Bar Abilene

As of today you are gone, and for that I shall not weep,
for nothing about you was particularly deep.
Your food, atmosphere, and style was pretty mediocre,
like ending up with a pair of 9’s in poker.
On the other hand, nothing was particularly bad,
but if that’s what one aspires to, that’s kind of sad.
But if you will miss the Abeline, do not despair, Uptown is now chock full of bland, corporate spaces,
such as Cowboy Jacks, Bar Louie, Louie’s Wine Dive, Boneyard, Morrissey’s, Chino, Stella’s, whatever will replace Social House, and McDonald’s, of all places.

I went here for brunch with some friends because the $ 5 bottomless mimosas lured us in. The drinks were mostly orange juice, but we kind of expected that for the price. Our server was very friendly and was very quick to fill up our glasses when we were running low. The food was very good. We all enjoyed our meal and can’t wait to go back to try other dishes. Overall, this was an enjoyable, inexpensive brunch.

Why do the servers in uptown not think they have to be friendly? Look people — I just want to give you some money in exchange for a drink. I may have a question. If you cannot slap on a smile and act like your happy to see me perhaps you need another line of work!
I actually enjoyed the atmosphere and food choices and beer I had here on a Saturday afternoon. I sat at the bar as I typically do and the prices were decent enough for the area and what I had. I just wish we didn’t have to wait so long to be acknowledged when they were not busy and also a bit more friendliness would have been nice.

Insanely slow service. The poor server was working 6+ tables inside and several more outside. My friend ordered the steak sandwich. Someone else ran the food out and announced it as a chicken sandwich. When we asked for clarification, she had to go back and ask if it was chicken or steak. My Caesar wrap was 80% lettuce, 20% chicken, and not enough dressing or parmesan cheese to even rate. Fries were decent.

Enjoyed the tapas and the happy hour priced. Tacos, rib, and jalapeño popper were a perfect combination. Nice location, good service.

Dear lord how bitterly disappointed I was to find that this place has terrible tapas.
This review is based on their tapas, guacamole, and cocktails.
I had the chicken tamale, pastor taco, southwestern egg rolls, guac with chips, and a Margarita.
The only positive was the guac with chips. They make it at the table for you. I like my guac with a little more citrus and spice, but this one is decent for MN.
The chicken tamale was a whole lot of dough and not much meat. At one point I opened up the tamale to look at the filling and couldn’t find any.
The pastor taco was horrid. Bland pastor, and a corn tortilla that wasn’t flavorful and couldn’t hold its shape. It continually fell apart in my hands even though they doubled up on the tortilla.
The southwest egg rolls were decent but there was too much sauced that drenched it. This caused them to become soggy prematurely.
The Margarita should have been a highlight but it ended up as an afterthought. Nothing about it was memorable.
I enjoyed the hokey atmosphere and it appeared to be salsa night there with a decent sized crowd.
Great or people watching, at least when I went it was.
This place needs to overhaul their kitchen/menu/chefs…the food was that bad.

I went for Sunday brunch, and what I hoped was going to be an impressive bottomless mimosa. Let me start with the positives: the eggs Benedict is incredible. With chipotle hollandaise, pork, and sourdough bread, this is the Benedict that has to sing «I’m still, I’m still Benny from the block» to remind every other Benedict that it doesn’t feel far superior (plot twist: it is). Smoky, rich, and delicious, I wouldn’t be surprised to find I shed a tear when it was over.
On another good note, the waitress was very attentive in filling up our mimosas, even if they were ¾ of the way full (literally, not in some optimistic way). The sad part about the mimosas, was that they were so weak I could barely taste any bubbly. At the end of the meal, I wanted to curl up in the fetal position from my overload of juice, and I could have easily blown zeros.
I’ll have to return and try out their bloody Mary bar, but I will be returning simply based on the food, alone. I’m going to have dreams about that Benedict from now until the end of time.

This is a fun experience with a group. MN WIFT is very familiar with this place, but it was my first time. We arrived early and seating outside was actually more comfortable. Ellie was the most helpful and awesome waitress. She made that table side guacamole like a pro. Huge chunks of avacado, lime, worcestshire, pico de gallo, and green tabasco, roasted garlic, what a combo. Half price tacos on Tues. I loved the steak taco, even if it was soft shell. By the time our party started, they cranked up the AC. I got to sample the queso and goat cheese dip. Everything is delicious here. I’m having the side of beans and rice for dinner tomorrow. Basil shamelessly got the apple dessert with a cinnamon icecream, it was delicious. I can’t wait to try brunch here. I’m slowly losing my fear of parking in uptown, even with the construction.

Went Fri night for the first time in a while. Met up for a friends bday party so not really a full meal, but I have sat down to eat dinner in the past. Service-​attentive, prompt, personable. Food-​only had nachos (suprise) they were tasty, fresh, and a decent value for the amount you get. Drinks-​house Margarita is waaay too sweet. Beer list is concise but approachable. Price-​$$ not the cheapest, not the most expensive, drinks seem a little high though.
They have a DJ after 9pm on Fri/​Sat I believe… I usually avoid this area like the plague on Fri/​Sat night (since I am over 30 and hate the term «sup bro?»)

Tried their Sunday brunch because of the $ 5 bottomless mimosas. The food offered is a little more Tex than Mex than I like so I ended up just going for a regular ham and cheese omelette. However, the omelette was really good and the mimosas, while not that strong or fresh, was worth $ 5. Overall, mediocre brunch — would probably be better for dinner.

It’s not a good sign when the drinks are better than the food at a restaurant. Anyway, Bar Abilene has a long list of margaritas to choose from. The Jardin Fresco with cucumber, jalapeño and Tabasco was spicy good. The Green Iguana was potent, and fresh tasting.
Now for the food. Bar Abilene describes itself as specializing in south-​western cuisine but the menu feels like it is trying to be everything for everyone — from tamales and tacos to burger, pastas, surf and turf and sandwiches and wraps. The potato flautas were so-​so — the sauce it was floating in was more tasty. There are few options featuring non-​meat and non-​dairy items. The Yucatan fish tacos were served with rice and black beans, and nothing stood out. The creamy dressing on the slaw was too overpowering for the beer battered fish. My friend got pork enchiladas and they came floating on a bed of rice and beans. Neither of us felt we’d return to taste other items on the menu.
Our host and server were attentive. The space is large and lively with a lot of TVs mounted on the walls. I’d go back if the food was better.

Update: New expanded menu ! More steak, chicken and fish entrées, pasta and flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and more. Not to forget the classic, Tex-​Mex items. We have visited several times now, and tryed some of the new menu items like the Tapas selections, priced from $ 1.95 The whole menu features made from scratch, unique, food selections that are an excellent value even at regular price, but now, they feature different menu items,
Mon — Fri. at ½ off !
I highly recommend Bar Abilene for the beer and tequila selection and the weekend brunch as well.

Is Bar Abilene really the only place in Uptown with a dance floor?
The acoustics are terrible. The DJ, while he spins good tracks, sounds like the jarring blare coming from a car with a piece of junk sound system.
The crowd is a bit iffy. I encountered overly assertive young men forcefully trying to «dance» with me as well as a gang of tough guys who attempted to brawl when the lights came on but were too sloppy drunk to even stand up straight let alone throw a forceful punch.
The alcohol is not cheap here. Shots seemed jaw droppingly expensive. I paid nearly $ 9. Bar Abilene can afford to charge these prices because people have no other options in Uptown if they wish to dance. If there are alternatives in Uptown that I am unaware of, please message me!

Solid three stars, Bar Abeline! Our server was friendly, and had the right amount of attention for our table.
While we didn’t have table side guacamole, the items we ordered from the happy hour menu had some really good guac on them.
Drink specials & happy hour prices on some tasty eats, also made for a happy pocketbook. Among the notables was the Chicken Quesadilla and the Nachos.

Mexican /​South Western in Uptown with a patio!
Now despite coming here on a Tuesday night for dinner with friends and being forced to tolerate a Zoomba class, sitting outside on their patio mere inches from the heavy traffic of uptown and again being forced to endure the Zoomba I like this place.
the food is good, not great, not the best I have had but very good none the less. I am not a fan of Fajitas but the ones I saw at the table next to me (while sitting inches from the traffic) looked pretty dang good. The Guaq here is very good as well, made at your table and super fresh. Good chips and good service.
I’ll eat inside next time and not on a Tuesday.
KT

Never been here for anything other than late night escapades, I am sure during the day for lunch or for dinner and before 10pm on weekends it’s quite nice. I know what I’m getting into when I go here, it’s a loud and cramped dance joint.
Who ever designed this place didn’t take into consideration that the bar wouldn’t have a maximum occupancy. I swear they will shuffle people in regardless of how many sweaty humans are already struggling to occupy an area. It’s strange how the front door opens right into the bar, I mean you walk in and have to go left or right, especially when the joint is jumping. That doesn’t even bother me so much, like I said I know what I am getting into when I come here.
What does bother me is how they try to keep an area near the bar clear of bar patrons. It’s that corner of the bar near the kitchen and there is always a bouncer designated to making sure no one stands in the area? I understand keeping the server station clear, but the natural flow of the entry pushes you to this area. Last time I was here I was standing next to the server station waiting for a drink, no big deal it’s busy and I am at the bar waiting in a «safe» zone. A bouncer taps me on the shoulder and asks that I move to the side and order from the waitress, (This is the area I know they keep clear), against my better judgment I moved to the side and the waitress takes off. I look left, I look right, nobody home. Another bouncer immediately tells me, you need to move out of that area, (We’re talking 6 inches I have traveled here in an area of about 4 square feet). I let him know that his buddy just told me to move over here and order from the waitress, he says yeah but you can’t stand here. I get it and shove my way back to where I was previously standing, but wait, no more standing here either he decides. At this point I am a little pissed off and really thirsty, I honestly shove the chick next to me another 6 inches and apparently that is acceptable, whatever.
Finally I get a drink, 2 shots of Patron, $ 20. Funky Butt Lovin I expected a high price, but WTF $ 10 a shot, this is tequila not Single Malt. I have never been too impressed with the Bartenders here, they are always in such a hurry when I come in they have no time to be polite or courteous. This place is a fun stop if you are in the mood, if you’re not then it’s just gonna piss you off. Whatever you do, stay out of the corner by the kitchen, the space is open for a reason and it’s not worth the harassment.

It’s been awhile since I had been here but a daily deal brought me back. I’m really glad I came in again because it was more memorable than, I remember…
The chips and salsa were fantastic and fresh. The chicken tacos, beans and rice were wonderfully seasoned, fresh and delicious. The drinks were large, strong and tasty.
Happy hour ran on a Saturday until 7pm! $ 2 off ALL FOOD AND DRINKS!!!
Service was good. There were some goofs in fulfilling our orders and each time they offered an apology (free food and drink) that greatly outweighed the error. Waitress was nice, pleasant and attentive. Also, love the pitcher of water at the table so we were never thirsty.
My only problem with this place is the AWFUL background music. It’s so dated, boring and slow. It was noticeably bad. They need to consider what their image is and where the are located (hip, urban, uptown) and revamp the music so it doesn’t conflict so much with not only the area, but the restaurant itself (a tex/​mex sports bar).
I think I’ll be back soon. Especially at happy hour, it’s a great value for the money.

The sign on the front of the building said: $ 3 Bottomless Mimosas Brunch
That alone was enough to get me through the front door. What can I say — I love a liquid brunch.
Bar Abilene’s décor is what you’d expect from a Tex-​Mex place. Barbed wire, concrete floors, earth tones, iron cowboys and bulls. I’m sure there were cacti, but I was too mesmerized by the thought of that tantalizing $ 3 mimosa to look too hard.
Bonus points to Bar Abilene, additionally, for offering brunch on Saturday AND Sunday. Sunday isn’t the only weekend brunch day. Are you listening, The Rest of the Twin Cities? ARE YOU?
The brunch menu was pretty small — only about 8 items, in fact — but it was varied. Pumpkin orange waffles, eggs bennie with Texas (or Tay-​has, if you’re not a gringo!) toast, and a decent breakfast burrito. (I say decent because my partner ordered one and it looked good.)
Here’s one of my favorite things, though, about brunch at Abilene — the entire menu is available, too! So if you don’t feel like brunch, but want to order something more lunchy/​dinnerish like say … a cup of tortilla soup and coconut shrimp tacos like I did, you can!
The tortilla soup was really good. It was nice and tangy, had a really good texture complete with grilled chicken pieces, tortilla strips, small pieces of lime, and a quarter of an avocado on top, which was a really clever addition. Our waitress actually said, «Oh I love that soup! I take it home all the time. It’s a juxtaposition of flavor.» I’m not kidding. She really said «juxtaposition.» And you know what, lovely red haired waitress who kind of looked like Anna Paquin and was completely charming? You are right. And you earned a star for using one of my favorite words AND being nice.
Our «bottomless» mimosas never went dry. Never. I lost count at 9. Worth every bit of $ 3.
The coconut shrimp tacos are what lost this place a star. They were fine. They weren’t bad. I just expected them to actually taste coconutty. They tasted like small breaded and deep fried shrimp. The cabbage and mango salsa that came with them was great, but I wanted that coconut flavor and texture that you’ll get on good coconut shrimp, and Bar Abilene disappointed me on that level. But every cloud has a silver lining, and this one’s was that there is a LOT more on the menu at Abilene I’ll be trying.
All in all, a great brunch spot. Get there at 10 when they open and you can even get street parking, which in Uptown is a miracle itself!

My wife and I had a $ 40 Star Tribune Steals voucher here and it was packed on a Saturday about 12 because they have $ 3 mimosas. I think only a third of the tables actually had food in front of them.
My aunt gave us some Christmas money, so I bought a Groupon like voucher with it for Bar Abilene.
Our waitress was awesome! She checked with us many times and made sure my wife got exactly what she wanted. Basically fish tacos, but not fried. She finished them both, so that means they were great. I tried a bite and the fish was really bland, but that is what mahi-​mahi is folks! It doesn’t taste fishy at all. Which my wife loved.
She asked for corn tortillas instead of flour and it was no problem. WIN!
I ordered a Sierra Nevada Torpedo, great stuff. I ordered the crab and spinach enchiladas. They were good, but I really wanted more crab flavor, they were good, but not great. I added some of my wife’s avocado salsa and it helped kick it up a notch. They were not really enchiladas, but more like big flautas.
I also ordered a cup of the tortilla soup. Great stuff! I think I would just get a bowl of that next time I come.
I ordered a Stone IPA to go with my lunch, what a wonderful beer! The hops are just perfectly matched with the malt. So good. Watch out though, when my bill came, it was $ 9 for a 12 oz serving. Big boo. $ 9 for a beer?!
The place was full of young hipsters from uptown, which was kind of fun for people watching, but I was wondering, «So this is our future?» «Yikes!»
Overall, a fun place, food was okay, not bad at all, but not great. Our server was awesome though and checked on us often.
We got our check and I was pretty annoyed that beers cost $ 7 or $ 9, so watch out if you don’t get specials. We had a $ 40 voucher and I still shelled out $ 32 after tip.

Bar Abilene is great for two things: happy hour and brunch. Oh, and their tortilla soup.
1. Happy Hour: they have a big selection of margaritas, and they are all 2−4 – 1’s during their Happy Hour. I have had many of the selections, but I like the Cherry one the best. They also have nice deals on food-​$ 2 off anything on the menu.
2. Brunch: CHILAQUILES AND $ 3 BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS. Guys-​bottomless. As in, you pay $ 3 and get bottomless alcohol. I can’t believe this place isn’t more poppin’ but I’m glad because more people would mean less refills and I can’t go there right now. Also, their chilaquiles are phenomenal. I always order it and everyone I’m with has food envy. It’s a little spicy, creamy, cheesy, crunchy and it has giant pieces of bacon.
3. Tortilla Soup: It’s really light, yet filling. It’s full of zucchini and smoked tomatoes, and I love anything topped with avocados. The bowl size is gigantic, and less than $ 5 during Happy Hour, so I’d recommend it thoroughly.
I’ve never been to Bar A during it’s peak times, so I can’t really comment on their nightlife scene, but I love having a nearby brunch and happy hour spot!