What’s better than eating a delicious meal? Eating a delicious meal with a view, of course. Minnesota has dozens of waterfront restaurants, many of them situated on the banks of one of our 10,000 lakes. But this time, we want to show our rivers some love. From the Mississippi to the St. Croix, here are 10 of the best restaurants right on the river in Minnesota.
- The Sample Room - Minneapolis
the sample room/Facebook
the sample room/Facebook Since 2002, The Sample Room has been serving up made-from-scratch food on the banks of the Mississippi River. The restaurant boasts views of the Minneapolis skyline as well as easy access to the river. Visitors can arrive by car or tie up at the restaurant’s dock. The Sample Room is located at 2124 Marshall Street Northeast in Minneapolis.
- Dock Cafe - Stillwater
Dock Cafe/Facebook
Dock Cafe/Facebook Dock Cafe in Stillwater is nestled right on the banks of the St. Croix River. Sit on the patio and enjoy your crusted walleye or salmon sandwich with the St. Croix Crossing Bridge in the background. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the bridge lift to let a boat through. Find Dock Cafe at 425 Nelson Street East in Stillwater.
- Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge - Minneapolis
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge/Facebook
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge/Facebook We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention this tiki-themed Minneapolis staple. With an awesome patio overlooking the Mississippi River, Psycho Suzi’s is a great place to grab a burger and a beer. Check it out at 1900 Marshall Street Northeast in Minneapolis.
- Riverside on the Root - Lanesboro
Riverside on the Root/Facebook
Riverside on the Root/Facebook As if we needed another reason to visit the charming town of Lanesboro. Riverside on the Root takes advantage of its location on the Root River by offering outdoor seating, live music, and delicious food. Find it at 109 Parkway Avenue South in Lanesboro.
- Vic’s Dining - Minneapolis
Vic’s Dining/Facebook
Vic’s Dining/Facebook Here’s a cool restaurant with a classy vibe right on the Mississippi River. With a view of the Stone Arch Bridge and the Minneapolis skyline sparkling on the water, Vic’s has the perfect vibe for a nice night out. Try one of their delicious specialties, like a ribeye steak or pork osso buco. Vic’s is located at 201 Southeast Main Street in Minneapolis.
- Broadway Pizza - Minneapolis
Broadway Bar & Pizza - Minneapolis/Facebook
Broadway Bar & Pizza - Minneapolis Broadway has been serving the Twin Cities pizza for over 60 years. When you go, make sure you try the restaurant’s famous thin crust pizza. Eat it while enjoying a great view of the Mississippi River. Find Broadway Pizza at 2025 West River Road North in Minneapolis.
- Marine Landing B.O.T.M. - Marine on St. Croix
Marine Landing b.o.t.m./Facebook
Marine Landing b.o.t.m./Facebook Marine Landing B.O.T.M. is a little restaurant just feet away from the St. Croix River. In the summer, they serve up tasty classics to hungry boaters, but you can also access the restaurant by land if you’re willing to walk a little ways. Try a pulled pork sandwich or a classic rib dinner. Marina Landing is at 10 Elm Street in Marine on St. Croix.
- Current Restaurant - Afton
Current Restaurant/Facebook Afton may be a small town, but it’s got a great riverfront restaurant. The Current is a lesser-known restaurant just feet from the St. Croix River. It’s located at 3291 St. Croix Trail South in Afton.
- Nicollet Island Inn - Minneapolis
Nicollet Island Inn/Facebook
Nicollet Island Inn/Facebook It’s often regarded as one of the best brunch spots in the Twin Cities, but Nicollet Island Inn is an excellent spot for any meal of the day. Pop in for the amazing food, stay for the killer view of the Mississippi. Find them at 95 Merriam Street in Minneapolis.
- Boat House - Winona
Boat House/Facebook
Boat House/Facebook At Boat House, huge windows let in tons of light and offer an amazing view of the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota. Plus, Boat House has fantastic food. Try the walleye and chips - you won’t be sorry. Check it out at 2 Johnson Street in Winona.
Have you ever been to any of these restaurants? Let us know! If you’re looking for even more waterfront dining in Minnesota, check out this list of 14 of the best waterfront restaurants in Minnesota.
the sample room/Facebook
Since 2002, The Sample Room has been serving up made-from-scratch food on the banks of the Mississippi River. The restaurant boasts views of the Minneapolis skyline as well as easy access to the river. Visitors can arrive by car or tie up at the restaurant’s dock. The Sample Room is located at 2124 Marshall Street Northeast in Minneapolis.
Dock Cafe/Facebook
Dock Cafe in Stillwater is nestled right on the banks of the St. Croix River. Sit on the patio and enjoy your crusted walleye or salmon sandwich with the St. Croix Crossing Bridge in the background. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the bridge lift to let a boat through. Find Dock Cafe at 425 Nelson Street East in Stillwater.
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge/Facebook
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention this tiki-themed Minneapolis staple. With an awesome patio overlooking the Mississippi River, Psycho Suzi’s is a great place to grab a burger and a beer. Check it out at 1900 Marshall Street Northeast in Minneapolis.
Riverside on the Root/Facebook
As if we needed another reason to visit the charming town of Lanesboro. Riverside on the Root takes advantage of its location on the Root River by offering outdoor seating, live music, and delicious food. Find it at 109 Parkway Avenue South in Lanesboro.
Vic’s Dining/Facebook
Here’s a cool restaurant with a classy vibe right on the Mississippi River. With a view of the Stone Arch Bridge and the Minneapolis skyline sparkling on the water, Vic’s has the perfect vibe for a nice night out. Try one of their delicious specialties, like a ribeye steak or pork osso buco. Vic’s is located at 201 Southeast Main Street in Minneapolis.
Broadway Bar & Pizza - Minneapolis/Facebook
Broadway Bar & Pizza - Minneapolis
Broadway has been serving the Twin Cities pizza for over 60 years. When you go, make sure you try the restaurant’s famous thin crust pizza. Eat it while enjoying a great view of the Mississippi River. Find Broadway Pizza at 2025 West River Road North in Minneapolis.
Marine Landing b.o.t.m./Facebook
Marine Landing B.O.T.M. is a little restaurant just feet away from the St. Croix River. In the summer, they serve up tasty classics to hungry boaters, but you can also access the restaurant by land if you’re willing to walk a little ways. Try a pulled pork sandwich or a classic rib dinner. Marina Landing is at 10 Elm Street in Marine on St. Croix.
Current Restaurant/Facebook
Afton may be a small town, but it’s got a great riverfront restaurant. The Current is a lesser-known restaurant just feet from the St. Croix River. It’s located at 3291 St. Croix Trail South in Afton.
Nicollet Island Inn/Facebook
It’s often regarded as one of the best brunch spots in the Twin Cities, but Nicollet Island Inn is an excellent spot for any meal of the day. Pop in for the amazing food, stay for the killer view of the Mississippi. Find them at 95 Merriam Street in Minneapolis.
Boat House/Facebook
At Boat House, huge windows let in tons of light and offer an amazing view of the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota. Plus, Boat House has fantastic food. Try the walleye and chips - you won’t be sorry. Check it out at 2 Johnson Street in Winona.
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