Doolittles Woodfire Grill, Golden Valley, MN

550 Winnetka Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55427
(763) 542-1931

http://www.doolittles.com/

Neighborhood: Western Suburbs of Minneapolis
Cuisine: New American
Cost: $$ = $11- $30 – Moderately priced (average entree $12-$34)
Two Forks = A worthy addition to its neighborhood with consistency in its food.

Hours:

Monday through Thursday & Sunday:
11AM – 11PM

Friday & Saturday:
11AM – 12 AM

HAPPY HOUR:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

3PM to 6PM

Receive $1 off all tap beer, bottled beer, cocktails, and wine by the glass. Enjoy $2 off all appetizers.

late night 9PM to Close Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Receive $1 off all tap beer, bottled beer, cocktails, and wine by the glass. Enjoy half off all appetizers; prices in bar and patio only

½ price wine by the bottle attracts wine lovers every Monday night from 4-11 p.m.

SPECIAL FEATURES: The rotation of the rotisserie creates self basting and slow roasting skewers resulting in juicy and succulent meats.

Handicap accessible: Yes
Parking: Private lot
Vegetarian options: Yes
Kid friendly: Yes
Liquor served: Full Bar
Wine List: We weren’t impressed. They claim that they are “Presenting a wine list that would please any connoisseur, Doolittles boasts over 60 wines by the bottle and 30 selections by the glass.” We think they should change it up and add something new.
Outdoor seating: Yes
Reservations: No
Corkage fee: $15.00

Complimentary: Bread and Butter. (We usually ask for Balsamic, Olive Oil and Parmesan Cheese and they bring it at no charge)

Unique: Featuring woodfired rotisserie cooking

Since Jen and I live on opposite ends of town, we usually meet here in the middle for a long lunch and some catching up. This day, like others we decided to each sip on a Vodka (little dirty) Martini – Grey Goose ($7.25).

The bartender Nate remembers us and we’ll usually belly up to the bar, or sit in the bar area where he is very personable.

This particular day, we sat outside in the patio area. It’s very nice out there with shade and also the outdoor fire pit creates a relaxing setting to wine and dine for any occasion. The landscaping is attractive and it’s far enough from the road that the traffic isn’t a distraction. On this particular afternoon, Skott served us and was very friendly!

We have decided bringing in our own bottle of wine and paying the corking fee is a much better option then choosing from their less than stellar wine selection.

Overall the decor is nice, the people are friendly and it is always busy during the lunch hour when we stop and it doesn’t feel like a chain restaurant. It is a bit spendy compared to other options for similar cuisine at lunch, but we don’t eat here everyday and we really like it!

Entree:
Jen ordered the Roasted Red Beet Salad ($11.95) – rotisserie chicken, arugula, dried cranberries, green apple, spiced walnuts, blue cheese, shallot vinaigrette

It’s a large portion an was very flavorful. It had plenty of roasted beets and she really enjoyed it.

I chose the Seared Ahi Tuna Nicoise salad ($14.95) – seared rare, sliced thin, tomatoes, olives, red onion, capers, hard boiled egg and potatoes.

They take this item off and on the menu from time to time. I’ve actually tried to order it when it hasn’t been on the menu and they told me they would up-charge me (from the sandwich price) by $8. I think that’s nuts! Lettuce is cheap, but regardless I order it for the Tuna. I am not a fan of raw onion, so Jen enjoyed those on her salad. I think it’s a flavorful salad, but I never end up finishing it and I could do without the potatoes. I also would prefer my dressing on the side and forgot to ask them. The vinaigrette is quite thin and it’s just missing something.

I’ve ordered the Salmon burger before, which was good and also the fish tacos.