Posted in Minnesota Food & Dining January 18, 2023 by

This Family Restaurant In Minnesota Is Worth A Trip To The Country

Located in an unassuming, low-slung building on a U.S. Hwy. 53 frontage road, the Wilbert Cafe is a must-try family restaurant in Minnesota. But it’s kind of out in the country – keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss the turn.

About halfway between Virginia (Minnesota) and Duluth (or Cloquet, depending on your route), Cotton is a small community on U.S. Hwy. 53.
Wesley Savage/Google
At its only real intersection - U.S. 53 and Arkola Rd. - you’ll find a gas station on one side and the El Toro Lounge/Wilbert Cafe on the other.
One side, El Toro Lounge, is a neighborhood bar and roadhouse. The other side, Wilbert Cafe, is one of the best family restaurants in Minnesota.
Larry Smith/Google
Folks in the El Toro Lounge are able to order food from the Wilbert.
The bright and sunny Wilbert Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Gerardo Durón/Google
The Wilbert specializes in comfort food and traditional down-home favorites. You’ll find classics on its menu, like meatloaf, country fried steak, or fried chicken.
Wilbert Cafe/Facebook
The restaurant also serves up a steady stream of specials.
Wilbert Cafe/Facebook
Of course, you can always order a classic, like a good, ol’ fashioned cheeseburger and fries.
Wilbert Cafe/Facebook
Most Fridays, the Wilbert Cafe serves up its weekly fish fry.
Wilbert Cafe/Facebook
And most days, you can get breakfast all day long.
Wilbert Cafe/Facebook
All-day breakfast is cut off in the late afternoon on certain days, though. Check before you go.
No self-respecting family restaurant would let you go without dessert, and Wilbert Cafe is no exception. Whether, it’s a massive cinnamon roll after breakfast…
Nik/Google
or a slab of homemade pie any time of day.
Morgan Maguire/Google
If you’re so inclined, you can even order a beer with your burger or a bloody with your breakfast on the cafe side.
Wilbert Cafe/Facebook

If you don’t live in Cotton – and only a lucky few do – you’ll definitely find a trip to the Wilbert Cafe well worth your while. Why not stop at Jay Cooke State Park on your way to or from the restaurant? It’s only about half an hour away.

Have you had a chance to visit Wilbert Cafe? Are there any other amazing family restaurants out there that we should know about?

Address: Wilbert Cafe & El Toro Lounge, U.S. 53, Cotton, MN, USA

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