Out at Houlihan’s in Eagan, MN with Kimmy for dinner. I have passed this location a few times and mistook it for Jake’s next door when thinking about it before heading out tonight but whatever.
The menu seemed different enough and included a bunch of stuff that we normally like to eat so I figured why not.
We arrived to find the parking lot *packed*. It’s a bit deceiving because both Jake’s and Houlihan’s share the same strip mall parking lot but I was still surprised when Kim said the wait was 15 mins. I really didn’t think that we’d end up being seated before 25 to 30. I was pretty much in awe when they called our names after only 11 minutes. Nice work!
The place is decorated like your typical chain restaurant. Lots of weird shit stuck to the walls and hanging between the different sections. Although all of that could be overlooked because of the extensive brickwork and cool archways overhead. The only downfall to all the brick was the deep colored woods for the booths which really made the place pretty dark.
For an appetizer Kim thought their Tuna Wontons (seared rare tuna rolled in wonton wrappers and drizzled with sweet soy along with Napa slaw in rice wine vinaigrette with wasabi mayo for dipping) sounded good and decided we should go with that. The waitress took our drink orders and quickly returned with a perfectly poured Guinness that I asked her to give props to the bartenders for.
I ordered the Stuffed Chicken Breast (according to the waitress — it’s her favorite) which is a garlic-herb cream cheese stuffed breaded chicken breast served with veggies and “Red Bliss” mashed potatoes and it comes with a choice of salad or soup. Their Tuscan Salad. which is listed as layered goat cheese, tomatoes, rosemary white beans, balsamic field greens, and focaccia crisps caught my eye alongside their French Onion soup. I ended up with the soup because they bake the cheese right on top. Mmmm.
The tuna wontons came out and were presented nicely. They tasted absolutely fantastic and Kim and I quickly devoured them. I was quite impressed by everything about the food and service so far.
Soon after finishing the wontons and our discussion of them and their superior flavors, my perfect French onion soup arrived steaming around the uneven edges. It’s been rare to find a decent French onion soup lately — either they are missing the baked on cheese or they overdo something in the broth. This time, it was just delightful how well everything came together. It really brought back memories of a little restaurant my family ate at once or twice a year on special occasions — La Cuchina. I really think my mother would even give up a few bites of her entree to taste this soup.
One of my two (I know a shock) complaints comes here… they delivered our main course while I was only half way through the soup. This caused me to have to rush through it and not enjoy it (and the related nostalgia) as much as I would have liked.
My other complaint is that even with the glass separating most of the bar area from the restaurant, the smoke smell still did end up permeating the air as we were located fairly close to the bar. One strike for Dakota County and even though I was happy with the less than 15 minute wait for our table, next time I’ll ask to be seated away from the bar while I eat.
Kim had ordered their pot roast sandwich saying, “pot roast appears on the menu three times — it must be good.” It came out with a side of cole slaw and dripping with cheese. It looked very tasty and thick. Kim seemed to enjoy it but her eyes brightened more every time I offered some of mine ;)
My entree was, to be perfectly honest, fucking amazing. It’s been quite some time since I have been this enthralled with every single part of my dining experience. I am already considering a 25% tip — depending on dessert ;)
Anyway, my entree was fucking amazing. The chicken was excellent, tender, and the garlic-herb cheese was melted to perfection and wasn’t overpowering at all. The green beans (with delicately shredded carrots) were crunchy and tasty. The mashed potatoes added a nice touch but with everything else (and room for desert necessary) I left some for Kim to finish.
After our entrees were cleared the waitress asked of we had room for dessert. I asked for the menu and gave it a quick look over. While there were several items that looked good (their desserts are inexpensive at only $2.50) I wasn’t interested in over stuffing myself. The waitress sorta changed why mind and I ended up ordering their Snickers Crunch mini. The waitress gave me a hand size representation of the circumference and my order was in.
When the two desserts came out (totaling $5) they were quite a bit larger than the waitress originally claimed. While these were no match for Doolittle’s monster desserts, these were quite large for their price. How did they taste? Fantastic… but at this point I would have staked my life on them being near perfect.
Well, the waitress earned one of the best tips I’ve ever laid down and this restaurant has earned a spot atop my South-Metro favorites list. Honestly, even though I gave great marks to enjoy! in Apple Valley, MN just a few weeks back, this place smokes them in service, food quality, wait time, and price — hands down.
If you’re looking for a great night out for a reasonable cost (with a beer, shared appetizer, entree, and dessert being less than $50) then check out Houlihan’s in Eagan, MN.
You won’t be disappointed.
See all the pictures from today here (mobile).
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May 3rd, 2007 at 8:12 am
I was a little nervous after reading some of your very scathing reviews for other restaurants that we enjoy very much, but you hit the nail on the head with Houlihans or an occasional happy hour. It is one of our favorite places to go for special events. We’ve never been disappointed with any of our food selections. The Thai Chile chicken wings, the tuna won tons - delightful in and of themselves. We’ve also found the staff open to trying new things - drink recipes or even with the food on the menu.
The mini-flights of martinis and margaritas are perfect for light weight drinkers like me - I get one, dh gets two.
October 14th, 2007 at 1:40 am
You have the address as 2864 Hwy 55. Isn’t it on Promenade Place?
October 14th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
You have the address as 2864 Hwy 55. Isn’t it on Promenade Place?
It really doesn’t matter. They’re one in the same.
October 15th, 2007 at 7:34 am
Actually, they’re not. Promenade Place is right off of Yankee Doodle Road. Hwy 55 is to the north, a few miles away.
Speaking of Hwy 55, have you tried Time Out yet?
October 15th, 2007 at 7:41 am
If you look at the map, it plots correctly with that address and thus why it doesn’t matter.
Yeah, I went out with a bunch of friends (sans my wife) to Time Out. I enjoyed myself.