Forum Restaurant & Bar

Seabass was awesome

Fun to see the wonderful old Art Deco, but otherwise disappointing. I’ve tried it twice. The food was mediocre both times. The glass of wine was small and expensive. Pleasant waiter and greeter, but let’s remember good food is the most important thing, and this really doesn’t have it

Despite being in my building, not a lot of people from work go here. They have good cocktails, decent drink specials at happy hour and some tasty happy hour food. Once she got out of whatever funk she was in, our bartender was fun and funny (but sadly mentioned a boyfriend)
Anyway, it was busier than I’ve seen it, but unless that keeps up, I can’t imagine how they stay open. I will have to go back and give the Cincinnati Chili another shot for lunch to see if they have fixed the recipe since they opened as well.

Stopped by Forum after tryingt to find a table during restaurant week. We called ahead to see if there were tables available and the man on the other line was kind and made it a point to tell us that he wanted our company. Kind of creepy but glad we did as it was a great experience. We had the lobster Mac n Cheese, Tuna Tartar and two salads. The pear vodka and sparkling wine was the perfect combo.
The waiter was very kind at explaining the option and didn’t pressure us to order as we just wanted to sit, sip our drinks and talk.
At the end of the dinner, we received complementary crème brûlée for our wait on the drinks.

On entering the place it took me back to the Art Deco period expecting to see maybe Bogart or Bacall at the piano bar. My reverie ended there.
Our waiter was nice but did not volunteer any additional info about specials that the restaurant might be offering. On to the food… the menu is concise and to the point. I went to Forum knowing that I was ordering the Mac-​n-​Cheese with Lobster and maybe a salad. The wedge salad was very tasty but the Mac was very disappointing. Mac-​n-​Cheese does not need Truffle oil, it is a dish that stands on its own and gets even better when lobster is added. My partner in food PHM, had the Red Snapper and potato purée, and thought it to be good. Whoever was in the kitchen last night had a heavy hand with salt, it stood out on every dish including the bread.
I have a few suggestions lay off on the salt, add another fish dish to the menu and change the music venue, try something that would go along with the Art Deco interior.

I’ve been here many times — lunch, dinner, and special events — and have never been let down.
It’s as good as it gets. This place has amazing atmosphere — original late 20’s art deco — and food to match.
Chef Christian Ticarro clearly knows his stuff, and they recently pared down the menu so he can now focus on taking items to the next level of deliciousness.
Some people might find the prices steep at first, but once you taste what comes out of the kitchen, your concerns will quickly dissipate. Service is first rate, food is even better, and in this setting you could be eating taco bell and still feel classy.

I wonder if there’s another major city where you can literally park at the front door of a downtown restaurant? «You’re good till 2 a.m.,» we were assured… hot diggity news on an evening that warmed up to nearly 20 °F. (Yes, like you I wondered what happened at two, too, but decided not to ask.)
I wondered out loud about all the cool art deco décor [hey, gotta remember that for scrabble!]. Unfortunately, we were treated to a lengthy chronology of the building and space starting back in the 1920s, first as a cafeteria, then it became a disco, then it was this and then it was that, then it was this again. If you check out The Forum, ask away! …seems to be a hot topic of local folklore.
Everyone seemed to like their meal. One of my hosts tried the Mac & Cheese w/​Lobster, which seems to be trendy here in Minneapolis. I had a decent pork chop. Another host had scallops and still another tried crab. I was kinda wondering why the out-​of-​towner (that’d be me) was ordering pork and the locals were ordering seafood when we were 2,000 miles from either ocean. Fortunately (for me) I didn’t wonder enough to bring it up… yes, I learned to fear another long-​version answer.
Next time, I sure won’t be wondering so much. So in the end, The Forum’s greater appeal might be to wander in for some apps and a few cocktails at the coolsville bar. And don’t forget to impress the gf by parking right on 7^th Street at the front door!

This space is breath taking, with such beautiful art deco. As I arrived I was warmly greeted by the hostess who took me to my seat and kindly asked me if there was anything I needed as I waited I felt very welcome and it was just very inviting. Our service only got better from there we were treated as if we were the servers personal guests hosting a dinner party. I had the scallops which is a must try, such a beautiful presentation and everything complimented the scallops amazingly. My boyfriend had the steamship ribs, he loved them. It was an all-​around great experience from start to finish they did not miss a beat I will be back soon.

The space is really cool, it’s the only reason we stopped in. However, the food left A LOT to be desired.
I’d go back for drinks at the bar, but would make sure to eat before I go.

We celebrated Christmas Eve at Forum this year. And in the spirit of the holidays, after sitting on the fence between giving them 3 or 4 stars, I’m going to roll with the 4. The lamb lollipops have a lot to do with that generosity as well. They are DELICIOUS.
We’ve been to Forum previously, and apparently while they were under a different chef. While many of the menu items were the same, some of the ingredients were switched up a bit. This became apparent when I had the lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, which I had enjoyed before — it had pork in it the first time I had it, but the new version does not and adds panko crumbs. This isn’t a complaint, but I about died with happiness when I had it the first time around; last night… eh. Tasty, but not the dazzle that I remember.
My husband had the «Steamship,» which were short ribs, comically presented in a way that actually made them look like a steamship. He was disappointed that they were cooked medium-​well as opposed to being asked how he’d like them done, but otherwise, the meat was solid. In fact, that’s how we ended up describing everything we had, from the drinks through dessert: not OMG WOW, but solid.
Speaking of: the drinks are interesting I suppose, but really high on the vodka-​and-​juice side of things. Not a single gin drink on the menu, which hurts my soul. And as for dessert, Forum gets that spot-​on. Our miniature Boston Cream Pie Cake was wonderful.
The service was… interesting. Our first visit, we had an exuberant waiter who was happy to assist us with everything, including our table conversations. Last night, our waiter was a bit awkward (and practically seemed terrified that he’d take away our plates too soon even as they were pushed away), but he was attentive.
I love the idea of having a monthly destination menu, they’re not far from us, and they haven’t given me any reasons to not keep giving them a shot. So, we’ll continue to do so.

Do you ever have those moments when you spent some time worrying about whether or not you’re too blue collar for a restaurant, only to find that the restaurant isn’t as important as it’s self-​importance would suggest?
yes, the décor is neat-​o, and the space is set up nicely. The host was witty and fun, though some less jaded may take his snarkiness to be insulting.
the food. it was the lunch menu, and I thought it had some really good items. I ordered the Minnesota Salad with steak. Yep, mixed greens, candied walnuts, steak, etc. it was fine, but my socks stayed on. My dining partner ordered the Cincinatti chili, waiting to be disappointed, and she was. The chili was cold! sigh.
Oh but look, there’s a drug deal going on right outside the window! oh yes, I see money changing hands. yes yes, little baggies… rocks or herb? rocks or herb? can’t tell. anyway…
«Ladies, can I interest you in dessert?» … Let the birthday girl decide (me)! Well, Happy Birthday to me! My dessert is FREE! Let’s get the cheesecake!
Le BARF. what is in that cheesecake? do i taste butter?! what is this flavor? I really do think it’s butter! why does my cheesecake taste like butter? gross. two people sharing a piece of cheesecake, and more than half was left on the plate. when does that ever happen?
Let’s go, this place sucks. and seems the hour of drug dealin is over, so there’s no show, no street theater, no nothin.
Oh, and thank you for CHARGING ME FOR MY FREE BIRTHDAY BUTTER NASTY, assholes.

The Forum is in the former Goodfellow’s space in City Center for those who are not familiar with it. The space is just as glorious as it ever was. Beautiful Art Deco décor. My favorite is the giant round booth. Straight out of Madmen. I don’t want to forget the food. It’s delicious. We were a group of 7 and there were raves from everyone. Top notch burgers with either sweet potato fries or battered fries. A very tasty steak salad with tender beef and fritters in a tasty vinaigrette. I had a grilled chicken breast over sw rice and topped with a mole sauce. It was perfectly balanced with a delicious mole sauce. Outstanding. My dinner was on their menu that changes regularly so you’ll want to get there soon to try it. The service was also outstanding. Our waiter knew every detail of the menu and served with complete professionalism. Prices were good. They seemed right on for a lunch menu. Quite affordable. I won’t speak for evening. I didn’t see that list. Lastly, we did get their peach/​rhubard cobbler with vanilla bean ice cream and a home made carmel sauce. Delicious. There seems to be something for everyone on the menu except maybe young kids. They do accommodate children and seemed quite friendly when asked. The place is spacious, so I think you would have no trouble having a special family dinner here. Maybe Father’s Day? I’m going back.

I was excited to try Forum after reviewing their menu and was pleasantly surprised at how great dinner turned out to be! We had a group of 9 for dinner and Forum offered us several spots throughout the restaurant to choose from. The restaurant itself is gorgeous with its art-​deco interior design. There are private rooms as well as larger group event space. I highly suggest the Ceviche for an appetizer! There wasn’t one complaint for any of our meals. The Pork Chop is fantastic! Service was very attentive and Jesse is quite the mixologist!
I returned for Happy Hour… great deals with $ 4 house wines and $ 3 beers accompanied with appetizer specials. Let’s keep Forum around!

I was so happy to see this space with a restaurant in it again. The interior is beautiful if you are a fan of Art Deco. A coworker and I walked the two blocks from work to Forum for a late lunch, for the express purpose of having the Bison Reuben.
The service was prompt and the food was well presented. The Reuben was awesome. Nice crunch to the bread, a marbled rye. Wonderful, overall. The battered fries were tasty and crisp and flavorful homemade ketchup made them all the more enjoyable.
The prices were a little higher than an old favorite, Manhattans, but it isn’t out of line for experience.
I will definitely be back.

The 2 things that excited me the most about the opening of Forum was remembering when the place was Micks with the Art Deco Interior and I had read in a recent Pioneer Press Article that they would have Cincinnati Style Chili on the menu which is one of my specialties.
My and my companion were the first paying customers in the history of this place. They were not quite ready to open as servers were still rolling silverware at the tables and the bar was about half stocked with bottles.
Of course I ordered the Chili and it tasted like it should have with hints of All-​Spice and Cinnamon however the noodles were not quite done enough and they did not put the mound of cheddar cheese on top to replicate Skyline Chili. 10 bucks was a little high.
My companion ordered the Lobster Mac and Cheese which was to die for, but again, with a steep price tag.
My only complaint on the interior is that the lights were turned up so bright I thought I was in a hospital circa 1950.
Our server was top notch (Perry) he was efficient and genuinely cared about his first customers.
The flatware was the best I had ever seen in Minneapolis.
A few kinks to iron out for this virgin restaurateur but I look forward to giving this place a second chance.

For full disclosure, I have been following the story of Jim Ringo for a little bit and was very interested in how his take on Mpls fine dining would be. I went in thinking my first experience would be a drink to see the setting, but decided to grab supper on Friday night. My expectations were low, my hypothesis is this is a place for people who want something other than Houlians but in DT Mpls.
As you walk in the setting is very nice, reminded me of café de Flore in Paris. Something else I noticed right away, the amount of bad seats in the restaurant. Unusual for a place to have such a disparity in seating.
The Food. Some interesting options, prices off the main menu seemed high, we went with the Mpls Salad (wonder why more places do not have a salad named like this). Amazingly average. I also had the french onion soup. Saltiest soup ever.
For our main courses we hit up the menu from New Orleans. Jambalaya «Mn Spicy» & Entouffee. These dishes were fine. Forgot how similar they were, but overall fine.
Tidbits
Our server tried very hard to please us, which is great. The restaurant was new, and you could sense the chaos, dishes being delivered non stop to the wrong tables, long waits for drinks, an obsession with silverware.
The chef stopped by the table next to us to ask how things were. Explained how they were «chef driven». They complained at how poor their table was (ours was terrible too) right next to the kitchen with terrible lighting.
Overall, it is expected there would be some rough patches (they are charging full rate), but all in all… The suburbanites will go back to Houlihans as their attempt to dine in the city as a failure, when there are so many great places so close.