If I could give more stars I would. We made a reservation and right when we got inside (5 minutes early,) our table was ready to go with menus & waters. Our bartender/server was so nice and very attentive to our evening. I loved the atmosphere and the view! The food was absolutely DELICIOUS. We had the soup of the day, crab stuffed mushrooms, filet mignon & dill crusted salmon. Everything was exceptional. Flavors, presentation, & speed were amazing! I love that they used all thrifted plates/glasses; it gives such a cozy/welcoming feel. The cocktail I had (Peach Tea I believe) was delicious as well! 10/10 recommend & will absolutely be returning!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Bertram
Excellent menu and service. Very impressed with the total experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hans Grangroth
Blackboard is now our favorite restaurant! The food is outstanding! The service is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SirEdofCool
Great experience all around!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angie Drees
This is the by far best place to eat in that area. The food just melts in your mouth. The owner even talked with us to see how things were. We sat on the patio. It was warm an cozy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Stuffed Walleye with Shrimp
Megan Tucker
Such a wonderful place - I expected the food to be good, but they really wrap you up in the coziest of ambiances! They make you feel part of the dining family through genuine engagement and welcomed our squirmy kids, even giving them some bubbles! Such a gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lori Kemmet
Went for a walk through Maplewood and then tried Blackboard - it was a double header afternoon! Squash with sausage wild rice and cranberries … mmmmm. Meatballs were amazing too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dave Branson
Very friendly, great service and fantastic food. All the finest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah Vesterso
I had the stuffed squash and a chocolate torte and both were delicious!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cindy B.
My husband and I were riding our Harley's through lakes country (our cabin is on Wymer Lake) and decided to stop at Blackboard for an appetizer and a bump. Last time we were there it was still The Pickle Factory. We asked to sit outside on the patio, and even though there was a table open, and some in the screened-in area, the kid hostess said no, and seated us at the bar, with screaming kids at a table behind us. After looking at the menu, we decided on just a slice of cheesecake instead, a special that was written on the chalkboard wall behind the bar. But the bartender said the wall menu was outdated & the cheesecake was not an option (she then erased it a few minutes later). The staff was standoffish & snobby, so we decided to just have the one drink & leave. The empty patio table was still open when we left 30 minutes later. Note to the owners and staff: never judge a book by its cover, and a paying customer is a paying customer, it shouldn't matter if they walk in wearing a polo shirt or a leather vest. We will never come back as we most certainly didn't feel welcome. Do better. EDIT: The patio was full, except for one table, so not seating due to staffing issues doesn't sound very legit.
Amazing dining experience. The food is phenominal. Upscale Minnesota comfort food. This is easily worth a 40 minute drive for. I don't understand how anyone would rate this less than 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Norman Hiedeman
A unique place with wonderful service and fantastic food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Thompson
1) We were sat in an awkward tiny table in between the server station and the toilets, even though we had a reservation. 2) Ordered baked Brie with fruit compote, which arrived as a purple Brie-flavored soup. It was served with an offset butter knife, but we had to ask for a spoon to even get it on the toast. 3) The purple cheese soup arrived before our drinks, which were a simple pop and glass of wine. 4) Entrees were lackluster. When asked, I said my manicotti was really saucy, trying not to admit that it just tasted like a vat of mediocre alfredo with overcooked chicken on top. The response was, “Just like you. Haha!” As she walked away. How rude. I do not recommend.
Anna Barrick
Outstanding! Will definitely be back.
Kid-friendliness: Brought our 1 yr old and newborn. The staff was so friendly to them. There is also a beautiful outdoor space, great for bringing a busy toddler.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caramel Cheesecake
Lauren Dunnigan
Delicious! The food, drinks, and dessert were all excellent, with great service and a beautiful atmosphere, such an amazing experience!
If I could give more stars I would. We made a reservation and right when we got inside (5 minutes early,) our table was ready to go with menus & waters. Our bartender/server was so nice and very attentive to our evening. I loved the atmosphere and the view! The food was absolutely DELICIOUS. We had the soup of the day, crab stuffed mushrooms, filet mignon & dill crusted salmon. Everything was exceptional. Flavors, presentation, & speed were amazing! I love that they used all thrifted plates/glasses; it gives such a cozy/welcoming feel. The cocktail I had (Peach Tea I believe) was delicious as well! 10/10 recommend & will absolutely be returning!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent menu and service. Very impressed with the total experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Blackboard is now our favorite restaurant! The food is outstanding! The service is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great experience all around!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is the by far best place to eat in that area. The food just melts in your mouth. The owner even talked with us to see how things were. We sat on the patio. It was warm an cozy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Stuffed Walleye with Shrimp
Such a wonderful place - I expected the food to be good, but they really wrap you up in the coziest of ambiances! They make you feel part of the dining family through genuine engagement and welcomed our squirmy kids, even giving them some bubbles! Such a gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went for a walk through Maplewood and then tried Blackboard - it was a double header afternoon! Squash with sausage wild rice and cranberries … mmmmm. Meatballs were amazing too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very friendly, great service and fantastic food. All the finest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had the stuffed squash and a chocolate torte and both were delicious!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I were riding our Harley's through lakes country (our cabin is on Wymer Lake) and decided to stop at Blackboard for an appetizer and a bump. Last time we were there it was still The Pickle Factory. We asked to sit outside on the patio, and even though there was a table open, and some in the screened-in area, the kid hostess said no, and seated us at the bar, with screaming kids at a table behind us. After looking at the menu, we decided on just a slice of cheesecake instead, a special that was written on the chalkboard wall behind the bar. But the bartender said the wall menu was outdated & the cheesecake was not an option (she then erased it a few minutes later). The staff was standoffish & snobby, so we decided to just have the one drink & leave. The empty patio table was still open when we left 30 minutes later. Note to the owners and staff: never judge a book by its cover, and a paying customer is a paying customer, it shouldn't matter if they walk in wearing a polo shirt or a leather vest. We will never come back as we most certainly didn't feel welcome. Do better.
EDIT: The patio was full, except for one table, so not seating due to staffing issues doesn't sound very legit.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing dining experience. The food is phenominal. Upscale Minnesota comfort food. This is easily worth a 40 minute drive for. I don't understand how anyone would rate this less than 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A unique place with wonderful service and fantastic food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
1) We were sat in an awkward tiny table in between the server station and the toilets, even though we had a reservation.
2) Ordered baked Brie with fruit compote, which arrived as a purple Brie-flavored soup. It was served with an offset butter knife, but we had to ask for a spoon to even get it on the toast.
3) The purple cheese soup arrived before our drinks, which were a simple pop and glass of wine.
4) Entrees were lackluster. When asked, I said my manicotti was really saucy, trying not to admit that it just tasted like a vat of mediocre alfredo with overcooked chicken on top. The response was, “Just like you. Haha!” As she walked away. How rude. I do not recommend.
Outstanding! Will definitely be back.
Kid-friendliness: Brought our 1 yr old and newborn. The staff was so friendly to them. There is also a beautiful outdoor space, great for bringing a busy toddler.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caramel Cheesecake
Delicious! The food, drinks, and dessert were all excellent, with great service and a beautiful atmosphere, such an amazing experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burrata Plate, Meatballs
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