The Tendermaid

4.4 (78 reviews)

InexpensiveBurgers, Delis, Fast Food

Closed • 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

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The Tendermaid - The sandwich itself. Messy but delicious! - Burgers Near Me - Austin, Minnesota

The Tendermaid - Yum to all choices - Burgers Near Me - Austin, Minnesota

The Tendermaid - Tendermaid Dog = Hormel beef dog + Tendermaid loose meat burger + bacon + pickles + ketchup + mustard - Burgers Near Me - Austin, Minnesota

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The Tendermaid - Go try it! - Burgers Near Me - Austin, Minnesota

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Su E. G.

Their malt shakes are delicious! I got the bacon cheeseburger and banana malt shake. Their pricing is based on cash pricing so if you are paying with card, expect to pay 4% more. Their burger is chopped burger, so they serve it with a spoon. They have been around for 85 years!

the front of a restaurant on a snowy day

Jingle M.

Can't even tell you how long I've been eating at The Tendermaid . . Like maybe 40 years??? Family loved the burgers as kids and we still all go back if we're anywhere close by! The tendermaid sandwiches are still awesome (think crumbled sloppy joes without sauce). Add your choice of onions, cheese, mustard, ketchup, pickles and anything else you can think of! One big difference. I used to eat 2 or 3, so I ordered two. They are twice the size they used to be! Wowza . . my tummy . . . The tiny building looks exactly the same, but no counter seat sadly. Takeout only. Oh well, I'll still go again.

Mary T.

I had completed my visit at the SPAM Museum. I asked Dave, a friendly and helpful SPAM-bassador, what recommendations he had for food in downtown Austin. I asked the right person! He has eaten his way around the city and gave me three suggestions. One of them was Tendermaid. He said that I could keep my car parked at the museum and walk over there. It's funny, but I actually saw this restaurant as I was heading over to the SPAM Museum. Google Maps got me to the museum's front entrance. I needed to find parking, so I drove around the block, as it's downtown and many streets are one-way. I had to do a full stop at an intersection and I was staring at Tendermaid. It reminded me of the small burger joints in Winnipeg. They are small, but mighty. Never knock a small burger joint. Anyway, I walked over to Tendermaid. There are two doors. Both work. Coming or going, just use whichever one works best. I was immediately greeted by a nice woman. I hung up my jacket and chose a stool in this cute diner that feels like I'm in the 50's or even earlier. I wouldn't know, as I'm not that old... haha! It was almost as if this woman knew that I like hearing about the history of a food joint and how the loose burger came into play. I loved all of that, including what I could order from the menus. This place is famous for its loose burger. It hasn't changed how it has made it for decades. Instead of a ground beef patty, you get loose ground beef that goes between the bun. It's like a sloppy Joe, but without it being drenched in sloppy sauce. There is an area where the loose ground beef keeps its temperature. This place had malts, shakes, and pop. I went with a black raspberry shake. It is made the way it was done back in the day. Cool! After going through the menu, I ordered a bacon cheeseburger, with jalapeno cheese, relish, and mayo. You can ask for whatever toppings you'd like. My black raspberry shake came out. I get moments where I am so floored by how good something tastes that I want to share how great it is with the world. It would have been odd to have told the man sitting three stools away from me about it. Instead, I told the woman who made it for me. She was delighted and didn't think I was crazy. The black raspberry had so much flavour. It was thick and creamy. It was excellent. My burger came out next. The woman gave it to me carefully wrapped up and said that I'll be needing a spoon. I love having such a different burger experience. I unwrapped by burger and took my first bite. It was awesome! The bacon was chopped into smaller bits, to complement the loose beef. I loved the jalapeno cheese that was in it. It was flavourful. I love relish and mayo in a burger. The bun was soft and perfect. I was elated! And, yes, you do need a spoon to scoop up the ground beef. It wasn't overcooked. It wasn't bland. It was yummy. I had another woman behind the counter ask where I was from. Not in a prying, nosy way. Just in a curious, friendly way. She told me that she loves Toronto and would love to visit again. This place accepts credit cards and cash. I paid with a credit card and I was good. You get mini Tootsie Rolls at the end of your meal. I liked the gesture. I got water in a plastic cup. I took it with me as I left. It was a nice touch. Part of me wanted another milkshake, but I didn't want to fall asleep driving away. It is worth coming here just for the shake alone. I thanked the two women there. They were so nice and friendly. Parking is at the back of the restaurant. There is plenty! You can also get Tendermaid t-shirts and more if you want a physical momento of your time here. I'd come back here again. I had a great lunch. Thanks to Dave back at the SPAM Museum for the recommendation. (24)

Maria B.

Loved it! Flew in from salt lake and drove straight to Austin for a couple Tendermaid's burgers. Totally worth waking up at 5 am, flying to Minnesota, not eating all day and rolling in for before they close at 4pm. Always delicious, we inhaled them in a couple minutes. The original with cheese or the one with thousand island sauce on it are the best. Get them with the pickles on them and don't forget a fabulous, smooth, best you've ever had chocolate shake! Love these folks may they stay open forever!

Shan Z.

Tendermaid is a nostalgic diner dating back to 1930's Austin. Pros: this place is just so cool. You walk in and feel transported back in time. The loose meat burgers are to be eaten with a spoon (they give you one when you order) and the super thick shakes are made the old fashioned way. The staff is friendly and will engage the entire restaurant in light hearted communal conversations. Cons: only stools around a counter, so obviously no high chairs. Also not the most accessible for people with physical disabilities. No AC and not open on Sundays. Overall, worth the stop through Austin to check this place out.

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Sean L.

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322

5

7 years ago

Still love this place and the atmosphere. Don't expect the best tasting burger, just soak in the environment and enjoy

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Dolores K.

13

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35

14 years ago

Not a place for the health conscious, but great for a step back in time. Only veggies on the menu are pickles & onions. Burgers are 'crumbly' style, meaning a heap of steaming ground beef is piled on a bun & then whatever mixins you want are added -- BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, onions, cheese, etc. Shakes skimpy on flavor. A bit pricey: 18 bucks for 3 people and an order of 2 burgers, 1 hot dog & 2 shakes. Standard burger buns, so not huge portions. read more

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Brady L.

2

8

13 years ago

Great and unique tasty sandwiches. The best malts/shakes around (lots of different flavored). This is a must if you're padding through Austin or if you're new to the area. Location is right near downtown with lots of things in walking distance. There is limited seating, so be aware of that. This is my 3 y/o favorite place to stop with dad. read more

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Kellie H.

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3

2

7 years ago

Sometimes you just NEED a cheeseburger and a chocolate black raspberry malt. Oh my gosh. I can't explain with words- you just need to go. Eat. Enjoy!! read more

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Anwen K.

75

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15

7 years ago

Extremely friendly and inviting place! I wish I was in Austin more than once in my life just to have these shakes!!

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Eva J.

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8 years ago

The Tendermaid is one of the best places to get a burger and a malt. the employees are very nice and fun to talk to.

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James D.

8

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9 years ago

Being from TX, didn't know what this whole 'loose meat' stuff was about...but WOW! It's a straightforward sandwich of white bun, 'loose' ground beef (aka crumbles - think taco meat for my fellow Texans) and an assortment of toppings at your disposal. Meat is steamed instead of pan-fried so almost no grease yet seasoned and full of flavor. Counter service is a throwback and the owners are the nicest people you'll ever meet. If you're in the area, you owe it to yourself to stop by! read more

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Julia G.

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9 years ago

This place has the best burgers ever! The atmosphere is amazing and staff are amazing but it is very expensive but a nice little treat once and a while also my favourite shake is the strawberry my mom also loves the banana read more

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Larisa R.

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12 years ago

We didn't know what to expect when we walked in the little building that simply says "hamburgers" on the sign. We weren't expecting such a unique dining experience. The dining counter wraps around where all the action is. The loose meat hamburgers are assembled there while you watch. They are perfectly seasoned and served in the wrapper (no plate). There are many toppings available. I had 1000 Island, American cheese, and pickles--oh so good. My son had the chili dog. He said the chili was excellent. The chocolate malt was just about the best I've had. We are so full but are trying to find a reason to make another trip through Austin, MN! read more

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Stephanie P.

2

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17 years ago

This is an awesome local gem! The milkshakes are divine and huge. Personal favorite is pineapple

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Theresa G.

31

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10 years ago

We were in Austin visiting the Spam museum and stopped here for lunch. Fun place! Great loose meat sandwiches and shakes, the latter they will split for you (or your kids) because they only come in 1 large size. Limited seating inside--all counter stools, but they have picnic tables outside. Quick service, has been in business since 1938. Would so much rather go to a local place for a quick bite when possible! read more

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Sara J.

19

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12 years ago

I have been coming to the Tendermaid for as long as I can remember. The beauty of this place is that it remains the same and sticks to what it does best. The setup is bar only seating with the everything being made right in front of you. I always stick to a simple burger and ketchup with a vanilla malt. My mouth waters thinking about it. I highly recommended checking the Tendermaid out. It's a quick lunch and has available takeout. read more

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Omar J.

2

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4

12 years ago

This is an example of a different take on a burger. Some people complain it is catered towards the older population of the town. In reality it is a ground beef blend of deliciousness. The beef is seasoned perfectly and they have plenty of condiments to fill your crave. I love some spice on my food so the fresh jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and spicy melted cheese goes well together. I recommend stopping in on a Wednesday and trying their delicious chicken tortilla soup...it is to die for. Also if you are a fan of old fashioned malts you won't go wrong ordering one. This is a hidden gem and for people looking for something different I highly recommend it. read more

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Dorothy F.

1

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12 years ago

Great little Mom and Pop shop. Still using same great recipe and original cooker for the 70 some years it's been in existence. The burger is loose and flavorful with great options to add on and amazing malts. Great experience, definitely worth going! read more

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Jerry C.

0

5

1

8 years ago

Great loose meat sandwiches and shakes. Couldn't wait to get back to Austin for lunch. Fresh and hot as always

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Ann H.

10

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11 years ago

A wonderful trip back in time to when a real gourmet loose meat burger means topping it with thousand island dressing instead of ketchup and pickles. Huge shakes and malts. Real vinyl and chrome spinning counter stools. Loose meat burgers were new to me when I moved here from Wisconsin. They are weird. Sloppy joes with no sauce. But hey, I've gone native. They are pretty good. read more

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Erik H.

62

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23

14 years ago

Nostalgic 1950's style restaurant with burgers and shakes. Small, fun, place. Not the best sandwich in the world, but it has HOME written all over it. read more

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Michael J.

105

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15 years ago

Great little sandwich shop where you can get a steamed loose meat sandwich and a great malt. It is the perfect summertime lunch stop.

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Shannon M.

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3

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15 years ago

If you are visiting or passing by Austin (e.g. to see the SPAM museum) you should definitely add 'Tender Maid Sandwich Shop' to your list of things to do. My boyfriend and I from the Twin Cities ended up stopping here randomly after we read they had 'loose made hamburgers' (also known as a maid-rite). Being a city girl and from out east I didn't have a clue what this was but he assured me I was in for a treat. The food, service, and decor of the place were great! We both had a cheeseburger and plus a chocolate milkshake for me. The food came out fast and was hot. The three women behind the counter couldn't have been friendlier and added such a personal touch. Tender Maid is a small place, sitting about 20 people along the perimeter of the counter, so you can see how everything is made. I heard the lines can get long, so one suggestion is come after the lunch crowd. In addition to finding a place to sit, you may just find yourself having a great conversation comparing and talking about some of the best burger places in MN with the employees (which Tender Maid is right up there on the list). read more

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Misty C.

69

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15

9 years ago

Love love love this place! I remember going there when we were kids. Loose meat hamburgers with a malt. Now my kids call it the Krusty Krab. They say it looks like the Crusty Crab Shack from SpongeBob. Now they have fond memories just like I do. Love love love this place! And the owners could not be any nicer! read more

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Tracy M.

29

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23

13 years ago

Unique and worth a trip if you are in the area and want something quick and interesting. Loose meat! That says it all. Left with a quiky smile that we went there! read more

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Drew L.

18

11

3

13 years ago

Delicious place. The loose meat sandwiches are awesome and so are the milkshakes. They have an eating challenge that #manvsfood needs to take on. read more

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Robert A.

1

98

7

8 years ago

Loved it! Quality food in a nostalgic setting. Sara gave us great service and we definitely enjoyed the experience.

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People's T.

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6

2

15 years ago

Watch our review here: http://peoplestours.com/2011/06/05/tendermaid-austin-mn/

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Bailey M.

0

9

5

13 years ago

:) Love this place, simple and delicious and not overly priced. I grew up with Maid-Rite, so this place is as close as it gets. Not quite the same, but okay. Their shakes and malts are amazing, to say the least. Very fast and friendly service, definitely recommend it! read more

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Mike G.

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7

0

12 years ago

Awesome local institution. Distinctive loose meat hamburgers. Great shakes too. Not a lot of seating but you can always get it to go.

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Amanda G.

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2

0

8 years ago

This is a must stop in austin! Delicious, as always, and for a good price. It's a mom and pop shop that was opened a long time ago by the sweetest little lady. read more

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Gary B.

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16 years ago

Whenever we get back to Austin we stop at the Tender Maid. Great burgers, not traditional but so simple it's a wonder. The shakes are divine. My boys are traveling from n.e. pennsylvania by car on a swing to the west coast and will stop and visit my family in Austin. This is always a must stop when in town. The simple things in life are the best. read more

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R S.

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1

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15 years ago

Having grown up in the birthplace of the loose meat sandwich of Iowa, and then living in Minnesota for the last decade, it was a great treat to be able to have a loose meat sandwich again as it's been a while. We stumbled upon this place looking for lunch after visiting the Spam museum. The inside was exactly how I pictured it -- a horseshoe counter surrounding the central meat cooker, condiments on the same station that were applied with spatulas. They also have a malt machine and bags of chips if you desire. Don't know if there was a pie case, I was too enthralled with the great tasting sandwich I was enjoying! Very friendly staff and towns people. I felt like I was back home. read more

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m w.

84

104

9

17 years ago

I have been a customer of this sandwich shop for 50 years. It is by far one of the best sandwich shops in all of Minnesota. The tradition of this shop is goes without saying. Locally owned the whole time of its existence the loose meat hamburger and a thick malt of your choice is AWESOME! The one great thing is that it has never changed. What do I mean by that, you always here that they have no fries. Yes, they don't need it. The burgers are so good, why waste the experience with anything other than just eating 2 or more sandwiches. If you want to really go for it, do the 'challenge' which is a local thing where you eat a preset amout of burgers, chips, water and malt in a certain amount of time, all I can say is "good luck." A trip to the Tendermaid will be one of the most memorable dining experience you will EVER have, trust me. Don't miss it. read more

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Julie P.

99

7

1

10 years ago

If you want anything that's remotely healthy, this is not the place for you! They don't even put lettuce or tomatoes on their hamburgers. It's basically like a dry sloppy Joe with a bunch of American cheese or bacon or jalapeños or other condiments jammed on the top. It wasn't terrible, but I would've liked an option for some kind of vegetable besides pickles and onions. They don't even do french fries, it's just chips in a bag. It seemed a little overpriced as well. Unique concept, very friendly waitresses, but I would rather go somewhere else. read more

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Brandon O.

1

3

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10 years ago

In town for business and the locals recommended this place. I saw on the menu that they were known for their loose meat sandwiches, I thought I was ordering a regular bacon cheeseburger and it came as a loose meat sandwich. Turned out to be pretty tasty. The wait staff were very knowledgable about the business has been there for 70 odd years. Would recommend to a friend! read more

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Mark J.

0

6

0

12 years ago

Tender Maid in Austin has been in the same location for 76 years. The reason is the unique loose hamburger sandwiches with tasty malts. I remember having Tender Maid sandwiches 50 years ago. They are a as good today as they were back then. I grew up in the area and make Tender Maid a required stop every time I am back in Austin. The malts are excellent. If you are in the area, do not pas up a chance to eat at an iconic restaurant. read more

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Lacey W.

0

16

6

11 years ago

Stopped here for the first time today and my expectations were really high because of the yelp reviews. I was not let down! The chili cheese tender maid was life changing! Of course I had to wash it down with their legendary chocolate malt, which was delicious! read more

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J A.

0

2

0

11 years ago

Your standard business food you can make at home but bad price 5x more than it costs to make!

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Robert M.

0

4

0

11 years ago

Awesome every time! cheeseburger with bacon, and a strawberry milkshake many times over many years!

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Chase H.

0

4

0

13 years ago

Tastes awesome but 1 burger is $4. 2 stars due to having to spend 8 dollars to get decently full and another 4 dollars for a shake.

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Chandler P.

0

2

0

13 years ago

It may be a little speedy but it is good and I love the place. If you come to austin vist the tender maid

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More info about The Tendermaid

217 4th Ave NE
Austin, MN 55912
Directions
(507) 437-7907
Call Now

Hours

What time does The Tendermaid open?

The Tendermaid opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does The Tendermaid close?

The Tendermaid closes at 4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.The Tendermaid closes at 3:00 PM on Saturday.The Tendermaid is closed on Sunday.

Mon-Fri 11:00 AM - 4:00 PMSat 11:00 AM - 3:00 PMSun Closed

Payment methods

Does The Tendermaid take Bitcoin?

No, The Tendermaid does not take Bitcoin.

Does The Tendermaid take credit cards?

Yes, The Tendermaid takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Tendermaid have catering options?

No, The Tendermaid does not have catering options.

Does The Tendermaid serve alcohol?

No, The Tendermaid does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does The Tendermaid allow dogs?

Yes, The Tendermaid allows dogs.

Does The Tendermaid have TVs?

No, The Tendermaid does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Tendermaid have bike parking?

Yes, The Tendermaid has bike parking.

Does The Tendermaid have outdoor seating?

Yes, The Tendermaid has outdoor seating options.

Does The Tendermaid have parking?

Yes, The Tendermaid has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does The Tendermaid have free WiFi?

No, The Tendermaid does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Loose Meat Burgers Malts & Shakes

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Arby's

While visiting my family in Austin, Mn I found myself hungry for a sweet Jalapeno Roast beef…read moreslider. You know the one... So I stopped in the drive through at Arbys on June 12,2019 at about 2 pm. Let's make that clear: ARBY'S, AUSTIN 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM 1305 18th Ave NW Austin, MN 55912-1857 (507) 433-2722 Store ID: #7573 I ordered 2 of those roast beef with jalapeno sliders and an onion ring. I had a $20 bill and a $1 bill in my wallet. The elderly woman with short curley gray hair told me the cost was $5.25. I gave her my $20 bill. She gave me change which I held in my hand in full view on my steering wheel and at that location. There was a sign for a collection to Alzheimers Research. I asked to give to the research and she held out a beaten old coleslaw container or something like what they serve a cup of food in. It made me wonder if it was legit. I dropped 75 cents in and asked where and whom was doing the research. They babbled to each other, no one seemed to know anything. So I started to count my change in full view. I was short $5.00. She hadn't given me the correct change. I told her. She turned away and spoke to a shorter gal with sort of a brunette or maybe slightly slate color hair in an above the shoulder straight cut. This gal came to the window and told me she would have to count the drawer. I told her the woman did not give me the correct change and I showed her the bills. I had been holding it in full view the whole time. She insisted I wait while she counted. I should have parked at the window. Instead, furious that she was calling me a liar, pulled to the parking lot, tried to be calm and went inside. I was supposed to be visiting family. My time was being stolen from me. The fellow at the register asked if I was ok. I told him, "No! I was not ok." I had been short changed and called a liar. I was furious. I don't know about you all, but them's fighting words where I come from. Normally I would have stood there and insisted she count in public view. However, I was already tired and ready to go. I dont like paying $10.25 for two sliders and onion rings. So I said a terse "goodbye!" and left. After speaking to my family about the incident and mulling over what had happened it dawned on me that this had happened before in the last visit my husband and I had made, possibly with the same women. I wonder how much supplemental income these two gals make every day they work there. I'm sorry that Minnesota has become such a den of dishonesty and thievery. Don't give them anything but the exact change if you want to keep what belongs to you.

The employees are extremely rude, but the food is mediocre. There was one Employee named Ethan that…read morewas charming, but everything else was awful.

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Subway

I stopped into the 4th St Subway last night and had the nicest experience thanks to your employee…read moreSarge. Such I cool kid, so polite, knowledgeable about your products, and helpful. It was a pleasure just interacting with him. He's a keeper so give him a raise. I give your location 5 's

subway by the highway has horrible customer service at night. very disappointing. No sign that…read moredrive Thur is closed being ignored at window with a line behind me.

Taco John's

Love the tacos and potato oles.Six pack and a pound is perfect for our family.Service is always…read moregood.

Love the food and drinks but let's get straight to the point. Sometimes the food is soggy,cold and…read morecracked. But overall the food's really good .

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Burrito with potato oles.

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1910 Fresh Mexican Kitchen

This was a great authentic Mexican place with a Salsa bar. You order your taco, burrito, etc. and…read morethen add your choice of cilantro and onions, salsa, and hot sauce toppings when the food comes out. Both the food and the toppings were great! The staff were also super friendly and quick with service. They handled the lunch rush beautifully.

Great staff, always quick and friendly greeting…read more The food is delish, fresh and is prepared as ordered and quickly.

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First half of the menu

Second half (sorry it is blurry)

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OMG this burrito is so big!

McDonald's

The food was good but when we got to the table it was dirty and look at this photo. They should…read morekeep this restaurant but they need to lock in. The service was good and bad they were ok.

A motivational cheese burger before hitting the gym is the reason I came here. It was fast, cheap…read moreand hot. It was also put together exactly right like you shoud expect from any McDonalds anywhere. I'm giving 5 stars because I got exactly what I expected to get in the time I expected to get it. That has become a rarer quality in fast food. This place appears to have the assembly line working exactly like it should.

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McDonald's

I've had food poisoning twice from this place in the last 6 months. I contacted them and made them…read moreaware and wasn't offered a simple apology! I'll never eat at McDonald's again.

First of all the food was cold and it took at least 15 minutes to get my food and the people that…read morewere working were playing around with the bags and when I did get my food they threw it at me with so much attitude they didnt even give me cups so i had to get them myself the large cups were so small, the workers were like being loud and playing around with the food.

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Kenny's Oak Grill

Best breakfast (shakes are amazing too!) in town! The Mc…read moreMushroom is the huz's favorite for over 20 years! Pancakes are light and crave-worthy. Staff treats you like family, and if you are an Austin local you can find something on the wall decor that you can relate to. Try it--you'll like it!

This had a classic diner feel to it with the booths and a counter at the entrance. The menu had…read morelots of choices with reasonable pricing. The staff was friendly and the food came out quickly. I had the ham and turkey chef salad. It was served in a tortilla shell with lettuce, tomato, peppers, pineapple, cheddar cheese, and taco chips with a sweet and sour dressing. It also came with garlic bread that was pleasant but not needed. This type of salad being in a tortilla shell was a little odd, but not bad. It was a little stale as well, but nothing concerning. The overall salad was well put together and everything else seemed fresh with plenty of the toppings. The pineapple was also an interesting choice, but I did not mind it. Will I go back? Yeah, why not.

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Decor

Ham & Turkey Chef Salad

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Table seating with fun, diner wall decor

Piggy Blue's Bar-B-Que

After visiting the SPAM Museum, we had a hankering for some BBQ and this place was just down the…read moreroad on Main Street. Inside is nothing to write home about but the Que here is so good! My kids liked their meals, especially with the included dessert of homemade gelato. My wife and I had the Smokehouse Smorgasbord which offered a good sampling of all the meats and sides. We liked all the meat options, full of flavor and tender. Portions were plentiful and we both ate our fill. I have to make a special note on the chicken and turkey, most times, those choices make the bottom of my list but their poultry was so juicy and tender! There was also a lot of variety when it came to sauces - sweet, heat, mustard based, vinegar based, it was all represented. Prices were fair and service was "small town" chill and friendly. Two saucy thumbs way up!

Legit BBQ is not readily found in Minnesota. This is the real deal. The restaurant occupies a…read moresingle long room, the walls lined with amusing tin signs available for purchase. It was getting busier by the time we left at noon; they also handled a lot of take-out orders. I'm glad we were there on a rainy Friday in the off-season--I can only imagine how packed this place would be in the summer! Service was great the whole time. A single-sided big menu has most of the food offerings, but there is a separate Spam menu that can be brought out on request. My husband had a beer while I was happy they had cans of local Loon Juice cider available. For our appetizer, we ordered a side item: fried okra. I don't think we've found okra anywhere else in the state! It was perfectly cooked with a cornmeal coating, piping hot and delicious. I had the Smokin' BBQ Platter. I had brisket for my meat option, with coleslaw and cornbread on the side. Perfectly cooked brisket, not dry at all. I'm an avid home baker and something of a cornbread snob, and this was excellent stuff--a perfect little loaf, sweet and perfect with butter melted within it. My husband had the Combination Platter with pulled pork and ribs. Now, he is a rib snob, having BBQed many over the years, and he declared these to be perfect (a rare thing to find in a restaurant). Not a shred of meat remained on the bone. Pulled pork was great, too, and he agreed that the cornbread was something special. He liked having pit potatoes, too, something that isn't common. Three kinds of BBQ sauce sat on our table in full, non-sticky squeezable containers. I tried the bourbon and loved it. My husband also tried the inferno; he can handle a lot of heat and said it wasn't really hot to his perception, but the flavor was good. In all, a fantastic experience here. I'd definitely come here again when passing through.

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SPAM Po'Boy

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Tony can't be wrong

The Downtown Grill

4.6

(19 reviews)

0.1 mi

Overall (A-) This is a safe bet place to dine. The service…read morewas good, food was good and pretty good value. It is not the best place you will go to but everything will be pretty good and everyone will leave content Food (A-) I had the 8oz steak with French onion soup, baked potato, asparagus, Everything tasted good and I finished my plate. Perfect portion sizes Value (B+) The prices seem to be a bit expensive for Austin but not too bad. Not a great value but nothing too crazy expensive either Service (A-) Friendly, polite and attentive. They do a great job providing suggestions and with checking up on the table. If you are in Austin this is a safe bet place to go to for some traditional American fare. There is a dog barking sound or a dog that was barking - I think it was just the sound- not sure - didn't ask about it.

This place had one of the best burgers I have had the pleasure of gaining weight while eating it…read more The spam burger is next level. Anytime the server asks how you want a burger cooked it usually means good things, and in this case it did not disappoint. Burger was cooked a perfect medium rare, so juicy, so flavorful and the pineapple relish and the aoli added just enough flavor without drowning out the burger. Great service, and nice environment. Highly recommend

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Old fashion mocktail

Spam Shingles

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Fried green beans with wasabi ranch

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Caroline R.

10

36

7

3 years ago

During our visit from out of town, my husband and I decided to have lunch at this place after reading the fantastic Yelp reviews. The bakery was diligently adhering to COVID guidelines, with mask requirements and reduced seating for social distancing. The gentleman who took our orders was extremely pleasant and patiently addressed our inquiries. I opted for the California Cobb, featuring bacon, avocado, turkey, and a delectable blue cheese spread on honey wheat bread. Meanwhile, my husband ordered the Tuscan chicken panini with sun-dried tomato pesto on focaccia. The food was absolutely scrumptious, with every bite bursting with freshness and flavor. We were thoroughly impressed and plan to return for another visit! read more

Jake V.

23

41

54

13 years ago

Hamburgers are small and a bit pricey, but they are good. Staff members are friendly and courteous. Place is a little small, so be mindful of that if you have a large group. Hamburgers are loose meat, so grab a spoon to eat up the hamburger. I'm not a shake or malt guy, so I can't really comment on to how good those are. My family seems to enjoy them however. Overall, a great little diner. Check it out for yourself and then write your own review :) read more

Andy N.

0

7

0

10 years ago

I'm really not sure what I could say about this place that someone else hasn't already.. It's a must stop if you've never been.. it's a SPAM Town classic.. if you haven't experienced it.. you're missing out.. sometimes the atmosphere isn't what you want (the people) but the food is tremendous and really the only thing that could detract you from this place are the patrons! ha.. which.. who's to say they don't feel the same about me? read more

Isabelle P.

17

32

7

3 years ago

This place was fun. We stopped in after going to the museum and we happened to be in town during an art fair. We did get a seat despite it being very busy. The menu is pretty extensive and all the sauces were fun. We did wait a bit for our food, but with the amount of people that wasn't unexpected. Everything was got was good. I would stop again if we are in town. read more

kyle k.

1

21

0

13 years ago

The Bacon Ranch burger is my favorite. Shakes are great also. About 4 bucks per burger, and 4 bucks per shake. What a deal. Go there, you will like it! read more