The St. Cloud area of Minnesota is a regional center for commerce, county government (being the county seat of Stearns county), as well as the home of St. Cloud State University. Near St. Cloud are Waite Park, Sartell, Sauk Rapids as well as St. Joseph, which is the home of the College of St. Benedict, a Catholic liberal arts college for women and Collegeville, which is home to St. John's University, a Catholic liberal arts college for men. Here's a list of the 10 best places to stay in St. Cloud (click for info).  

One may not think of this as a diverse atmosphere for dining, but it truly is. The restaurants I am going to share with you may be located in unique historical buildings in old downtown St. Cloud, or current era concrete and steel structures near shopping malls. The architecture of several of these establishments is just a bonus to the good food and laughter you'll enjoy as you dine with friends and family. Join me as I share 7 of my favorite places to eat in and around the St. Cloud area.  Bringing your furry friend along for your trip to Minnesota? Read more here.

1.  DB Searle's Bar and Restaurant

18 5th Avenue South, St. Cloud, Minnesota 320-253-0655
http://www.dbsearles.com/

 Dating back to 1886,this establishment is a favorite stop-off for downtown business people as well as college students. The bar is on the main floor and dining is available on the main floor as well as upstairs. One of my favorite entrees is the Honey Bourbon Chicken served with a salad, rice and vegetables - it's great!

2.  Mexican Village Too!

20-25th Avenue South, St. Cloud, Minnesota 320-253-8000
http://www.mexicanvillagestcloud.com/

Authentic Mexican food in central Minnesota from the Mexican Village Too! This is a fun atmosphere for family dining. My favorite meal is shredded beef chimichangas along with a nice cold cerveza!

3.  The Cafe Renaissance

2140 Frontage Road, North Waite Park, Minnesota 320-253-9300
http://www.thecaferenaissance.com/

What a find in central Minnesota! The Cafe Renaissance brings Greek, French, and Mediterranean flavor along with traditional steaks, seafood, burgers and even pizza baked in the wood fired oven. Add these dining choices along with an excellent wine list, and you have a winning combination. The wait staff is outstanding at the Cafe Renaissance.

4.  Anton's Fish and Whiskey

2001 Frontage Road, North Waite Park, Minnesota 320-253-3611

https://www.facebook.com/fishnwhisky/

A list of St. Cloud area dining could not be complete without Anton's Fish and Whiskey - not only is it a very cool name, but the food and atmosphere are both excellent. The setting is a 1920's era log-framed fishing and hunting lodge. Several additions to the main building have occurred through out the years and comprise this very unique dining experience. The Walleye is excellent, but everyone comes for Anton's famous popovers, which are served with every entree.

5.  Granite City Food and Brewery

3945 2nd Street South, St. Cloud, Minnesota 320-203-9000
http://www.gcfb.net/

This is the original restaurant which worked out so well that the company was taken public and has now expanded to12 Midwestern states with 25 locations currently, soon to be 27 locations.

Come for the beer and stay for the food! I enjoy a nice mug of Brother Benedict Bock or just "Bennie" to the locals. This is a medium bodied German style lager that goes great with another of my favorites, a smothered beef sandwich. Being a microbrewery, Granite City also offers seasonal brews, which are excellent as well.

6.  Stonehouse Tavern and Eatery

2010 County Road 75 East, St. Joseph, Minnesota 320-363-7222

The Stonehouse offers a wide variety of entrees, burgers, salads and stone-fired pizza as well as an excellent wine list. The rotisserie chicken is a specialty. I enjoy a nice Raspberry Chicken Salad when I'm in the mood for something lighter or  Rotisserie Chicken Dinner with Bourbon Barbeque Sauce when I'm really hungry.

7. House of Pizza

19 5th Avenue South, St. Cloud, Minnesota 320-252-9300
http://www.houseofpizzamn.com/

The House of Pizza has been serving up St. Cloud's favorite pizza since 1964. Located in downtown St. Cloud, this is an establishment that nearly every student who has attended St. Cloud State University over the past 40 plus years has visited. The pizzas have a unique flavor and are worth the extra time that making each order by hand to your requirements takes. Along with pizza you can also find soups, salads, sandwiches and pasta. The House of Pizza also offers a take out menu.

This is just a small sampling of the excellent choice of dining experiences that are available in and around the St. Cloud area. Remember to leave room for dessert!

List of more Best Places To Eat

Photo Wikimedia Commons: JamesThomasHofmann, adapted by Wandering Educators