The place is so close to the truckstop that you wonder who you'll meet. That's a good thing. But the bad thing is: the prices are WAY out of the trucker's range!! A beer is $6.50 on tap? WTF? And, with everyone trying to eat healthier these days, you'd think that Salmon (or, you know: fish from Lake Superior) might be reasonably priced? Not at RJ's. $23 for a smatteringly small (albeit tasty) piece of overdone salmon on top of schoolhouse-mush rice with a few veggies for color. All tolled, my one-person meal consisting of two tap beers ($13) and the "special" salmon ($23) with tax & tip was $44. When was the last time YOU paid that much to eat at a Truckstop? Mind you, the bartender had a really shapely tush. But she had a face that would wreck a Kenworth.
(1)
Pamela L.
Subtle, flavorful, and not anywhere near truck-stop fare. We had the RJ's Chicken Club and the Black & Blue Burger. The Club had fresh chicken breast, cherry smoked and Canadian bacon, and chipotle mayo. The burger was cooked, but not overdone. Great tasting beef. If you are tired of conventional road food, stop here for great food and friendly, personal service. Relaxing atmosphere with classic mellow jazz.
(5)
Jayne H.
RJ'S is the best restaurant between St. Cloud and Minneapolis. They serve a wide range of gourmet food that has pleased a wide variety of my friends and family. Service is friendly and efficient but not pompous. Each day they have different chef specials that are creative and tasty. I especially like their shrimp and peach pizza, their grown up mac and cheese and their seafood options. My spouse loves their steaks. We all agree their desserts are amazing, especially the pear tart and the RJ's chocolate cake. Seriously, the desserts alone are worth a visit. It is a drive but worth it! Did I mention it is also reasonably priced?
(5)
David H.
Superb!
(5)
Beau M.
Mind blown. Sketchy truck stop. Check. Strip mall. Check. 4 star restaurant big city style tucked away behind it. Check. Yelp found this place for me as I was driving by. This place on the outside looks normal. On the outside New York City meets Atlanta with a touch of Los Angeles. The prices aren't too bad. 12 bucks for a burger and fries. I can deal with that. Completely not what I expected. Good god the food is amazing. Locals please support this place.
(5)
Ryan A.
Excellent service- solid, consistent menu- priced a little high for what you are getting, especially in relation to appetizers
(3)
JKtravel S.
Locally this is our go-to best option. Clean contemporary, table service at happy hour and beyond. Specials, such as red snapper today, are usually generous enough to take part along for another meal. Apple pear salad is a perennial favorite. Show id for complementary birthday dessert. Friendly, attentive, not intrusive service.
(4)
Kenson K.
Came in again on my latest trip to the Cloud. Had the pork chops, which were very tasty. It was cooked really well done, and I like to have my pork with a little bit of pink in the middle, but it was still good. Had the apple tart for dessert and that was heavenly.
(3)
Kev W.
Fast service. Food was good to excellent. We planned on ordering a steak but price was pretty high.
(4)
Tim S.
My friend and business partner suggested we go to RJ's to finish our meeting during lunch so I could get to my next appointment. I drove and she told me not to panic as she was navigating us. I told her, "Please don't take me to McDonald's or a truck stop!" She assured me it would be fine. Typically when I'm in St Cloud we go to Jules' Bistro, so I was a little worried as we pulled up. But as soon as I stepped into the oasis (by comparison of the surrounding area), I knew we'd be okay. RJ's is modern and has both a casual as well as a trendy feel to it. The atmosphere is perfect for a meeting or to hang out with friends. The bar area is nice and big if you're meeting up for drinks. Like some of the other reviewers noted, it's as if someone picked up a restaurant from the Cities and set it down off 94 in St Cloud. My friend had the Southwestern salad, which was a very generous portion with lots of toppings. I went for the RJ's Chicken Club, which was just the right size as I was going to be going to two other functions with food involved. The iced tea was very flavorful, too. So don't let the surroundings fool you. And for the quality of food, you'd better pop into RJ's instead of the Golden Arches!
(4)
Jon S.
I have been there many times and I think the biggest issue they had was service. That problem has changed for the better and this is really a fine (hidden) dinner option in St Cloud. Our server was pleasant and very efficient even as the restaurant became rather busy. The food has always been good and this time was no exception. If you are driving near St. Cloud on I-94 this might be the easiest and best restaurant if you want to get off the highway to sit down meal. It is in location that is hard to see, but still very simple to find.
(4)
Henry V.
Service and prices were great. The Thai shrimp and roasted peach pizza was something new for us and the flavored worked especially with the hint of heat. Also enjoyed the house chopped salad. Good selection of draft IPAs.
(5)
Diego C.
Food is good, fast service price is expensive diner for 2 about 60 dollars overall 4 starts
(4)
Kayleen L.
Food was excellent. Large portions - pace yourself! OMG - Dessert was amazing! Starter Salads are huge! Cajun chicken fettuccine alfredo - plenty of zing (Yay!), Artichoke and Feta dip - Awesome! Rustic Apple and Pear Tartlet - YUM! For a Thursday night it was fairly busy. Our server was a bit overwheled with some large tables, but the food was well worth any wait. He was hustling the whole time. Won't fault him at all. Definitely will be coming back!
(5)
Jack F.
A very unexpected find next to a truck stop! Excellent food and service, will be back
(4)
Michael G.
Good food, friendly service, all hiding behind a dicey truck stop in minnesota's diciest town. Could be in any urban center as a mainstay corner restaurant. Happy to find it while passing through. Beers are just a bit pricey, but the selection is good. The menu is reasonable and diverse, but not vast.
(4)
Danielle L.
This place is great for their calamari and fish for sure. Burgers are also a hit with those I've dined with in the past. Kind of pricey but good nonetheless. Worth a stop and is great for a date night with someone special.
(4)
Kevin E.
Fantastic service two nights in a row. I had a New York strip the first night and filet the second. The food was delicious and cooked perfectly. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the selections. Don't know if I have ever had a waitress visit my take to ask if everything is ok five times before. GREAT service! This is not a fast food joint so don't expect low prices. $30 a plate for the better selections. Well worth it in my opinion.
(5)
Matthew R.
Service was perfect, atmosphere was great and the food was really good. I had the sausage penne and it was really good, although I usually like slices of sausage compared to ground sausage. My gf got the prime rib and it was cooked to perfection, throw in the au gratin potatoes and asparagus and she enjoyed it!! Our server, Amber, was engaging and friendly and did a great job.
(4)
Lisa R.
This place would likely survive in a big city, which is saying something for a place in St. Cloud. Sure, there are usually truckers there enjoying a nice meal after a long ride - nothing is wrong with truckers, its just the restaurant is at a truck stop. It is probably the best truck stop food in the country. The restaurant itself is warm and cozy. Sometimes the crowd at the bar is a bit rowdy which can overwhelm the small restaurant. Unfortunately, I have seen no effort on the staff to deal with that when it happens. And it is hard to enjoy a nearly $30 steak when that is going on. However, the service is ALWAYS friendly. There is a generosity of spirit there unlike some other places in town. The crostini plate is one of the best appetizers in town. The side salads are all yummy. The specials are fun and inventive. They are always good to the kids. The wine list has some tasty wines, not just the Barefoot varietals. Our cocktails were inexpensive and quite potent. I have been there at least 10 times and keep coming back.
(5)
Mike C.
One of the best places to eat in St Cloud. don't be scared It's at a truck stop you have to give it a try. I recommend the filet mignon it is out of this world. The service is a little lacking but don't let that worry you.
(5)
Destiny P.
I'm from California and this place blew me and my husband away. It could hang with the places we eat at in LA. Truly a jewel in St Cloud. The menu was creative and the chef was great. The bourbon burger was excellent and actually had bourbon in it! My husband had the fish and chips which had complex flavors from start to finish. You got a lemon zest right at the first bite, then the fresh fish, finishing with a crisp beer batter flavor. The ambiance is modern and rustic. Great place to dress up foran evening cocktail on a date. The bar was heavily stocked and had "purse hooks" for every other chair (I liked that). Staff was friendly and it was clean with a cool environment. Jazz music playing throughout with dim lights. Wish I would've tried the sweet potato fries with curry aioli. If I'm passing through Minnesota again I'll stop by.
(5)
Donna W.
People are right, it is in a strip mall, but it wasn't a total dive truck stop like I was expecting. Once in the restaurant, the atmosphere is very nice and has a mid to upscale feel to it. There are a lot of options on the menu from gourmet pizzas to burgers to pasta dishes and more. Most of our food was great. We LOVED the sweet potato fries we got for an appetizer and that and the bread were creatively delivered in these cone shaped baskets. Very unique and nice presentation. As far as the rest of our food, three of us really liked our food (the salmon, the parmesan chicken pasta, and the thai shrimp and roasted peach pizza). The thai shrimp pizza I ordered is definitely spicy, though, so be prepared for that if you order that. The thin crust was nice with it and not too crispy. It also had a lot of seasoning on it and was tasty. My mom was pretty disappointed in her steak, though, and it was $19 plus $2 for any items you want on it, like sauces, mushrooms, etc. The first time it came out, it was very well done when she'd ordered medium well. It came out the second time more towards the well done side of medium well. She said the steak didn't really have any flavor and the bernaise sauce she ordered with it didn't seem right with it. Her sweet potato mash was a little bland and she felt her au gratin potatoes were not soft enough and lacked flavor, too. She was very disappointed in her meal. The rest of us would order what we ordered again. Our server was VERY sweet and friendly. She did a good job keeping our drink glasses full, too. My biggest complaint with the service is that it was slow considering how many patrons were in the restaurant. She checked with us right away about appetizers and, when we said we needed a moment to look at the menu, she didn't come back for about 15 minutes to take our order. Other than that, the service was good. Overall, we would eat here again but not spend the money on a steak here.
(3)
Brian F.
My favorite place for great everything. I love their specials. As an employee I get tired of the menu after 5 months but the specials and.the quality of all of our items never gets old. Literally it is all good and worth your time to stop in and.taste.
(5)
Carolyn C.
Delicious pizza. Friendly, attentive service.
(5)
Michael V.
I am really a fan of this place. It's a little pricey for the area, but then again, there's is not much in this area of Saint Cloud. My colleagues and I ate here 4 times during the week we were there. They have a great menu, the service was great, and the food was top quality. We were a little nervous about it being in a strip mall behind a truck stop, but I'm VERY glad we gave it a chance.
(4)
Randy R.
I loved this place for several reasons Not what I expected in a truck stop . Delightful wait staff Even better food .
(5)
Demetri M.
Bangin'! Summary: Great food, great atmosphere, great drinks, and great service.
(5)
Michelle B.
Okay, I thought it would look like a truck stop...the Pilot Truck stop is not attached just by parking lot. Great atmosphere, good food and waitress was fun. I had the pork chop and my husband had the prime rib. I would go back.
(5)
Kevin B.
First its in a strip mall,that shares a common drive with the Pilot truckstop.The food was good,and the staff was nice. If they was opened for breakfast,I would stop going to NELSON BROTHERS ,in Clearwater!
(4)
Mark L.
I wish I knew about this place before. It's situated very close to I94 and easy to get to. The food was very good, I had the prime rib sandwich served on soft hoagie bun with caramelized onions and a great horseradish/mayo sauce, served with french fries. You can substitute sweet potatoes fries for a bit more. Their soups are homemade and theirs salads and deserts looked awesome. The restaurant has a very warm decor with full bar service and the wait staff was great, we never had to ask for refills and were in and out during lunch in less than 30 minutes. This will be a regular stop when traveling on I94 in the future.
(5)
Alex R.
This is a good place for happy hour. They have very good personal pizzas for 2 or 3 dollars at that time. The service is always fast. The atmosphere is a bit upscale and warm
(4)
Kevin E.
5.0 star rating 12/9/2012 Edit » Seen it since it opened finally my wife and I had dinner last night. What a great dinner, everything was excellent. Will make it a regular go to place to eat! The previous experience date was off, it was 12/9 and the rest of the comments stand for that day. 12/14/12 We decided to go again to this great restaurant and have dinner, My wife wanted the Prime Rib, I got a burger. Things were a little off this time, the Nachos were drown in salsa but still good, My Wife's Prime Rib large cut was cooked perfect for her, but 2 bites in she almost broke her tooth on a chunk of bone. She ate the rest of the meat, but even for prime rib there was a lot of fat. She wasn't all that happy after the bone experience. I mentioned it to the waitress, who was great by the way, and she talked to the cook. He told her it's the way its butchered and not their fault oh well give them a dessert. Perhaps true, but a lacksidasical attitude just doesn't cut it. Texas roadhouse has better Customer Service, I mean they still billed us for the Prime Rib, not that I was asking for it to be removed, but you think they might have done it a little different. Texas Roadhouse, Grizzly's, just about anyone else would have taken it off the check. Oh well
(3)
Angie J.
Received some of the worst service here. Server promptly greeted us, that was about it. It took her 3 "visits" to actually take our drink order (we had to ask if we could just order our food and drinks because she kept leaving). When the kids food and our appetizers arrived, we asked for silverware, plates and napkins (our table was empty although we had a reserved sign on it, it wasn't set). Our server left and didn't come back. We waited patiently for over 15 minutes for silverware and napkins. My son, starving had to eat his noodles with his hands. My husband chased down a server who must have been too busy to get us silverware. I tracked down another, who provided. Our original server finally came back: "How is everything?" which I stated the problem. We asked if we could get another appetizer, which she said, "I'll have to charge you full price." We asked for a manager, who was very nice (after visiting our table about 10 minutes after we asked for her!) who gave us our second appetizer at no charge. Big deal. Thanks for the free $6 appetizer, but I've got a kid covered in butter and we've been waiting WAYY too long for basic tableware! The food here is alright, they could really include more variety in their sandwiches. Kids meals were pretty good, but were $6 each, even buttered noodles!
(2)
Mary R.
Best restaurant in St. Cloud! I had the prime rib sandwich and it was awesome! Other people in my party had the club which looked so good I think I will have to get that next. Looks are deceiving, this place is classy and delicious. This place is literally situated in a truck stop, that part is no lie. Really. There it is. But it's right off of 94 which can be super convenient.
(5)
Joshua K.
Very good food for the area. Not sure that people from the area are aware of a restaurant of this quality in the area.
(5)
Dan S.
If you can find this place then you will think you are in any major metro or suburban area eating at a place similar to CRAVE...then you will walk outside and realize you are in a truck stop on the outskirts of St. Cloud. This place is great. The food is unbelievable. The prime rib sandwich is really good and there are "grown up" versions of mac and cheese and grilled cheese that are good as well. Something as simple as a reuben is also suggested. I would highly recommend this spot for a good dinner on your way up north, if you are bumming around St. Cloud, or if you are looking for a good date night...so long as you blind fold your date as you approach the entrance of the long lines of semis.
(5)
Brenda S.
One of our favorite restaurants in St. Cloud. Love the contemporary comfortable atmosphere. Menu has some interesting items like Thai Shrimp and Peach Pizza and the Cheddar Burger. The cheddar cheese melts out in a cool way and is yummy. We have tried a number of items and have always been pleased. We take guests there frequently because of the ambiance, menu and it it out of the busy area of St. Cloud. They have a nice closed meeting room too for groups.
(4)
Denise T.
We really enjoyed the food when this establishment opened but the last couple of times we experienced major issues with service and food. To be precise the food was cold and one meal totally overcooked. We figured every place can have an off night and went back two more times and had a less than satisfactory experiences again. Not sure if they changed staffing or what but not the place it had been.
(1)
K M.
Quite possibly the most oddly placed restaurant in all of St. Cloud. It is located at a truck stop right off of I-94 at Roosevelt, this is the outskirts of St. Cloud on the way into town from the freeway. We happened to be staying next door for the weekend at the Holiday Inn with a large group but sadly it took us until Sunday to realize it was even there. We went with a huge group for lunch on Sunday before the family started trickling out of town. They were very accommodating of the large group - in fact at the hotel desk we were told "they love large groups over there". This is a pretty big space, tons of seating, a room off to the side where they can pull together a lot of tables, very clean and decorated nicely. I think it is basically brand new. Now on to the menu - surprisingly diverse menu compared to what I've eaten in this part of the country over the last few years. A lot of fresh things - salads and such, great appetizers, not just crappy deep fried frozen foodservice fare. One interesting thing was that the kids' menu had, in addition to a regular crap food you will find on any kids' menu in America like hot dogs and mac and cheese, a kids' beef tenderloin portion. Now how often do you see that? Burgers, sandwiches, entrees, some fancy pizzas (I had shrimp and grilled peaches - and sadly had a hard time getting many of the MN/SD contingent to try it. It was decent, maybe just a little too cheesy. Also had a delicious salad, tried my kid's soup, some sweet potato fries (which had a cinnamon-based seasoning on them), and I tried the fried calamari (which I felt was too "pale" - the breading was maybe underdone or else the oil was really, really fresh which contributes to the fried food being under-browned...the calamari itself was cooked fine. Since it was right after opening I suppose it was probably really fresh oil.) They also have wines by the glass or bottle, and quite a few beers to pick from. The service was decent - not overly fast though. Then again we had close to 30 people in our party. Now life in general tends to be at a slower pace in this part of the country, which I actually appreciate, but several in our party felt like the service was slow and they are Minnesotans. The kids' meals and appetizers came out quickly but then it was a longer wait for the rest of the food. I only noticed one mistake where someone got sweet potato fries instead of regular white fries. The only problem I had was it took multiple requests to get booster seats. All in all, I suppose this place is a little more highbrow than most of the clientele is probably looking for - like I said, it's right at a truck stop. Then again maybe that's a good thing for the truckers - maybe they want good food too. The only other choices at this corner are McDonald's and Subway. This place does not appear to be a chain/franchise restaurant. (That is a good thing in my book.) I think this would be a great option for anyone who lives locally, is staying at the nearby hotels, or is driving across Minnesota and wants to eat something besides crappy fast food since it is so close to the freeway. I give them 5 stars based on their genre - comparable in style to say, a Chili's or Applebee's only 1000 times better food and not a chain; also based on their location - it can be hard to get a good meal outside of a major city in the Midwest.
(5)
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Address :4221 Clearwater Rd
Saint Cloud, MN, 56301
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : No Caters : No
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Michael H.
The place is so close to the truckstop that you wonder who you'll meet. That's a good thing. But the bad thing is: the prices are WAY out of the trucker's range!! A beer is $6.50 on tap? WTF? And, with everyone trying to eat healthier these days, you'd think that Salmon (or, you know: fish from Lake Superior) might be reasonably priced? Not at RJ's. $23 for a smatteringly small (albeit tasty) piece of overdone salmon on top of schoolhouse-mush rice with a few veggies for color. All tolled, my one-person meal consisting of two tap beers ($13) and the "special" salmon ($23) with tax & tip was $44. When was the last time YOU paid that much to eat at a Truckstop? Mind you, the bartender had a really shapely tush. But she had a face that would wreck a Kenworth.
(1)Pamela L.
Subtle, flavorful, and not anywhere near truck-stop fare. We had the RJ's Chicken Club and the Black & Blue Burger. The Club had fresh chicken breast, cherry smoked and Canadian bacon, and chipotle mayo. The burger was cooked, but not overdone. Great tasting beef. If you are tired of conventional road food, stop here for great food and friendly, personal service. Relaxing atmosphere with classic mellow jazz.
(5)Jayne H.
RJ'S is the best restaurant between St. Cloud and Minneapolis. They serve a wide range of gourmet food that has pleased a wide variety of my friends and family. Service is friendly and efficient but not pompous. Each day they have different chef specials that are creative and tasty. I especially like their shrimp and peach pizza, their grown up mac and cheese and their seafood options. My spouse loves their steaks. We all agree their desserts are amazing, especially the pear tart and the RJ's chocolate cake. Seriously, the desserts alone are worth a visit. It is a drive but worth it! Did I mention it is also reasonably priced?
(5)David H.
Superb!
(5)Beau M.
Mind blown. Sketchy truck stop. Check. Strip mall. Check. 4 star restaurant big city style tucked away behind it. Check. Yelp found this place for me as I was driving by. This place on the outside looks normal. On the outside New York City meets Atlanta with a touch of Los Angeles. The prices aren't too bad. 12 bucks for a burger and fries. I can deal with that. Completely not what I expected. Good god the food is amazing. Locals please support this place.
(5)Ryan A.
Excellent service- solid, consistent menu- priced a little high for what you are getting, especially in relation to appetizers
(3)JKtravel S.
Locally this is our go-to best option. Clean contemporary, table service at happy hour and beyond. Specials, such as red snapper today, are usually generous enough to take part along for another meal. Apple pear salad is a perennial favorite. Show id for complementary birthday dessert. Friendly, attentive, not intrusive service.
(4)Kenson K.
Came in again on my latest trip to the Cloud. Had the pork chops, which were very tasty. It was cooked really well done, and I like to have my pork with a little bit of pink in the middle, but it was still good. Had the apple tart for dessert and that was heavenly.
(3)Kev W.
Fast service. Food was good to excellent. We planned on ordering a steak but price was pretty high.
(4)Tim S.
My friend and business partner suggested we go to RJ's to finish our meeting during lunch so I could get to my next appointment. I drove and she told me not to panic as she was navigating us. I told her, "Please don't take me to McDonald's or a truck stop!" She assured me it would be fine. Typically when I'm in St Cloud we go to Jules' Bistro, so I was a little worried as we pulled up. But as soon as I stepped into the oasis (by comparison of the surrounding area), I knew we'd be okay. RJ's is modern and has both a casual as well as a trendy feel to it. The atmosphere is perfect for a meeting or to hang out with friends. The bar area is nice and big if you're meeting up for drinks. Like some of the other reviewers noted, it's as if someone picked up a restaurant from the Cities and set it down off 94 in St Cloud. My friend had the Southwestern salad, which was a very generous portion with lots of toppings. I went for the RJ's Chicken Club, which was just the right size as I was going to be going to two other functions with food involved. The iced tea was very flavorful, too. So don't let the surroundings fool you. And for the quality of food, you'd better pop into RJ's instead of the Golden Arches!
(4)Jon S.
I have been there many times and I think the biggest issue they had was service. That problem has changed for the better and this is really a fine (hidden) dinner option in St Cloud. Our server was pleasant and very efficient even as the restaurant became rather busy. The food has always been good and this time was no exception. If you are driving near St. Cloud on I-94 this might be the easiest and best restaurant if you want to get off the highway to sit down meal. It is in location that is hard to see, but still very simple to find.
(4)Henry V.
Service and prices were great. The Thai shrimp and roasted peach pizza was something new for us and the flavored worked especially with the hint of heat. Also enjoyed the house chopped salad. Good selection of draft IPAs.
(5)Diego C.
Food is good, fast service price is expensive diner for 2 about 60 dollars overall 4 starts
(4)Kayleen L.
Food was excellent. Large portions - pace yourself! OMG - Dessert was amazing! Starter Salads are huge! Cajun chicken fettuccine alfredo - plenty of zing (Yay!), Artichoke and Feta dip - Awesome! Rustic Apple and Pear Tartlet - YUM! For a Thursday night it was fairly busy. Our server was a bit overwheled with some large tables, but the food was well worth any wait. He was hustling the whole time. Won't fault him at all. Definitely will be coming back!
(5)Jack F.
A very unexpected find next to a truck stop! Excellent food and service, will be back
(4)Michael G.
Good food, friendly service, all hiding behind a dicey truck stop in minnesota's diciest town. Could be in any urban center as a mainstay corner restaurant. Happy to find it while passing through. Beers are just a bit pricey, but the selection is good. The menu is reasonable and diverse, but not vast.
(4)Danielle L.
This place is great for their calamari and fish for sure. Burgers are also a hit with those I've dined with in the past. Kind of pricey but good nonetheless. Worth a stop and is great for a date night with someone special.
(4)Kevin E.
Fantastic service two nights in a row. I had a New York strip the first night and filet the second. The food was delicious and cooked perfectly. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the selections. Don't know if I have ever had a waitress visit my take to ask if everything is ok five times before. GREAT service! This is not a fast food joint so don't expect low prices. $30 a plate for the better selections. Well worth it in my opinion.
(5)Matthew R.
Service was perfect, atmosphere was great and the food was really good. I had the sausage penne and it was really good, although I usually like slices of sausage compared to ground sausage. My gf got the prime rib and it was cooked to perfection, throw in the au gratin potatoes and asparagus and she enjoyed it!! Our server, Amber, was engaging and friendly and did a great job.
(4)Lisa R.
This place would likely survive in a big city, which is saying something for a place in St. Cloud. Sure, there are usually truckers there enjoying a nice meal after a long ride - nothing is wrong with truckers, its just the restaurant is at a truck stop. It is probably the best truck stop food in the country. The restaurant itself is warm and cozy. Sometimes the crowd at the bar is a bit rowdy which can overwhelm the small restaurant. Unfortunately, I have seen no effort on the staff to deal with that when it happens. And it is hard to enjoy a nearly $30 steak when that is going on. However, the service is ALWAYS friendly. There is a generosity of spirit there unlike some other places in town. The crostini plate is one of the best appetizers in town. The side salads are all yummy. The specials are fun and inventive. They are always good to the kids. The wine list has some tasty wines, not just the Barefoot varietals. Our cocktails were inexpensive and quite potent. I have been there at least 10 times and keep coming back.
(5)Mike C.
One of the best places to eat in St Cloud. don't be scared It's at a truck stop you have to give it a try. I recommend the filet mignon it is out of this world. The service is a little lacking but don't let that worry you.
(5)Destiny P.
I'm from California and this place blew me and my husband away. It could hang with the places we eat at in LA. Truly a jewel in St Cloud. The menu was creative and the chef was great. The bourbon burger was excellent and actually had bourbon in it! My husband had the fish and chips which had complex flavors from start to finish. You got a lemon zest right at the first bite, then the fresh fish, finishing with a crisp beer batter flavor. The ambiance is modern and rustic. Great place to dress up foran evening cocktail on a date. The bar was heavily stocked and had "purse hooks" for every other chair (I liked that). Staff was friendly and it was clean with a cool environment. Jazz music playing throughout with dim lights. Wish I would've tried the sweet potato fries with curry aioli. If I'm passing through Minnesota again I'll stop by.
(5)Donna W.
People are right, it is in a strip mall, but it wasn't a total dive truck stop like I was expecting. Once in the restaurant, the atmosphere is very nice and has a mid to upscale feel to it. There are a lot of options on the menu from gourmet pizzas to burgers to pasta dishes and more. Most of our food was great. We LOVED the sweet potato fries we got for an appetizer and that and the bread were creatively delivered in these cone shaped baskets. Very unique and nice presentation. As far as the rest of our food, three of us really liked our food (the salmon, the parmesan chicken pasta, and the thai shrimp and roasted peach pizza). The thai shrimp pizza I ordered is definitely spicy, though, so be prepared for that if you order that. The thin crust was nice with it and not too crispy. It also had a lot of seasoning on it and was tasty. My mom was pretty disappointed in her steak, though, and it was $19 plus $2 for any items you want on it, like sauces, mushrooms, etc. The first time it came out, it was very well done when she'd ordered medium well. It came out the second time more towards the well done side of medium well. She said the steak didn't really have any flavor and the bernaise sauce she ordered with it didn't seem right with it. Her sweet potato mash was a little bland and she felt her au gratin potatoes were not soft enough and lacked flavor, too. She was very disappointed in her meal. The rest of us would order what we ordered again. Our server was VERY sweet and friendly. She did a good job keeping our drink glasses full, too. My biggest complaint with the service is that it was slow considering how many patrons were in the restaurant. She checked with us right away about appetizers and, when we said we needed a moment to look at the menu, she didn't come back for about 15 minutes to take our order. Other than that, the service was good. Overall, we would eat here again but not spend the money on a steak here.
(3)Brian F.
My favorite place for great everything. I love their specials. As an employee I get tired of the menu after 5 months but the specials and.the quality of all of our items never gets old. Literally it is all good and worth your time to stop in and.taste.
(5)Carolyn C.
Delicious pizza. Friendly, attentive service.
(5)Michael V.
I am really a fan of this place. It's a little pricey for the area, but then again, there's is not much in this area of Saint Cloud. My colleagues and I ate here 4 times during the week we were there. They have a great menu, the service was great, and the food was top quality. We were a little nervous about it being in a strip mall behind a truck stop, but I'm VERY glad we gave it a chance.
(4)Randy R.
I loved this place for several reasons Not what I expected in a truck stop . Delightful wait staff Even better food .
(5)Demetri M.
Bangin'! Summary: Great food, great atmosphere, great drinks, and great service.
(5)Michelle B.
Okay, I thought it would look like a truck stop...the Pilot Truck stop is not attached just by parking lot. Great atmosphere, good food and waitress was fun. I had the pork chop and my husband had the prime rib. I would go back.
(5)Kevin B.
First its in a strip mall,that shares a common drive with the Pilot truckstop.The food was good,and the staff was nice. If they was opened for breakfast,I would stop going to NELSON BROTHERS ,in Clearwater!
(4)Mark L.
I wish I knew about this place before. It's situated very close to I94 and easy to get to. The food was very good, I had the prime rib sandwich served on soft hoagie bun with caramelized onions and a great horseradish/mayo sauce, served with french fries. You can substitute sweet potatoes fries for a bit more. Their soups are homemade and theirs salads and deserts looked awesome. The restaurant has a very warm decor with full bar service and the wait staff was great, we never had to ask for refills and were in and out during lunch in less than 30 minutes. This will be a regular stop when traveling on I94 in the future.
(5)Alex R.
This is a good place for happy hour. They have very good personal pizzas for 2 or 3 dollars at that time. The service is always fast. The atmosphere is a bit upscale and warm
(4)Kevin E.
5.0 star rating 12/9/2012 Edit » Seen it since it opened finally my wife and I had dinner last night. What a great dinner, everything was excellent. Will make it a regular go to place to eat! The previous experience date was off, it was 12/9 and the rest of the comments stand for that day. 12/14/12 We decided to go again to this great restaurant and have dinner, My wife wanted the Prime Rib, I got a burger. Things were a little off this time, the Nachos were drown in salsa but still good, My Wife's Prime Rib large cut was cooked perfect for her, but 2 bites in she almost broke her tooth on a chunk of bone. She ate the rest of the meat, but even for prime rib there was a lot of fat. She wasn't all that happy after the bone experience. I mentioned it to the waitress, who was great by the way, and she talked to the cook. He told her it's the way its butchered and not their fault oh well give them a dessert. Perhaps true, but a lacksidasical attitude just doesn't cut it. Texas roadhouse has better Customer Service, I mean they still billed us for the Prime Rib, not that I was asking for it to be removed, but you think they might have done it a little different. Texas Roadhouse, Grizzly's, just about anyone else would have taken it off the check. Oh well
(3)Angie J.
Received some of the worst service here. Server promptly greeted us, that was about it. It took her 3 "visits" to actually take our drink order (we had to ask if we could just order our food and drinks because she kept leaving). When the kids food and our appetizers arrived, we asked for silverware, plates and napkins (our table was empty although we had a reserved sign on it, it wasn't set). Our server left and didn't come back. We waited patiently for over 15 minutes for silverware and napkins. My son, starving had to eat his noodles with his hands. My husband chased down a server who must have been too busy to get us silverware. I tracked down another, who provided. Our original server finally came back: "How is everything?" which I stated the problem. We asked if we could get another appetizer, which she said, "I'll have to charge you full price." We asked for a manager, who was very nice (after visiting our table about 10 minutes after we asked for her!) who gave us our second appetizer at no charge. Big deal. Thanks for the free $6 appetizer, but I've got a kid covered in butter and we've been waiting WAYY too long for basic tableware! The food here is alright, they could really include more variety in their sandwiches. Kids meals were pretty good, but were $6 each, even buttered noodles!
(2)Mary R.
Best restaurant in St. Cloud! I had the prime rib sandwich and it was awesome! Other people in my party had the club which looked so good I think I will have to get that next. Looks are deceiving, this place is classy and delicious. This place is literally situated in a truck stop, that part is no lie. Really. There it is. But it's right off of 94 which can be super convenient.
(5)Joshua K.
Very good food for the area. Not sure that people from the area are aware of a restaurant of this quality in the area.
(5)Dan S.
If you can find this place then you will think you are in any major metro or suburban area eating at a place similar to CRAVE...then you will walk outside and realize you are in a truck stop on the outskirts of St. Cloud. This place is great. The food is unbelievable. The prime rib sandwich is really good and there are "grown up" versions of mac and cheese and grilled cheese that are good as well. Something as simple as a reuben is also suggested. I would highly recommend this spot for a good dinner on your way up north, if you are bumming around St. Cloud, or if you are looking for a good date night...so long as you blind fold your date as you approach the entrance of the long lines of semis.
(5)Brenda S.
One of our favorite restaurants in St. Cloud. Love the contemporary comfortable atmosphere. Menu has some interesting items like Thai Shrimp and Peach Pizza and the Cheddar Burger. The cheddar cheese melts out in a cool way and is yummy. We have tried a number of items and have always been pleased. We take guests there frequently because of the ambiance, menu and it it out of the busy area of St. Cloud. They have a nice closed meeting room too for groups.
(4)Denise T.
We really enjoyed the food when this establishment opened but the last couple of times we experienced major issues with service and food. To be precise the food was cold and one meal totally overcooked. We figured every place can have an off night and went back two more times and had a less than satisfactory experiences again. Not sure if they changed staffing or what but not the place it had been.
(1)K M.
Quite possibly the most oddly placed restaurant in all of St. Cloud. It is located at a truck stop right off of I-94 at Roosevelt, this is the outskirts of St. Cloud on the way into town from the freeway. We happened to be staying next door for the weekend at the Holiday Inn with a large group but sadly it took us until Sunday to realize it was even there. We went with a huge group for lunch on Sunday before the family started trickling out of town. They were very accommodating of the large group - in fact at the hotel desk we were told "they love large groups over there". This is a pretty big space, tons of seating, a room off to the side where they can pull together a lot of tables, very clean and decorated nicely. I think it is basically brand new. Now on to the menu - surprisingly diverse menu compared to what I've eaten in this part of the country over the last few years. A lot of fresh things - salads and such, great appetizers, not just crappy deep fried frozen foodservice fare. One interesting thing was that the kids' menu had, in addition to a regular crap food you will find on any kids' menu in America like hot dogs and mac and cheese, a kids' beef tenderloin portion. Now how often do you see that? Burgers, sandwiches, entrees, some fancy pizzas (I had shrimp and grilled peaches - and sadly had a hard time getting many of the MN/SD contingent to try it. It was decent, maybe just a little too cheesy. Also had a delicious salad, tried my kid's soup, some sweet potato fries (which had a cinnamon-based seasoning on them), and I tried the fried calamari (which I felt was too "pale" - the breading was maybe underdone or else the oil was really, really fresh which contributes to the fried food being under-browned...the calamari itself was cooked fine. Since it was right after opening I suppose it was probably really fresh oil.) They also have wines by the glass or bottle, and quite a few beers to pick from. The service was decent - not overly fast though. Then again we had close to 30 people in our party. Now life in general tends to be at a slower pace in this part of the country, which I actually appreciate, but several in our party felt like the service was slow and they are Minnesotans. The kids' meals and appetizers came out quickly but then it was a longer wait for the rest of the food. I only noticed one mistake where someone got sweet potato fries instead of regular white fries. The only problem I had was it took multiple requests to get booster seats. All in all, I suppose this place is a little more highbrow than most of the clientele is probably looking for - like I said, it's right at a truck stop. Then again maybe that's a good thing for the truckers - maybe they want good food too. The only other choices at this corner are McDonald's and Subway. This place does not appear to be a chain/franchise restaurant. (That is a good thing in my book.) I think this would be a great option for anyone who lives locally, is staying at the nearby hotels, or is driving across Minnesota and wants to eat something besides crappy fast food since it is so close to the freeway. I give them 5 stars based on their genre - comparable in style to say, a Chili's or Applebee's only 1000 times better food and not a chain; also based on their location - it can be hard to get a good meal outside of a major city in the Midwest.
(5)