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1-Day Austin Itinerary

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedAug 20, 2025

Austin in 1 day

If you only have 1 day to spend in Austin, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
With favorites like Sweet Reads Books and Candy, Old Mill Restaurant, and Paramount Theatre, 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 Steve's Pizza and Downtown Grill so you can get the best taste of Austin 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 Austin?
  • 2-Day Austin Itinerary
  • 3-Day Austin Itinerary
  • 4-Day Austin Itinerary
Visiting Austin? See our Austin 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
  • Austin in 1 day
  • 1-day itinerary

Day 1

1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, SPAM® Museum and Sweet Reads Books and Candy with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Austin without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 8 hours of your day.
1

SPAM® Museum

4.7
(3869)
•
4.5
(721)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Packaging, photos & an old grocery store reconstruction tell the story of the famed processed meat.
It’s a cool and immersive experience! The museum offers many interactive ways to explore the history of Spam, with lots of engaging stories throughout. The gift shop is adorable—you might easily find yourself tempted to buy more souvenirs than you planned! Sometimes, the staff even brings out samples of Spam for visitors to try. The entire place is tidy, well-organized, and best of all—it's free! I highly recommend visiting, especially with family or friends. Just keep in mind that it's a bit of a drive if you're coming from the Twin Cities area. Overall, I really enjoyed this place!
Selkie O — Google review
🌟🥫 If you're looking for a unique and quirky experience, the Spam Museum is a must-visit! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with vibrant displays and fascinating exhibits that tell the story of this iconic canned meat. The interactive exhibits are not only informative but also entertaining, making it a fun experience for visitors of all ages. One of the highlights was learning about the history of Spam and its impact on culture, especially during wartime. The memorabilia and vintage advertisements added a nostalgic touch that truly brought the history to life. Plus, the sampling station was a delicious surprise—who knew Spam could be so versatile? The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share fun facts and answer any questions. The museum is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it a perfect spot for a quick visit or a longer stay. Whether you're a fan of Spam or just curious about this unique part of food history, the Spam Museum is definitely worth the trip. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience! 🥫🌟
Kenneth P — Google review
Oh man, oh man—you’ve got to stop off and see the Spam Museum. We were on a road trip, and what says “wacky roadside stop” more than Spam? Nothing! I went in with low expectations, but give credit where it’s due: the folks at Hormel nailed this shrine to canned meat. It’s splashy, full of fun and interactive exhibits, and packed with quirky history. Would our soldiers have had meat on the regular without Spam during WWII? Thank goodness we will never have to know. Need a taste? Yep—they’ve got people handing out samples. The gift shop is glorious, overflowing with kitsch that makes Vegas go Hmmmmmm. Best part: they completely own the fact that Spam is the butt of jokes worldwid, and yet over 9 billion cans have been served world wide and counting. Love the taste or taking a hard pass the point is it's (joking aside) a true piece of Americana. don’t miss this trippin’ stop.
Jeffrey S — Google review
What a delightful side trip! We found the museum thanks to a very kind octogenarian at the Minnesota Welcome Center on I 90 eastbound. We paused our trip home and spent additional night just to visit the museum. It was an amazing experience, especially the overhead Spam train. Numerous displays told the story of the Hormel Company and its most famous produc and its spread across the globe. Hint: follow the movement of our forces in the Pacific during World War II. An added highlight were the free samples kitchen staff periodically brought out to share. We came out of the gift store with a t-shirt and hoodie........and a 12 can case of assorted flavors of Spam. A kind young man James graciously carried our treasures to our car. We, however, later learned we could have bought our Spam at the local Walmart for $3.79 a can compared to the approximate $5.00 a can in the gift store. The company is one of the largest. If not the largest, employer in the town. It has maintained Mr. Hormel's policy of paying for a 2 year college degree for all employees and their children.
James S — Google review
Loved this museum! Very welcoming staff. Bright and colorful inside. Great displays about the timeliness and history of SPAM. Samples included! I especially enjoyed the wartime displays and how important SPAM was during that era. SPAM in different countries was fun to read about. And make sure you find out what kind of SPAM you are. Plus, the museum is free!
Jackie M — Google review
DELIGHTFUL! What a fun stop - very glad we visited. It's FREE, it's very well curated, the staff is fantastic, and the SPAM samples so much fun. Highly highly recommend a visit! SAMPLES - there was an employee walking around with SPAM samples using pretzel sticks as toothpicks (edible toothpicks!). Different flavor every time the tray came by - so much fun! STAFF - friendly, delightful, ready to help without hovering MUSEUM - so well created with a fun "food stand" area that highlighted different countries for each "booth", a giant can display, the rotating cans, a Lilo & Stitch area, and much more STORE - so many fun SPAM items it took us longer to shop than to see the museum lol. So many fun items I don't know where to begin so just check it out for yourself We were staying in Albert Lea about 20-25 minutes away and decided to go check out the SPAM Museum, unsure what to expect - it was so much fun to learn about SPAM with a very thoughtfully put together museum, well designed and visually very pretty with multiple levels and carefully considered placement of objects, plus a "model train-like" conveyor belt of SPAM cans moving throughout the museum! We then went across the street after our museum visit to get SPAM fries at Piggy Blues to keep the SPAM fun going, and brought cans back to Albert Lea to share with friends. Go visit - it's fun!
Tait L — Google review
I've been meaning to go here for a long time. I know SPAM was introduced to many soldiers in WWII, and has taken off in Hawaii and Japan and many other places. It has a wonderful history, as does the Geo. Hormel company. It was a nice self guided tour. You can spend as little time as you want, or more time to watch videos and read the placards. The SPAM samples were really a nice touch. I haven't eaten SPAM in quite a while so I entered into the spirit of the tour and tasted three samples. I wish they world have offered more! I was pleasantly surprised- it was tasty. We went to the gift shop and purchased SPAM varieties and more. Then we went out for a bite, and I ordered breakfast with SPAM at a local restaurant. Oh, no admission charge, so you spend a little in the gift shop!
J D — Google review
If you're in the town of Austin or just a Spam aficionado, a visit to this museum is worth the trip. Right from the moment that we walked in we were greeted with friendly smiles and set up immediately on a tour. Are tour guide Erika, was very knowledgeable regarding the origin of Hormel family and their contributions to the brand Spam and the community of Austin. I also learned a lot regarding the Hormel brand and all the other sub-brands that they've acquired. I learned that the Hormel brand contributes significantly to scholarships for youth of the community. They also have a connection and a partnership with the University of Minnesota with regards to research in the science. Unfortunately there are no actual factory tours. All the exhibits are museum style. Yeah there are plenty of hands-on exhibits that contribute to increasing the attention span of those younger visitors. During the tour of the museum we were offered several times different Spam samples. There is a very large souvenir shop selling all sorts of spam themed items. In addition, the museum offers free bike rentals for visitors to explore the town of Austin. Wonderful experience. Highlighted by a wonderful spam representatives such as Erika.
W O — Google review
101 3rd Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA•https://www.spam.com/museum•(507) 434-6401•Tips and more reviews for SPAM® Museum
< 1 min · 0 ft
2

Sweet Reads Books and Candy

4.9
(170)
•
4.5
(28)
Book store
Shopping
Candy store
Museum
Used book store
Gift & Specialty Shops
My friends and I were visiting this week from out of state and we absolutely fell in love with adorable book store! I think each of the four of us talked with owner at length about different things. She was knowledgeable and very sweet. We all bought several books and other things as well...The selection is quite large with a little bit of everything. We all can't wait to come back some day to do more shopping here!
Debra W — Google review
What a great little bookstore! Great selection of books, and for really good prices as well. New is not always better. :-) The lady working was one of the most kind people I have ever met. She took time to talk to me and I didn't feel rushed at all. I left with a couple books, some candy, and an offer to come back and visit again. This has to be the Minnesota Nice people keep talking about.
Calen A — Google review
A very cool little shop!! Lisa is so kind and helpful! There are tons of books from Minnesota authors! Plus new and used books. There are fun candies and a cool train!
Jessica — Google review
I love this shop. So many interesting topics to search through. The owner Lisa is top notch. She is so very kind and treats everyone with grace ❤️ I am proud and honored to be listed as a local author at Sweet Reads. If you are looking for a boost of positive for your life check out the "Enlightened Spirit Oracle" Deck and Instruction Book the next time you are in the shop. It is a golden nugget of bliss for your soul.
Jennifer M — Google review
They always have great books, and a lot of them. Whoever is working is always kind and patient. I like how the store is set up. It has plenty of books, magazines, candy, and chairs. They always wrap your books in brown paper which is nice.
Marshall S — Google review
We wandered over to Sweet Reads following our tour of the Spam museum. I found a great book as soon as I walked in from local Minnesota authors. The staff was super knowledgeable about the local authors and made a point to recommend and suggest books based on my interests. They also did a great job of wrapping the book when we left!
Emma T — Google review
Sweet reads an amazing book shop. There is a huge collections of book. And they have very friendly and knowledgeable staff. We are very glad to visiting the book shop.
Joyeeta D — Google review
This place was packed with charm! I wish we couldn’t spent more time exploring. New and used books, and the used books were really decently priced! Cute rocking chairs in the back to relax and rest out a book or two.
Ray L — Google review
407 Main St N, Austin, MN 55912, USA•http://www.sweetreadsbooks.com/•(507) 396-8660•Tips and more reviews for Sweet Reads Books and Candy
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Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2
2 min · 0.12 mi
3

Paramount Theatre

4.9
(104)
•
4.5
(7)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Historical landmark
Movie theater
The Paramount Theatre is an atmospheric-style venue that hosts live concerts, children's shows, and movies. This historic theater boasts a stunning interior and exterior, with a magnificent sound system. It is one of only four remaining atmospheric theaters in Minnesota, still functioning as originally intended. The theater features beautiful decorative elements and offers excellent acoustics and sightlines for performances. Its preservation and continued use are commendable examples of restoring historic buildings for their original purpose.
The Paramount Theater in Austin, MN, is a charming venue that beautifully blends history with modern entertainment. Built in 1921, this restored gem retains much of its original architecture, including a stunning marquee and elegant interior decor. The theater offers a unique ambiance that enhances the viewing experience, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The programming at the Paramount is diverse, featuring everything from classic films to live performances, including concerts and community events. The sound quality and seating arrangement ensure that every audience member has an enjoyable experience. The intimate setting allows for a connection with performers that larger venues often lack. Staff members are friendly and accommodating, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere. Concessions offer a range of snacks and beverages, perfect for enjoying during a show. One of the standout features is the theater's commitment to community engagement. It frequently hosts events that showcase local talent and foster creativity, making it a cultural hub in Austin. While parking can sometimes be a challenge during busy events, the overall experience at the Paramount is well worth it. Whether you're a film enthusiast or looking for a lively performance, the Paramount Theater provides a delightful escape that celebrates the arts. With its rich history and vibrant programming, it remains a beloved cornerstone of the Austin community.
Natalie B — Google review
A beautiful historic theater that had multiple uses in the community. It is a wonderful place to visit for a show or to learn about historic theaters. Our last event there was Tuba Christmas.
Daniel M — Google review
Beautiful old theater, great sound system. We can into town to see Puddles Pity Party perform as the highlight of the Austin Artworks Festival and we had a great time. The theater is beautiful inside and out! I loved how the ceiling of the theater was lit up with twinkling stars or fluffy clouds, it is called an atmospheric theater and is one of only four left in the state of Minnesota to still function as such! It is wonderful to see such historic buildings restored and continued to be used as originally intended! We had a wonderful time and will be back.
Kim R — Google review
Built back in th 1920s, the Paramount Theater is a magical place. Get there!
Bergie M — Google review
The Paramount is a nostalgic place for an event. With renovations this will soon be a place that everyone will want to perform at.
Deborah R — Google review
It's a retail store and you get the retail store experience so you get help but you got to ask for it
Kelly C — Google review
This is a great historic theatre restored and maintained brilliantly. It is visually appealing. It has an "old school" character that is nostalgic and memorable. The accustics are superb. There are no bad seats. It is a wonderful place to enjoy many aspect of the theatre for the veteran and an excellent way to introduce the novice and the young. Plays, music, and film are available. This is a must see place for locals and visitors alike.
James G — Google review
A great experience and hoping for more to come. I gave this 5 stars instead of 4 due to the fact that the audience was criticizing my loves and my own apparel yet once we showed affection complete silence ensued and it was wonderful knowing that shredding an ounce if not a pound of true love can silence the negativity, then this is the place to go for theatrics for the both of us.
A — Google review
125 4th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA•http://www.austinareaarts.org/•(507) 434-0934•Tips and more reviews for Paramount Theatre
3 min · 0.14 mi
4

Horace Austin Park

4.5
(45)
City park
Awesome place. The park is for outing, picnic. Dog friendly park. There is a lake. The view of this park is awesome.
Joyeeta D — Google review
So much insects while walking. Littering everywhere. I feel sorry for the Public Library.
Thy C — Google review
Kiddos love coming around here to play. They are friendly and clean to play in. They put more benches in today to enjoy sitting in the park. Overlooks water.
Stephanie C — Google review
Mulch and compost available to the public here . Located next to the skate park . Gotta load it up yourself , and not always available 100% of the time , but most of the time there's plenty .
Samuel T — Google review
Need to be well maintained
Joseph H — Google review
Right on Mill Pond, which is a great place to take a walk in Austin. Nice park for the kiddos, but watch out for geese poop.
S S — Google review
Lovely park, clean, accessible and fun to fish there. Beautiful trees
Donna F — Google review
Very nice. Clean facility and friendly staff. Grandkids really enjoyed the pool.
Denny B — Google review
600 Main St N, Austin, MN 55912, USA•https://www.ci.austin.mn.us/park-recreation/park-information/hor…•(507) 437-9940•Tips and more reviews for Horace Austin Park
5 min · 0.25 mi
5

Austin ArtWorks Center

4.7
(47)
•
4.5
(9)
Art center
Classes & Workshops
Art gallery
Art school
Art studio
Lessons & Workshops
Beautiful art 🖼️ shop. There is a rear entrance that is accessible by wheel chair or mobility aids. Historic building with art gallery upstairs and artist shop downstairs.
Natalie B — Google review
Wonderful shop with so many exciting pieces. Blown glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, textiles...they have it all. Bought a bracelet for $30, very reasonable. Owner/manager was so nice, told us about the artists and upcoming Austin Artwork Festival as well as giving us a brochure about the event. Make sure you stop at the little gem!
Gail J — Google review
Wonderful artwork. Great place.
Joyeeta D — Google review
Really a wonderful! I’ve purchased quite a few items over the years. Who knew there were so many artists and artisans in the area! The quality of the work is very good.
J R — Google review
First time in and I loved it. It's great to see our local artists acknowledged and shown off. I'm happy to know of a cute little place to get some personal and unique gifts while helping out the locals.
Stacy P — Google review
Loved it! They have a vast array of different work from different local and semi local artists and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time here. The staff were friendly and very accommodating.
Joshua K — Google review
First time in Austin and I noticed this place right by the Spam Musuem. I'm happy I otixed it because now I have a local piece of art I got to take home to remember Austin by!
Noah J — Google review
Home of Austin community ed art classes. Main floor retail. Second floor show gallery. Downstairs studio workshops. Art and music events monthly. Part of the Austin Mn Vision 2020 Project.
James B — Google review
300 Main St N, Austin, MN 55912, USA•http://austinareaarts.org/•(507) 434-0934•Tips and more reviews for Austin ArtWorks Center
5 min · 0.26 mi
6

Riverside Arena

4.6
(168)
Arena
Love the atmosphere and the Bruins hockey. Sooo much fun!
Neal J — Google review
Recently went to a Bruins game here. I was a bit shocked at the price of the tickets. Although I do have to say I thought the prices at the concession stand were reasonable. The bleachers were very uncomfortable and if anyone went up and down the steps you could feel it. We got screamed at by a Bruins fan even though we said nothing to him. His daughter later came by to apologize for his behavior. Google maps told us to park somewhere different but there is a parking lot behind the arena. It definitely needs updating but it's also cool because it's so old. It was definitely one of the colder arenas I've ever been to. The music was really loud as was the intercom. I thought it was pretty disrespectful when they did the strobe lights for the opposing teams goalie and those who get in the penalty box. Especially when people have health issues and dealing with that kind of light. I also saw a lot of the fans yelling at the opposing team from behind where they were sitting. There's literally no barricade between the team and the fans and they got pretty ugly. They did do a great job honoring the veterans and whoever played the trumpet was absolutely amazing!!
Abigail L — Google review
Great place to enjoy some hockey !
Jasmine B — Google review
The Place just gets to Rockn!!!! Amazing Staff & Players!!!
Breeze M — Google review
Go Bruins!! Great prices, good food, friendly people and staff. This place hosts some of the best hockey you can see. Always a joy to see the players interact with the public and they have so many different events and free things for the fans! Really is some of the best and cheapest entertainment for the whole family!
Ryan S — Google review
Nothing fancy but the hockey games are always great and the arena is pretty full when there’s a game going on. I wish they had more open skate times that work for families who work regular business hours.
Leanne D — Google review
Riverside Arena is a multi-function facility. It is used for concerts, and other public events. It's main function is as the primary hockey arena for the city of Austin Minnesota. The NAHL Austin Bruins play home games there, as well as hosting several tournaments for the various junior levels of hockey during their respective seasons. Our high school boys and girls hockey teams also play there. A very good facility, with a hard working staff.
Larry F — Google review
had such a blast with the family. this Mascott is AMAZING! as well as entertaining.
Brooke N — Google review
501 2nd Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA•http://www.ci.austin.mn.us/park-recreation/arenas•(507) 433-1881•Tips and more reviews for Riverside Arena
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Where to eat

Under a 1-minute walk from Sweet Reads Books and Candy, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.

Steve's Pizza

4.5
(798)
•
4.4
(86)
$$$$affordable
Pizza restaurant
Steve's Pizza is a spacious and unfussy dining establishment that offers uncomplicated pasta, seafood, and a variety of thin- and thick-crust pizzas. Its ample seating can accommodate larger groups, and the venue features numerous televisions. The dinner salad surprises with its diverse array of ingredients such as radish, carrot slices, and quartered cucumber. The breaded mushrooms are outstandingly crispy yet moist, complemented by a delicious ranch dressing.
Great little place to grab lunch after visiting the Spam Museum. I had the BLT hoagie special and they didn’t skimp on the bacon. I chose tater tots for my side and they were nice and crispy. Excellent service!
Sue J — Google review
Terrific pizza, outstanding quality on the cheese and sausage. I don't think I've ever had better quality toppings, and I've been eating pizza for well over half a century. The crust was fine. Even their coffee was notable. It was very dark and strong, but not bitter or acidic like cheap coffee gets when you make it strong. You ask for cream and you get actual Land O' Lakes half and half, not that imitation stuff. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and prompt. The onion rings were fresh and crispy. We (two adults) spent about $45 for lunch, and had enough food left over for an entire second meal that evening. I would like to thank the owners, managers and staff for their hard work and integrity.
Paul H — Google review
It’s a good rural pizza place with a good service and decent selection of food. Most likely you will not be disappointed.
Vitaliy R — Google review
A family favorite! No matter where we are living, when we go back to Austin, MN, we go to Steve's Pizza! We get the Mama Mia with green olives. Their pizza is utterly delicious and downright craveable. The staff is always kind and helpful. Plus, they have one of the cutest arcades ever!
The S — Google review
Came here for lunch, ordered their Greek Pizza on thin crust and it was delicious!
Daylene H — Google review
(I'm a Jake's Pizza guy from Albert Lea so using that as a benchmark) We were on our way out of Austin and needed a road pizza. This was perfect. The sausage was delicious, tangy sauce. A crazy good, thin crust pizza.
TKO S — Google review
Great mom and pop pizza spot. Really nice and clean dining area. A good amount of options on the menu without being too many. The pizza I got was fantastic as well. I've been here a couple times since I came to town and every time the food is spot on and the staff are super friendly. Will definitely keep coming back.
Calen A — Google review
Once again, I try to give credit where credit is due. Unfortunately Steve’s pizza fell way short of our expectations. We ordered the House Special 14" thin crust w/o green peppers. It was lacking meat and other ingredients, making it pretty tasteless. The crust tasted like a dried pretzel. We are from out-of-state, so when I say we won't be back, it is an understatement. Hopefully, others (including the owner) will read this and make the adjustments to make your experience better.
Larry R — Google review
421 Main St N, Austin, MN 55912, USA•http://pizzaaustinmn.com/•(507) 437-3249•Tips and more reviews for Steve's Pizza

Downtown Grill

4.4
(145)
Restaurant
If you're looking for a delightful dining experience in Austin, look no further than Downtown Grill. This charming spot boasts an inviting atmosphere that beautifully blends rustic and modern elements, making it perfect for any occasion. The menu is a treasure trove of culinary delights, with standout dishes like the shrimp and walleye that have captured the hearts of many diners. Don't miss out on their delicious side salad options or the highly praised tomato asparagus soup.
Stopped here for lunch and were very pleasantly impressed with the restaurant and Austin as a town. Got some burgers that tasted great. Breakfast burger would be my recommendation, sweet potato fries were also delicious. Staff members are very nice and accommodating. Definitely worth a visit!
Lisa A — Google review
Nice place and a decent variety of food to choose from. We both did the lunch 1/2 salad and soup combo and that was decently priced and delicious! I love that they have a variety of mocktails too!
Brittany — Google review
Waiting for 2 plus hours for food and nearly an hour for our server to get our order in disappointments. Being this was the second time makes it worse. Visited for a daughter's birthday celebration. Other tables were seated After us, got their food before us and another group seated. The cranberry mule was good.
John B — Google review
Delicious! I love that they offered mocktails and they were so good (The N/A blueberry lavender margarita especially). I had the Downtown Cheesesteak sandwich for dinner… highly recommend, especially with the sweet potato fries. We will be back!
Alyssa W — Google review
Absolutely amazing service! Our waitress Amber was hands down the best waitress I've ever met!! Clean, beautiful dining area! Very comfortable lighting and seating and the food 😮 so good!!! Absolutely must try this restaurant ❤️
Kellie S — Google review
Husband and I are in love with this restaurant. First of all, they’re the only place in town that can make a French 75. Second, every establishment here in Austin has nice people, but I feel like the staff at Downtown Grill are also genuinely caring, not just doing a job. Thirdly, everything we ordered was at expert level on the foodie scale, minus the pretension. We will definitely be back as often as our going-out fund allows! 🥰🍴
Julie H — Google review
Server was amazing and atmosphere was very nice: too bad food wasn’t as good as it looked in photos. The food was lack luster. Minimal toppings on potato I paid extra for little to no sauce on pasta and not much on taste.
Teresa M — Google review
Great Find near I-90. Easy seating at noon on a Wednesday. Staff was articulate, personable and attentive. The cold water was on table when we were seated on this 90 degree day. Wine and beer selections were quality. The menu was interesting and offered something for every appetite. Plenty of apps and GFO options. Salad and sandwich choices were varied and tempting. Half sandwich/ salad/soup menu was great, my husband was happy. I chose the special (chicken salad on fresh focaccia bread) which was delicious, fresh, and hit the spot. The sweet potato fries were the best I’ve had in years, seriously. Plus, dessert to go was a must when it is key lime pie. This will now be our stop along the I-90 route. This was the cheapest yet best meal of our road trip. Worth the stop!!
Sue C — Google review
119 2nd Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA•https://www.downtowngrillaustin.com/•(507) 509-9070•Tips and more reviews for Downtown Grill
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Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2

B & J Bar and Grill

4.5
(622)
•
4.3
(53)
$$$$affordable
Bar & grill
The B & J Bar and Grill offers a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. The spam, known for its saltiness, can be paired well with a refreshing raspberry ice tea to balance out the flavors. Additionally, vegetables are available to enhance the taste of the meal. One notable aspect is their restaurant chips, which have a texture comparable to freshly fried Asian banana chips. These chips have a delicious taste without being overly salty.
This is such a cute place! Great bar to watch the game at or to get some SPAM after a stint at the museum!
Zarya D — Google review
We were in town visiting and picked this for our lunch based on the reviews and menu. It seems to be the place to go for locals, it was pretty full even at 2:30pm. The food is what you would expect for a brewpub type environment, lots of bar favorites like fried pickles and cheese curds. They have some dishes with spam too. We had the spam pineapple sliders which were very good. I had the BLT with tater tots which was also good and quite large, not too greasy. They have probably a dozen beers on tap, too. We did wait a while to get served and sat for about ten minutes without menus hence losing a star for that. The parking lot is a little small as well. Would I go here again? Hmmm there isn't a lot in town but I would probably try something else for lunch unless I wanted the bar food offering.
Adam W — Google review
Frozen food. All of it. Disgusting. How are you going to make people wait 30 minutes after ordering for frozen food that you just reheated in a deep fryer? My husband's shaved ribeye was also clearly previously frozen. They also used gorton fisherman fish fillets for their fish and chips. Are you kidding?? That was unmistakable. We ended up eating the subpar food and leaving because by the time we got it we didn't have time to even go somewhere else to eat as we were passing through.
Stephanie C — Google review
Burgers were good. Typical bar menu. Very spacious with ample seating and overall a very decent place to stop in. We are glad we did
Sauron681 — Google review
Average bar food on the Sunday night we came. Restrooms very clean. Cheese curds very delicious, especially with ranch sauce. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, get the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. It was the saddest looking meal I have seen in months. Philly cheese steak was small for the price i paid.
Joseph G — Google review
Spam is really salty, so I had to get a Raspberry Ice Tea to balance out the taste. Vegetable helped with flavour. Their restaurant chips texture tastes like Asian Banana Chips fried fresh from the pan. It was not salty, and tastes so good.
Thy C — Google review
Nice vibe with friendly service. We tried the Blackened Shrimp Tacos and sweet potato fries, both were tasty. The sweet potato were nice and crisp and the Cilantro lime sauce on the tacos really brought it together. Also tried a bloody mary-- great flavor!! They do a beer back as well.
Raychel R — Google review
Good service and good food! The B&J club was delicious. The sandwich was packed and fresh. My husband ordered a (double) burger and also said it was tasty!
P J — Google review
114 4th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA•http://bandjbarandgrill.com/•(507) 433-9830•Tips and more reviews for B & J Bar and Grill

Old Mill Restaurant

4.7
(512)
•
4.5
(134)
$$$$expensive
Fine dining restaurant
Old Mill Restaurant is a quaint, vintage-themed establishment that occupies a charming 19th-century edifice. It specializes in delectable cuts of meat like steaks, burgers, and ribs, alongside an impressive drink selection at the bar. The cuisine provided is unparalleled in this locale and warrants the slightly high price tag. Furthermore, their desserts are absolutely delightful. Despite being short-staffed with one cook absent, the efficiency with which they served food was commendable.
I'm not an Austin native and this was my first time to the Old Mill. Heard it was the place to go for a lovely meal and I was not disappointed! Service was awesome, I wish I could remember the name of young lady who waited on us. My partner had the ribeye and I had the walleye. Portions are huge, piping hot and delicious. I was told it was more of a business casual dress code, however I observed it was pretty casual and people were dressed in anything from date attire to jeans and a ball cap. Great place for families too during the main dinner hour. Kids are definitely welcome. The biggest surprise to me though was the whiskey and bourbon list! Holy cow was it huge! Not only that, but the liquor prices were unbelievably reasonable! We would have spent twice as much back in the cities. Really nice surprise. Will definitely be back!
Rochelle G — Google review
Quaint place with a beautiful view. Service is very attentive. Some inspired cocktails on the menu and the burgers and prime rib were very tasty!
Mark T — Google review
The Old Mill Restaurant is such a charming and inviting place! My husband and I had a lovely, romantic evening there. We both ordered steak and cocktails, and everything was absolutely perfect. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, and the beautiful view made the experience even more special. We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in town!
Kristina D — Google review
We had such a wonderful dinner date at the Old Mill, the inside dining area is so beautiful by the dam. They also offer outdoor dining right by the way under the beautiful lit pation, so relaxing! The food and servers were amazing as well.
Kellie S — Google review
The picture speaks for itself. The sea bass is a must, pair with the Ramsey green beans. Absolutely delicious. Fun atmosphere. Make a reservation. Service was good. Will be back.
Ben B — Google review
A riverside outdoor setting with live music on Thursday evening was the best of Minnesota summer. The atmosphere, the food and the live performance are all five stars. We both had Panini sandwiches and drinks which were satisfying. Worth the drive from Owatonna, and probably from beyond. I look forward to checking out the indoor upscale looking restaurant in the ajacent Mill pond building in the winter.
Guy C — Google review
We wanted to take a little drive and try a new restaurant. We decided on the Old Mill Restaurant, just outside of Austin, MN. It was a little less than an hour drive. But boy was it worth it! The atmosphere was great both inside and the outside patio/bar, both overlooking a river and dam. The wait staff were welcoming and helpful and the food was delicious! Over lunch/dinner, we discussed the different friends that we will be bringing back with us on our future visits. Highly recommend this place!
Patrick B — Google review
We picked old mill because we’re on a roadtrip and needed something 160 miles from our current location. We got so very lucky! Great view. Really awesome looking outdoor seating- the backyard has live music. The Backyard has a limited menu. The dining room has an excellent selection of steaks and other food. I ordered the Chilean sea bass and I have to say, publicly for the Google world to know, that it was the BEST sea bass I have ever had in my whole 50+ years. Ever. I did my best not to start gobbling it down. Food is served on hot plates to keep your meal hot from start to finish. My husband ordered a prime rib and he was very pleased. Their breadsticks are also good. Everyone was great, staff, patrons, it was a fun experience all around. I’m so glad we stopped here!
Sonya W — Google review
3504 11th Pl NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA•http://www.oldmill.net/•(507) 437-2076•Tips and more reviews for Old Mill Restaurant
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