Seemor
The Butcher's TaleA-Worth Trying
1121 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
· Restaurant, Fine dining restaurant, Steak house
· 4.7/5 Google (897 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Modern wood-fired steakhouse delivering standout steaks, sausages, and desserts with lively ambiance; excellent for special occasions and groups, but pricing is high and service can be uneven on busy nights.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
The Butcher's Tale delivers competitive quality on par with respected local fine dining through exceptional wood-fired steaks and creative sides and strong whiskey and steak expertise. However, execution varies during peak service, and the bustling, occasionally cramped dining room limits the experience. Excellent for celebrations and special occasions, though premium pricing and service inconsistency prevent grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The Butcher's Tale hums with lively downtown energy—dim lights, the glow of a wood-fired grill, and a crowd of pre-theater diners and celebrants. Guests describe servers who make occasions feel special, with one noting their meal was "one of the best in the Twin Cities." Expect a bustling room and strong whiskey program backing up the steaks. In the kitchen, the approach is elevated steakhouse—prime cuts kissed by oak and maple, house sausages, and sides that overachieve. Creativity shows up in selective global accents like chermoula carrots or jalapeños with peanut butter, while desserts like the towering chocolate cake seal the deal. Most praise steak execution and the long rib spectacle, though a few report uneven doneness on busy nights. Families will find enough comfort picks—burgers, mac and cheese, fries, and straightforward sides—to make it workable. There is a vegan cauliflower steak and several salads, but the menu tilts toward meat-forward indulgence. If you have picky eaters, stick to the simpler items and consider sharing a big dessert.
At a Glance
- Wood-fired steaks and wagyu draw rave reviews
- Outstanding for private events and celebrations
- Decadent desserts and generous portions
- Expensive with a noted 5% surcharge
- Noise and occasional service delays on busy nights
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- signature_beef_long_rib_showpiece
- premium_Australian_and_Japanese_wagyu
- dedicated_private_event_spaces
- wood_fired_grill_aroma
What People Love
- Melt-in-your-mouth wagyu moments
- Showpiece long rib that turns heads
- Warm, celebratory touches from attentive staff
- Aromas and visuals from the wood-fired grill
- Desserts big enough to share
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely high ($25+ appetizers, $60+ steaks) with a 5% surcharge
- Room can be loud; music volume occasionally hampers conversation
- Occasional uneven steak doneness and slow greetings on peak nights
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$85-120 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For steak lovers: MN Angus ribeye ($72) with king trumpet mushrooms ($17) and mash ($12)
- For seafood fans: Chilean sea bass ($47) or salmon with hollandaise and crab ($47)
- For vegetarians: Vegan cauliflower steak ($29) plus spring salad ($15)
- For bar bites: MN wagyu butter burger ($18) with truffle fries ($15)
Perfect For
- Pre-show dinner before the Orpheum
- Celebratory date night with steak and whiskey
- Private events where service coordination matters
- Out-of-town guests seeking a Minneapolis steak experience
Location Insights
Area: Downtown arts and theater corridor with business crowds and pre-show diners; lively evenings and event nights.
Safety: Generally safe with strong foot traffic; standard downtown vigilance suggested late at night.
Nearby: Near Orpheum Theatre and Hennepin entertainment district; bars, concert venues, and parking ramps nearby.
Uptown MinneapolisThe dining scene in Uptown is diverse, featuring everything from casual eateries and coffee shops to upscale restaurants and bars. The social atmosphere is energetic and youthful, with a strong emphasis on socializing, live music, and contemporary urban culture. The area is generally safe and highly accessible, popular for both day and nighttime activities.
Calhoun IslesCalhoun Isles is a sub-area within Uptown known for its proximity to lakes and green spaces, attracting a slightly more upscale crowd. The dining environment here includes trendy bistros and health-conscious cafes, reflecting the active lifestyle of its residents.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–21:00
Tuesday17:00–21:00
Wednesday17:00–21:00
Thursday17:00–21:00
Friday17:00–22:00
Saturday17:00–22:00
Sunday17:00–20:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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