What it's actually like
Layline is highly regarded as a standout dining destination in Excelsior with exceptional food quality, innovative rotating menus, and outstanding service at its best. Strengths include brunch excellence, creative cocktails, and a charming contemporary atmosphere. Occasional service inconsistencies and noise levels in the smaller space are noted drawbacks by some reviewers.
charmingeclecticcontemporarycozywell-litenergetic
Diners keep mentioning
Johnny Cakeduck fat friesmushroom omelettecreative cocktailsAhi Tuna CrudoSeared Sea Scallopscaramel roll
Ambiance
upscale-casual
Noise level
lively
Dress code
smart casual
Outdoor seating
Yes
Good for
date night, brunch, birthday celebration
Reservations
Resy
Wait reality — Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekends and peak times. Walk-ins may be turned away even with empty tables if reservations are booked. Parking in downtown Excelsior can be challenging during busy periods.
Derived from 74 recent Google reviews — not marketing copy.
What's cooking
Appetizer
Arancinivegetarian
bomba rice, mahon, romesco, ricotta salata
★ Chilled Raw Oystersnut freedairy freegluten free
accoutrements & choice of mignonette
Crab Cakenut free$14
maque choux, comeback sauce, lemon
Fried Calamarinut free
green beans, sweet peppers, thai dipping sauce
Johnnycakevegetarian
whipped honey butter, maple syrup, chives (optional jalapeño maple syrup)
★ Layline Sliders
demi glace, bleu cheese, crispy shallots, truffle aioli
Marinated Cucumbersvegetarian
thai chili, cilantro, fish sauce, peanut
Pok Pok Chicken Wingsnut freedairy free
marinated cucumbers
Steamed Musselsnut free
bouillabaisse broth, grilled baguette, lemon
Stuffed Mushroomsvegetarian
Roasted criminis, garlic, parmesan
Tempura Vegetablesvegetarian
green beans, sweet peppers, thai dipping sauce
Snack
Poutinevegetarian$12
cheese curds, veluté, thyme
Scottish Egg$9
served with house mustard
Salad
Bibb Saladvegetarian
fines herbs, shallots, agra vinaigrette, pepitas, parmesan cheese
Butternut Squashvegetarian
couscous, green goddess, burrata, chives
Crispy Brussels Sproutsvegetariangluten free
mojo verde, ricotta salata, pepitas
Grilled Cauliflowervegetariangluten free
chevre, caper, brown butter
★ Layline Caesar Salad
romaine, endive, lemon, anchovy-garlic croutons
Roasted Beetsvegetarian
goat cheese fondue, orange, pistachio
Pasta
★ Carbonara
spaghetti, pancetta, parmesan reggiano, egg
Hong Kong Style Noodles
spicy pork, bok choy, peanuts
Linguine Pomodoro e Vodkavegetarian
burrata, basil, mint, chili oil, toasted bread crumbs
Entree
Bywater Burger
American wagyu, cheese, muffaletta giardiniera, duck fat fries
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
avocado aioli, pickles, duck fat fries
Grilled Pork Chopgluten freenut freedairy free
celeriac pureé, fennel cabbage slaw, honey crisp apple
Steak
Steak Fritesgluten free
chimichurri, mushroom compound butter, avocado aioli
Side
Duck Fat Friesvegetariannut free$8
served with spiced ketchup & garlic aioli
Dessert
Creme Bruleevegetarian
madagascan vanilla bean, french custard, fruit
Ice Cream Bon Bonvegetarian
rotating ice cream filling, dark chocolate ganache
Cocktail
Aperol Spritzveganvegetariannut freedairy free$8
Banana Daiquiriveganvegetariannut freedairy free$10
white rum, banana oleo, lime
★ Cedar Wood Old Fashionedveganvegetariannut freedairy free
Bourbon Blend, Cedar Wood, Aged Aquavit, Piloncillo
Chamomile Sazeracveganvegetariannut freedairy free$10
rye whiskey, chamomile golden flower, absinthe
Dill & White Chocolate Gimletvegetarian
Gin, Dill, White Chocolate, Yuzu
Espresso Martini$8
Forest Floor Martiniveganvegetariannut freedairy free
vodka, spruce tips, pinecone bitters, rosemary vermouth
Golden Dailyvegetarian
Lemon, Grey Goose Le citron, lemon curd, Saffron, Italicus, Greek Yogurt washed
Lychee Champagneveganvegetariannut freedairy free
St Germain, Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Tea, Clarified Lychee, Champagne
Manhattanveganvegetariannut freedairy free$8
Old Fashionedveganvegetariannut freedairy free$8
Rose Negroniveganvegetariannut freedairy free$10
rhubarb gin, bianco bitters, lo-fi dry vermouth
Sparkling Cosmopolitanveganvegetariannut freedairy free
Grey Goose L'Orange, Cranberry Oleo, Lime, Rose Sparkling Tea, Italicus
Spa Waterveganvegetariannut freedairy free$10
cucumber, gin, elderflower, lemon, prosecco
★ The Layovervegetariandairy free
Traveller Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, Pistachio, Sauternes
Yuzu Margaritaveganvegetariannut freedairy free$10
blanco tequila, yuzu, pierre ferrand
Wine
House Red$8
House White$8
Beer
Deschutes IPA$5
Miller High Life$4
Seafood
Cedar Plank Salmongluten freenut free
saffron rice, cucumber-mint yogurt
Chilean Sea Bass
smoky red pepper, couscous, lemon buerre blanc
Crab Risotto
Chorizo, Saffron, Mascarpone
Find it
Address
301 Water St, Excelsior, MN
Restaurant group
DDP Restaurant Group