What it's actually like
Jax Cafe is overwhelmingly praised as a beloved Midwest dining institution with exceptional steaks, warm hospitality, and a beautifully restored historic setting. The majority of reviewers celebrate its romantic patio, excellent service, and special-occasion appeal, though occasional inconsistencies in food execution and drink quality appear in a small minority of reviews. It's strongly recommended for anniversaries, celebrations, and fine dining experiences.
cozy-moodyclassic-old-schoolromanticnostalgic-50s-movie-setcharming-historic
Diners keep mentioning
prime ribfilet mignonlemon drop martinipierogisea bassribeye steakscallopsholiday brunch with prime rib and eggs benedictbrunch cocktails
Ambiance
upscale-casual
Noise level
moderate
Dress code
smart casual
Outdoor seating
Yes
Good for
anniversary dinner, special occasions, celebration
Reservations
Direct / Walk-in friendly
Wait reality — Reservations are advised, especially for peak times and special occasions. Weekend brunches and busy periods can involve waits; one reviewer mentioned text notification system for seating during high-demand times.
Derived from 69 recent Google reviews — not marketing copy.
When to go
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 3:30 – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 3:30 – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 3:30 – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
What's cooking
Appetizer
Avocado Toastvegetarian$13
With Cream Cheese, Pickled Red Onions, & Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette
Avocado Toast with Lobstercontains shellfish$28
With Cream Cheese, Pickled Red Onions, & Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette, with Lobster
Fried Green Tomatoesvegetarian$12
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktailcontains shellfish$23
Spicy Bloody Mary Cocktail Sauce
Oysters on the Half Shell (6)contains shellfish$23
Roasted Tomatoes & Goat Cheesevegetarian$16
With Rosemary & Olive Oil in Cast Iron Skillet, served with Grilled Baguette
Salad
BLT Salad$17
Served over Fried Green Tomatoes, Lemon Basil Dressing
Jax House Saladveganvegetarian$10
★ Jax Steak Salad$29
Mixed Greens, Steak Medallions, Bacon, Grilled Asparagus, Sweet Corn, Onion, Grape Tomatoes, Shredded Jack Cheese with Cholula Ranch Dressing
Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Saladvegetarian$17
Mixed Greens, Fried Goat Cheese, Beets, Toasted Pecans, Craisins, and Red Onion with a Maple Vinaigrette
Waldorf Saladvegetarian$14
Apples, Onion, Celery, Candied Walnuts, Grapes, and Craisins, tossed with Dressing and served on a bed of Spring Mix
Soup
French Onion Soupvegetarian$11
Soup of the Day$7
Entree
Amaretto French Toastvegetarian$17
Cinnabutter Swirl Bread topped with Amaretto Bananas
Apple & Brievegetarian$16
Sliced Apples, Warm Brie, Honey, Walnuts, and a Mix of Spring Greens served on a Warm Ciabatta Bun
Belgian Wafflesvegetarian$13
Breakfast Burger$17
Two Patties (Breakfast Sausage & Chopped Sirloin) topped with White American Cheese and Crumbled Bacon on Brioche Bun
Breakfast Pot Pie$15
Scrambled Eggs, Sausage Gravy, Cheese, over Baked Crispy Round Pastry
Breakfast Sandwich$15
Jax Bacon, Sausage Patty, Soft Egg, Jack Cheese, and Fried Green Tomato on English Muffin
Chicken Strips$12
Fries
Classic Clubhouse, Jr$18
Turkey, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Mayonnaise on Toasted Bread
Classic Eggs Benedict$16
Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette or Fruit
Create Your Own Omelettevegetarian$14
Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette or Fruit
French Toast Sticksvegetarian$9
Fried Green Tomato Benedict$16
Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette or Fruit
Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich$17
Topped with Pimento Bacon Cheese Spread on Toasted Ciabatta
★ Jax Burger$18
Tillamook Cheddar, Crispy Fried Onions
New England Lobster Rollcontains shellfish$18
New England Lobster Roll - Two Rollscontains shellfish$27
★ Prime Rib, Au Jus$36
Creamy Horseradish Sauce, Fresh Popover
Prime Rib Hash$21
Sautéed Onions, Bell Peppers & Potatoes, topped with two Eggs, on Grilled Pumpernickel, Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Scrambled Eggsvegetarian$7
Toast
The Polish$17
Polish Sausage, Pierogi, & Scrambled Eggs
★ Uncle Joe's Prime Rib Sandwich$29
Fresh Sliced Prime Rib on Pumpernickel Bun topped with Mushrooms, Onions, and side of Horseradish Aioli. Served with a side of Au Jus
Wafflevegetarian$9
Whipped Cream
Side
Bacon$8
Baked Cheesy Hash Brownsvegetarian$6
Crispy Hash Brownsveganvegetarian$7
Fresh Fruitveganvegetarian$6
Fresh Popovervegetarian$3
Honey Butter
Gluten Free Banana Breadgluten freevegetarian$5
Polish Sausage$6
Sausage Patties$6
Toastvegetarian$3
Dessert
Beignetsvegetarian$10
★ Jax Cinnamon Rollvegetarian$8
Serves 2-4
Find it
Address
1928 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN
Phone
612-789-7297
Restaurant group
independent