Review: Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant in Minneapolis

The Minneapolis Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant is located in downtown Minneapolis at 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis in Minnesota 55403. Opening daily at 11:00 AM, the Dakota Jazz Club closes at 9:00 PM on Sundays, 10:00 PM Mondays through Thursdays, and 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Happy hour is held Monday through Friday from 4:30 until 6:30 PM.

One of the premier Minneapolis jazz restaurants, the Dakota Jazz Club is a magnet for established and new jazz musicians and some, such as jazz bassist Gordon Johnson, will even celebrate their CD release performance at this locale. It is noteworthy that this is one of the select Minneapolis restaurants where patrons actually come to hear the music and if you are planning on lively conversation, ask your server to seat you on the mezzanine out outdoors.

The atmosphere at the Minneapolis Dakota Jazz Club is relaxed and casual, but it does not lend itself to entertaining small children and unless your kids are jazz aficionados, finding a sitter might be the best course of action. Due to its pleasingly enjoyable atmosphere and dual function as both a concert venue and an eatery, the Club is a favorite hangout for those enjoying the Twin Cities bar scene and dating couples out for a romantic night on the town.

Visitors to Minneapolis restaurants need to be aware that the Dakota Jazz Club is not cheap. A basket of fries runs $7 and an Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad will set you back $15--and this is just the bar menu. From the dinner menu you have the option of ordering up some mouthwatering Lamb Loin Cassoulet for $32 and add a Heart of Romaine Caesar Style Salad for $9.

It is noteworthy that the Dakota Jazz Club values its inclusion among the ranks of American jazz restaurants that are made famous not only by the music they play live but also because of their impeccable menu selections, and the chef is very clear that dishes may be altered to suit vegetarian palates or those who have certain dietary needs not addressed by the choices available.

Keep in mind that there is a cover charge for those attending the jazz club portion of the venue whereas those dining in the other portion of the locale do not have to pay the entry fee. Savvy visitors have been known to make very late weekend dinner reservations since after 10:00 PM the divider between jazz club and dining area is removed and you can enjoy the show for free while nursing a basket of fries.

The Dakota Jazz Club is one of the "musts" when it comes to experiencing jazz restaurants in the United States, and when you find yourself in Minneapolis on business, just passing through, or for pleasure, do not forget to include this venue when you plan your outings to the best Minneapolis restaurants. Bring sufficient money to foot the food bill, and be prepared for an out of this world jazz music experience!

Source:
http://www.dakotacooks.com/
http://homepage.mac.com/tonalities/website/index.htm