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  5. Downtown / North Loop
The Smack Shack, Minneapolis, MN

The Smack Shack

4.5
4.5
1601 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Casual, coastal restaurant in the North Loop. Reservations taken for dining room only, patio seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. Please check in with hosts upon arrival for patio seating.

Although named for the boats used to catch lobster, Smack Shack was launched as a food truck in 2010 serving lobster rolls from a land-locked downtown Minneapolis parking lot. Owner Josh Thoma had a great recipe and a belief that appetite for fresh lobster in the Twin Cities was as strong as any coastal city.

Smack Shack is committed to serving sustainable seafood and is a current partner in the Minnesota Zoo’s Fish Smart program. Sustainable seafood is wild caught or farm raised seafood that has established practices to ensure the long term growth and thriving populations of seafood with limited harm to the environment.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 38 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Shellfish
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (612) 259-7288
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / North Loop
  • Cross street
    N 6th Ave
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,601 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Twin Cities / Minneapolis

    Great for outdoor dining

1,601 Reviews
  1. JimH

    Minneapolis

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We like eating at the Smack Shack on its' patio. And that is where we ate again last week. However, eating at lunch time on a patio adjacent to Washington Avenue and a busy side street with trucks can make talking a challenge at times. If you want to enjoy a quiet time, go inside. However, the weather was too nice to pass up dining al fresco. We like the food, and thought the menu had changed slightly, for the better. It does appear cost of menu items had increased, but nothing that would prevent us from going back. The waitperson was highly attentive and prompt. Highly recommended.

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  2. DanaH

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was great. Enjoyed happy hour drinks and food. Recommend lobster rolls and clam chowder. Fish sandwich is the biggest fish sandwich I’ve ever seen.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    Poor service and noise/smell around bar area made it difficult to enjoy

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  4. ColCas005

    Minneapolis

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    It was ok. You know it is WAY too loud when most diners ask to sit outside- IN A STORM. So you can have a conversation with your table and hear the wait staff

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  5. MELISSAR

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had the scallops, my husband had the pork chop and my kiddo had the lobster macaroni - all were very good.

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  6. gingerb

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Wait staff was superior! Thank you for your kindness.

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  7. MargaretS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful evening of great food and perfect weather on their patio dining. Great service. Delicious food. Server was so knowledgeable of menu and walked us through all the options. It was a perfect evening.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Customer service was amazing ! I would definitely come again!

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  9. goosegander

    Minneapolis

    45 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Almost everything was fantastic, but they forgot the blue cheese on the potatoes (the main reason we upgrade to this side dish). Server came back with blue cheese on top of same dish, but didn’t offer any comp for the inconvenience. Lobster roll, chowder, and fresh oysters were great as always. Bill did not show itemized lobster roll extra meat and side upgrade prices, so a great opportunity to be to more fully price transparent.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome time, amazing server! Would go back again and hopefully get her again!!

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  11. Arayb

    Minneapolis

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    We like the original lobster roll and the option to super size a great addition.

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  12. Jauna

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was great! The service was not great. The restaurant was not full and we still had to ask others could they send our waitress over when wanting to order drinks or additional items.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall1food2service4ambience1
    Vent above the table was terrible. Only table with a vent directly above it. For $140 dinner, didn’t expect that. Hair in my rolled silverware. Dates food was tough but choked it down because she knew I was already upset. Won’t ever be back. Has lost the quality it had a year ago.

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  14. Cindy

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Absolutely top tier for seafood in the Twin Cities without the high prices.

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  15. FatimaR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Food was good (not write home about it good) but. It was fresh and great choices. The service was phenomenal which makes the food taste even better

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  16. BridgetD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Just go! I could have ordered everything on the menu, which is saying something because I travel and eat out often. My favorites were the shrimp bruschetta, Hawaiian spicy poke, and king size lobster roll. It is real lobster, not lobster salad.

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  17. MBSoDak

    Chicago

    46 reviews

    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was exceptional. Unfortunately I managed to leave my credit card at the restaurant, but I called and they have safeguarded it. The food is amazing! 

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  18. Kris

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Ate at the Minneapolis location, on the patio, which was quite nice. My Connecticut style (warm) Lobster Roll was tasty, with a generous amount of lobster. The other diner’s meals (Lobster Cobb, Snack Shack Lobster, Steak) were also good sized and flavorful. My only complaint is that we were seated near a door inside that had a very noisy indoor gaming area, which made it hard to hear my companions.

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  19. KimD

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, service and atmosphere were all great! Brought our 1 year old daughter as well and they had great options for her. Will definitely be back again soon!

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and atmosphere- lobster roll is the best

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  21. PamelaM

    Minneapolis

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I highly recommend the Connecticut roll which is delicious. I haven't been to Smack Shack since before the pandemic. I plan to be back again very soon.

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  22. Marco

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing. Definitely try the wings and the poke

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  23. JohnS

    Des Moines

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food service was pretty good but could have been a bit more help as we’d never been there. Great cocktails, food was amazing. The space has super high ceilings, lots of concrete and hard surfaces so it can be a bit loud but not overwhelming.

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  24. JeanC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The only complaint we had was the clam chowda was served at the same time as the entree. We would rather have eaten the chowda and then been served the entree.

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  25. IraL

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    I thought overall it was overrated. The food quality could have been better.

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  26. GustavoS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Great food and service. Just a bit noisy, but I will definitely come back for more ;)

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  27. JudyH

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We very much enjoyed our meal. The staff is amazing - very attentive. The food was great, but the staff is there superpower.

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  28. ChrisL

    Minneapolis

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service and food were good. Noise level was a little high.

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  29. LaurieA

    Minneapolis

    26 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Crazy, busy restaurant - the night of the Pink concert. Great Happy Hour deals with a good amount of food. Would easily go back on another night when it is a little less crazy.

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  30. Hanz

    Las Vegas

    30 reviews

    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    We always have a great time when we visit. The food was great, but the service was just very slow. Otherwise, everything was very good and fun.

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  31. BusyGirl6805

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great lunch specials with lunch size portions, nice place for lunch meeting. Plan ahead for parking

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  32. RMLL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for our anniversary and enjoyed ourselves! We will definitely be going back!!

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  33. TracyH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good food, good service, overall good experience, would definitely go back.

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  34. LoveLakeLivin

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfectly cooked seafood. Tender and NOT overcooked! 💕

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  35. DeborahM

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    It was quite expensive! Sandwiches $30! And they were “ok” not what we were expecting. We’re use to fresh seafood that’s not overdone.

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  36. ScottS

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    FABULOUS, we will be returning. Superior service and quality. 🍽🍷😄

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  37. JymG

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    Ridiculous prices for average food. You've always been a higher priced restaurant, but $90 for crab legs? Really? Cheapest thing on the menu was the fish and chips, which was ok at best and it was $27 dollars. Not objectionable to paying more for quality food with generous portions, but this was a little ridiculous.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was awesome, our server was great and the food was delicious. Ambience was nice and the drinks were good as well

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  39. PaulW

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    Food was overpriced and over spiced...Scallops were drowned in a sauce that did not allow you to taste the scallop. Have a diary allergy and was told not to worry by 2 employees, but then was served 2 things with dairy in them (one had bits of cheese that looked like they tried to brush it off). Server got defensive when I told them about the issues. Too expensive for what we got and the service we received. Will not be returning.

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  40. DeanD

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome as usual. Food was outstanding and service was great.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The Smack Shack does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. The Smack Shack also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (612) 259-7288.

The Smack Shack is rated 4.5 stars by 1601 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 38 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Smack Shack

603 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Additional information

  • Cross street
    N 6th Ave
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown / North Loop
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Shellfish
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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