Minnesota is home to many great restaurants. Some are so great that people are compelled to write reviews and shout it from the rooftops. But did you know that Minnesota is also home to several secret restaurants that are off the beaten path? Some of these eateries are located right in plain sight, while others you will have to go searching a bit harder for. Stick around for 11 of our favorite secret restaurants that you can find right here in Minnesota!
1. D-Spot - Oakdale
This low-key eatery in Oakdale serves saucy chicken wings in a wide variety of sauces—and do we mean wide variety! There are over 70 different ways to order your wings, with flavors ranging from tame to fiery hot! D-Spot has more than just wings on their menu. Serving up a variety of burgers as well, D-Spot is a great place to stop in for a quick bite! Address: 7129 10th Street North, Oakdale.
2. Brass Rail - Grandy
Just north of Cambridge, Minnesota, lies the small unincorporated community of Grandy. Here you will find the most amazing broasted chicken in the state of Minnesota, maybe even the whole world! This small-town restaurant opened in 1969 and continues to serve the best broasted chicken in a family atmosphere. You can certainly find more than just chicken here at the Brass Rail - and trust us, it's all good! Address: 36868 Highway 65 Northeast, Grandy.
3. Maiv's Egg Roll Basket - Maplewood
This awesome restaurant hidden in plain sight will leave you questioning why you have never stopped in before. Serving an Asian-fusion menu, this casual dine-in or take-out restaurant offers up a wide variety of egg rolls, salads and more. If you are up for trying the classics, such as veggie, chicken, or pork, Maiv’s Eggroll Basket will certainly not disappoint! However, if you are hoping to try something not-so-typical, opt for the pizza eggroll or the fruity spring roll. Your taste buds will thank you! Address: 1935 North Beam Avenue Suite 104, Maplewood.
4. Effie Cafe - Effie
Located north of Bigfork is the tiny town of Effie, Minnesota. It's so tiny, in fact, that if you blink you might miss what makes this town a hidden gem! With a comfortable atmosphere and delicious food, it is easy to see what people love about Effie Cafe. The pancakes are some of the largest you will ever see - and the way they heap massive piles of biscuits and gravy onto your plate must be seen to be believed! Hurry to Effie Café before the secret gets out! Address: 100 Northeast State Highway 1, Effie.
5. The Sample Room - Minneapolis
While not necessarily hidden, this amazing eatery offers amazing food and drinks in a cool atmosphere. From the outside, it looks like your typical bar, but once you try the food you will see why this place is so good: all of the amazing food served at Sample Room are made by hand in-house. Small farms and artisanal producers are used to source fresh, local ingredients. Try the fried Brussels sprouts for an appetizer while waiting for your Cuban sandwich to come! Address: 2124 Marshall Street Northeast, Minneapolis.
6. Tendermaid - Austin
Austin has it all: the SPAM museum, a wildlife refuge and plenty of great restaurants! Our favorite is Tendermaid, a historic -
and adorable - joint serving up loose meat burgers. The meat, moist and well seasoned, will knock your socks off. Prepare to get messy! Don’t forget your malt to wash it all down! Address: 217 4th Avenue Northeast, Austin.
7. RJ's American Grill - St. Cloud
Though many of St. Cloud's restaurants are right on the main drag, RJ’s American Grill is just a little off the beaten path. Both the outside and inside are clean and well kept, and the service is prompt and attentive. But it's the food that will blow you away. Stop in soon for a delicious serving of their grown up mac and cheese or some scrumptious fish tacos! Address: 4221 Clearwater Road, Saint Cloud.
8. Kaffe Stuga - Harris
This quaint cafe offers down-home cooking with friendly service, making you feel like you are right at home. Offering daily specials such as BBQ Ribs or sandwiches, this eatery has a little something for everyone! Make sure you try their Swedish meatballs if you get the chance. You will not regret it! Address: 43821 Forest Boulevard, Harris.
9. Riverside on the Root - Lanesboro
This cute restaurant located in the small town of Lanesboro is a must-stop if you’re looking for good food! Riverside on the Root offers friendly staff, great food, and a beautiful view of the Root River. This eatery is a great choice for those passing through Lanesboro, or for those on the Root River bike trail hungry after their ride Address: 109 Parkway Avenue South, Lanesboro.
10. Mabel Murphy's - Fergus Falls
Mabel Murphy's is a pub serving up great seafood, steaks, and sandwiches in the Fergus Falls area. The outside makes you feel like you are stepping back in time, and the cozy atmosphere inside will make you fall in love with Mabel Murphy's! Mabel Murphy’s has a welcoming environment and a friendly staff, making your experience sure to be amazing. Make sure you try the prime rib! Address: 3401 Highway 210 West, Fergus Falls.
Are there any other secret restaurants in Minnesota that we should know about? Let us know in the comments!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.