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.
Side Piece
Sometimes, the main course is just a bit too much commitment. We get it. You want something exciting, something bold, and something that doesn’t require a long-term relationship with a giant dinner plate. Enter the Side Piece—that illicitly delicious extra that’s been waiting in the wings to steal the spotlight. Go ahead, indulge in a little something on the side; your entree doesn’t have to know.
Catalina's Michoacana
Featured Item: Esquite (Street corn)
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262 2nd Ave S, Waite Park, MN 56387
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While many associate the name “La Michoacana” with the iconic paletas (popsicles) that have made the state of Michoacán famous worldwide, Catalina’s Michoacana in Waite Park is a full-scale celebration of the Mexican antojito—literally “little cravings.” This family-owned and operated shop is a vibrant piece of the community, where the colors of the decor are as bright as the tropical flavors in the display cases. It was founded with a simple goal: to share the authentic, handcrafted snacks of the founders’ heritage with Central Minnesota. From the savory crunch of Tostilocos to their creamy, homemade ice creams, every item on the menu is a nod to the bustling street markets of Mexico, where food is a central part of family joy and neighborhood connection.
For Restaurant Week, they are highlighting a dish who’s name comes from the Nahuatl word izquitl, meaning “roasted corn,” and while it’s a staple in modern Mexican street food, it has been virtually unchanged since the time of the Aztecs. At Catalina’s, they take fresh corn kernels and prepare them in the traditional way—roasted and simmered with savory herbs like epazote to unlock a deep, earthy sweetness. It’s then served in a cup and layered with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, salty Cotija cheese, and a dusting of chili powder. It’s the ultimate “Side Piece” because it’s portable, shareable, and packs a massive punch of flavor into every spoonful.
- Pro Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, many regulars recommend pairing your savory Esquite with one of their sweet fruit-based waters (Aguas Frescas) or a Mangonada to get the full “sweet and heat” experience that Catalina’s is known for. You can also get Esquite with Valentia Sauce for a spicy kick.
Jules' Bistro
Featured Item: Platinum Butterfly Cocktail & Chocolate Macaron
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921 W St Germain St, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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Since opening in 2005, Jules’ Bistro has been a creative heartbeat of downtown St. Cloud. Known for its “made-from-scratch” philosophy, the bistro is a space that celebrates the intersection of community and culinary art. It’s the kind of place where every recipe is a deliberate choice, often inspired by the vibrant local art scene that surrounds it. Over the years, Jules’ has built a reputation for being a cozy, eclectic sanctuary where the atmosphere is as layered and thoughtful as the menu itself.
For the Side Piece category, Jules’ is introducing a pairing that is bold, bright, and a little bit dangerous – The Platinum Butterfly pairing. This isn’t a supporting act; it’s a masterclass in indulgence designed to be your best decision of the night. The centerpiece is the Platinum Butterfly cocktail, featuring Wheatley Craft Distilled Vodka, housemade coffee liqueur, housemade Irish cream, and toasted hazelnuts. But a butterfly never travels alone—she brought a date. The drink is paired with a decadent chocolate macaron filled with orange buttercream, silky dark chocolate ganache, and a caramelized almond-hazelnut praline crumble. It’s a “side piece” that knows exactly what it’s doing, challenging the standards for what a cocktail pairing can be.
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The Deal: This duo is a Restaurant Week exclusive! For $16, you get both the handcrafted cocktail and the gourmet macaron, making it the ultimate way to treat yourself after a long week.
Val's Rapid Serv
Featured Item: Fries
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628 E St Germain St, St. Cloud, MN 56304
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While most burger joints treat the side dish as an afterthought, at Val’s, the side is arguably the main event. Since 1959, this tiny white building on East St. Germain—originally a Pure Oil gas station—has been the epicenter of a unique St. Cloud phenomenon. For over 60 years, the Henning family has maintained a standard of “rapid service” that is less about fancy dining and more about a dedicated, decades-long commitment to the perfect potato. Walking into the lobby, you’re immediately greeted by the hum of the kitchen and the iconic sight of white paper bags being filled with what feels like a literal mountain of hot, salted fries.
- Pro Tip: Don’t let the bag sit closed for too long! To keep that perfect Val’s texture, many locals recommend opening the bag immediately to let the steam out, ensuring your “side piece” stays perfectly crisp for the ride home or to a nearby park to enjoy. Val’s and a picnic at Munsinger Gardens is truly the iconic St. Cloud date!
MC's Dugout
Featured Item: House-Made Dill Potato Chips
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501 W St Germain St, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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To find MC’s Dugout, you have to head underground, but the history of the building above it is one of the loftiest in the city. Located in the basement of the First National Bank building, this spot is tucked inside a Richardsonian Romanesque masterpiece designed in 1889 by architect Charles Sedgwick. The building was once the largest bank in St. Cloud and even served as the headquarters for the infamous Pan Motor Company. While the upper floors have housed everything from high-powered lawyers to prestigious bank offices, the “Dugout” level has a gritty charm all its own. Since opening in 1990, it has cultivated a “Cheers” feel, characterized by its original red-pressed brick, wood accents, and the massive granite blocks that make up the foundation walls. It’s a place where generations of St. Cloud State students and downtown professionals have gathered, creating a tradition of “not your average bar food” in a space that feels frozen in time.
For the Side Piece category of Restaurant Week, they are highlighting a crunchy labor of love: House-Made Dill Potato Chips. While most places open a bag, the crew at MC’s does it the hard way—slicing, frying, and seasoning these chips in-house to ensure a perfect snap and a zesty dill finish. It’s the ultimate supporting act for their legendary sandwiches or a “Hairy Buffalo,” proving that even the simplest side can become a downtown icon when it’s made with home-cooked care.
The White Horse
Featured Item: Siracha Thai Fried Brussel Sprouts
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809 W St Germain St, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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Since opening its doors in 2008, The White Horse has been the “cool older sibling” of the downtown St. Cloud dining scene. It’s located in a building that has stood since the early 20th century, but the vibe inside is anything but stuffy. Known for its eclectic, globetrotting menu and a bar that treats mixology like a fine art, it’s the kind of place where you’re just as likely to find a perfectly seared steak as you are a plate of adventurous Thai fusion. The White Horse has built a reputation on being a bit daring, a bit loud, and entirely unapologetic about its bold flavors, making it the ultimate destination for those who want a side of personality with their dinner.
For Restaurant Week, they’re leaning into the Side Piece category with a dish that is addictive, the Sriracha Thai Fried Brussels Sprouts. Let’s be honest—Brussels sprouts used to be the vegetable everyone stood up, but The White Horse has turned them into the ultimate “side piece” you’ll keep coming back to. These aren’t plain boiled sprouts; they’re flash-fried to a crispy perfection and tossed in a spicy, tangy Thai-inspired Sriracha glaze. They’re hot, they’re a little messy, and they’re definitely bold enough to steal your attention away from the main course – who doesn’t like hot and messy? It’s the kind of side dish that makes you wonder why you ever settled.
The Blue Goose Speakeasy
Featured Item: The Verbena
- 22 5th Ave S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
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Tucked away in the basement of the historic Pioneer Place on Fifth building, the Blue Goose is a hidden gem that invites you to step back into the roaring and rebellious era of the 1920s. This modern-day speakeasy honors a storied past; its name is a direct tribute to a café called The Blue Goose that operated in this exact space within the original Elks Club basement near the turn of the century. After the building was completed in 1913, the space served the club’s members before opening to the public around 1920. Today, the bar maintains that secretive, “if you know, you know” atmosphere, requiring guests to enter through the Veranda Lounge and find their way downstairs to the hidden entry.
For the Side Piece category, they are featuring The Verbena. In a world of simple mixers, this drink is a masterclass in botanical “side” flavors. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a sensory experience designed to highlight the delicate, citrusy notes of lemon verbena, crafted with the same precision that bootleggers used to hide their best spirits a century ago. It’s the ultimate “side piece” because it doesn’t just accompany your evening—it defines it.
- Pro Tip: Look for the blue light on 5th Avenue to find your way to the entrance.
