Forget lutefisk and hotdish – Minnesota’s got a cheesy secret up its sleeve.
Join me on a gooey adventure through the Land of 10,000 Lakes, where mac and cheese reigns supreme and calories don’t count (or so we’ll tell ourselves).
1. Smack Shack (Minneapolis)
Let’s kick off our cheesy odyssey at Smack Shack, where seafood and comfort food collide in a delicious maritime mash-up.
This place started as a food truck and now it’s docked permanently in the North Loop, complete with a lobster tank that’s basically an all-you-can-eat buffet for your eyes.
Their mac and cheese is a nautical dream, loaded with chunks of succulent lobster that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for plain ol’ noodles and cheese.
The atmosphere is as lively as a deck party on a cruise ship, minus the risk of seasickness.
Just look at that neon sign – it’s like Vegas decided to open a seafood joint!
2. Milton’s (Crystal)
Next stop: Milton’s in Crystal, where “Vittles, Vino, Beer” isn’t just a tagline, it’s a way of life.
This place looks like it was decorated by your cool aunt who’s really into flea markets and has an unhealthy obsession with turquoise.
Their mac and cheese is the kind of dish that makes you want to hug the chef and ask them to adopt you.
It’s comfort food that’s had a glow-up, like if your grandma’s recipe went to finishing school.
And those outdoor umbrellas?
They’re not just for show – they’re perfect for hiding your face as you shovel in another forkful of cheesy goodness.
3. The Lowry (Minneapolis)
The Lowry in Minneapolis is where the cool kids go when they grow up and realize they actually like vegetables… sometimes.
This place is sleeker than a greased-up otter on a waterslide, with a menu that’s part healthy, part indulgent, and all delicious.
Their mac and cheese is like a warm hug for your taste buds, with a crispy top that’ll make you forget all about your New Year’s resolutions.
The modern, airy space is perfect for pretending you’re a sophisticated adult who totally doesn’t plan to lick the plate clean.
4. Brunson’s Pub (St. Paul)
Brunson’s Pub in St. Paul is the kind of place where everybody knows your name… or at least pretends to after you’ve had a few.
This joint has more charm than a basket of puppies, with a facade that screams “I was here before it was cool.”
Their mac and cheese is the stuff of legends – rich, creamy, and more satisfying than finding money in your old jacket pocket.
The pub’s cozy interior feels like you’ve stepped into your coolest friend’s living room, if your friend happened to have a fully stocked bar and a killer mac and cheese recipe.
5. Brick & Bourbon (Stillwater)
Brick & Bourbon in Stillwater is where whiskey meets whimsy, and mac and cheese gets a fancy makeover.
This place is slicker than a greased pig at a county fair, with a vibe that says, “Yes, we know our cocktails, and yes, we can make a mean mac and cheese too.”
Their version of this classic comfort food is probably what angels eat when they’re feeling naughty.
It’s got more layers than a telenovela plot, and it’s just as dramatic – in the best way possible.
The rustic-chic decor makes you feel like you’re dining in a Pinterest board come to life.
6. Crooked Pint Ale House (Multiple locations)
Crooked Pint Ale House is the Swiss Army knife of restaurants – it’s got a little something for everyone, including mac and cheese that’ll make you weak in the knees.
With multiple locations, it’s like the Taylor Swift of the Minnesota dining scene – wildly popular and everywhere you look.
Their mac and cheese is the kind of dish that makes you want to write poetry… cheesy poetry, of course.
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The ale house atmosphere is perfect for those nights when you can’t decide if you want to be fancy or just stuff your face.
Here, you can do both!
7. The Nook (St. Paul)
The Nook in St. Paul is like that unassuming guy at the party who turns out to be the funniest person you’ve ever met.
From the outside, it looks like any old neighborhood joint, but inside?
It’s a wonderland of cheesy delights.
Their mac and cheese is the stuff of dreams – the kind of dreams where you wake up and immediately start planning your next meal.
The cozy, no-frills atmosphere is perfect for when you want to focus on what really matters: stuffing your face with as much cheesy goodness as humanly possible.
8. The Freehouse (Minneapolis)
The Freehouse in Minneapolis is where industrial chic meets comfort food paradise.
It’s like someone took an old warehouse, filled it with delicious smells, and said, “Yeah, that will do.” And boy, does it ever.
Their mac and cheese is a work of art – if art was made of noodles and cheese and happiness.
The spacious, airy interior makes you feel like you’re dining in the world’s tastiest factory, where the only thing being manufactured is pure, unadulterated deliciousness.
9. Handsome Hog (St. Paul)
Handsome Hog in St. Paul is the kind of place that makes you feel cooler just by walking through the door.
It’s got more style than a fashion week runway, and their mac and cheese?
It’s the little black dress of comfort foods – classic, elegant, and always a good choice.
This dish is so good, it might just make you forget about the restaurant’s name and start calling it “Handsome Mac.”
The chic, modern interior is the perfect backdrop for your inevitable cheese-induced food coma.
10. Buster’s on 28th (Minneapolis)
Buster’s on 28th in Minneapolis is like that friend who’s always reliable, always fun, and always knows where to get the best mac and cheese in town.
It’s got the cozy vibe of a neighborhood pub with the menu of a gourmet restaurant.
Their mac and cheese is the kind of dish that makes you want to cancel all your plans and just live at the restaurant.
The warm, inviting atmosphere is perfect for those nights when you need a cheesy pick-me-up – which, let’s be honest, is pretty much every night.
11. Icehouse (Minneapolis)
Icehouse in Minneapolis is cooler than the other side of the pillow, with a vibe that’s part music venue, part restaurant, and all awesome.
It’s the kind of place where you come for the tunes but stay for the mac and cheese.
Their version of this classic dish hits all the right notes – creamy, cheesy, and more satisfying than nailing the air guitar solo in your car.
The sleek, modern interior makes you feel like you’re dining in the VIP section of the coolest club in town.
12. Pub 819 (Hopkins)
Last but not least, we’ve got Pub 819 in Hopkins, the unassuming hero of our cheesy tale.
This place is like the Clark Kent of restaurants – mild-mannered on the outside, but hiding some serious superpowers in the kitchen.
Their mac and cheese is the stuff of legend – the kind of dish that people write songs about (or at least should).
The cozy, pub-like atmosphere is perfect for when you want to feel like you’re in an episode of Cheers, but with better food.
There you have it, folks – a tour of Minnesota’s cheesiest and most delicious spots.
Cravings are calling!
Use this map to steer your food journey in the right direction—and maybe discover a hidden gem or two along the way.
Remember, calories don’t count when you’re on a culinary adventure.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go buy some stretchy pants.