- Attraction: Doolittles Woodfire Grill
- Location: 550 Winnetka Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://doolittles.com/
Step into Doolittles Woodfire Grill and watch flames dance around slowly rotating spits as aromatic woodsmoke fills the air with promises of perfectly cooked meats.
This Golden Valley restaurant has been perfecting the art of rotisserie cooking since 1989, transforming what began as a simple sports bar concept into an upscale casual dining destination that celebrates both aviation heritage and exceptional woodfire cuisine.
The restaurant’s aviation theme runs deeper than decorative touches – co-owner Lynn Reimer is an actual pilot who owns vintage aircraft and hangers them at Fleming Field. This authentic passion for flight permeates the atmosphere, creating a unique dining environment where nostalgia meets culinary excellence.
You’ll discover that Doolittles offers something remarkable in the Minneapolis dining scene: genuine woodfire rotisserie cooking where the open flame becomes both centerpiece and cooking method.
Signature Woodfire Specialties
Rotisserie Chicken: The crown jewel of the menu features half chickens that slowly rotate over open flames, self-basting as they cook to achieve incredibly juicy meat with crispy, herb-seasoned skin. The rotation method ensures even cooking while the woodfire imparts that distinctive smoky flavor you simply cannot replicate in conventional ovens.
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Keep Exploring →Smokehouse Ribs: These spare ribs get brushed with their signature smokehouse barbecue sauce and develop a beautiful caramelized exterior from the woodfire cooking method. The meat falls off the bone while retaining a satisfying texture that balances tenderness with just enough chew.
Parmesan Crusted Walleye: A local Minnesota favorite that showcases how woodfire cooking elevates even delicate fish. The parmesan crust develops a golden exterior while the walleye remains flaky and moist inside, served with their house-made tartar sauce that complements rather than masks the fish’s natural flavors.
Steaks and Prime Cuts: From their 8-ounce beef tenderloin to the well-marbled 12-ounce ribeye, you’ll taste the difference that woodfire grilling makes. The open flame creates perfect sear marks while infusing subtle smoky notes that gas grills simply cannot achieve.
Honey Buffalo Wings: These aren’t your typical fried wings – they’re dry-rubbed with signature herbs and spices, then roasted over the open flame before being brushed with honey buffalo sauce. The result delivers crispy skin without heavy breading and complex flavors that develop from the woodfire cooking process.
Soups and Lighter Fare
Butternut Squash Soup: This seasonal favorite consistently earns praise for its velvety texture and perfectly balanced sweetness. The soup arrives steaming hot with subtle spice notes that warm you from within.
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Discover MoreChicken Wild Rice Soup: A Minnesota classic executed beautifully, featuring tender rotisserie chicken pieces, wild rice, and vegetables in a rich, creamy broth that feels like comfort in a bowl.
Blackened Ahi Tuna: For those seeking lighter options, this appetizer delivers bold flavors with perfectly seared tuna that maintains a ruby-red center, accompanied by complementary sauces that enhance the fish’s natural taste.
Thai Chicken Meatballs: An unexpected menu standout featuring ginger and soy-infused meatballs served in coconut lemongrass broth with pickled fresno chiles and napa slaw – a fusion creation that works beautifully.
Atmosphere & Décor
Aviation Heritage: The restaurant celebrates the romantic era of nostalgic aviation with thoughtful design elements that honor flight history without feeling gimmicky. You’ll notice aviation-themed touches throughout that create conversation starters while maintaining sophisticated ambiance.
Open Kitchen Concept: The woodfire rotisserie takes center stage in the dining room, allowing you to watch your meal being prepared over genuine flames. This creates an engaging dining theater where the cooking process becomes part of the entertainment.
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Keep Exploring →Comfortable Seating: Leather booths and larger tables accommodate both intimate dinners and group celebrations. The ambient lighting creates a cozy atmosphere that works equally well for business lunches and romantic evenings.
Outdoor Firepit: During pleasant weather, the patio features an outdoor firepit that extends the warmth and ambiance beyond the indoor dining areas. This creates a relaxing setting perfect for lingering over wine and conversation.
Noise Levels: While the restaurant can get lively during peak times, the noise rarely becomes overwhelming. Most guests find they can maintain comfortable conversations even when the dining room reaches capacity.
Other Considerations
Wine Program Excellence: You’ll discover an impressive selection with over 60 wines by the bottle and 30 options by the glass. The hugely popular Monday special offers half-price bottles all day, making it an exceptional value for wine enthusiasts looking to explore premium selections without breaking the bank.
Pricing Structure: Expect pricing that reflects the upscale casual positioning – entrees typically range from moderate to expensive, but the quality and generous portions justify the investment. Most guests find the value proposition strong given the woodfire cooking method and fresh ingredients.
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Discover MoreGluten-Free Accommodations: The restaurant offers a comprehensive gluten-free menu with numerous options clearly marked. While not an allergen-free kitchen, they demonstrate knowledge about cross-contamination concerns and work to accommodate dietary restrictions thoughtfully.
Reservation Policy: Reservations are encouraged but not required for smaller parties. Groups of seven or more should call ahead to ensure availability. Peak dining times can result in waits, so planning ahead proves wise.
Parking Convenience: The restaurant provides adequate parking in their own lot, eliminating the stress of hunting for street parking that plagues many Minneapolis-area dining establishments.
Family Friendly: While the atmosphere skews slightly upscale, families with children are welcome and the restaurant provides a kids’ menu with child-friendly options.
Private Dining: They offer private room options for special occasions, business meetings, and celebrations, making it versatile for various dining needs beyond regular meals.
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Keep Exploring →Doolittles Woodfire Grill
📍 550 Winnetka Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427
