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Jax Cafe - Steakhouse in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Jax Cafe

4.6 (2382 reviews)

1928 University Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

American restaurant
Bar
Cafe
Restaurant
Steak house

About Jax Cafe - steak house in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Circa-1930s landmark serving steaks & seafood in an elegant, old-school setting with a garden patio.

Customer Review Summary

Jax Cafe is a beloved family favorite for celebrations and has a fantastic atmosphere. The restaurant is praised for its delicious food, especially the prime rib, and impeccable service. It features a beautiful patio and offers a mix of dining options, from cozy booths to an elegant bar. While some feel the food could benefit from a modern touch, overall, the dining experience is described as classy and enjoyable. Guests appreciate the historic charm and the warm ambiance, making it a standout choice in Minneapolis for both locals and visitors. Desserts are highly recommended as exceptional highlights of the meal.

Key Features

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fireplace
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
  • Live music

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • All you can eat
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Late-night food
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

  • Cozy
  • Historic
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upscale

Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Reservations required
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking

Customer Reviews

Rating Distribution

4.6 out of 5
5
1830
4
345
3
110
2
51
1
46
Based on 2382 reviews

Racine Kaye

1 month ago

Jax Cafe has been my family's go to place for decades. We also make reservations here for all family celebrations. From Birthdays to Anniversaries, to my dads company celebrations. Highly recommend the food and service here! As well as the amazing patio in the Spring and Summer! Beautiful place!

Troy Stewart

1 month ago

Jax is our Favorite Cafe Steakhouse in Minneapolis northeast. You must experience the atmosphere and the delicious food 😋 great customer service. It's really beautiful to see & experience Jax Cafe Nostalgia! -Troy Stewart Google maps reviewer

Janet C.

5 months ago

A hidden gem within a hidden gem! Visiting from out of town, I was blown away the moment I stepped inside this historic steakhouse. The atmosphere was stunning—elegant yet cozy, with a rich history that made the experience even more exciting. I had no idea this place had such deep roots, but it only added to the charm. The highlight? The Prime rib! It was an absolute showstopper—melt-in-your-mouth tender, bursting with flavor, and cooked to perfection. Every bite was pure heaven. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, the desserts stole the show! Don’t even think about skipping them—each one was a masterpiece on its own. The entire dining experience was a thrill from start to finish, and I can’t wait to come back and explore more of the menu. If you’re after an unforgettable meal in a setting that feels like a secret treasure, this steakhouse is a must-visit. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll be talking about it long after you leave!

Istvan A. Miko

4 weeks ago

This gem in NE Minneapolis is my new favorite for any special occasion, although a bit pricey, the experience for the service to the food is too tier. The restaurant has select areas for whatever your preferred atmosphere, from a bar, to booth, to table service, and outdoor villa. With a nice 1920 Craftsman interior the dark, sleek build sets the vibe. I would compare this to the Lexington on Grand Ave but I prefer Jax over the Lexington

Brenda

2 weeks ago

Incredible food and impeccable service in a gorgeous, old world-style restaurant. I dined with my son and his girlfriend. We had a leisurely, classy meal. Everything was perfection.

Carol Throntveit

5 months ago

Jax truly has one of the loveliest patios in the Twin Cities! We were there for happy hour and loved all our choices. Yes, it's an old style place in some ways, but what's wrong after all with never-out-of-style warmth and grace in an elegant yet relaxed and cozy atmosphere? Jax is a Twin Cities star for a reason!

Jonah Yue

4 months ago

A classic steakhouse with a charming old-school vibe. The food has potential but could use a modern touch. Service is excellent, and the cocktail menu sticks to timeless favorites.

Northland Gypsy

8 months ago

"This prime is so good I'm going to cry." Actual quote from a family member I ate dinner with at Jax Cafe. The restaurant is a classic steak house, but not too old school, more classy. In the past I've had the filet mignon, which was perfect. This time I had the smothered steak; the flavor was delicious. The trout caught from the stream was "the best tasting fish I've ever had" (another family members sentiment). Lovely patio, attentive staff. The restaurant also imprinted matches set on the table to commemorate the special occasion we were celebrating.

Location

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Friday 11 AM–2 PM, 3:30–9 PM
Monday Closed
Saturday 10 AM–9 PM
Sunday 10 AM–8 PM
Thursday 3:30–9 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 3:30–9 PM

Price Range

$50–100