It's all about the sauce with pasta that makes for delicious food. Broders pasta bar has medium quality rated food in my opinion. I've done there several times over the past few years I must say that they really aren't friendly like they say in their promo material. In truth they are very arrogant and very rushed and have little time for customers it seems. The puttanesca's not very traditionally made it's very heavy taste on the Roma tomatoes which isn't correct it's supposed to be a blend of simple ingredients found in most Italian pantries. You'll find finely chopped Roma tomatoes anchovies garlic olive oil anchovies a smattering of red pepper flakes and that's it very simple straightforward very delicious if it's done right. The anchovies need to be gently heated in olive oil to the point where they dissolve then garlic is added then pepper flicks then the chop Roma tomato and juice heater to just before boiling to slightly thicken the sauce. Then freshly cooked pastas twirled in the mixture and voila dinner is served. It's very important to have ample freshly baked bread, very important. I'd have to recommend it it's certainly better than Olive garden or buca but it's not as great as they make out. Also seating is uncomfortable. After all it's not New York unfortunately.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Jeremy Been
An institution!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Peter Hyman
It's a comfortable place to eat. A little noisy when busy. Parking might be a problem when busy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ashley
Super cute little spot! I ate at the pasta bar and the server/bartender was so very kind and attentive.
The food was great and the pine nut cake was worth the visit alone!
I went around 4pm on a Thursday and had no trouble with parking in their lot, but when I left around 5 it was full (or close to it), so be prepared to street park.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hannah Slater
Loved it! Just warning that the lights are pretty dim, which was a nice atmosphere, but my dad struggled to read the menu (he has poor eyesight in the dark). Otherwise delicious and wonderful staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gene O'malley
Went here for dinner and it was great! I had the spaghetti aglio olio. My wife had the fettuccine alfredo. Everything seems very fresh. The marinated olives are a must and so is the mandorle! We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dale Raasch
Neighborhood Gem!
Terrific dining experience, great venue, terrific food and exceptional service, complete with wonderful menu guidance and wine paring suggestions, that all helped make the meal special.
Excellent Italian cuisine. We shared the Ceaser salad and enjoyed the bread basket with tasty crusty bread options. We shared 3 entrees, a clam linguine in wine wine, a very tasty short rib pasta and a pasta parm with truffle sauce. Glad we shared the entrees as all three provided distinctive flavors experiences and I'd order all of them again.
We finished with expresso, a chocolate cheesecake and light and creamy tiramisu, so good! I was in heaven, such an enjoyable experience. Highly recommend you add Broder's to your dining bucket list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
BDUB
Never had a bad experience over the years I've been going here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pro Shopper
Still a great date night place! The Fulton Bread and marinated olives always make for a great start.
We’ve been here before and the food is consistently excellent, which made this experience frustrating.
The issue was the wait-list process. We called at 4:45 hoping to eat around 6 for a birthday dinner. We were told they don’t add names over the phone, which is completely understandable, but we specifically asked how much the wait would grow as the night went on and were told it would stay around 30–45 minutes. Based on that, we delayed our arrival and got there at 5:20—only to be told the wait was now at least an hour and a half.
When we explained the earlier call, the response we got felt dismissive, as if that conversation hadn’t happened. We were told the wait “always grows,” which would’ve been helpful to know upfront.
Once seated, the experience improved. The almonds, olives, and burrata were great starters, the four pasta dishes we tried were all excellent, and our server gave great wine recommendations.
The food is very good and I’d come back, but clearer and more consistent front-end communication around wait times would make a big difference.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
The Vic
Pasta, Patience, and a Little Bit of Magic at Broders’
Some places just stick with you.
Broders’ Pasta Bar is one of those places for me. About 20 years ago, I heard about this tiny restaurant that was once a gas station—yes, a gas station—turned into the coziest little pasta haven tucked into a southwest Minneapolis neighborhood. Small, charming, and quietly buzzing, it became an instant favorite.
I’ve been going back ever since.
For years, I ordered the exact same dish. Every. Single. Time. I think it was chicken pomegranate (RIP—you are missed). When it disappeared from the menu, I was definitely bummed… but eventually I found a new love. And true to my nature, I now order that dish every single visit. When something works, why mess with it?
Broders’ has also become one of my go-to “let me take you somewhere special” spots. I’ve introduced so many friends to this place over the years, and it’s never failed me. Most recently, we celebrated a birthday—one person already knew the magic, and two were brand new. Success all around.
Over time, you don’t just get to know the menu here—you get to know the people. Rocky stopped by our table to say hello, as he’s done over the years: friendly, attentive, and genuinely warm. Our server Liz was an absolute delight—super friendly, incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, and honestly contagious with her smile. I loved chatting with her about food (and my very predictable ordering habits). It’s those little human moments that make this place feel like home.
Before the entrées, we went all in on appetizers. And listen—if you show up hungry, don’t worry. Broders’ will take care of you. The bread alone deserves its own fan club. I always ask for balsamic, then do a little olive oil, salt, and pepper situation. Dip. Bite. Repeat. Omg. Absolute perfection.
We started with olives and Mandorle (rosemary toasted almonds), then moved on to:
Arancini – crispy, creamy bites of Carnaroli rice with taleggio, romesco, almond, and scallion Cavoletti di Bruxelles—roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy speck, rosemary almonds, and a speck vinaigrette that made even the Brussels sprout skeptics very quiet
Then came the mains.
Of course, I ordered my usual: #11 – Quadrucci con Pollo. Fresh egg pasta, greens, chicken, prosciutto di Parma, asparagus, almonds, balsamic vinegar, herb & garlic mascarpone, and Grana Padano. Comforting, rich, and honestly… dreamy. That fresh pasta hits every time.
I had planned—planned—to try something new, and the Linguine con Granchio almost stole my heart. Egg pasta with crab, chilies, lemon, mint, and basil. Bright, fresh, and that lemon? It lingered in the best way. This one is officially on my “next time” list.
One of my friends ordered the spaghetti with meatballs and finished the entire plate. I have never seen this man eat that much, which tells you everything you need to know.
And dessert? Tiramisu. Enough said. It was that good.
Broders’ is the only place I will happily wait over an hour for a table (they don’t take reservations), and it’s always worth it. If you’re patient, hungry, and ready for an unforgettable meal, you will not be disappointed.
Some restaurants feed you. Some inspire you. As for me, Broders’ does both. 🍝🎨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Review Guy
Excellent. There was a variety of food choices and it was very tasty. Would recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lilly
This has been one of my favorite restaurants in the twin cities and I’m so happy I finally tried it after driving by it a lot. Its a nice atmosphere and feels really comfortable. In the summer its also nice to sit inside. The pasta is really good and there are so many different types of dishes to try!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Max
Awesome first time at Broders. We decided to try a few classics (Aglio E Oglio and Carbonara) along with the short rib pasta. Fantastic plates. Carbonara and Aglio E Oglio were completely by the book recipes with fresh ingredients and the short rib was flavorful. I think there was nutmeg in the red sauce which I didn't love, but everything else was amazing. Will absolutely be going back. Definitely recommending trying a few dishes as the portions aren't huge and they have such a large menu!
It's all about the sauce with pasta that makes for delicious food. Broders pasta bar has medium quality rated food in my opinion. I've done there several times over the past few years I must say that they really aren't friendly like they say in their promo material. In truth they are very arrogant and very rushed and have little time for customers it seems. The puttanesca's not very traditionally made it's very heavy taste on the Roma tomatoes which isn't correct it's supposed to be a blend of simple ingredients found in most Italian pantries. You'll find finely chopped Roma tomatoes anchovies garlic olive oil anchovies a smattering of red pepper flakes and that's it very simple straightforward very delicious if it's done right. The anchovies need to be gently heated in olive oil to the point where they dissolve then garlic is added then pepper flicks then the chop Roma tomato and juice heater to just before boiling to slightly thicken the sauce. Then freshly cooked pastas twirled in the mixture and voila dinner is served. It's very important to have ample freshly baked bread, very important. I'd have to recommend it it's certainly better than Olive garden or buca but it's not as great as they make out. Also seating is uncomfortable. After all it's not New York unfortunately.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
An institution!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
It's a comfortable place to eat. A little noisy when busy. Parking might be a problem when busy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Super cute little spot! I ate at the pasta bar and the server/bartender was so very kind and attentive.
The food was great and the pine nut cake was worth the visit alone!
I went around 4pm on a Thursday and had no trouble with parking in their lot, but when I left around 5 it was full (or close to it), so be prepared to street park.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved it! Just warning that the lights are pretty dim, which was a nice atmosphere, but my dad struggled to read the menu (he has poor eyesight in the dark). Otherwise delicious and wonderful staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went here for dinner and it was great! I had the spaghetti aglio olio. My wife had the fettuccine alfredo. Everything seems very fresh. The marinated olives are a must and so is the mandorle! We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Neighborhood Gem!
Terrific dining experience, great venue, terrific food and exceptional service, complete with wonderful menu guidance and wine paring suggestions, that all helped make the meal special.
Excellent Italian cuisine. We shared the Ceaser salad and enjoyed the bread basket with tasty crusty bread options. We shared 3 entrees, a clam linguine in wine wine, a very tasty short rib pasta and a pasta parm with truffle sauce. Glad we shared the entrees as all three provided distinctive flavors experiences and I'd order all of them again.
We finished with expresso, a chocolate cheesecake and light and creamy tiramisu, so good! I was in heaven, such an enjoyable experience. Highly recommend you add Broder's to your dining bucket list.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Never had a bad experience over the years I've been going here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Still a great date night place! The Fulton Bread and marinated olives always make for a great start.
Excellent meal and service, as always!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We’ve been here before and the food is consistently excellent, which made this experience frustrating.
The issue was the wait-list process. We called at 4:45 hoping to eat around 6 for a birthday dinner. We were told they don’t add names over the phone, which is completely understandable, but we specifically asked how much the wait would grow as the night went on and were told it would stay around 30–45 minutes. Based on that, we delayed our arrival and got there at 5:20—only to be told the wait was now at least an hour and a half.
When we explained the earlier call, the response we got felt dismissive, as if that conversation hadn’t happened. We were told the wait “always grows,” which would’ve been helpful to know upfront.
Once seated, the experience improved. The almonds, olives, and burrata were great starters, the four pasta dishes we tried were all excellent, and our server gave great wine recommendations.
The food is very good and I’d come back, but clearer and more consistent front-end communication around wait times would make a big difference.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Pasta, Patience, and a Little Bit of Magic at Broders’
Some places just stick with you.
Broders’ Pasta Bar is one of those places for me. About 20 years ago, I heard about this tiny restaurant that was once a gas station—yes, a gas station—turned into the coziest little pasta haven tucked into a southwest Minneapolis neighborhood. Small, charming, and quietly buzzing, it became an instant favorite.
I’ve been going back ever since.
For years, I ordered the exact same dish. Every. Single. Time. I think it was chicken pomegranate (RIP—you are missed). When it disappeared from the menu, I was definitely bummed… but eventually I found a new love. And true to my nature, I now order that dish every single visit. When something works, why mess with it?
Broders’ has also become one of my go-to “let me take you somewhere special” spots. I’ve introduced so many friends to this place over the years, and it’s never failed me. Most recently, we celebrated a birthday—one person already knew the magic, and two were brand new. Success all around.
Over time, you don’t just get to know the menu here—you get to know the people. Rocky stopped by our table to say hello, as he’s done over the years: friendly, attentive, and genuinely warm. Our server Liz was an absolute delight—super friendly, incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, and honestly contagious with her smile. I loved chatting with her about food (and my very predictable ordering habits). It’s those little human moments that make this place feel like home.
Before the entrées, we went all in on appetizers. And listen—if you show up hungry, don’t worry. Broders’ will take care of you. The bread alone deserves its own fan club. I always ask for balsamic, then do a little olive oil, salt, and pepper situation. Dip. Bite. Repeat. Omg. Absolute perfection.
We started with olives and Mandorle (rosemary toasted almonds), then moved on to:
Arancini – crispy, creamy bites of Carnaroli rice with taleggio, romesco, almond, and scallion
Cavoletti di Bruxelles—roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy speck, rosemary almonds, and a speck vinaigrette that made even the Brussels sprout skeptics very quiet
Then came the mains.
Of course, I ordered my usual: #11 – Quadrucci con Pollo.
Fresh egg pasta, greens, chicken, prosciutto di Parma, asparagus, almonds, balsamic vinegar, herb & garlic mascarpone, and Grana Padano. Comforting, rich, and honestly… dreamy. That fresh pasta hits every time.
I had planned—planned—to try something new, and the Linguine con Granchio almost stole my heart. Egg pasta with crab, chilies, lemon, mint, and basil. Bright, fresh, and that lemon? It lingered in the best way. This one is officially on my “next time” list.
One of my friends ordered the spaghetti with meatballs and finished the entire plate. I have never seen this man eat that much, which tells you everything you need to know.
And dessert?
Tiramisu. Enough said. It was that good.
Broders’ is the only place I will happily wait over an hour for a table (they don’t take reservations), and it’s always worth it. If you’re patient, hungry, and ready for an unforgettable meal, you will not be disappointed.
Some restaurants feed you.
Some inspire you.
As for me, Broders’ does both. 🍝🎨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent. There was a variety of food choices and it was very tasty. Would recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This has been one of my favorite restaurants in the twin cities and I’m so happy I finally tried it after driving by it a lot. Its a nice atmosphere and feels really comfortable. In the summer its also nice to sit inside. The pasta is really good and there are so many different types of dishes to try!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome first time at Broders. We decided to try a few classics (Aglio E Oglio and Carbonara) along with the short rib pasta. Fantastic plates. Carbonara and Aglio E Oglio were completely by the book recipes with fresh ingredients and the short rib was flavorful. I think there was nutmeg in the red sauce which I didn't love, but everything else was amazing. Will absolutely be going back. Definitely recommending trying a few dishes as the portions aren't huge and they have such a large menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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