These 10 Minnesota Towns Might Be Tiny But Their Restaurants Are Fantastic
×
Betsy Rathburn
Author
We all know the Twin Cities are filled with some amazing restaurants. If you live in the metro area, you don’t have to travel too far to find a great bite to eat. But what if you’re in Greater Minnesota? Luckily, there are many tiny towns throughout our great state that are home to some mouthwatering restaurants. Here are 10 of our very favorites:
From the Ely Steakhouse to the Boathouse Brewpub, Ely is a little town little town that is full of scrumptious eateries. You can get just about any style of cuisine you like, in just about any setting. Want Italian? Check out Sir G's Italian Restaurant. You can even stop in and get an incredible grilled cheese at Gator's Grilled Cheese Emporium.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Anyone who's ever been to Grand Marais has probably stopped at its most famous eatery. World's Best Donuts is a popular North Shore spot attracts travelers who have a hankering for a sweet treat. And for lunch, you might as well check out the Angry Trout Cafe. This charming restaurant specializes on locally grown products and freshly caught Lake Superior fish.
Two Harbors is a beautiful town right on the North Shore of Lake Superior. After you visit the nearby Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse, you should check in to one (or more!) of its tasty restaurants. The most famous is Betty's Pies, where you can top off your delicious meal with a slice of homemade pie. If you're looking for something a little less well-known, try out Rustic Inn Cafe. This beautiful restaurant has a fantastic restaurant full of foods you'll love.
Being in the heart of resort country, the small town if Nisswa plays host to more than a few delectable restaurant choices. There are too many to list, but among the top rated is Sherwood Forest, located in a cozy lodge built in the 1920s. This restaurant specializes in updated favorites that are sure to satiate your appetite. And from pizza places to burger joints, there are many other great places to eat in Nisswa.
Advertisement
Pipestone may be small, but it's home to Lange's Cafe, a restaurant that hasn't closed for more than 60 years. They've been open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year since 1956, with no sign of slowing down. If you're in Pipestone checking out Winnewissa Falls at Pipestone National Monument — or even if you're just a bit further south at Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne — make a trip to Lange's. You'll be met with friendly faces, vintage charm, and fantastic food.
Related Stories
This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town In Minnesota Is So Worth Exploring
This Twin Cities Nature Sanctuary Makes For The Perfect Minnesota Day Trip
I've Lived In Minnesota My Entire Adult Life And I've Never Had Smelt
Lanesboro is one of Minnesota's most charming towns, drawing crowds on nice summer days. Among the best restaurants is Pedal Pushers Cafe, a sunny spot that specializes in fresh ingredients. Another favorite Lanesboro restaurant is Riverside on the Root. It combines excellent food with a beautiful location along the banks of the Root River.
Advertisement
Henderson, Minnesota, is home to just under 900 people. But this tiny town draws crowds to what is arguably its best restaurant, the Henderson RoadHaus. This spot has a menu full of classics like burgers and wings. You'll love the friendly atmosphere of this small-town restaurant.
Grandy is an unincorporated community in east-central Minnesota, not far north of Cambridge. But this tiny town has made a name for itself with a restaurant called Brass Rail. On the outside, this unassuming little restaurant looks like your typical biker bar, but inside, you'll be greeted with a cozy dining area where you can — and should — order the broasted chicken that Brass Rail is known for.
Delano is one of the larger towns on this list, but we thought it was worth a mention simply because it is home to Bonde Bistro. This beautiful restaurant in small-town Minnesota may surprise you with just how good its food really is. Serving simple meals in a beautiful restaurant setting, you really can't get much better than this. If you ever pass through Delano, definitely stop in.
Advertisement
Bayport, Minnesota, has made a name for itself on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Why? For Bayport BBQ, the amazingly delicious restaurant that serves some of the best BBQ you'll find in Minnesota. From brisket to spare ribs — with a whole slew of tasty sides — this Texas-style BBQ will have you coming back for thirds.
Do you know of any other tiny towns in Minnesota with great restaurants? Let us know in the comments! Also be sure to check out our article about the 10 themed restaurants in Minnesota that will transform your dining experience.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.