Good place. Food is good and typical Japanese dishes you find in the US. Food is a bit pricy, but I'm a fan of their policy on how they deal with tips. Basically, they add 18% fee to your bill to cover employee wages and benefits, and you no longer tip. It's a nice change and I wish more restaurants would move to this model. I understand that it can negatively impact certain wait staff losing out on tips but I'm a fan of paying a living wage to your employees and doing away with tip culture, especially in the US. Overall good experience and I would go back.
Had such a good first experience, the servers are amazing and work together so well. Nico (hope i spelled your name right) was so nice, i asked him about the sakes and was conflicted on what i wanted and offered me samples of a couple. As a server myself i appreciated that so much because that just shows you care about your job and want people to enjoy their experiences. Honestly 20/10 would recommend. Thank you again for the wonderful experience :)
Good Brussels sprouts, but please change your menu ordering system. It is not efficient at all and it ask too many unnecessary questions at the time to pay for your bill. Email, phone number, and credit card information is all asked at the same time for an order in place. Orders get all together but there are not way to split bills when dishes are shared. I am not planning to be back until it has a more normal system.
I'm not a fan of ordering through your phone. No personal contact with any server. Nobody came back to check on us once our food was served. Gyoza dumplings were very good.. Ramen with pork was ok but not fantastic, looked better than it tasted. Bento box looked good. The treat of the night was the green tea tiramisu! Wow, outstanding!
Although I'm not a ramen person, my husband very much is and he had anticipated this visit very much. We both got their ramen and enjoyed it--I didn't finish all of mine (as the servings are pretty large), so I packed mine to go and was pleasantly surprised at 2 things: we were given 2 to-go bins, one for the broth and one for the noodles; and second--the broth settled nicely and tasted perfect the next day when warmed up. <3We will be back when we crave ramen again.**The only downside is that the spacing between tables is limited--I could have stuck my hand straight out and touched the next girl's face. Aside from this, it was great!
I'm so glad that Zenbox survived the pandemic. This is my goto place for ramen (when I'm not making it). Friendly service, a fantastic neighborhood Japanese Pub.
Tucked into the Mill City area of Downtown Minneapolis, Zen Box Izakaya is serving up some of the best Japanese fare in the Twin Cities. The restaurant is packed with flavorful favorites like Katsu Curry, crispy gyoza, and one of the best bowls of ramen you can find in the state. They also have an excellent drink menu featuring Japanese beers, sake, and shochu highballs, proving that that they are calling themselves an Izakaya for a reason.The service is prompt and friendly, and the atmosphere in the cozy restaurant is buzzy and and filled with positive energy. I’d highly recommend Zen Box Izakaya to anyone looking for a wide variety of high quality Japanese appetizers and comforting, well-executed main dishes. Just make sure you don’t forget to order a drink!
I come here every year I attend Anime Detour! The atmosphere is so pleasant and the staff has been so amazing every visit! Bunch of rockstars when it's busy! You ABSOLUTELY need to have their chicken karaage! So crispy ?
I'm so glad that Zenbox survived the pandemic. This is my goto place for ramen (when I'm not making it). Friendly service, a fantastic neighborhood Japanese Pub.
Excellent ramen but be prepared for an 18% gratuity charge irregardless of the service or lack of service. Order from your phone and they drop your food and you don't get asked if everything is OK, had to flag someone down for a Togo container. Makes sure everyone at your table orders at the same time if on separate phones as my food came out at least 5 minutes before my friends. The service is the reason for the low rating but the food was delicious.