Seemor
Black Duck Spirits & HearthA-Worth Trying
2900 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
· Restaurant, American restaurant, Bar
· 4.8/5 Google (274 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Ambitious wood-fire modern American with standout duck and burgers, excellent cocktails, and occasional service pacing issues; pricier but generally worth it for food lovers.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Black Duck Spirits & Hearth delivers exceptional food quality anchored by standout wood-fired duck, steak, and burgers that justify its premium positioning. The inviting open-hearth setting and strong cocktail program create genuine appeal, yet inconsistent service attentiveness and variable pacing prevent grade A territory. Solid neighborhood favorite with loyal following, but execution gaps keep it from elite standing.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and inviting with an open hearth and a bar that hums without shouting. Many diners talk about servers guiding them through cocktails and plates, and one gushes, "The duck burger taught me what a burger can be." It is the kind of place where a pre-theater bite can turn into a leisurely night at the chef counter with friendly, capable staff. The cooking leans modern American with wood-fire character, Polish touches, and creative bar fare. Expect thoughtful pairings like au poivre steak with crisp potato pavé, smoked half chicken brightened by chimichurri, and playful snacks like egg and chips. Cocktails are a draw, and the menu balances comfort with inventive flourishes—most dishes delight, though a few guests found salt or sides heavy-handed. Families are welcome here. There is a dedicated Kids Fare (burgers, chicken, quesadilla) and plenty of familiar options like waffle fries and sandwiches. If your crew includes picky eaters, stick to burgers and kids items; the more adventurous hearth plates can be complex but rewarding.
At a Glance
- Wood-fired modern American with standout duck and steak
- Excellent cocktails and engaging chef counter experience
- Strong neighborhood favorite with many repeat visits
- Service pacing can lag and attentiveness varies by section
- Pricing is premium; some shareables feel small for cost
What Sets It Apart
- wood-fired hearth cooking
- duck-focused burger program
- chef counter interaction
What People Love
- Memorable duck burger and crispy-edged smash burger
- Smoked half chicken and steak au poivre execution
- Warm, polished vibe with an open kitchen
- Playful snacks like egg and chips and well-made cocktails
Points of Concern
- Service can be slow or inattentive during peaks; some tables report long waits
- A few dishes skew salty or sides underwhelm compared to proteins
- Shareables like pierogi can feel pricey for portion size
- Review patterns show isolated QR/patio ordering confusion that affects experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$48-$66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For kids: Kids Burger or Kids Chicken ($7) with waffle fries ($7.50)
- Value path: Burger combos ($16-$22) plus sorbet ($6)
- Adventurous: Beet aguachile ($15) then steak or smoked chicken mains
Perfect For
- Date night with cocktails and shared plates
- Pre-theater dinner before a show at the Ritz
- Burger lovers seeking a signature duck spin
- Solo bar seating with chef counter views
Location Insights
Area: Lively Northeast arts-and-breweries district; mix of locals, date nights, and destination diners.
Safety: Generally safe, active foot traffic, well-lit corridors along Johnson St.
Nearby: Near small shops, cafes, theaters like Ritz; close to other NE dining and breweries.
Northeast MinneapolisThe dining scene in Northeast Minneapolis is eclectic and growing, with a strong emphasis on craft breweries, locally sourced food, and diverse ethnic cuisines. The area has a casual, community-oriented atmosphere with many independent restaurants and bars attracting a mix of locals and visitors.
St. Anthony EastSt. Anthony East is a quieter, more residential part of Northeast Minneapolis with a developing dining scene that blends neighborhood eateries with creative culinary ventures. It offers a more laid-back and family-friendly environment compared to the busier central Northeast area.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–20:00
Tuesday
Wednesday11:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Friday11:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Saturday10:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Sunday10:00–14:00, 16:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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