Time and time again, small-town Minnesota proves that you don’t have to be in the city to have a good time. There are dozens of state parks that prove small towns have the best scenery. And there are plenty of restaurants that prove you can grab a good bite to eat outside of the Twin Cities. These 10 small-town Minnesota restaurants are full of good service and great charm. Not only that, but they’ll serve you the best meal of your life. Take a look:
1. Jumpin' Jacks - North Branch
This lively country bar in small-town North Branch will have you feeling like you’re not in the country at all! Jumpin’ Jack’s serves up great food with reasonable prices.The friendly staff and amazing atmosphere will leave you craving more. Their juicy quarter-pound burgers are mouthwateringly delicious! Come in for a bite on Thursday to enjoy $2 burger night and see why Jumpin’ Jacks is so great! Address: 27796 Jordell St NE, North Branch, MN 55056.
2. Nelson Brother’s Restaurant - Clearwater
Located in Clearwater, Minnesota, this yummy restaurant serves up delicious food. This eatery is located in a travel center, catering to truck drivers, motorists, and community members alike. We love the Clearwater Original. It’s made up of shredded American cheese with wild rice sausage folded into a three egg omelet and served with a buttermilk biscuit smothered in gravy. No matter what you get, you won’t be disappointed here! Address: 950 MN 24, Clearwater, MN 55320.
3. Grant House - Rush City
This quaint restaurant should be added to everyone’s list of must-try dining establishments! Its location in Rush City off of I-35 means it’s convenient for anyone heading north - or south - to stop in for a meal. The service is great, and the food fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. For more fun, check into one of the rooms at the Grant House for some possible paranormal encounters! Address: 80 W 4th St, Rush City, MN 55069.
4. Fisher's Club - Avon
The folks at Fisher’s Club sure do know how to make great food! This wonderful eatery is located in Avon overlooking the banks of Middle Spunk Lake. Here, you’ll find deliciously flavorful food and drinks. The menu is full of flavorful options, from classic burgers to zesty tacos. FIsher’s Club will be an instant favorite after one bite! Address: 425 Stratford St W, Avon, MN 56310.
5. Tendermaid - Austin
The small city of Austin has it all: a wildlife refuge, the SPAM museum, and plenty of great restaurants! One Austin favorite is the longstanding - and completely charming - Tendermaid. This historic and adorable eatery has been serving up loose meat burgers for decades! Prepare to get messy with this juicy, flavorful burger - and don’t forget a malt to wash it all down! Address: 217 4th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912.
6. Stacy's Kitchen - Wabasha
Wabasha is best known as the site of the 1993 comedy Grumpy Old Men . But it’s so much more than that. We’re here to put Stacy’s Kitchen on the map for one of its great small town restaurants serving up an absolutely delicious meal. Located on a charming street in the middle of town, Stacy’s will give you a breakfast you won’t soon forget! The friendly staff give it a small-town feel that will keep you coming back for more. Address: 116 Main St E, Wabasha, MN 55981.
7. Charlie's Cafe - Freeport
Never heard of Charlie’s Cafe? You’re in good company! But if you’re a food lover in Minnesota, you’ll want to remedy that ASAP. Charlie’s serves up quite possibly the best smoked pork chop you’ve ever sunken your teeth into. Pair it with a baked potato and some green beans and you’ve got a platter full of goodness! If you’re more of a breakfast fan, Charlie’s has you covered. Everything on their menu is full of flavor. Address: 115 Main St E, Freeport, MN 56331.
8. Pease Cafe - Pease
Don’t blink or you might just miss this tiny, unassuming restaurant in the quaint town of Pease. Just south of Milaca, you’ll find this excellent eatery, serving up the best burgers and sandwiches in the area. After just one meal, you'll be so impressed by the offerings at Pease Cafe that you'll be planning your next visit. Address: 212 Central Ave, Pease, MN 56363.
9. Boathouse Brew Pub - Ely
A lot of Minnesotans don’t think of Ely as a tiny town, but it truly has the quaint small-town feel many know and love. Not only that, but this Boundary Waters border town has great restaurant choices. Boathouse Brewpub delivers on atmosphere, food and drinks. Whether you love burgers walleye, or grilled cheese sandwiches, you’ll find something to please you here. We can’t say enough good things about this great eatery! Address: 47 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731.
10. Tutti Fruitti Kitchen and Market Farm - Sauk Centre
Next time you’re looking for an incredible breakfast, look no further than this charming Sauk Centre restaurant. But if you’re not into breakfast, rest assured that everything prepared at Tutti Fruitti is made from scratch with fresh, quality ingredients! The dining room is cozy and welcoming, and the staff helpful and accomodating! You may be full after your meal, but be sure to get a giant cinnamon roll to go! Address: 38914 Co Rd 186, Sauk Centre, MN 56378.
Did we miss an amazing small town restaurant that the world should know about? Let us know in the comments down below!
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