With a name like Moscow On the Hill, I was rather intimidated by the place before I even went there--the Cold War was actually pretty badass. But, it was fantastic. Â The food was strangely creative, and well cooked. Â I mean no offense, but when I think of Mother Russia, I don't think food--it was Great. It's also delightfully out-of-place in St. Paul. Â I wish I was Russian just to have a better excuse to hang out at the bar there all the time, cursing the new world and how it's not really cold in Minnesota compared with the mother land. Alas...
For nomination in the Russian House category, 4 stars.
Hmm...I don't know if I have ever been to a Russian restaurant. I stopped in with a few friends for drinks and apps after a training. The martinis....just yum, and I don't even usually like martinis!! The appetizers were good (Moscow fries, yum!), service was good (we never had less than half a glass of water), and the decor is so unique. I will be back!
Review Source:Good food, but I had the impression of being at a fast food. Everything felt rushed.
I guess on the bright side service was efficient, but it was so fast and efficient that I really felt as if I were at an assembly line. Not fun.
Of the food I particularly appreciated the hearing salad and even more the house infused vodkas (although technically alcohol is probably not a food group...). I was not a fan of the blinis, which were really crepe and not real blinis (although I have to admit I have never been to Russia, so the blinis I consider authentic might be just as inauthentic as these).
In general, it seemed like a great place for a larger party. for a romantic dinner, it seemed a bit cold and noisy. And that rushed/assembly line kind of feeling might destroy all the romance.
The last time I was here was about 10 years ago. Â This place has expanded since then. Â It's a good thing too since it used to get pretty crowded. Â
Although they no longer carry the beer I used to order, I was happy to see a couple beers that had their label on it. Â I had a Moscow on the Hill light & a dark. Â Both were good and worth a taste. Â
The Aperitif we had were some seasoned potatoes. Â They were thinly sliced with a good amount of seasoning to them. Â The dipping sauces were awesome too. Â I liked the spicy one the best. Â
One of the specials was a sturgeon fillet. Â I have never eaten sturgeon or even seen it on a menu before. Â I, of course wanted to try it. Â It was a nice portion and came served on a bed of rice and vegetables. Â The sturgeon was not fishy tasting at all. Â It was definitely a good choice. Â
The service was awesome, I don't think I had an empty glass now that I think of it. Â The accordion master was playing most the time as well. He creates a great atmosphere.
After a year of saying I would get over to this place I finally got there! The atmosphere seems pretty nice and quiet and looks like a nice place to come and relax for a drink. I ordered the pate to start and it came out in a solid cube and had NO flavor so I wasn't too impressed with it. But the following dishes made up for it. The borscht soup was delicious and warmed my tummy up on that cold winter day. But the best part was the stuffed cabbage rolls! OH BOY were they moist, tender and mouth watering. Had some russian beer, even though they didn't have Baltika 7 but you can't find that anywhere, and ended with a shot of horseradish Vodka.
Will definitely go back
I'd been wanting to try Moscow on the Hill for years, and I was not disappointed. I had a Cherry Gimlet with the house cherry vodka to drink, which was tasty. I split the Blini with Chicken appetizer with my companion, and we both basically inhaled our crepes - yum! I ordered the Siberian Pelmeni at the suggestion of other reviewers on here, and that was the highlight of my visit to Moscow. I couldn't get enough vinegar on them! ;) While the food/drink and the atmosphere were fantastic, the service was a bit slow and the prices a bit high in my opinion - hence the four stars overall. Still, I can't wait to visit again for a happy hour!
Review Source:Wow.
Had a celebratory dinner at Moscow on the Hill last night. Can't say enough about the service. Started out with Martini's...the Bond and Love from Russia. Got the salmon roe blini and duck liver pâté appetizers. The blini was so delicate, soft and tender. Best crepe ever. The fruit chutney complemented the liver pâté in all the right ways. Then came to ordering dinner. Chose the Siberian Pelmeni over the Peasant Pelmeni at the suggestion of our waitress. Great call. Don't fear the vinegar. Really makes the dish. Also had the Babuska Stew. The mashed potatoes prevent me from giving 5 stars.
Passed on dessert and tried the Carmel-infused vodka as a martini. My god that is delicious. Again that was a waitress suggestion.
Great service. Loved having the accordion player strolling around. Can't wait to go back for a vodka flight tasting. Bring on the herring!
Russian food? Who knew?
I have only dined here once and I do not have one negative thing to say. I visited Moscow On The Hill on a Thursday night with my parents. I was impressed, the place was actually pretty full!
We all ordered different drinks AND entrees. One of us had the lamb sausage which was very good. It had a little kick that I was not expecting. My mom ordered the wild rice cabbage rolls which were also very good. I had the czars medallions, a pork loin with mushrooms and a to die for sauce. I don't think I've ever experienced anything with more (or better) flavor!
The service was exceptional. All staff was very attentive, our water glasses were always full and dirties were taken away in a timely manner.
I hope my love for trying new restaurants doesn't keep me away from this place!
We had an extended family dinner here recently. Â Sadly, most stuck to ordering the stroganoff, pelmeni, and chicken Kiev. Â All are very good, but my dinner companions completely missed the boat.
The babushka stew was incredible! Â Seriously; try it. Â My 11 year old son took a bite after finishing his stroganoff. Â He looked at it suspiciously at first and when he put the bite in his mouth, he looked like he found his first love! Â On the way out he told me he was getting the stew the next time we go there. Â I agree with him; normally I like to try new/different things on the menu, but next time I'll have a tough time deciding between this and something I haven't tried before.
It really hurts to leave this place a 3 star review.
I've been coming here for over a decade, while I was living away from Mpls, it was one of the two "must eat here" places on every return voyage. I've traveled home on my birthday the past three years to eat here. I had my engagement part here. I love it that much. I've had the majority of their menu, both solid and liquid.
The upsides?
Their house made cherry infused vodka. SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. The best. I'm 50% slav, but have a deep bruise for whiskey; I'm decidedly not a vodka fan, and I could drink this stuff all day long.
Their martini list is to die for. Yeah, a good number of foo foo drinks (coffee and vanilla infused martinis, sweet martinis that aren't cosmos, etc), but they have a laundry list of them, so no matter what you and your companions like in terms of a stiff drink, this place will sort you. And, in 2003, they were about $6 each. In 2012, they're about $8.
And their sour cream sauce. They should just put it on everything.
That said, the food has, sadly, gone downhill. They have collapsed their menu, they no longer offer several appetizers and entrees, and seemingly, they've tried to make their menu less Russian and more...um...just...good? Specifically, instead of sticking to their guns, it appears as if they feel threatened by the new guard of restuarants in Mpls...the farm to table/local movement. I could personally care less if the duck came from Wild Acres farm, or ConAgra. Was it made according to a recipe that was once translated from Cyrillic to English? PERFECT. That's what I'm there for. They also did away with the free bread and whipped chive butter. Russian food, with no bread? My slavic grandmothers on both sides of the family are screaming in their graves. Come on. No more duck Kolobok, either. WTF, Moscow. Yeah, strongonoff, everyone's had that. Â Â
If I get called a crumudgeon, fine. This place is all about traditional fare, the stuff that got a slavic grandparents' mouth watering. Or, it used to be.
I will not stop patronizing, but I must say, overall adhereance to tradition, IE what makes a truly ethnic restaurant great, has declined in the past several years.
Make sure you stop in this wonderful place for your free birthday shot of vodka.....this place is a hoot and if you love Vodka----make sure you go---I love the people and ended up chatting with several people in Russian....for some reason they have very yummy matzo ball soup on the menu---like a big family party when you are there and listen to their recommendations on the drinks....I had some type of vodka with a little pickle in it and it was oh-so smooth.....spaceba my Russian friends...
Review Source:Very much a Russian restaurant, from the Eastern European techno on the overhead to the savory favored vodka & pickled veg. Â I love this place! Â My only complaint is that the wait staff seems completely novice, and disconnected from the restaurant. Â Seriously, any one of the hipster, hair tossled, black shirted servers could've been serving me at Restaurant Alma or Chipotle - they didn't seem to care. Â
The food is excellent! Â I've had the duck, the pilmeni, the picked veg platter, the lamb, and the blini. Â It's completely on par with any restaurant you'd find in the thick of Moscow restaurant culture. Â
If you're looking for something different, or looking to experience the real Moscow without the 12 hour flight, give a try. Â I've always attended in large parties, and have never been disappointed.
Food:
-Salmon fillet with vareniki, didn't like the blacked salmon that much because it tasted exactly as it sounds- a big piece of blacked mediocrity
-Russian dumplings (my vareniki, and the ones in Peasant Pelmeni), good, just didn't blow my mind that much since I basically grew up on eating asian dumplings, and all dumplings taste more or less the same to me with slight variations in fillings
-Appetizer tasting platter, fun and comprehensive plate of samples perfect for Russian food noobs, the blini was especially tasty, must get
-Very pleasantly surprised by Russian cuisine based on this experience
Misc:
-Great service, gold star for being accommodating to customizing entrees
-Water boy (new?) seemed nice but kind of creeped me out with his awkward demeanor
-Cool ambiance, made me feel like I was at a Russian psychic's house
We had a work celebration for 20 people in a private room the other night, and everything was outstanding. Â Everyone ordered from the menu so there was a variety of meals and everyone was happy. Â
I've eaten at Moscow numerous times and it has always had good food and good service. Â This is a nice place.
I've only been here once. Â But, the single visit made me happy enough to write a review. Â (Usually, I visit a place several times before I write a thorough review on it.) Â
1) Â Atmosphere. Â Beautiful, dimly-lit, and rustic in the midst of a tiny brownstone neighborhood in St. Paul. Â Live accordion music although he has the word "TIPS" taped all over the instrument (which I found a bit tacky for the restaurant). Â There is a lounge-like seating area central to the bar with low-seated couches and two partitioned rooms for dining.
2) Â Service. Â The hostess and waiter were friendly and helpful. Â The waiter was knowledgeable about the drink and entree options. Â Although the restaurant does not distill their own vodka, they hand-make their own vodka flavors, I think. Â I had a cocktail instead and liked it a lot (Marusyan Gold). Â
3) Â Food. Â I had escargot appetizer and Salmon Filet and Vareniky. Â Both were very good, although I enjoyed the idea of eating salmon more than snails. Â
Even on a weeknight, this restaurant was lively and there was no wait time. Â My two friends thoroughly loved their experience there as well. Â For what it's worth, the dishes are quite authentic as the owners still barely speak English (at least what the waiter said)! Â The only drawback was the lack of a parking lot, but street parking around the building was ample. Â I'll be going back again.
I have to admit, I had pretty low expectations for Moscow On the Hill. While the previous reviews seemed to rave about the vodka, few raved about the food. Being that I don't drink much, I needed more than just fancy vodka to wow me. And I was wow'd.
My Twin Cities supper club discovered Moscow on a cold winter night (-6F). It was the perfect night for it, as this place had great "warm" ambiance. Let me clarify: the dark, velvet red ambiance made you feel instantly warm, but I actually felt that the temperature of the restaurant was a bit cold... until you have a shot of vodka.
I started with a bloody Russian (e.g., like a bloody Mary), and was wow'd by the horseradish vodka; it definitely added an incredible twist to my fav' drink. Next, the borscht soup: potatoes, beets, cabbage, and dill. While the ingredients sound gross, this soup was delicious and strangely unique (despite it's scary dark pink color). I then stuck with the waiter's advice: Siberian dumplings. The inner Chinese in me loved them, as they reminded me of Chinese wontons: simple, filling, and filling (like gnocchi).. Of all the meals served that night to my party, we agreed the dumplings were the biggest hit. I did try my friend's beef stroganoff, and have to admit that it was tender and delicious (served with potatoes, not noodles). Â
Finally, the dessert: the tiramisu was good, but didn't blow me away (I'm an Italian snob). That said, the Napolean was to die for - worth getting this simple but elegant dessert.
Overall, I'd go back. I've always stuck to W.A. Frost (and their incredible backyard/patio) but now I'm torn between the two. I'll likely stick to W.A. Frost in the summer, and Moscow in the winter.
Great atmosphere with a good vibe. Bartenders were super.
-House infused vodkas are interesting but aren't necessarily earth-shattering (try the coriander, it was much better than the horseradish, some of the other sweeter flavors were too candy like). Instead, just go for the top of the line vodkas and save yourself the hassle of muddling through inferior ones.
-Ambience was good, but the place gets busy fast (we went on a Saturday night). We came in early, sat at the bar and had vodka shots, martinis, and happy hour nibblies. Unfortunately, when our dinner reservation time came up, the place was so packed that we weren't able to be seated. So we left and went to the Happy Gnome.
**P.S. After looking at the menu and trying their appetizers, I've had much better piroshkis at an unassuming Russian Bakery in San Francisco. I was not impressed by their nibblies. They were underwhelming, were too doughy, and lacked flavor - Â made our decision to leave easy.
Pretty awesome, but pretty pricey. Took a client here for dinner. Enjoyed four entrees, seven drinks, dessert and an appetizer. Everything was delicious. Service was impeccable. Bill was $169 without tip. Â Would definitely come back, after getting paid again.
I also like that you can make reservations online. We went on at 6:30 on a Wednesday and had no problem getting seated.
Moscow on the Hill is located in a beautiful St. Paul neighborhood. However, not only the beautiful neighborhood but also large windows and well-lit space couldn't make up for the cheesy interior design. Simply put, Inside the restaurant you feel besieged by Russian art!! Even smallest places on walls and shelves are used to display Russian handicrafts, knick knacks, symbols and etc. regardless of if they go together. A good lesson to learn is that sometimes, even if you use authentic items, the result could easily be cheesy and inauthentic.
Let's go back to our own business: food and beverages. If you agree with me that it's simply impossible to claim that a typical restaurant's menu represents a certain national cuisine, you would also concur that it's especially unattainable for a restaurant to profess that it serves Russian food! Russia's vast territory, the myriad of cultures inhabiting in Russia and the impact of French cooks on Russian urban food, make it impossible to talk about a single Russian cookery. Perhaps because of this, Moscow on the Hill claims that it specializes in post-Perestroika (i.e., post-1980s, contemporary) Russian cuisine which is a more modest claim!
Russians are known for their vodkas which are usually flavored. Unlike fruit-flavored vodkas that could be found everywhere, horseradish-flavored vodka is unique and hence is popular among Moscow on the Hill's costumers. However, I preferred their Ruskova vodka which is a plain quality 6-time distilled imported vodka. It was served with a pickled gherkin that paired well with vodka. If you are looking for something to eat with your vodka, chicken liver mousse with caramelized onion is great. Their Blini was also OK. However, it's a pity that you could not order Olivje (Olivier) Salad separately. This famous Russian appetizer is only available as an item in their dinner's Appetizer Tasting Platter.
The two famous St. Paul Russian restaurants, Russian Tea House and Moscow on the Hill are not at all comparable; simply because their styles are different. They fall into different categories which makes it impossible to compare the two. However, unlike Russian Tea House, Moscow on the Hill serves the "real" Beef Stroganoff with fried potatoes and not Ground Beef Stroganoff. I liked the Stroganoff here better than at Russian Tea House. We also tried the tea smoked chicken salad. It was fine. My only complaint is that the taste of pear in the plate was dominant which I didn't like.
All in all, Moscow on the Hill won't possibly satisfy all that you expect from a perfect Russian restaurant. But it is still good. The food and service are solid.
Delicious, unique and great service. We asked our server how much we should order, and he directed us perfecty when he could have made more money ifwe over ordered. Started with the mikhail martini, which was made of chocolate and coffee vodka. It was delish. Hubs had a vodka flight----so well priced at only 20.
Food: salmon blini- tons of roe, almost overpowering, but blini-crepe itself was great. Had a lamb turnover thing with tomato relish- perfectly crispy. Sour cream dill sauce with pierogis was fab, they brought more to our table. Beef pierogis was rather boring, but the chicken was
Excellent!
Second course was Siberian dumplings, they were amazing. Maybe boring to some who are used to this kind of thing, but we don't have russian restaurants in Seattle. Try it with vinegar, its actually delish!
They even called us a cab to get home, which I'm sure they do often with all the vodka flights. If I lived here I'd be back all the time. Â
One note: restaurant itself is a tad dated, but who cares when the food is good and prices are low!
PS, this is a cheap cab ride ---under $10 bucks---from downtown.
In Soviet Russian restaurant, cream sauce kicks your ass.
Don't go here looking for a light meal. You're not going to get it (well, unless you order a salad or something, but that was never up for consideration for me). What you WILL get is some fabulously heavy, creamy, homey food.
I had a fresh fish dish--walleye--covered in cream sauce. Which is usually used to hide sins, but in this case the fish was delish on its own and the cream sauce was good in moderation--but could not be consumed in the quantities ladled on the dish.
The sister had the lamb--which was, by her reports, very tasty but also rich. The husband had the beef stroganoff and probably would have left me for the incredibly tasty (and incredibly portioned) dish had it shown any ability to clean and/or cuddle. But he's a total slut for stroganoff--I thought it was *super* rich.
I've heard this is a great place to drink, too, but I have not partaken whilst there myself.
I loathe giving bad reviews, but I don't know what the fuss is all about with this place.
I went with a group of friends for a celebration dinner for a friend who has always been interested in Russian culture and wanted to try it out. Others seemed to enjoy their food well enough, but I held my tongue so as not to be a Negative Nancy during a birthday party.
I've gotta let it out though. I had the worst lamb kebabs ever. My BF's father is Iranian, so I've had a LOT of good (very similar) kebabs to compare these to, including restaurant and home-cooked varieties.
They are the kind of kebabs made with ground meat and cooked on a long metal skewer. It's almost like a long burger, and the accompaniments vary depending on the country or region, I imagine. At Moscow On The Hill, it was a bland $19.95 and came with a mediocre rice pilaf and a vegetable medley that looked like they came straight from the freezer (they may have genuinely been crinkle-cut).
$20 for that?? I'm not a snob, but this place does not have the feel of a fine dining restaurant, so I don't understand the fine dining prices. I could have eaten like a snob in a much more stylish locale for the same price. I just don't get it. If you want a salad, it's an extra $6. A bread basket is $1.50. Argh.
I also sampled the blini with caviar (super meh), the peasant-style pelmeni dumplings (tasted good, but ridiculously rich) and the tea-smoked chicken salad (much better than anything else on the table). I also tasted a few of the house-infused vodkas, and there seemed to be some redeeming value in those.
Part of me thinks I should wait to review this restaurant until I go back for a second try. Problem is, I don't think I ever want to go back.
Stopped in here for dinner for my friends bachelor party. I had heard good things and menu looked good.
We started out with an appetizer sampler, most of it was food that just wasn't my taste, but the items I did like were pretty good.
I ordered the duck breast, and I thought it was excellent. The rice pilaf was a good side. Everyone at my table enjoyed their meals, the chicken kiev looked delicious. Service was excellent.
I thought prices were in line for food they served. Beer prices were a little high, but I was happy.
Highly recommended for happy hour, especially when the weather is nice. Â Head out back to the patio. Â Enjoy a supurb bloody mary (it's billed the Bloody Russian and it is created with house made horseradish vodka), a most dangerous Marusya Gold (cherry vodka and champagne) or half price tap beers (a good selection, including Gosa Dark and Pilsner Urquell, to name two). Â Try some of the specially priced appetizers (the liver pate and the pelmini are highlights). Â If you're really into it, enjoy a shot of house infused vodka. Â You will leave happy, full and with money left in your wallet. Â
Nastrovia!
The food is really very good, the martini menu is creative and the selection of vodkas is extensive. Their patio is secluded from the busy Selby street and sidewalk, which is a nice retreat. The service has always been fine for me, but I don't like to be doted on. This was one of my regular places and I never had any issues whatsoever.
The chicken kiev, borscht, stroganoff and red pickled cabbage were my usual orders and all incredibly delicious. I always opt for the tiramisu for dessert.
...and yes, the horseradish vodka IS as good as everyone says.
Our waiter, Larry, was trashed. Slurred speech and all. Yet he easily took superb care of us. The water girl came around at regular intervals also.
I had the peasant style pellmini and was not disappointed. Really who can find fault with meat filled dumpling baked with caramelized onions and cheese.
It got quite loud and the crowd seemed to be pretty young, which surprised me. I'm certain they were all there for the horseradish vodka. You heard right, they make their own horseradish infused vodka along with several other flavors. 4 stars just because it was not out-of-this-world fantabulous.
Didn't have dessert, but I'm sure it would be awesome.
Do you long for Russian kitsch scored by an unending train of "Mambo No. 5" covers and film themes? Then Moscow on the Hill has exactly what you're looking for! Not that that's a bad thing, mind you.
I've been going to Moscow on the Hill for a while now. Admittedly, it's gone through some pretty rough phases, but my most recent visit this past week was heartening and thoroughly enjoyable. I went on a Monday evening to discover that they now have a rather nice happy hour (cheap drinks, cheap appetizers) - I split a bottle of wine and did the 3 for $7 appetizers and the bill came out at just a hair over $20!
You need to visit Moscow on the Hill for two reasons: the patio and the ungodly beautiful vodka selection. I love that they've got a thoughtful but comprehensive vodka list that's heavily weighted towards Old World offerings and for reasonable prices (shots don't go above $10 and that's for the primo Stoli!). The patio, while moot in winter, is glorious during the summer. It's roomy but completely closed off from gawkers and looky-loos drunkenly stumbling back from their bar, serving non-vodka drinks.
The food is classical Russian, so plan on plenty of meat, mushrooms, and cream. While the authenticity leaves something to be desired, eating in Russia has always been a bit chancy, so consider this to be an upgrade! I love their peasant-style pelmeni (served under a gratuitous amount of mushrooms and cheese) and their borscht passes my rigid borscht-purist requirements.
Fantastic patio, fantastic vodka, fantastic service. Our waiter had some fantastic suggestions. The Horseradish Martini goes great with a big plate of meat. Just don't drink it by itself, it is a bit too much.
I'm pretty sure going here makes my Russian professor proud.
Ochen Horasho!
I've been to at least 20 weddings at this place. Â Well, what can I say, my people have different standards. Â First, there is the Russian Standard, second, caviar, blintzes, pirogies, and entertainment. Â We should make a movie "My Big Fat Russian Jewish Wedding At Moscow on the Hill". Â
Ok, the food. Â Pretty good and pretty authentic. I mean you really cant go wrong beef stroganoff. Â Almost as good as my grandmas. Â Olivie is a must. Â Americans, just ask for the "russian potato salad"
Drinks--its a vodka bar. Drink. They've got. Â Its the real stuff. Â
Service - can be a hit or miss. Â Depends on what where and why and who you get.
Entertainment - thats what most other restaurants are missing. Â And Moscow got it. Â Yep, I know the playlist is hasn't been updated since early 1990s. Â Doesn't matter to me.
Decor - pretty standard according to Russian standards, really fancy according to  American standards.
Overall, solid four stars.
Been here a couple times and it was ok. The patio area is kind of nice in good weather. Food was mediocre and service matched. Enjoy the wonderful bread basket with your meal for an additional charge. Inside dining area can get pretty tight.
Won't return because...
Ordered a drink while sitting at the bar and put out a twenty. Bartender made change and left the change in front of me. When my friends arrived, I  said to get them each a drink and put a twenty on top of my previous change to make sure I had enough to cover it. When everyone had gotten their drinks I had $2 left. $38 for 3 rail drinks and a glass  of house zinfandel. Maybe in New York, but not at this place!
Fool me once - shame on you.
We went on a little walk yesterday to get some groceries at Mississippi Market, and on the way back, found our favorite little Russian bar has a new happy hour!
WTF.
Brand new. Â So I dragged the wife in there despite her protests of "But I have bacon and figs in my pocket!".
Our favorite bartender Chris was there, and we had a great conversation about Russia, the economy and how to promote the new Happy Hour.
I suggested a hammer and sickle banner, and Jill came up with the best tag line:
"The joys of Russia...without the lines."
We each had a shot and it was about 4 bucks total. Â Â 1/2 price rail drinks, cheap beer, and some eats too.
Stop by for an early buzz and food. Â yum.
I love this place - probably my favorite restaurant of all time. Â Every dish I've had has been great. Â It's always warm and cozy in the winter and the patio is great in the summer. Â I almost took away one star for service - it can be hit or miss but the food makes it worth the gamble. Â If it's your first time, I'd recommend the Peasant-style Pelmeni, Czar's Medallions or the Stroganoff. Â You really can't go wrong.
I was just here last night and was a little disappointed so I have to update my review. Â I'll still leave it at 5 stars because the food is just too good but the service is really going downhill. Â We waited quite awhile for our food last night. Â Also, they now charge for bread and it seems their portions are getting smaller. Â I know the economy is bad but come on...bread? Â
They had 2 or 3 guys that just walk around the restaurant and I still couldn't figure out what they did. Â I watched them for awhile since our food took so long and they would maybe fill a glass or two with water every so often. Â Normally this wouldn't seem odd but our waiter was bartending and waiting on tables while these guys putzed around.
Another great experience here. I wouldn't have thought that they would be open on Christmas, but I guess between the Jewish and Orthodox populations of Russians (their Christmas usually falls 14 days later), plus the modern Americans, that they have a significant amount of people looking for something to do... And what a better way to drown out the bah-humbugs than with vodka!
Our server was really great at the beginning, almost too attentive; however, the place got pretty busy in the middle and she was nowhere to be found for the rest of the night. I liked the feeling of incognito until I wanted my bill. Everything else was great.
I would recommend the Napoleon dessert. I would caution against the Russian Concussion cocktail - too sweet, too strong (not in a good way). The Red October is where it's at - pepper vodka spice at the beginning that is cooled down by the chocolate aftertaste. Odlichno!
Oh, and the waiters are HOT! Too bad they aren't on the menu.
I went to this restaurant with my in-laws. As much as I love my family though, ideally I'd like to go back on an actual date. The restaurant had a very romantic atmosphere:
Fabric: Nothing gives more ambiance than a room full of fabric. In this case it as gorgeous pashminas with embroidery hanging from the ceiling lamps in a display of very romantical drapery.
Food: Delicious--the one vegetarian dish was AMAZING and chock full of artichoke hearts and perfectly roasted tomatoes that made me rethink my ideas about vegetable combination.
Serenading: From an extremely Russian man with an accordion. He even asked for request. Damn I wish I knew some Russian love songs.
Coat Closet: Ups the class-factor and gets the hubby in a gentlemanly mood: "May I take your coat?"
Mafia: There is nothing more romantic than being surrounded by the Russian Mob while you eat dinner. It made me feel a teensy bit dangerous and at the same time very very safe.
Our dog was named Moscow when we adopted him. He was young enough that we felt okay changing his name. He didn't look like a Moscow, anyway.
Not a huge fan of Moscow on the Hill, either. I don't drink, so the vodka has zero allure. The service was passable but our waitress had no personality at all. Nada. The food was alright, but not special enough to draw me back in.
We sat in the dining room closest to the Y parking lot, and it felt kind of like a church basement. Drop-ceiling, awful chairs, hanging aluminum lights. I'd recommend asking to sit in one of the other dining rooms if I went back, as this one didn't offer much.
My wife got some kind of special slow-roasted steak, and wasn't blown away. I got the givetch and liked it more than she did hers, I think. It probably salvaged the third star. I will say that the potato + mushroom pirogi was something to write about. Unfortunately, our dinners arrived about 30 seconds after the appetizer, so we didn't really have a chance to properly enjoy it.
We would consider going back to MOTH if some friends wanted to check it out, or if some long lost Russian cousin visits us in St Paul, but otherwise, we likely won't be quick to return.
An ideal night at Moscow:
  Vodka.
  Food.
  Banter.
  X 5.
  And be sure to try the chocolate mousse.
If you are on a time budget and have to take one course instead of the reviewer-recommended 5, try the Carousel; it's a tempest in a highball glass - five vodkas rolled into one cocktail.
  If I have any complaints it is that Moscow closes earlier than bar time so you have to cross the street to Frost for a night cap, but that is hardly a complaint.  The patio is a great summer highlight, but snow is a great winter justification.  You be the judge.
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