“Small Hour” is a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet neighborhood of Minneapolis, and I finally had the chance to visit after meaning to stop by for quite some time. That evening felt extra special — my friend was performing music, so it almost felt like an invited night out, and I went with my girlfriend and another close friend.
Unlike many wine bars in the Twin Cities, this one felt much more casual and approachable. You don’t feel the pressure to dress up — it’s the kind of place where you can come to unwind, share a good bottle, and enjoy the moment. We ordered a bottle of rosé wine, which was well-chosen and perfectly chilled. The wine selection overall was thoughtful and balanced, with options for both casual drinkers and those who appreciate something unique.
The food was simple but satisfying, complementing the wines nicely without overcomplicating things. The whole experience felt minimalist and modern, allowing us to focus more on conversation and atmosphere than on pretense. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard — and that’s exactly what makes it charming.
Here, you order at the counter — it’s self-service, and the staff doesn’t hover over you, which actually gave us the space to talk and relax comfortably. The owner had a warm, genuine smile, and you could tell they care about creating a space that feels both local and intentional.
It wasn’t too crowded when we visited, but the vibe was cozy, stylish, and quietly vibrant — perfect for a low-key evening with friends or a special date night. I wouldn’t call it an everyday stop, but for the right occasion or a meaningful meeting, Small Hour is absolutely worth the visit.
I love seeing more places like this opening in Minneapolis — a modern, minimalist wine bar with heart, soul, and a sense of calm sophistication.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Max Nargan
After an evening at Small Hours we were left wanting and underwhelmed and with a very large bill. There were just three of us and our bill was $360 (including 18% gratuity) for just a couple glasses of wine each and an assortment small plates.
Small Hours wants to charge fine dining prices but serve food in a room temperature tin and only offer four glass servings of wine. I mean $30 for a “grilled” octopus that comes in a shelf stable fluid and tin at room temp? They have a bottle list of over 150 wines, yet you are stuck buying a bottle or overpaying for a glass of wine from their small glass serving list. The portions are very unbalanced, we were served such small amounts but it came with 4-5 slices of bread for each plate.
There is little to no service at this establishment, you have to go to the counter to order and we had to bring glasses up to the counter because our table was full. When we asked some basic questions on the menu the server said they did not know and didn’t ask anyone to get an answer. The included 18% gratuity on the bill stings with this kind of service.
This is a great atmosphere but it just feels out of place in a random NE Minneapolis neighborhood.
Overall the value was just not there. Way too expensive for a very small amount of food and drink for essentially a self server establishment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Berit Ahlgren
Excellent service and care!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ana Jimenez
Love this place!! Delicious food 🥘 good music, perfect customer service, we will be back again soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erin Wagener
This place will surely become a favorite. A little slice of Spanish tapas and a great atmosphere. Perfect for girls nights :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emily Chaney
Small Hours gives great refined Euro wine bar vibes. Minimalist design is incredibly thoughtful and restrained and the experience is well thought out. Wines here are not entry-level — don’t pop by for your first-ever glass. Rather it’s ideal for getting outside your comfort zone, trying something totally unknown and not minding a little uncertainty. I’ve never seen another spot with anything close to the tinned fish menu here either, even overseas. It’s lacking on proactive service engagement, but I look forward to coming back for more wine adventures soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Hannah Bowlin
Had an amazing bottle here with friends. Laid back atmosphere with be very good wine and excellent beats
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Ian Tyre
really great place to relax and enjoy amazing wine with great music! the space is beautiful and staff was welcoming. enjoyed some tiramisu and wine for a great after dinner spot! thnx Small Hours!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andie C
Such a cozy spot for a cold January night. The wine list is impressive and the atmosphere is perfection. I wish there were a few more options of wine for single glasses rather than bottles, but I’d definitely go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Kate Ballard
The space, the food, the music, and the wine were all absolutely perfect!
The vibe is so California hifi, it may as well be Jackie Treehorn's rec room. This is the perfect romantic first (or only) stop on an intimate date night. Alternately, if you get there early in the evening, you can sit down and bask in the music solo and crack a book. Places like these are rare and ethereal. Expect the music to be offbeat but pleasing. Of course if you're into music you'll be wowed since the 2-channel setup is suiblime. All in all, a luxurious little place like nothing else. Stop in and sit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bradley Sylte
Absolutely an amazing new space and I had a great experience here for my first time. Loved the vibe/food/ and most importantly the wine. Thoughtful wine selection and bottle list (quite affordable too). Plus, they were bumping one of my favorite bands, Tinariwen, on vinyl! Amazing! 5 Stars all around!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Deanna S
I was a guest here soon after they opened and agree with all the negative reviews. I wasn’t going to leave a review until I saw their recent insta post doubling down on their position in defiance of their negative feedback and stance of you don’t like us we don’t care. They mention having an open heart, talking with their guests, and hospitality that requires two parties. I experienced none of this and walked in very grateful, happy to be there and willing to spend a lot of money. I wasn’t made to feel welcome, when I asked if I could enjoy my glass at the counter the owners were reluctant (as long as I didn’t get in the way of their service was the response) and when I tried to ask questions about their wines they literally moved back from me. I asked the guy about his record collection and got the sense he would only be playing obscure jazz. I have lived in Los Angeles and New York City and this place has the worst service I have ever experienced. I guess with their mandatory service charge they feel they can get away with it. If you enjoy arrogance, a lack of engagement, and cold treatment this place is for you. If you have money to spend on wine you are better off buying a nice bottle at Surdyk’s or France 44 and drinking at home with your own record collection.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Nick Shaw
What a delight to have a wine bar with such a distinct personality and vision opening up. You can’t be everything for everyone and it’s refreshing to have a spot that embraces that. Great wine list at very reasonable prices (most of the list between 60-90/btl, and wines that any other bar/restaurant would charge twice as much for, if they could even get them in the first place). Good light food. Really stellar music selections. Every time I visit I leave feeling better than when I arrived.
If you value discovery, exploration, and seeing passion projects come to fruition, hit this place up. You’ll find many like minds here. If what you really value is being waited on hand & foot and by-the-glass safety blanket wines, you may be better served elsewhere. Or maybe just drink at home.
Sarina & Sam: bravo. A great addition to the neighborhood and city, and I’m excited to see where it goes over the years.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Conor McGinnis
Trust Sarina & Sam with the wine & music selections. You won’t be let down.
“Small Hour” is a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet neighborhood of Minneapolis, and I finally had the chance to visit after meaning to stop by for quite some time. That evening felt extra special — my friend was performing music, so it almost felt like an invited night out, and I went with my girlfriend and another close friend.
Unlike many wine bars in the Twin Cities, this one felt much more casual and approachable. You don’t feel the pressure to dress up — it’s the kind of place where you can come to unwind, share a good bottle, and enjoy the moment. We ordered a bottle of rosé wine, which was well-chosen and perfectly chilled. The wine selection overall was thoughtful and balanced, with options for both casual drinkers and those who appreciate something unique.
The food was simple but satisfying, complementing the wines nicely without overcomplicating things. The whole experience felt minimalist and modern, allowing us to focus more on conversation and atmosphere than on pretense. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard — and that’s exactly what makes it charming.
Here, you order at the counter — it’s self-service, and the staff doesn’t hover over you, which actually gave us the space to talk and relax comfortably. The owner had a warm, genuine smile, and you could tell they care about creating a space that feels both local and intentional.
It wasn’t too crowded when we visited, but the vibe was cozy, stylish, and quietly vibrant — perfect for a low-key evening with friends or a special date night. I wouldn’t call it an everyday stop, but for the right occasion or a meaningful meeting, Small Hour is absolutely worth the visit.
I love seeing more places like this opening in Minneapolis — a modern, minimalist wine bar with heart, soul, and a sense of calm sophistication.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
After an evening at Small Hours we were left wanting and underwhelmed and with a very large bill. There were just three of us and our bill was $360 (including 18% gratuity) for just a couple glasses of wine each and an assortment small plates.
Small Hours wants to charge fine dining prices but serve food in a room temperature tin and only offer four glass servings of wine. I mean $30 for a “grilled” octopus that comes in a shelf stable fluid and tin at room temp? They have a bottle list of over 150 wines, yet you are stuck buying a bottle or overpaying for a glass of wine from their small glass serving list. The portions are very unbalanced, we were served such small amounts but it came with 4-5 slices of bread for each plate.
There is little to no service at this establishment, you have to go to the counter to order and we had to bring glasses up to the counter because our table was full. When we asked some basic questions on the menu the server said they did not know and didn’t ask anyone to get an answer. The included 18% gratuity on the bill stings with this kind of service.
This is a great atmosphere but it just feels out of place in a random NE Minneapolis neighborhood.
Overall the value was just not there. Way too expensive for a very small amount of food and drink for essentially a self server establishment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 2
Excellent service and care!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place!! Delicious food 🥘 good music, perfect customer service, we will be back again soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place will surely become a favorite. A little slice of Spanish tapas and a great atmosphere. Perfect for girls nights :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Small Hours gives great refined Euro wine bar vibes. Minimalist design is incredibly thoughtful and restrained and the experience is well thought out. Wines here are not entry-level — don’t pop by for your first-ever glass. Rather it’s ideal for getting outside your comfort zone, trying something totally unknown and not minding a little uncertainty. I’ve never seen another spot with anything close to the tinned fish menu here either, even overseas. It’s lacking on proactive service engagement, but I look forward to coming back for more wine adventures soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Had an amazing bottle here with friends. Laid back atmosphere with be very good wine and excellent beats
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
really great place to relax and enjoy amazing wine with great music! the space is beautiful and staff was welcoming. enjoyed some tiramisu and wine for a great after dinner spot! thnx Small Hours!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a cozy spot for a cold January night. The wine list is impressive and the atmosphere is perfection. I wish there were a few more options of wine for single glasses rather than bottles, but I’d definitely go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
The space, the food, the music, and the wine were all absolutely perfect!
Restaurantji Recommends
The vibe is so California hifi, it may as well be Jackie Treehorn's rec room. This is the perfect romantic first (or only) stop on an intimate date night. Alternately, if you get there early in the evening, you can sit down and bask in the music solo and crack a book. Places like these are rare and ethereal. Expect the music to be offbeat but pleasing. Of course if you're into music you'll be wowed since the 2-channel setup is suiblime. All in all, a luxurious little place like nothing else. Stop in and sit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely an amazing new space and I had a great experience here for my first time. Loved the vibe/food/ and most importantly the wine. Thoughtful wine selection and bottle list (quite affordable too). Plus, they were bumping one of my favorite bands, Tinariwen, on vinyl! Amazing! 5 Stars all around!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was a guest here soon after they opened and agree with all the negative reviews. I wasn’t going to leave a review until I saw their recent insta post doubling down on their position in defiance of their negative feedback and stance of you don’t like us we don’t care. They mention having an open heart, talking with their guests, and hospitality that requires two parties. I experienced none of this and walked in very grateful, happy to be there and willing to spend a lot of money. I wasn’t made to feel welcome, when I asked if I could enjoy my glass at the counter the owners were reluctant (as long as I didn’t get in the way of their service was the response) and when I tried to ask questions about their wines they literally moved back from me. I asked the guy about his record collection and got the sense he would only be playing obscure jazz. I have lived in Los Angeles and New York City and this place has the worst service I have ever experienced. I guess with their mandatory service charge they feel they can get away with it. If you enjoy arrogance, a lack of engagement, and cold treatment this place is for you. If you have money to spend on wine you are better off buying a nice bottle at Surdyk’s or France 44 and drinking at home with your own record collection.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
What a delight to have a wine bar with such a distinct personality and vision opening up. You can’t be everything for everyone and it’s refreshing to have a spot that embraces that. Great wine list at very reasonable prices (most of the list between 60-90/btl, and wines that any other bar/restaurant would charge twice as much for, if they could even get them in the first place). Good light food. Really stellar music selections. Every time I visit I leave feeling better than when I arrived.
If you value discovery, exploration, and seeing passion projects come to fruition, hit this place up. You’ll find many like minds here. If what you really value is being waited on hand & foot and by-the-glass safety blanket wines, you may be better served elsewhere. Or maybe just drink at home.
Sarina & Sam: bravo. A great addition to the neighborhood and city, and I’m excited to see where it goes over the years.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Trust Sarina & Sam with the wine & music selections. You won’t be let down.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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