First Course Reviews List

Dined on 5/12/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The food was excellent. Portions were tapas-sized as the menu suggests and priced accordingly so that a small plate did not cost what you would expect to pay for a large plate.

The restaurant filled up quickly so i was glad i made reservations. With summer coming and outdoor dining available, this will be more manageable."

Dined on 5/12/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem

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Review 2 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Has never disappointed...

Dined on 5/09/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"First Course has never disappointed us and we frequent the place either for a meal or just drinks. The food is creative, the service is attentive and one of our favorite combos plays there Thursday evenings. What could be wrong with that?"

Dined on 5/09/2013

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 3 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Surprisingly good food

Dined on 5/09/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We had eaten here years ago and had forgotten about the place. We had a coupon so we went Thursday night and had an excellent meal. We will be back!"

Dined on 5/09/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 4 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Good food, good feeling

Dined on 5/08/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The atmosphere is very relaxing and romantic with a lower light setting and lots of tables for two. The wine and beer list provided many choices and they keep three microbrews on tap which definitely passed the taste test. The food was very good and they have a list of special meals of the day to keep things interesting."

Dined on 5/08/2013

Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic

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Review 5 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Date absolutely LOVED IT

Dined on 5/03/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Recently started dating a sophisticated 40-something downtown foodie. She has a job where she has to entertain clients at lunches & dinners on a routine basis, and has been to nearly every restaurant in the Twin Cities. Yet she wants to discover & experience new places with me. Coming up with dinner plans is quite a challenge to say the least! Took a shot at this place, and am I glad I did! It was a home run in her book-from the small intimate setting/cool decor, to the live background music, to the solid food & wine. Table location is key, but she couldn't stop raving about this place from start to finish. The start of one memorable night! I thought everything was good, but who cares when your date is this thrilled? Thanks First Course!"

Dined on 5/03/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion

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Review 6 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Ambiance

Dined on 5/02/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Very enjoyable dining. Able to hava conversation with friends with fabulous live backround music. Food was great. will return again"

Dined on 5/02/2013

Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem

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Review 7 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The gnocchi was phenomenal

Dined on 04/26/2013

Dined on 04/26/2013

2011

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The gnocchi was phenomenal - the pork chop a bit overcooked - but the service was excellent. This is ambitious little gem, offering finer cuisine while hiding in plain sight amid a strip of small stores."

Dined on 04/26/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

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Review 8 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

First course never disappoints

Dined on 04/25/2013

Dined on 04/25/2013

2008

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"First course never disappoints us. The food is creative, the service is friendly and informative. We dine here pretty often."

Dined on 04/25/2013

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem

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Review 9 for First Course

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

went there for dining out

Dined on 04/25/2013

Dined on 04/25/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Poor) 1 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"went there for dining out for aids.
every year our group tries out a new place.
this place we not go back to for any get togethers.
the music was loud at most of the time when this happens people started shouting to be heard, there was a lot of shouting going on
our group likes to have a conversation, and be able the hear what others in our group has to say !!!!!!"

Dined on 04/25/2013

2013

Special Features: hot spot

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Review 10 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent food with a small,

Dined on 04/20/2013

Dined on 04/20/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Excellent food with a small, yet unique menu. Great atmosphere - there was live music playing and a good overall noise level. A new favorite."

Dined on 04/20/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 11 for First Course

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

The place is very small, and

Dined on 04/20/2013

Dined on 04/20/2013

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The place is very small, and while this makes for a very intimate experience it also means that for larger parties there are only 1-2 spots available in the whole restaurant. In our case (party of 6), we waited 45 minutes past our reservation time before being seated because the party before us sat around and mingled for 45 minutes after they got their check. While we realized that this problem was more with inconsiderate diners than with the restaurant's performance, it definitely hurt the experience. As a further peeve, we were told the tres leches cake was "sold out" even as we watched two employees scarfing it down at the bar. This was all unfortunate, because the food was excellent. Would maybe try it again... with a party of 2."

Dined on 04/20/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 12 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was fabulous per

Dined on 04/18/2013

Dined on 04/18/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The food was fabulous per usual. My friend tried the kangaroo risotto, which she loved, but the pieces of kangaroo were miniscule, which left her starving afterward. So if you are hungry, try something else."

Dined on 04/18/2013

2010

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Review 13 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

It was the first time there

Dined on 04/18/2013

Dined on 04/18/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"It was the first time there for all three of us. We loved our food and the atmosphere. There is something on the menu for everyone. Will definitely return."

Dined on 04/18/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 14 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent food and great service

Dined on 04/12/2013

Dined on 04/12/2013

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"The food was awesome! The service was well informed of the menu, and the specials were well special. Nice stumbled upon find. Will be adding to my round robin of eateries."

Dined on 04/12/2013

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

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Review 15 for First Course

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

food was very good. the portion

Dined on 04/13/2013

Dined on 04/13/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"food was very good. the portion where a little small for what you payed.but would go back."

Dined on 04/13/2013

2011

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 16 for First Course

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Very good food. Service was

Dined on 04/13/2013

Dined on 04/13/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Very good food. Service was friendly but uneven– from time to get seated and time to get served food, it sometimes seemed a bit long. Live music was a nice touch, but distracting to my musical tastes.

I liked the menu. Fried green olives were good, halibut was fantastic, chicken roulade was underwhelmeing. I'd go back, however, it's a nice neighborhood place with pretty good food."

Dined on 04/13/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic

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Review 17 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great Food and Fun

Dined on 04/13/2013

Dined on 04/13/2013

2008

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Great food and ambiance right in the neighborhood...great date night place."

Dined on 04/13/2013

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion

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Review 18 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Neighborhood Spot

Dined on 04/09/2013

Dined on 04/09/2013

2008

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Lived in the neighborhood for years and didn't know it was there. Excellent wine list, food and service were fantastic. We will definately be back - Glad we went."

Dined on 04/09/2013

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

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Review 19 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very cute place, with a nice

Dined on 04/06/2013

Dined on 04/06/2013

2010

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Very cute place, with a nice menu (try the Mussels!), and excellent advice on wine and wine pairings!."

Dined on 04/06/2013

2010

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

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Review 20 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Nieghborhood gem

Dined on 03/31/2013

Dined on 03/31/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"I picked this restaurant solely on location and was very pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the food and excellent service. The modest storefront next to Kowalksi's grocery store gives no hint of the quality inside. Our group of five started with a selection of Tapas plates which were small, of course, but very good and easy to share. Then entrees ranging from pasta to fish to a Bison burger, all of which received thumbs up from the diner. We will return to this neighborhood gem."

Dined on 03/31/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

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Review 21 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Secret discovery in South Mpls

Dined on 03/29/2013

Dined on 03/29/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"This was our first time at First Course and we were hesitant from the street view store front, but we entered despite our doubts. Inside, the atmosphere was warm, cozy, and comfortable. We were warmly greeted, and I could tell that there were a few repeat patrons. We sat down, were offered beverages right away. It was hard to choose only one item from the menu! We tried each others meals and they were both delicious. The entire visit was a fabulous surprise.
Do not be fooled by the simple exterior, this place is a treasure."

Dined on 03/29/2013

2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

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Review 22 for First Course

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

We have been going to first

Dined on 03/26/2013

2005

Dined on 03/26/2013

2005

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We have been going to first course since it opened. They used to change the menu now and then.
We would like to see a substantial change to the menu. It is getting a bit tiresome."

Dined on 03/26/2013

2005

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 23 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food was great, as was the

Dined on 03/24/2013

2012

Dined on 03/24/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Food was great, as was the service. My beer was nothing special (monkey Fist or something like that). But not so big a deal that I mentioned it to the waitress - I get the feeling she would have exchanged it immediately. I was on a first date and didn't want to look finnicky."

Dined on 03/24/2013

2012

Special Features: romantic

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Review 24 for First Course

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Not fantastic, but nice.

Dined on 03/16/2013

Dined on 03/16/2013

2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"The service was good. The bread was good and that is a lost art these days - you always have to beg for bread, but First Course served baguette with the wine and brought more. That said, I think the food was OK - kind of small portions for the main entre - in other words, it was a good thing we had bread and had ordered appetizers or I think we would have still been hungry. I think my entre was the best and that was the Gnochis - they were really good. Also, the family we were with really liked the salad. Nice quiet neighborhood setting and we did have a good time. Maybe First Course needs to be better defined. I read French somewhere and then American, but I had Gnochis which are Italian???"

Dined on 03/16/2013

2013

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 25 for First Course

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Stay away from the Tapas menu.

Dined on 03/16/2013

Dined on 03/16/2013

2009

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Stay away from the Tapas menu. Ordered the "sirloin tips" and received six pieces of steak on a skewer, each one only a 1/2" cube for $8....really?"

Dined on 03/16/2013

2009

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Review 26 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Mom's Birthday Dinner... She

Dined on 03/12/2013

Dined on 03/12/2013

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Mom's Birthday Dinner... She felt like a queen! Loved it!"

Dined on 03/12/2013

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 27 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great service - great wine

Dined on 03/10/2013

2012

Dined on 03/10/2013

2012

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Great service - great wine list and great dinners for the 4 of us."

Dined on 03/10/2013

2012

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 28 for First Course

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

The food was moderate, but

Dined on 03/08/2013

Dined on 03/08/2013

2006

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The food was moderate, but the prices were high for what we got. The $20 spoonful of risotto w/1 shrimp was the biggest letdown."

Dined on 03/08/2013

2006

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Review 29 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The exceptionally good live

Dined on 03/07/2013

Dined on 03/07/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The exceptionally good live music was not expected on a Thursday evening. It was appreicated, but do not plan a business dinner the people noise it a bit high. The Brazilian fish stew was terrific. It only missed the identifable fish parts to be more typical of Brazil.

Looking forward for a return visit."

Dined on 03/07/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

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Review 30 for First Course

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Good Not Great, I'd Eat Elsewhere.

Dined on 03/03/2013

Dined on 03/03/2013

2011

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"I can't honestly say I'd go back. The food was GOOD, but not GREAT. They had items on the menu that were out, as well as multiple types of wine that we wanted. All in all, I left thinking I could have made a similar dinner at home and saved the $80.

They have some good and surprisingly cheap apps, about $5 each. Unfortunately the most exciting thing about my meal was the risotto, which is actually a "side dish." What I got otherwise was 4 bites of a thinly sliced chicken breast wrapped around spinach and cheese. $22?

If it was a $50 meal, I'd say it's about what I expect. For $80+, I expect to be drooling over my meal. If you're in this area for dinner, its worth the 5min drive west to Cafe Maude on Penn Ave. Never disappointed!!"

Dined on 03/03/2013

2011

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Review 31 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent service

Dined on 03/02/2013

Dined on 03/02/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Excellent service is always appreciated especially when I recommend a resturant. I was pleased with the service at First Course when I went for dinner on a Saturday evening. We had a group of six & within our group we had people who like try new food, and some who like the basics. Each person in our group found appetizers & an entree to their liking. The food is very pretty, but more than that it's delicious! Something to note is that the appetizers or tapas did not all arrive at the same time which I think is standard there. It did not bother me but if you want your starters arriving together please do consider your order. Food was delicious with the exception of a steak that was a bit rare for my girlfriend we had a fabulous time."

Dined on 03/02/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic

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Review 32 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We went to First Course last

Dined on 03/02/2013

Dined on 03/02/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We went to First Course last Saturday night to celebrate my sister's retirement and her husband's birthday. The wine and food were amazing and we left full and happy. Thanks Mark and Tamara for your fantastic restaurant!"

Dined on 03/02/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion

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Review 33 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Love this place! Great food,

Dined on 02/27/2013

Dined on 02/27/2013

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Love this place! Great food, great staff and awesome wine list."

Dined on 02/27/2013

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion

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Review 34 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food and service was great

Dined on 02/14/2013

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Food and service was great here, but we got stuck at a table right in the front near the door. We had to have our coats on our laps the entire meal because every time the door opened, we would get a blast of freezing air. Would be great if they could hang a curtain or something to provide a barrier from the cold."

Dined on 02/14/2013

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic

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Review 35 for First Course

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

My husband ordered the porkchop

Dined on 02/16/2013

Dined on 02/16/2013

2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"My husband ordered the porkchop and enjoyed his meal. I had the butternut squash ravioli with an alfredo sauce. For the price, the size of the meal was small and the quality and taste was barely passable. The server was very nice and the ambiance is good. We would not go back. We enjoy small, unique places to eat, but I would not recommend this place because the food was not to the taste and quality we expected for the price."

Dined on 02/16/2013

2013

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Review 36 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Hidden gem of South Minneapolis

Dined on 02/13/2013

Dined on 02/13/2013

2011

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"We had an early Valentine's date at First Course. It's a place we'd be meaning to check out, not too far from home, and I'd heard they have excellent tapas. We opted to order a bunch of tapas and a bottle of wine (1/2 price bottles on Tuesdays!). The wine was excellent, and we had the shrimp, asparagus, green olives, and manchego cheese tapas. Our favorite was probably the shrimp, the asparagus came with only a few spears and lots of fried onions (which were tasty). A small basket of bread and butter was brought to the table when we arrived, and the bread was crusty and delicious. I'd wholeheartedly recommend checking out this neighborhood gem!"

Dined on 02/13/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch

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Review 37 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

It was a busy night for Valentines

Dined on 02/14/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"It was a busy night for Valentines night (no surprise). Still we got a table within ten minutes.

It is always noisy in that place, but the great tasting food make the noise worth it.

Its no bargain, but its a nice treat now and then Its just blocks away and its nice to have such a unique restaurant in the area.

Some seating (especially along one of the walls) is pretty close. Normally I would not to sit so close, but for the night we were there we engaged in a great conversation with a couple of Seniors from South High School. They were a great couple of kids and really enjoyed talking to them (I am in my mid 50's). My wife and I probably stayed an extra half hour just to see what the kids had to say. That made our night."

Dined on 02/14/2013

2013

Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion

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Review 38 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The food was delicious! I

Dined on 02/14/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The food was delicious! I had the butternut squash ravioli and my partner had the scallops. We both cleaned our plates! We even had room to split the flourless chocolate torte (small, but perfect). The place was packed because it was Valentine's Day, but our server still provided personal service and was very attentive."

Dined on 02/14/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic

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Review 39 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Valentines at First Course

Dined on 02/14/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Great food! Good atmosphere. Special menu for valentines day was exceptional!"

Dined on 02/14/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

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Review 40 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

We very much appreciated the

Dined on 02/14/2013

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We very much appreciated the fact that the chef was willing to make small entree adjustments to accommodate our dietary preferences - even during the peak of Valentine's dinner rush."

Dined on 02/14/2013

2009

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion

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Review 41 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This is a lovely neighborhood

Dined on 02/05/2013

Dined on 02/05/2013

2009

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"This is a lovely neighborhood restaurant. The Tuesday half-price wine night is a great value."

Dined on 02/05/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

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Review 42 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I was unhappy with our first

Dined on 02/02/2013

Dined on 02/02/2013

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I was unhappy with our first table but was moved upon request to one away from the door on a chilly night. Service and food were great . Will return."

Dined on 02/02/2013

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

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Review 43 for First Course

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Good neighborhood spot

Dined on 01/31/2013

Dined on 01/31/2013

2007

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"It's a good neighborhood spot but I wouldn't go out my way to return. The food was ok but didn't live up the descriptions on the menu. Case in point was the parmigiana cheese on the tapas list.. I would have liked there to be more asparagus and fewer onion rings in that dish. The calamari was tasty, an exception to my point above. Service was pleasantly attentive."

Dined on 01/31/2013

2007

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Review 44 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Brought a group of 12 here

Dined on 01/29/2013

Dined on 01/29/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Brought a group of 12 here for our monthly dinner club! Many "new initiates" to first course (yet my wife and I have been going here for a couple years), and everyone was impressed! Always a splendid evening at First Course!"

Dined on 01/29/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 45 for First Course

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Love the music on Friday

Dined on 01/18/2013

Dined on 01/18/2013

2008

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Love the music on Friday nights. The service has something to be desired. We have a favorite dish of Risotto and chicken. The reason we go back. Not has nice as in the past."

Dined on 01/18/2013

2008

Special Features: neighborhood gem

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Review 46 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A wonderful meal and the half-price

Dined on 01/29/2013

Dined on 01/29/2013

2006

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"A wonderful meal and the half-price wine list allowed us a special Rombauer Char treat! Service top-notch, Food nicely presented and wonderful tastes. Noisey, small space but we were able to enjoy good conversation, too."

Dined on 01/29/2013

2006

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot

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Review 47 for First Course

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

True gem!

Dined on 01/17/2013

Dined on 01/17/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"A true gem only blocks from my home, so a much appreciated location to minimize time wasted driving! Reliably fabulous food, we've never been disappointed! The Two & A Half Tenors 3-man band every other Thursday is a definite draw for choosing that particular evening to dine at First Course!"

Dined on 01/17/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion

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Review 48 for First Course

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Even though we were running

Dined on 01/26/2013