3 seasonal favorite restaurants in Minnesota, Wisconsin worthy of a road trip

Destinations offer delicious food along with lovely scenery.

May 7, 2021 at 2:26PM
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The Angry Trout Cafe — and its patio — are open for business. (Star Tribune file/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Angry Trout Cafe

One of the North Shore's great restaurants has come out of its annual winter slumber and continues to focus on just-caught Lake Superior fish. The wild rice salad and housemade sodas are a must, and the dockside setting — with a top-notch patio — can't be beat. Great service, too. Lunch and dinner daily.

408 W. Hwy. 61, Grand Marais, Minn., 1-218-387-1265, angrytroutcafe.com

Aroma Pie Shoppe

One of the reasons to make the Root River State Trail a biking habit — along with the exceptional scenery — is this first-rate source for lovingly made pies. The ever-changing roster includes apple, rhubarb, pecan, blueberry custard, cherry, peach, banana cream and more, at affordable prices. Opening for the summer on Memorial Day weekend.

618 Main St., Whalan, Minn., 1-507-467-2623

Harbor View Cafe

A Lake Pepin dining destination for more than 40 years. The chalkboard menu changes frequently and usually features a dozen or so entrees, all served with soup or salad. The kitchen has always had a flair for desserts. Lunch and dinner, Thursday through Sunday; Monday service begins Memorial Day.

314 1st St., Pepin, Wis., 1-715-442-3893, harborviewpepin.com

about the writer

about the writer

Rick Nelson

Reporter

Rick Nelson joined the staff of the Star Tribune in 1998. He is a Twin Cities native, a University of Minnesota graduate and a James Beard Award winner. 

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