What's better than eating a fantastic meal? Eating a fantastic meal while enjoying a spectacular view, of course. With Minnesota's many diverse settings, there are dozens of great restaurants with jaw-dropping views in our state. If you look hard enough, you'll find cityscapes, waterfronts, and aerial views. But regardless of the subject, these 11 restaurants in Minnesota have jaw-dropping views to enjoy while you eat.
1. JJ Astor - Duluth
We'll start off the list with one of the most impressive restaurant views in Minnesota. Located on the 16th floor of the Radisson hotel, this restaurant rotates a full 360 degrees. That means that no matter where you look, you'll have a spectacular view. Over the course of a meal, you'll be able to look at both Lake Superior and Downtown Duluth from above. Address: 505 West Superior Street, Duluth.
2. NOSH Restaurant & Bar - Lake City
It's only fitting that a restaurant located in Lake City would have a lakefront view, right? As you eat at NOSH, you'll be treated to the charming sight of the lake - sometimes with rows of sailboats lined up on the water. Address: 310 South Washington Street, Lake City.
3. Cafe Lurcat - Minneapolis
Cafe Lurcat is a great place to visit not only for its great eats, cocktails, and wines, but for its location overlooking Loring Park. This is especially exciting in December, when the lights of Holidazzle twinkle through the windows. Address: 1624 Harmon Place, Minneapolis.
4. Psycho Suzi's - Minneapolis
With a view of the Mississippi available on the year round patio, Psycho Suzi's is a great place to stop in for a good meal with a view. When you visit in colder months, the tiki theme is almost enough to make you feel like you're in a far-flung tropical location. Address: 1900 Marshall Street Northeast, Minneapolis.
5. Boat House - Winona
Here's another restaurant with a stunning view of the Mississippi River - which is kind of the point. Boat House lives up to its name and will make you feel like you're on a real boat. The great view helps the food go down even easier - not that it needs the help. Everything you'll find on the Boat House menu is absolutely delicious. Address: 2 Johnston Street, Winona.
6. Doc's Landing Pub at Mississippi Dunes - Cottage Grove
This is a popular spot for golf enthusiasts who also love a meal with a view. After a round of golf, come inside to enjoy views of Mississippi River. Even if you don't golf, it's worth the trip. The huge windows overlooking the golf course and river will make you feel like you're still outside. 10351 Grey Cloud Trail South, Cottage Grove.
7. Coyote Moon Grille - St. Cloud
Coyote Moon is another restaurant with a golf course view, this time in St. Cloud. But many people who swear by this place don't go to golf. They go to stuff themselves with the famous popovers - not to mention the rest of the delicious menu items. Address: 480 55th Avenue Southeast, St. Cloud.
8. Betty Danger's Country Club - Minneapolis
On a first-come, first-served basis, visitors to Betty Danger's can take a ride - with food and drink - on the restaurant's quirky pink and green ferris wheel. Not only will you get a great view of the restaurant below, but you'll get a fantastic view of downtown Minneapolis in the distance. Address: 2501 Marshall Street Northeast, Minneapolis.
9. Union Bar & Grill - Minneapolis
Union is great because it's the only place in Minneapolis where you can enjoy rooftop dining all year long. In the glass-enclosed restaurant, you'll find elevated American food served against the backdrop of downtown Minneapolis. At night, with the lights shining in, you won't want to be anywhere else. Address: 731 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis.
10. Terza & La Vetta - Rochester
This restaurant has a great rooftop view of downtown Rochester. While you eat a flavorful Italian meal, you'll be able to take in the city lights. But if you happen to go when the weather is cold, the main dining area still has a lovely downtown view at street level. Address: 30 3rd Street Southeast, Rochester.
11. The Water's Edge - St. Cloud
The Water's Edge came under new ownership in 2014, making this a practically brand-new spot to eat in St. Cloud. But the view of Lake Pleasant has remained the same since the restaurant was built in 1930. At any table in the dining room, you will feel like you are really on the edge of the water. Combine that with freshly made foods, and you have a real winner. Address: 25958 Lake Road, St. Cloud.
Do you have anything to add to the list? Let us know in the comments! Or, if you love food, take a look at this list of great restaurants in Minnesota that are hard to get into but worth the wait.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!