When we arrived the place was packed and the woman at the door (who we later learned was the proprietor) asked us to wait at the bar for our table. We were in no rush and found seats at the bar. Once we were seated at our table our server came over and said, "What can I get you to drink?' She had no smile, no greeting, no emotion to even make us feel welcome! After about ten minutes she brought our drinks and we had some questions about the appetizer platter and some of the other offerings on the appetizer menu. She answered our questions curtly and rudely as if to say, "How dare you ask me any questions about the menu." We ordered the appetizer platter and the escargot which arrived after about 25 minutes. In the mean time the server did not ever check back with us to see if we wanted another beverage or to apologize for the delay in the appetizers. In the mean time there was another server at most of the other tables who was constantly at his tables, taking care of his customers, smiling and going out of his way to give the service that is expected in the normal course of a meal. Our server did nothing to ever make us feel welcome or like we should even be in the restaurant. We lingered over the appetizers and took our time to order the entrees with very limited trips where the server checked back with us. We ordered dinner. We waited 50 minutes without one time seeing our server back at our table. Finally one of us went to the proprietor and told her about our poor service. She was shocked and said, "You haven't gotten your food yet?" Just then another server brought our food from the kitchen. The proprietor came over to the table and said, "I am sorry but it has been such a busy night." I told her that we waited for 50 minutes for our food with no explanation or checking back from our server. I told her how horrible the service had been. I said everyone else who had a different server was being well taken care of with no major delays. The proprietor got all defensive and instead of trying to make things better she kept saying they were busy. I told her that is no excuse especially when everyone else was getting good service and our server was basically absent all night. Then our server showed up at the table and I told her about how unhappy we were with the service. All she said was, "I am sorry you feel that way." I said, "This has nothing to do with feelings. These are facts that we received basically no service from her." She just kept on with, "I am sorry you feel that way." About ten minutes later the three of us each had a shot glass of something set down in front of us with no explanation?????? This was very odd. The food was absolutely fantastic, as always. We had to ask for our bill and another server brought that to our table. Needless to say we did not leave a tip. I am very surprised that a quality place would not be more professional in handling a very valid complaint.

I know Russia isn't known for its cuisine, but this was really underwhelming. I ordered lamb kebab, which looked the same but was nothing like the Iranian kebabs I've tried. It was supposedly served w/ fresh cilantro, tomato-herb sauce, rice pilaf and vegetables...it came with two tiny leaves of cilantro, ketchupy sauce, rice and over-steamed frozen veggies. Not worth $17. I went with 8 people and we shared a lot. The pelmeni was good comfort food but anything tastes comforting when you smother it in cream sauce/cheese. I liked it but it was also overpriced with no sides or salad. Bread is extra. If the accordion player hadn't been there (he let us know that he "plays for tips," which was tacky), the ambiance would've been like a community center. My friends liked the vodka flights, but I was the DD so I didn't try any. Maybe you have to get drunk so you don't notice the mediocrity?

Moscow On The Hill is located in the Crocus Hill area of St. Paul, across Selby Ave. from the popular W. A. Frost. The restaurants “curb appeal” is negligible although not shabby. On and off street parking is available. The restaurant is not particularly well decorated; with light walls, wood floors and metal chairs with orange/red cushions. Tables are set with glass over tablecloths and hanging lights surrounded by fabric. Small table lamps create an intimate feel at some tables. The Maitre d seated us after a few minutes and was soon followed by a wait staff that was both friendly and knowledgeable about the broad and moderately priced Russian menu. Moscow On The Hill is not what Taco Bell is to real Mexican food; it’s the real deal with an assortment of flavors and preparations unfamiliar to many Twin Cities diners. A knowledgeable guide through the menu is a must. Our server seemed to enjoy answering our many questions about the many menu items, and gave us the attention we required. The beverage menu was as distinctly Russian as the food offered. While single malt Scotch and Guinness were available, the Signature Martini’s, House Specials and Beer were primarily Russian. The Vodka menu was large and varied, with offerings from around the world. Moscow On The Hill boasts the richest collection of Vodka’s in the Mid-west. Comparing several different types is interesting, and ads to the occasion. The food did not disappoint. Our meal was well prepared and served, with plentiful portion sizes and interesting authentic flavors. We ended with Blintzi (think Crepes) and only passable coffee with no coffee cream. Given the public’s current quest for excellent coffee, this is no small omission. Overall, we enjoyed our experience at Moscow On The Hill. We were looking for the novelty of Russian food and drink, and were not disappointed. Good and knowledgeable service added to our experience. It seems to me that a stronger Russian theme in the restaurant and on the curb would improve the experience and patron draw. And, of course, the coffee.