I just got back from living for four years in Japan so I thought I would check out the local Japanese restaurants/pubs in Minneapolis. When I got there around 10:00pm, it was crowded and busy. I sat at the bar with my friend. The sake I tried was OK. It was the Junmai Nama or something. Obviously it does not compare to real sake that I've been enjoying in Japan, so perhaps my judgement may be harsher than others. The crowd there was lot more yuppie than I expected, but than again that probably shouldn't have surprised me. The service is prompt and quick, however, the bartender, a blond man, was not the friendliest person, though he was extra friendly to a customer who came after and sat next to me. I am assuming she must be a regular or a friend of his and I assume his cold behavior towards me and my friend is a typical mid-west Minnesotan thing, but I prefer hospitable friendly service versus ""I don't want anything to do with you but I guess I have to take your order"" service. So, I probably won't be going back there, since I'm sure I can find better sake and friendlier service elsewhere in Minneapolis anyhow. Not a horrible experience, but not good enough for me to bother to go back. I tend to go back to places where I like the people and service.
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