Cheese lovers, unite!
Minnesota’s culinary landscape is a treasure trove of gooey, golden goodness.
Join me on a mouth-watering adventure through the Land of 10,000 Lakes and its cheesiest offerings.
1. Milton’s (Crystal)
Nestled in Crystal, Milton’s is a hidden gem that’s about to become your new favorite hangout.
With its charming brick exterior and inviting patio, this place screams “come on in and stay a while!”
The sign proudly proclaims “Vittles, Vino, Beer,” and let me tell you, they’re not kidding about the vittles.
Their mac and cheese is a work of art, a symphony of creamy goodness that’ll make you want to hug the chef.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget about your troubles, your diet, and possibly your name.
The outdoor seating area, complete with cheery blue umbrellas, is perfect for people-watching while you contemplate ordering a second helping.
Trust me, you’ll be tempted.
2. Smack Shack (Minneapolis)
Ahoy, cheese lovers!
Smack Shack in Minneapolis is where seafood meets comfort food in a glorious union that’ll make your taste buds dance a jig.
The industrial-chic decor with its lobster mural is like a siren call to hungry sailors… or, you know, regular folks looking for a great meal.
Their lobster mac and cheese is the stuff of legends.
It’s like they took the best parts of a New England clambake and a Midwest potluck and created a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
The combination of tender lobster and creamy cheese sauce is so good, it should probably be illegal.
But let’s keep that between us, shall we?
3. The Lowry (Minneapolis)
The Lowry in Minneapolis is like that cool friend who always knows the best places to eat.
With its sleek, modern exterior and inviting atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel hip just by walking through the door.
Their mac and cheese game is strong, my friends.
We’re talking about a dish so creamy and satisfying, it could probably solve world peace if we gave it a chance.
The blue and gray color scheme of the restaurant might be cool, but the mac and cheese brings all the warmth you need.
It’s comfort food elevated to an art form, proving that sometimes, the simple things in life really are the best.
4. Brunson’s Pub (St. Paul)
Brunson’s Pub in St. Paul is like stepping into a time machine that’s been programmed for “cozy nostalgia with a side of awesome.”
The classic brick exterior and golden signage are the first clues that you’re in for something special.
Their mac and cheese is the kind of dish that makes you want to write poetry… or at least a really enthusiastic Yelp review.
It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it’s got more cheese than a cheesy 80s movie marathon.
The pub’s warm lighting and inviting atmosphere are the perfect backdrop for your cheese-induced euphoria.
Just be prepared for the inevitable food coma – it’s a small price to pay for such deliciousness.
5. Brick & Bourbon (Stillwater)
Brick & Bourbon in Stillwater is where rustic charm meets modern flair, and where mac and cheese dreams come true.
The stylish blue exterior is like a beacon of hope for hungry travelers… or locals who know where the good stuff is.
Their mac and cheese is a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds think they’ve died and gone to dairy heaven.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to stand up and slow clap… but you won’t, because you’ll be too busy shoveling more into your mouth.
The restaurant’s spacious patio is perfect for enjoying your cheesy feast al fresco, proving that sometimes, the great outdoors is made even greater with a side of mac and cheese.
6. Crooked Pint Ale House (Multiple locations)
The Crooked Pint Ale House is like that friend who’s always up for a good time, no matter where you are in Minnesota.
With its classic theater-style signage, it’s hard to miss and even harder to resist.
Their mac and cheese is the stuff of legends, a dish so good it could probably unite opposing political parties… or at least make them forget their differences for a while.
It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it’s got more cheese than a Wisconsin gift shop.
The ale house’s cozy interior is the perfect place to tuck into a bowl of this comfort food classic, proving that sometimes, the best things in life come with a side of beer and a whole lot of cheese.
7. The Nook (St. Paul)
The Nook in St. Paul is like that unassuming superhero who’s hiding in plain sight.
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Behind that modest green awning lies a world of cheesy wonders waiting to be discovered.
Their mac and cheese is the kind of dish that makes you want to hug the chef… and maybe ask for their hand in marriage.
It’s a creamy, dreamy concoction that’s more comforting than a warm blanket on a cold Minnesota night.
The restaurant’s cozy, no-frills atmosphere lets the food take center stage, proving that sometimes, the best things come in small packages… especially when those packages are filled with cheese.
8. The Freehouse (Minneapolis)
The Freehouse in Minneapolis is like that cool, industrial-chic loft you always wanted, but with better food.
The brick exterior and large windows give it a modern vibe that says, “Come on in, we’ve got cheese!”
Their mac and cheese is a work of art, a masterpiece of dairy that would make even the most stoic Minnesotan break into a happy dance.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget about your troubles, your diet, and possibly basic math.
The restaurant’s spacious interior is perfect for settling in for a long, cheese-filled evening, proving that sometimes, the best nights out are the ones spent in… with a big bowl of mac and cheese.
9. Handsome Hog (St. Paul)
Handsome Hog in St. Paul is like that dapper gentleman who knows how to throw a great party… and that party is in your mouth.
The sleek exterior with its clever signage is just a hint of the deliciousness waiting inside.
Their mac and cheese is a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds think they’ve won the lottery.
It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it’s got more personality than a room full of Minnesotans at a potluck.
The restaurant’s chic interior is the perfect backdrop for your cheese-induced euphoria, proving that sometimes, the most sophisticated experiences come with a side of comfort food.
10. Buster’s on 28th (Minneapolis)
Buster’s on 28th in Minneapolis is like that reliable friend who always knows how to cheer you up… with cheese.
The cozy exterior with its green awning is like a warm hug inviting you in from the Minnesota cold.
Their mac and cheese is the kind of dish that makes you want to write home about… if you weren’t too busy eating to pick up a pen.
It’s a creamy dream that’s more satisfying than finding the last parking spot at the Mall of America during holiday season.
The restaurant’s laid-back vibe is perfect for kicking back and indulging in some serious comfort food, proving that sometimes, the best therapy comes in a bowl… a bowl of mac and cheese, that is.
11. Icehouse (Minneapolis)
Icehouse in Minneapolis is cooler than its name suggests, and that’s saying something in the land of 10,000 frozen lakes.
With its sleek, modern exterior, it’s like the James Bond of restaurants… if James Bond was really into amazing mac and cheese.
Their mac and cheese is a culinary masterpiece that’ll make you forget about all other foods.
It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it’s got more layers of flavor than a Minnesota winter has layers of clothing.
The restaurant’s hip atmosphere is the perfect setting for your cheese-induced bliss, proving that sometimes, the coolest experiences come with a side of warm, gooey comfort food.
12. Pub 819 (Hopkins)
Pub 819 in Hopkins is like that local watering hole where everybody knows your name… and your favorite kind of cheese.
The classic brick exterior with its understated signage is your first clue that you’re in for some serious comfort food.
Their mac and cheese is the kind of dish that makes you want to stand up and applaud… but you won’t, because you’ll be too busy asking for seconds.
It’s a cheesy symphony that’s more harmonious than a Minnesota Nice conversation.
The pub’s cozy interior and outdoor seating area are perfect for settling in with a bowl of this comfort food classic, proving that sometimes, the best nights out are spent in good company… and even better mac and cheese.
There you have it, folks – a cheesy tour de force across Minnesota.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go buy some stretchy pants.