Reviewing the gristliest restaurants
the midwest has to offer.
Nestled in Spring Park, the Minnetonka Drive-In offers a nostalgic dining experience with classic carhop service, serving up fresh burgers, hand-cut onion rings, and homemade root beer crafted from a 1960s A&W recipe. This family-owned establishment, operating since 1961, invites patrons to relive the charm of yesteryear while enjoying a menu that blends traditional favorites with unexpected delights like gyros and slow-cooked barbecue ribs.
Read more >Stepping into Space Aliens Grill & Bar in Albertville, MN, feels like entering a cosmic wonderland, with its 30-foot-high domed ceiling showcasing outer space and whimsical alien sculptures creating an immersive atmosphere. The menu offers fire-roasted pizzas, award-winning ribs, and loaded baked potatoes, while the arcade adds an extra layer of fun, making it a must-visit destination for both children and adults.
Read more >Choo Choo Restaurant & Bar in Loretto, MN, offers a unique dining experience with its immersive railroad-themed decor, including an authentic caboose integrated into the dining area and vintage train memorabilia adorning the walls. The menu features American comfort food favorites, notably their renowned chicken wings and award-winning burgers, all complemented by attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere.
Read more >Nestled in Savage, Minnesota, the Windmill Cafe offers a nostalgic dining experience with its cozy booths and the inviting aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee. Serving generous portions of comfort food classics like crispy hash browns, golden-yolked eggs, and standout chicken-fried steak smothered in rich sausage gravy, this charming eatery is a must-visit for those seeking hearty fare and a welcoming atmosphere.
Read more >Stepping into Wampach's Restaurant in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like being enveloped in a warm, nostalgic embrace, where the retro decor and comforting aromas transport you to a bygone era. The menu, a love letter to classic American comfort food, features standout dishes like the golden, gravy-smothered chicken fried steak and renowned fluffy pancakes, making it a sanctuary for those seeking solace in the familiar and flavorful.
Read more >Wagner's Drive-In offers a nostalgic dining experience with its classic drive-in setup, friendly carhop service, and mouthwatering menu featuring hand-pattied burgers, crispy onion rings, and thick homemade shakes. This gem captures the essence of Americana, delivering delicious food and genuine hospitality that transport patrons to a bygone era.
Read more >Stepping into Tendermaid in Austin, Minnesota, is like traveling back to the 1950s, with its retro counter and vintage decor setting the stage for a no-frills dining experience focused on exceptional food. Their loose meat sandwich, featuring tender ground beef on a soft bun, and hand-spun chocolate malts offer a nostalgic taste that makes this establishment a must-visit slice of Americana.
Read more >Ze's Diner in Prior Lake, Minnesota, offers a nostalgic 1950s ambiance paired with classic American comfort food, including all-day breakfast and homemade rhubarb jams. With attentive service and a menu featuring favorites like patty melts and Angus beef burgers, it's a commendable destination for those seeking a retro dining experience.
Read more >Tucked behind a strip mall in Hopkins, Sambusa King offers generous portions of authentic East African cuisine, including tender goat meat and crispy sambusas. While the ambiance is modest, the flavorful dishes and warm service make it a culinary gem worth discovering.
Read more >Nestled along Highway 65 in Grandy, Minnesota, the Brass Rail has been serving its renowned broasted chicken since 1969, offering a cozy, no-frills atmosphere that immediately feels welcoming. Each piece of chicken boasts a crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat inside, complemented by a side of finely diced coleslaw dressed in a creamy, slightly sweet sauce, making for a satisfying meal that leaves a lasting impression.
Read more >In the heart of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Val's Rapid Service stands as a nostalgic beacon, serving up no-frills burgers and fries since 1959. This unassuming eatery, once a Pure Oil gas station, offers a taste of mid-century Americana with its minimalist menu and retro ambiance.
Read more >Nestled along Highway 2 in Bena, Minnesota, The Big Fish Supper Club offers a cozy Northwoods ambiance complemented by a menu featuring standout dishes like broasted chicken and walleye sandwiches. With its inviting atmosphere and exceptional service, this hidden gem provides a memorable dining experience that captures authentic Minnesota hospitality.
Read more >Step back into the 1950s at The Drive-In Restaurant in Taylors Falls, Minnesota, where carhops in poodle skirts serve hand-packed burgers and homemade root beer to patrons seated in classic cars. With its nostalgic ambiance, delicious comfort food, and an adjacent 18-hole mini-golf course, this eatery offers a delightful experience that earns a solid 9 out of 10.
Read more >Thirty Bales in Hopkins, Minnesota, offers an avant-garde dining experience with ambitious dishes like the "Boujee Bene," yet the flavors often compete rather than harmonize, leaving the palate searching for cohesion. The modern chic atmosphere and attentive service aim to impress, but may feel overbearing to those seeking a more relaxed and straightforward dining experience.
Read more >Stepping into the Hubbell House in Mantorville, Minnesota, is like being enveloped by a warm, historical embrace, where the air is thick with the scent of aged wood and the subtle aroma of garlic toast wafting from the kitchen. The menu is a love letter to classic Midwestern cuisine, featuring perfectly crafted dishes like seared prime rib with creamy au gratin potatoes and a crispy walleye sandwich that pays homage to Minnesota's rich fishing heritage.
Read more >On a chilly Minnesota evening, I stepped into Jambo Africa Restaurant in Brooklyn Center, where the rich aroma of spices and simmering stews transported me straight to the heart of Africa. From the crispy samosas to the tender goat curry with ugali, each dish told a story of heritage and passion, making it an unforgettable dining experience.
Read more >Nestled in Forest Lake, Minnesota, The Old Log Cabin offers a rustic dining experience where the aroma of broasted chicken and prime rib fills the air, inviting guests into a cozy atmosphere of wooden beams and log walls. With a menu celebrating comfort food classics and service steeped in Midwestern hospitality, this establishment stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of familiar, hearty meals shared in good company.
Read more >The Fireside Inn in McGregor, MN, offers a cozy Northwoods ambiance with a wood-burning fireplace and candlelit tables, complemented by a diverse American menu featuring dishes like Alaskan cod and a Wednesday night steak and lobster special. Efficient service and a fresh salad bar enhance the dining experience, making it a recommended spot for those seeking a traditional American meal in a warm setting.
Read more >Nestled in a historic 1931 log cabin, Phil's Tara Hideaway in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, offers a unique dining experience that blends rustic charm with a fusion of Greek and American cuisine. From tender grilled octopus to the decadent Tara steak topped with creamy gorgonzola, each dish showcases the kitchen's mastery, complemented by attentive service that enhances the warm, inviting atmosphere.
Read more >Stepping into Mickey's Diner is like slipping through a wrinkle in time, where the air hums with the ghosts of a thousand conversations and the scent of sizzling bacon. Each visit is a pilgrimage to the altar of Americana, offering a sanctuary for those seeking solace in the familiar.
Read more >Lisa revisits a Minnesota classic with a stop at The Peppermint Twist in Delano—where the burgers sizzle, the picnic tables are plenty, and the nostalgia is served up with a side of onion rings.
Read more >Al's Breakfast in Minneapolis offers a meticulously crafted menu of breakfast classics, such as the harmonious blueberry pancakes, within an efficiently utilized 14-stool counter space adorned with vintage photos and global currency. The staff's prompt and knowledgeable service ensures a nostalgic and satisfying dining experience, reminiscent of a legacy system that continues to outperform newer models.
Read more >Afro Deli & Grill in Minneapolis offers a vibrant fusion of African, Mediterranean, and American cuisines, creating a rich tapestry of flavors that evoke cherished memories of family gatherings. With its lively atmosphere, attentive service, and diverse menu featuring dishes like the tender Somali Steak Sandwich and crispy Sambusas, it's a culinary destination that invites patrons to return time and again.
Read more >Stepping into Snuffy's Malt Shop in Bloomington, Minnesota, is like traveling back to a charming 1950s diner, complete with classic booths and vintage memorabilia. The nostalgic ambiance, combined with a menu featuring well-executed burgers and rich, creamy malts, offers a delightful dining experience that earns a commendable 9 out of 10.
Read more >Tucked off a quiet highway in Harris, Minnesota, Kaffe Stuga is a timeworn diner where the wallpaper peels, the coffee never stops flowing, and the pie tastes like someone’s stubborn grandmother baked it out of spite. It’s a little grimy, a little charming, and unapologetically stuck in time—in the best way possible.
Read more >In Reggie's first review for GristleHub dives into the heart of New Hope's breakfast scene with a visit to Fat Nat's Eggs. Known for its generous portions and classic diner vibe, Reggie explores what makes this local favorite tick. From the sizzle of the griddle to the warmth of the service, he shares his candid take on a spot that’s been serving up hearty breakfasts for years.
Read more >In their first GristleHub review, Lisa and Kendra dive into Pink Ivy Kitchen & Bar in Hopkins, MN—a vibrant, veggie-forward spot known for its bold flavors and artful plating. Lisa praises the restaurant's ambiance and innovative dishes, like the roasted delicata squash, though she notes the portion sizes and service pace could be improved. Kendra highlights the culinary creativity in offerings such as the braised lamb toast and appreciates the welcoming staff, while also mentioning the pricing and menu variety as areas for enhancement. Their conversation offers a nuanced look at a restaurant that blends modern American cuisine with global influences, reflecting both its strengths and opportunities for growth.
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