order two tacos for myself and two for my friend. The bartender proceeded to argue and chastise the verbiage that I used to order our food, bickering about the difference between an order vs. a single taco. I apologized for my naivety, and tried to explain in simple language that I wanted two tacos for myself, and two for my friend. Between 10 and 15 min. later multiple taco orders were delivered to other patrons. My friend and I got the bartenders attention questioned if the recently delivered order to other patrons might have been ours, at which point be responded that he hadn't ordered us tacos because,"you guys refused to order right." I was completely taken aback by this and immediately and without hesitation burst out, " Are you f***ing kidding me?" In response, he grabbed the door staff and immediately had me kicked out of the bar. My friend went with me as he was just as surprised and utterly offended as I was. I intend to go back next Monday afternoon (5-12) and issue a formal complaint with management against this bartender (who is middle-aged, wore a ball cap, and had a bit of a mullet). I have never been kicked out of a bar in my life. I am stunned at this bartenders complete lack of professionalism and dedication to serve his clientele. more

It's not illegal to have drunk people IN the bar.It's illegal to serve them.Went with 5 friends last night and the guy at the door (fairly tall with brown hair), refused to allow my friend into the bar because he thought she was too innebriated to be allowed in.Wouldn't have been so bad if he wasn't such a schmuck about it.Had a real bogus sense of entitlement about him.We had a great night and tipped heavily at the CC Club instead.Won't got to Liquor Lyle's again. more

Get your snack and drink on- Ok, the last two times I went in I found this cute little menu with all of these $1-$2 apps, Available all the time. With 2-4-1s on awesome beers and cocktails. You might have thought I was in heaven until you meet Lisa...then you know you are- Stay away from her. I asked for her hand in marriage first! Pros: Specials, Food (great brunch) Cons: No patio more

Liquor Lyle's is a cheap place to drink. Through the years or so I've been going there to hang out with friends it's changed alot. The fun crew have all been fired. Just one still remains there and he is great. But it just isn't as fun as it used to be. The smoke is gone from the bar but walking outside make sure you hold your breath. Extremely busy in the fall/winter with students returning. Make sure you know what you want when you order and have your $$ ready, it's a fast paced place! Pros: Good inexpensive drinks Cons: Too many people more

I think the best thing about this bar is the jukebox. Simply great music. The crowd is fun and usually not full of those annoying, snotty girls. (At least when I'm there.) It's a good place to have fun with your friends. Yes, the parking lot is small, but you can easily park on one of the side streets and walk over. Pros: Jukebox, Relaxed Atmosphere Cons: Service was ok more

This is the place I would recommend to anyone who is just looking for a good place to be. There is always a different crowd and the specials are out of this world. Can't drink for that cheap anywhere in the cities... Pros: Inexpensive, Jukebox, Happy Hour more

If you are an alcoholic but not ready for AA yet, come here and you'll be among friends. The absence of windows makes it perfect for sipping your gimlet at 1 PM on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. more

great looking crowd and very happy atmosphere,the service was fast as they could serve,and the drinks are real good! more

Lyle's is not the place you want to take the wife and kids or your sweetheart for that matter but give a local bar its dues. The drinks are strong and cheep and its happy hour all the time (10am-1pm, 3-6pm & 9-10pm *every day* unlike stated in the review). Happy hour is two for ones on anything you want. There also is a small (about 15 spots and they fill up fast) parking lot in the back of Lyle's that was also left out of the review. The wait staff is very nice and personable (ask for Sara) but often over worked. I'm a regular there and live one a few blocks away so my opinjion is a bit skewed but I recommend it to anyone who likes to drink. Pros: Cheep Booze, Friendly Staff, Happy Hour Cons: No Windows, Smokey, Old more

I like it because of the cheap drinks and there is plenty of space. more

IF YOU LIKE TO FIGHT YOUR WAY TO THE BAR, OR WAIT A HALF A HOUR TO ORDER YOUR DRINKS AND JUST AS LONG TO GET THEM THEN THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE. ITS SO CROWDED IN THIS PLACE THERE IS PEOPLE SITTING AT A TABLE RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE BATHROOMS. YOU HAVE TAP THEM ON THE SHOULDER TO GET IN. more