Minnesotans are nice by nature. And why shouldn’t we be? We’re blessed to live in the most beautiful state in the land, filled with some of the best people, places, and things to do in the entire country. And where is the best place to experience Minnesota Nice? In restaurants, of course. These 11 restaurants in Minnesota have delicious food and great service, making them the cream of the crop when it comes to Minnesota Nice.
- Nicoll’s Cafe - Pine City
Shelly Munkberg/Flickr
Shelly Munkberg/Flickr Nicoll’s Cafe is a Pine City institution, making it a great place to start this list. Located right on the corner of Main Street, you can’t get much more hometown than this. And with great staff that treat you like a local, you’ll quickly feel like you belong in this close-knit community. Address: 225 Main Street South, Pine City.
- Minnesota Nice Cafe - Bemidji
Minnesota Nice Cafe/Facebook
Minnesota Nice Cafe/Facebook With a name like that, it had to be on this list. And let me tell you, it lives up to the name. Fast and friendly service with generous portions are the name of the game at Minnesota Nice Cafe. Address: 315 Irvine Avenue Northwest, Bemidji.
- Grandpa Cheesecake - Lindstrom
Grandpa Cheesecake/Facebook
Grandpa Cheesecake/Facebook Any restaurant with “grandpa” in the name has to be good, right? After all, those family recipes have to come from somewhere. Grandpa Cheesecake offers up a revolving menu of cheesecake flavors in the quaint Swedish town of Lindstrom. Address: 12818 Lake Boulevard, Lindstrom.
- Streetcar Kitchen and Pub - Carlton
Streetcar Kitchen and Pub/Facebook
Streetcar Kitchen and Pub/Facebook While it’s sadly not located in an actual Streetcar, Streetcar Kitchen makes up for it with its tasty food. Try the Wild Rice Burger for a truly Minnesotan experience at this Minnesota Nice establishment. Address: 232 Chestnut Avenue, Carlton.
- The Rivers Family Restaurant - Montevideo
Google Maps
The Rivers Family Restaurant/Facebook This Montevideo family restaurant is just the place to go to get a taste of home cooking. Try going for breakfast to get a classic favorite always served with a smile. Address: 612 US-212, Montevideo.
- River City Eatery - Windom
River City Eatery/Facebook
River City Eatery/Facebook This cute restaurant was once a bakery, and it still retains the original flooring. But they now serve an entire menu of creative, delicious meals. Next time you’re in southern Minnesota, definitely pop in. Address: 344 10th Street, Windom.
- Old School Restaurant - Mantorville
Google Maps
Old School Cafe/Facebook Old School Restaurant is absolutely adorable. Why? Because it’s located inside an old schoolhouse. But the story doesn’t end there. This family establishment serves fantastic food as well. Check it out for brunch. Address: 515 Clay Street, Mantorville.
- Mike’s Cafe - Marshall
Mikes Cafe/Facebook
Mikes Cafe/Facebook Mike’s Cafe is a busy restaurant in Marshall - for good reason. This place serves great American classics in a familiar atmosphere. Combined with the always-friendly staff, and you have a recipe for a great Minnesota Nice Restaurant. Address: 1501 East College Drive, Marshall.
- Red Apple Cafe - Mahnomen
Red Apple/Facebook
Red Apple/Facebook In northwestern Minnesota, Mahnomen doesn’t get much attention. But maybe it should. Red Apple Cafe is the type of gem that often crops up in a small town. But what makes it special is the fantastic service. You can’t go wrong with breakfast. Address: 116 North Main Street, Mahnomen.
- Kernel Restaurant - Owatonna
Google Maps
Kernel Restaurant/Facebook Kernel Restaurant is a go-to spot for comfort food. Pies, breakfast, burgers, and more make up the diverse menu of American classics. Frequently changing specials make it a new experience every time - and the great service doesn’t hurt. Address: 1011 Hoffman Drive Northwest, Owatonna.
- Barley’s Family Restaurant - Austin
Barley’s Family Restaurant/Facebook
Barley’s Family Restaurant/Facebook Any place that advertises itself as a family restaurant is bound to have friendly service - especially if it’s in a charming community like Austin. Definitely come here for a tasty meal, if only to experience the friendly service. Address: 1207 North Main Street, Austin.
What are your favorite friendly restaurants? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for more great places to eat, check out these 11 unassuming restaurants in Minnesota.
Shelly Munkberg/Flickr
Nicoll’s Cafe is a Pine City institution, making it a great place to start this list. Located right on the corner of Main Street, you can’t get much more hometown than this. And with great staff that treat you like a local, you’ll quickly feel like you belong in this close-knit community. Address: 225 Main Street South, Pine City.
Minnesota Nice Cafe/Facebook
With a name like that, it had to be on this list. And let me tell you, it lives up to the name. Fast and friendly service with generous portions are the name of the game at Minnesota Nice Cafe. Address: 315 Irvine Avenue Northwest, Bemidji.
Grandpa Cheesecake/Facebook
Any restaurant with “grandpa” in the name has to be good, right? After all, those family recipes have to come from somewhere. Grandpa Cheesecake offers up a revolving menu of cheesecake flavors in the quaint Swedish town of Lindstrom. Address: 12818 Lake Boulevard, Lindstrom.
Streetcar Kitchen and Pub/Facebook
While it’s sadly not located in an actual Streetcar, Streetcar Kitchen makes up for it with its tasty food. Try the Wild Rice Burger for a truly Minnesotan experience at this Minnesota Nice establishment. Address: 232 Chestnut Avenue, Carlton.
Google Maps
The Rivers Family Restaurant/Facebook
This Montevideo family restaurant is just the place to go to get a taste of home cooking. Try going for breakfast to get a classic favorite always served with a smile. Address: 612 US-212, Montevideo.
River City Eatery/Facebook
This cute restaurant was once a bakery, and it still retains the original flooring. But they now serve an entire menu of creative, delicious meals. Next time you’re in southern Minnesota, definitely pop in. Address: 344 10th Street, Windom.
Old School Cafe/Facebook
Old School Restaurant is absolutely adorable. Why? Because it’s located inside an old schoolhouse. But the story doesn’t end there. This family establishment serves fantastic food as well. Check it out for brunch. Address: 515 Clay Street, Mantorville.
Mikes Cafe/Facebook
Mike’s Cafe is a busy restaurant in Marshall - for good reason. This place serves great American classics in a familiar atmosphere. Combined with the always-friendly staff, and you have a recipe for a great Minnesota Nice Restaurant. Address: 1501 East College Drive, Marshall.
Red Apple/Facebook
In northwestern Minnesota, Mahnomen doesn’t get much attention. But maybe it should. Red Apple Cafe is the type of gem that often crops up in a small town. But what makes it special is the fantastic service. You can’t go wrong with breakfast. Address: 116 North Main Street, Mahnomen.
Kernel Restaurant/Facebook
Kernel Restaurant is a go-to spot for comfort food. Pies, breakfast, burgers, and more make up the diverse menu of American classics. Frequently changing specials make it a new experience every time - and the great service doesn’t hurt. Address: 1011 Hoffman Drive Northwest, Owatonna.
Barley’s Family Restaurant/Facebook
Any place that advertises itself as a family restaurant is bound to have friendly service - especially if it’s in a charming community like Austin. Definitely come here for a tasty meal, if only to experience the friendly service. Address: 1207 North Main Street, Austin.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
