This place is a gem with extraordinary and authentic soul food, wonderful service, and nice ambience. It celebrates the vibrant and important cultural history of the Rondo Neighborhood. A must-visit for every Minnesotan and every person traveling through Saint Paul.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rika Lindsey
Website needs to be updated. Always says it's open Sunday when they're closed. It's been like this the past month or so.
b
Amazing food and drinks for a great price!
john blaze
Atmosphere is very nice feels like you transported in time to the 20s or something with beautiful live music throwback decor and a nice sampling of your old school classic dishes. Swing by eat a good meal. Listen to some good music and learn something about this historic neighborhood
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
33 Beezy
As soon as I sat down , I was attended . I’m reading people complaining about the price at the end of the day you’re paying for quality. My chicken sandwich was amazing , along with the mac. I’ll be coming back to try the rest of the menu!- Manny “The Traveler”
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Samuel Perry
I called to place an order and the first phone call didn't go through, the second time I called it said the phone number was no longer in service. This is my second attempt to try and support this business. The first time I try to eat there they didn't have what was on the menu. And this time I don't know what's going on but the phone is disconnected. So sad
Service: 1
Rhonda B.
The food was delicious and the wait staff was wonderful. Everything was great until the DJ CAME!!! He DESTROYED the entire mood. It is sad when you don't know your audience. BEFORE he arrived we had a WHOLE VIBE going with a mix of R&B, Oldies and Rap. But this dude with his lack of awareness cleared the place out because of his INABILITY to shift to accommodate the crowd that was present. It was about him and his playlist and the crowd he was anticipating to come not the customers who were already there. We will make sure a live band is playing the next time. Because that "Cat" was NOT IT!
Pa V.
I'm so glad a local business reflecting the Rondo community and culture opened up in St. Paul. The atmosphere and decoration of this place was so cool and well thought out.Although the service was slow and getting things like silverware and ordering took a whole- one of the staff apologize and gave us and extra side of collards on the house, which was nice.Now for the food- I think there some work but a lot of potential. The pickle and the fried catfish was very flavorful, seasoned well and delicious- I wish I had more! I would definitely come back for the catfish!Plenty of street parking around the neighborhood.
Tank Fox
Google maps I'm having a problem, I'm trying to rate taste of rondo six stars but there's only five stars available Please fix immediately this is very important.Also while food service and atmosphere are excellent subsections I would like to recommend a cheese steak subsection exclusively for rating the ability of the restaurant to serve said cheesesteaks mostly so that I can rate every other restaurant as less than taste of Rondo
I thought I was coming here for catfish. Ended up staying for some unbelievably good hiphop artists. Also, ended up going with the shrimp and grits which was very good and beat anything else you're going to find this far north.
Though the website states 2:00 pm as the hour of operation (Thursday), I showed up at 6 pm to a locked door. I was asked to wait on the patio while they finished "setting up."Fast forward.. it's 6:45, and the server never returns. Another party walked into the restaurant and didn't return, that's how I realized we could now go in.Go inside, the party of 2 I saw go in and my table were the only people in the restaurant. I asked the server how long would it take to prepare the food, quoted 20 minutes..."we have to cook it."I ordered at 7:10, and requested my food to go. I had to head over to the airport. At 7:30, I walked to the counter, only to he told it would be another 10 minutes. 5 minutes later, the server comes to tell me they don't have any chicken breast thawed, so I can't get the chicken sandwich I ordered. After a few more minutes the server brought my appetizer, and I noted I requested my food to-go. "You only requested the chicken sandwich to go." I don't think the default "the customer is always right " is always applicable, but there's absolutely no reason to give me attitude after I have patiently waited for food. Remember, I sat outside in the sun for 45 minutes while you finished set-up.I go back to the counter to pay, as it after 8pm. My dad's flight landed at 7:30 and I am not at the airport. I figured paying would help expedite my departure. I couldn't help but notice the cook opening individual packets of mayonnaise to add to my sandwich. (The server suggested a chicken Philly since I could not get the chicken breast sandwich). Is this how condiments are added to orders? If so, I could have don't that myself.A table that walked in well after I ordered is eating, there is a couple that sat themselves that leaves after waiting with no acknowledgement, the party of 2 ahead of me leaves after only getting drinks. But now there are at least 6 tables seated.The moral of the story, customer service is a dying art. Effective Communication is a characteristic many don't develop. All you had to do was say it'll be a while, we are short staffed. The entire time I only saw one server and one cook. As a former restaurateur, I understand the pressures of the food industry, and I provide grace. However, don't quote me 20 minutes if you can't uphold your words. That's why I asked prior to placing the order. If something changes where you can't deliver in 20 minutes a simple acknowledgement works. You don't help the narrative when you decide to chastise me for reminding you I requested my food to go.After getting to the airport and finally home, the food was still warm. That's a good thing. The chicken Philly had a good taste, fries were not seasoned as expected. My dad enjoyed the fried chicken, though I sampled the gouda grits and didn't taste gouda. The chicken bites were underwhelming, and it seemed like they came out of a bag. Overall, food was passable. Though I had planned to go back to try other items, this experience makes me think I should not.As a new resident of the Twin Cities, I was excited about trying this restaurant. The story of the couple overcoming adversity is admirable, and the history and legacy of the neighborhood inspirational. However...those aspects alone do not compensate for a horrible experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Kelsey Anderson
I came in for lunch with my fiance and we enjoyed seeing the photos of the Rondo neighborhood on the walls and the story in the menu. The food was delicious! I had the MLK Jr fried chicken and it was seasoned to perfection with just the right amount of crisp. It came with 2 sides so I tried the Southern fried potatoes and the Gouda grits - quite the feast! It was quiet at lunchtime and the chef brought us some crab cakes on mashed potatoes and gravy to try. Now, to be honest I was already full plus I don't like seafood but I devoured this. All around great food and great experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Zeke N
Great idea, poorly managed and ran. On two separate occasions I was seated and given a menu, then 20-30 mins later told the kitchen was closed. Both times were at least 3-4 hours before they’re posted closing time.The food is pretty good when they have it or feel like cooking. Once, I was told they ran out of food and she “wasn’t going to cook anymore”. The first time I went, I was blown away. Unfortunately, the next 5-6 times all the issues I described happened. I tried to give the benefit of the doubt. The last visit was the final straw. After 30 minutes, seated with water and menus to be told the kitchen is closed, as orders are being made was insane. Finally, an employee said, “try again next time.” I said we won’t be back, his response , “that’s fine.”Hopefully, someone can step up and make the necessary changes. It could be a great place with a service/culture overhaul.
Neitra F
Grits were cold.Fish was overcooked. Only had Coke or Sprite to drink. Out of cornbread.I would not recommend.
Natasha A.
The atmosphere is amazing. Live entertainment, good mixed drinks, food, but when it comes to service there is much room for improvement. My experience ALL THREE TIMES unless your a regular it may take 15 to 20 minutes before anyone acknowledge you and this is sitting at the bar and the bar isn't busy nor the restaurant. Then someone will come and say what are you having? No hello, how's it going, thanks for stopping in tonight or this evening, nothing. Then when you order a drink it's another 15 minutes or so, and OMG don't order food. Your looking at another 30 to 45 minutes. This post is to step up your service to serve all equally and efficiently. At least give an estimated time if your kitchen is behind. Greet everyone that comes to your bat with least a hello and I'll be with shortly, a couple, a few are ahead of you. Give a menu or have QR Code cards to start looking at the menu. I'll be back because of the atmosphere and live music. I hope this post helps. Oh and cut back on the salt. Geez! My Po Boy with fish was not edible with tax almost $20.00 in the trash.
This place is a gem with extraordinary and authentic soul food, wonderful service, and nice ambience. It celebrates the vibrant and important cultural history of the Rondo Neighborhood. A must-visit for every Minnesotan and every person traveling through Saint Paul.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Website needs to be updated. Always says it's open Sunday when they're closed. It's been like this the past month or so.
Amazing food and drinks for a great price!
Atmosphere is very nice feels like you transported in time to the 20s or something with beautiful live music throwback decor and a nice sampling of your old school classic dishes. Swing by eat a good meal. Listen to some good music and learn something about this historic neighborhood
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
As soon as I sat down , I was attended . I’m reading people complaining about the price at the end of the day you’re paying for quality. My chicken sandwich was amazing , along with the mac. I’ll be coming back to try the rest of the menu!- Manny “The Traveler”
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I called to place an order and the first phone call didn't go through, the second time I called it said the phone number was no longer in service. This is my second attempt to try and support this business. The first time I try to eat there they didn't have what was on the menu. And this time I don't know what's going on but the phone is disconnected. So sad
Service: 1
The food was delicious and the wait staff was wonderful. Everything was great until the DJ CAME!!! He DESTROYED the entire mood. It is sad when you don't know your audience. BEFORE he arrived we had a WHOLE VIBE going with a mix of R&B, Oldies and Rap. But this dude with his lack of awareness cleared the place out because of his INABILITY to shift to accommodate the crowd that was present. It was about him and his playlist and the crowd he was anticipating to come not the customers who were already there. We will make sure a live band is playing the next time. Because that "Cat" was NOT IT!
I'm so glad a local business reflecting the Rondo community and culture opened up in St. Paul. The atmosphere and decoration of this place was so cool and well thought out.Although the service was slow and getting things like silverware and ordering took a whole- one of the staff apologize and gave us and extra side of collards on the house, which was nice.Now for the food- I think there some work but a lot of potential. The pickle and the fried catfish was very flavorful, seasoned well and delicious- I wish I had more! I would definitely come back for the catfish!Plenty of street parking around the neighborhood.
Google maps I'm having a problem, I'm trying to rate taste of rondo six stars but there's only five stars available Please fix immediately this is very important.Also while food service and atmosphere are excellent subsections I would like to recommend a cheese steak subsection exclusively for rating the ability of the restaurant to serve said cheesesteaks mostly so that I can rate every other restaurant as less than taste of Rondo
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheesy Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich
I thought I was coming here for catfish. Ended up staying for some unbelievably good hiphop artists. Also, ended up going with the shrimp and grits which was very good and beat anything else you're going to find this far north.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Though the website states 2:00 pm as the hour of operation (Thursday), I showed up at 6 pm to a locked door. I was asked to wait on the patio while they finished "setting up."Fast forward.. it's 6:45, and the server never returns. Another party walked into the restaurant and didn't return, that's how I realized we could now go in.Go inside, the party of 2 I saw go in and my table were the only people in the restaurant. I asked the server how long would it take to prepare the food, quoted 20 minutes..."we have to cook it."I ordered at 7:10, and requested my food to go. I had to head over to the airport. At 7:30, I walked to the counter, only to he told it would be another 10 minutes. 5 minutes later, the server comes to tell me they don't have any chicken breast thawed, so I can't get the chicken sandwich I ordered. After a few more minutes the server brought my appetizer, and I noted I requested my food to-go. "You only requested the chicken sandwich to go." I don't think the default "the customer is always right " is always applicable, but there's absolutely no reason to give me attitude after I have patiently waited for food. Remember, I sat outside in the sun for 45 minutes while you finished set-up.I go back to the counter to pay, as it after 8pm. My dad's flight landed at 7:30 and I am not at the airport. I figured paying would help expedite my departure. I couldn't help but notice the cook opening individual packets of mayonnaise to add to my sandwich. (The server suggested a chicken Philly since I could not get the chicken breast sandwich). Is this how condiments are added to orders? If so, I could have don't that myself.A table that walked in well after I ordered is eating, there is a couple that sat themselves that leaves after waiting with no acknowledgement, the party of 2 ahead of me leaves after only getting drinks. But now there are at least 6 tables seated.The moral of the story, customer service is a dying art. Effective Communication is a characteristic many don't develop. All you had to do was say it'll be a while, we are short staffed. The entire time I only saw one server and one cook. As a former restaurateur, I understand the pressures of the food industry, and I provide grace. However, don't quote me 20 minutes if you can't uphold your words. That's why I asked prior to placing the order. If something changes where you can't deliver in 20 minutes a simple acknowledgement works. You don't help the narrative when you decide to chastise me for reminding you I requested my food to go.After getting to the airport and finally home, the food was still warm. That's a good thing. The chicken Philly had a good taste, fries were not seasoned as expected. My dad enjoyed the fried chicken, though I sampled the gouda grits and didn't taste gouda. The chicken bites were underwhelming, and it seemed like they came out of a bag. Overall, food was passable. Though I had planned to go back to try other items, this experience makes me think I should not.As a new resident of the Twin Cities, I was excited about trying this restaurant. The story of the couple overcoming adversity is admirable, and the history and legacy of the neighborhood inspirational. However...those aspects alone do not compensate for a horrible experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
I came in for lunch with my fiance and we enjoyed seeing the photos of the Rondo neighborhood on the walls and the story in the menu. The food was delicious! I had the MLK Jr fried chicken and it was seasoned to perfection with just the right amount of crisp. It came with 2 sides so I tried the Southern fried potatoes and the Gouda grits - quite the feast! It was quiet at lunchtime and the chef brought us some crab cakes on mashed potatoes and gravy to try. Now, to be honest I was already full plus I don't like seafood but I devoured this. All around great food and great experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great idea, poorly managed and ran. On two separate occasions I was seated and given a menu, then 20-30 mins later told the kitchen was closed. Both times were at least 3-4 hours before they’re posted closing time.The food is pretty good when they have it or feel like cooking. Once, I was told they ran out of food and she “wasn’t going to cook anymore”. The first time I went, I was blown away. Unfortunately, the next 5-6 times all the issues I described happened. I tried to give the benefit of the doubt. The last visit was the final straw. After 30 minutes, seated with water and menus to be told the kitchen is closed, as orders are being made was insane. Finally, an employee said, “try again next time.” I said we won’t be back, his response , “that’s fine.”Hopefully, someone can step up and make the necessary changes. It could be a great place with a service/culture overhaul.
Grits were cold.Fish was overcooked. Only had Coke or Sprite to drink. Out of cornbread.I would not recommend.
The atmosphere is amazing. Live entertainment, good mixed drinks, food, but when it comes to service there is much room for improvement. My experience ALL THREE TIMES unless your a regular it may take 15 to 20 minutes before anyone acknowledge you and this is sitting at the bar and the bar isn't busy nor the restaurant. Then someone will come and say what are you having? No hello, how's it going, thanks for stopping in tonight or this evening, nothing. Then when you order a drink it's another 15 minutes or so, and OMG don't order food. Your looking at another 30 to 45 minutes. This post is to step up your service to serve all equally and efficiently. At least give an estimated time if your kitchen is behind. Greet everyone that comes to your bat with least a hello and I'll be with shortly, a couple, a few are ahead of you. Give a menu or have QR Code cards to start looking at the menu. I'll be back because of the atmosphere and live music. I hope this post helps. Oh and cut back on the salt. Geez! My Po Boy with fish was not edible with tax almost $20.00 in the trash.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2