if you’re looking for the best restaurants in rochester, MN to eat at while at mayo clinic, this a great list to keep your belly full during your stay!
as a recent patient at the mayo clinic rochester, mn to find answers from my recent ischemic stroke and TIAs, we kept our bellies full at the best restaurants in the city!
if you’re looking for a great place to stay, you can read about our accommodations here, things to do, or how we traveled to the city here!
best restaurants in rochester, MN
1. bitter and pour
#1 on our list of places you HAVE to try is bitter and pour…a speakeasy of sorts with a cozy, intimate setting tucked away on historic 3rd street. known for their craft cocktails, impeccable wine and beer, if you’re into the cocktail scene, you do not want to miss this one. found only by the sign on the street, the best bar in town is down a staircase where you’ll have to solve the riddle to get in!
2. victoria’s ristorante + wine bar
if you love italian, you can’t miss Victoria’s! with outside and inside dining, this authentic italian ristorante will not disappoint. with lunch + dinner portions, come hungry…you’ll need the room!
3. hefe rojo
a creative take on mexican food in a playful modern space, hefe rojo is a fun + delicious option for both lunch and dinner. with lots of tequila, margaritas, fresh craft cocktails and tap mexican + american beers, you’ll find something to quench your thirst and fill that belly!
4. nellies on third
formerly Grand Rounds Brewing Company Building, nellie’s on third is the culmination of years of working in kitchens, traveling to eat, growing up in small towns, and wanting you to feel like you are home. sit on the cutest patio with your homemade reubens, hand-dipped cheese curds made to order or pizza with the sauce made fresh daily!
5. Chester’s kitchen + bar
known for their chester’s doli {a delicious pineapple infused martini}, tacos, rotisserie chicken and more, you can’t go wrong on this menu! located in rochester’s university square, make your reservation or come for brunch, lunch and dinner!
6. newt’s
the #1 recommended place to try and a local tradition since 1980, newt’s is the only place for great burgers and cold beer {with some delicious margs + bloody mary’s!}. boasting 12 handcrafted burgers on their menu, take a seat outside or up the stairs in their 2nd floor space and be ready for some delicious food! be SURE to ask for some homemade ranch on the side..perfect for dipping those fries in! fun fact: the 2 brothers also own hefe rojo amongst other restaurants too!
the longer we stayed in rochester, the more gems we found hidden in this fun city! make your way down 3rd street and stop in each restaurant to grab a drink or appetizer. looking for something else to do?! you can see our top things to do in Rochester MN here!