Picosa

The atmosphere in this place is great from the lighting to the curtain placement. It's always decorated very classy & attractive. The food is Great, from the salads & appatizers to the entrees, very unique and flavorfull. Drinks are great especially the freshly made mojitos. The staff is always very friendly & helpfull. There is a free dance lesson with instructors from local dance studios before the band each time there is Live music I Love this place :) Stop by & try i t!!! Pros: free salsa lesson, great food, friendly staff more

I go to Picosa almost every weekend. They have great live latin bands on weekends. The crowd is filled with all types of people and very friendly. They've got a great Caribbean jerk chicken with huge portions! I would recommend this place to anyone! Pros: Live music, great food! more

I stopped by Picosa on Sunday which to my surprise they were open. I know that they usually close on sunday throughout the winter season but living nearby my friend and I walked by and saw that they had set up the patio and the doors were open! I couldn't wait to see what they had done in the past year. We ordered a bottle of wine and had some delicious Shrimp and scallops, and there Caribbean chicken entree! It was also so nice to see that they still have some of their best staff on that have been there for years! (I don't know who Lorg, below had) but I've never left angry It always puts a smile on my face when summer rolls around thinking about all the beautiful places NE has to offer! Pros: Patio, Menu, Staff Cons: waiting for summer more

I thought this would be a fun place to try for a big birthday bash since it would have salsa dancing. The food is horrible! Even taco bell is better~ I ordered the paella which was more on the soggy side and had no flavor, I had to add my own salt just to be able to eat it. The price for this kind of food is ridiculous. The online menu showed more options than what the restaurant actually had. If I would have known how limiting the menu was, I would have chosen a different place.\r We had a large group and only had one waiter who was just not competent in his job. It took forever to get water and for some reason he would not bring it out all at once. He kept going back to get a few at a time while taking some orders and what not. I was trying to be patient and help him out because the group was so large but he's just not competent enough to do his job. He for some reason wouldn't just make one round to get everyone's orders, he would start on one end and then disappear than come back and get the other side and back and forth. I asked specifically at the beginning for separate checks. He was smart enough to come back around and make sure that he had everyone's order right. But what really pissed me off was that we didn't order until about 8 pm and even by 11:20 pm, our checks weren't ready. We had asked for our checks 4 times towards the end of the night. His excuse was that it takes a long time to separate 20 checks. Why wasn't it separated to begin with when I already told him we needed separate checks? And again, he didn't bring everyone's check at the same time...he would bring a few out then took their payments right away. Then he would come back and give a few more then go back. He just kept disappearing so we couldn't get our table situated! I was so annoyed with the waiter. We were so annoyed that no one wanted to stay for salsa anymore. Although few of the friends did get to take the salsa lesson. The chef should be ashamed of his food and the owner should learn to train their staff better. I would never come back to this place even if someone paid me. Pros: pretty, free salsa lessons Cons: food sucks, parking is not fun, service is slow, more

Slow service at the door when paying the cover, the people who work as ""hosts"" had blank looks on their faces whenever I asked a simple question! A server never arrived at our table, so I got myself a drink at the bar and started a tab. Later, back at the table, the waitress finally showed up, but I couldn't order a drink from her, because my tab was at the BAR! (And my friend who managed to get a drink from the server, could not later get a drink from the bar!) The only saving grace of this place is the salsa lessons and live salsa music! (I was also charged $4.50 for ""$4 margaritas"") Pros: Live Music, Salsa Lessons Cons: Everything else more

We made reservations for Father's Day Brunch, specified brunch when we made the reservation, however when we arrived we were informed they do not due brunch. However the website clearly shows a brunch menu. We also had a little difficulty finding Picosa, so called and asked where they were from St. Anthony Main, no one could tell us. They also neglected to let us know Main Street was closed due to the Art Fair. The saving grace was our server, he was fantastic and offered good feedback on the menu. The food was fair to good, the tamales were probably the best item ordered. Overall though a Father's Day disappointment. Doubtful that we would return. Pros: Great Server Cons: Food was Fair to Good, more

Had dinner on Friday night with a group of my girlfriends, 20 of us, and the service was awesome! I wasn't expecting much from the food because of some of the reviews but I was pleasantly surprised! I think we pretty much ate everything from the menu from trying each others plates - no complaints on anything. When the band started at 10pm we got to keep our table by the dance floor which was very cool because the place got packed. Yeah, this won't be my last time at Picosa! Pros: Spacious dance floor Cons: Two ladies RR stalls for such a busy place more

The food had little to no flavor starting with the appetizer all the way through dessert. Very disappointing. The atmosphere/music was nice though. Would not go back for dinner. more

As a Vegetarian and Thrifty Hipster, I must say I love Picosa! There are great veggie options for a very reasonable price, especially during the lunch buffet (M-F).\r \r Service is also key to my rating. Lindell and Jennifer Mendoza are fantastic people who provide top-notch customer service and seem to have made it their mission to take their the local customer base in as family.\r \r The atmosphere is varied. In general, Picosa is very laid-back environment with the feel being a interesting mix between an antique Mexican saloon and tech-oriented yuppie bar. The restaurant is much more a neo-urban lounge than prim-and-proper cafe.\r \r That being said, the patio does add another unique and complementary feel to Picosa. During the summer months, the patio provides a great view toward the Stone Arch Bridge, Downtown, Nicollet Island, and the Hennepin Avenue Bridge. During the happy hour, many people strolling down historic Main Street just stop and chat; especially dog-lovers, as Lindell and Jen always a have a doggie bowl and treats out for their companions. And as the sun goes down and the lights come up (especially the candlelight), it becomes one of the most romantic places to dine one-on-one in a more relaxed setting.\r \r Another great aspect of this restaurant is their dedication to entertainment and community involvement. They have salsa dancing complete with lessons a couple a times a week and are very open to other local Latin or Caribbean musicians and acts.\r \r If you're in the University or NE Minneapolis area, I would definitely recommend coming down to Picosa and joining the celebration of life, good food, and community! Pros: Best service in town, if not, tell Jen! Cons: Minnesota winters. more

I don't know how Picosa can afford to be so generous with their taco bar, but I'm glad they are! I had a crispy taco with juicy shredded pork and a yummy soft taco with tender chicken. There was beef too. I couldn't pass up the beans- they were cooked to perfection. I tried both of the soups- they were good. They had salad, fruit, flan and all of the taco fixings too- guacamole, salsa, sour cream, cheese). All I could eat for only $7.95! If you come between 4 and 7 you also get two for the price of one Mexican Beer Imports. They have my favorite- Negra Modelo for only $5. I didn't know about the the beer special the first time I went; so when I asked the waiter for a Negra Modelo and he came back to the table with one to drink (with a glass) and one chilling in a small ice bucket I thought the he didn't hear me correctly (asking for just one beer). He explained that this was an additional perk offered on Tuesdays! In todays economy it's good to know a place to go where your dollar goes far... Pros: Value more

I have had so many amazing nights at Picosa whether it be dancing up a storm, sipping on a drink, or eating dinner. I love the music, beautiful ambiance, convenient parking and the people that gather there are so eclectic and fun! My favorite time to go is the Wednesday night happy hour with DJ Fatty. The music is outstanding, dance floor is jammin?, and it starts early so I can go out, have fun, and get home a reasonable hour. I have spent the last ten years in New York and this comes close to the best of the best!! more

Located on the river with a open, airy setup, this Saint Anthony Main restaurant is not just a place to eat, but to have a fun experience. Most of the nights seem to be Latin music which brings a diverse, well mannered crowd, and the dancing is always fun to watch. The staff is friendly and the Sunday buffet is plentiful, tasty, and cheap! The perfect environment to be a 'regular.' more

I have been to picosa on Fridays and recently started going on tuesdays, I will admit that the events that they have going on is was brought me into that place but I can tell you that I come back for the service and the Food! I know it seems kind of weird that they do a taco bar on tuesday but its well worth the 6 dollars I paid! I can tell you the area they are located in is AMAZING! but dead with life I think some people have forgotten about Main St. I'm always trying to bring my friend on the other side of the bridge and I think this has become a good spot for us! Pros: Views, Space, Patio Cons: Ramp parking, Meters more

So I have been to Picosa many times and each time I have been there they always have had a great environment. The drinks were made very well and the food was so yummy. Friday and saturday nights are so much fun they have a live band with great music. The waiters were very knowledgeable on the specials and what they recommend for newcomers that I was with. All I have to say is if your looking for a great time and great food go to Picosa!!! Pros: Ambience, music love the lounge area and food!!! Cons: parking more

The hostess belonged at Friday's with LOTS of pieces of flar4e; she really didn't fit the lounge-y atmosphere they were trying to achieve. Our waitress had an odd demeanor, but was perfectly competent, although when my husband asked for a wine recommendation, she said, ""I don't know, I'm not good at pairings,"" At least she was being honest....? The specialties and entrees were fabulous, but the side dishes were very bland and unimpressive. Overall atmosphere was lovely. They have salsa dancing lessons and a live band, so experientially it has great potential. Pros: fabulous entrees, salsa dancing/ambience Cons: average/awkward servies, bland sides more

I have been to the restaurant a few times and the service has gotten from ok to worse. I kept going hoping it got better because I like frequenting Latino style restaurants. So it really pains me to tell folks to stay away form here. Pros: Ambience Cons: Expensive food that is not that good and horrible service more

My husband and I went to Picosa's last night. What a huge disappointment. We were greeted by a very loud, high pitched, ""oh so cutsie"" in your face greeter (kind of a turn off right there), who couldn't decide if she should walk us 20 steps to our table, or if the hostess or a server passing by should. I had requested outside seating (which hadn't been noted) and again was met by a huge disappointment. The ""huge"" patio does not overlook the falls area or downtown Minneapolis. You can barely see either, for the trees. The patio overlooks the street. No scenic views there. The patio area was dirty with cobwebs everywhere. When I opened my menu, it was, also, dirty and stained. I think my biggest disappointment was the atmosphere.\r This place is begging to be seen for what it is suppose to be. No hint what-so-ever, of a Latin/Carribean cusine. Even the few strands of white lights (typical) strung across sections of the patio, were a sad testiment to the lack of creativity that you would hope to find in a place that boosts salsa dancing and bands. We wondered why they didn't even have some soft Latin music playing, as they do have speakers under the patio awning, nestled in the cobwebs. The food tasted good, not the knock your socks off cuisine, but tastey. Our server was friendly, but did forget our drink request. Unfortunatley, more

Went there for a lunch with some business colleauges, and I knew the minute I walked in.......it was going to be bad. It was lunchtime and the only thing available was the buffet. Not one thing on that lunch buffet was edible.........it was easiest the worst food I have ever eaten. DISGUSTING!\r The chicken, beef and pork for the tacos was so tasteless and bland and the salsa was just as bad.\r I was disappointed with the whole experience, and I will never go back or recommend this to friends.\r As far as the service goes, I couldn't tell you. It could have been the best ever but the food was so bad I didn't notice! Pros: nothing Cons: food.....restaurant needs to close more

Drinks generous; food disgusting/ inedible; party room foul with kitchen smoke; service third world; management haughty/ unresponsive. Conclusion: Chef returned to culinary school, management retrained in customer relations = restaurant should close. Pros: Generous drinks Cons: avoid consumption of any cooked food - only drink on the patio more

We tried this restaurant for something different, using a gift certificate, and we really enjoyed it. We've only been there for breakfast, but it was VERY good. Service was pleasant, atmosphere was pleasant, and we loved the food, especially the made-to-order omelets. I can't speak for dinner or evening, but we really enjoyed it for a Sunday brunch!! Pros: Loved it for breakfast brunch more