So we were visiting our children from out of town. We decided to visit, made the trek, walked the long hallway and entered the bar. Appearance was nice, definitely not overflowing with people. We were 6 people so we asked to be seated. This is where it went south. Nope, can’t do it. We just seated our only 2 tables for six so…. And we are kind of a reservation only place so….. well just our luck, just then 4 seats at the bar opened up. Perfect, we just want a drink anyway so 4 of us will sit and 2 can stand. Nope, we don’t allow standing room. What, in bar, you can’t stand? No options given. Not we can seat 4 of you here and 2 over here. Nothing. Just please leave now. Ok then we will. Won’t be coming back.
Service: 1
Brian Spranger
Absolutely love Skaalvenn. Awesome drinks and atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Natalie Losik
Skaalvenn is a true gem, tucked away in the most unlikely of locales. The vibe is fantastic, the team running the place is super attentive and friendly, and the beverages are well crafted. Really happy we found it - and will be back soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matt Armstead
A great hidden gem of a bar. You've never expect a great cocktail when you walk in the building. But when you open the door to the cocktail lounge everything changes. The service is super attentive and the cocktails and the atmosphere is amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Stephanie Elton
Wow! The entrance is ver unassuming, but the vibe, cocktails and service are 10 out of 10! Check this place out for craft cocktails and small bites while enjoying a loungey, speakeasy vibe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chow Chow
Beautiful atmosphere, Japanese themed bar. Drinks are amazing, and great service. Will definitely be back again soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ally Richardson
Hidden gem of a cocktail bar! Fantastic drinks in a vibey atmosphere. Keep in mind, you will probably want to book a reservation ahead of time, but reservation is easily done online. Come here if you are willing to spend more on a drink for excellent service, passionate staff, and great vibes!! I had the xocolatl cocktail, and an off-menu NA mocktail- both were delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shane Starcher
Easily the best cocktail bar in the Twin Cities and it's also a standup among cocktail bars in the entire country. The service has always been fantastic and have went out of their way on multiple occasions. The menu changes over every few months so they always have new inventions to try.The atmosphere of the place is fantastic!
What a pleasant surprise. Didn't expect it to be this great. Really great ambiance, delicious drinks and snacks. I'm craving the drinks and will be back
Jeremy T
Wow!!!!!! Just WOW! I was pleasantly surprised with my entire experience here and will definitely be returning!!!! A hidden gem is exactly what this place is. Mary (one of the owners) was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The minute you enter this place you’ll feel you’re in another world! Aggey was a wonderful server, both friendly and knowledgeable. She was great at explaining many of the cocktails and provided excellent recommendations! We will definitely be coming back and bringing more friends. See you all soon! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well-staffed. Good people. Weak pours. Paper straws turn to pulp within 2min, which seemed like a strange oversight. But… best olives of all time and I mean that!!!Ok here's some more feedback since I guess you want a conversation. I am not out for blood on this platform but I do get annoyed when businesses can't get the basics right, which is becoming more and more common these days.Another party mentioned the straw thing and a bartender acknowledged it and kinda laughed about it, saying "i know right, at least they're good for the first few sips!" So I think your staff know about this. Especially when you have glass/metal straws available and in use for non-tiki drinks, a clogged drinking apparatus that tastes like wet paper really ruins the experience. and it's not like the tiki drinks can be consumed without a straw, there is so much crushed ice in play that I kinda wondered how much liquid was actually involved. so thanks for clearing that up.Regarding weak pours. I was in no way saying that your drinks are low-proof. Although all the best Tiki bars I've been to (most in New Orleans) would never use 1.5oz total booze in a cocktail lol. What I mean is that there is a certain perception of value lost when drinks cost upwards of $20 and are gone in 6 sips. There is just too much ice and not enough liquid going on here. I'll add a pic so people can see what I'm talking about.Ah, Nelson. Makes sense. Sorry for your loss.
Kavitha P.
I've been meaning to come back to this secret distillery in an old office building in Brooklyn Park. Follow the signs to a cute hidden oasis where it's always busy ,music and cocktails are flowing. All drinks made in house with their own spirits and was probably the best espresso martini I've had thus far!! All the staff are wonderful and I think the owners are doing a great job and thankful this place is busy-you definitely need to reserve as walk ins aren't recommended. The TV couch corner is perfect for groups and super cute and not as loud. Drinks are on the spendy side but it's such a great evening out who care? I look forward to bringing more friends here
Kevin W.
I love this place dearly. It's a little haven tucked away in an office building, and I hope it lives on forever! The atmosphere is unique & elegant. The drinks are fun, innovative, and delicious. The staff is and always has been so welcoming and friendly. If anybody is coming to visit the Twin Cities and wants a drink, I'd bring them here!
Ben R.
Skaalven Distillery is doing some very special and unique things with their cocktails. From a lavender based cocktail smoked with a lavender fog to a tiki drink made with pork belly broth, Skaalven is shaking things up from your typical cocktail lounge.Their location is truly bizarre but it actually adds to the dark and dramatic ensemble that awaits you once you step through the door labeled “Pillage Responsibly”.Skaalven offers an elegant experience with steamed towels waiting for you as dog rolls over your table in the dimly light lounge.They have an ever changing cocktail menu based on what ingredients they currently have so there is never a dull moment here.Their staff are incredibly friendly and insightful about every ingredient that goes into their drinks. There are not many places like this in the area so I highly recommend you stop by if you’re looking to try something new and exciting.If you end up liking one of their spirits as well, they sell bottles of their product on site that are for purchase so you can take some home with you!We will be back soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Linda McLoon
Sometimes places surprise you. This is one of them. First, this distillery is in an industrial park in Brooklyn Park. Second, to find it, you have to walk through multiple very boring gray carpeted hallways. There is continual signage, saying almost there... which you need because you can't believe that there's going to be a distillery in this location. Finally you reach the door. You open it up, and it is wild inside. It's dark. There are lights, there's fake smoke, a number of small tables, and various stills in the back of the large space in which the tasting room sits.So we sit at the bar, and take a look at the menu, and again are surprised! The drinks have names like the Walken Pig and Sra Manchu....and you think, "where am I?" You have flashbacks of the fantastically crazy tasting room that was Lawless Distillery before the pandemic. And we are in Brooklyn Park??Let me back up.. Skaalvenn Distillery was started on a shoe string by Tyson and Mary Schnitker in 2014. They currently make a vodka, a rum, a habanero rum, and a bourbon that they source. A gin is in the works.Now to describe the cocktails. The Walken Pig comes in a pink ceramic pig. It is described as containing fat-washed vodka, five spice, smoked plum, Hmong pork belly broth, pomegranate molasses, almond orgeat, palm sugar, and a lime leaf. While it was a bit sweet for my palate, the combined flavors melded together into something delicious. I had the Sra Manchu, which came adorned with enoki mushrooms and a lot of herbs. The drink itself was described as containing pineapple and tomato infused rum, palm sugar, tamarind, and galangal. Again that unusual combo played out as a super interesting drink. We were advised to take little pieces of all the herbs and mushrooms and eat them with each sip. Pretty interesting, and of course, completely unique. We also tried the In Fashioned, which had their bourbon, spiced syrup, yuzu, and a slice of bruleed orange. Yummy, and I don't really like bourbon. I had their aquavit manhattan, which had, of course, oak-aged aquavit, dill, and a non-alcoholic vermouth, It was well balanced and quite excellent.We tried their togarashi spiced fries. They make the spice blend there, and it was served with a kimchee mayo. These were delicious. They have a limited food menu. They do a ramen bowl, they have nuts, olives, grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup, and hummus with pita. These are not enough for dinner, but they're good to accompanying your cocktail.This place has great cocktails, really wonderful staff, and is quite fun to boot.Make reservations, even for the bar. It is small.The drinks run from $16 to $20, so on the higher side for sure. However, super easy parking!Apparently they do tiki Thursday, and I bet it's a hoot! I highly recommend this place.
So we were visiting our children from out of town. We decided to visit, made the trek, walked the long hallway and entered the bar. Appearance was nice, definitely not overflowing with people. We were 6 people so we asked to be seated. This is where it went south. Nope, can’t do it. We just seated our only 2 tables for six so…. And we are kind of a reservation only place so….. well just our luck, just then 4 seats at the bar opened up. Perfect, we just want a drink anyway so 4 of us will sit and 2 can stand. Nope, we don’t allow standing room. What, in bar, you can’t stand? No options given. Not we can seat 4 of you here and 2 over here. Nothing. Just please leave now. Ok then we will. Won’t be coming back.
Service: 1
Absolutely love Skaalvenn. Awesome drinks and atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Skaalvenn is a true gem, tucked away in the most unlikely of locales. The vibe is fantastic, the team running the place is super attentive and friendly, and the beverages are well crafted. Really happy we found it - and will be back soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A great hidden gem of a bar. You've never expect a great cocktail when you walk in the building. But when you open the door to the cocktail lounge everything changes. The service is super attentive and the cocktails and the atmosphere is amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Wow! The entrance is ver unassuming, but the vibe, cocktails and service are 10 out of 10! Check this place out for craft cocktails and small bites while enjoying a loungey, speakeasy vibe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beautiful atmosphere, Japanese themed bar. Drinks are amazing, and great service. Will definitely be back again soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hidden gem of a cocktail bar! Fantastic drinks in a vibey atmosphere. Keep in mind, you will probably want to book a reservation ahead of time, but reservation is easily done online. Come here if you are willing to spend more on a drink for excellent service, passionate staff, and great vibes!! I had the xocolatl cocktail, and an off-menu NA mocktail- both were delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Easily the best cocktail bar in the Twin Cities and it's also a standup among cocktail bars in the entire country. The service has always been fantastic and have went out of their way on multiple occasions. The menu changes over every few months so they always have new inventions to try.The atmosphere of the place is fantastic!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pepper Le Pew, Milk Tyson, Hummus & Pita Chips
What a pleasant surprise. Didn't expect it to be this great. Really great ambiance, delicious drinks and snacks. I'm craving the drinks and will be back
Wow!!!!!! Just WOW! I was pleasantly surprised with my entire experience here and will definitely be returning!!!! A hidden gem is exactly what this place is. Mary (one of the owners) was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The minute you enter this place you’ll feel you’re in another world! Aggey was a wonderful server, both friendly and knowledgeable. She was great at explaining many of the cocktails and provided excellent recommendations! We will definitely be coming back and bringing more friends. See you all soon! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spirit Flight, Hummus & Pita Chips, Call Cocktail
Restaurantji Recommends
Well-staffed. Good people. Weak pours. Paper straws turn to pulp within 2min, which seemed like a strange oversight. But… best olives of all time and I mean that!!!Ok here's some more feedback since I guess you want a conversation. I am not out for blood on this platform but I do get annoyed when businesses can't get the basics right, which is becoming more and more common these days.Another party mentioned the straw thing and a bartender acknowledged it and kinda laughed about it, saying "i know right, at least they're good for the first few sips!" So I think your staff know about this. Especially when you have glass/metal straws available and in use for non-tiki drinks, a clogged drinking apparatus that tastes like wet paper really ruins the experience. and it's not like the tiki drinks can be consumed without a straw, there is so much crushed ice in play that I kinda wondered how much liquid was actually involved. so thanks for clearing that up.Regarding weak pours. I was in no way saying that your drinks are low-proof. Although all the best Tiki bars I've been to (most in New Orleans) would never use 1.5oz total booze in a cocktail lol. What I mean is that there is a certain perception of value lost when drinks cost upwards of $20 and are gone in 6 sips. There is just too much ice and not enough liquid going on here. I'll add a pic so people can see what I'm talking about.Ah, Nelson. Makes sense. Sorry for your loss.
I've been meaning to come back to this secret distillery in an old office building in Brooklyn Park. Follow the signs to a cute hidden oasis where it's always busy ,music and cocktails are flowing. All drinks made in house with their own spirits and was probably the best espresso martini I've had thus far!! All the staff are wonderful and I think the owners are doing a great job and thankful this place is busy-you definitely need to reserve as walk ins aren't recommended. The TV couch corner is perfect for groups and super cute and not as loud. Drinks are on the spendy side but it's such a great evening out who care? I look forward to bringing more friends here
I love this place dearly. It's a little haven tucked away in an office building, and I hope it lives on forever! The atmosphere is unique & elegant. The drinks are fun, innovative, and delicious. The staff is and always has been so welcoming and friendly. If anybody is coming to visit the Twin Cities and wants a drink, I'd bring them here!
Skaalven Distillery is doing some very special and unique things with their cocktails. From a lavender based cocktail smoked with a lavender fog to a tiki drink made with pork belly broth, Skaalven is shaking things up from your typical cocktail lounge.Their location is truly bizarre but it actually adds to the dark and dramatic ensemble that awaits you once you step through the door labeled “Pillage Responsibly”.Skaalven offers an elegant experience with steamed towels waiting for you as dog rolls over your table in the dimly light lounge.They have an ever changing cocktail menu based on what ingredients they currently have so there is never a dull moment here.Their staff are incredibly friendly and insightful about every ingredient that goes into their drinks. There are not many places like this in the area so I highly recommend you stop by if you’re looking to try something new and exciting.If you end up liking one of their spirits as well, they sell bottles of their product on site that are for purchase so you can take some home with you!We will be back soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sometimes places surprise you. This is one of them. First, this distillery is in an industrial park in Brooklyn Park. Second, to find it, you have to walk through multiple very boring gray carpeted hallways. There is continual signage, saying almost there... which you need because you can't believe that there's going to be a distillery in this location. Finally you reach the door. You open it up, and it is wild inside. It's dark. There are lights, there's fake smoke, a number of small tables, and various stills in the back of the large space in which the tasting room sits.So we sit at the bar, and take a look at the menu, and again are surprised! The drinks have names like the Walken Pig and Sra Manchu....and you think, "where am I?" You have flashbacks of the fantastically crazy tasting room that was Lawless Distillery before the pandemic. And we are in Brooklyn Park??Let me back up.. Skaalvenn Distillery was started on a shoe string by Tyson and Mary Schnitker in 2014. They currently make a vodka, a rum, a habanero rum, and a bourbon that they source. A gin is in the works.Now to describe the cocktails. The Walken Pig comes in a pink ceramic pig. It is described as containing fat-washed vodka, five spice, smoked plum, Hmong pork belly broth, pomegranate molasses, almond orgeat, palm sugar, and a lime leaf. While it was a bit sweet for my palate, the combined flavors melded together into something delicious. I had the Sra Manchu, which came adorned with enoki mushrooms and a lot of herbs. The drink itself was described as containing pineapple and tomato infused rum, palm sugar, tamarind, and galangal. Again that unusual combo played out as a super interesting drink. We were advised to take little pieces of all the herbs and mushrooms and eat them with each sip. Pretty interesting, and of course, completely unique. We also tried the In Fashioned, which had their bourbon, spiced syrup, yuzu, and a slice of bruleed orange. Yummy, and I don't really like bourbon. I had their aquavit manhattan, which had, of course, oak-aged aquavit, dill, and a non-alcoholic vermouth, It was well balanced and quite excellent.We tried their togarashi spiced fries. They make the spice blend there, and it was served with a kimchee mayo. These were delicious. They have a limited food menu. They do a ramen bowl, they have nuts, olives, grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup, and hummus with pita. These are not enough for dinner, but they're good to accompanying your cocktail.This place has great cocktails, really wonderful staff, and is quite fun to boot.Make reservations, even for the bar. It is small.The drinks run from $16 to $20, so on the higher side for sure. However, super easy parking!Apparently they do tiki Thursday, and I bet it's a hoot! I highly recommend this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bottle Conditioned Aquavit Manhattan