Here Are 10 Scrumptious, No Frills Restaurants In Minnesota (2024)

Minnesota

By Betsy Rathburn

|Published January 28, 2018

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Betsy Rathburn

Author

Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.

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No matter which direction you travel in Minnesota, you’re never far from a delicious dining experience. From nationally recognized restaurants in the Twin Cities to small mom-and-pop diners in small-town Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is filled with excellent dining options. Next time you want an amazing meal without all the rigmarole of going to a fancy restaurant, check out these 10 scrumptious, no frills restaurants in Minnesota.

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Harris is a small town in east-central Minnesota. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for with this cozy family-owned restaurant. Housed in a nondescript red building right off of Highway 61, this no-frills restaurant serves up comfort food in a cozy setting. From tasty sandwiches to flavorful pies, you'll find what you're looking for here - and then some. Address: 43821 Forest Boulevard, Harris.

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Effie is a tiny town of just over 100 people. But you can sure get an amazing meal there. The Effie Cafe draws people from all over with its great prices, amazing service, and delicious food. The menu is full of classics like walleye dinner and homestyle breakfasts. Next time you're passing through in northern Minnesota, make a detour to stop in. You'll be welcomed like a local. Address: 100 Highway 1, Effie.

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Judy's Cafe is a tiny spot in Two Harbors that has drawn locals for years. It's a great place to get a good breakfast, and you'll never go wrong with anything you order. Their homestyle American fare is about as no-frills as you can get, and it's done absolutely perfectly. Address: 623 7th Avenue, Two Harbors.

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The Little Oven is a low-key, no-frills establishment that serves up delicious pasta and pizza. Their huge portions will impress you - but not as much as the prices will. But don't think you can only eat there for lunch or dinner. The Little Oven even has a breakfast menu! Address: 1786 Minnehaha Avenue East, St. Paul.

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Way up in Grand Marais, the Crooked Spoon Cafe is a staple for anyone who loves amazing food at affordable prices. While the restaurant comes complete with a rooftop dining area, the atmosphere is casual and low-key. And the menu is incredible. From salmon to polenta to burgers and fries, it's is full of interesting items that will please just about anyone. Address: 17 West Wisconsin Street, Grand Marais.

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The Uptowner Cafe on Grand may be small, but it draws a crowd. On any given weekend morning, you may have to wait a bit to grab a table. But when you do, you're guaranteed great service and an amazing meal. Burgers and sandwiches are on the menu, but the reason to go is to fill up on a great breakfast. The menu is full of classics and specialties. You really can't go wrong at this no-frills restaurant. Address: 1100 Grand Avenue, St. Paul.

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In the tiny town of Lanesboro, Pedal Pushers Cafe is a cute restaurant that draws in locals and tourists alike. Why? Because its menu caters to those who love classic diner fare. From burgers and fries to fish and chips, everyone who visits will find something to satisfy them. And best of all, the food is made with fresh, flavorful ingredients. What's not to love? Address: 121 Parkway Avenue North, Lanesboro.

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Lange's Cafe is a 24/7 restaurant that has been around since 1956. In fact, they have never locked their doors. The restaurant still has the '50s charm it had when it first opened - and it serves up tasty classics to match. The menu may be no-frills, but the service certainly isn't. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure customers leave happy. One thing that will help? Order a slice of pie before you leave! Address: 110 8th Avenue Southeast, Pipestone.

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Grandy is a teeny-tiny town outside of Cambridge, Minnesota. It is not known for much, but it does have one claim to fame: the broasted chicken served up at Brass Rail. This little restaurant is unassuming on the inside and out, but its award-winning chicken draws crowds from miles around. Trust us, you will not be disappointed. Address: 36868 Highway 65 Northeast, Grandy.

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Lemon Wolf Cafe is the perfect restaurant to go to if you want some flavorful comfort food. The menu in this tiny restaurant is full of delicious options, and you can't go wrong no matter what you choose. While this restaurant is pretty no-frills, you will get generous portions and excellent service - all for a reasonable price. Address: 711 East West Towne Road, Beaver Bay.

Ever been to any of these restaurants? Know of any more no-frills restaurants we should know about? Tell us all about them in the comments below!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Here Are 10 Scrumptious, No Frills Restaurants In Minnesota (2024)

FAQs

What is the signature dish of Minnesota? ›

Food as an event

Tater tot hotdish is popular, as is wild rice hotdish; Minnesota is one of the leading producers of wild rice. Dessert bars are also common at Minnesota potlucks. Other dishes include glorified rice, German baked apples and cookie salad.

What fruit is Minnesota known for? ›

The Honeycrisp Apple was adopted as the state fruit in 2006.

The apple was produced from a 1960 cross of Macoun and Honeygold apples, as part of the University of Minnesota apple breeding program to develop a winter-hardy tree with high quality fruit.

What is Minnesota's state meal? ›

Wild Rice Soup

Wild Rice, which is not actually rice at all, but grass seed, is Minnesota's state grain and one that's been lovingly embraced by Minnesotan cooks. You find it in everything from burgers, pancakes, hot dish and of course, the famous Minnesota wild rice soup.

What dessert is Minnesota famous for? ›

And when it comes to dessert you have Minnesota to thank for bundt cakes - the design we are familiar with today was introduced there in the 1950's by Nordic Ware. You're also likely to see plenty of bars when you visit Minnesota.

What is the state snack of Minnesota? ›

The blueberry muffin was adopted as the official muffin of the state of Minnesota in 1988.

What is the MN State Food? ›

List of U.S. state foods
StateFood typeFood name
MinnesotaState grainWild rice
State mushroomMorel
State muffinBlueberry muffin
State fruitHoneycrisp apple
126 more rows

What is Minnesota state drink? ›

Milk was adopted as the official state drink in 1984.

Minnesota produces over 9 billion pounds of milk a year (around 5 percent of the nation's total) and ranks eighth in dairy production among the states.

What candy is Minnesota known for? ›

The Minnesota Connection:

Wiley Wallaby Licorice is made at Kenny's Candy & Confections in Perham, MN. They make about 300,000 pounds of it each week! It's not clear if Wiley's was the inspiration behind naming licorice the state candy, but I can't think of any other reason.

What food was invented in Minnesota? ›

Minnesota's Most Iconic Foods
  • Beef tater-tot hotdish (featuring a recipe by Molly Yeh) and Watergate Salad (featuring pistachio Jell-O, clementines, and marshmallows) ...
  • The Bundt cake, made using a Nordic Ware pan with Berry Crocker Lemon Cake Mix, glaze, and lemon zest.
Jun 15, 2023

What food is native to Minnesota? ›

In addition to walleye and wild rice, indigenous Minnesotans have traditionally used ingredients such as bison, sweet potato, and corn. James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Sherman, otherwise known as “The Sioux Chef,” aims to bring Native American food back to the forefront in Minnesota.

What animal is Minnesota known for? ›

Moose. Moose are Minnesota's largest animal. They can exceed 1,000 pounds. Moose live in northwestern and northeastern parts of Minnesota.

What is the best food to eat in Minnesota? ›

Lefse (Norwegian potato flatbread), gravlax (smoked salmon), and lutefisk (cod preserved in lye) are mainstays of Scandinavian-American cuisine, but nothing is more beloved than Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar.

What is Minnesota's motto? ›

L'etoile du Nord (translation: “Star of the North”) was adopted formally as the official state motto in 1861. Henry Sibley selected this motto to be used on the state seal and the Legislature approved both the seal and the motto at the same time. Laws of Minnesota 1861, Chapter 43.

What is the state pie of Minnesota? ›

Minnesota: Apple pie made with Honeycrisp apples.

What is the 1 most popular food? ›

popularity is the % of people who have a positive opinion of a american dish. Find out more
  1. 1 Mashed potatoes86%
  2. 2 French Fries86%
  3. 3 Hamburgers85%
  4. 4 Cheeseburger83%
  5. 5 Grilled Cheese82%
  6. 6 Steak and Baked potato82%
  7. 7 Hash browns82%
  8. 8 Fried Chicken82%

What is Minnesota famously known for? ›

Minnesota's lakes and rivers are part of what this state is all about. One of Minnesota's nicknames is "Land of 10,000 Lakes," but it really has lots more. It's on the shore of the biggest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior. And, it's where the world's third-largest river, the Mississippi, begins.

What food does Minnesota produce the most? ›

In the state of Minnesota, milk production dominates, but beef cattle and hog marketing are also important. The major crops are corn, soybeans, hay, wheat, sugar beets, oats, and barley. Hogs are the state's top-producing livestock commodity.

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