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This charming city by the river is packed with great restaurants
As the birthplace of Minnesota, Stillwater isn’t short on history, charm, antiques and fantastic food and drinks. Whether sipping cocktails that literally smoke, indulge in cutie cupcakes or tucking into a massive burger, take in the idyllic beauty of Stillwater with a full stomach.
Read MoreEnjoy hearty German fare in a cozy atmosphere that feels like a trip to the Alps. Pick from an impressive lineup of schnitzels, sausages, beef, and pork dishes, or try a little bit of everything with the sampler platter.
Follow the marks downstairs to this swanky bar that is a perfect spot for stealing away for a cozy drink for two in a sexy room. The service can be a little spotty, but it’s easy to get lost in the subterranean glamor of this place.
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The Neapolitan-style pizzas at QuickFire Pizza are cooked in a wood-fired oven imported from Italy and made with high-quality ingredients that are often sourced locally. Build your own pie or choose one of the inventive specialty pizzas, like the Cuban topped with Lift Bridge beer-braised pork or a macaroni and cheese pizza with smoked bacon and arugula. Gluten-free crust available.
This wine bar is located just up the hill, off the main drag and stocked with over 2,000 bottles of wine. It's an oenophile's dream destination.
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The soft serve ice cream shop crafts cones with whimsical toppings like gummies, potato chips, fruity pebbles, and glitter. Lactose-free and vegan soft serve available.
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This new spot is big on the smoke: the food gets a hefty dose, there’s plenty of bacon and some of the cocktails are even served in containers, surrounded by smoke. It’s a fun bit, but the big burgers and pastas are also incredibly popular.
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When Brad Nordeen, former executive chef at Phil’s Tara Hideaway, and Joe Ehlenz, former GM at Smalley’s, first opened Lolo, it was an immediate hit and has fast become the cocktail destination in Stillwater. Now this restaurant is an institution in the gorgeous city, known for hearty takes on American fare.
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In addition to classic tiki cocktails and tropical-inspired food, the Tilted Tiki offers Midwestern favorites with a twist, like cheese curds with guava catsup and deep-fried pickles with strawberry passion sauce. There’s also a dedicated vegan menu that includes options such as tofu kabobs, meatless burgers, and dairy-free cheesecake.
Located at the base of a boutique hotel, this spot opens in the morning for coffee, juice and pastries through the evening and late night cocktails.
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The River Oasis is no-frills diner fare before for fueling up before a day exploring the river.
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This little cafe is open from morning through night. Stop by after a morning bike ride with coffee, breakfast and a mint lemonade or schedule date night with a more sophisticated dinner plate and a couple of craft beers.
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Housed in a log cabin once frequented by the mafia during prohibition, that cool, old school energy still lingers. Expect thoughtful riffs on supper club classics, but with a Greek twist. Rotisserie cut gyros are a crowd favorite, as is the 10-ounce Tara steak.
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Enjoy hearty German fare in a cozy atmosphere that feels like a trip to the Alps. Pick from an impressive lineup of schnitzels, sausages, beef, and pork dishes, or try a little bit of everything with the sampler platter.
Follow the marks downstairs to this swanky bar that is a perfect spot for stealing away for a cozy drink for two in a sexy room. The service can be a little spotty, but it’s easy to get lost in the subterranean glamor of this place.
The Neapolitan-style pizzas at QuickFire Pizza are cooked in a wood-fired oven imported from Italy and made with high-quality ingredients that are often sourced locally. Build your own pie or choose one of the inventive specialty pizzas, like the Cuban topped with Lift Bridge beer-braised pork or a macaroni and cheese pizza with smoked bacon and arugula. Gluten-free crust available.
This wine bar is located just up the hill, off the main drag and stocked with over 2,000 bottles of wine. It's an oenophile's dream destination.
The soft serve ice cream shop crafts cones with whimsical toppings like gummies, potato chips, fruity pebbles, and glitter. Lactose-free and vegan soft serve available.
This new spot is big on the smoke: the food gets a hefty dose, there’s plenty of bacon and some of the cocktails are even served in containers, surrounded by smoke. It’s a fun bit, but the big burgers and pastas are also incredibly popular.
When Brad Nordeen, former executive chef at Phil’s Tara Hideaway, and Joe Ehlenz, former GM at Smalley’s, first opened Lolo, it was an immediate hit and has fast become the cocktail destination in Stillwater. Now this restaurant is an institution in the gorgeous city, known for hearty takes on American fare.
In addition to classic tiki cocktails and tropical-inspired food, the Tilted Tiki offers Midwestern favorites with a twist, like cheese curds with guava catsup and deep-fried pickles with strawberry passion sauce. There’s also a dedicated vegan menu that includes options such as tofu kabobs, meatless burgers, and dairy-free cheesecake.
Located at the base of a boutique hotel, this spot opens in the morning for coffee, juice and pastries through the evening and late night cocktails.
The River Oasis is no-frills diner fare before for fueling up before a day exploring the river.
This little cafe is open from morning through night. Stop by after a morning bike ride with coffee, breakfast and a mint lemonade or schedule date night with a more sophisticated dinner plate and a couple of craft beers.
Housed in a log cabin once frequented by the mafia during prohibition, that cool, old school energy still lingers. Expect thoughtful riffs on supper club classics, but with a Greek twist. Rotisserie cut gyros are a crowd favorite, as is the 10-ounce Tara steak.
