As I was passing through Park Rapids, MN on my way to Itasca State Park, a rustic, one-story building on the bank of the Fish Hook River caught my eye: Y Steak House. I was intrigued - and hungry. After getting situated in the park, where I was staying for the night, I drove the 20-or-so minutes back to town and stepped into this delightful waterfront steakhouse in Minnesota.
You'll find Y Steak House on U.S. Route 71, just north of Park Rapids proper.
It's right where the highway bends a little westward, away from the Fish Hook River.
The restaurant enjoys views out over the Fish Hook River at a point where it widens just south of Fish Hook Lake.
Inside, you'll find exactly the kind of wood paneling and Up North vibe you'd hope for in a waterfront steakhouse on the edge of the Northwoods.
Since I had stopped at the park first, I didn't arrive until around 8 p.m. It was surprisingly uncrowded for a Friday night, so it was the perfect spot for a quiet meal.
The restaurant is divided into a couple of dining areas, and there's also a small bar - The Fishhook Bar - that offers additional seating, as well as a place to belly up for a beverage.
And the drink game is solid at Y Steakhouse.
My old fashioned was tasty - although, I wish it had come in a less "delicate" glass; I kept worrying that I was going to spill it. Even so, I had two over the course of my visit.
For dinner, I ordered the Kansas City strip.
A garden salad and some bread came out first, then the main course. The steak was cooked just as I ordered, and the potato was also nicely done. A steamed veggie - in this case, carrots - is also included with most entrees. With an eye toward dessert, I boxed up some of my meal and finished the evening with a slice of the pistachio almond cake.
If you're not a steak eater, fear not. The restaurant offers several alternatives, including fish, chicken, ribs, burgers, sandwiches, and entree salads. For more details on the menu, as well as its most up-to-date hours, visit Y Steak House on the web. You can also check out the restaurant's Facebook page for more visual aids. A meal at this waterfront steakhouse in Minnesota offered plenty of fuel for my next day's hike at Itasca State Park, and if you're in the area, I definitely recommend that you that you stop in.
Have you visited Y Steak House in Park Rapids, MN? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us about your experience.
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