One Of The Oldest Family-Owned Restaurants In Minnesota Is Also Among The Most Delicious Places You'll Ever Eat
By Melissa Mahoney|Published September 20, 2022
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Some of the best restaurants around the state are the ones that have been owned by generations of the same family. This is truly the case for Jax Cafe, a family-owned restaurant in Minnesota. Come here for the historic and friendly atmosphere, and stay for the delicious cuisine.
Jax Cafe was first opened in 1933 by Stanley Kozlak, shortly after Prohibition ended. Back then, it was known as Jax Pub and Cafe. Operations expanded in 1943 when Joseph and Gertrude Kozlak bought the cafe and added 56 seats.
In 1965, the restaurant was passed along to a third generation of the Kozlak family, this time Bill, John, and Jack. Eventually, John and Jack left, and mother Kathy came on board. With her involvement, the restaurant's now-famous Sunday Brunch was added.
Jax Cafe has been such an integral part of Minneapolis that owner Bill Kozlak Sr. was inducted into The Minnesota Restaurant Association's Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2005. Today, the establishment is owned and operated by Bill Kozlak Jr.
This classic family-owned establishment is known for its premium steaks and fresh seafood, both sourced locally and flown in from all over the world. You are guaranteed a wonderful meal here and an ambiance that can't be beat.
Aside from steak and seafood, this restaurant has a menu that caters to all sorts of tastes. From pierogis to pork chops, from baby back BBQ ribs to pan-roasted chicken breast, the choices here are absolutely divine.
Sunday Brunch is a big deal here at Jax Cafe. You'll find plenty of classics as well as creative options to try, such as the Breakfast Pot Pie. Made with scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, and cheese over a baked pastry, there's something just so satisfying about it.
Have you ever been to this family-owned restaurant in Minnesota? If so, what dish did you order? Let us know in the comments! For more information about Jax Cafe, including location and menu, visit the Jax Cafe website and follow the Facebook page for updates.
If you’re crafty and looking for a place to shop in the Minneapolis metro area, check out SR Harris Fabric Outlet, a massive fabric store in Minnesota.
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