We all have our favorites when it comes to restaurants, but sometimes it’s nice to try something a little different. If you’re up for a little exploring, there are so many restaurants in Minnesota that are a little off the beaten track. But more often than not, they’re so worth it. These 11 under-the-radar restaurants in Minnesota may be off the beaten track, but their food is delicious.
- T. Pattenn Cafe - Orr
T. Pattenn Cafe/Facebook
T. Pattenn Cafe/Facebook Way up in Orr, along the shores of Pelican Lake, T. Pattenn Cafe draws in visitors with its cute red exterior. Inside, the kitchen serves up tasty classics that will make you feel right at home during your time up north. Address: 4557 Highway 53, Orr.
- Mike’s Cafe - Marshall
Mikes Cafe/Facebook
Mikes Cafe/Facebook Mike’s Cafe has been around in various locations since 1936, so they know a thing or to about making good food. Whether you go for breakfast or a hand-pattied burger, you’re definitely going to walk away with a full belly. Address: 1501 East College Drive, Marshall.
- Ding Dong Cafe - Sauk Centre
Google Maps
Ding Dong Cafe/Facebook Standing on a peaceful corner in Sauk Centre, the Ding Dong Cafe quietly cranks out delicious homemade staples that make it a favorite of locals and visitors alike. If you’re ever in the area, do pop in for a classic breakfast. You won’t regret it. Address: 526 Elm Street South, Sauk Centre.
- Valentino’s - Montevideo
Valentino’s American Restaurant/Facebook
Valentino’s American Restaurant/Facebook Here is a locally owned restaurant that excels in nearly everything it does. From the great location in downtown Montevideo to the charming decor to the amazing homemade food - including the unbeatable pies - Valentino’s is one to write home about. Address: 110 South First Street, Montevideo.
- Peg’s Countryside Cafe - Hamel
Peg’s Countryside Cafe/Facebook
Peg’s Countryside Cafe/Facebook Even if you’ve never been to Peg’s, you’ve probably noticed it if you’ve driven through Hamel. The adorable restaurant isn’t super well-known, but it does have quite the following. Why? Because beyond the checkerboard, chicken-themed exterior, scrumptious country cooking awaits. Cinnamon roll French toast? Don’t mind if I do. Address: 842 Highway 55, Hamel.
- Red’s Cafe - Montrose
Red’s Cafe & Catering
Red’s Cafe & Catering Red’s Cafe looks humble on the outside, but this long-standing restaurant will take you for a spin. Great classics like omelets and burgers await anyone who stops in for a bite. Address: 221 Nelson Boulevard, Montrose.
- Burdey’s Cafe - Peterson
Google Maps
Burdey’s Cafe Peterson is a tiny town - just under 200 people - but it makes up for that with Burdey’s Cafe. This is a sweet restaurant serving homemade food. Couple that with the great speed and reasonable prices, and you have a winner in this small town restaurant. Address: 417 Mill Street, Peterson.
- Jill’s Cafe - Richmond
Jill’s Cafe
Jill’s Cafe/Facebook Jill’s is a little restaurant near St. Cloud with quite the following. Those in the know rave about the cozy atmosphere and great food. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the breakfast dishes are a real treat. Address: 388 4th St SW, Richmond, MN 56368.
- Charlie’s Cafe - Freeport
Charlie’s Cafe/Facebook
Charlie’s Cafe/Facebook Freeport is a small town, but Charlie’s Cafe has big personality. At least, its sign does. If you’ve ever driven through Freeport, you’ve certainly noticed the bright yellow and red sign rising proudly over Main Street. But have you ever gone in? Old favorites served at a classic food counter are the order of the day here. Don’t miss out on a tasty homemade pie for dessert. Address: 115 Main Street East, Freeport.
- The Spot Cafe - Staples
The Spot Cafe/Facebook
The Spot Cafe/Facebook The Spot Cafe is a popular restaurant in Staples, Minnesota. The humble log cabin exterior gives way to a cozy inside that serves - fittingly - classic comfort food staples. Order the country fried steak if you’re looking for a hearty meal with big flavor. Address: 116 2nd Avenue Northeast, Staples.
- Lions Tap - Eden Prairie
Google Maps
Lions Tap/Facebook For those in the know, Lions Tap is the go-to place for a good burger. But there are still many people who don’t know about this restaurant’s famous hamburgers. If you’re ever in Eden Prairie, go ahead and stop for a no-frills classic burger. You will not be disappointed. Address: 16180 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie.
Many of these restaurants are a good way from the Twin Cities, but hopefully you will be willing to make the trek. Let us know what you think of them! And when you’re ready for more great restaurants, check out this list of 11 homey restaurants in Minnesota that serve your all-time favorite comfort foods.
T. Pattenn Cafe/Facebook
Way up in Orr, along the shores of Pelican Lake, T. Pattenn Cafe draws in visitors with its cute red exterior. Inside, the kitchen serves up tasty classics that will make you feel right at home during your time up north. Address: 4557 Highway 53, Orr.
Mikes Cafe/Facebook
Mike’s Cafe has been around in various locations since 1936, so they know a thing or to about making good food. Whether you go for breakfast or a hand-pattied burger, you’re definitely going to walk away with a full belly. Address: 1501 East College Drive, Marshall.
Google Maps
Ding Dong Cafe/Facebook
Standing on a peaceful corner in Sauk Centre, the Ding Dong Cafe quietly cranks out delicious homemade staples that make it a favorite of locals and visitors alike. If you’re ever in the area, do pop in for a classic breakfast. You won’t regret it. Address: 526 Elm Street South, Sauk Centre.
Valentino’s American Restaurant/Facebook
Here is a locally owned restaurant that excels in nearly everything it does. From the great location in downtown Montevideo to the charming decor to the amazing homemade food - including the unbeatable pies - Valentino’s is one to write home about. Address: 110 South First Street, Montevideo.
Peg’s Countryside Cafe/Facebook
Even if you’ve never been to Peg’s, you’ve probably noticed it if you’ve driven through Hamel. The adorable restaurant isn’t super well-known, but it does have quite the following. Why? Because beyond the checkerboard, chicken-themed exterior, scrumptious country cooking awaits. Cinnamon roll French toast? Don’t mind if I do. Address: 842 Highway 55, Hamel.
Red’s Cafe & Catering
Red’s Cafe looks humble on the outside, but this long-standing restaurant will take you for a spin. Great classics like omelets and burgers await anyone who stops in for a bite. Address: 221 Nelson Boulevard, Montrose.
Burdey’s Cafe
Peterson is a tiny town - just under 200 people - but it makes up for that with Burdey’s Cafe. This is a sweet restaurant serving homemade food. Couple that with the great speed and reasonable prices, and you have a winner in this small town restaurant. Address: 417 Mill Street, Peterson.
Jill’s Cafe
Jill’s Cafe/Facebook
Jill’s is a little restaurant near St. Cloud with quite the following. Those in the know rave about the cozy atmosphere and great food. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the breakfast dishes are a real treat. Address: 388 4th St SW, Richmond, MN 56368.
Charlie’s Cafe/Facebook
Freeport is a small town, but Charlie’s Cafe has big personality. At least, its sign does. If you’ve ever driven through Freeport, you’ve certainly noticed the bright yellow and red sign rising proudly over Main Street. But have you ever gone in? Old favorites served at a classic food counter are the order of the day here. Don’t miss out on a tasty homemade pie for dessert. Address: 115 Main Street East, Freeport.
The Spot Cafe/Facebook
The Spot Cafe is a popular restaurant in Staples, Minnesota. The humble log cabin exterior gives way to a cozy inside that serves - fittingly - classic comfort food staples. Order the country fried steak if you’re looking for a hearty meal with big flavor. Address: 116 2nd Avenue Northeast, Staples.
Lions Tap/Facebook
For those in the know, Lions Tap is the go-to place for a good burger. But there are still many people who don’t know about this restaurant’s famous hamburgers. If you’re ever in Eden Prairie, go ahead and stop for a no-frills classic burger. You will not be disappointed. Address: 16180 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie.
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