Sunday, September 8, 2013

Local Flavors: You'll want to drive to these

Although a little further away, we think these restaurants are worth the drive!

Anton's (4.5 miles) 
2001 Frontage Road North, Waite Park MN, 320.253.3611

Passing under a covered bridge you arrive at Anton's, originally a speakeasy during prohibition. This restaurant, a local favorite, serves steaks, chicken, seafood, and chops in a beautiful cabin-like atmosphere situated on the banks of the serene Sauk River in Waite Park.

The Boulder Tap House (2.9 miles)
3950 2nd St S, Saint Cloud MN, 320.230.0100 

Legendary wings with seemingly endless sauce combinations? Check. Hand-cut fries with a cajún twist? Or maybe you prefer lighter lettuce wraps? Check and check. Our burger heights know no bounds, may we suggest “The Applewood Avocado Burger,” or for the bacon and cheese lovers, “The Defibrillator.” Don’t forget to treat your sweetie to a shake or malt. Mouth watering yet?

Café Renaissance  (5.5 miles)
2140 Frontage Rd N, Waite Park MN, 320.253.9300

Café Renaissance is a sophisticated dining experience with a Mediterranean/European bistro atmosphere. The entrees, ranging in price from $8-$25, consist of French, Greek, Italian, Moroccan and of course American, choices. The setting is elegant and peaceful with a truly friendly wait staff. A full bar is available. Café Renaissance is located next to Slumberland on Division Street in Waite Park.

Ciatti’s Ristorante (1.9 miles) 
2635 W Division St, Saint Cloud MN, 320.257.7900

Ciatti’s offers a unique dining experience with their comfortable atmosphere and aromas from their made from scratch Italian-inspired dishes. Their menu features a variety of pasta dishes, fish, and meats served with endless salad and breadsticks or fresh-baked Rosemary Focaccia bread. A special early dining menu is available from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Monday-Thursday.

Coyote Moon Grille Lounge (6.0 miles)
480 55th Ave SE, Saint Cloud MN, 320.258.4653

We are known for our fresh salad bar and homemade popovers with honey butter. Try our number one selling walleye or our smoked ribs!

Fuji Japanese Steakhouse (3.5 miles)
148 2nd St S, Waite Park MN, 320.252.3838

Walk into a soothing world of a Koi pond and relish the sight of the beautiful Japanese decor of our restaurant. You can choose to be in a fun environment at the Hibachi / Teppanyaki grill room and watch a skilled spatula twirling chef cook right in front of you, or you can select the dining room with authentic Japanese cuisine in a comfortable booth. Sushi bar, full bar, and a lounge are also available.

Granite City Food & Brewery (3.3 miles) 
3945 2nd St. South, Saint Cloud MN, 320.203.9000

Granite City Food and Brewery is a favorite spot for casual dining inside or outside on the patio, weather permitting. Everything on the menu is made fresh from scratch in their own kitchen with a variety of selections, ranging from burgers to salads to steaks. Their on-site microbrewery offers of variety of freshly brewed beers.

La Casita (3.4 miles)
314 Division Street, Waite Park MN, 320.230.8633

LaCasita Mexican Restaurant offers a casual, relaxing, rustic atmosphere with many hand-painted murals throughout the cantina and restaurant. The menu has a wide variety of Mexican appetizers, soups and salads, fajita skillets, Mexican favoritos de Mexico, traditional Mexican plates, grilled dishes, and combinaciones. The restaurant is located in Waite Park and is easy to find.

The Local Blend (8.6 miles)
19 W. Minnesota Street, St. Joseph, MN

The Local Blend is a locally owned, homemade, organic coffee house located in St. Joseph, MN. They specialize in locally produced and locally grown coffees and ingredients. Serving soups, salads, and in-house bakery items.

Mongo’s Grill (2.7 miles)
3701 Division St, Saint Cloud MN, 320.253.2695

Choose from over 25 vegetables and spices - like fresh red peppers, ginger, garlic and curry. Combine them with beef, pork, sausage, tofu, noodles, steamed rice, brown rice or make it a wrap...Then stand back and watch our expert Chef stir fry your selection on a 650 degree grill, sealing in all the flavor for a taste experience you won't soon forget!

Old Capital Tavern (2.4 miles)
2 North Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN, 320.291.4541

Locally owned, the Old Capital Tavern is serving up 50 tap craft beers along with reasonably priced, delicious fine dining in a rustic tavern ambiance.

RJ's American Grill (6 miles)
4221 Clearwater Rd., Saint Cloud, MN 56301

RJ's is modern grill with a wide selection of items to choose from. Everything from sweet potato fries and chipotle chicken nachos, pizzas and pastas to steaks and homemade desserts.

Star of India (2.2 miles) 
2812 Division St, Saint Cloud MN, 320.281.3380
From mild to hot, get exotic and spice things up! Many vegetarian options are available and the lunch buffet is a local librarian favorite!