Ready to eat? Whether you are a lifelong local or just visiting for the weekend, the 2026 Restaurant Week is the ultimate excuse to explore the vibrant flavors of the St. Cloud area. We have seven days of themed eats, deals, and a chance to snag some swag.
Before you dive in, don’t forget to download your digital passport. If you check in at seven different locations throughout the week, you’ll earn the official 2026 Restaurant Week t-shirt! Plus, don’t forget to enter for a chance to win local gift cards.
Never Enough Protein
Welcome to Never Enough Protein, the category dedicated to the carnivores, the power-bowl enthusiasts, and anyone who believes that protein limits are just a suggestion. We’re talking about slow-smoked briskets, hand-cut steaks, and burgers so bold they require two hands and a stack of napkins. Whether you’re fueling up for a weekend of adventure or just looking to satisfy a serious craving, these dishes are packed with the high-quality fuel you need to keep the momentum going. Forget the fluff—today is all about the PROTEIN.
Grizzly's Smoke & Fire
Featured Item: Wood-Fired Combo for 2 (Ribs, Chicken, & Pork/Brisket)
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137 2nd Ave S, Waite Park MN 56387
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Grizzly’s is built on the primal philosophy that the best food starts with three simple elements: wood, smoke, and fire. Since opening in St. Cloud, they have mastered the art of low-and-slow cooking, utilizing a wood-fired rotisserie that infuses famous chicken with a deep, smoky richness you just can’t replicate in a standard kitchen. The atmosphere is designed to feel like a high-end backyard BBQ—warm, inviting, and filled with the mouth-watering aroma of seasoned oak and hickory. It’s the kind of place where you’re always the guest of honor, whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a multi-course family feast.
For Restaurant Week, they are delivering the ultimate carnivore’s dream: the Wood-Fired Combo for 2. This massive platter is a tour de force of their smoking expertise, featuring their signature rotisserie chicken, tender wood-fired ribs, and your choice of house-smoked pulled pork or beef brisket. Because a feast this size needs proper support, it’s served alongside their famous cheesy hashbrowns, slow-cooked beans, and fresh cornbread. It is the definitive “Never Enough Protein” challenge, designed to be shared—though we won’t tell anyone if you try to tackle it solo.
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The Deal: $46.99 for the combo including sides.
7 West Taphouse
Featured Item: 7 West O.M.G.
American cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, beer onions, cheese curds & TapHouse sauce – all piled atop double burger patties on grilled sourdough bread
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28 5th Ave S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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Located in downtown St. Cloud, 7 West Taphouse has become a local legend for those who believe a burger should be an experience, not just a meal. The building itself has deep roots in the city’s social history—once the home of the beloved Electric Fetus record store—and while the vinyl has been replaced by tap handles, the high-energy, taproom vibe remains. Since 2016, 7 West has built its reputation on a simple but effective formula: a massive wall of craft beer taps and a menu of “O.M.G.” burgers that aren’t afraid to get a little messy.
For the Never Enough Protein category, they are serving up the heavy hitter, the 7 West O.M.G. Burger. This isn’t your average cheeseburger, it’s a protein powerhouse designed for the serious carnivore. Stacked high with premium beef and all the fixings, including cheese curds, it’s the kind of meal that requires a sturdy grip and a serious appetite. This burger is the definitive answer to the question “where’s the beef?”
Taco Villa
Featured Item: Beef Burrito
- 25 9th Ave N, St. Cloud, MN 56303
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If St. Cloud had a hall of fame for nostalgia, Taco Villa would be right at the front of the line. A local fixture since the early 1970s, though having a stint of time away, Taco Villa is a quintessential throwback that has remained virtually unchanged while the world around it moved on to touchscreens and kale salads. For generations of locals, the sight of that classic signage and the familiar walk-up counter is a rite of passage. It’s the kind of place where the menu is straightforward, the hot sauce has a dedicated following, and the air is thick with the scent of seasoned beef and crispy corn shells.
For the Never Enough Protein category, Taco Villa is leaning into a classic, the Beef Burrito. Packed tight with their signature seasoned ground beef and rolled into a soft, warm tortilla, it’s a savory, filling classic that has fueled late-night study sessions and post-game celebrations for years.
House of Pizza
Featured Item: Hot Honey Pig Pizza
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4040 2nd St S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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Since its original downtown debut in 1964, House of Pizza has grown into a cornerstone of the Central Minnesota dining scene, consistently voted the area’s best pizza for decades. While the tradition began in the heart of the city, their South St. Cloud location—perfectly situated just off Highway 15—brings that legendary thin-crust expertise to a bright, modern setting that’s ideal for a post-work pint or a family dinner. Despite the sleek surroundings and expansive tap list, the soul of the restaurant remains rooted in the time-tested recipes that have made them a local institution for over 60 years.
For the Never Enough Protein category, they are highlighting a pie that is as bold as it is heavy: the Hot Honey Pig Pizza. This isn’t a delicate appetizer; it’s a protein-packed powerhouse topped with a mountain of savory meats including pepperoni, sausage, and applewood smoked bacon. The saltiness of the “pig” trio is balanced with a signature drizzle of spicy hot honey, creating a sweet-and-heat profile that has quickly become a fan favorite. It’s a hearty, high-energy meal that proves why House of Pizza continues to dominate the local pizza landscape.
- Pro Tip: The House of Pizza legacy continues to expand; in addition to the Highway 15 location, they recently opened a brand-new House of Pizza location in Sartell, conveniently tucked inside the new Coborn’s on Pine Cone Road.
Copper Kitchen
Featured Item: Brisket Skillet
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15 US-10 St. Cloud, MN 56304
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Located right at the intersection of Highway 10 and East St. Germain, Copper Kitchen is a masterclass in the “revamped classic.” While the building has been a fixture on the East Side for over 50 years, the current iteration is a heartfelt tribute to three generations of the Waseka family. Originally opened as a Country Kitchen in 1966 and later known as the Copper Lantern, it was recently reimagined by third-generation owner Madison Waseka. The new name—a blend of its two predecessors—reflects a space that honors its diner roots while introducing a fresh, modern energy (and a much-appreciated mimosa menu). It’s the kind of place where the historic green lantern sign still guides you in, but the interior invites you to stay a little longer.
For the Never Enough Protein category, they are serving up the Brisket Skillet. This isn’t just a breakfast dish; it’s a high-octane fuel injection. They start with a foundation of crispy, golden hash browns and layer on a generous portion of tender, shaved beef brisket. To take it over the top, the whole skillet is crowned with crunchy onion tanglers, adding a savory snap to every protein-packed bite.
Kitchenette
Featured Item: Fried Chicken Sandwich
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417 E St. Germain St, St. Cloud, MN
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A bistro-style breakfast and coffee shop located in the historic East End. After standing empty for several years following the closure of the beloved Dutch Maid Bakery, the space at 417 E Saint Germain St has been brought back to life by Madison Waseka. Madison, who also owns the nearby Copper Kitchen, saw the potential in the historic structure and transformed the “blank canvas” into a vibrant, modern-day café. Since its grand opening in early 2024, The Kitchenette has quickly become a community living room, filling the East End with its bright atmosphere and a menu that balances nostalgia with fresh, elevated flavors.
Shooters Saloon & Eatery
Featured Item: Legend Burger
Mushrooms, fried onions, bacon, pepper jack, and Shooter dip.
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2223 Roosevelt Rd, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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Shooters Saloon & Eatery is the kind of neighborhood joint where the atmosphere is laid-back and the portions are anything but small. Known for its friendly service and high-energy crowd, it’s a South St. Cloud staple that prides itself on doing the classics with a little extra flair. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or settling in for a long evening of sports games and drinks, Shooters offers a welcoming, “everybody knows your name” vibe that has kept locals coming back for years. It’s a place where the wood-paneled walls and neon signs set the stage for a meal that feels like a labor of love.
For the Never Enough Protein category, Shooters is pulling from their massive roster of burgers to highlight The Legend. While they have a lineup of 18 specialty burgers—and every regular seems to have a different personal favorite—The Legend stands out as a true heavyweight. It is a protein powerhouse designed for those who believe a burger should be a challenge. Stacked high and packed with flavor, it’s the definitive choice for anyone who thinks you can never have quite enough meat on your plate.
Skatin' Place
Featured Item: Meat Lovers Pizza
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3302 Southway Dr, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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Skatin’ Place has been a hub of neon lights and high-energy fun for generations of St. Cloud families. While most people come for the roller skating, laser tag, and arcade games, those “in the know” also come for the food. Far from the standard pre-packaged snacks you might expect at a rink, the concessions here have been elevated and pair well with an action-packed night of fun skating, rolling, or winning in the recently expanded arcade!
- Local Fact: The “Perky’s Pizza” transformation was a strategic move to offer more than just standard frozen pepperoni and cheese. By moving production in-house, they were able to expand their menu to include items like BBQ Chicken and Minnesota Sushi pizzas in addition to the Meat Lovers.
La Perla Market
Featured Item: Parrillada (Grill Out)
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731 2nd St S, Waite Park, MN 56387
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La Perla Market is a true “if you know, you know” destination, blending a vibrant Hispanic grocery store with an authentic taqueria. For years, it has been the go-to spot for locals seeking the real deal—from fresh-pressed tortillas to specialty Mexican ingredients you can’t find anywhere else in the area. Walking in, you’re immediately greeted by the hum of the market and the incredible aroma of seasoned meats hitting the grill. It’s a no-frills, high-flavor spot where the service is as warm as the salsa bar, and every meal feels like a direct invitation into a traditional Mexican kitchen.
For the Never Enough Protein category, La Perla is showcasing The Parrillada. In Spanish, parrillada translates to “grilled,” but here, it translates to a feast of epic proportions. The platter is loaded with a massive variety of proteins, including seasoned skirt steak, tender beef ribs, smoked pork, Mexican sausage (chorizo), and even hot dog sausages for that authentic street-food flair. It’s all accompanied by grilled cactus (nopales), smothered onions, rice, beans, a fresh salad, and Tortilla chips.
Nautical Bowls
Featured Item: Protein Bowl
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110 2nd St S Suite 116B, Waite Park, MN 56387
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Nautical Bowls brings a wave of superfood-focused nutrition to the local dining scene. Born from a passion for healthy living and high-energy lifestyles, this bright and modern spot specializes in bowls that are as vibrant as they are nourishing. Every ingredient is curated to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based, making it a go-to destination for those who want to feel as good as their food tastes. Whether you’re heading home from the gym or looking for a clean midday recharge, their commitment to “uplifting every guest” shines through in every layer of their signature creations.
This Restaurant Week, Nautical Bowls is making a splash in our Never Enough Protein category with their powerhouse Protein Bowl. It starts with a base of chilled Açaí and Peanut Butter Cacao Chia, topped with crunchy granola and fresh banana. The bowl is then anchored with hemp seeds, a generous drizzle of peanut butter, and their signature Peanut Butter Protein Crumbles for that extra muscle-building boost.
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The Deal: 50% off the Protein Bowl on Thursday!
- Pro Tip: Mix the Peanut Butter Cacao Chia with a bit of the Açaí in every spoonful—it creates a rich, “chocolaty-PB” flavor profile!
Texas Roadhouse
Featured Item: 16oz Sirloin
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345 2nd St S, Waite Park, MN 56387
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Texas Roadhouse is a legendary fixture in Waite Park, famous for bringing a “slice of Texas” to Central Minnesota. Since opening its first location in 1993, the brand has been built on a foundation of hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and a lively atmosphere that’s “Proud to be Loud.” What truly sets the Waite Park location apart is the craftsmanship behind the scenes; every single steak is hand-cut by an in-house meat cutter working in a 34-degree cooler to ensure maximum freshness. Combined with their iconic fresh-baked yeast rolls and honey cinnamon butter, it’s a dining experience designed around hearty portions and authentic hospitality.
For this year’s Restaurant Week, Texas Roadhouse is showcasing in the 16 oz. Sirlion. Hand-selected USDA Choice beef is seasoned with a signature blend of spices and seared to perfection, resulting in a juicy, tender cut that consistently ranks as a fan favorite. It’s the ultimate choice for those who believe there’s no such thing as “too much” of a good thing.
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The Deal: Add a “sidekick” of shrimp for $7.99.
