Though it is the home of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, is so much more. A center of activity and entertainment for the shopper, the foodie, and the tourist alike, Rochester is a great destination for any visitor and Tom Kadlec Kia wants to help make your visit noteworthy. Specifically for the foodies among us, there are some local eateries that are available to give you a memorable dining experience whether you’re traveling alone or with a group. Whatever you’re craving, Rochester has it for you. Here, we’d like to recommend some of our favorite places to eat in Rochester and their must-try selections, all of which you can order online or eat in.
Bleu Duck
Image via Unsplash by jaywennington.
Receiving its name from the classic Adam Sandler comedy “Billy Madison,” the unique Bleu Duck Kitchen can be found in the historic Conley-Mass building on Fourth Street in downtown Rochester. Just like the unusual name, the owners of this restaurant seek to provide an environment and menu that are innovative and memorable. Co-owners Erik Kleven and Jennifer Becker began the restaurant by serving an eight-course charity dinner that became a full service fine dining restaurant serving gourmet takeout meals that you can order online, cocktail kits, and more.
The award-winning restaurant has many favorites that we hope you try when you visit, including their perfectly cooked salmon with white beans, fennel, Savoy cabbages, tomato, and pea shoots. The Bleu Duck Burger has ranked fairly high with diners as well, with its double patty on a brioche bun with a special sauce, American cheese, chips, and pickles on the side. Before you dig into these entrees, though, check out the street corn dumplings or steak tartare to get you started. And, on your way out the door, you can grab a gourmet meal to take home as a TV dinner. Whether you’re staying in or going out, Bleu Duck aims to give you a fresh experience that is both excellent and distinct every time you visit.
Mango Thai
Those who have eaten at Mango Thai can’t say enough about this experience. The small cafe is chic and contemporary with exposed-brick walls, giving a welcoming and quaint feel. For those who love Thai food or just want to try it for the very first time, Mango Thai offers quality food that is well worth the price.
Some of the most popular dishes are the tom yum chicken, a flavorsome combination of chicken, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes, cooked in traditional Thai spicy-tangy lemongrass broth. The green curry comes complete with your choice of chicken, beef, or tofu, simmered in their savory Thai green curry with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, eggplant, and Thai basil. There are so many delicious dishes here that it’s hard to name only two. From generous portions to great atmosphere and wonderful service, you can’t miss this little gem on your next visit to Rochester.
Olde Brick House
For those hoping to accompany their meal with an adult beverage, the Olde Brick House is a fairly new establishment but comes highly recommended. The top-end Irish pub is committed to serving a bounty of fresh and scrumptious food and beverages. You can fill yourself up with some Irish classics, American favorites, or with a wide variety of premium spirits, wine, or beer at their full-service bar.
The menu is vast, but we suggest you try their mouthwatering shaved rib-eye and Swiss cheese layered between grilled sourdough, also known as the Dick Titus Commercial. It comes served on champ potatoes and smothered with their Guinness gravy, a succulent feast for any tourist. And you can’t go wrong with the Guinness Fish & Chips. You get a giant portion of Guinness beer-battered cod fried golden brown and plated with pub chips, house tartar aioli, broccoli slaw, and Brick House sauce. If you plan to order from the Olde Brick House, make sure you have a hearty appetite.
Terza Ristorante
Bringing the beautiful and many flavors of Italy to you, Terza Ristorante celebrates that timeless cuisine with pizza, pasta, and traditional Italian dishes you can’t pass up. Keeping the “soul of the pasta” for friends and family is the goal of this full-service restaurant and they craft all the recipes in-house, maintaining wonderful authenticity. With a generous selection of global wines and panoramic views of downtown and Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial, you’ll be so glad you stopped in for a meal.
If the prices seem extravagant, know that they match the quality of meal you receive. For instance, the Manhattan 10-oz. is an American wagyu steak brushed with a fresh herb and butter and served with roasted fingerling potatoes, well worth the price. There are many affordable options, too, and so many delightful antipasto and sides to share and enjoy.
Nellie’s on 3rd
We haven’t forgotten about those of you on a strict budget. Nellie’s on 3rd is a hometown favorite with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Nellie’s stands in the 150-year-old Grand Rounds Brewing Company Building and gives you the sense of history and nostalgia while you enjoy your favorite sports team and people from around the world.
Try their Reuben sandwich, hand-dipped cheese curds, or a fresh pizza while you sample some locally brewed and domestic beers on tap. Try it all while you visit Nellie’s arcade or aquarium, all here for your enjoyment. If you’re looking for food and fun, this could be it.
Tom Kadlec Kia has just given you five fantastic, local restaurants in Rochester that you can visit in person or order online. We know Rochester has frequently been recognized as a great place to visit, and we believe that the diverse and delicious cuisine helps to uphold that reputation. This emerging culinary scene will have your mouth watering and leave your appetite satisfied with dining options for every palate. If you live in town and know of some local venues that folks need to try, let us know so we can pass it on. And if you’re visiting for the first time, try our recommendations and tell us what you think.
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