Minnesota’s Most Famous Restaurants You Need to Visit ASAP

What makes a restaurant famous? I'd say that means it's a place that most locals know about. It's a restaurant that is on people's 'restaurant bucket list' if they've never been before.

With the help of Only in Your State and Explore Minnesota, I put together a list of Minnesota's most famous restaurants. And if you've never been to some of these, you have to start planning your visit!

READ MORE: Minnesota Restaurants that Have Been on Food Network

Trust me, I haven't been to all of these restaurants, but it would be really cool to cross all of them off of my list one day.

Matt's Bar - Minneapolis

Matt's Bar is known as the place that invented the juicy lucy. This is one of the places I've actually been. It's a super small restaurant but a very cool experience.

Duluth Grill - Duluth

Duluth Grill has been a longtime favorite for locals but it's gained even more popularity because Guy Fieri paid them a visit on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives'.

Al's Breakfast - Minneapolis

Al's has been a staple since 1950. Only In Your State says there's almost always a line. They were also featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives'.

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Grandma's Saloon and Grill - Duluth

Grandma's isn't only a staple in Duluth but for all Minnesota runners. They're the hosts of Grandma's marathon, of course they'll be on this list!

The Blue Door Pub - St. Paul

I've heard good things about The Blue Door Pub but I've never been myself. They've also been featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives'.

Pizzeria Lola - Minneapolis

Pizzeria Lola has been featured a ton over the past year or so for being an amazing restaurant in general but also for having incredible pizza. I have yet to try them out but I plan to someday. They've also been featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives'.

Owamni - Minneapolis

Even before they opened Owamni was getting a lot of publicity. Since opening a couple of years ago they've won a ton of awards, and rightfully so. I tried them out for my birthday this past fall and it was incredible.

Butcher and the Boar - Minneapolis

I've talked about going to Butcher and the Boar many times but I haven't gone yet. I've heard good things, though, and they're featured on Only In Your State's list of famous restaurants.

Spoon and Stable - Minneapolis

Spoon and Stable was created by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Gavin Kaysen, so you know it's going to be good. They've also been featured on 'Best Thing I Ever Ate' on Food Network.

Jax Cafe - Minneapolis

I had to include Jax Cafe on this list because they've been around since 1933. If that doesn't make them a little famous, I don't know what will.

Tilia - Minneapolis

Only in Your State writes that Tilia "has been recognized for the past several years as one of the best places to eat in Minnesota — and in the country." Also, their chef is a 2017 James Beard Award nominee.

At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe - Duluth

At Sara's Table has been featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives'. My husband and I tried to go there one time and the line was literally out the door and around the corner. We'll go back some other time!

The Nook - St. Paul

The Nook has been around since 1938. The funny thing is, it's had two different names since it was officially called 'The Nook', but that's what people still call it. You'll still find it if you look up 'The Nook' but the official name currently is Casper's and Runyon's Nook. They're another spot that's been featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives'.

Holy Land - Minneapolis

Holy Land has been visited by Guy Fieri on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives'. Not only are they a Mediterranean restaurant, but they're also a Mediterranean grocery store.

Forager - Rochester

Forager has gotten tons of recognition for their delicious food and great beers. Most recently, they were featured on 'America's Favorite Restaurants'. Forager is easily a favorite of my husband and I.

The Herbivorous Butcher - Minneapolis

The Herbivorous Butcher gets quite a bit of publicity because they're butchers of plant-based meat. Guy Fieri has visited them in 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives' and they also now have a stand at the Minnesota State Fair. That's where I've tried them and it's really good food.

Surly Brewing Company - Minneapolis

Surly doesn't just serve beer. They've started to get lots of recognition for their pizza recently. David Portney of Bar Stool Sports has given them high marks with his One Bite Pizza Reviews. They've been named as having some of the best pizza in the state. Plus they've been on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives'. Can confirm their pizza is awesome.

Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza - Minneapolis

More famous pizzas: Black Sheep has also been recognized as having some of the best pizzas in Minnesota. They've also been featured on Food Network on 'Best Thing I Ever Ate'.

If you'd like to check out all of the Minnesota restaurants that have been featured on Food Network, I've got that below!