I had the opportunity to visit the new Iron Tap restaurant in Waconia recently. This is the type restaurant I had been hoping to see in Waconia since before it's existence. I'm a craft beer fanatic and a bit of a "foodie". Waconia was begging for a fun, american style restaurant, with a good tap beer list, and good food. Lola's Lakehouse, the other local alternate in this realm, certainly could use the competition. Service/Atmosphere: 4 /5 Service was almost perfect. I'll give a nod to the fact they had only be open for two days at the time of writing this review. The server was engaged, friendly, and very pleasant. We were greeted quickly and she looped back around to us a couple times until we were ready to order. Food came out quickly with a minimal wait. Not too shabby for 'just getting the kinks out'. The atmosphere was fun and there was a nice buzz in the air. Frankly, the only reason I'm not giving it a score of 5/5 is our drinks ran out, twice. I also noticed the table next to us with empty glasses. Our server was just at our table checking on us, but didn't seem to notice how low they were and left before we could request a refill. I flagged her down the next time she was near. I know this might seem like a minor quibble, but it indicates to me how attentive the server actually is versus just running through motions. Again, 2nd night they were open, so I'm certainly not upset. All and all I was very pleased. Food: 3 /5 Food was good, maybe even a strong good, but not great. The menu options had me salivating, the execution didn't quite deliver. We started with the Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos (3 jalapenos for $6). They sounded amazing and looked great, but the bacon was... soggy and flavorless. The mascarpone cheese stuffing was too subtle to provide much flavor. The jalapenos were overcooked. All of these fantastic ingredients should provide a wallop of flavor... but they didn't. Both my wife and I found ourselves clamoring for the BBQ sauce residue left on the plate to provide some actual taste. For our main dishes I tried the Backyard BBQ Pizza and my wife opted for the in house smoked and pulled Brisket. We both enjoyed our dishes. I expected the brisket to be more flavorful, but it didn't quite deliver that smoky taste I was hoping for. My first bite of the brisket also delivered me a nice solid piece of fat to chew on. It was more reminiscence of my neighbors brisket than something restaurant quality. Alternately, I did enjoy the pizza. For one, it was nice to have some warm, flavorful, thicker crust. In this day of thin crust wood fired artisan pizza being the most popular I was surprised to see a regular style crust. The toppings blended and contrasted well. I particularly liked the heat of the jalapenos, balanced by the cream cheese, all supported by the poblano honey BBQ sauce. Price: 3.5 /5 (rounded up to 4 for Yelp!) 2 beers, 1 club soda, 1 root beer, 1 app, 2 main dishes, 1 kids meal = ~$60 (pretip). On average it looks like one app split between 2 people + main dishes will set you back about $13 - 15 per person (excluding drinks). Beers were a touch higher compared the local pricing at $6 each, although I assume price might vary depending upon the beer. I didn't see beer prices listed on the menu. The brisket price of $15 seemed a bit steep for the portion size and quality. The personal pizza at $10 was reasonable. And let's just not talk about that app. I certainly have had better for less, but locally it's one of the better options. You'd maybe pay a little less to eat at the Ground Round... but then you'd be eating at the Ground Round. :/ Overall: 3.5 /5 (Rounded up to 4 for Yelp) I'm excited to have the Iron Tap in town and I hope for great things for them. I can't deny I left a little disappointed though. The food was almost great, but it wasn't. The service was almost perfect, but it wasn't. The price was almost right, but it wasn't. They are so close to what I want them to be, but they aren't. I do plan to revisit them soon. And likely again after that. It's early in the game for the Iron Tap and only time will tell how well they perform. They have laid the groundwork for something amazing, I'm just hoping they will be able to fully execute. read more

I have never experienced such unprofessional, disrespectful, and condescending behavior as I experienced from this owner when my friends and I ate here on Saturday. We waited outside for over half an hour and upon being seated, the owner abruptly came to our table. The way he handled a minor, innocent mistake by one of the people in our group was by verbally attacking and insulting our entire group and at a level of aggression that was unnecessary and unwarranted. I felt threatened and unsafe instead of welcomed and appreciated for our business. The wife of my friend at whom the entire situation was directed at was so upset she was unable to eat and had to leave. When the group left, I tried to speak to the owner calmly, in private, about what had occurred and was met with a harsh argument instead of an apology. As a man speaking to a female, I would expect less hostile behavior. I've read other reviews across different platforms that complained about the owner's and staff's poor behavior too so I don't feel this treatment was an isolated event. Advice to the owner: seek out professional development and sensitivity training for yourself and staff. Update: The owner replied to a review on another site, again with insults, inaccurate assumptions, and fabrications. Unfortunately he still can't swallow his pride enough to admit that he handled the situation poorly and issue an apology. I am so thankful he took the time to respond with such a lengthy response that really shows his true character and outlines how unwarranted his actions were. He claims that DANCING outside his restaurant while we waited on a table equates to disruptive, disrespectful intoxicated behavior to the point that we were over served before arriving and posed a threat to the other customers because of it. Nothing about our actions were offensive or threatening. We were outside, off of his property, keeping to ourselves at an appropriate volume level for outdoors while we waited for a table so to insinuate we were disruptive to the patrons inside is absurd. He was clearly looking for an outlet to let off some steam and picked his customers to do so. I have been invited to eat here a few times before (I would never chose to go here on my own due to the over priced food/drinks and cold wait staff) and witnessed very loud and intoxicated patrons so to insinuate our behavior was out of the ordinary is ridiculous. The entire premise of the business is based on alcohol consumption so why be derogatory to anyone for drinking alcohol? If he thought we were disruptive outside, why were we allowed in and sat at a table? Why didn't he close the blinds? Why didn't the hostess ask the gentleman to dispose of his drink before we were seated? If he thought we were over-served as said in his initial attack at the table, why were we still served alcohol? Why didn't he offer a number to a local taxi service to get us home safely as outlined in best business practices? If after two interactions with me and still assuming I'm 21 as stated in his response, why weren't we ID'ed when served alcohol? Mr. James, half of the members of that group in which you spoke so condescendingly are owners of much more successful businesses in the community that have been here long before your restaurant. You have no right to treat customers the way you did simply because you own the business. Your argumentative, condescending response to me in both situations is a true reflection of your character and business skills. For someone who posts pictures on his social media business page of himself sitting outside on the business patio half clothed, drinking alcohol during (or before) business hours in addition to a picture of your infant standing behind the bar in front of liquor bottles stating he's a bartender, you sure do have a judgmental opinion of your customers. You insult our judgement, but clearly you are the one that needs some help in that department. Also, as a 35 year old mother of 2 that you spoke to twice that night, I am flattered you think I am 21! read more

Had a great lunch experience at Iron Tap! Located in downtown waconia, it's a cute spot to stop in for some bites, drinks and good vibes! Their drink menu is really the star of the show in my opinion. They had a 3 martini special that I was beyond impressed with. The salted nut roll martini was a highlight for me but all 3 were amazing! In addition to their cocktails, they have a wide array of local beers and other selections! Their menu has a lot of great options but it is pretty limited for vegetarians / vegans. I ordered the roasted beets and feta salad which was really really good I highly recommend! My husband got the big tom burger and he loved it. The fries were perfectly crispy & salty and both dishes were very filling. I'd like to come back again for more drinks and to try out some of their apps! Our server, Mama, was so sweet and helpful and helped make our time at Iron Tap memorable with her kindness! read more

Hi Greg and Bria - I want to commend you guys on the food, the service and the ambiance of your restaurant. We were seated immediately, the waitress came to our table right after we were seated, took our drink order and was back in a very short time to take our food order. She told us what the soup, vegetable and fruit specials of the day were and pointed out the special beers also. I don't remember her name (40's (?) with short reddish hair). An excellent waitress! (If she is younger, I apologize - I am not good at guessing ages)! The food was delicious - I had the chicken lettuce wraps and my husband had a pizza. We both would order those same 2 items again. Kudos to the chef. I am happy to have a different type of restaurant as yours in Waconia. Keep up the good work. Judy and Jerry Gray read more

Went in with my girlfriend and was shocked on how busy this place was. I have been wanting to visit for a few weeks now and I have heard nothing but stellar comment about this place. Well...turns out that all the talk was true! excellent food, an intense lineup of craft beer and the service was top notch! This place is phenomenal! I went back 2 days later and it was just as good! Highly recommend a visit to the Iron Tap! It definitely is my new favorite. The Ribs are a must along with any of the IPA's. They even do Beer floats! Cheers to a job well done! read more

Longtime Waconia resident and so happy that we finally have a place to bring my family to get a quality meal. Love the new menu at the tap house and love the outside seating. We have sat both in and out on the rooftop and have had fantastic meals each of the 3 times we've visited. I also appreciate the fact the Iron tap takes pride in their service. If you go try the Wings and Pizza. The craft beer selection is incredible. They have everything from an Oktoberfest to a Cherry beer! We are going back soon and often! read more

Went for the Beer as I love me some craft ales. What a sweet spot with a thorough beer list. Everything from Scotch ales, to DIPA's and a really great Oktoberfest. The beers are rotating often and I am glad they have a variety of Local options. I ate earlier in the day and wasn't that hungry as I arrived but stayed long enough to regain my appetite and was glad that I did. The food is just as good as the beer. Going back soon! read more

New place in Waconia is as good as everyone says it is! The food is excellent, the servers are very friendly and knowledgeable and the beer is the best! My husband and I have probably been here 9 times since they opened 2 months ago. We are lucky to have a place like this right down the street from us! Going back tonight! read more

Excellent selection of beers. There is no other place to get this kind of variety. The food is delicious as well. Try their walleye. You get three large pieces that are perfectly breaded and optimally crunchy. The wait staff works hard but they don't let you know it. I am impressed. read more

Chef is pushing the envelope through the daily specials while executing the main stays consistently. Place is worth checking in weekly as the beer selection rotates. Well informed attentive and friendly front of the house staff. Enjoy a brew on the top deck. Cheers! Love this joint. read more

LOVE THIS PLACE! Such a great place for Waconia. Great service, food, and beer selection. I love going to see the new selection of beer on tap and the food specials are delicious. It's a perfect place for friends or family. Will definitely be back! read more

This place is awesome. I tried the baby back ribs and there house burger and it was amazing! The staff is amazing too. They are always happy. The one thing I didn't like was that under some of the tables it was sticky. But other wise it was good. read more

My local favorite. The bacon wrapped shrimp and Gouda sauce kills. Beer selection is ever changing and great. Awesome atmosphere and staff. Attentive owner who is hands on and involved. Much needed addition to Waconia downtown. read more

I am so glad we finally have a place like this in Waconia. Amazing food, beer, and atmosphere. I have visited several times with multiple friends and we always leave full and happy. Great Job guys! This town needed you! read more

If you have extra lotto winnings its a great place to drop money! food better at Culver and beer overpriced like the state-fair so keep moving if you know the value of a buck rip off joint. read more

One of our favorite places to eat within a 10 minute drive of us. Food was great, drinks were great, and the wait staff was friendly and helpful. We will be returning soon! read more

Waited 20 minutes and not one person asked us what we wanted. We even asked for a drink and the waitress said someone would come to us. We left and went elsewhere! read more

Awesome beer selection and food was amazing. Great customer service from all employees. Highly recommended to anyone looking for some good food and drinks! read more

Great craft beer selection, really good food, and a great patio. Looking forward to spending time in the "4 season porch" when the temps start to drop. read more