Windows On Minnesota - Minneapolis

We attended the Easter Day Brunch we had reservations, but when we arrived we were told that they would try to find us a table. I had previously received an email and phone call reminding me of my reservation, so do not understand why they didn 't have a table for us. The breakfast food was mediocre at best. They ran out of bacon and, after a while, partially re filled it with burnt bacon. The eggs had a chalky taste, as did the risotto. They didn 't seem to be able to keep up with refilling the food trays. At the dessert table, there were to be a number of cheesecakes and a carrot cake, but this was fairly picked over as well. I waited for a cheesecake, and it was still frozen so it tasted like ice cream. Overall, we were very disappointed from the time we arrived and they didn 't have a table to us and through out the meal. The only good note was that the server at our table was hospitable and friendly and the view was wonderful. We have gone to Windows on Minnesota many times in the past, including for Easter and Mother 's Day. I 'm guessing that the restaurant has new management. We will not return. For $39/each, we left less than full.

We were here for the Easter Brunch Buffet, so I can't comment on the full menu or a normal dining experience. The most striking thing about Windows Over Minnesota is of course the incredible view from the floor to ceiling windows that make up most of the walls. Everything I sampled at the Easter Brunch was excellent with the exception of the mushroom risotto, which I thought was bland and little too sticky. The live jazz ensemble made the dining more festive, but was not too loud for easy conversation. I would have to say the table service was quite slow, but this was a buffet, so I can't judge what it might be otherwise. I thought the price was fairly reasonable $39 per person, including tip) as far as upscale holiday buffets go. Several other places I checked into were in the $50-60 range.

Because the brunch buffet entrees were offered in large, self-serve containers, the temperature of many were cool, not hot. Also, as a vegetarian who is allergic to foods in the onion family, there were few entree options for me, leaving me to eat just cold vegetables, cheese, and pastries. Meat-eaters had many options. The views from the top of the IDS Building, however, made the visit worthwhile.

I would have given service a zero star. We 3 couples were charged a mandatory 20% gratuity. Our drinks were wrong, we bussed our own tables and we were never offered more water.

Perfect Easter brunch. We've been to Windows on Minnesota many times for Thanksgiving buffet, but this brunch was a first. It was lavish and delicious and the ambiance is elegant with awe-inspiring views. The service was a bit wanting, but we loved the incredible range of choices from breakfast to salads and charcuterie to hot dinner options including ham, lamb, and roast beef. The desserts were excellent as well.