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.
Nostalgic Eats
Today is a trip down memory lane. We’re featuring the recipes that haven’t changed since the doors first opened—the “family secrets” and neighborhood staples that remind us of childhood celebrations.
Nelson Bros. Restaurant & Pub
Featured Item: Dirty Sodas
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950 MN-24, Clearwater, MN 55320
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Just a short drive down I-94, Nelson Bros. is a rite of passage for anyone traveling through Central Minnesota. Known globally for their “fringe-of-the-city” charm and portions that could feed a small army, they have been a landmark for travelers since long before the highway was as busy as it is today. They are famous for their fritter bread and giant donuts, but they also have a knack for jumping on the next big “nostalgia” trend.
For Restaurant Week, they are featuring “Dirty Sodas”—the latest craze that feels like a throwback to the 1950s soda fountain. By mixing classic sodas with cream, lime, and flavored syrups, they are creating a drinkable dessert that is part science experiment and part vintage treat.
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The Deal: BOGO – buy one get one for FREE.
The Pickled Loon
Featured Item: The Meatloaf Dipper
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715 W St Germain St, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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The story of The Pickled Loon is a classic tale of local friendship and ambition. It began in 2013, when four close friends—Rhiannon Ahrens, Michael Ahrens, Mike Illies, and Christopher “Buddy” Jost—decided to take their decade of collective experience in the downtown St. Cloud service industry and build something of their own. All four had moved to the area to study at St. Cloud State University, and after spending their college years and beyond working at various downtown staples, they realized they wanted to create a concept that bridged the gap between a traditional college bar and an upscale eatery. They took over the space formerly known as McRudy’s Pub, rolling up their sleeves to install new hardwood floors, paint the walls, and breathe new life into the historic building to create an “Up North” cabin atmosphere right in the heart of the city. For Restaurant Week, they are serving up a dish that defines “Grandma’s Kitchen” nostalgia- The Meatloaf Dipper. It’s a creative, elevated take on the traditional meatloaf dinner, designed to be savory, comforting, and perfect for a mid-week pick-me-up. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of home.
Boulder Tap House
Featured Item: Milkshakes
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3950 2nd St S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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The Boulder Tap House story is a classic example of local “Big Breaks.” In the mid-2000s, local operator Ray Herrington pitched a plan to an ownership group for an upscale bar and grill with a simple menu and an massive number of taps. The concept was so successful in St. Cloud that it sparked a franchise across the Midwest. It was built on the site of the old Timber Lodge building, continuing a long tradition of hearty, 2nd Street dining.
While they are known for their burgers and endless tap list, their nostalgic feature for Restaurant Week is all about the “Sunday Drive” tradition: the Milkshake. They’ve perfected the thick, old-fashioned shake that pairs perfectly with a burger and fries, bringing back the simple joy of a dairy-land dessert.
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The Deal: Burger, Fry, Shake Combo.
- Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a craft beer to go with your nostalgic meal, this location boasts one of the largest tap selections in the city.
Bravo Burrito
Featured Item: Deluxe Burrito (Same since 1985!)
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68 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301
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In 1985, William “Bravo Bill” and Helen Shay Ellenbecker returned to St. Cloud after living in San Francisco for over a decade. They brought back more than just luggage; they brought a mission to introduce Central Minnesota to the authentic, healthy, and “eclectic” Mexican flavors they had fallen in love with on the West Coast and during their travels through Mexico. When Bravo Burrito opened its doors on April 16, 1985, it introduced the area to a “Mexicatessen” concept that was decades ahead of its time.
Their Restaurant Week feature is a true testament to “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The Deluxe Burrito is the exact same recipe they served on opening day in 1985. Packed with fresh ingredients and rolled with a level of expertise only 40 years can provide, it’s a nostalgic staple that has fueled generations of St. Cloud residents and visitors.
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The Deal: Free dipping sauce on the side (Queso or Guac).
Central Grind Coffeehouse
Featured Item: Old Fashioned Carmel Crisp Subs
- 24086 MN-15, St Augusta, MN 56301
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While Central Grind has long been a neighborhood anchor in St. Cloud, its newest chapter has taken it just south to St. Augusta. Even with the change of scenery, the heart of the “Grind” remains exactly the same. It continues to be a sanctuary for those looking to escape the bustle of the city—a “front porch” for the community where the coffee is hot and the atmosphere feels like an extension of your own living room. The move has only enhanced its charm, offering a cozy, modern-rustic destination for those who appreciate a shop where the baristas know your name and the family-owned spirit is felt in every corner.
Their Restaurant Week feature is a deep dive into the family archives: Old Fashioned Caramel Crisp Subs. This isn’t a trendy new invention; it’s a family favorite that has been in their recipe book for over five decades. Predating the modern craft coffee movement, these subs offer a perfect, crunchy balance of sweet and savory that typically only the most dedicated “regulars” know to look for. It’s a rare chance to taste a piece of local history that hasn’t changed since the mid-70s,
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The Deal: $1.00 off this week.
Schmidty's Soda Shop
Featured Item: Coast
A popular signature “dirty soda” featuring a base of Sprite, blue raspberry, cotton candy, cream, and blueberry boba
- Crossroads Center Mall – St. Cloud MN (outside of the TARGET mall entrance)
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While Schmidty’s is a newer addition to the St. Cloud scene, its heart is purely nostalgic. Founder Jessica Schmidt opened the shop to provide a fun, non-coffee alternative that harkens back to the days of the mall soda fountain. It’s a family-run business (named after their own last name) that aims to bring a bit of “main street” charm into the Crossroads Center.
Their feature, the “Coast,” is a vibrant, bubbly throwback. It’s a bright, refreshing way to celebrate Restaurant Week while doing some local shopping, offering a burst of nostalgia in every sip.
Pio's Sangwhich Shop Inside Manea's Meats
Featured Item: El Cubano
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114 2nd Ave N, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
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The story of Pio’s starts in 1968, when first-generation owners Rolando (nicknamed “Pio”) and Aleida Castellanos arrived in the U.S. after their farm and business were seized by the Cuban government. As they learned English, they kept their beautiful Cuban accents—and the word “sandwich” always came out as “sangwich.” Today, located inside the legendary Manea’s Meats, the shop carries on their name and their “unique Cuban quirks” to ensure the family legacy lives on through every order.
For Restaurant Week, they are leaning into that heritage with “El Cubano.” This isn’t your average deli sandwich; it’s built with the Castellanos family recipe for Cuban Roast Pork, layered with Manea’s ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. It’s then panini-pressed until the bread is crisp and the flavors are melded, offering a literal taste of the family’s journey from Cuba to Sauk Rapids.
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The Deal: Receive a Double Punch with your El Cubano!
Flat Iron Nutrition
Featured Item: Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shake
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202 2nd St N, St Cloud, MN 56303
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The triangular building at the corner of 8th Avenue and 2nd Street North is one of the most recognizable silhouettes in St. Cloud. Known historically as a “flat iron” building due to its unique wedge shape—squeezed perfectly into a corner lot by the railroad tracks—this site has been a local landmark since at least the 1880s. For decades, it was Schwegman’s Cafe, and later, the legendary Flat Iron Bar, home of the famous “Darrell Burger.” In those days, the bar was a local haunt where every sandwich came with a side of chips and a piece of Bazooka bubblegum.
Today, Flat Iron Nutrition honors that history by keeping the name of the beloved landmark while flipping the script on the menu. Instead of heavy burgers and beer, they’ve transformed the space into a high-energy hub for healthy living. For Restaurant Week, they are leaning into pure breakfast nostalgia with their Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shake. It’s a clever, protein-packed tribute to Saturday morning cartoons and bowls of sugary cereal, reimagined as a nutrient-dense meal replacement that tastes exactly like the “cereal milk” at the bottom of the bowl.
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The Deal: Free protein ball with a social media shoutout or review.
