Rochester, about an hour south of the Twin Cities is known for housing one of the world-renowned medical hospitals and research facilities: the Mayo Clinic. However, like a crate digger flipping through record store shelves to find gems, downtown Rochester, along with other spots on its outskirts, are known for housing some tasty wares. Whether its pizza, or some kabobs and rice, Rochester’s got something to fit every hunger pang possible.
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Where to Eat and Drink in Rochester
This city more than the Mayo Clinic and the parking lot for the Mayo Clinic

Pi Wood-Fired Pizza
With a wood-fired oven churning out traditional favorites like the margherita, or upping the ante for the Buffalo chicken, Pi Wood-Fired Pizza satisfies all the taste buds inside a very casual and chill atmosphere.
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Flapdoodles Ice Cream
Nearby Woodside Park, Rochester’s own Flapdoodles serves up an endless array of ice cream treats, from scoops to cakes, and with flavors like White Chocolate Raspberry and Cookie Monster to satiate any sweet tooth in its vicinity.
Ootori Sushi
A stones throw away from Valleyhigh Drive, Ootori Sushi has a wondrous and flavorful array of sushi selections and high quality Japanese fare. Enjoy it all on the patio outside, or inside some simple and quaint seating.
Smoak BBQ - Rochester
Smoak (a mix of the word Smoke and Oak) is a Texas styled barbecue establishment that serves anything from shared plates to delectable sandwiches such as their Alabama Chicken Sandwich, served with an Alabama white Barbecue sauce, which is a simple sweet and tangy sauce known to make anything good, especially chicken.
Grandma's Kitchen
Adjacent to Rochester’s Mill Race Park, Grandma’s Kitchen has been serving up awesome diner fare since 1977, whether its standard breakfast fare, or a fantastic hot beef sandwich with potatoes and gravy.
John Hardy's BBQ
John Hardy’s has been serving Rochester with delectable Southern-styled BBQ since 1972, and while John Hardy may have past on, his legacy of barbecue still lives strong.
Pho Chau
Located near Silver Lake Park in Rochester, Pho Chau is not only serving freshly made Vietnamese fare, but the best pho Rochester offers.
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Hunan Garden
A couple of blocks from Forager Brewery on the outskirts of Rochester, Hunan Garden is serving up classical takes on American Chinese fare such as the General Tso’s Chicken.
Tacos Mi Pueblo
On North Broadway in Rochester, Tacos Mi Pueblo has been providing tacos, tortas, and more to scores of hungry patrons outside of a converted trailer truck. Don’t sleep on their elotes, a perfect side item that pairs perfectly with any of the main menu staples!
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Almadina restaurant
A short distance away from the Mayo, Almadina has any type of Middle Eastern fare to satiate any appetite. If it’s the first stop made after a long trek from the Twin Cities, and the appetite yearns, tackle one of three Almadina feast meals, filled with kabobs, gyros, and shawarma seated on a plentiful bed of rice.
Chocolaterie Stam
Chocolaterie Stam inside the Galleria Square has an endless display of chocolates, candies, and more to make anyone do the Homer drool. When with a significant other? Splurge on the chocolate covered strawberries.
Francisco's Restaurant
Next to the Mayo Clinic campus, Franciscos has been satisfying slews of patrons cravings for various Cuban and Jamaican fare. From a traditional Cubano sandwich to jerk chicken and braised ox tails, Francisco’s has plenty to choose from. It’s like a mini-vacation within a staycation!
Terza
In the heart of downtown, Terza is serving up mouth-watering Italian fare, whether its grilled goods such as steak and fish, to pasta and pizza whether sitting outdoors with the downtown Rochester soundtrack, or a quiet and romantic seating inside.
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Snappy Stop
A short distance away from Slatterly Park, Snappy Stop is a no-frills burger and fries drive-thru that has been serving up thin-pattied smashburgers, fries, shakes, and nuggets. Check out the rotating monthly burger.
Taqueria El Kora
Nearby Graham Park, Taqueria El Kora has plenty of wonderful taco and torta selections, served in simple street-styled fashion. Particularly, their Torta Cubana with salsa verde is a sandwich of marvel and wonder.
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Los Arcos Kitchen & Cantina
Boasting everything from sizzling fajitas, to a burrito menu known to make eyes pop, Los Arcos has been serving countless Rochester residents with tasty Mexican fare. Don’t sleep on the tableside guacamole.
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