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Axel's River Grille - Mendota, Mendota, MN

Axel's River Grille - Mendota

4.3
4.3
2246 Reviews
$31 to $50
Steak
Top Tags:
Axel's River Grille is a casual fine dining establishment offering grilled steaks, chops, & seafood. As well as pastas, salads, and fresh in house made soups and desserts! Axel's offers THE best Walleye in town. This is the place where people come by choice, not chance. Axel's also offers a large selection of fine wines, including a reserve list. Also offering a scotch and whiskey selection like no other. Come out and indulge in a drink list that features the most unique and flavorful libations around.

Come and relax in our classy yet casual dining room or our bar area, where you will be met and served by our professional, knowledgeable and fun staff.

Axel's Restaurants "Where traditions and memories are made"

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 28 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Steak, Seafood, American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon 11:00 am–9:00 pm Tue–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (651) 686-4840
  • Website
    http://www.axelsrestaurants.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    AXELS Mendota has two private dining spaces. The Sun Room can accommodate up to 50 guests and the Mendota Room can accommodate up to 75 guests.<br />Please call 651-237-9439 or email events@axelsbonfire.com to get more information.
  • Private party facilities
    It is our passion and way of life to provide exceptional service to our guests. In order to provide the superior service we expect for our guests, we begin by creating a warm, and respectful environment in which our team members can thrive. Service is not a one-time effort. It is a way of life.
  • Private party contact
    Melissa Frenzel: (888) 331-5842
  • Location
    1318 Highway 13, Mendota, MN 55150
  • Neighborhood
    Saint Paul
  • Cross street
    D Street
  • Parking details
    Axel's - Mendota offers parking in our private lot and street side parking as well.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Offers

  • Happy Hour! (3 PM -6 PM)

    Multiple dates available
    Wed - Fri - 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    Enjoy $7 Appetizers and $2 off Cocktails, Wine, and Beer

  • Happy Hour! (3 PM - 6 PM)

    Multiple dates available
    Mon - Tue - 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
    Enjoy $7 Appetizers and $2 off Cocktails, Wine and Beer! (3 PM - 6 PM ONLY)

What 2,246 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Best Ambiance

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Good for business meals

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Good for groups

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Neighborhood gem

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Good for special occasions

  • Twin Cities / St. Paul

    Most Booked

2,246 Reviews

  1. SusanL

    Minneapolis

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best special occasion restaurant Fantastic food!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Rich

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    my baked potato and walleye were barely luke warm.

    Is this helpful?

  3. LynnO

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food2service4ambience2
    Great server, mediocre food, and the facility is old and doesn’t smell good. Won’t be back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OscarAQ

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    Food excellent as always. Busier than usual which led to longer waits for the food. Waitress without fault, she did what she could. I suspect kitchen was collapsed and perhaps not enough personnel. Still highly recommend. Try to avoid busy hours, specially Friday and Saturdays.

    Is this helpful?

  5. CharlesO

    Minneapolis

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. The food was excellent, the service was attentive, and the atmosphere was very comfortable. We'll be back.

    Is this helpful?

  6. FrankU

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was exceptional. Our meals were served hot, as we like our food to be. The value was on par with the quality of the food,

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience3
    Waitress was terrible. Didn’t get the drinks right. Slow service food was cold. We’ve been tu Axel’s many times but this one didn’t meet the mark

    Is this helpful?

  8. DeniF

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Ambience is GREAT. Service, food and quality is wonderful. Love!

    Is this helpful?

  9. MelissaM

    Omaha

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    hosted out of town customers. great ambience. food & service were great. Had 1/2 priced bottles of a good Tuscan wine. Overall am so glad I picked. Had not been in a number of years.

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  10. Jace

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience2
    The walleye was full of bones, the asparagus was uncooked, the baked potatoe was insufficiently cooked. We had indicated on the reservation that we were celebrating a birthday; however, nothing was provided as is normal (only a Happy Birthday wish from the server).

    1 person found this helpful

  11. DaveN

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    A little disappointed that we couldn't get a booth; there was at least one open but was told it was reserved. We had made reservations but I didn't know we had to specify we wanted a booth. Was seated in a spot where AC blew directly on us and made the dining experience less enjoyable. On the plus side, our green beans were great, the garlic mashed potatoes were as good as usual and the Walleye was done just right (just had a few too many bones in it). We didn't get an offer to look at the desert tray but I did see someone's carrot cake that looked really good.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to meet! Food is fabulous! Staff is very friendly and attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  13. JohnK

    Minneapolis

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We had a lovely lunch, in a quiet atmosphere. Our server was the right combination of professional, personal and efficient. All four guests were extremely satisfied with their choices in food. It has been a while since we dined there, due to the pandemic, and the remodeling, but it is still the same excellent place we have enjoyed for many years.

    Is this helpful?

  14. ByronW

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been patrons for 20 years. this year it was even better than we remember. the servers were wonderful! the food was excellent and the atmosphere relaxing and fun. Thank you for a great meal and evening. Byron

    Is this helpful?

  15. Laurie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were seated immediately upon arrival (we had a reservation and arrived on time). Waitress was busy but we were greeted and served in a timely manner. Waitress was attentive but not overbearing. Food was excellent. Will come again.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Lucas

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience2
    Servers were absolutely awesome! We got the prime rib supper club. The sides and soup was very good, we were both a little bit disappointed with the flavor of the prime rib but overall it was a very good experience. The servers were all so kind.

    Is this helpful?

  17. LonV

    Minneapolis

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Our server was fabulous but obviously not happy with the turnaround time in the kitchen. We waited over 35 minutes for our entrees, not Greta’s fault.

    Is this helpful?

  18. golfer

    Minneapolis

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great including the hostess and staff.

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  19. golferbob11

    Minneapolis

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    We arrived early and we’re going to be seated at a booth next to a server station. I suggested other open booths but was only offered a middle table crowded between two large groups. We were going to wait at the bar when a more senior person intervened to say we were welcome to any booth available; there were two. She apologized and we thanked her. It was almost like the original hostess had a hidden agenda to put us in that corner, or more likely she just wasn’t very experienced.

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome service food and atmosphere. We were celebrating our 40th anniversary and shared we got engaged there 42 years ago when it was the Parker house and to our surprise were treated with a chocolate cake!

    Is this helpful?

  21. Chris

    Minneapolis

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience2
    Walleye was tasteless and soggy, like it had been sitting around. Very disappointing as it’s usually my favorite. Drunks at the bar were noisy and disturbing. Debbie our waitress was very good. When spending that amount of money, would expect better food and ambiance.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Had lunch with some friends on the patio. Service was really excellent. The lunch specials are good, just the right amount of food. One of my friends had the salad, was very good and a huge portion. It was the first time for both of my friends and they both remarked about how wonderful the popovers were - just a nice touch.

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  23. GwennC

    Minneapolis

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our lunch was a delightful reason to gather with "old" friends, enjoy delicious food(and beverage)and enjoy being especially pampered by Christian, our excellent server. The restaurant was quiet--most everybody was at the fair or out of town on the Friday noon of Labor Day weekend. A job well done by all of the staff.

    1 person found this helpful

  24. NancyG

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Axel's is the perfect dinner date restaurant. The wait staff is so friendly and helpful. We enjoyed a special night on the patio to celebrate our anniversary. Delicious steaks, accompanied by a great selection of wines.

    1 person found this helpful

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    This was a birthday dinner for two members of our party of four. We had a 6:30pm reservation and the first two in our party arrived at 6:20pm. The second two arrived at 6:30pm. The restaurant was very busy. Our order was finally taken at 7:20pm. We did not order appetizers, just entrees. The food arrived in a reasonable amount of time but upon completing our meal, we waited for over 30 minutes for any attention to receive boxes and our check. There was no offer to see a dessert menu. All in all our experience was 2 hours and 45 minutes long. We felt ignored during our visit and there was no acknowledgment of there being any reason for a delay. Ultimately we felt extremely disappointed by the experience. We all had been to your restaurant before and had such a nice time, but this experience left us feeling like we don’t want to return.

    1 person found this helpful

  26. Sueb

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food and very good service. Wine pours are a bit small for $15 Cabernet (Juggernaut). I rated the ambience lower not because I don’t like it, but because it was so loud in there. They need more fabric, in particular in the back room. If you have guests that are hard of hearing, go somewhere else for that reason only.

    1 person found this helpful

  27. KelT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant was great! Both the waiter and server were wonderful, respectful and friendly! Food was delicious!!

    1 person found this helpful

  28. Diner

    Minneapolis

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We asked for a quiet table where we would be able to have a conversation. The hostess seated us in a great place where noise wasn't a problem. We both had delicious salads.

    1 person found this helpful

  29. MitchellM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice little joint near the river. The food was great and the service was even better. I suggest the French dip.

    1 person found this helpful

  30. PaulaB

    Minneapolis

    54 reviews

    4.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Enjoyed a wonderful birthday lunch here. The walleye finger appetizer was delicious and the popovers were great as well. When my steak arrived, the potatoes were not hot and our server immediately replaced them. As always, the service and food were very, very good.

    1 person found this helpful

  31. KatieJ

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The ambiance was not perfect because of the location of our table. It was very, very drafty! We mentioned it to our waitress but nothing was done to move us. In the future we will not sit in that same place.

    1 person found this helpful

  32. GlennM

    Minneapolis

    25 reviews

    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    Walleye and green beans were amazing. Huge portion of walleye. Roxanne, our server was outstanding and fun. It was our 46 th anniversary!

    1 person found this helpful

  33. jerbear

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience1
    The outside was not inviting. Weeds against the wall of the building, including hemp. Weeds around the entrance and glass was not clean. Our waitress was outstanding. I ordered my favorite, coconut shrimp, and I saw nor tasted any coconut. The shrimp was overcooked and rubbery. Other meals were just OK. We previously were very pleased with Axel's, but very disappointed this time.

    Is this helpful?

  34. KimP

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous as always! Great food, great service!! Need to come more often!!!

    Is this helpful?

  35. ElizabethH

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Marvelous and friendly service ~ lovely atmosphere. Good variety in menu.

    Is this helpful?

  36. BonnieC

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been frequenting this establishment for 40 years for special occasions never disappointed. Carla has been our server on the last two occasions. She is very personable, upbeat and efficient. Thank you Carla for making Dennis’s 77th birthday memorable.

    Is this helpful?

  37. DavidH

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner out with neighbors for mom’s 72nd birthday.

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The walleye was amazing... the best I've had. Good sized portions. Great service and nice outdoor dining space.

    Is this helpful?

  39. flowers

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We are frequent patrons of Axels in Mendota and have always been very pleased with the service, wine, food, and meal options, I always order scallops and was sad that there were no scallops on the menu. Our party of four all ordered wine and were surprised by the lessened amount in the glass. The ambiance was good. We might try another restaurant in the future.

    Is this helpful?

  40. KateC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    What a wonderful place! We had a graduation dinner for my son and it was absolutely lovely. Amazing server!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Axel's River Grille - Mendota is rated 4.3 stars by 2246 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 28 times today
Google Map for Axel's River Grille - Mendota

1318 Highway 13, Mendota, MN 55150

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    D Street
  • Neighborhood
    Saint Paul
  • Hours of operation
    Mon 11:00 am–9:00 pm Tue–Thu 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Steak, Seafood, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Axel's - Mendota offers parking in our private lot and street side parking as well.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.axelsrestaurants.com/
  • Phone number
    (651) 686-4840
  • Catering
    AXELS Mendota has two private dining spaces. The Sun Room can accommodate up to 50 guests and the Mendota Room can accommodate up to 75 guests.<br />Please call 651-237-9439 or email events@axelsbonfire.com to get more information.
  • Private party facilities
    It is our passion and way of life to provide exceptional service to our guests. In order to provide the superior service we expect for our guests, we begin by creating a warm, and respectful environment in which our team members can thrive. Service is not a one-time effort. It is a way of life.
  • Private party contact
    Melissa Frenzel: (888) 331-5842

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