In Minnesota’s nearly 160-year history, many restaurants have come and gone. From famed steakhouses to roadside diners, plenty of promising restaurants have not stood the test of time. That goes double for family-owned restaurants that don’t have the support of a corporation to hold them up when times get tough. But there are a few legendary family-owned restaurants that have stood the test of time. These 9 restaurants have been around for so long that it’s hard to remember a time when they weren’t serving up great food. Check them out:
1. Duluth Grill - Duluth
Having been featured on Food Networks's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives , Duluth Grill is no stranger to fanfare. But the restaurant's claim to fame goes well beyond its appearance on TV. This family-owned restaurant is well known by the people of Duluth for being a cozy and delicious place to grab a bite to eat. If you're ever in the neighborhood, stop in for any meal of the day. Breakfast is particularly incredible. Address: 118 S 27th Avenue West, Duluth.
2. Jax Cafe - St. Paul
This family-owned Minneapolis restaurant has a long history. The restaurant has served up amazing food for 75 years, and it shows no sign of slowing down. The restaurant is now run by the original owner's grandson, and it continues to crank out incredible food. Next time you crave something special, stop in at this Minneapolis institution. Address: 1928 University Avenue Northeast, Minneapolis.
3. Mickey's Diner - St. Paul
Open every day since 1938, Mickey's Diner is an icon of St. Paul. The little dining car serve homestyle favorites in a retro diner setting. Over its 70 years in business, Mickey's has seen a lot of history come and go. But it has never strayed from its roots. Address: 36 7th Street West, St. Paul.
4. Yarusso Bros Italian Restaurant - St. Paul
Yarusso Bros Italian Restaurant is the oldest family-owned Italian restaurant in St. Paul. It has been around since 1933, and its popularity only continues to grow. Today, the spot is known for its incredible authentic Italian cuisine, which is served in a welcoming environment complete with friendly service. Address: 635 Payne Avenue, St. Paul.
5. Kaffe Stuga - Harris
In the small town of Harris, Minnesota, this little restaurant has been around for about 50 years. The family-owned restaurant has a full menu of homestyle favorites, and it has a host of regulars who swear by its amazing food and friendly service. If you're ever looking for a great place to eat in small-town Minnesota, let Kaffe Stuga be your choice. Address: 43821 Forest Boulevard, Harris.
6. The Viking Cafe - Fergus Falls
The Viking Cafe is a Fergus Falls institution that has been around for about 50 years. This family-owned restaurant is known for being a welcoming place for locals and out-of-towners alike. No matter what you order, you're in for a hearty and flavorful meal. The cafe's location in downtown Fergus Falls makes it a great place to stop before exploring all that small-town Minnesota has to offer. Address: 203 West Lincoln Avenue, Fergus Falls.
7. Lange's Cafe - Pipestone
Lange's Cafe is a family-owned establishment that hasn't closed for more than 50 years. The restaurant is a family affair through and through, now run by second generation of the Lange family. Open 24/7/365, there is never a bad time to stop in at this beloved restaurant. Next time you're in southwestern Minnesota, consider popping in for a good meal. Address: 110 8th Avenue Southeast, Pipestone.
8. World's Best Donuts - Grand Marais
Maybe World's Best Donuts isn't a restaurant in the traditional sense of the word. But it's definitely a great place to get an amazing breakfast. This family-owned spot started in 1969 and has grown into a legendary Minnesota bakery. You can't make a trip to Grand Marais without stopping at World's Best Donuts, just like you can't go to World's Best Donuts without trying several different varieties. But no matter what you get, they're all delicious. Address: 10 Wisconsin Street, Grand Marais.
9. Tendermaid - Austin
Have you ever been to Tendermaid? This place specializes in loosemeat hamburgers that you can eat with a spoon! The quaint building that the restaurant is housed in has been the same since 1938; no other business has been housed there! Though it has changed owners through the years, Tendermaid never loses its family-owned feel. The current owners make sure to make it as welcoming - and delicious - as it was when it started 80 years ago.
Have you ever visited any of these delicious family-owned restaurants? Which was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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