So the Good, the Bad, and the Sickening:…read more The food was good once we got it. The service was not so great. The server did only what she needed to do, take the order, bring the food, bring the bill. No welcome, no thank you, no have a good night, no telling us the specials, no soda refills. Even when people came for take out she just stood at the counter staring at them, waiting for them to talk first, never said hello, never said thank you, just got their food and pushed it to them. The Sickening: We were seated where we could see the pick up counter and salad bar. Near the end of the night the server was filling up the salad bar. She was using her BARE HANDS to fill the containers. And then it really got gross... she used her TEETH to tear open a bag of hard-boiled eggs... um thanks for getting your mouth juice on the top of the bag and every egg that passes through the opening. I don't 100% blame the server for lack of food safety knowledge; management is responsible for training front & back of the house employees on food safety, there was no other employee besides the server (and cook) so they obviously just don't care, nor can they seem to afford a simple pair of scissors to cut open bags.

Elsie's is home to my favorite fries. I love the crisp coating and they are fried a golden brown…read morejust the way I like them. Furthermore, they are the perfect size, not too fat or too thin. On this visit I had a BLT which is exactly what I was craving, crispy bacon and fresh crunchy lettuce and juicy tomatoes. Yum! Yum! The ambiance is exactly what you would expect in a rural Midwestern town. It is tastefully decorated, clean, and comfortable. The service is fast and the staff is friendly. You will feel like friends when you walk out the door.

Food was not what it was described. It was Mother's Day artichoke stuffed Chicken breast with…read moremashed potatoes and gravy. The chicken was no bigger than a Cornish hens 1/2 of breast and not stuffed but a bit of artichoke on top. Maybe two (2) tbls of mashed potatoes. It was such a a disappointment for taking family out fora Mother's day dinner that we even had reservations for and then heard the waitress state they were running out of food. Sadden that the manager or cook put this all on the waitresses and couldn't even come out to offer us anything else.

If you are on a road trip down southern Minnesota in the area of Caledonia Minnesota...you…read moredefinitely have to stop or preplan a trip to try one of the best broasted chicken that I ever have tasted. This small town diner has regulars coming in for their dinner, having a drink and chatting up a storm. It's situated in the middle of nowhere but scenic bluffs and farms. They have a nice deck to sit outside in the summer. This is the third time we have been there and the food is always consistently good! Simple food without fancy presentation but amazingly tasty. We ordered the broasted chicken platter-juicy flavorful tender meat and delicious crunchy skin. You can choose dark or white meat or combo. I got the broasted potatoes with the meal and cheddar bacon potato soup with it. Soup was creamy, rich and delicious. My husband ordered the same meal and added a piece of battered cod with his. Great portions and delicious. We couldn't resist ordering the walleye meal with seasoned fries. The walleye was fresh and flaky. Not the biggest fan of their seasoned fries...thicker cut and not crunchy. For dessert, touch choice but we decided on the caramel apple ice cream that came in a martini glass. Big portion and perfect for us to finish it. They also have the alcoholic version of their ice cream mixes. Overall...take a trip to this beautiful part of Southern Minnesota explore the underground Niagara caves, stop over in Spring Grove and get their famous Spring Grove pop and hike in Beaver Valley State Park.

Our Favorite spot in De Soto!! We stumbled upon this gem while on a weekend get away. This is a…read morelocal family owned business, new owners within the last year. Shannon and Todd are serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day!! You can choose to sit in the dining room or bar. The locals are eating and hanging out here and that's all I needed to know!! They have gaming, but more importantly they have the Wisconsin pull tabs. A fully stocked bar and ice cold beers are ready for your sipping pleasure. We stopped in on 3 different occasions during the weekend. What we ordered: *** homemade hand battered fresh cheese curds- these were the best curds I have ever eaten!! For breakfast the following day: ** 3 egg omelet with fresh ham, tomatoes and cheese with a side of bacon. ** Biscuits and gravy with an over easy egg. Our food was hot fresh, and delicious. This restaurant/bar is exactly how you picture a locals place to be. Everyone was friendly, welcoming and made us feel at home. We were sad to leave as we felt like we were leaving family. This is a must stop while in De Soto!!

Had the pizza for the first time over the weekend. The pizzas are factory-made crusts. They only…read morecome in 12". For 2 adults, one is too small, 2 is too much. I wish they came in different sizes and were homemade crust. Otherwise, basic toppings, expensive add-ons, and not many specialty pizzas. Meh. The jukebox in the bar area is soooo loud. It does not "fit" the crowd of old people out trying to visit. They kept coming out to the dining area complaining it was too loud in the other room. Despite the staff's back and forth, we were not greeted or waited on for 20 minutes. We could hear them BSing in the back, but I think they forgot they were at work. We kept closing the door between the bar and dining room and the staff walking in between constantly left it open. The owners need to "read the room" and adjust the jukebox accordingly. We shouldn't have to YELL over dinner. I wear hearing aids and couldn't hear a thing! Food is inconsistent and owner-after being complimented that the food had improved since they opened only argued that it's the same food they had when they opened, which it is not. Shut up and take the compliment!

This is the best burger I have ever had. I will think about it for the rest of my life - I'm not…read moreeven kidding. You seriously must go here and eat this burger. I had the wham bam bacon jam one and it was delicious - the POG sour was also super good!!

Another brewery checked off the list. Stop here while out…read morefishing for trout. Very nice beer selection and root beer for the kiddos!! Plenty of seating, indoors and out. I had the brown ale beer and it was very good. Staff were friendly and offered recommendations. Definitely coming back to try some of their food!! We did get cheese curds and they were good.

This is one of those chain restaurants associated with Kwik Trip stores but the chefs really make a…read morefine dining establishment. I work in the county and frequent this place often as do many locals from the town of Nodine. A brief history lesson about how the town got its name. Travelers were always disappointed when they reached the town because it didn't have a place to eat hence the name (No-diner). Times have changed and the Hearty Platter diner fills that gap. The service is excellent but there is a method to it, You order your food at the diner counter, pay at the convenience store cashier and place the receipt on the table and wait for your food. The food is always served fresh and hot. My usual breakfast is "off the menu" and can be asked for by name...egg white omelet with cheese. I have been changing my eating habits and needed protein without the cholesterol. The cooks created the special dish and now I phone in my order. I finally decided to have a holiday breakfast over Christmas. I had the meat lovers omelet filled with bacon, sausage and ham. Outstanding. I had to order a half order of the crispy browns as I knew I couldn't eat a full order. Great food, Good friends and friendly staff make for a class A place to dine. Besides if you don't eat here the next place to stop on the Interstate is nearly 45 minutes away.

No frills but clean seating area with good, solid food. My kids loved the fried chicken, and my…read moreburger and fries were satisfying. It was also nice that, since it was attached to the gas station convenience store (which had really nice variety, including fresh foods), you could purchase items in that section and bring them over to eat in the cafe. Keeps the costs reasonable. Overall, pleasantly surprised and would recommend.

Top Notch! Noah is the best type of Bartender. Food was great. Service even better! Hidden gem in…read morebeautiful Southern Minnesota!

Some of the best burgers around and delish jalapeño poppers!! Great fish fry also; stayed crispy…read moreeven when getting take out. So tasty!!

Really nice set up! Very busy which proves they have Great food! Enjoyed our first experience!read more

Easiest five stars I've dispensed in awhile! A festive looking place with outdoor seating, heated…read morepatio, (with blankets in case you have a chill), never seen anything like that. Talk about considerate. I've never had walleye with sauerkraut but as a Walleye Reuben all the elements of a proper Reuben mesh together. Generous serving with thousand island dressing slightly dripping out. Re-tingles my appetite now just writing about it. Sandwiches come with a selection of sides. There are many choices of sides. Quick count 24 sides, I settled for the garlic toast. Super friendly service, got our drinks quickly and food arrived a little later, but not delayed. There with two friends we just lingered and didn't really want to leave, but life calls. When in this part of the state will have to revisit.

Delicious food, usually not busy since it's not well known! Friendly staff and a great view. Can't…read moreget much better than that!

This is a well kept secret just off of Hwy 61 south of Winona. Located near a historic mill which…read moreoffers a great view of a waterfall this restaurant is under new management. covid19 restriction and guidelines are being followed at this location. Service was very good. The co-owner of the restaurant was our waitress. She was very pleasant and offered great service. Drinks were served very quickly and our order was taken immediately. We order the onion rings as a starter. They were a bit light on the quantity but that was quickly forgotten with a great tasting batter and flavorful onion. We were there for the fish fry and it was outstanding! Plenty of food! Large salad, soup, followed by the main course. I ordered the batter fried cod and my wife ordered the jumbo shrimp (and they are really JUMBO). I ordered the thin fries...never had paper thin FF before. They were not bad, wife had the baked potato which was outstanding! Everything was served fresh and hot. This is a must visit place. The menu has lots of variety and a good view.

Absolutely amazing food!!! Service is superb and it's clean and delicious!! Ten out ten!!!read more

Got the sweet mother of Parm and oh what a flavorful delight!!! Piping, hot and crispy with yummy…read moreseasoned fries. Highly recommended.