17 Best Places to Eat in Mankato MN
Mankato Minnesota offers visitors a variety of dining options. Whether you are looking for a good breakfast spot, a casual pizza place, or a more upscale restaurant, Mankato has something for you. Here are some of the best places to eat in Mankato MN.
Mankato is a fun town to explore and a great day trip from Minneapolis I’ve done multiple times. Some of my favorite restaurants are in the Mankato area.
If you are spending the night or just looking to fuel up, you gotta eat at one of the great places to eat in Mankato MN.
Best Places to Eat in Mankato MN
Coffee Hag
Location: 329 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: Coffee
Features: Outdoor Seating, Family Friendly
Cost: $
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The Coffee Hag in Mankato MN is a cozy little coffee shop with great coffee and pastries. It’s a great place to relax, read a book, or take time.
The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. While it’s not officially a restaurant, it has a fun atmosphere with excellent food for breakfast!
Hang out during their live music and enjoy your favorite beverage. They are my top choice on the best places to eat in Mankato MN.
What to eat?
I’m a sucker for their scones and a cafe mocha!
Nolebella Kitchen + Bar
Location: 520 S Front St Suite 500, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: American
Features: Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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Nolebella Kitchen + Bar is a unique restaurant with a delicious rustic American farm-to-table menu. The chef specializes in creating dishes that are both gluten-free and vegan, so there is something for everyone at Nolebella.
In addition to the delicious food, Nolebella also has an amazing wine selection and elegant décor. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing dinner with your friends or a special occasion dinner, Nolebella is the perfect place to enjoy! It’s one of the best restaurants in Mankato.
What to eat?
I love their Goat Cheese Balls. They are pretzel-battered with a size of roasted garlic marinara. I also love their Schnitzel Cubano. It’s pretzel-breaded pork, roasted ham, brie fondue, local pickles, stone ground mustard, and pressed ciabatta.
Rapidan Dam Cafe
Location: 54116 Glory Ln, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: American
Features: Outdoor Seating, Family Friendly
Cost: $
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Some of the best places to eat are often overlooked. If you’re looking for a café with great pies, Rapidan Dam Cafe is a good place to go in Mankato.
It’s been around for a long time, and the homemade food is always top-notch. Plus, it’s located right next to the Rapidan Dam, so you can enjoy the view while you eat. Defiantly a unique experience.
What to eat?
You gotta try their juicy burgers and a freshly baked slice of pie! Defiantly one of the best places to eat in Mankato MN.
Pappageorge Restaurant and Bar
Location: 1028 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: American
Features: Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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Pappageorge Restaurant and Bar is a popular restaurant in Mankato MN. The restaurant features a wide variety of food, including American cuisine with Steaks, Seafood, and sandwiches.
They also have an extensive wine list and a selection of beers and cocktails. The atmosphere of Pappageorge is casual and welcoming, and the staff is attentive and friendly.
What to eat?
Start off with the Caprese salad. It’s made with fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with house-made balsamic. For the main, I recommend their Steak and Shrimp. It’s a petite top sirloin with 4 jumbo shrimp
Pagliai’s Pizza
Location: 524 S Front St, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: Pizza
Features: Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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Pagliai’s Pizza and Bar is a great place to get your pizza fix in Mankato. They have a large variety of pizzas to choose from, as well as plenty of other options on the menu, like poorboy sandwiches and Spaghetti Dinners.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. If you’re looking for a delicious meal that won’t break the bank, Pagliai’s is the place to go.
What to eat?
I recommend the “B” Special, it’s got Sausage, Salami, Canadian Bacon & Onions on it!
The Wooden Spoon
Location: 515 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: Bakery
Features: Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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The Wooden Spoon is a great bakery in Mankato. The food is delicious and the service is amazing. They serve lunch meals and take-and-bake meals, including holiday meals!
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff is always willing to help. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great meal.
What to eat?
Stop in for fresh bread and rolls and come home with a package and cookie and their taco bake. It’s delicious!
Love exploring Minnetonka MN? You gotta check out 30 Amazing Things to do in Mankato MN: The Ultimate Guide
Ummies Bar & Grill
Location: 530 S Front St, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: American
Features: Outdoor Seating, Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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Ummies sports bar in Mankato is a great place to go for a game or just to hang out with friends. They have televisions all over the place so you can watch your favorite team or show. The staff is always friendly and happy to help you with whatever you need.
They have great happy hour specials from 3pm 6pm and 9pm – 11pm daily.
What to eat?
I love the BBQ Chicken Flatbread. It has grilled chicken, green peppers, and onions with BBQ sauce. They also have a great Bib Bob’s Fish Sandwich.
It Big Bob’s Belly Buster Battered Cod fillet fried to a golden brown and served on a hoagie bun with lettuce and onion and a side of tartar sauce
Dino’s Pizzeria
Location: 239 Belgrade Ave, North Mankato, MN 56003
Cuisine: Pizza
Features: Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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Dino’s Pizzeria is a popular pizza spot in Mankato. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and is perfect for groups of friends. The menu offers a variety of pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
Their pizzas are always made from scratch and prepared daily. Plus, Dino’s offers a wide selection of beer and wine. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or an all-out meal, Dino’s is the perfect place to go!
What to eat?
They specialized in New York authentic pizzas. You gotta get the Italian Day Dream. It’s a red sauce pie with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, black olives, green peppers, and mozzarella.
NaKato Bar and Grill
Location: 253 Belgrade Ave, Mankato, MN 56003
Cuisine: American
NaKato is a unique, family-owned and operated restaurant in Mankato MN serving American cuisine. NaKato’s extensive menu offers something for everyone, including healthy options and gluten-free choices.
The extensive drink selection includes many beers, cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks. NaKato is perfect for groups of any size, and our friendly staff is happy to take care of you.
What to eat?
The Open-Faced Tuna Melt Sandwich is delicious!
The Boulder Tap House
Location: 291 St Andrews Dr, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: American
Features: Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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The Boulder Tap House is a cozy tavern in Mankato, MN that specializes in craft beers. They specialize in winds burgers and milkshakes!
The tap house is a wonderful place to relax with friends and enjoy some delicious food while watching the game or listening to some great music. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always happy to share their recommendations. They are one of the best places to eat in Mankato MN.
What to eat?
You gotta try the Stuffed tap house burger. You pick the cheesy filling. Similar to a Jucy Lucy.
Number 4 American Bar and Kitchen
Location: 124 E Walnut St, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: American
Features: Outdoor Seating, Family Friendly
Cost: $$$
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If you enjoy a good steak, The Number 4 American Bar and Kitchen in Mankato MN is the spot for you. This restaurant has a great selection of steak options, as well as other menu items like chicken fingers and pizza. They also offer a variety of sake options, so you can find the perfect drink to enjoy with your meal.
The Number 4 is a great place to go for a casual evening out with friends or family.
What to eat?
The Parmesan Crusted Halibut is amazing. It’s a fresh Alaskan Halibut with parmesan breaded with herbed butter. It’s delicious!
Pub 500
Location: 500 S Front St, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: American
Features: Outdoor Seating, Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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Pub 500 is a great place to go for a drink or to catch a game. It’s always busy, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming.
The drinks are reasonably priced and the atmosphere is fun and lively. Pub 500 is the perfect spot to be on a Saturday night for late-night snacks.
What to eat?
The Bacon My Heart Sandwich is delicious. it’s a slow Slow-roasted pulled pork topped with pepper jack cheese, thick-cut bacon, and our house-made Ragtop BBQ sauce.
We stopped by Pub 500 after hiking in Minneopa State Park. They have great trails, a waterfall, and BISON!
La Terraza Mexican Grill and Bar
Location: 1404 Madison Ave, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: Mexican
Features: Outdoor Seating, Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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La Terraza Mexican Grill and Bar is a great place to go for Mexican food in Mankato. They have delicious dishes such as burritos, enchiladas, and chimichangas that will fill you up.
The restaurant also has generous portions of margaritas to help wash it all down. La Terraza is also a great place to socialize with friends, as they have an extensive bar menu with tons of options to choose from.
What to eat?
I recommend the Fajitas Parrillada Tropical. They are a new twist on the classics. Steak, chicken, and shrimp with chorizo, melted cheese, avocado, and pineapple. Cooked with carnalized onion, bell peppers, and tomatoes and served with guacamole, Pico, Mexican rice, beans, and tortillas.
Olives
Location: 20 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Features: Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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If you are looking for a delicious and unique dining experience, be sure to check out Olives in Mankato. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts, this local business offers something for everyone. Plus, their pastry chef can whip up some amazing gluten-free dishes to wow your taste buds.
So whether you’re in the mood for Mediterranean cuisine or American classics, Olives has got you covered. They are one of the best places to eat in Mankato MN.
What to eat?
The Chicken Piccata is delicious. It’s got angel hair sauté, lemon garlic broccolini, and lemon-caper sauce.
Tav on the Ave
Location: 1120 Madison Ave, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: American
Features: Outdoor Seating, Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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The Tav on the Ave is a great place to eat and drink. The food is excellent and the prices are reasonable. The sports bar atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
Come in for their wings burgers and more. The Tav is one of the few places in Mankato where you can find good food and drink.
What to eat?
They make a mean Tequila lime fish tacos. Its three pan-seared cod, Asian slaw, coconut rice, house-made black beans, and tequila lime pico de gallo.
Shogun Sushi & Hibachi
Location: 1901 Madison Ave #315, Mankato, MN 56001
Cuisine: Sushi
Features: Family Friendly
Cost: $$
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If you’re looking for a delicious Japanese dish, you need to look no further than Shogun Shushi and Hibachi in Mankato. Both are definitely worth trying, and the prices are quite reasonable.
The Shushi is made from fresh seafood, and the hibachi is cooked over an open flame. The sauces and spices used in both dishes are absolutely amazing and will leave you with a memorable dining experience.
What to eat?
If you are in the mood for sushi, you gotta get the Crazy Horse Roll. It’s made with white fish, crabmeat, salmon, cream cheese, and avocado, fried in tempura batter.
What are my favorite places to eat in Mankato MN?
My favorite places to eat in Mankato includes the Coffee Hag Café and the Rapidan Dam Café. They both feature quality ingredients, good service and so much more. Wherever you decide, Mankato Restaurants are all good.
