What was once a tumbleweed-infested corner building, serving mid-tasting burgers, has been revived with love into one of the area's most trendy and delicious modern eateries. I'm thrilled to award five stars to this incredible little (corner) gem, in the heart of Maple Grove - Grackle is definitely THAT (new) girl. A family-owned business, Grackle's foundational belief as a restaurant is based on community. Building on the foundation of community, Grackle has curated a farm-to-table menu highlighting both seasonal and local treasures exclusively found in Minnesota. At the heart of their approach, most (if not all) of the food items on their menu are sourced fresh, and, most importantly, all are local. Moreover, all of Grackle's food - from the syrups in their cocktails, to their mouth-watering array of sauces - is made entirely from scratch, beautifully executed by their kitchen staff. The feel of comfort and hospitality doesn't end with Grackle's food, but rather is extended through their hospitality. Regardless of the type (or size) of establishment you are, one of the most fundamental traits that inevitably will distinguish and contribute to the overall success and longevity of an eatery is how it treats its diners. Customer service is not a dying art, and while I can't speak for everyone's experience at Grackle, our server had the gift of hospitality. She greeted us with immense joy and happily served our table as if we were dining in her own home. She took her time to ask if we were first-timers, share a little background about the restaurant, describe the menu concept and food preparation, and ended with an array of her own recommendations. It was a true delight to be attended to by someone who thoroughly represented the concepts of community and hospitality. Our server ensured that our experience and meals were up to par by continuously checking on our tables, refilling our drinks, and being attentive without being overbearing. She overall did a phenomenal job of ensuring we had an outstanding, first-time dining experience. The food in one sentence: outstanding, comforting, nourishing for the soul, type of meals. I enjoyed a savory "Tomato Basil Steak Sandwich". The warmth & freshness of the freshly made pita bread, wrapped around a perfectly marinated, grilled steak, was the stuff of dreams. Charged with lettuce, charred cherry tomatoes that exploded at bite, and an exquisite basil sauce that married all of the fixings together, every bite of this sandwich was savior than the last. As a side, I went for the Yucca fries. The Yucca was fried to perfect crispness. Served with two of their house-made sauces: "Sun-Dried Tomato Aioli" & "Chimichurri Aioli", this side made the meal a home run! Our table also enjoyed the "Picantería Rice Bowl". Sensational! The best way to enjoy this dish was to sample a little bit of everything in one bite. The pinto beans were seasoned and cooked to perfection. Same for the rice and sweet plantains. While this may seem like "simpler" elements on a dish, getting the right flavor profiles, textures, and flavors for each of these components to then marry them together into such a special dish is genuinely exceptional. Bravo for all of our meals! As well as our drinks. You cannot go wrong with "The Test Kitchen Margarita", even if you're not into Tequila. It's refreshing, light, not too sour, and the right amount of booze. The "Grackle Mule" was also delightful in flavor and taste. The decor of this restaurant is stunning. Industrial, mixed with modern farmhouse and touches of luxe throughout (gorgeous light fixtures!) Grackle designer revamped this space into a beautiful dining room that accommodates both large and small groups, with ample space between patrons to dine comfortably. Excellent lighting as well. There is also a covered patio that we did not venture out to due to how busy the restaurant was, but that area (and the bar) were both lively and inviting. Overall: Value: 10/10; Food Quality: 10/10; Customer Service: 10/10! I look forward to returning to Grackle, whether it's for lunch, dinner (again), or Happy Hour. It is a treat to have a family-owned gem such as this one, joining a few other treasures in the heart of Maple Grove. I wish Grackle all the success it deserves and encourage you to check them out for yourself. It will be a meal you won't regret, or forget! read more