Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to go to a big city to get a great meal. Many of the state’s best and most popular restaurants are found in the most populous areas, such as the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Duluth. But there are many great spots all across the state, including in small towns. Below, you’ll find a list of 9 small-town steakhouses that prove just that. Stop into any of these spots for amazing eats in a welcoming setting. They will quickly become favorites!

1. Y Steak House
Dan Gendreau/Google
Kem Barnett/Google
Head on up to Park Rapids, Minnesota, to visit Y Steak House. This family-owned operation has been in business for 1945, and it’s still one of the most popular places for steak in the area. They serve up outstanding top sirloin, ribeye, prime rib, and more. All entrees come with a choice of potato, a salad, a veggie, and a roll. If you stop into this spot, you’ll soon se why they’ve been in business for more than 70 years!
2. Ely Steak House
Herm H/Google
Michael Muhvich/Google
Ely is known as the entry to the Boundary Waters. But this small town has plenty of other amenities on offer. If you’re looking for a great meal before you head into the wilderness, you might want to consider a trip to Ely Steak House. Here, you’ll find a wide menu full of steakhouse favorites that will keep you going as you row and portage. You’ll want to stop in here every time you come to Ely.
3. SteVelly’s Steak and Seafood
TomQnel/Google
SteVelly’s Steak and Seafood/Facebook
Battle Lake is a tiny community of fewer than 1,000 people in west-central Minnesota. Though it is small, it is home to a fantastic steakhouse. Stop into SteVelly’s, a charming spot in downtown Battle Lake, to enjoy excellent seafood, steak, and drinks. It’s a great place to stop in for a nice meal as you explore the lakes of Otter Tail County. Grab a bite, then go fishing!
4. Timber Lodge Steakhouse
Thomas Farrington/Google
Rick VonRuden/Google
Next time you find yourself in southern Minnesota, you might want to stop in at Timber Lodge Steakhouse. This restaurant in Owatonna will impress you with its great service and outstanding food. You can’t go wrong with a prime rib, a New York strip, or a filet mignon. And if you’re traveling with a group that needs some variety, you’ll be happy to find some tasty sandwiches, salads, and pastas on the menu. There’s a reason this spot is a go-to steakhouse in Owatonna - it’s that good!
5. Farmington Steak House
Farmington Steak House/Google
Bets Reed/Google
Farming isn’t the tiniest town on this list, but it is still small by big-city standards. Stop into this Twin Cities suburb and you’ll find Farmington Steak House, a hotspot for those looking for a great steak in a casual setting. This place has huge portion sizes, great prices, and all of your favorite steak cuts. You’ll want to make a pitstop here every time you’re in the Farmington area!
6. The Fort Steakhouse
Wendy Brichacek/Google
Augster O/Google
The Fort Steak House is a popular spot in Fort Ripley, Minnesota, a tiny community known for being home to a Minnesota National Guard facility. It’s also home to the Fort Steakhouse. This place may not look like much from the outside. But inside, you’ll find a homey dining space that serves up not only steaks, but burgers, sandwiches, and more. On weekends, they have grill-your-own steak nights that will make your meal even more special.
7. Trapper Pete’s Steakhouse & Saloon
Trapper Pete's Steakhouse and Saloon/Google
Sally Masica/Google
Outside of Duluth, Trapper’s Steakhouse & Saloon is a nice little spot in the small town of Scanlon. Here, you’ll find a fantastic menu of seafoods, pastas, and more. The most popular items might just be the steaks. If you’re extra hungry, try the 20-ounce porterhouse. Other great options include a New York strip or a top sirloin. All steak dinners are served with a roll, your choice of potato, and your choice of soup, salad, coleslaw, or vegetable. It’ll be a hearty meal that is full of flavor!
8. Tommy’s Central Street Steakhouse
Tommy's Central Street Steakhouse/Google
Richard Smith Jr./Google
Head to the tiny town of Springfield, about 100 miles southwest of Minneapolis, to taste the next spot on the list. Tommy’s Central Street Steakhouse is a popular restaurant in this tiny community, serving up delicious steak dinners that any carnivore would love. They also have a salad bar, a great buffet, and many other delicious meals beyond steaks. You’ll have no problem finding something you like, and you’ll enjoy eating it in this small-town spot.
9. Frontier Steakhouse
Todd Koenig/Google
Hannah Earhart/Google
Head to Princeton, Minnesota, to visit the last spot on our list. Frontier Steakhouse is a great spot for those looking for a hearty meal in a low-key setting. The waitstaff is friendly, the portions are large, and the price is affordable. Stop in here for your steakhouse favorites, served up with a smile. This is one meal that will keep you going for the rest of the day!

Have you ever visited any of these small-town steakhouses? Which was your favorite? Let us know in the comments! And if you have others you’d like to share, feel free to nominate them. And if you’re looking for other tasty restaurants in Greater Minnesota, check out our past list of amazing rural restaurants in Minnesota.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles

Explore Minnesota

Featured Addresses
Y Steak House, 19134 US-71, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
Ely Steak House, 216 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731, USA
SteVelly's Steak, 110 Lake Ave N, Battle Lake, MN 56515, USA
Timber Lodge Steakhouse, 4455 Frontage Rd W, Owatonna, MN 55060, USA
Farmington Steak House, 329 3rd St, Farmington, MN 55024, USA
The Fort Steakhouse, 643 Front St, Fort Ripley, MN 56449, USA
Trapper Pete's Steakhouse & Saloon, 1306 Hwy 45, Scanlon/Cloquet Exit 239, Cloquet, MN 55720, USA
Tommy's Central Street Steakhouse, 8 W Central St, Springfield, MN 56087, USA
Frontier Steakhouse, 905 S Rum River Dr, Princeton, MN 55371, USA