Zen Box Izakaya

4.6 (471)

$30 and under

Japanese

602 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415

About this restaurant

Innovative
Romantic
Neighbourhood gem

A Ramen-centric Izakaya owned by Chef & Wife in Downtown Minneapolis' Mill District.

We are devoted to the pleasures of Craft Ramen & Japanese comfort food.
Zen Box Izakaya is THE place for ‘Good Food, Good Drinks and Good Company’.
Established since 2011.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Japanese, Tapas / Small Plates, Comfort Food
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Website
http://www.zenbox.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
John Ng
Private party facilities
Available for groups up to 25-50.We can host sit-down dinners, buffet-style meals, or cocktail hour. We have unique seating options, atmosphere and privacy levels, whether your event is birthday party, business meeting, holiday party or corporate functions. The choice is up to you!

Location
602 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415
Area
Downtown / North Loop
Cross Street
Portland Ave
Parking Details
Street Parking: You can find metered parking along Washington & Portland all of the meters are $1.00 per hour, payable with Credit Cards. Meters are free after 10:00pm daily. Let us know if you need change.<br /><br />Ramp Parking: There are several parking ramps and surface parking lot nearby which range in price from $1.50 on evenings & weekends to $4/first hour on weekdays.
Public transport
Metro Transit Lightrail: Metrodome Station. Metro Transit Bus No. 7 & 22
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Zen Box Izakaya.

4.6

(471)

4.6Food
4.5Service
4.3Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

453 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis - St. Paul1 review
5.0
Dined on 28 October 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The atmosphere makes you feel like you're at a large Japanese street stall, the food is easy to eat, affordable, and not so "Wild" that even a person with a limited palette couldn't find something on the menu to enjoy! My brother is Korean and I've been eating Asian foods daily since I was a little boy and the food was fantastic, my Wife who only eats meat and american Junk-food still loved the Gyudon and Sashimi, despite being nervous to try them at first. The drinks selection is authentic and enjoyable, I highly recommend getting a Shochu Chu-hai whenever possible, it will change your mind on how alcohol SHOULD taste! For my wife's birthday date I ordered Edamame, Sashimi, Maguro Poke, Tonkatsu Ramen, Japanese Wings, Gyu Donburri, Thin slices of seared beef (can't remember the name, and a Cocktail for both me and my wife - we left the restaurant full to bursting and very happy, and it all cost about $91 before tip!
Is this helpful?
SM
SamM
Minneapolis - St. Paul1 review
5.0
Dined on 27 October 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We had teriyaki chicken and the ramen. Both very tasty. The brussels sprouts and gyoza were also very good. Great atmosphere here. Lunch bento box specials are also very good.
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j
jsimen22
Minneapolis - St. Paul11 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 October 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great energy and wonderful people working here. Food is tasty and creative.
Is this helpful?
B
Bill247
Minneapolis - St. Paul40 reviews
4.0
Dined on 21 October 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Ramen was top notch. Enjoyed the variety of options.
Is this helpful?
DL
DLCh3v Gold
Minneapolis - St. Paul5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 October 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food as always! Ramen is the best in town!
Is this helpful?
SP
StephanieP
Denver / Colorado7 reviews
4.0
Dined on 13 October 2019
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Zen Box Izakaya has great food and service, my only complaint is that the tables are too close together; I felt like I was sitting with the table next to me. I guess it just made it more Japanese!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis - St. Paul4 reviews
3.0
Dined on 12 October 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Kimchi Ramen was good. Teriyaki chicken rice bowl had no flavor.
Is this helpful?
VM
VivianM Gold
Minneapolis - St. Paul37 reviews
5.0
Dined on 4 October 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Japanese comfort food of the very best quality! We started with a fun cocktail and went on to small plates including veggie dumplings and a tasty salad. We had veggie noodles that were flavorful and amazing. The check was surprisingly moderate. My daughter suggested the restaurant but I will certainly be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 October 2019
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
This is Japanese comfort food at its finest. It's NOT a sushi bar, so bring an open mind and a sense of adventure and you'll have an outstanding dining experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis - St. Paul1 review
3.0
Dined on 29 September 2019
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Ramen broth is rather thick. Noodles are too thin for my liking. Fun experience though.
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Japanese, Tapas / Small Plates, Comfort Food
Hours of Operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Website
http://www.zenbox.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
John Ng
Private party facilities
Available for groups up to 25-50.We can host sit-down dinners, buffet-style meals, or cocktail hour. We have unique seating options, atmosphere and privacy levels, whether your event is birthday party, business meeting, holiday party or corporate functions. The choice is up to you!

Location
602 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415
Area
Downtown / North Loop
Cross Street
Portland Ave
Parking Details
Street Parking: You can find metered parking along Washington & Portland all of the meters are $1.00 per hour, payable with Credit Cards. Meters are free after 10:00pm daily. Let us know if you need change.<br /><br />Ramp Parking: There are several parking ramps and surface parking lot nearby which range in price from $1.50 on evenings & weekends to $4/first hour on weekdays.
Public transport
Metro Transit Lightrail: Metrodome Station. Metro Transit Bus No. 7 & 22
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.