If you’re a foodie and you know it snap a pic! Fortunately for you, the St. Cloud area offers many stylish, unique, beautiful locations to get your #FoodPic game on. These restaurant are just a handful of the many dining experiences in the area, but they offer up premier dishes, awesome atmospheres and quirky traits that really set them apart for photography. So charge your phones and get your fingers (and bellies) ready! Here are the top 9 most “Instagramable” Restaurants in the St. Cloud area.
1. Café Renaissance
If you’re looking to capture that fine-dining experience, look no further than Café Renaissance in Waite Park. The décor and ambiance exudes luxury from the moment you walk in. With live piano music and even a string quartet on occasion, feel like you’re royalty when you dine on their Mediterranean menu. Dishes are featured on the menu from Southern Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Morocco and the Eastern Mediterranean. Gourmet and classy, impress your followers with a trip to Café Renaissance.
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2. Mexican Village
Take a trip south of the border to Mexican Village in Downtown St. Cloud. A birthday meal hotspot because of their meal deals, this place genuinely feels like you’ve entered another country when you walk in the door. The décor is vibrant and extensive, the music is charming and gets you in the mood, and the huge menu will get you ready for a fiesta. Try your hardest not to fill up on the chips and salsa (a nearly impossible task) because you need to save room for a massive margarita! With colorful meals to match the décor, fool your Instagram followers – they’ll never know you’re still in MN!
3. Park Diner
Take a step into a time machine with a visit to Park Diner, located in Waite Park. This diner will send you straight back to the 50’s, with vintage red-leather and chrome décor, Formica boomerang tabletops, checkered floors and black and white decor. And if the atmosphere doesn’t send you back, the menu will. With kids meals served in cardboard vintage automobiles, and milkshakes that come in a glass and with tin-cup leftovers, Park Diner is full of photogenic opportunities. Oh, and be sure to say hi to Elvis while you’re there.
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4. Crooked Pint Ale House
Crooked Pint Ale House is home to an award winning MN favorite: the Juicy Lucy. With several different varieties to try, this beefy-cheesy-burger goodness will have your mouth watering from just reading the name! As if that’s not enough, their menu is full of other tantalizing options like jumbo pretzels, intense cheese curds, and even delectable desserts. You’ll have to come weekly just to try everything! Plus, the atmosphere is begging for a #foodie hashtag, with the rustic interior decor, beer bottle chandelier, and of course the dozens of taps behind the bar. The hardest part will be remembering to take a picture before you gobble up all of your food!
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5. Fuji Japanese Steakhouse
An experience unlike any other in the area, Fuji Japanese Steakhouse in Waite Park is full of variety and fun. The hibachi grills offer a fun experience for all diners – just be ready to catch the egg (and/or saki!). And if sushi is your game, then Fuji can make it happen. Their extensive sushi menu appeals to everyone, from beginner sushi eaters to seasoned veterans. And fun, festive drinks are perfect to quench your thirst with. Add some culture to your Instagram feed with this unique dining experience – and prepare for jealous onlookers.
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6. Anton’s Restaurant
Also known as “Anton’s Fish & Whiskey,” this speakeasy-styled restaurant in Waite Park is anything but basic. With a classic Minnesota menu featuring local foods like walleye and wild rice, Anton’s provides an upscale but comfortable experience for diners of all tastes. And if the MN fare doesn’t absolutely slay you, the popovers and honey butter will do the trick. Located on the Sauk River, Anton’s provides scenic views and patio dining in the warmer months. Anton’s is the sometimes-flooded stagecoach-dining experience that your followers are craving.
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7. Kohinoor Bar & Grill
Don’t let the “Bar & Grill” name fool you, Kohinoor in downtown St. Cloud is the authentic Indian food experience you’ve been craving. The menu is extensive, and the knowledgeable staff is happy to help make recommendations based on your tastes. The bar area is clean and modern, providing both local and international beverages to try. The patio begs you to sit outside on a cool summer night with a hand-crafted cocktail and a beautifully-plated Tandoori Chicken kebab. And when it comes to naan, do not miss out – this stuff is to die for.
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8. Kay’s Kitchen
Do brunch better at Kay’s Kitchen in St. Joseph. This area landmark is the go-to place for college kids and families alike to get home-cooked classics like eggs benedict and omelets as big as your head. And don’t skimp on the dessert menu – the pies at Kay’s Kitchen are just another part of their claim to fame. With a simple small-town café feel – offering indoor and patio dining – and excellent service, Kay’s is an affordable option to boost your Instagram game.
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9. Jules’ Bistro
This chic little bistro in Downtown St. Cloud is a coffee café by day, and a wine bar by night (or day, we don’t judge). With a menu of delicious sandwiches, salads and pizza, Jules offers lighter, local fare for affordable prices. The décor is an experience in its own, with local artists on display and tabletops made of old post cards and drawings, Jules is an art aficionado’s dream. And on a summer day, the sidewalk dining option is delightful in this busy corner of downtown. The hardest part about dining here will be deciding what to post a picture of.
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10. Ippin Ramen
Casual vibes and an upscale interior perfectly come together in Ippin Ramen and Izakaya! The Ramen, Pork Buns, and other Japanese fare are all a foodie’s dream. Don’t forget to have the Boba Tea… and some Mochi for dessert! Snap a few pictures of the beautiful food for the gram’, your followers will be feeling the #FOMO.
Did we miss your favorite on this list? Let us know! We want to see all of your food pictures – make sure to use #VisitStCloud when sharing!