The 5 Best Restaurants in Rochester, MN

Nestled in America's heartland lies the gorgeous midwestern city of Rochester, Minnesota. Rochester is best known for being the first and largest Mayo Clinic campus, and while it continues to provide fantastic healthcare, there is so much more to love. Rochester offers an impressive quality of life, with a vibrant arts and culture scene and top-ranked education. It's a city that inspires and excites, and it's no wonder many Americans proudly call Rochester their home.

And the Rochester food scene? It's a diverse culinary adventure, from traditional Minnesota cuisine to authentic international eateries. In fact, choosing a place to eat in Rochester can be challenging, so we have compiled a short list of must-try restaurants in Rochester, MN.

Hot Chip Burger Bar

Considering Rochester is in the heart of the United States, it is no surprise that one of the best restaurants in Rochester, MN, is a burger bar. Located less than two miles from Crystal Bay Townhomes, the trendy Hot Chip Burger Bar is the perfect place to grab a bite and relax. Its menu is full of puns and tongue-in-cheek jokes, such as the Lego Burger, named because you build it yourself and the Kevin Bacon Burger named after the famous actor.

While you can't go wrong with a juicy burger, Hot Chip Burger Bar's menu offers a variety of options, including several vegan burgers and desserts. The seasonal outdoor patio is light and bright, with frequent live music, providing a welcome escape to pair with one of Hot Chip's homemade shakes. If you are feeling up to it, there are even some boozy shake options.

Canadian Honker

If you are looking for a restaurant that makes you feel at home with made-from-scratch comfort cuisine, the Canadian Honker is for you. Named for the giant Canadian Geese who winter on Silver Lake, this family-owned eatery has been serving local favorites for over a quarter of a century.

The secret to the Canadian Honker's success is locally sourced produce, hand-cut steaks and prime ribs, and homemade desserts. On Tuesdays, you can bring your appetite for all-you-can-eat fresh walleye and jumbo shrimp, but save room for dessert because you want to make sure you get all the world-famous Bunnie's Coconut Cake.

Mr. Pizza

When it comes to pizza, you've probably heard of New York-style and Chicago deep dish. But have you ever tried Midwest pizza? If not, Mr. Pizza is the place to experience this regional specialty in Rochester. Midwest pizza is all about a thin, crisp crust with a sweet sauce that goes all the way to the edge. The pies are then generously topped with cheese and assorted toppings and cut into squares or rectangles.

Mr. Pizza's menu is vast, offering options for all tastebuds and gluten-free options as well. Pizzas are available for takeout or dine-in, and you can even take home a frozen pie to warm up at a later date. If you dine in, there are arcade games and pinball machines to enjoy while you wait. Mr. Pizza is a unique pizza experience that will leave you craving more.

ThaiPop

If you enjoy Asian food and are near Rochester, Minnesota, make sure to make a reservation at ThaiPop. This fun Thai restaurant has won several awards, including "Best Thai Restaurant in Minnesota" by Star Tribune, "Best Bar for Mocktails in the US" by Travel & Leisure, and "Best Asian Restaurant" by Rochester Magazine.

ThaiPop was created by Annie Balow, who learned to cook from her mother and aunt in the village where she grew up. Her mother and aunt made food for the local monks and large celebrations in the village, so Annie observed and learned how to make delicious food for many people. Today, you can try many of the same recipes Annie learned from her family's matriarchs on the standard menu, or you can experience a unique cultural immersion with ThaiPop's tasting experience, which features seasonal tasting menus that will delight your taste buds.

Twigs

If you or someone you know suffers from Celiac Disease, you know how vital it is to avoid gluten. No one knows this better than Twigs owner Michelle Salz, who was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2008. Inspired by her diagnosis, Salz opened Twigs, complete with a separate gluten-free kitchen, ensuring there is no cross-contamination.

In addition to being a stress-free option for those who eat a gluten-free diet, Twigs is one of the best restaurants in Rochester, MN. The ambiance is chic, with an elegant interior and a whimsical patio complete with a garden landscape and tranquil stream.

The Twigs menu is packed with delicious options, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. There is also a separate hot rock menu where you can choose your choice of meat and sides, which you season and cook to your desired temperature using a 650-degree rock. This is also near downtown Rochester, making it perfect to visit before or after your evening activities.

Make Rochester Your Home

If you want a place to build a life and call your home, Rochester, MN, is an excellent option. The city is a vibrant metropolis full of culture while surrounded by nature. If you are new to the area or are looking for a new place to call home, Crystal Bay Townhomes is the perfect place to start.

The two and three-bedroom spacious townhomes feature washers and dryers, garages, gas fireplaces, and vaulted ceilings. Best of all, our welcoming community extends to your pets! To learn more and schedule a tour, contact us today.