Erik The Red Bar

Reviews

• Narleen D.

  star star star star star 7 June 2026

  Okay, let's talk about this Nordic Rub brisket... Oh Lord!  It was AMAZINGGG!  It was so tender, juicy and literally the fat in between the meat was like butter!  I didn't need anything extra.  The seasoning was perfect and the smokyness of the meat was to drool for.  We checked out this place for lunch while I was on a work trip, and a fellow co-worker chose it as we were also celebrating his birthday.  Our waiter was hilarious and had great service.  He also sang "Happy Birthday" to our friend with such gusto and commitment!  We had a great time and the food was honestly amazing!  We were a group of 8 and every single one of us cleaned our plates!  The restaurant was very clean, played some nice 90's music and it is very conveniently located right across the US Bank stadium.  I could only imagine how packed it gets during football season.  When you're in downtown Minneapolis make sure to check out this spot and please, do get the brisket!

• Sabrina D.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 29 May 2026

  Totally bummed. I really wanted to like this place--great location being SO close to the stadium, cool ambiance, and I'm all about smoked meats. This was definitely a hit and a MISS for me though. Our server was extremely pushy and car salesman-like. Seemed obvious, especially as our experience continued, that he was more about his final sales number than making his customers happy. He pushed sides for everything but was sly about the upcharges, which ended up being ridiculous.
  
  We got sandwiches, fries, coleslaw, Mac and cheese, smoked turkey leg, etc...all was good but not anything you can't find anywhere else for a better deal and better customer service.  I was so excited to get the Brussel sprouts, and they were OUT! How are you out of a popular menu item on a Saturday afternoon?!??
  Drinks were good, but not the high end drinks with quality ingredients you can get at other places, yet we paid high end prices for them.
  
  Will definitely take quality over convenience next time we're at the stadium and walk somewhere further.

• Jim J.

  star star star star star 25 May 2026

  Erik the Red should be named Erik the Great!  This Scandinavian style barbeque joint is located in the shadows of the mammoth US Bank Stadium.  You can smell the smoked meats for a block away!  The décor is very cozy and it was nice on a snowy night.  The staff was super friendly and food came out quickly.
  
  Smoked meat dominates the menu and they deliver some amazing bbq!  I was able to take advantage of the Happy Hour offer and enjoy the bar plate for a mere $5.  This amazing sampler had smoked gouda, white fish and salmon.  The fresh bread it was served with made delicious little sandwiches.  Upon the bartenders advice I went with the Thor Burger with Brussels spouts.  The burger was very tasty and topped with amazing thick cut bacon.  It had a smoked cheddar that was simply delicious. The onion straws gave it a nice crunch. My side of sprouts were burnt perfectly and had a ton of charred garlic to add some smokiness.  The portions were generous and the price was cheap ($25 for food and a Diet Coke w/ tip).
  
  I highly recommend you check out the Nordic BBQ here!

• Birdie M.

  star star star star star_border 22 May 2026

  My friends wanted to come here for Happy Hour during the trip to Minneapolis.  I didn't expect much, but I'm glad I came!  
  
  Just across the street from the U.S. Bank Stadium, "Erik The Red Bar" is a great spot for Nordic-themed food after a game, or if you want to grab some extra "pre-eats" before heading out to the local clubs.
  
  We shared several items:  
  
  "Elk Bratwurst" - "Just ok."   I've tasted elk before, but this brat was very dry, with a more "game-y" flavor than what I've had before.   Hmmm...I'd probably pass on this next time.
  
  "Scotch Egg"  -  Pretty good.  I prefer the yolk a little more on the soft-boiled side, but it was still OK.  Interesting mustard-based dipping sauce.
  
  "Nordic Nachos"  -  Very good.  Made with crisp lefse, (intead of tortilla chips), this was my first experience & taste of lefse.  The chips were DELICIOUS, the crema was so good I could eat just the crema, meat was tender & flavorful, lettuce & cheese...Mmmmm....what a great combination!!!  Delicious version of nachos.  
  
  "Lefse"  -  EXCELLENT!  I was on a MISSION to try lefse during my visit to Minneapolis, & I was not disappointed.  Similar to a flour tortilla, but made with potatoes, this lefse was soft, warm, & delicious, served with a sweet butter, whipped cream, & lingonberry sauce.  I can't say enough about how delicious this was.  It tasted & felt like a warm hug, & put a smile on my face!!!  I think I needed some alone time with this Lefse, but my friends were rushing me, as they were ready to head-out to the clubs.  ;)
  
  Overall, "Erik the Red Bar" was a cool spot.  Nothing fancy...just a nice place to chill with friends & have some food & drinks.

• Chelsea R.

  star star star star star_border 18 May 2026

  Bacon Steak is a thing and it's delicious!
  Erik the Red really does have the best view from the windows looking out toward US Bank Stadium. The Venue is quiet with low humming music and an ambiance that invites you to linger and hang out.
  
  I ordered the Bacon Slab which is a 7 day cured "steak" style cut of bacon. I should have brought a measuring tape because the thickness was Incredible. We also got the Brisket, Mac and cheese, Game sausages with Coleslaw and a side of the beets. I wanted to get the Brussel Sprouts but unfortunately they were all sold out.
  
  The meat was slow smoked and cooked with light seasoning. The bacon wasn't overly salty and honestly took the taste of a slow cooked ham. The brisket was buttery and just melted under the fork. The sausages were smaller than expected due to the presentation of the bacon slab but nonetheless they were delicious and I've decided that rabbit can be apart of my diet!!
  
  Service staff was nonchalant and chill. He provided the kind of service I enjoy, light conversation but gave us space to chat with our friends. The bathrooms could use a makeover but maybe that's the charm.