JUN Szechuan Kitchen & Bar

Located at 730 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA, JUN Szechuan Kitchen & Bar offers a distinctive and authentic Chinese dining experience in the heart of Minneapolis' vibrant North Loop. You can reach them by phone at (612) 208-0706 or mobile at +1 612-208-0706. Named after Chef/Owner Jessie Wong's Chinese name, JUN is the realization of her lifelong dream, bringing her rich culinary heritage from Shandong, China, to the Twin Cities.

JUN Szechuan Kitchen & Bar distinguishes itself with a hip and contemporary ambiance, moving beyond the traditional decor often associated with Chinese restaurants. Reviews suggest a tastefully done interior featuring Chinese paintings, porcelain wares, and plants, creating a calming yet sophisticated atmosphere. This modern take on a Szechuan restaurant aims to offer a refined dining experience. Unlike typical fast-casual Chinese eateries, JUN emphasizes a more elevated setting suitable for a relaxed meal or a night out. The space is designed to complement the robust flavors of Szechuan cuisine with its inviting and stylish decor, making it a good choice for both casual dining and special occasions. The commitment to a pleasing aesthetic contributes to a more immersive and enjoyable culinary journey for its patrons.

The service at JUN Szechuan Kitchen & Bar generally receives positive remarks, with staff described as knowledgeable and helpful. One reviewer specifically noted that the waitstaff was well-informed about the ingredients of each dish, which is invaluable for those with dietary restrictions or seeking specific flavor profiles. The atmosphere is often described as calming, suggesting that the service is attentive without being intrusive. While the restaurant focuses on authentic and intricate dishes, the service remains efficient and cordial, aiming to enhance the overall dining experience. Even when comparing it to other established Chinese restaurants, the personalized and informed service at JUN appears to be a consistent strength, contributing to a welcoming and pleasant visit for customers.

JUN Szechuan Kitchen & Bar is celebrated for its authentic Szechuan cuisine, offering a menu that showcases a range of wok-fired dishes, dim sum, and signature dumplings crafted from family recipes. The emphasis here is on genuine Chinese flavors, particularly the bold and often spicy characteristics of Szechuan cooking, a region known as a melting pot where the spice trade originated.

Among the standout dishes frequently praised by customers are the **Szechuan dumplings in chili oil** and **xiao long bao (soup dumplings)**. These handmade dumplings are lauded for their rich flavor, perfect seasoning, and just the right amount of spice. The **beef chow fun** is another highly recommended dish, noted for its delicious, perfectly seasoned, fresh, and tender noodles, along with well-seasoned slices of beef. Other popular items include the **Shandong Lo Mein With Chicken**, **Chong Qing Spicy Chicken** (described as fried and dry, yet incredibly addictive), and **Green Papaya Salad**.

While many dishes receive high praise, some feedback indicates that certain items, such as the **spicy Szechuan beef noodle soup**, might occasionally lack depth of flavor or have noodles that are too hard for some preferences. However, the overall consensus leans heavily towards the authenticity and quality of the food. The menu extends beyond these highlights to include a variety of house specialties like **Crispy Sesame Beef**, **Double Cooked Pork**, **San Jiao Beef or Lamb**, and various dry pot options, as well as a selection of dim sum and street food appetizers. The restaurant also offers a full bar featuring handcrafted cocktails designed to complement the robust Asian flavors of the food, along with sake and Japanese whiskey, adding another layer to the dining experience.

Portion sizes are a point of discussion; while dishes are generally considered good, some customers have noted that the size of each dish might be smaller compared to other Szechuan establishments like Grand SzeChuan, which is reflected in a slightly higher price point. Despite this, the focus on authentic taste and quality ingredients seems to justify the pricing for many patrons seeking a genuine Szechuan culinary journey.

JUN Szechuan Kitchen & Bar offers various promotions and specials to attract and retain customers. One notable offering is their **Lunch Specials**, which typically include a main dish combo (such as Sesame Chicken, General Tso's Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Mongolian Beef, or various vegetable options with tofu) often served with an eggroll or cream cheese wontons and a choice of white or fried rice. These lunch combos are designed to provide value during midday hours. Additionally, JUN has a daily **Happy Hour** from Monday to Friday, generally between 4 PM and 6 PM. During this time, patrons can enjoy discounted rails and flights, sake flights, and cocktails, making it an attractive option for after-work gatherings or pre-dinner drinks. The restaurant also emphasizes its use of fresh, house-made ingredients, such as hand-pulled noodles and scratch-made dumplings, which can be seen as an inherent promotional feature highlighting the quality and authenticity of their offerings. Specific pricing for these promotions and daily specials are usually available on their menu or in-store, offering a dynamic approach to attracting diners looking for both value and quality.

Overall, JUN Szechuan Kitchen & Bar is a highly recommended destination in Minneapolis for those craving authentic Szechuan Chinese cuisine. Its modern setting, attentive service, and a menu rich with flavorful, often spicy, and expertly prepared dishes, especially the renowned dumplings and beef chow fun, make it a standout choice for a memorable dining experience.