A Restaurant for Every Month: 12 Bucket-List Worthy Spots in Minnesota

There are hundreds of amazing Minnesota restaurants. It would take years to visit all of them - and in that time span, even more would open up. That’s why we created a list of our 12 favorite restaurants in Minnesota for you to visit this year, one for every month. These restaurants serve up delicious food in comfortable, welcoming environments. You’ll find everything from steak and chicken to breakfast and pie - and beyond. There’s a lot to savor about these spots, and you’ll soon see why when you visit. Read on below to see the full list of the best restaurants in Minnesota that we recommend trying this year:

1. January – Lindey’s Prime Steakhouse, Arden Hills

A trip to Lindey’s is a great way to start off the year. This old-school spot has been around forever, and it’s easy to see why. The casual atmosphere is welcoming to all, and the small menu contains just a few phenomenal items. If you’re a prime rib fan, pop into this spot for meat cooked just the way you like it, served with a salad and bottomless bread and potatoes. You won’t be able to stop thinking about how great this meal was.

2. February – Brigitte’s Cafe, St. Cloud

To get you through Minnesota’s long winter, try a February trip to Brigitte’s Café in the St. Cloud area. Here, you’ll find a casual diner setting that draws people in from all around. Friendly staff and a bustling dining room will make you feel right at home. Then, you can fill up on your favorite comfort foods: breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, and more. This will become one of your favorite spots to visit when you’re in central Minnesota.

3. March – Kaffe Stuga Restaurant, Harris

Kaffe Stuga is a longstanding spot in the east-central Minnesota community of Harris. For those in the know, this is a go-to spot for outstanding home-cooked food. The menu is full of homestyle favorites, from breakfast classics to burgers and sandwiches to roast beef, pork chop, and fried chicken dinners - and more. Any time you stop here, you’re guaranteed friendly, fast service and fantastic food. That’s why we recommend heading over this March!

4. April – Valentini's Supper Club, Chisholm

Valentini's Supper Club in Chisholm has been an Iron Range institution since 1934. Using family recipes handed down through generations, Valentini's specializes in scratch-made Italian comfort food that's sure to delight you. And with the supper club moniker, you know the restaurant's bar program is seriously good. Everything is delicious, but the beef tenderloin gnocchi is absolutely killer.

5. May – The Brass Rail, Grandy

In May, head on over to the tiny unincorporated community of Grandy, Minnesota. Though rural, you may find that many other people have stopped in to enjoy a meal at Brass Rail, an award-winning restaurant in Minnesota. It earned its accolades for its incredible broasted chicken, which is considered some of the best in the state. Platters come with chicken, potatoes, and slaw. It’s a winning combination that is sure to keep you full for the rest of the day. Not only that, it’ll keep you coming back again and again.

6. June – Gordy's Hi-Hat, Cloquet

As summer starts, head on over to Gordy’s Hi-Hat in Cloquet, Minnesota. This restaurant opened in the 1960s and retains a classic diner vibe inside and out. It’s a great place to stop for a bite on your way to and from the North Shore. The small-town vibe, combined with a tasty menu of burgers, chicken, fries, and more, creates a family-favorite northern Minnesota restaurant. It’s a must-stop spot for summertime travelers, and we guarantee you’ll love it.

7. July – Lakeview Drive Inn, Winona

In July, head down to Winona, where you’ll find the oldest drive-in restaurant in the state. This charming spot opened in 1938 and is still going strong as a family-owned, family-operated restaurant today. Pop in on a sunny summer day for a burger and fries, cheese curds, a hot dog, or any number of other tasty offerings. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with a shake, a banana split, or an ice cream cone. You can’t go wrong with anything you get at this landmark Winona, Minnesota, restaurant.

8. August – Leo's Grill & Malt Shop, Stillwater

Finish off the summer with a trip to Stillwater to browse the charming downtown streets and stroll along the St. Croix River. When it’s time to eat, Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop is always a good choice. It’s a charming diner with an old-school vibe. Antique signs and vintage art decorate the walls, and the menu features American favorites. There’s nothing more delicious than a burger, fries, and a malt from this delicious spot.

9. September – Rustic Inn Cafe, Castle Danger

As summer comes to a close, it’s fun to visit cozy spots like the Rustic Inn Café. This spot in the unincorporated community of Castle Danger is a great choice for those headed up to the North Shore to see the leaves change. The cozy cabin vibe is welcoming - especially as the weather cools - and the food is fantastic. You can’t leave without trying a slice of pie. There are many options on the menu. In September, try giving the apple pie a whirl. It’ll be a perfect, flavorful way to top off your trip to the North Shore. You’ll want to come back again and again!

10. October – Trestle Inn Restaurant and Saloon, Finland

Where better to be when the leaves change than in the middle of a national forest? Trestle Inn is a little-known spot hidden inside Superior National Forest. It’s casual and rustic, with classic comfort foods filling much of the menu. Stop in for a burger, a chicken sandwich, fish, or any of the other wonderful menu items. If you’re out for a fall drive in northern Minnesota, you might want to stop at this hidden restaurant with beautiful surroundings this October.

11. November – Yarusso Bros. Italian Restaurant, St. Paul

Since 1933, Yarusso Bros. Italian Restaurant has served up fantastic spaghetti, lasagna, ravioli, and more. It’s St. Paul’s oldest family-owned Italian restaurant, and it’s one of the coziest places to go when the weather starts to get cold. Stop in for a warm welcome with pasta, handmade meatballs, chicken parmesan, sandwiches, and more. You’ll find all of your favorites here. Stop in for a warm, comfy dining experience, and leave knowing that you’ve just had some of the tastiest Italian food around.

12. December – Duluth Grill, Duluth

Many people visit Duluth for the holiday season. After all, Minnesota’s North Shore is absolutely beautiful under a blanket of snow - especially when dazzling Bentleyville lights up the night. When you’re there in December, be sure to pay a visit to Duluth Grill. This award-winning restaurant in Minnesota serves outstanding food all day. It's particularly beloved for its breakfast options, like mouthwatering biscuits and gravy, omelets, waffles, eggs Benedict, and more. There’s a reason this restaurant comes so highly recommended - it’s that good!

What do you think? Are there any more places to eat in Minnesota you’d add? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Looking to make this list a yearlong adventure? Use the Only In Your State itinerary planner to plot your stops, save favorites, and plan meals along the way.