I was so bummed out when they expanded, as the place lost its authentic sultry eastern feel. However, the drinks and food are still great. The list of vodkas is as long as your arm. Make it a life goal to try them all.
Best of all, it's family run and I love the accordian player.
PROS: great martinis & staff
CONS: new interior lacking in ambience
While I admit a lack of experience with the actual entre menu (Russian cuisine doesn't offer much for vegetarians), every aspect of Moscow on the Hill that I've seen has been exceptional. The service was impeccable; I found my server both professional and friendly as we explored the drink list for the first time. When asking about certain substitutions, suggestions, and more I have never felt more comfortable and at ease. Of course, the vodka list is superb. The environment on the patio on a breezy summer night was excellent. Be sure to check out happy hour where house vodkas and draft beers are half priced, appetizers are $3, and certain cocktails are $5.
Pros: Happy hour
My wife and I and another couple dined here a recent Saturday night. It was an altogether pleasant experience. Here's what we consumed: An appetizer of cured herring accompanied by wonderful garlic-dill fried, whole red potatoes (Russians know potatoes); a fine version of borscht; a salmon special with scallops; walleye "Baikal" with a wine tarragon sauce; and peasant-style pelmeni (Siberian dumplings filled with beef and pork topped with mushroom-cheese sauce and broiled). All were excellent. There is, as one would expect, a wide variety of vodkas, and vodka "flights" are offered for those who want to sample different bottles. The service was friendly and efficient, and the ambience was properly Russian. And, an increasing rarity in the Metro area: the noise level did not prohibit conversation among us. A minor complaint is that there was no (recorded) Russian music - balalaika would be good; rather, there was some sort of American pop music, rather muted, fortunately. I was told that some nights there are accordion players. Visitors might want to check on that. (Russian accordion music is far better than, say, Lawrence Welk accordion music.)
This is a very good restaurant for very tasty and well-priced hearty Russian food. Don't go here for low-fat, low-calorie preparations. Forget about that kind of thing and just go for a very satisfying experience.
Pros: Food, prices, and decibel level
Cons: Virtually none
This was our first visit to Moscow on the Hill and we were very pleased. Attentive wait staff, nicely seasoned food and reasonable prices for a city restaurant. The borscht had just the right tang, big chunks of potato and grated beet with chopped fresh dill. The tables were just far enough apart to give you some privacy and you could hear the people at your own table even with a large party nearby. The Vareniki and the Siberian Palmeni were very good with just right fried onions and a large dollop of sour cream. The portions were large enough to take home some leftovers. Skip the blintzi if you're used to the type that has farmer's cheese or jam. These were fruit-cream filled with an unneccessary chocolate drizzle. We'll try the white russian tiramisu next time.
We went here with a gift certificate, which was fortunate because the prices are NOT cheap. Good food, DH had a stuffed chicken entree and I had lamb pastries (can't remember the Russian names.) Loved the accordian player. They do need to block the entry better- the dining room was freezing everytime someone opened the door. Since it was a busy night, it was open almost constantly, and I was sitting almost in the kitchen.
Be warned-this is not the restaurant to go to if you are a vegetarian or kosher! I had a hard time finding an entree that didn't have pork in it.
The best Horse Radish Vodka Martini in the world. Great staff, friendly, authentic and an interesting menu at a good price point.
Pros: Great staff, Great neighborhood
Cons: None
Moscow on the hill is a great restaurant for a date or just a night out with some friends. very warm and exciting atmosphere or you can request tables where you are more secluded for a romantic evening. The waiters are all really great and the bussers work harder at this restaurant than anywhere else. i definitly reccomend going and tell your friends to.
Pros: there are reservations.. everything was great
Cons: none
My spouse, child and I ate here on a Friday night, it was nearly full at 7:30pm, however we were served quickly and received our food promptly as well. The staff was wonderful, polite, helpful and patient. As it was spring, we sat on the small patio in the back and the atmosphere was wonderful. I would have been just as happy sitting inside as the dining room was well decorated and pleasant. We had appetizers or escargo, blini and borscht, all were fabulous. My daughter and I had both the siberian and peasant style pelmeni which were even better. My hubby had the walleye, one of the dishes on the menu which aren't really Russian, but it was great too!! There was a excellent selection of vodka, but I went with the Baltika and my husband had his standard Irish Guiness. The only disappointment for me was that alth9ough there was a great selection of wine, there was no Crimnian or Georgian wines, which I would have preferred over the Baltika. But, this restaurant was awesome, I will definitely go again!!
Pros: Awesome Food, Great Service
Cons: No Slavic Wines on the Wine List.
Great location in an old city street with big windows next to a sidewalk. The waitstaff is professional and timely. The food is hearty with large portions. Vodka selection is great, but a little steep on price. Seating is at close quarters next to other tables. The experience and food is wonderful, but the price tag seemed rather steep. A latte, 2 shots of high end vodka, beef stoganoff and a tip cost me over $50.
Pros: Portions, Service
Cons: Not a deal
This is a great date place. The vodka menue is amazing, careful though it catches up with you. I would reccomend this it anyone looking for great russian food....it is phenomenal!
I went to Moscow on the Hill during lunch. The establishment was very empty, but still fun. Food choices were simple, and understandable to my novice exposure to Russian food. They boast over 300 kinds of vodka and have a small patio. The service was more professional than you would find at your typical TGI Friday's, which adds to the aura of fancy and upscale. Even thought he prices are more like TGI's. However, lunch did take several hours even though we were nearly the only patrons. Never the less this place is definately worth a try.
Pros: Unique style and approach. Very professional service.
Cons: Not good if you are in a hurry.
Food was very good. We had the chicken kiev and the stroganoff.
We shared a flight of vodka with our appetizers. The black cherry vodka was my favorite
Great service and decor
Pros: Food, service, vodka flights
That's right!! I never thought the restaurant would be this good. Try the house special drinks/cocktails...they are great. Of course, don't miss out on classic bistro appetizer such as escargots....The main entree are classic russian: pelmeni, blini, pirogi etc....
Give it try!!!!
Pros: Great food, nice location
We love going to Moscow on the Hill. One martini is more than enough to make me happy and if you've got a touch of a winter cold, the homemade vodka will cure all that ails you. The ground sausage blini is heavenly and nothing warms you on a cold winter day like the beef stroganoff and mashed potatoes. The only downfall is that the borscht is not like my grandmother's, but that bar is set pretty high. :)
Pros: Fabulous crepes, Fun atmosphere, Great service
Cons: Had better borscht, Cramped seating
A true ethnic restaurant with many menu choices.Entrees are in the $14-$25 range. A truly Russian menu, large selection of appetizers (borscht, caviar, pirogi) and entrees (lamb/beef kabobs, chicken, pork). Czar's Medallions (pork) was excellent. Good selection of salads as a main course and desserts (blini, truffles, Russian Tiramisu). Large portions.If you like vodka or martinis, then you will have many to choose from. A small, but reasonably priced wine list.Don't miss the outdoor patio (shaded).Overall a great value.About $60 for two plus drinks.
Pros: True Russian, Good Food, Great Value
Cons: Service a bit slow, Not for kids
Nothing bad to say about this restaurant. The food is great, I really enjoy the pelmini. The drink selection is great, almost overwhelming. The service is friendly and quick. The outdoor patio is romantic. The borscht is a perfect appetizer. We get borscht with every meal there.
Pros: Great Service, Romantic
This restaurant is wonderful. The food was incredible, I suggest the Czar's Medallions, which was unbelievably good. Great Martinis, with emphasis on VODKA. The decor is very cozy, a bit smoky, but romantic nevertheless. Loved the Accordion Player. He played "Those were the days" by Mary Hopkins with great flair. Couldn't leave without trying the homemade Cherry vodka. Yummy.
Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Good Parking
I love Moscow on the Hill. A friend and I go just about every other week. Every menu option is nice and warm and hearty. The maritinis are great. And if you are adventurous, try the house cherry vodka as a shot.
Pros: atmosphere, quality food, excellent servers
Great place to go for a romantic meal or conversation with another couple. Food was served promptly and was great. Try the tenderloin with pomegranite sauce - it's tangy, but tasty. The accordian player is a hoot!
Our foursome dined here Saturday night. We sampled the blinis, two kinds of pirogis and the Russian Herring for appetizers. Be prepared for a pungent oily herring if you try these! We all had the beet salad which, like much Russian cooking, did not have a lot of spice. Our entrees were the rack of lamb, tenderloin and duck. We had truffles and a torte for dessert. All of the dishes were excellent done to perfection. Our dinner for four with cocktails, dessert and tip came to $200+. Overall a great dining experience. We will go again.
Pros: Easy parking, Selection of vokas, Food
Cons: No reservations, Moderately expensive
The best small restaurant in the Twin Cities, without a doubt. Th eoutdoor patio is my favorite place to be in the summertime. With an authentic menu combining the best of Russian and Euro cuisine, and an impressive vodka and martini list, this is one place you just have to try.
Pros: Value, menu, live music
Cons: crowded