12 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants To Try In Minnesota, One For Each Month Of The Year
There are hundreds of amazing restaurants in Minnesota. 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 12 tried-and-true Minnesota restaurants 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 bucket list worthy restaurants we recommend trying this year:
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
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 how you like it served alongside a salad and bottomless bread and potatoes. You won’t be able to stop thinking about how great this meal was.
To get you through Minnesota’s long winter, try a February trip to Brigitte’s Cafe in the St. Cloud area. Here, you’ll find a casual diner setting that draws people in from all around. Friendly staff make you feel right at home, as will the bustling dining room. 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.
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 that way this March!
In April, 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 as well. That’s because this restaurant’s award-winning broasted chicken 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, but it’ll keep you coming back again and again.
As Minnesota’s weather warms up, many seasonal restaurants open their doors again. In Mankato, the Rapidan Dam Store is a favorite. This little roadside spot looks unassuming. But inside, you’ll find some truly tasty meals. The restaurant’s most famous offerings are its pies, so do be sure to order a slice (or two!) before you go. If you’re planning a late spring trip to Minneopa Falls, this is a must-stop spot along the way.
As summer starts, head on over 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. Interesting old signs and art decorate the walls, and the menu is full of American fare favorites. There’s nothing more delicious than a burger, fries, and a malt from this delicious spot.
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 and 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.
Finish off the summer with a trip to Gordy’s Hi-Hat in Cloquet, Minnesota. This restaurant opened in the 1960s retains the 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 combines with the tasty menu full of burgers, chicken, fries, and more to create a family-favorite northern Minnesota restaurant. It’s a must-stop spot for summertime travelers, and we guarantee you’ll love it.
As summer comes to a close, it’s fun to visit cozy spots like the Rustic Inn Cafe. This spot in Two Harbors 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!
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.
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 as the weather starts to get cold. Stop in for a welcoming meal consisting of 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.
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, make time to pay a visit to Duluth Grill. This award-winning restaurant has outstanding food all day. Many especially love coming for breakfast, when you can get mouthwatering biscuits and gravy, omelets, waffles, eggs benedict, and more. There’s a reason this restaurant comes so highly recommend - it’s that good!
What do you think? Are there any more you’d add? Let us know in the comments or by filling out our nomination form. And if you’re interested in some of our other suggestions for the year, take a look at our list of hikes to take in Minnesota every month.
Address: Lindey's Prime Steak House, 3600 Snelling Ave N, Arden Hills, MN 55112, USA
Address: Brigitte's Cafe, 42 32nd Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301, USA
Address: Kaffe Stuga Restaurant, 43821 Forest Blvd, Harris, MN 55032, USA
Address: The Brass Rail, 36868 MN-65, Grandy, MN 55029, USA
Address: Rapidan Dam Cafe, 54116 Glory Ln, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
Address: Lakeview Drive Inn, 610 E Sarnia St, Winona, MN 55987, USA
Address: Gordy's Hi-Hat, 415 Sunnyside Dr, Cloquet, MN 55720, USA
Address: Rustic Inn Cafe, 2773 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Address: Trestle Inn Restaurant & Saloon, 9459 Co Hwy 7, Finland, MN 55603, USA
Address: Yarusso Bros Italian Restaurant, 635 Payne Ave, St Paul, MN 55130, USA
Address: Duluth Grill, 118 S 27th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55806, USA
