10 Restaurants In Minnesota That Are Hard To Get In But Totally Worth It
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Sometimes, you want the quickest meal you can possibly get. On those occasions, a trip through a fast food drive-thru is all that you need to alleviate your hunger. Other times, you want the best food you can possibly get, even if it’s a little harder to get. These restaurants in Minnesota offer up some of the most delicious recipes, but their limited hours or long lines make the food just a little harder to get – but still totally worth it.
The limited hours at Russian Tea House may mean you'll have to wait for a day off work to try the food - but you'll be happy when you did. Those in the know rave about the Russian tea cakes, piroshki, truffles, and more at this unassuming University Avenue establishment. Check it out on Fridays between 11:00 and 3:00. Address: 1758 University Avenue West, St. Paul.
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Located on Lake Calhoun, Tin Fish experiences long lines all summer long. But once October comes, the restaurant closes up shop until warm weather comes back. With the seasonal nature of the restaurant - plus its long lines - you're in for a wait if you decide to try Tin Fish. But it's worth it. Try out a fish taco, crab cakes, or any number of other scrumptious menu items. Address: 3000 East Calhoun Parkway, Minneapolis.
In addition to its small size, this classic Dinkytown eatery is known for having a constant line out the door. Why? Because the little diner only has 14 stools aligned along the counter. It's not uncommon to have to move down the counter over the course of your meal to accommodate people waiting in the line out back. Address: 413 14th Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis.
This Duluth staple has been immortalized on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, making a popular place for both locals and visitors to break bread. There is often a wait at this cozy restaurant, but it's always worth it when you sit down to a hearty meal. Address: 118 South 27th Avenue West, Duluth.
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Being located in one of the most popular parks in the Twin Cities, it's no wonder Sea Salt Eatery often has a long wait. Couple that with its seasonal hours, and you have a recipe for a long winter of yearning for their amazing seafood. But the long wait is worth it. Sea Salt Eatery continues to dish up creative and delicious seafood dishes every season. Address: 4825 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis.
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The Burntside Lodge is hard to get in for a number of different reasons. For one thing, it's located in Ely, a tiny town at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. For another thing, the dining room is open only in summer months. Reservations are recommended through July and August, and you'll want to make sure that you call well in advance. Why? Because Burntside Lodge is well-known for its seasonal, made-from-scratch cuisine. Address: 2755 Burntside Lodge Road, Ely.
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Though fairly new to Minneapolis's impressive restaurant scene, Hi-Lo Diner has already made a name for itself. Diners line up out the door for a taste of this cool restaurant with a 1950s vibe. The menu includes elevated diner fare, as well as the popular Hi-Top. Hi-Tops are fresh fried dough topped savory or sweet ingredients - kind of like a donut with toppings. Delicious! Address: 4020 East Lake Street, Minneapolis.
As another restaurant that has been featured on Food Network, Bayport BBQ is often quite busy. Diners know that it's one of the best BBQ joints around, so they come from miles around to experience tender meats and classic BBQ sides. Address: 328 5th Avenue North, Bayport.
Located way up in Cloquet, Gordy's Hi-Hat is a bit of a hike for most Minnesotans. Combine that with its seasonal hours, and you may find that it's a little difficult to find a chance taste their classic burgers. But you'll want to plan a trip as soon as you can. Gordy's has been around since 1960, and people go out of their way to eat at this classic drive-in. Address: 411 Sunnyside Drive, Cloquet.
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All Blue Door Pub locations are hopping, but the St. Paul location seems to be particularly busy. But don't hold the wait against them. Blue Door pub is known for their take on the classic Jucy Lucy burger. It's known as the Blucy, a delicious burger that explodes with bleu cheese to create an unforgettable, mouthwatering bite. Try it. Address: 1811 Selby Avenue, St. Paul.
Let us know if you’ve been to any of these restaurants! If you’re on the lookout for more great places to eat, check out this list of 10 of the most highly rated restaurants in Minnesota.
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