When you live in Minnesota, you don’t have to go far to find delicious food. There’s always something amazing right around the corner, whether it’s a great brunch or a scoop of homemade ice cream. The difficult thing about having so many choices? You never know which spots truly live up to their reputation. But we know one thing for certain: these 11 famous Minnesota restaurants definitely do.
- Lions Tap - Eden Prairie
Google Maps
Lions Tap/Facebook The history Lions Tap and the land that it stands on can be traced back to 1855. The land was used as a farm, then a beer stand, and eventually the famous burger joint it is today. The great prices and cozy atmosphere of this Eden Prairie establishment - not to mention its award-winning burgers - make every visit totally worth it. Address: 16180 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie.
- Mickey’s Diner - St. Paul
Adam Schweigert/Flickr
Mickey’s Dining Car/Facebook If a restaurant can stay open for as long as Mickey’s has, it’s got to be doing something right. This landmark diner in downtown St. Paul has been pouring coffee and frying eggs every hour of the day since 1939. But don’t think breakfast is all you can get when you visit the famous dining car. They’re also known for their mulligan stew. Address: 36 7th Street West, St. Paul.
- Matt’s Bar - Minneapolis
Jeramey Jannene/Flickr
Albert Leung/Flickr As the home of the Jucy Lucy, Matt’s Bar is a must-visit for anyone who visits - or lives in - Minnesota. One bite of the molten cheese-filled burger, and you’ll never want to go back to a plain patty ever again. Address: 3500 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis.
- Duluth Grill - Duluth
John Russell/Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr From the outside, Duluth Grill doesn’t look much different from the hundreds of other family restaurants you’ll find scattered across the Midwest. But this place is truly special. With a creative menu full of fresh ingredients, you’ll always leave with a full stomach - and probably a doggy bag. You’ll be glad for the leftovers. Address: 118 South 27th Avenue West, Duluth.
- The Barn - Brainerd
The Barn/Facebook
The Barn/Facebook People who have been to the Barn love the Barn. People who haven’t? They don’t know what they’re missing. This place is a true classic. They’re known for their mouth-watering homemade pies, but they also serve fantastic breakfast and - if you’re in the mood for something truly classic - Maid-Rite burgers. There aren’t many places in Minnesota where you can still get one, and the Barn has some of the best. Address: 711 Washington Street, Brainerd.
- Dari-ette - St. Paul
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
Dari-ette Drive In/Facebook There aren’t many drive-in restaurants still standing - and there are even fewer that serve Italian food. In fact, St. Paul’s Dari-ette may be the only one. And it’s good. You can’t go wrong with a meatball sandwich. Address: 1440 Minnehaha Avenue East, St. Paul.
- Victor’s 1959 Cafe - Minneapolis
Victor’s 1959 Cafe/Facebook
snekse/Flickr There is no question that Victor’s 1959 Cafe lives up to its great reputation. This brightly colored spot has a fantastic atmosphere - and food to match. If you’re a fan of Cuban food made with fresh ingredients, Victor’s is for you. Address: 3756 Grand Avenue South, Minneapolis.
- Bayport BBQ - Bayport
Google Maps
Bayport BBQ/Facebook You wouldn’t think a Minnesota restaurant would have BBQ to write home about. But this little restaurant in the small town of Bayport definitely does. The restaurant’s reputation was fully established when it was featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, but the mouthwateringly delicious Texas-style BBQ makes this restaurant work it on its own. Address: 328 5th Avenue North, Bayport.
- Al’s Breakfast - Minneapolis
Peter Merholz/Facebook
Tadon Bussey/Flickr This tiny but beloved Dinkytown restaurant is a no-frills establishment with a big breakfast menu you’re bound to love. Next time you’re up for a morning of rubbing elbows with a stranger over breakfast, you could do a lot worse than Al’s. Address: 413 14th Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis.
- The Nook - St. Paul
jpellgen/Flickr
jpellgen/Flickr Matt’s may be home to one of the original Juicy Lucys, but there are plenty of other options in the Twin Cities. If you’re on the hunt for a cheesy burger east of the river, the Nook is a go-to spot. They actually have a few stuffed burgers to choose from, so you can go with a classic cheddar or mix things up with queso or swiss. Address: 492 Hamline Avenue South, St. Paul.
- Northern Waters Smokehaus - Duluth
jpellgen/Flickr
Northern Waters Smokehaus/Facebook Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Northern Waters Smokehaus has quickly made a name for itself as an amazing place to grab a bite in Duluth. It lives up to its sterling reputation by combining fresh ingredients with smoked fish and meat to create creative dishes that you don’t have to be a foodie to love. Next time you’re in Duluth, give this amazing spot a whirl. Address: 394 South Lake Avenue #106, Duluth.
Have you ever been to any of these famous restaurants? Let us know how it went! And, if you’re ready to try a place a little more off the beaten path, check out these 11 unsuspecting Minnesota restaurants with food so good it should be illegal.
Google Maps
Lions Tap/Facebook
The history Lions Tap and the land that it stands on can be traced back to 1855. The land was used as a farm, then a beer stand, and eventually the famous burger joint it is today. The great prices and cozy atmosphere of this Eden Prairie establishment - not to mention its award-winning burgers - make every visit totally worth it. Address: 16180 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie.
Adam Schweigert/Flickr
Mickey’s Dining Car/Facebook
If a restaurant can stay open for as long as Mickey’s has, it’s got to be doing something right. This landmark diner in downtown St. Paul has been pouring coffee and frying eggs every hour of the day since 1939. But don’t think breakfast is all you can get when you visit the famous dining car. They’re also known for their mulligan stew. Address: 36 7th Street West, St. Paul.
Jeramey Jannene/Flickr
Albert Leung/Flickr
As the home of the Jucy Lucy, Matt’s Bar is a must-visit for anyone who visits - or lives in - Minnesota. One bite of the molten cheese-filled burger, and you’ll never want to go back to a plain patty ever again. Address: 3500 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis.
John Russell/Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
From the outside, Duluth Grill doesn’t look much different from the hundreds of other family restaurants you’ll find scattered across the Midwest. But this place is truly special. With a creative menu full of fresh ingredients, you’ll always leave with a full stomach - and probably a doggy bag. You’ll be glad for the leftovers. Address: 118 South 27th Avenue West, Duluth.
The Barn/Facebook
People who have been to the Barn love the Barn. People who haven’t? They don’t know what they’re missing. This place is a true classic. They’re known for their mouth-watering homemade pies, but they also serve fantastic breakfast and - if you’re in the mood for something truly classic - Maid-Rite burgers. There aren’t many places in Minnesota where you can still get one, and the Barn has some of the best. Address: 711 Washington Street, Brainerd.
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
Dari-ette Drive In/Facebook
There aren’t many drive-in restaurants still standing - and there are even fewer that serve Italian food. In fact, St. Paul’s Dari-ette may be the only one. And it’s good. You can’t go wrong with a meatball sandwich. Address: 1440 Minnehaha Avenue East, St. Paul.
Victor’s 1959 Cafe/Facebook
snekse/Flickr
There is no question that Victor’s 1959 Cafe lives up to its great reputation. This brightly colored spot has a fantastic atmosphere - and food to match. If you’re a fan of Cuban food made with fresh ingredients, Victor’s is for you. Address: 3756 Grand Avenue South, Minneapolis.
Bayport BBQ/Facebook
You wouldn’t think a Minnesota restaurant would have BBQ to write home about. But this little restaurant in the small town of Bayport definitely does. The restaurant’s reputation was fully established when it was featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, but the mouthwateringly delicious Texas-style BBQ makes this restaurant work it on its own. Address: 328 5th Avenue North, Bayport.
Peter Merholz/Facebook
Tadon Bussey/Flickr
This tiny but beloved Dinkytown restaurant is a no-frills establishment with a big breakfast menu you’re bound to love. Next time you’re up for a morning of rubbing elbows with a stranger over breakfast, you could do a lot worse than Al’s. Address: 413 14th Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis.
jpellgen/Flickr
Matt’s may be home to one of the original Juicy Lucys, but there are plenty of other options in the Twin Cities. If you’re on the hunt for a cheesy burger east of the river, the Nook is a go-to spot. They actually have a few stuffed burgers to choose from, so you can go with a classic cheddar or mix things up with queso or swiss. Address: 492 Hamline Avenue South, St. Paul.
Northern Waters Smokehaus/Facebook
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Northern Waters Smokehaus has quickly made a name for itself as an amazing place to grab a bite in Duluth. It lives up to its sterling reputation by combining fresh ingredients with smoked fish and meat to create creative dishes that you don’t have to be a foodie to love. Next time you’re in Duluth, give this amazing spot a whirl. Address: 394 South Lake Avenue #106, Duluth.
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