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Waterbury RestaurantA-Worth Trying

Name: Waterbury Restaurant
Address: 3012 Excelsior Blvd Suite 101, Minneapolis, MN 55416, Minneapolis, United States
Rating: 4.7

3012 Excelsior Blvd Suite 101, Minneapolis, MN 55416 · Restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (124 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Stylish neighborhood spot with polished service, creative American plates, strong cocktails, and live jazz; prices skew high and a 4% staff surcharge applies.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Waterbury delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by standout dishes like bison short ribs and an exceptional burger, paired with attentive service and stylish modern design. The restaurant excels in consistency and hospitality but falls short of grade A territory due to occasional execution lapses and a neighborhood-gem positioning rather than destination status. Competitive with the area's better dining establishments, it rewards repeat visits through reliable quality and thoughtful cocktail programming.

Restaurant Summary

Waterbury feels like a neighborhood living room polished for prime time: modern lines, glowing light, and a soundtrack that occasionally turns into live jazz. Guests highlight servers by name and describe service as quietly attentive. One diner summed it up simply: "Beautiful space, thoughtful food, and drinks that fit the mood." The kitchen sticks to contemporary American comfort dialed up with quality sourcing and gentle global notes—think bison short ribs, a killer burger, pecan walleye, and desserts like a salted caramel dacquoise. It is more elevated traditional than experimental, with cocktails that anchor the experience and a cafe up front for morning pastry runs. Families are welcome, and the menu actually backs that up: burgers with fries, simple pastas, big breakfast burritos, and friendly staff who will help with small tweaks. There is no formal kids menu noted, but most children can find something familiar without a fuss.

At a Glance

Stylish, comfortable dining room with warm service
Burger, bison short ribs, and desserts draw repeat praise
Strong cocktail program and live jazz nights
4% staff commitment surcharge surprises some guests
A few inconsistent dishes (truffled pesto pasta, occasional overcooked steaks)

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Warm, attentive staff that remembers preferences
A burger many call best-in-town territory
Thoughtful desserts that end the night right
A room that feels chic but still comfortable

Points of Concern

Pricing is genuinely expensive (some mains $30+ and steak to $65) and there is a 4% surcharge
Occasional execution misses on steaks and truffled pesto pasta
Service can slow slightly on holidays or busy jazz nights

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$48-$70 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For gluten-free diners: Wagyu tartare, crispy tuna tacos, bison short ribs, snapper, and several GF-request items
Value play: Burger or cacio e pepe plus dacquoise
Seafood fans: Walleye ($30) or snapper ($35) for quality without steak pricing

Perfect For

Date night with cocktails and jazz
Business lunch with reservations
Neighborhood brunch before a lake walk
Small celebrations with dessert and a nightcap

Location Insights

Area: Modern mixed-use near Lake Bde Maka Ska; draws locals for dining, coffee, and evening cocktails.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked, with garage access; comfortable day and evening.

Nearby: Close to lakes, residential towers, and retail; occasional live music nights; garage and street parking nearby.

Excelsior & GrandThe Excelsior & Grand area is characterized by a mix of small businesses, local eateries, and residential homes. Dining here tends to be casual and community-focused, with a growing number of independent restaurants and cafes attracting locals looking for relaxed, neighborhood dining experiences.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday15:00–22:00 Wednesday15:00–22:00 Thursday15:00–22:00 Friday15:00–23:00 Saturday15:00–23:00 Sunday08:00–14:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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