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4-Day Mankato Itinerary
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Mankato in 4 days
If you only have 4 days to spend in Mankato, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
With favorites like Massad's Grille, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota, and Chipotle Mexican Grill, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Olde Brick House and Massad's Grille so you can get the best taste of Mankato while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Mankato?
Visiting Mankato? See our Mankato Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
Day 1
Most popular attractions
For day 1, we strategically grouped the most popular attraction, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota, with surrounding point of interests to start your trip off with a bang. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 7 hours of your day.
1
•Edna — Google reviewKrista M — Google reviewAstrid G — Google reviewPaul W — Google reviewChad L — Google reviewPene H — Google reviewAshley W — Google review
River Hills Mall
4.3
(3613)
4.0
(26)
Shopping mall
Shopping
River Hills Mall is a traditional shopping complex in Penrose, Mankato, offering over 80 stores and kiosks where visitors can shop for the latest apparel, technology, accessories, and home goods. The diverse food court provides a variety of dining options from fast food chains to fresh cuisine. Additionally, the mall features an eight-screen theater for movie enthusiasts and an old-fashioned carousel that kids love. Families can also enjoy the Mayo Clinic Health System Children's Play Area.
Really unique mall, has a carousel as well as unique shops like healing rock remedies type of place as well as places ya thought were gone like bed bath and beyond. It’s unique, feels unique, & I would add it to a mall collection if there was such a thing. Overall, out of the ordinary. Ohyah
Jon F — Google review
A must stop when I visit Minnesota. I shopped for Christmas and ate there too. The food was delicious at Massad's and A&W. The 3D stop had so many cute creations I had to purchase. The fact that Target has an access point too is awesome. Visited the theatre and Scheels as well.
Been going here since I was a child. Love this mall. Plenty of places to eat, lots of stores to shop at. Can't forget the movie theater. Great place to go where everyone will find a store they like.
Always clean when we visit. Employees are friendly. There are a variety of stores. Be sure to check out the pop up stores and stores that are short term throughout the year.
The Renaissance Glass store is one of the coolest, although this year, they are only there from mid November to early January.
River Hills Mall in Mankato Minnesota is a good experience. Easy access, many shops, a large variety of kiosks, the shop keepers and staff are friendly and eager to assist your needs, the dining experience offers a large variety to suit almost any palette. Whether you want to come for a quick stop in make a easy purchase or have an extended stay you and your friends and family will have a good experience. River Hills Mall in Mankato Minnesota is located just off of Highway 14 and Highway 22. Also located in the vicinity of this mall are a variety of other stores just outside that shopping area, allowing one in large opportunity to find almost anything you may be looking for whether it’s a car another dining experience banking electronics or shopping in general, it’s a good area to come and spend some time. Make it a great experience!
Nice little place. Good selection of stores. We’ll maintained. Not run down like most malls these days.
We visited the target 🎯 at this shopping mall. I was looking for a lock for my kid locker, 3 of their employees(boys)didn’t know where those were. They kept sending me in different directions. After walking around the store for 35mins two other employees(girls)walked around two aisle and helped me locate those items.
Honestly not a huge mall but they have all the typical mall stores that you would need. Even a target and Scheels. Clean and pleasant. Food court smelled amazing...as always. Parking was very full but not a complete mess
1850 Adams St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
5 min · 1.1 mi
2•James J — Google reviewRyan S — Google reviewMolly M — Google reviewClark H — Google reviewChris O — Google reviewSampson — Google reviewCalvin K — Google review
El Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant
4.5
(1721)
4.2
(196)
affordable
Mexican restaurant
El Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant, established in 2003, offers a vibrant dining experience with traditional Mexican dishes and refreshing margaritas. The festive interior features colorful decor that transports guests south of the border. The menu includes a variety of appetizers, entrees featuring different meats and vegetarian options. Popular dishes include the spicy chipotle dip, shrimp with Mexican rice, and veggie taco salad.
This is a must stop restaurant! Fantastic food, chef, and waiters/waitresses.
Even the chef came around to make sure everything was good.
We had Chimichangas, spinach quesadillas and classic margaritas! Wonderful! Classy place!
Definitely will stop there again next time I'm in town!
Lorie K — Google review
El Mazatlan has been serving Mankato area since 2003. Guest can enjoy their meal inside or relax in the outdoor patio. It offers online ordering and delivery through Door Dash. My family came here for lunch. We were greeted and seated immediately. We received our food promptly. We were disappointed when 3 of our meals had beef instead of chicken. My wife’s meal specifically said the enchiladas were cheese and chicken. When we order our food, it should come back the way we ordered it. We are hoping next time they will be more efficient with our order.
Went there on a Sunday afternoon and it was packed. Service was solid, got seated right away. Some of the best chicken I have ever tasted went into these meals. I got 3 Chicken Enchilladas. Definitely will go back when in Mankato!
Great food, service (gracias Mateo!), fun place for lunch! Reasonably priced, especially considering the quality & amounts of entrees. Birria Tacos were my excellente!
This place is exactly what I was hoping for. I’m a gringo from Texas that travels the Northern states for work and I’ve been disappointed so many times. This is the type of place that you find back in Texas. Great food (I had the steak Street Tacos), fantastic service. The only thing I’d change is that they call queso “cheese dip” on their menu. If the customer’s don’t know what queso is, they don’t deserve it.
I am the traveler. This place is fantastic, I recommend to anyone. My chips and salsa were on point and good, rice and beans were topical. But let me tell you the special Al Pastor street tacos are the best I have had. Full of flavor and you can get them one at a time or just order 3 if you want. Amazing!!
Mazatlan holds a place in my heart. Since 20+ years I've been going to dine there. Lately it seems mainly the nostalgia is what keeps me going back. The last 2 visits have been very mediocre and uninspiring. The staff as always is friendly, but there seems to be a lack of attention to detail, cutting corners. The table space was very crammed even for 3 adults and 2 children.
Fries = Cold and crusty, tasted re-fried
Fajitas= Luke warm (short cooking time), unseasoned, very bland.
Requested extra rice and skip beans= small portion rice and half plate of lettuce
It is a very affordable Mexican restaurant in mankato and I took my wife there for lunch tell you what the food was great I had only one problem with it and it’s the portion of the food otherwise it’s a restaurant worth paying a visit
1525 Tullamore St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
4 min · 1.5 mi
3•Don S — Google reviewKristie R — Google reviewKim C — Google reviewC W — Google reviewThe S — Google reviewMatt S — Google reviewDean T — Google review
Boulder Tap House
4.4
(2741)
4.1
(237)
affordable
Restaurant
Bar & grill
Hamburger restaurant
Boulder Tap House in Mankato, MN is a cozy tavern known for its craft beers and American classics. The restaurant chain, which opened in 2011, offers a warm and simple diner atmosphere. Their menu features delicious wings, burgers, and milkshakes. Visitors recommend trying the pulled pork or the wings. Additionally, they offer unique items like avocado fries with spicy ranch and the reaper burger for those who enjoy some heat in their meals.
The avocado fries are amazing. For my boyfriend and myself, the burgers were okay. But I didn't order the curd burger and I wish I did. Never stray from what you like I guess. My boyfriend asked for different curds on his burger and received the original. The staff was amazing and friendly!
Danielle L — Google review
Good pub food. I'm a seafood lover and the Avocado Shrimp Burger is my favorite sandwich at Boulder Tap House. A shrimp patty topped with jalapeño fries, mango salsa, lettuce, tomato and a poblano avocado sauce. The chunks of shrimp in the patty are generous. Be careful: I found the jalapeño fries addicting. The beer list is extensive, eclectic and well-curated.
Service is stellar. Our server, Kiera, and all of the staff were friendly, prompt and attentive. It was a great meal out while visiting family in Mankato at the start of Memorial Weekend 2025.
Stopped by during our day trip to Mankota. I had the State Fair Burger, my husband had the Street Corn Bowl, and my daughter had the Chicken Lime Tacos with rice. We all enjoyed our food. The Turtle Shake was yummy also. The atmosphere was nice. We were able to hold a conversation at our table without yelling and catch the score of the football game, see who was winning the race, and watch the golfers on the many televisions. We recommend if you are looking for good service and food.
First time at the Boulder Tap House & We were not disappointed. The atmosphere is nice. Lots of screens to watch various sports going on. I really appreciated that they were showing more than just football. Our food was very good. I had the Minnesota Sushi & the Tequila Lime Chicken tacos (pictured) and both were great! Lots of flavor. The tacos came with their beer 'battered' French fries which were well seasoned. My adult son had the Western Burger which he said was great as well. My son tried their Banana Bread Old Fashioned and was pleasantly surprised that it was very good; not too much banana liquor like he was afraid there would be. I tried their Pomegranate Mule & that was very tasty as well. We were with a larger party for a little family/cousin get together (there was only 9 of us). I gave only 4 stars for service because while our server was very nice & joked around a bit, the table was not cleared of dirty dishes and got very cluttered very quickly and at times it felt like he really wasn't too thrilled with dealing with a larger group. But...that will not keep us from going back if we end up in Mankato again. All and all a good experience.
Great title spot. Went for a burger and was a good experience overall. Fries were plentiful and really good. Cheap bloody mary on Sunday that was worth it. I got the EPIC burger and split it with my sonand it a a big pile of fun.
We were in the mood for some burgers and cheese curds.
This is a fun sports bar to eat at. There's plenty of tv's to get your sports fix. The atmosphere would make it fun to watch a game at.
Our waitress was nice and helpful, which are important things to me. I noticed the staff was really good at helping each other out, which is a good sign they care about the customers and are proud of their food.
The cheese curds are a must, we ordered the pepper jack ones, but we use ketchup 😀 instead of the sauce they provide.
My bacon cheeseburger was excellent. My brother's burger was good too.
It's definitely a place we will go back to. The only recommendation I'd offer is to bring back the Nashville hot chicken sandwich and tacos... It's part of the reason we hadn't been in a long time.
They were my brothers favorite and he was disappointed when they took it off the menu, so any management from there should consider bringing it back, even if for a limited time, because we will go!
I recommend checking out this restaurant if you haven't been, I'm certain you'll find some great meals.
Great food and great staff. So many options for burgers and other food. Give it a try. You won't regret it .
Service was good. Wings I had Hot Chili And Hot Honey And Smoke BBQ. They all were right on. Nothing amazing but good wings. I would definitely go back. Decor is average sports bar themed.
291 St Andrews Dr, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
5 min · 1.8 mi
4•Aaron L — Google reviewHannah — Google reviewVeronica B — Google reviewAnn J — Google reviewMegan C — Google reviewChef M — Google reviewRachel E — Google review
Wow! Zone
4.3
(1641)
3.7
(17)
affordable
Bowling alley
Amusement center
Bar
If you're on the lookout for a fantastic family-friendly destination in Mankato, look no further than WOW! Zone. This vibrant entertainment hub has been delighting visitors since its opening in 2008 and is packed with activities that cater to all ages. From bowling and laser tag to mini golf, there's something for everyone here. Imagine spending an afternoon challenging your friends or family to a game of bowling, complete with fun scoring features that add an extra layer of excitement.
We had our son's 8yo bday and did a party room, 2x laser tag and loaded up gift cards. We had a small group so we put $15 on each card and that was plenty.
Laser tag was the huge hit of the party. The girls loved it.
The BIG surprise was how delicious the food was. People, it's hand rolled dough and fire roasted for the pizzas. I did the mushroom Swiss burger and the mushrooms were huge and the burger had amazing flavor.
I'm coming back with my husband for dinner and live music in the sports bar area.
What a great spot.
Oh, Chandler, our room attendant was so great too. He was our personal front house and took great care of us and is quite used to working with loads of kids at once.
Kristen D — Google review
This place truly sparks a sense of wonder and excitement. The atmosphere is electric, buzzing with positive energy. Bright colors and dynamic designs create a visually captivating experience. There's a palpable sense of fun that permeates every corner. It offers a fantastic escape from the ordinary, a place where imagination can run wild. The attention to detail is evident, creating a truly immersive environment. It's a destination that leaves a lasting impression, making you want to return again and again. This is simply a remarkable place to be.
Wow zone was fun. Went with my 6&8 year old. The bar/restaurant had a 25$ game card for $20 you could add to your meal. We got 1 card for each kid. The money lasted over an hour. They got a jackpot on one of the games. The arcade prizes are meh, but pretty much standard arcade prizes. The food at the bar wasn't bad. We got a pizza, chicken wings and chicken strips. Prices for food were fair. I didn't bowl but there were good promotions for that golf and laser tag. Overall, I would go back. For being a gimmicky place the prices were fair or even good.
We love the WOW ZONE! The staff are amazing and the food was great! We celebrated my daughter’s birthday there and we will be back! So much fun had by all.
We held a company celebratory event for 80 associates at the WOW!Zone last night and it was AMAZING! We used the back rooms for a catered meal prepared by their chef and we had a blast on the private lanes behind the bar. SO many of my coworkers raved about the food we had on the Homestyle Banquet - all of the choices were hearty and tasty: the veg, starch and meats! In addition, the service was outstanding! Working with Nancy, Chris and Nicole was fun and easy! Everything from my original call to inquire about possibilities to their execution of our evening. They tended to our every need with determination and grace. It truly was a flawless evening.
Had a great time here with our family. The unlimited game cards were a fantastic solution for my boys. They were able to keep themselves entertained the entire time, and didn't want to leave even when it was the end of the night.
The food was fairly good. Everything was flavorful and well-cooked. We will come back next time we are in the area!
Very good food and very good experience every time I go! ALL the staff are super helpful. shoutout the arcade team
Has gotten to be very expensive! Some staff seem uninterested in helping direct younger kids around the arcade. Family friendly most times!
2030 Adams St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to El Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant, these restaurants are about a 2-minute walk away.
Olde Brick House
4.4
(443)
4.0
(13)
affordable
Irish restaurant
The Olde Brick House, which opened in July 2023, is a pub that offers an upgraded dining experience compared to its predecessor. The atmosphere is authentic and not overly commercialized or kitschy. It's a fantastic addition to Mankato with a diverse menu that includes Irish cuisine as well as burgers for those looking for something different. The drink menu is extensive and reasonably priced, such as the sidecar for $9 which offers great value.
Excellent place to grab a bite. We had a party of 4. Everyone tried a different option from the traditional fare section of the menu. All 4 meals were great.
I personally had the corned beef and cabbage. This was very good. I was expecting the corned beef to have a bit more punch - but maybe this version is more accurate. The carrots were really good.
The waiter was pleasant and on top of everything.
I imagine the restaurant follows traditional UK design. There are lots of tables and they are pretty close to each other. I didn't feel to stacked in, but on the right night the crowd could really pack in.
I highly recommend this.
Pete W — Google review
We went there in a weekday night. They were surprisingly busy. The staffs were short and overwhelmed. After a long wait, we finally got served and a lot of apologies. Totally understand they didn't expect to be that busy. The most disappointing thing is food. Scottish eggs were so dried. The steak was tiny and undercooked than what I asked. The fish and chips was just ok. Nothing was really impressed me enough to come back. Sorry!
Another great addition to Mankato. I was pleasantly surprised how much they upgraded the interior look/ atmosphere of the building. We got quick and very friendly service. All of our food was good, and the prices / portion sizes were fair. We'll definitely be back, and we've already been telling friends and family about our experience.
My daughter and I had dinner there July 27th. I had the delicious Brickhouse pasta with maritime sauce, which is pasta, chicken, mushroom and cheese in a creamy white sauce! SO GOOD!! My daughter had a burger and said it was tender and juicy! Service was great and the price was right!! Highly recommend! Kudos to the chef!!
We live an hour away from Mankato but this is our go-to restaurant whenever we're in town. Great food. Generous portions. Friendly staff. Good music. Upscale Irish pub atmosphere at its finest. Highly recommend.
What a wonderful hidden gem. This is an amazing little Irish pub! The atmosphere is very well themed for being an Irish pub making it very cozy. Our food was great and no complaints there. The waiter was outstanding! He took a lot of time to answer a few questions about menu items, beer selections, as well as running through drink options for Jameson Irish whiskey. The cheese curds are the best we've had outside of Wisconsin! The batter made them amazing and they weren't overcooked giving that heavy burnt oil flavor. When there's too many great looking options on the menu making you indecisive on what to order you KNOW you'll be back again and again!
First time visit on a Saturday night. Great Irish atmosphere, cozy and comfortable. The server was very nice but didn't revisit very often. Took over 45 minutes to get our food after being seated. Even though it took a while the food and drinks were excellent. If you're in a hurry, this might not be for you. As for me, I enjoyed it, and I will be back!
The Scotch eggs were very tasty. Fish and chips was the best I've had in Mankato. Highly recommend.
1521 Tullamore St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
Massad's Grille
4.2
(118)
4.4
(9)
cheap
Fast food restaurant
Shawarma restaurant
When you find yourself in Mankato, a visit to Massad's Grille is an absolute must. This beloved eatery embodies the concept of 'Fresh Food Fast,' with a team that brings over 50 years of culinary expertise to your plate. The Massad family has long been associated with exceptional cuisine, tracing their roots back to the Bekka Valley in Lebanon and now thriving in Minnesota. For two decades, loyal patrons have flocked to Massad's for its delicious offerings.
I always stop at Massad's when in Mankato, probably for 20 years. The guys at the counter were super helpful with ideas to do a gluten-free shawarma. I went with the salad+pickles over the deconstructed pita because it was more of a meal. I also got tabbouleh. All the veggies were crisp and the meal was full of great flavors. Some of the best food in Mankato
Elijah S — Google review
Yummy chicken shawarma. The falafel and pasta salad weren't good sides though.
I love this place, their food is excellent. Masaad's is pretty much the only reason I go to the mall anymore
The best every time! The menu is nicely sized, the portions are good, the flavors are INCREDIBLE, and the staff is so sweet. The owner is so kind and cheery in particular. Thanks for many a great schwarma!
And now so bummed, showed up 10 to 6:00 and was told that their boss says it's more important for the employees to get out on time than it is to make sandwiches for customers.
So good so delicious. The only reason to go to River Hills Mall now.
Awesome food and service every time I go. A must for visitors of Mankato
Outstanding food! Schwarma "the boat" is fantastic. The daily specials are worth checking on. I've looked forward to their food for years. Really missed them when I had my Navy tour and got stationed out in California.
I love this place but wished the mall honored it's hours. Went at 10 am for lunch waited for 30 minutes for someone who could prepare a wrap, and kept being told to wait. I feel bad for the ladies working, but was seriously disappointed in the situation.
Adding this. After 40 minutes we gave up and went to Subway. While we ordered the lady who told us to keep waiting at Massad's, served two other women their food. So much for no one there who could prepare a wrap.
1850 Adams St # 618, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
Buffalo Wild Wings
4.1
(2110)
3.7
(38)
affordable
Chicken wings restaurant
Buffalo Wild Wings is a popular chain that serves wings, tenders, and burgers along with a variety of sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy. Customers are seated promptly and can order their food quickly. The appetizers are delicious and served about thirty minutes before the main course, allowing patrons to savor them. It seems that in the past, Buffalo Wild Wings was known for its messy experience with saucy wings.
We had a large group and Sydney did great keeping our drinks replenished and making sure we were happy. When our food orders didn’t all come out together, she took responsibility and manager Todd apologized and took a percentage off our bill. It did not negatively affect our experience, our time at the restaurant was great! Very impressive that they did their best to make it right.
Danielle S — Google review
Ordered take out from this location and the bag was messy from BBQ sauce. The wings were cold, and yet the appetizers and sides were hot. Makes me believe that the wings were sitting for a long period of time. Overall, disappointed that my main course was cold.
I stopped in Saturday for some wings. I ordered 15 traditional. The wait after ordering took quite a while. A food runner dropped off my food and left right away without asking if we needed anything. I noticed right away the wing plate only had 2 drummies, the rest paddles, were overcooked to chewy, and they were barely warm. I waited for my server Rayna to come back 5 minutes later and brought up the issue to her. She shrugged her shoulders and told me they were busy and left. There were plenty of open tables so that was not a valid excuse. This was laziness with the cook and the time they sat in the window. I left a 4 dollar tip so this meal was 25 dollars for absolute garbage and service. BW3 wing sizes have decreased in size over the years. I remember when they were downtown at the mall. The service was great, the wing size was large and juicy and pricing was reasonable. That's not the case with this location. I did call back to the store and asked to speak with the store manager about it but she said he wasn't there and hung up. I would elsewhere for wings IMO.
I haven't been to a Buffalo Wild Wings in years. If you follow my reviews, I don't go to a lot of franchise restaurants. I received a gift card for Buffalo Wild Wings, so we went to check it out again. Most of it is how I remember everything good, but nothing that stands out. Nice atmosphere for sports games with all of the big screens.
The burger I tried did surprise me, though. It was smaller than I expected from the picture, but it had great flavor! My wife's buffalo chicken wrap was your average buffalo chicken wrap, but my burger flavor was something special. It genuinely surprised me. I don't believe I'll come back often, but I hope they still have this burger when I do come back.
I believe it was called the Bacon Smashed Chile Burger, but I'm not 100% sure. I didn't take pictures of the menu like I do with small local restaurants.
absolutely horrible! Ordered a buffalo ranch chicken wrap to go. Where's the sauce? There's nothing on it but lettuce and chicken! What a disgusting combination to eat with no sauce.
We had to wait longer than we ever have before,.. yes, they were busy, but we've always had prompt service. Our food, when we finally got it, 40 minutes later,.. was very good. Our server, Cori, obviously had something against us, it seems. She treated us like we were a bother to her, and we never treated her that way. She never once smiled, and never said "thank you". Sorry we upset you, Cori ~ and we hope that your day goes better soon
The service team was overwhelmed, which impacted our dining experience. Silverware and napkins were forgotten and refills of beverages were not timely. The full order was also not received. While I enjoyed my overall experience, details matter....especially when celebrating the evening with friends for a birthday.
My wings were ungodly cold, my wife’s burger was burnt and chunks of burnt bits in it to the point it was like she was spitting out BB’s. As a professional chef I was appalled at the food quality and we will never be back again. It was a Very upsetting experience. It was hard to not go back in their kitchen and ask them to let me retrain their “cooks” in the BOH. The server was awesome so we gave her a big tip. I highly recommend going somewhere else that has a properly trained kitchen staff.
301 St Andrews Dr, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
Five Guys
4.4
(1074)
4.2
(37)
affordable
Fast food restaurant
If you're on the hunt for a delicious fast-food experience, look no further than Five Guys! This popular chain specializes in made-to-order burgers that are juicy and bursting with flavor. You can customize your burger with a variety of toppings to suit your taste. The fries are another highlight, served generously in cups with extra portions tucked into the bag—don't miss out on their famous Cajun fries! The atmosphere at Five Guys is relaxed and inviting, making it a great spot to enjoy your meal.
Burgers are extremely juicy and full of flavor. I love the variety of toppings that you can put on them. The atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant. The staff was friendly and helpful. I will definitely be coming back for more food.
The S — Google review
Great burgers. I mean you can't go wrong. The fries, weather they're salted or cajun, are awesome. I love how they fill your bag. You gotta eat here. You can't go wrong. A little pricey but worth it.
Stopped for a quick bite. The food was delicious and hot just like always. The restaurant was clean with plenty of seating and ample parking. There is a large open lot adjacent to the building with enough room for a tractor and trailer if needed, but, be warned, the adjacent lot (not owned by five guys) has HUGE potholes.
Fries served in a cup. Extra fries in the bag. You can add any fixings they have for shakes. Build your burger way you want it. Choice of salted or Cajun fries. You haven't eaten here it's great!!!!! Service is excellent
It was my first time ordering a Lettuce wrapped cheeseburger. Person taking order was kind enough to ask if it was preference or allergy related. I said preference.
For my first time eating that, it was made perfectly, it was fresh, and cooked very well.
Their fries are always amazing. And i 100% recommened getting a Large Cajun Fry, It's worth the money.
Very kind staff, the building was very clean, and the atmosphere was great. 5/5 stars and i will definitely be coming back.
Thank you for the amazing service Five Guys and the staff working on around 3-4pm on Thursday April 24th, 2025.
Not our first time here but loved watching how the 3 employees worked together at taking the order, cooking, and putting together orders. Their system really works and they did a great job. Food was great!!
Decent burger and fries. 1 small fries is enough for 4 people after they fill the bag with 2 extra scoops. Guess its just their thing.
It was a super nice stop to make and the food was quite good. I stopped there with mu girlfriend and we hung out and just talked and enjoyed the atmosphere for an hour or so. Our food was made fast and the employees were cheerful and helpful!
1920 Adams St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Day 2
East side of town
For day 2, we recommend exploring the east side side of town. Start the day off with Sibley Park, then wind down and take it easy by the time you get to Coffee Hag. All together, your day would be filled with about 7 hours of non-stop fun.
1•Grace A — Google reviewElijah E — Google reviewAaron L — Google reviewWithscissors I — Google reviewSouthern F — Google reviewMinda S — Google reviewJa B — Google review
Sibley Park
4.8
(2344)
4.5
(140)
Park
Zoos & Aquariums
Zoos
Sibley Park in Mankato, Minnesota is a sprawling and popular destination offering a wide range of recreational activities for visitors. The park features extensive gardens, play areas, picnic spots, and outdoor workout equipment. Additionally, it boasts a petting zoo where kids can interact with various animals such as pot-bellied pigs, pygmy goats, sheep, ponies, alpacas, goldfish, ducks, chickens and peacocks.
Free Mini Zoo! Sibley Park is where the Kiwanis Christmas lights are held. It is also a nice place to visit with kiddos in the summer. Feed Goats, Fish, Peacocks and Reindeer in the winter. Did I mention….It’s Free! Enjoyment for All!
Matt S — Google review
Spend sometime this afternoon at Sibley park. It has a great walking path, and exercise area.
Bring some quarters to purchase food for the fish, goats and sheep. I recommend this for families with children. Great Play ground area also.
While this place offers a very nice and relaxing environment, it is a great place overall to walk around and see all the animals. The holiday lights are amazing. The only problem I have is that it is very annoying when you rent out the barn (the barn is well kept and nice) but if you hold a reception, graduation party etc. There are random people that can walk in and take your stuff. So many kids without their parents watching will enter your reception and take your stuff and food.
"Absolutely gorgeous park! 🌳✨ The scenery is stunning and so well-kept. Perfect spot for families to enjoy a relaxing day together, but also has a really romantic vibe for couples. Definitely one of my favorite parks to visit!
Beautiful place and well taken care of. Bathrooms aren't very accessible which is disappointing. The grounds and attractions are nicely kept.
Love the park it's so cute and I love seeing the animals. We even had a goat look like he was smiling for his picture!!!!!
Super fun park! I am visiting from out of town and the animals were so neat to see the goats were fun, and the alpacas were just casually eating the grass. The gardens are nicely upkept. I walked up a large set if stairs and there are some pretty views at the top. Nest experience.
Holds the Kiwanis Lights every Christmas. Definitely worth stopping to walk through or at the least drive through. Has a great play area for the kids, animals for the kids to see, and close to the river. Has bathrooms available with flush toilets. Lots of room for events or to play a soccer game. Check it out anytime of the year!
900 Mound Ave, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
5 min · 1.6 mi
2•Cassie P — Google reviewVanessa Z — Google reviewLisa — Google reviewVivian G — Google reviewVandirk72 — Google reviewAndrea G — Google reviewKelsie W — Google review
Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
4.8
(819)
5.0
(47)
Children's museum
Museums
The Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota is a vibrant and spacious destination that promises an engaging experience for kids and families alike. Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Mankato, this modern museum features a plethora of interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Since its establishment in 2006, the museum has evolved into a permanent home filled with exciting activities that change throughout the year. Visitors can explore everything from dairy barn mechanics to hands-on archaeology digs, making learning both fun and memorable.
What a wonderful place!! We took the Grands 2-9 yo and everyone had fun!! Including the big kids (The parents)
The best part: seeing our Dakota Language being used and hearing Gwen Westermans voice 🥰🥰
MzWinona — Google review
My nephew absolutely loves this place. It would be nicer if they were open later, more than just on Thursday, as the closing time isn't too convenient during the school year.
Perfect place to spend quality time with your little ones. They are always changing up their stations to keep it a fresh experience every time you go, especially if you have a membership. The employees are welcoming and great with kids, and they keep it clean and organized. Bathrooms are clean. There is plenty of parking and plenty of fun. Make sure to dress your children in their play clothes. They will get dirty and have a great time doing it.
Such a great little place! Lots of sensory things to do including climbing in a netting obstacle course, play sand area, foam building blocks, outdoor play area, butterfly enclosure and more! My kiddo loved this place! All staff we met were so kind and friendly but a special shout out to the 2 gals that were in the butterfly enclosure watering, they were so great with my son and helped him hold a butterfly in his hand which he was so delighted- totally made his day! We will definitely be going back
This place is great for kids! I love how they switch it up! Different activities to do and the vibe is great! Only reason its not a 5 star review is because its kinda spendy. 13$ to get in even as an adult. It adds up so quickly. Better to get the membership but even that is a pretty penny!
We drove an hr down to Mankato to go here and it was worth it. It was truly enjoyable for the whole family. Our baby and toddler were both thoroughly entertained for the 3 HOURS! we were there. The staff was amazing, kind, and knowledgeable and the facility itself is well maintained. Will absolutely make the trip back
This place was great! My niece had a great time and was able to freely explore the museum without me worrying that she was too little for something. I'd absolutely bring her back!
We had so much fun with our almost 3 year old, and 10 month old. The toddler could of spent many many more hours there! We will be back next time were in town! There were so many areas she didn't even explore! I can't wait til she wants to get in that tree house!
224 Lamm St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
9 min · 0.46 mi
3•Jessica J — Google reviewAnonymous — Google reviewNatalie B — Google reviewAngieee M — Google reviewMichelle T — Google reviewAlex S — Google reviewBonnie A — Google review
Pagliai's Pizza
4.7
(1735)
4.6
(371)
affordable
Pizza restaurant
Delivery Restaurant
Pagliai's Pizza, a long-standing establishment in downtown Mankato since 1969, is a beloved neighborhood joint known for its enticing pizzas, sandwiches, and spaghetti. The menu offers a variety of options including the crowd-pleasing sweet heat pizza and the garden pizza. With exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere, this family-friendly spot has garnered rave reviews from locals.
Great bar-style pizza in a no-frills atmosphere. Absolutely loved it! It was busy but a booth opened up for my wife and I quickly. You’re walk in and find an open seat. The staff were very friendly. Pictured here is the four cheese pizza and that was our favorite. Crummy picture because I was so excited to eat it.
Dan D — Google review
On a road trip from TN and came across pics of their food. Couldn't resist lol! I never have expectations based on pics but this place lived up to my craving! Wow! Never expected to find pizza and garlic bread like this in southern MN 😋 Quality cheese and a delicious pizza sauce. I will swing in next year on my next trip ❤️
My husband and I just went tonight for a date night. Not only was the service good but the food tasted amazing! We got the Sante Fe Chicken (10") and Maverick (10") with garlic bread.
The Sante Fe Chicken was our favorite, green peppers were fresh, and bacon was cooked just perfect!
Maverick was good, Italian sausage could have been better with a little kick, but for being an all meat pizza it was very delicious!
Atmosphere was very laid back, servers worked hard and kept our drinks filled
Definitely will be bringing our kids to this place in the future!!
Wonderful Pizza, think the deep dish is the favorite! Paige our amazing server was spot on! Can't wait for another trip!
Trip 2 (4/2/24) was just as amazing. Favorite pizza EVER! (Service still amazing as well!) 12/18, still fabulous! Tried the taco this time, hubby loves it!
Stopped in when driving through. Super amazing pizza and cheese bread. You can taste that its real cheese and quality ingredients. Sauce is perfect. 10/10!! Will be back.
Road trip to Mankato and had to stop at Pagliai's based on the reviews. It didn't disappoint. Great friendly staff. Pizza is heavy on toppings (good thing) and delish. Stop on in. You will be amazed.
Top tier pizza. Hard to explain other than just go in. Enjoy.
Old school vibe. Oven is out in the open so you can watch it being cooked if ya want. Service was awesome. Wife and I split a lunch deal and with an add on topping it was super reasonable. A personal pizza filled us both up AND there were leftovers.
Pagliais has had the best pizza for decades! Same location, same great service, and same great food.
524 S Front St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
< 1 min · 0 ft
4•Pylyp M — Google reviewC W — Google reviewJonathan C — Google reviewLana B — Google reviewAja — Google reviewDan S — Google reviewSue N — Google review
Nolabelle Kitchen + Bar
4.6
(717)
4.8
(49)
affordable
Restaurant
Nolabelle Kitchen + Bar is a relaxed farm-to-table venue that offers elevated reimagined American classics and cocktails. Its downtown location features a charming patio where patrons can enjoy the outdoors. With an impressive rating of over 4.5 stars from nearly 200 Google reviews, Nolabelle has gained recognition as a popular destination for food and drinks.
A 10/10 hands down. Extremely clean restaurant. I loved that you could see the kitchen which was clean. The ladies were amazing, and our server was kind and super sweet. The cooks did phenomenal with the flavor of the food to the plating of food. Super impressed and satisfied with service.
India S — Google review
This place is overall great. I had a spicy chicken sandwich and it wasn't spicy at all but the chicken was crispy and juicy. Fries were crispy and well seasoned. We came as a group of 7 around 2:30PM and there was no wait. My wife got a French dip and it was great!
A gem of a spot. Happened by there and had dinner and was glad we did. Based on some reviews we tried the Brussels sprouts for an appetizer and they had lots of flavor. For dinner thebshrimp and grits were top notch and I had theb
pork belly sandwich and our kid got the French dip. All solid choices. And fries were amazing and homemade chips are worth getting.
This has to be one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had. We arrived a bit early for our reservation and noticed several open tables, but the staff still made us wait—which was frustrating, but we were patient. Once seated, things started off smoothly: we got our drinks and placed our order without issue.
However, after that, everything went downhill. We ended up waiting over 40 minutes for our food. When I asked our waitress about it, she said it still wasn’t ready. What made it worse was seeing other tables—who arrived after us—already eating or leaving. When our food finally arrived, it was a huge disappointment.
The meals were cold, clearly sitting out for a while, and my toast was burnt. While the ingredients seemed decent in quality, the poor execution ruined it. By the time we finished, the restaurant was closing, and I didn’t feel comfortable complaining—though I definitely should have.
Overall, this was not a pleasant experience. The long wait, cold food, and poor service left a bad impression. I won’t be returning, and I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant to others.
This restaurant has so much potential but last night missed its mark. When ordering an appetizer you should not have to ask your waitress to have it delivered prior to your main meal. These guidelines fall under Restaurant service 101. The walleye was fishy and the chicken tasted as though it was several days old. Not good. And the broccoli ?!? What the heck!? If you were going for a “charred vegetable” trust me, it didn’t work! To their credit they did deduct our bill. The sauces were amazing! Salad was delicious. The presentation was beautiful. The atmosphere clean and welcoming. The hostess was sweet. Lastly , at this price point I would love to see your staff in uniform or mono colors (all black?).
We were seating the bar area on a high table. Our server covered a lot of tables so it took a while to get our order. We Ordered the strawberry lemonade, roasted brussel sprouts, Buffalo Chicken tacos(too much sauce covered that covered the avocado crema very drippy and hard to eat)and the miso honey glazed pork chop over rice cake and bok choy.
The bathrooms were clean!
Dont go if you dont have a reservation!!
OUR Favorite place in town, we eat here often, in town to visit our kid. Just got sent out the door at 530 of half empty restaurant and open patio because no reservation. Business must be good. Ive watched enough restaurant shows to know that you can always shoehorn 3 folks in. I guess we will go find our new favorite Mankato restaurant.
Patio still empty at 6pm as we sit in our car and decide where to go next.
Excellent food! Everything we ordered was so delicious! The presentation alone is worth a visit! Our Server, Emma, was outstanding: friendly, knowledgeable, efficient. The atmosphere is not particularly quiet or cozy, but it's airy, vibrant and very pleasant! We look forward to our next visit. (Be sure to try the Butter Cake for dessert!)
520 S Front St Suite 500, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
13 min · 0.69 mi
5•James P — Google reviewSonia — Google reviewJenessa S — Google reviewSabrie S — Google reviewKatie B — Google reviewJimmy H — Google reviewSheila R — Google review
Coffee Hag
4.8
(931)
4.5
(39)
cheap
Coffee shop
Bakery
Cafe
Coffee Hag is a popular coffee shop located in Mankato, known for its artistic and laid-back atmosphere. The cafe has won awards for being the best coffee spot in town and is a favorite hangout spot among locals. It features a unique decor with eccentric musician albums and local artwork, creating a cool ambiance.
Coffee shop with tons of personality--with the drink choices and decor. The staff were so friendly and willing to chat with my mom and me, esp when we mentioned we were from out of town. They were also willing to offer suggestions about what we wanted to order. My mom's plain latte was great, and my Mayan Sun (spicy mocha) was a delicious taste of something a little different. Also the baked goods we got were soo good and very fresh, esp considering it was about a half hour before they closed
Katie I — Google review
We stopped in for coffee and snacks. 2 cappuccinos and an oat milk hot chocolate were all delicious. Orange blossom muffin was also quite good. The cinnamon roll was serviceable. The staff were great and also great with my child. Would stop by again if in the area.
This coffee shop is one of a kind. Its decor is beautiful. Lots of colorful photos and pictures. The ceiling has an amazing design. I love the brick wall. It's very cozy and inviting. Drink options are fantastic. My iced latte was perfect I ordered LA Dolce Vita with oatmilk. Girls working the counter were so attentive. I'm glad I finally got to come here after many years of driving by this place.
Great coffee - friendly staff - inclusive and artistic atmosphere! Great Mankato stop for a yummy coffee and great
The atmosphere of this place is simple & eclectic. Latte was yummy. I ordered the Mayan Sun specialty latte half sweet and it was good for me so their drinks probably run on the sweeter end. Espresso was good. Looked like they use cheaper quality syrups. Really fun combos of latte drink flavors and it tasted good. I had a bite of my friends grilled cheese (garlic aoli one) and it was sooo damn good. Baristas were kind and didn't have a problem adding more mocha to my latte.
Was greeted kindly, vibes were nice and lgbtq+ friendly. Had one of their premade pastas dishes and an iced latte, a bit hard to taste the pumpkin flavoring but it wasn’t a bad coffee by any means. A good café experience 💚
First time in Mankato, and this is the first cafe I visited while waiting for my nephew taking ACT test at a high school nearby. Love the ambience here, very artistic. Great coffee & delicious breakfast. The breakfast burritos (with sour cream and salsa) and their egg & cheese are highly recommended.
I am sad to realize it took me so long to visit this amazing coffee house. Unbelievably friendly service and great coffee. You can tell employees are appreciated, as it shows in how they treat the customers.
329 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Where to eat
Under a 1-minute walk from Pagliai's Pizza, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.
Ummie's
4.6
(715)
4.0
(24)
affordable
Sports bar
Ummie's is a casual sports bar located in Mankato, MN, offering a variety of American eats such as burgers, wings, and craft beer. The establishment features outdoor seating and is family-friendly. With televisions scattered throughout the bar, it's an ideal spot to catch a game or hang out with friends. Customers have praised the friendly service and extensive menu knowledge of the staff. The nachos are particularly recommended for their delicious flavor and well-balanced toppings.
Our Favorite Bar and Food in Mankato! Excellent staff, great atmosphere and stellar food. Appetizers, Burgers, Salads, Wings and Fabulous Pizza!
Matt S — Google review
Fantastic sports bar as advertised. Burgers were juicy and impressive, the sauces served were unique and tasty. I got the Ummie's Burger, Mac & Cheese bites, and my friend got the Texas burger. Great service, very friendly. Possibly the best burgers in Mankato, to be honest.
This place is outstanding!! Clean, friendly service and the wings and cheese curds were delicious!!! The brownie dessert is top notch!!!
Ummies is hands down one of my new favorite spots! I came in over a month ago, and when I walked in today, the bartender recognized me and even remembered the exact beer I ordered last time. Talk about top-notch service! This time, I had a beer and a burger with fries—and honestly, it was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Juicy, flavorful, and cooked just right. The vibe here is laid-back and friendly, and the staff makes you feel right at home. Highly recommend checking this place out if you’re in the area!
Highly recommend this resturant. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Always checking to see if you need anything. The menu choices are great. Get the hot honey chicken sandwich, you won't be disappointed. Will definitely be back here again.
I have tried several items off their menu and have yet to be disappointed. The service is always on point and they are always friendly. The Texas burger and fries is my go-to when I don't feel like trying some thing new.
Worst food and experience I’ve EVER had. My husband, daughter and I were all in town from Sioux City for a college visit. We were so hungry afterwards and being we’ve never been to Mankato before we wanted to try something delicious. We read some reviews and it seemed to be a great choice. DISGUSTING AND DISAPPOINTED are two words that come to mind. The bartender was our waiter and acted like we were an inconvenience. He asked for our drink order and walked away before waiting for my husband’s order. Really, you can’t wait a second and take all three drink orders, he was in a huge rush and couldn’t be bothered. With only two other tables with guests. We were not there during lunch or dinner rush. We were there around 3pm. We all ended up ordering burgers even though I wanted to leave after the drink order experience. My daughter and I both got the burger with egg and tots. Both had so much salt I could not eat any of it. Waiter came over when our food was delivered by someone else and said, “I’m about to take off so do you want to cash out now?” Not, how’s your food, can I get you anything, NOTHING! Aha, that is why you can’t be bothered with us, you were getting off work. We left still hungry. After the wonderful experience we had at Minnesota State, it was disappointing to have this experience afterward.
I had one of the worst meals I have ever t put in the garbage can. Very dry pork UN-TENDERLOIN Soup was extremely greasy. The Manager blew me off and was in denial He stated it was fine and refused to let Me return it.$20.00 LITERALLY WENT IN THE garbage. BUY BEWARE SUB QUALITY FOOD in my book. Yuck
530 S Front St #200, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
Pita Pit
4.6
(220)
4.5
(14)
cheap
Sandwich shop
If you're on the hunt for a fresh and health-conscious meal, Pita Pit is a must-visit destination! This vibrant counter-service chain allows diners to craft their own sandwiches, offering a delightful twist on Mediterranean flavors. Guests rave about the speedy service and friendly staff who go above and beyond, often adding personal touches like notes on to-go bags.
I've ordered from this location multiple times. Staff is always friendly and welcoming and write a nice little note on my to-go bag. They've are willing to make accommodations and the food is always fresh, delicious, and prepared quickly. I had to include a photo of my most recent order because look at how nicely it was put together!
Maisie J — Google review
Gave 1 star to this place for few reasons, me and few friend stopped by for lunch time to try pita pit, we headed they got chicken shawarma Halal. The shawarma was very cold so is the bread it felt like it just got out of the fridge I'm used getting shawarma at other places in town it's always warm.
Food took good amount of time but didn't taste that great. It says halal food and they sell bacon. I look for halal spot usually this spot really disappointing me for knowing that they serve pork along with Halal.
My newest favorite hotspot! My go to is currently closed and moving across town so we decided to stop in here for our Mediterranean fix and it was extremely excellent! The staff was delightful and fast, the food came out expeditiously, and everything we tried was amazing! Their version of the pita is much different than any other restaurant or what I ate daily while stationed in Turkey but it's incredibly delicious! The hummus, pitas, salad, chicken bacon pita, and the Ode to Athens were all to die for! Going back again today for another lunch date and can't wait!
Easy to order online. We loved our food. My son loved his first experience with pita pit.
Very nice and fast service and they got halal shawarma and gyro very delicious thanks for having that in the menu much appreciated 🫡
Although I really do LOVE pita pit, I wouldn't recommend the Cubano Pita - there was WAY TOO much mustard on it (it was a delivery order) and that is all I could taste. Unless you order it without or on the side and add your own. Personally I won't give it another try.....I'll stick with the Buffalo Chicken......
Ordered this for takeout on DoorDash. Man! This place puts my local pita place in Rochester to shame. The fresh pita bread has a perfect bite, with the flavorful meat and fresh veggies and tzatziki, it was divine. 10/10.
Had a delicious Mediterranean pita and great quiet place to work. Good music, very quietly in the background.
530 S Front St Suite 210, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
Wine Cafe
4.5
(325)
4.0
(15)
affordable
Bar
The Wine Cafe is a charming bar and shop that offers a diverse selection of wines that complement their sandwiches and cheese boards. The establishment also features karaoke and live music, adding to the lively atmosphere. With reasonable prices and good food, it can get quite crowded when popular bands perform, so arriving early is advised for fans. While the limited menu may be a drawback for some, overall it is a decent place to visit. Additionally, Minnesota's Largest Candy Store is nearby, offering delicious apple pies.
Cool atmosphere and aesthetic. Definitely not what you'd expect from a wine Cafe. But amazing selection of whiskey as well as very accommodating for large groups.
K G — Google review
Love the staff, the patrons, the overall experience is great. The patio seating area is good looking, comfortable and roomy. Interior decor and seating is aging a bit and could use a refresh but doesn’t detract from having a great time! Recommended!
Disclaimer: This is based solely on my experiences alone. This review is in no way, shape or form, meant to offend or discourage anyone:
UMM HELLO! I HAVE SOME BEEF: With how fond of this place, I am. Even though I’m no longer Alcoholic, WINE CAFE, STILL caters to my needs. I mean let me get into it…
Firstly, shout out Dan and the other amazing staff! (I can’t remember all your names but I remember how sweet all of our conversations were.) I hope that still means a lot😊
1. I love the vibe, the natural lighting, the ambiance, the atmosphere. (If you have light sensitivity issues, it’s not overpowering -nice and moody, perhaps? Without the bad moods, ya feel?
2. The staff is HIP! Knowledge based in different types of people, if you will. —They don’t give you a bombastic side eye every time you enter.
3. Never had a bad interaction with staff there.
4. Their cheese curds w/their infamous raspberry sauce prolly.
5. Of course the WINE SELECTION and now moderate thc drinks (legal limit 10g- cuz apparently, 🍃 is MN’s problem lol).
6. They treat you like a long lost cousin😎
7. If I could go on and give 10 stars for kindness, they’d have my vote, time and time again!
To conclude, when I think about restaurants that have been most welcoming, genuine and accepting in the community, it’s them!
God bless on all future endeavors, I hope that much good finds you all, amen! 🙏🏽❤️🩹
I’m visiting a friend around the area and they brought me to the wine cafe. It’s a great atmosphere and the drinks were really good. The bar tenders were really nice and the prices were pretty good!
I was excited to go here and listen to live jazz music. The interior is unique. The first stretch is small and packed with quaint tables and you wouldn't even know it wrapped around to contain a larger floor plan. The food selection is meager and overpriced. The wait was very long to order and get what you can see below as a weak plate of food. The supposed cheese played is 10 dollars and as you can see is not a cheese plate. It's a plastic container of flavored cream cheese and MOLDY GRAPES. I politely notified the server and she said oh ok, was not interested in resolving the issue. I normally let things go but its moldy food. The servers clearly had favorites in the bar and spent time attending to them and ignored us. The wine was average priced and there is a decent selection. Dont bother with the food or expectations for good service. I would reccomend driving to chankaska winery in Kasota, from food to drinks and events they are worth the drive over. Will not be going back here.
Sophia is amazing! I’m a retired person but she treated me as if I was young. Love this place!
Love it! Wine Cafe has such a fun vibe! Laid back chic, a little hippie but also sophisticated! Perfect balance for any occasion. Wine, food, and cocktails are delicious! And the patio is absolutely adorable.
Very nice place! Dive bar atmosphere. Decorations are great. Prices are ok if they filled my glass..
301 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
Subway
3.9
(376)
4.5
(6)
cheap
Sandwich shop
Subway is a delightful casual counter-serve chain that specializes in customizable sandwiches and salads, catering to health-conscious diners. Located at 10 Sibling in Mankato, MN, this spot has become a favorite for many due to its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. Regulars rave about the exceptional service provided by team members like Jessa and Olivia, who not only craft delicious meals but also create a warm environment that keeps customers coming back.
I enjoy coming to this location since Olivia has started!! She is very friendly and she knows my sandwich! I don't even have to say much appreciate her kindness and cleanliness great worker!!!
Lisa M — Google review
I used to go to Subway all the time but the reason I don't is that quality and taste never improved but they've raised their prices 50% or more since the $5 dollar footlong days.
My brother and I decided to give them another chance, but unfortunately the cost to taste ratio is horrendous. If I'm paying nearly $14 for a footlong meatball sub it better be amazing, but it wasn't. I could barely taste the meatballs. There wasn't much flavor to the sauce and my thinking is I could go to Applebees and get an entire meal for that amount.
After my last experience I'm just going to boycott Subway again. They are just like chipotle, raising prices and overall quality has gone down.
Even the guy taking my order and making my sandwich looked annoyed that customers were even there.
I'm shocked Subway is still in business with how much they've raised prices and lowered quality or didn't improve quality.
If I could give them less than 1 star I would, mostly because that place used to be my go to and now every time I see a Subway rest it annoys that they've raised prices 50% or more in less than a decade or so...
Subway has become a huge disappointment!
We chose this location because it was close to Sibley Park. We waited patiently for nearly 10 minutes without being served. However, during that time, we noticed the prices were almost double those of other Subway locations. To confirm, I checked the prices at my usual Subway, and our typical sub there costs $10 compared to $17 at this location. This was consistent across several subs I looked up. With a large family, I simply can’t afford to pay double the usual prices—it would have cost more than dining at a nice sit-down restaurant! We ended up leaving and going elsewhere before the one employee working was able to assist us.
Subway at 10 Sibling in Mankato, MN gets 5 stars!,,,and entirely due to the lovely lady who helped us, Jessa!
Nowadays with places that make your order the way you want it, it seems like all they’re really doing is asking what TO and what NOT TO put on the order, but requesting anything beyond that can be, for whatever reason offensive to the servers. As if one were making a shameful imposition on them and their time and duties. Oh the humanity, right? lol.
Jessa replied affirmatively the moment I asked for her to crisp my bacon separately and she even looked to be happy to accommodate my request.
My wife and I chatted with her while she prepared our sandwiches. We found Jessa to be engaging and amiable, and while remaining attentive to my wife’s and my conversation, she never misses a beat with our order.
Perfect!
Great service at your Makato store Subway…and to you Jessa, a heartfelt thank you for tonight!
I've been going to this subway for a few months and it is honestly my favorite location, mainly because of how friendly and considerate the staff are. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing everyone who works there is. The food is great but the people are what makes me want to keep coming back.
Made a mobile order for a BMT. I called ahead to see if it was possible that they change the ham to turkey- which has been done for me before- and the employee quite rudely told me that that wasn’t possible. It would be one thing to just say no, fine i can live with that. but the unnecessary rudeness? if you don’t want customers get into another line of business.
Depends on who you get but great service and conversation, I'd go to this one over any other for my next time.
This guy Matthew need to be fired. Walked in and he started to be unnecessarily unprofessional:( I don’t leave reviews but his attitude needs some attention
10 Sibley Pkwy, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Day 3
Proximity is everything
For day 3, we bundled attractions like Pub 500 and Blue Bricks and other places within a close range, so that the time it takes to travel between all of them is less than one hour. Combined with the average time people spend there, your day should take about 8 hours.
1•Cody T — Google reviewPaul W — Google reviewSimon C — Google reviewEric R — Google reviewLowra M — Google reviewKieran T — Google reviewDani L — Google review
Pub 500
4.4
(1664)
4.2
(205)
affordable
Restaurant
American restaurant
Bar & grill
Pub 500 is a spacious and laid-back bar located in Mankato's Entertainment District. It prides itself on being a welcoming space for both friends and families. The pub offers a wide range of specialty drinks, beer, and wine, along with delicious American grill dishes. Their signature dish is the fish and chips, featuring two beer-battered cod loins served with fries, coleslaw, and a French roll.
If Tom Cruise & Bryan Brown were envisioning a bat full of cocktails & dreams in MN. Here is where it landed! 😊
Great eats wonderful drinks.
My wife and I had a few different cocktails and every one was spectacular. I am a little on the wing connoisseur side and there wings do not disappoint. I had 3 flavors that all impressed. Norwegian, Korean and the dry rub. The dry rub most impressed as I generally like wet over dry.
Jeff P — Google review
Good food with a nice fun atmosphere. Service was friendly, but not very fast. Prices are on the higher side for the portion sizes, but the flavors were good. "Pictures are not large plates"
It would have been a 5 star review if my bill matched the menu. I had two items not match, including the desert, which was almost doubled. I waited over 10 minutes to mention it to my server, but she didn't return, so I just left.
Food was on point! Our waitress Emily was amazing and very attentive to details. I asked for my fires crispy well done and she made sure the kitchen got it correct. She did, and they did! If I could give her 10 stars I would! Everything was delicious.
Parents came to visit for family weekend on campus yesterday. There were some citywide power blips and we were told there was a delay from those, which although was plenty understandable, it took us an hour and 45 minutes to get our food. We were upcharged at every chance; each little cup of ranch and honey mustard was a dollar, plus adding cheese to our burgers was an extra 2 dollars (even though the menu said one dollar). Yes, it was busy, and yes, they were extremely behind, but a three hour dinner debacle was not on our agenda. Not sure what the major issue was. My little brother and my dad ordered the veggie burger (our family is strictly vegetarian) and both of them said the patties tasted weird, my dad was afraid they had given us actual beef patties but they must've just cooked them in meat juice. Thankfully I didn't get a veggie burger because any kind of cross-contact with meat products makes me violently ill. We were disappointed in the unexpected and unknown wait time for food and were not given our check until about 45 minutes after we were done eating. My parents figured the very least they could do to make up for the wait was make my mother's refill on her beer discounted, but of course, that was not the case. We will not be returning.
This is a great sports pub with excellent food and a large selection of drinks. I had the nachos, which were more than enough to satisfy my hunger. The wait staff and bartenders (thanks, Joe!)are friendly and attentive, and the place is clean. I highly recommend if you're in downtown Mankato.
This is the only place that can get me out during the week! Thursday night trivia is lighthearted and fun, making for a great midweek break. The host does an amazing job engaging with all the tables and even seems to know the regular teams, which adds a personal touch to the experience.
The food is just as impressive—I’m a huge fan of the cheese curds, wings, and the Pineapple Bowl. Everything is always fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re here for the great atmosphere or the delicious food, this spot never disappoints! Highly recommend!
So, I stopped in to Pub500 as I was visiting MN from New Zealand. As I was going through the menu I noticed the Fish n Chips, being a very popular dish where I'm from I decided to try it to see how it compared to back home and was completely surprised at just how good it was. The fish was cooked PERFECTLY.
I asked who the chef was and the wait staff informed me it was someone named Javier. So if you can tell him, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks mate. P.s. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the friendly staff. Great work team!
Very nice pub, friendly & welcoming atmosphere & staff. We were seated promptly even with it being packed & busy, and got to put our orders in quick as well. Food was very good, maybe a bit pricey but that’s anywhere nowadays, and it took an hour to get 2 sloppy joes and a turkey BLT. I don’t know if that’s normal, but 20min after getting our order put in the amount of customers halved and not many new customers came in during that time. Our server, Emily M., was not great whatsoever; she greeted us, took our drink order, came back with drinks & took our food order, then only came back to give us the food. Didn’t check on us once (and I’m not going to flag someone down and piss them off) in between unlike all the tables around us. In the hour she could’ve helped us, or any table for that matter, she did this instead:
- Moved bar glasses inches from where they were originally placed
- Talked to coworkers/friends (we had to interrupt this conversation just to get our check)
- Possibly flirted with a guy two tables from us while we were trying to get her attention (lead to us interrupting her convo at the door for our check)
Overall, love the place but our server was terrible. I can’t speak for the other two people I was with in regards to if they tipped, but I know I gave her the spare change from paying my bill, which I ALWAYS tip. I only did this because she did not seem to care whatsoever about us (since I was drinking watered down Coke since our food took some time), didn’t even give an update on our food after it had been awhile like any other place would do, and didn’t apologize for how long it took with no update. No “still good over here?” no hospitality from her, nothing.
500 S Front St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
2 min · 400 ft
2•Chrystal B — Google reviewTaylor M — Google reviewCraig R — Google reviewJeffrey H — Google reviewBern B — Google reviewScott M — Google reviewMark S — Google review
Blue Bricks
4.2
(691)
3.8
(27)
affordable
Bar & grill
Blue Bricks is a resilient establishment that offers specialty pizza and classic American dishes, as well as entertainment such as pool tables, darts, and sports on TV. This remarkable bar captivates customers with its exceptional menu items like wings, fries, whiskey sours, buffalo chicken pizza (the epitome of deliciousness), and corn kickers for an added burst of delight. The ambiance is relaxed and enjoyable, with a teriyaki salad featuring shrimp being one of the standout options.
Here we are, on a beautiful Thursday afternoon; 69°, blue skies, slight breeze, and a kiss of sunshine through the cirrus style clouds. Having lunch with old roommates, not even a time crunch! I wanted to point out this immaculate dip to chip ratio on the CHIPS AND GAME DAY QUESO! We were discussing the common issue of running short on the dip to chip with your common appetizer from competing locations- not here at blue bricks! 10/10 recommend stopping by, especially the patio seating, very important for the ambiance paired with the CHIPS AND GAME DAY QUESO!
Charleigh B — Google review
Wasn’t impressed. Service was friendly but slow. Appreciated a puppy friendly outdoor dining environment but not the table that was chain smoking while spending many hours at a corner table:/ buffalo quesadilla was too spicy and there was no sour cream served with that or with the nachos we ordered. Cheese curds tasted like they were frozen and reheated. Great happy hour pricing. Wish they had a gluten free pizza option.
Avyana made us the BEST MARGARITAS Ever. I haven’t had these since back in the days in Peru.
Thank you!
Met some friends for drinks and food. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. The food was delicious. I recommend the corn nuggets, deep fried creamed corn, so good. The french fries are the best. They are firm, crunchy but not overcooked.
We've given the place a year to heal.
It has gotten better. We were "noticed," not ignored, and served in a reasonable time.
It's moved from boycott to, would go to if asked.
Food was great.
Blue Brick owners: clean up your establishment. I could go into detail but I won’t. Just deep clean everything! Floor, carpet, tables, and table items (salt / pepper/ condiments) are all sticky. Super filthy environment. And then there is the smell. So bad. Deep deep clean is desperately needed. Loved the food but we won’t be back.
.y sons grooms dinero was there,great place!
Just met friends at Blue Bricks in Mankato. We always liked this place. We'll it changed after tonight. Thete was 6 of us, my wife order a sandwich and I decided to try their pizza. When I ordered I told the waitress do not burn it. She came back with some comment that the cooks never listen to her and asked if I wanted her to tell the cooks not to burn it. How would they know this if you didn't tell them?? Anyway ,everyone had their meals and my wife and I waited patiently. When everyone had finished their meals they brought out ours. The pizza was burned but I never said anything since everyone at the table were done eating we didn't want to hold everyone up. Later I did complain to our waitress that my pizza was burnt. Later a woman came out (mayve a manager) and asked a out a complaint about a burnt pizza. Her first smart-ass comment was that it's just golden and "I see you ate 1/2 of it already ". She was very rude and condescending. Everyone at the table commented on how rude she was. Anyway when the bill came she took off a whole $2.00. I would love to speak to a manager about this smart-ass employee. We will never eat at this place again and if this would have been handled with respect it could have been saved. Never again!
424 S Front St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
< 1 min · 100 ft
3•Jackson C — Google reviewPeter A — Google reviewDr P — Google reviewPhil V — Google reviewShawna — Google reviewWes D — Google reviewJames W — Google review
Rounders Sports Bar & Grill
4.0
(783)
3.8
(29)
affordable
Bar & grill
American restaurant
Bar
Rounders Sports Bar & Grill is an lively establishment that serves classic American food and offers a variety of beers on tap. The venue has a vibrant atmosphere with televisions showcasing sports games and a spacious outdoor patio. Despite the limited beer selection, bartender Amy provided excellent recommendations for both drinks and food. A friend enjoyed a delicious bloody mary, while another had a satisfying spin dip.
Had so much fun for the super bowl! Turkey bacon sandwich was amazing, so was the Philly!!!!
S P — Google review
Got the boneless wings for lunch and they were dry as the dessert. Mango Habanero had good flavor but was completely dried out. Lemon Pepper had zero seasoning as pictured below.
Very disappointing first meal at Rounders!
We had a terrible experience at Rounders. The nachos had stale chips and cold, runny cheese sauce. My son ordered traditional wings with blue cheese but got boneless wings. My wife got a buffalo wrap with blue cheese. OMG the blue cheese was disgusting, spoiled and a gross yellow color. I got the spicy burger with bacon and the bacon was way under cooked. None us finished our meals and we spoke to the "manager". He came to our table with a hostile look on his face. We told him about our terrible food and that we were not looking for free food. And he didn't apologize or offer us anything. He said I hope we can do better next time. No that won't happen.
McKenna was our server and was super nice. Best burgers I’ve had in a while. Breakfast burger was so amazing!
Large portions, reasonable prices. Food was so so, my wife ordered a salad and the lettuce was wilted/brown, basically got a shrug from the waitress, no offer to replace. She was attentive with drinks. No gluten free options.
Disclaimer: This review is based solely on my experiences alone. This is in no way, shape or form, meant to offend or discourage anyone.
*DRINK RESPONSIBLY*
I’m going to be as polite as I feel.
1. The food is relatively decent, better than most bars.
2. Uncomfy outside seating, but a nice interior.
3. A DJ usually for weekends, kinda bleh because they play TikTok music and barely anyone dances. (Given, people these days are more worried about scrolling).
4. Bathrooms are nice, but vomit smelling and looking after 9pm. (As most are).
5. The nicest people with Actual customer service skills are the bartenders.
6. The bouncers look unhappy?? Aside from the one who asked, “Do you need help? Are you okay?” whilst another other man was invading my space. Good on him💐.
7. First and foremost, I recognize that my actions of overdoing it on the drinking were my fault. Though, I didn’t expect bouncers to carry my clinically dead body and set it next to the dumpsters- I accept accountability and appreciate it as best as I can. It was a rude awakening on what not to do anymore. So. Que Sera Sera…
All women reading this: Not everyone is as great as they say they are, so think critically and stay in places where you feel valued and secure. I personally wouldn’t waste too much time here, after reading some of the other reviews that get ignored.
Blessings. I hope you all receive the love you give out.🌳
First, no matter what happens the rest of the night, this place gets a five out of five from me. I am totally blind, and took Lyft down here on a Sunday evening. I am in fact sitting here right now. The lift driver dropped me off in what seemed like the middle of a parking lot, but told me the door was straight ahead. I wind up wandering into some sort of parking garage… On a whim, I called the bar to see if they might know where I might be at… Two people came out looking for me. Aiden and Mika. First class individuals. Micah eventually found me and she guided me back to the bar. Food is always good here. Drinks are two for one until 11 PM… Service is always wonderful, but tonight, they truly went above and beyond. I don’t care what anyone else says about the place… These guys are awesome in my book. Especially if you are a disabled person coming in on your own.
Boneless wings were tiny and were not impressive. I do not recommend them. Luckily, the onion rings were good.
414 S Front St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
4 min · 0.23 mi
4•Zach W — Google reviewEggric L — Google reviewCody T — Google reviewBrody J — Google reviewJon F — Google reviewLandon — Google reviewC W — Google review
Olives
4.4
(484)
4.2
(282)
affordable
Restaurant
Olive's Restaurant, situated in Mankato at 20 Civic Center Plaza, is a sophisticated and modern establishment that specializes in upscale Mediterranean and New American cuisine. With its stylish decor and ambiance, it offers a delightful dining experience for those seeking something different. Notably, they serve an enticing lunch buffet alongside their regular breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert options. Known for being family-friendly and reasonably priced (cost: $$), Olive's is a popular choice among locals.
We decided to try Olives in Mankato for the first time, at first we just got drinks and had some good conversations with the bartender. So we decided to go back and give the food a try. I’m so glad we did the food is out of this world (sorta speak) it’s amazing the chief knows what he is doing. We also tried three desserts that are also homemade (from what we’re told) and there amazing you can’t go wrong with this location.
Travis R — Google review
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Best brunch I’ve had in a long time! 😍
I stopped by Olives in Mankato and had the Belgian waffles 🧇 and crispy potatoes 🥔 — absolutely amazing! The waffles were perfectly golden, fluffy inside, with just the right amount of sweetness 🍓🍯. And the potatoes? So crispy, seasoned just right, and totally addictive 🤤🔥.
The staff was super friendly 😊 and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming ✨. You can tell they care about quality and customer experience.
Definitely coming back — highly recommend! 💯👏
This may be ONE OF THE WORST MEALS I've had in a long time. Let me elaborate.
First, any review prior to June 2025 reflects prior private ownership. The restaurant is now owned and operated by the Hilton corporation.
I dined at Olives on a Saturday evening with 5 other companions and I was able to taste three items on the menu. All of the diners left a good portion of their meal unfinished.
LAMB KABOB (see photo): salty, way over spiced, over-cooked severely (burnt), and texture was mealy. The tabbouleh side was a combination of only parsley and tomatoes (no grain) and the hummus was very coarse - no creaminess.
HAMBURGER: was so overcooked and dry that calling it well done would be an understatement.
PORK MEDALLIONS: dry and so tough that a skilled leatherworker wouldn't even use them to make a wallet.
If you read this review and think "how bad can it be?" and then dine there only to find this is a fair and accurate review, you only have yourself to blame.
I had a celebration business dinner here recently. I've been to Olives in the past, but it's been a number of years. I had a similar experience as I remember. Everything is good, but not special or unique.
I like that they have their own easy parking. Atmosphere is nice and service was good. I wish we got more for the prices, but the flavors were good.
The service was terrible. Friday night and we were one of the only tables with people. The bartender had to go out of his way to bring us water because no waiter acknowledged us being at a table that we were sat at by the bartender. It took forever to have someone take our order and when the food was done, it sat under the heater at the kitchen for 10+ minutes before the waitress, who was constantly on her phone, brought us our food. The bartender was working out of his way and was super respectful while the waitress could care less about customer service. I wish the tip I left went to the bartender. The bartender deserves a raise.
First time going here and was very impressed. From the time we walked in and were greeted to our server being very attentive. It was a nice place to have a quiet dinner with just the two of us.
Amazing staff, food, and environment! Highly recommend it for any kind of low key formal event or outing!
Probably the best stuffed mushrooms and meatloaf I have ever had!
The new owner-chef, Matt, is putting out incredible food. For Valentine's Day they had oysters which were the best I've had in a long time. Our entrees were pork osso buco and duck breast, both flawless. And dessert? Gigantic selection. We went with olive oil cake and hot apple crisp and they were tremendous but I think whatever we chose it would have been a homerun. And although we did not get it tonight their Margherita pizza is something I can't recommend enough!
20 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
5 min · 0.24 mi
5•ASHLEY Q — Google reviewJasonandAmy W — Google reviewBrigid B — Google reviewDavid L — Google reviewChelsea H — Google reviewMackenzie P — Google reviewRichard M — Google review
Tandem Bagels
4.6
(503)
4.4
(76)
cheap
Bagel shop
Breakfast restaurant
Cafe
Coffee shop
Tandem Bagels is a charming eco-friendly bagel bakery and coffeehouse situated in the heart of Mankato. Committed to minimizing their carbon footprint, they prioritize using the freshest organic products sourced locally. The cozy and relaxed atmosphere invites guests to savor an array of kettle-boiled and hearth-baked bagels, alongside delectable baked goods like muffins, scones, and coffee cakes.
Great breakfast sandwiches, bagels, baked goods, and coffee. Recommend ordering ahead for pick up window.
You do wait in line to order and then another line to pay. It works great but I didn't understand the system and accidentally skipped to register and cut in line. Oops.
Loved my coffee drink. Love the local business vibe. Great place for Mankato community.
Hannah — Google review
Found this place from Coffee Hag’s Facebook share. I am so glad I did! The turkey pesto bagel was so good. I love pesto pasta and this was definitely beyond my expectations for a sandwich. Besides that I tried the egg and cheese bagel which was simple and fresh. Enjoyed the ambiance of the place but receiving the food was slow. I got a chai tea latte with oatmilk that was delicious as well.
Had the monthly special Tandem Cuban sandwich on jalapeño cheddar bagel... so good. Great staff and environment. Steady stream of people coming in, even on a Saturday morning.
Really cute and tasty bagel place. The bagels were fresh and coffee was good!
It looks like your typical downtown cafe area with a very pleasant cafe vibe and the lady was nice. We had a sprinkled cookie, which was good, and the Tour de France, though we substituted the horseradish for mayo, but it made it better. That was the best bagel sandwich I've ever had in my life. We also had and iced caramel coffee, and that wasn't too bad itself. Not bad Tandem Bagels, not bad.
Tandem was busy today with a line almost to the door and the gals working were doing the dang thing! Our bagel sandwiches were so good, as usual. I'd love to see Tandem Bagels be in a larger place in the future so that the workers can have some more space to work and move about.
The place is super cute. We had really high hopes. The people working weren’t very friendly. Our food came out wrong and the person seemed annoyed that i went back to get it fixed. The bagels were alright. We were all charged way more for things than what the menu in store said it should have been! A lil disappointed
Great bagel breakfast sandwiches and mochas. Service was fast and friendly, 10/10 would recommend
200 E Walnut St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Where to eat
When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 2-minute walk away from Pub 500.
Polito's Pizza Mankato
4.4
(397)
4.5
(6)
Permanently Closed
cheap
Pizza restaurant
Polito's Pizza Mankato is a local chain that is renowned for its pizza by the slice. They offer a wide selection of single slices, as well as whole pizzas with specialty toppings. The staff at this establishment are amiable, and they provide excellent value for money. One thing to note is that their largest pizza size, measuring 20 inches, may be too big to fit in the fridge if there are any leftovers.
The staff was extremely helpful. The food was excellent and the order times were excellent. We had a large order for pick up and they were able to complete the order quickly. They sell by the slice as well for walk up orders. I'd highly recommend stopping in for pizza. The sauce is perfect, I don't like chunky sauce and this place has the perfect sauce to topping ratio. Best pizza in the area!
Kyle T — Google review
Yup…if I wanted just bread, I would have went to Panera. This piece of art cost me $40! Not impressed!
The staff are friendly, and they offer a large variety of single slices of pizza, as well as whole pizzas! A word of caution though, their biggest pizza size (20 INCH) is so big the pizza box of leftovers doesn't fit it my fridge!!! 😂 Seriously though they give you a lot of bang for your buck here. If you haven't tried them before give them a shot!
It's kind of a weird concept, warming up pizza that's been sitting out for customers, but it works, I've been here a lot and never had a slice that wasn't up to par. Delicious pizza, and it's cheap. Their garlic knots are awesome! Staff is friendly too. Would recommend.
TL;DR: Good pizza, staff mannerisms and physical building don't match the quality of the food.
Pros: I love the bbq steak and fry pizza, huge 20" large pizzas.
Cons: Pricey, $24.50 for 1x 20" pizza!
--Picking up pizza 8pm on a Friday night for context-
My friends and I went in to pick up said pizza and only two people were working. Employee A was making the pizzas and snipping at the cashier, Employee B who seemed as absent as the other. There was not a lot of good communication towards customers and the atmosphere in the building was cold and unwelcoming.
We were hungry after spending hours waiting to get into Sibley Park. This place was open and it looked decent and cheaply priced.
The pizza was great! We ended up trying the pulled pork, the steak and fries, the mac&cheese and the buffalo chicken. All 4 were cooked beautifully and tasted great. The Mac was our favorite, as it was loaded with at least 3 cheeses and the noodles weren't overcooked.
Next time we're in Mankato, we'll be back.
I had a large pizza and some garlic knots. It wasn't bad but nothing memorable either. The only thing that had caught my attention was that inside the store was less than appealing. It wasn't dirty per se, it's not somewhere I would want to have pizza inside the restaurant. The decor, lighting, seating, etc. It just really meant to grab your pizza and go. It is worth trying at least once.
Pretty good pizza for the price and they are huge slices. Hit or miss on freshness and quality control since they make the pizzas and then reheat to order. But their $6 two slices and a pop lunch special is a pretty great deal for what you get.
505 S Front St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
Loose Moose Saloon & Conference Center
4.3
(379)
4.0
(39)
affordable
Bar & grill
The Loose Moose Saloon & Conference Center is a charming and spacious venue that perfectly blends the relaxed vibe of a hometown diner with an inviting atmosphere ideal for gatherings. Known for its impressive selection of smoked meats, this saloon also boasts one of the best salad bars around, complemented by homemade soups bursting with flavor. Whether you're enjoying a casual meal or hosting a business meeting in their private room, you'll find attentive service from the friendly staff who are dedicated to ensuring your experience is top-notch.
I had a business meeting today in the front private room at the Loose Moose. The salad bar was well-stocked and very clean, and the homemade soup was excellent—flavorful and filled with beef and fresh vegetables. Service was outstanding; the staff were polite, efficient, and clearly skilled at what they do. Overall, it was a great experience and I will gladly return.
Ann J — Google review
If you haven’t visited the Moose in awhile, don’t expect what you used to know it to be. The service was mediocre, food was poor, and the prices didn’t account for any of that.
I stopped in before a hockey game with a party of three and understandably it was busy. We were helped by a waitress who let us know we weren’t in her section, and she did the best to check in on us and not let us go forgotten. Honestly she was great given the circumstances. Trying to get help from anyone beside her though was like pulling teeth.
The food was some of the most mediocre restaurant food I’ve been served in awhile. The Mac and cheese was soggy and you could tell it had been sitting. It was like velvets met easy Mac but it was all made with water. The chicken wings were undercooked, overly fatty, and generally small. The fries had also been sitting and were a mix of soggy and over cooked heat lamp consistency, and were seasoned well with nothing at all. The chicken tenders were the best thing served, because you really can’t mess that up. The tap beer was questionable, as it left the flavor of uncleaned lines lingering on the tongue.
Check out any of the other generic burger/wing sports bars in town before coming here- unless you only came for the other wings next door I guess.
We've been here a few times for various occasions but this last Friday night was horrible. I don't normally write reviews unless things are amazing or horrible. Retirement party, about 10-15 people. Happy hour 2 for 1 drinks-great. Ordered food along with others. Our food came out fairly quickly but was not good, didn't complain. Must mention our waitress was young 19 and very inexperienced but very nice and tried very hard. A friend who's young son has ordered almost 1st was still waiting still had not gotten his and others were finishing up theirs. Asked a guy who was by the kitchen, 'yeah, it's coming the kitchen is busy '. Ok. He got the wrong food finally, they fixed it. We asked for our bill, oh and by the way before we ordered anything they asked for a card to hold. We had 4 beers, and a $15 sandwich. $63. I almost choked. I asked for a itemized bill so I could see what I was charged for because obviously something was off, unless they were charging $10 a beer! We were charged for 6 beers AND they tacked on a alcohol tax $5 along with state, and city tax! By no means are they a fine dining establishment, clean yes but a bar no less next to a stripper bar. So I told her it was incorrect we had 4 beers. She fixed it and ended up being $43? charged again to my card. Both charges are still on my account so I'll give it a couple more days to make sure the 63 gets credited, sure hope so. The grumpy guy was the owner. Won't be back.
Ate with a large group, and a few people had to wait a bit for their food. The meals were not overprice, and ultimately the food was good.
Overall good experience!
Always have the best soups! Love getting the soup and salad bar as my side. Great place dor lunch!
They have a nice semi private facility for private parties and receptions. They have fairly large dance floor and stage area. Everything is decorated in a rustic red log lodge look. But it's well done.
They have a fairly good size bar and restaurant with plenty of space for large groups, athletic teams and such. Close to hotels and free parking.
its really just for a funeral water tasted like it had chemicals in it idk why food i only got one option for the funeral over all i woukd come again but not rn
Group of 4. Food service was timely and polite. The food itself was excellent.
119 S Front St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
Flask
4.3
(397)
3.7
(15)
affordable
Bar
Bar & grill
If you're on the hunt for a vibrant dining experience, look no further than Flask in downtown Mankato. This lively bar and restaurant is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of great food and drinks in an energetic setting. With options for delivery, takeout, or a fun dine-in atmosphere, Flask caters to all your cravings. The menu features delicious offerings like chicken nachos and buttermilk chicken sandwiches that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Loved this place! We enjoyed drinks and food! The service was amazing and loved the atmosphere. We can’t wait to go again! I definitely recommend the strawberry mule, flask tator tots and wings! Shout out to Moises for his suggestion and service!! He definitely made our experience a 10/10
Abigail A — Google review
I had a horrible experience. Waited 20 minutes after sitting down before having a waitress come take my order. Waited another 20-25 minutes to get my food. My food was burnt, didn’t have the sauce on it, and chicken was over cooked and extremely dry. I am a regular at the flask. I get the southwest chicken wrap every single time. I know what it’s supposed to look like. They were not busy at all either. I went at 4:30/5. The general manager was our waitress cause I read her name tag.
The waitress never came to check on me after giving me my food. Never gave me the option to tell her I was unhappy with my food. She didn’t come to my table once until she came to put her tablet down on the table for me to pay. After receiving the food I waited 30 minutes just sitting there waiting for her to come check on me so I could pay and leave. I didn’t touch my food at all and she didn’t even acknowledge that or ask if I needed anything. Worst experience ever. The Flask used to be my favorite place to eat at in Mankato and I always hyped it up to everyone. Now I’m never going back.
Super cute place with lots to looks at, huge liquor menu with Lots of fun Drinks to try! Super yummy food! The fried pickles with the spicy ranch .. must try if u love pickles, the Smash Bugers were so goodand filling! And the chicken sandwich was the Best!
Our server Izzy was super Freindley n helpful. She really new the menu well and what was good! I would highly recommend trying flasks if your in mankato!
I have been here a few times. The food and service are great. The hand crafted cocktails are the best in town. What is nice is each bartender makes each cocktail their own. I like old fashioneds. Two bartenders can make the same drink but will taste different from each other but both will be good.
The pizza rolls are to die for. I like coming back here with friends. The staff are always friendly and personable.
Best burgers and wings in Mankato hands down! I reccomend the sweet heats on that burger menu but you can’t go wrong. Im not even a burger kinda guy but I think my favorite menu items is the southwest wrap and buttermilk chicken sandwich!
Best house made ranch too, this place does it best! Great service and high vibe atmosphere. I don’t like bars at all tbh but I LOVE flask:)
Came here after seeing the boneless wings on TikTok. We got the Flash Tots and the Buffalo Boneless Wings. The Tots were very good, especially with some hot sauce. The wings were not as crispy as I was hoping for, even a little soggy to me. Some people claim that happens when you toss them in sauce but I’ve had plenty of crispy boneless wings that have been tossed. We were in the area so it wasn’t a big imposition to stop for lunch. Come try the tots though, they were the star of the meal.
We got the shrimp app, burger, and chicken sandwich with fries. The food was delicious! Tasted fresh and homestyle with great flavor. They have lots of specials and a limited menu. Affordable and not overwhelming in choices. Fun atmosphere and cocktail menu. We had Rachel as our server and she was attentive and knowledgeable. Fun atmosphere for business lunch or dinner and drinks with friends. Izzy is doing a great job managing the place!
Food was amazing, had double smash burgers, delish!!!!!!!!, atmosphere was great, played bingo was a fun family dinner, staff member Izzy was so cheerful, & fun. Thanks for a great dinner experience, will be back soon....
100 E Walnut St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Day 4
Off the beaten path
For day 4, if you don’t mind the extra trek, today covers more off the beaten path places like Pappageorge Restaurant & Bar. Not quite as popular as Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota, but still highly rated among many travelers. Accounting for getting around and average time spent, today’s activities could take about 8 hours.
1•D&B — Google reviewTimesha M — Google reviewMichael K — Google reviewSusan L — Google reviewTheo H — Google reviewDavid L — Google reviewLuci — Google review
Happy Chef Restaurant
4.4
(1312)
4.2
(34)
affordable
American restaurant
Banquet hall
Breakfast restaurant
Happy Chef Restaurant is a delightful eatery that consistently delivers satisfying meals. The generous portions and delectable cuisine never fail to impress. The Southern Skillet, paired with rye bread, is a personal favorite, while the corn beef hash accompanied by fluffy pancakes pleases my boyfriend. Even during times when restaurant service is strained, we have never encountered any issues here. The service is always efficient, prompt, and friendly. A visit to Happy Chef is truly a treat.
BEST BREAKFAST 🚨
HOT & FRESH FOOD AWARD 🥇
CLEAN GRILL AWARD 🥇
FAST SERVICE AWARD 🥇
CLEAN STORE AWARD 🥇
WTP AWARD AFFORDABLE🥇 worth the price)
Two of us stopped for breakfast at the Happy Chef restaurant just north of Mankato, MN (2100 Highway 169 N, Mankato, MN 56001) on a bright Sunday morning -August 24, 2025; about 9:30 am, after a long evening attending the Hairball/Slave Raider concert at Vetter Stone Amphitheater. We were super hungry.
I remember back in the 80’s & 90’s stopping for late-night and early morning food at Happy Chef restaurants in the Midwest, and that memory was always a great one. You can count on this restaurant chain for a pleasant and affordable experience.
The restaurant in Mankato is very easy to spot along highway 169 with the huge 30-foot tall vintage ‘Happy Chef’ statue right out front!
The restaurant was full, and had a back room for spillover with an 8-top table along with numerous other 4-top tables, with the local PD also having their breakfast there as well. (You know it’s good when the cops eat there!)
We both ordered a traditional breakfast. Eggs, hash browns, toast, coffee; and a choice of meats. I ordered a tall glass of milk (to come with my meal), which our waitress forgot- so I had to get up and ask- but in my years of being a chef and also a server- that’s a common thing to forget.
The breakfast came in lightening-fast time. Perfect order, no errors. Food was hot and fresh, tasted clean (obviously the chefs keep their grill spic & span). Afterwards, I asked the server to please say thank you to the chef staff for us. They don’t regularly get many comments.
With the bill coming in around $30 for two, it was very much worth the price.
Highly recommended breakfast spot with a large parking lot, big picture windows overlooking the treed hillsides of the north side of Mankato.
We will be back. I suggest you give this place a try if you’re looking for delicious food and fast clean service!
Letitia B — Google review
We came here for the brunch. The cheese curds were surprisingly tasty, very chewy. The pancakes were not bad but the patty was just borderline okay. Overall, the food and service are okay for us. If you ever drive by here, not a bad idea to try this restaurant. The outside chef definitely worths a picture.
Happy Chef hands down has the BEST breakfast/French toast in town! The entire restaurant has a very “welcoming” vibe from the moment you enter until the moment you leave. I give this place an A+.
Had the Farmer’s Omelette and it hit the spot—plenty of flavor and a solid portion. One of my favorite touches was having a full coffee pot left at the table so I could refill as needed. That said, the pot was leaking a bit and the cup was on the small side, so it took a few trips. Service was friendly, and overall it was a good experience. You can tell this place has been around a while, but there’s something kind of comforting about that too.
Happy Chef was everything I remembered it being in the past. The food was both tasty and plentiful, our waitress was very helpful and attentive without being intrusive. It was a warm hug of a breakfast. Really good coffee, reasonable prices.
Good greasy spoon diner. It was busy on a Sunday, which is to be expected, and we had a big group but it was a 20 minute wait and then over an hour to get our food. Standard breakfast diner food.
Me and my buddy had the cinnamon roll pancakes with the farmers omelette, which had a side of hashbrowns, and it was some of the best American classic breakfast food he and I have ever had. The service was also pretty good for how busy it was. Thank you guys for everything.
Always a good meal! Huge portions and very tasty food. I’m a big fan of the Southern Skillet with the rye bread, while my boyfriend really likes the corn beef hash with some fluffy pancakes! Even these days when service at restaurants is stretched thin we have never encountered a problem. Always good fast and friendly service! It’s always a treat to stop at the Happy Chef.
I also make it a point to stop outside by the huge statue and see what he has to say!
51646 US-169, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
3 min · 1.7 mi
2•Mister J — Google reviewAnn C — Google reviewJ.A. G — Google reviewBrett J — Google reviewDrea W — Google reviewBronwyn H — Google reviewMike B — Google review
Mankato Brewery
4.6
(288)
4.5
(52)
Permanently Closed
Brewery
Food & Drink
Bar
Beer hall
Mankato Brewery, established in 2012, is the first production brewery in Mankato since 1967. It reflects the area's heritage and offers a renowned taproom where locals gather to socialize and unwind. The brewery is known for its exceptional brews like the Mad Butcher beer and hosts live music events throughout the week.
Love this place. A great local gathering, it seems to cater to a lot of different crowds, but as an experienced professional, I think this is a great place for happy hour or reconnecting with friends. Not too loud, you can actually have a conversation. The beer is really good and there is a nice variety. I love the atmosphere both indoor and outside on a beautiful day.
Carl Z — Google review
Better than average beer. Mr. Stout was about the best stout I've had and it's a remarkable 11.0% ABV. Friendly service. Ambiance includes a generous portion of seating inside of the brewery. Tours are available. Plenty of free parking exists. An ATM is on site. It would be nice if there were better bar snacks available.
I am giving four stars because the beer was good. Service could have been better. It seemed like a college hangout, which is fine if you are in college but can be annoying if not. Good indoor seating. They have a stage for live music. Outdoor patio was nice and spacious. Dog friendly is always a plus! A nice place to stop for a good beer!
Amazing place. Great beers and live music. They don't have food there but you can bring your own food. 100% recommended
Loved the setting and the beer was very nice. Locations is a little ho him but that is the current state of small breweries. We will be back!
Cool location, directly in their brewery. Beers are really tasty and prices are absolutely fair. Bought two crowlers because we liked the beer so much. If we ever come back to MN we have to go there again. Try their beer if you are around!
Cool brewery with their own beers on tap. The space is a bit larger than just the bar and brewery equipment, but they make the bar area feel just right. They've got games, bean bags, and giant jenga for you to play so you can bring your kids. There's no food here. It's a great place to grab a drink with a friend.
Great Brewery, everything I tried was excellent. The Haymaker IPA, Tropic LUV, Dead or Alive, Most Wanted 2020. Dog friendly patio in the front. Wheelchair accessible parking, entrance, and restroom.
1119 Center St, North Mankato, MN 56003, USA•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
6 min · 2.3 mi
3•Daniel M — Google reviewNathan R — Google reviewCody T — Google reviewJane F — Google reviewCurt S — Google reviewRob W — Google reviewYou J — Google review
Pappageorge Restaurant & Bar
4.6
(716)
4.4
(81)
affordable
American restaurant
Bar
Italian restaurant
Pappageorge Restaurant & Bar, established in 2007 by Jay C. Pappas, is a casual and inviting eatery located in Mankato, MN. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of classic American dishes such as steaks, seafood, chicken, chops, and pastas.
Fantastic dinner. Sat at the bar, Ben was a great bartender. Reasonably priced, good wine selection. Steak was cooked perfectly. Would recommend for anyone visiting Mankato who wants an amazing dinner.
Aaron R — Google review
Great atmosphere for a couple, we got a nice corner spot in the back, make sure if you do come here you reserve a time early because they’re usually very booked. They had the best ribs I’ve had and the best fries. They have a pretty big menu and lots of solid options
The wife enjoyed her meal. I ordered garlic Rosemary chicken with a baked potato. It came with carrots. Personally I don't like carrots. The wife tried to eat one and said it was only half cooked?. The chicken had very little flavor. The baked potato came with sour cream only. There was butter on the table. It was bland. There was not even salt on the skin.
The service was exceptional. The wife dropped her fork and even before she was able to pick it up, a waitress brought her a new set of utensils
I heard about this place for a while, before finally finding it and checking it out myself. "Kind of a weird location" But we've gone twice and really enjoyed ourselves. We weren't that excited about the appetizers, but the main courses and deserts were done well at a fair price. I've recommended friends and family to check it out.
Food was excellent. The bartender was Friendly and knew his drinks.
Nice restaurant with great food and drinks. Friendly people all around.
This was our first time at this restaurant and bar. Tammy was our server. She kept our glasses full! We ordered dinner which comes with a basket of some freshly baked bread. It was so nummy! I ordered Fish and Chips, it was good. The place was clean, nicely decorated. The bathroom was clean as well. We received the food in good timing and the place was pretty busy. Reservations are highly recommended, however the couple ahead of us managed to get a table as well. They do have a dessert menu. I included a menu, but not, the menu is perhaps subject to change without notice. All was good!!
OH MY COD 😱
Alright alright I gotta scale down the puns 🐟 But there’s nothin’ more appropriate than a rated-PG pun for Pappageorge’s… 🫢😉
After a lil’ alliteration, here’s the lineup:
Fish And Chips 🐟 🍟 Hand battered Cod with fries and slaw
Black And Blue Burger 🍔 Cajun and Bleu cheese
Pappageorge Pizza 🍕 🧄 Garlic, olive oil base, feta, mozzarella, kalamato, pepperocini, tomato, oregano
From Pappageorge’s in Mankato 🛣
I had the burger, and I’ll say it was sensational 👌 The blue cheese brought the funk while the cajun seasoning contributed the capsaicin 🔥 It was a unique spicy-n-savory symphony for adventurous eater. And this applies to all the dishes with fries—these were absolutely amazing 🤩 They weren’t from-the-freezer failures, but rather golden brown, crispy, and delightful. I’d eat a basket of ‘em on their own! 😄
Fish and chips were flaky and light. Not too greasy, full of flavor and fried to perfection💯 Paired with such heavenly fries, this was a potently perfect combo.
The Pizza was rich with Italian flavors, very cheesy and filling 🧀 If you like olive oil and garlic, you won’t get sick of this appetizer 😁 Great to share… or devour on your own 🤫
Very fair prices, excellent variety, and elegant vibes at this place! Give it a try with a close friend to for a night of catching up.
1028 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
10 min · 0.52 mi
4April H — Google reviewJon F — Google reviewFly B — Google reviewJoy C — Google reviewMENG T — Google reviewStar C — Google reviewScott N — Google review
Riverfront Park
4.5
(485)
Park
Riverfront Park is a stunning outdoor destination located in Mankato, Minnesota, offering breathtaking views of the Minnesota River. The park features an amphitheater and playground, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The Vetter Stone Amphitheater within the park showcases large metallic sculptures by artist Dale Eldred. Additionally, visitors can enjoy biking along the Minnesota River Trail and the Sakatoah State Trail, as well as take in beautiful views of the Blue Earth River.
Very cool outdoor Amphitheater, nice location, their Linea for food and drink moved smoothly. There about 5 food trucks, it was a great time, and I will be watching for music venues for 2024.
Jason B — Google review
River front park is not a large park. There are restrooms and a playground. There are also paved walking/ bike trails alongside the river. I was there for a walk. But the stage area looks nice for events.
Got really good hiking trails that extend from the park along the river. It’s a really unique network of trails. It goes from one park all the way to another called Sibley Park. As you go along the river, there’s a wall that was built for flood control where there’s an opening where you can cross the railroad tracks and basically the downtown area of Mankato. There’s definitely things to look at all along the way like plaque explaining everything.
This boat ramp is NOT for trailered boats. It’s Only for something you could carry to the river.
Near the river and one can view both bridges. It has a biking trail and a huge field. It also has a playground for kids.
Place has a good stadium, bathrooms are portables and no actual installed restrooms. Only a bit of room and not very much flat ground for fishing. If you are looking for fish, probably not a good spot but the only thing you might have a chance on is cat fishing at night since water is a bit shallow so mostly night time is when fishes will come there.
This park is small but is set up pretty nice. There's a wall of giant stone you could sit on and watch the river. There's even a big trail to ride along side the river. There's also a kids playground to play in.
Nice little park on the river. Clean bathrooms, playground, and a couple spots to fish. Stone amphitheater is awesome. Be aware of the cameras everywhere in Mankato. Big brother is watching you, including here. Park 5 stars, Mankato 3 stars. Disappointed in my hometown 😞
309 W Rock St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
2 min · 0.12 mi
5Angela B — Google reviewCory M — Google reviewSteve D — Google reviewJeremy P — Google reviewLeland S — Google reviewMichelle T — Google reviewJenne W — Google review
Vetter Stone Amphitheater
4.6
(455)
Amphitheater
Live music venue
Vetter Stone Amphitheater is a picturesque open-air music venue located by the Minnesota River, offering a scenic backdrop for contemporary performances and outdoor events. The amphitheater provides an enjoyable experience for music enthusiasts and event-goers alike. Despite some security concerns, the venue's size, cleanliness, and overall management are praised. With good seating options and proximity to the stage from every seat, it offers an intimate setting for live performances by various artists.
Cool Amphitheater, I had a great first time at Vetter Stone for the Cadillac Three and Kip Moore concert. They had plenty of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available and five food trucks to pick from if you got hungry. I will be paying more attention to future venues being held there so I can visit again.
Jason B — Google review
A nice venue, perfect size, clean and well run. We had a vip package, so we had a different experience than most, but from my perspective, it was nice. The first 3 rows are a little tricky to figure out as they don't have an opening where other sections are to separate them. Hard to explain, but I'm sure if we weren't backstage with the Goo Goo Dolls when the opening act is playing and get yourself seated ahead of time, it may have been easier.
Had shuttle carts to get us from distant parking to the gates. The ticket people were professional as well as the inbound security. I really enjoyed the no cash aspect of the vendors. Lines flowed nicely. Great venue with a nice setup.
My wife and I attended our first concert here a few days ago. We saw Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas. First, what a show — great musicians, great voices, great lighting, and great acoustics.
Vetter Stone Amphitheater contributed to all of my appraisal of the concert. It seats 3000 people (more on the lawn if necessary) very comfortably and I cannot believe there are any bad seats.
It was quick to enter and quick to exit. We ate dinner downtown and it was a pleasant, 20 minute walk to the amphitheater along the Minnesota River.
Concessions and porta-potties were setup well and handled the crowd.
I highly recommend attending a concert here and we will definitely come back.
O set up a concert here. Great views, waling paths, looks well maintained, and has a huge ares away from cars for dogs to run.
Great place to see a show. Very clean. Great acoustics. They had food trucks and booze carts. Will definitely go back.
Alison Krause & Union Station were amazing. Such amazing artists!
We saw Cake at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater and it was a great venue. Large enough to seat many people but still felt very intimate. Not a bad seat in the whole place.
309 W Rock St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
10 min · 4.2 mi
6•Victor S — Google reviewMatt L — Google reviewMarcus C — Google reviewEscott B — Google reviewJosh V — Google reviewRyan W — Google reviewJessica W — Google review
Mount Kato Ski Area
4.4
(688)
4.0
(34)
Ski resort
Nature & Parks
Ski & Snowboard Areas
Mount Kato Ski Area is a fantastic destination for families seeking adventure and fun, regardless of age or skill level. This vibrant resort offers an array of activities that cater to everyone’s interests, from skiing and snowboarding to thrilling snow tubing in the winter months. When you’re ready for a break, head over to the lively Kato Cafe or the Lift Bar and Grill, where you can savor delicious meals and refreshing drinks while soaking in the atmosphere.
If you're looking for a quiet hometown hill this is the place! Mount Kato may attract a lot of flak from regulars but they're really making an effort to improve the facilities. It's affordable, quiet on weekdays, and has a great variety of terrain.
It's close to downtown Mankato, easy to find, and has all the typical ski-area facilities: rental, repair, lessons, etc. The cafe and restaurant are quite expensive but you should expect this at any ski area. Overall a nice spot to learn!
Aaron B — Google review
Pretty nice skiing. Several good easy runs for beginners. Could use a few more black diamonds. Overall pretty great.
Mount Kato is a nice, 50 acre hill with a good variety of terrain, basic facilities, and easy to get to. The back side of the hill is a gem, definitely longer than the front side with smaller crowds. Most staff seemed to be professional and friendly enough, particularly the day time staff. Perhaps my biggest issue is I encountered a lot of rude skiers and riders. I was here for 4 hours in the number of rude kids and adults (cutting in lift lines, reckless skiing, skiing full speed in slow areas, etc.) equal the number I've come across in four, long weekend trips to Colorado. Unfortunately, ski patrol weren't around and lift operators didn't seem to care as they appeared to be bros with them. Second issue is a lot of skiers and riders huddle around the top of the lift, making people getting of the lift have to dodge them or run into them.
Absolutely love our home skiing mountain! Since we haven't got much snow the past two years, they do a great job of making their own. Now mid January, most of the runs are open. They range from the bunny hill , a couple nice greens, some great blues, and fun/fast black diamonds. Staff is very nice and they have a very responsive ski patrol. Rentals are a little spendy on top of the lift ticket, but they have super nice equipment for skis and snowboards. Food options inside are typical skiing food like hamburgers, hotdogs, etc. They also have a nice bar and grill upstairs.
Went for the mountain bike trails. Was impressed nice and challenging ride. Well maintained. Remember to bring a helmet.
Came to Mt. Kato for my first time skiing (with my experienced skier wife) and it was a blast. Mid day on a Monday with no one on the trails or lifts made for a far more enjoyable/less stressful for a new skiier. One amazing feature here versus other ski mountains we looked into was the $10 adult first timer lesson. My coach Annabella was calm, professional and extremely helpful. She laid a great foundation for the rest of my day that went great. We will be back again for sure!
This was a great hill to spend a few days getting comfortable with skiing. Friendly staff, not too crowded, we had a good time. Conditions were great and the runs were well groomed.
Visited with my 8 and 10 year olds, for their second time skiing. The kids loved it. Every person who paused a ski lift for me or helped me up from my several falls was truly lovely! I don't know much about skiing, but I can tell you that on Thursday and Friday the second weekend in March, it was not busy and that made my parade of wipe outs less embarrassing! They serve Minnesota wine at the bar, both whites are sweet. The chips in the chips and salsa are homemade and just delightful!! The woman at the rental window is very kind and answered tons of questions. The gentleman in the rental room were patient and knowledgeable. I saw 2 Hawks, 1 black squirrel, 8 deer and a blue jay.
20461 State Hwy 66, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to Riverfront Park, these restaurants are about a 5-minute walk away.
Mom & Pop's
4.8
(863)
4.8
(78)
cheap
Ice cream shop
In the heart of Old Town Mankato, Mom & Pop's is a charming local ice cream shop that prides itself on offering a delightful selection of high-quality ice creams made from the finest ingredients. The shop regularly rotates its flavors to showcase seasonal options, non-fat yogurt, and even caffeinated varieties. Recently, they've expanded their offerings to include dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
We love exploring new life cream shops wherever we go. We especially enjoy the small family owned businesses. We found this little gem in Mankato.
The atmosphere was awesome, staff was great, and the selection of flavors was outstanding.
They have a great little outdoor eating area with sidewalk chalk for the kiddos. We would recommend going to this establishment.
Teddy T — Google review
Good ice cream. They have a lot of choices and update their flavors on Facebook normally. The staff is very sweet, and they will let you have a sample before you commit to any specific flavor. They have waffle cones and sugar cones. Toppings if you want. I believe they even do shakes and floats now! Mini, small, med, and large in cups, and you can even get bigger sizes to go. My favorites are the banana cream pie and birthday cake currently. 🤤
This is a charming ice cream shop with a large flavor selection including options for non-dairy. We shared the ice cream nachos, which is the most brilliant idea I've seen in the world of ice cream in a very long time. The "chips" are flat, thin circles of waffle cones. They're a little too thin to scoop really well, but a spoon is provided to load them up better and that's fun too. We thought it was a delicious treat! We sat inside, but there was lovely outdoor seating as well. I think my favorite part was the sink available for washing sticky hands right in the main room and low enough for kids to use--truly a smart idea!
Delicious ice cream in a beautiful setting. My husband and I love to check out ice cream shops wherever we go. Mom & Pop's is definitely the most hygienic one we've ever seen and the staff is very nice. And such a variety of delicious flavors. Lee was happy to see Macinaw Island Fudge on the menu, and I enjoyed the iced mocha with chocolate flavor. We definitely recommend this place.
Wonderful place, lots of choice in ice cream flavors, friendly people and great atmosphere. The dark chocolate ice cream is the best ever.
Best ever ice creams. Staffs were friendly and attentive.
First time visiting as a family and unfortunately the experience was disappointing.
The worker assisting us seemed impatient and gave us attitude, with eye-rolling and sighing as we tried to explore the different ice cream flavors. There was no sense of direction or welcomeness, and even the children felt the rudeness when choosing their flavors. On top of that, all the ice cream seemed to be on the melted side, which made the visit even less enjoyable
I stopped there for the first time yesterday and ordered a large cup of ice cream. The sign says a large gets you three flavors, so I interpreted that as meaning a scoop of each for three scoops total. What I got instead was a cup jam packed and piled high with ice cream. It was a TON of ice cream, probably like a quart and I’m not exaggerating. I initially thought $9.99 for a large was a bit of an overpricing but once I was handed my cup, I realized I definitely got my money’s worth. And it was delicious! I left there feeling guilty about how much I ate but that’s my fault. I’ll be back and next time I’ll go smaller but still leave stuffed. Highly recommended!
629 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
Hardee’s
3.4
(682)
3.0
(5)
Permanently Closed
cheap
Fast food restaurant
Hamburger restaurant
Hardee's is a fast-food establishment that specializes in fried chicken as well as large burgers. Although it may not be everyone's preferred choice, the food here is consistently satisfactory and meets expectations. Recently, they have stood out due to their friendly staff who are attentive and accommodating. During a visit, when the restaurant ran out of Swiss cheese for my Frisco Burger order, an employee kindly apologized and offered alternative options without making it a hassle.
Unlike McDonalds the price is always the same. Food is good, well prepared customer service is great, always smiling and willing to throw a joke.
Phillip W — Google review
I stopped at Hardee's on my way back to twin cities. 3 of the workers were having a conversation outside. Not sure why. It was 88 degrees outside. Would have thought it cooler in doors.
The worker in the driver thru window was kind he took a item of trash so I could put their beverage in my drink holder.
I had a number 1. The fries were overly salty. Not much else to share i didn't go inside.
We came in for dinner and it seemed like the staff was not ready for customers. One of my associates ordered a strawberry shake and the other ordered a chocolate shake but we received two strawberry shakes. Items had been forgotten from the order and had to be retrieved after the fact.
I did order a burger in a lettuce wrap and I will say, that came out very well.
Charge me money and give me this? The little chicken nugget you put in my wrap wasn't even spicy.
I get breakfast here every so often on the way to Amboy area, the food is always good. The people are friendly; you just might have trouble getting their attention if you go inside though as they often appear short staffed.
Don't go here expecting to get good service. I visited this location on 8/10/2025 and ordered a bacon platter with extra bacon, I was informed that they were out of hash rounds and were replacing them with fries. I was ok with that. Finished placing my order and was told they would bring it out. After about 10 minutes I was informed that they had no gravy for the biscuit and that the biscuit was going to be another 15 minutes before it will be ready. I asked if they had gravy that they can make while I wait for the biscuit and the person who seemed to be in charge said "Yes BUT, she didn't have time to make it". So I told them that I wanted my money back and I went down the street to McDonald's.
Order some breakfast sandwiches and a large potato... nobody in place... had a truck parked sideways by drive thru so had to go inside.. waited approximately 7-8 minutes for food and when we got in the car you could tell the potatoes had been sitting for quite a while.. they were cold and not fresh...
Terrible. Everytime I go there the young man doesn’t know anything on menu when I ask. Food is always incorrect, hair in food. This place is awful and needs to be taken down. No one is ever there for a reason. Workers incredibly lazy and incompetent. Go to Hardee’s on Madison this location is AWFUL!!!!!
101 W Lind Ct, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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Chipotle Mexican Grill
4.0
(548)
4.4
(8)
cheap
Mexican restaurant
Chipotle Mexican Grill is a casual dining spot that specializes in delicious Mexican cuisine, allowing guests to customize their own burritos, tacos, and bowls. Visitors rave about the incredibly friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure a great experience. Whether it's crafting meals with high-quality ingredients or offering complimentary items for exceptional service, the team at Chipotle consistently impresses patrons. The atmosphere is welcoming, making it an ideal place for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
I love this location so much because I always get generous portions of food. Friendly service as well!
Alice — Google review
I would stay away from this location.
I had a mobile order, and the order items were correct, but my mobile order had a dreadfully small amount of each ingredient in it. See the pictures below. I ordered extra rice, extra beans, extra lettuce, and got a less than regular amount.
I would advise to stay away from this location, not only do they heavily skimp on portions, their ingredients, like lettuce or guacamole, are browned and not rotated according to common policies observed at other locations, but their chips are consistently stale.
Had to redo this review. This used to be one of the better Chipotle's in the area. Unsure if there is new management, or what has changed since May - portions are now consistently skipped, and the employees refuse to put pick up orders on the shelves. This leads to pick up orders having to essentially wait in line to get their food - defeating the purpose of pick up.
Do better.
Chipotle at this location has super friendly staff and even more friendly management. The food is always great for fast quality mexican food that's is crafted with quality ingredients. They serve various bottled beer and on the spot made margarita's with quality liquor.
My best experience at this location was when staff offered a free meal for their great service.
I made an online order, and because I was unable to add notes to my order online, I called to have them adjust the order. The staff member happily accepted my change to the order and promised the adjustment before it was picked up. From the time the order was placed to the time it was picked up it took only five minutes. Because the staff was so efficient in making my order, they were not able to make the change, so I was offered a free meal.
Chipotles has always been a reward to myself, and if your in the mood for food, I recommend rewarding yourself with Chipotles today.
Ordered 20 minutes before picking up. Sat in the store for an additional 10 waiting for my order. Was told rudely that they didn’t have my order yet, person on the counter completely ignored several people waiting for pick up orders. The mobile order shelf was not being used. Another person realized afterwards that my order was sitting behind the counter since before I even walked in the store. Food was cold. Chipotle support does absolutely nothing and trying to call the store routes you to their ai support instead of speaking to an actual person.
Chipotle needs to do better about draining the liquids off there toppings. My burritos are always soggy. They have 7 people standing behind the counter, no customers, and yet all of the trash bins are overflowing on to the ground. Staff was very polite and efficient.
Only eating here if you wanna floss your teeth with someone else's hair. I had a huge clump of hair in my food and it definitely not mind im no blonde
I rolled in close to closing time to order my girlfriend a veggie bowl and realized shortly that I couldn't find my payment (card or cash). The crew put the bowl together, were absurdly friendly, and at the end covered the bowl for me after i went out to scrounge for cash out of my car which I normally have. They went above and beyond. Tomorrow I'm going to make an order and leave a massive tip for the team because of the kindness shown. The team that helped me worked the evening of 5/27/25 and I didn't get their names. They were awesome and will be a motivating reason why I order more chipotle in the near future - having friendly and generous service is a reason i keep coming back again and this moment was exceptional to me.
Thanks for everything
Cameron Corcoran.
1600 Warren St, Mankato, MN 56001, USA•
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