Ever since whispers of a new restaurant gracing the space near Woodbury Lakes began, anticipation has been building. Hazelwood Food & Drink has arrived and it’s a breath of fresh air, especially compared to its predecessor. The interior has been completely transformed, boasting a more refined ambiance. While the prices are a touch higher for Woodbury, the elevated quality at Hazelwood Food & Drink truly justifies the splurge.
Appetizing Beginnings
Our culinary journey at Hazelwood Food & Drink commenced with the Brie Cheese Curds, accompanied by a vibrant lingonberry ketchup. These weren’t your typical round cheese curds; their square shape hinted at the molten, cheesy goodness within, and they absolutely delivered. The light, crispy batter encased perfectly melted brie, and the lingonberry ketchup provided a delightful tangy sweetness that complemented the richness of the cheese. It was an irresistible start to our meal and a testament to the thoughtful appetizer options at Hazelwood Food & Drink.
Main Course Excellence
For the main course, my husband opted for the impressive Grilled Ribeye. This 20 oz bone-in cut, enhanced with garlic butter and au jus, and served alongside smoked gouda hash browns, was a carnivore’s dream. He was immediately impressed, repeatedly praising the flawless cooking of both his ribeye and my chosen New York Strip. We had both requested medium rare, a temperature often missed at other establishments, but Hazelwood Food & Drink nailed it. This perfect execution was a welcome change, especially considering past experiences at places like CRAVE, where medium rare often translates to practically raw. Hazelwood Food & Drink has clearly mastered the art of steak preparation in Woodbury.
My New York Strip was equally exceptional. The 14 oz cut was cooked to perfection and generously flavored with the same delectable garlic butter. The smoked gouda hash browns were a standout side, becoming even more flavorful as they absorbed the rich au jus. My only regret was not ordering a side of mushrooms, a must-try for my next visit to Hazelwood Food & Drink. Looking at their extensive menu, I’m also eager to explore their fish dishes. If their steak expertise is any indication, I’m confident their seafood will be just as expertly prepared, making Hazelwood Food & Drink a versatile dining destination.
BROWSE THE MAIN COURSE SELECTIONS
Drinks and Libations
As is his custom, my husband ordered an Old Fashioned, opting for Bulleit Rye. While generally a fan of Old Fashioneds, he found this particular rendition to be the only slight misstep of the evening. He noted that it wasn’t sufficiently muddled, resulting in a drink that felt somewhat weak and watery compared to his expectations.
On a brighter note, my Pom Mule was a delightful and refreshing choice. The use of pomegranate juice instead of the traditional ginger beer created a unique and enjoyable twist on the classic Mule, perfectly complementing the overall dining experience at Hazelwood Food & Drink.
Ambiance and Service
Hazelwood Food & Drink has clearly become a popular spot in Woodbury, as evidenced by its consistent busyness since opening. Our initial attempts at walk-in dining were met with a 45-minute wait, highlighting the importance of making reservations. The atmosphere is undeniably more upscale, suggesting a slightly dressier vibe. While my husband’s sweatshirt wasn’t entirely out of place, he felt that a sweater or nicer shirt would have been more fitting, a point to consider when planning your visit to Hazelwood Food & Drink.
Our only minor critique concerns the service. While our server was pleasant and knowledgeable, the restaurant was clearly bustling, and there was a palpable sense of being rushed. Our second drink order, placed shortly after our food arrived, didn’t appear until we were nearly finished with our steaks. Almost immediately after receiving our drinks, staff began clearing side plates and silverware, while we were still eating. While we weren’t intending to linger excessively, spending $200 for a meal for two doesn’t typically align with feeling pressured to quickly finish and vacate the table.
Despite this minor service hiccup, Hazelwood Food & Drink, now with its fourth Minnesota location, is clearly doing many things right. It’s a genuinely welcome addition to the Woodbury dining scene, offering a high-quality experience that we eagerly anticipate revisiting to explore more of their menu.
Overall Rating: 4 stars.
Hazelwood Food & Drink
9240 Hudson Road
Woodbury, MN 55125
GET FULL HOURS
