Here in Minnesota, the Twin Cities and the North Shore get all the attention. Sure, they're both amazing, but Minnesota's other regions also deserve some love. Today, we'll look south, to a tiny town with a restaurant that has been serving up delicious food for over 100 years. Mantorville is a little over an hour's drive from Minneapolis and about 20 miles west of Rochester, making it the perfect destination for a quick day trip.
Once you're done checking out the Hubbell House restaurant, you're going to want to explore the rest of the town. With many other historic buildings, you'll get lost in learning the history of this small town of just 1,200 people.
First and foremost, a trip to Mantorville is not complete without a trip to the historic Hubbell House. The current building was completed in 1856.
But the original owner, John Hubbell, had built the original Hubbell House two years earlier, in 1854 - four years before Minnesota was even a state.
Hubbell House has made a habit of serving delicious food over the past century and a half. The large menu guarantees you'll find something you like.
Locals love the restaurant for its Pappas Onion Rings. We can see why. Don't these look delicious?
Besides the food, the main draw is the restaurant's 19th-century atmosphere. The intricate decor will make you feel like you're eating inside of a painting.
Just imagine the stories this bar could tell.
Speaking of history, all of Mantorville is full of it. The town was founded in 1854, making it one of the oldest in Minnesota.
That history is evident in unexpected places, like this old brewery ruin near downtown.
The Mantorville Opera House has held up a little better. Built in 1915, it now houses the town's theatre company. If you're lucky, they'll be performing when you visit.
And we can't forget the Mantorville Saloon, just across the street from the Hubbell House. It's another historic building that would be a great stop for a quick drink after dinner.
The town has some modern touches, too. For example, the Chocolate Shoppe - also in downtown Mantorville - is a cheery place that serves up sweet treats for dessert.
If you love exploring small-town restaurants, you might want to check out this list of 10 small towns in Minnesota that have top-rated restaurants.
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