These 11 Homey Restaurants In Minnesota Serve Your All-Time Favorite Comfort Foods (2024)

What's better than frying up a classic grilled cheese on a cold winter day? Dipping it in tomato soup and eating it in a cozy dining area, of course. Every time you travel up to Ely, Gator's Grilled Cheese Emporium lets you do just that. Address: 955 East Sheridan Street, Ely.

You might not expect a restaurant at Mall of America to have some of the best mac and cheese around. But don't let its location fool you. This comfort food classic loaded with bacon, tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and so much cheese... Well, you have to try it for yourself. Address: Mall of America, 130 North Garden, Bloomington.

The mashed potatoes at Jax Cafe have been named as some of the most unique mashed potatoes in Minnesota by WCCO. And when you pair them with mouthwatering beef tenderloin, you'll have a hearty meal that will remind you of home. Address: 1928 Northeast University Avenue, Minneapolis.

Here's another grilled cheese restaurant for when you don't want to drive quite as far north as Ely. And it does not disappoint. This restaurant has a focus on locally made breads, local produce, and farm-raised meats. Next time you're in Duluth, pop in to see what's cooking. Address: 1032 East 9th Street, Duluth.

Haute Dish is a Minneapolis restaurant known for its elevated Midwestern cuisine. So it shouldn't be too surprising that they have their own version of a Minnesota classic. Their tater tot hotdish consists of porcini, short rib, green beans, and tots. It was named best hotdish in town by City Pages. Address: 119 Washington Avenue North, Minneapolis.

mom and pop shop known for pies. Kaffee Stuga is the kind of mom-and-pop shop you wish you lived near. But even if you don't, it's worth the drive to this long-standing family establishment. While they're known for their delicious pies, Kaffee Stuga also serves up great pork chops, walleye, and more. Address: 6810 Sunrise Road, Harris.

What's better than a hearty bowl of chili, especially in a cold state like Minnesota? The Loon Cafe serves up an absolutely mouthwatering chili topped with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. The ultimate cold weather comfort food. Address: 500 North 1st Avenue, Minneapolis.

There's nothing like a double scoop of ice cream to take you back to your childhood. On a warm day or a cool one, it can be just the pick-me-up you need to remind you that it always gets better. Address: 750 Grand Avenue, St. Paul.

A delicious twist on an old classic, this biscuits and gravy dish at the famous Duluth Grill features fried chicken, tomato, and lettuce served on flaky, buttery biscuits with a blanket of gravy. There's only word appropriate to describe this dish - yum. Address: 118 South 27th Avenue West, Duluth.

There's no food in Minnesota more comforting than the classic wild rice soup. The amazingly creamy rendition at Cornerstone Cafe in Monticello was voted best wild rice soup in Minnesota by WCCO viewers. Address: 154 West Broadway Street, Monticello.

The Sample Room may be a bit elevated from grandma’s kitchen, but the meatloaf isn’t too high brow for those who love the throwback classic. This tasty variety is made with grass-fed beef, pork, and bison. Address: 2124 Marshall Street Northeast, Minneapolis.