11 Irresistible Restaurants That Define Minnesota
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
We Minnesotans are lucky to live in a state with so many amazing food options. New restaurants crop up all the time, offering everything from brand new cuisine to comfort food classics. And of course, we have plenty of fantastic restaurants that have been around for years. They serve incredible food, have excellent service, and often have a dedicated fanbase. Many of Minnesota’s best restaurants are so good that they’ve come to define the Land of 10,000 Lakes. These 11 irresistible restaurants do just that.
Mickey's Dining Car has managed to stay open 24/7 since 1939. If that's not enough to convince you to go there, we aren't sure what is. Through the years, the restaurant has seen the passing of history, with much of it occurring right outside its doors. And through it all, Mickey's has never stopped serving its tasty comfort foods to generations of diners. Address: 36 7th Street West, St. Paul.
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Here's another landmark restaurant with a firm place in Minnesota's culinary scene. Since 1946, Murray's has delighted diners with award-winning steaks. For a nice night out in downtown Minneapolis, you could do a lot worse than Murray's Steakhouse. Address: 26 South 6th Street, Minneapolis.
This restaurant a bit north of downtown Duluth boasts amazing views of the Lake Superior. But that's not all: it has amazing food and the relaxed atmosphere you might expect of a North Shore destination restaurant. Diners can expect creative, delicious dishes crafted with fresh, seasonal foods. And you can't forget the beautiful garden that beckons passersby from the road. Address: 5461 North Shore Drive, Duluth.
Haute Dish is one of the newer restaurants on this list, but the restaurant's modern Midwestern cuisine couldn't get any more Minnesotan. The unique and often unexpected dishes are created with fresh, colorful ingredients that are sure to please the eye as well as the tastebuds. Haute Dish even offers its own take on the classic Minnesotan tater tot hotdish. How could you go wrong? Address: 119 Washington Avenue North, Minneapolis.
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Duluth Grill draws in locals and tourists alike with its varied menu of delicious items. The restaurant has gained in popularity ever since it was featured on the Food Network, but it certainly has not rested on its laurels. They are always coming up with new ways to delight diners with new entrees and daily specials. If you haven't been there yet, it's about time you tried it out. Address: 118 South 27th Avenue West, Duluth.
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By now, the Jucy Lucy is as Minnesotan as tater tots. The iconic cheese-filled burger may have been invented at Matt's, but it doesn't really matter one way or the other. The burgers are great, the atmosphere is friendly, and you know that every time you stop here, you're taking part in Minnesota's culinary history. Address: 3500 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis.
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Who hasn't eaten at Betty's Pies? This classic North Shore restaurant has a gorgeous view of Lake Superior, but that's only the start of why it's so great. Inside, the restaurant has a '50s diner vibe. The restaurant is a great stop for lunch as you drive along Highway 61, with plenty of diner classics you're sure to love. But don't forget to polish off your meal with a slice of pie. Dozens of flavors make it a hard choice, but you can't go wrong no matter which you choose. Address: 1633 Highway 61, Two Harbors.
This tiny 10-seat diner has been beloved by generations of Minnesotans. Everything about the Al's Breakfast experience is iconic, from waiting in line inches away from people eating at the counter, to being told to slide yourself down to the next stool to make room. And in between, a menu of breakfast classics makes it all worth it. Address: 413 14th Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis.
Gordy's Hi-Hat proves that you don't have to be in a big city to have a great restaurant. Gordy's is a classic drive-in establishment, serving burgers and fries to eager eaters every summer. Though there are several remaining drive-in restaurants in Minnesota, Gordy's may be the most cherished.
Address: 411 Sunnyside Drive, Cloquet.
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With a sizable population of Vietnamese people making homes in the Twin Cities, more than a few Vietnamese restaurants have been welcomed into the fold. One of the most delicious is Jasmine Deli in Minneapolis. Over the years, this restaurant has become known for their delicious banh mi sandwich, served on a crispy baguette with pickled vegetables and seasoned meat. Once you try it, you'll be hooked.
Once you try it, you'll be hooked. Address: 2532 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis.
Grandma's is so famous that there's even a marathon named after it. And given its main location in the iconic Canal Park of Duluth, it's no wonder the restaurant is so well-known. Once you've taken your eyes from the Lift Bridge and gone inside, you'll enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by the restaurant's quirky decor. Given its location, food, and history, it's no wonder Grandma's is one of Minnesota's definitive restaurants. Address: 522 South Lake Avenue, Duluth.
How many of these restaurants have you been to? Would you add any to the list? For some delicious small-town eating, check out this list of 11 Restaurants In Minnesota That Are The Very Definition Of Minnesota Nice.
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