7 Great and Local Restaurants in Shakopee
Most likely, a person or family traveling to Shakopee is coming to see one of our great attractions like Valleyfair Amusement Park, Canterbury Park, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival or Mystic Lake Casino. It is the “what to do before and after” that many are looking for. Dining helps to create the complete experience for visitors traveling to the area, while also helping support local business owners. This blog will focus on seven amazing, must-stop-to-eat-at, and locally owned restaurants in Shakopee!
1) Dangerfield’s
This classic dining establishment, located along the Minnesota River in Downtown Shakopee, offers great American fare in a wonderful, almost supper club atmosphere. They also have one of the top patio decks in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro, overlooking the beautiful river.
One of my favorite entrees at Dangerfield’s is the Jack Daniel’s Pork Chop. This succulent cut is charbroiled and brushed with a Jack Daniel’s glaze over an open fire. Compliment this cut of meat with the house vegetable, potato and, of course, a popover with honey butter and I can almost guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Dangerfield’s also offers great steaks, salads, and sandwiches for all your dining wants. In addition to dining, check out some of their special events, including their Happy Hour, Sunday Brunch, and Rib Tickler Comedy Club (seasonal).
Dangerfield’s also has six special occasion facilities to please any group, from 20 to 150 guests.
2) Mr. Pig Stuff
Most people probably don’t think great BBQ when thinking of Minnesota. This designation has typically been reserved for states south of the Mason-Dixon Line. However, don’t sell some locations in Minnesota short. One of those stops is Mr. Pig Stuff in Downtown Shakopee. This little hot spot along Highway 101 has some outstanding BBQ options, with great smoky flavored meats. I am a big fan of the beef brisket, but typically go with the traditional Pulled Pork sandwich. The apple wood smoked meat is tender and juicy and has a great smoked flavor in each bite. I typically like my BBQ dry, but will add a little of their spicy sauce to give it a little kick. Add in their great slaw, fries, and a pickle and you have a great meal.
Mr. Pig Stuff also has unique menu items, including a pulled pork pizza. They can also cater to large groups and offices, featuring a whole hog roast option!
3) Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant
You don’t have to travel south of the border to get great Mexican food. All you have to do is travel to Downtown Shakopee and visit Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant. This colorful, vibrant restaurant features great Mexican fare at reasonable prices. After being seated, you are greeted with fresh salsa and chips, which could almost be a meal on its own. However, a must for me at almost every visit is the Ultimate Chimichanga. This great entrée features a jalapeno cheddar tortilla wrapped around cheese, pico de gallo, and a choice of ground beef, spicy shredded beef (favorite!), shredded chicken, or carnitas. This fried delight is also topped with queso, sour cream, and guacamole. Include rice and refried beans and you definitely will not worry about being hungry after.
Be sure to save room for Pablo’s fried ice cream, a must!
Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant Menu
4) Tokyo Sushi
Sushi in Shakopee? Of course! This terrific little Japanese restaurant in the Southbridge shopping district of Shakopee offers a wonderful variety of sushi and other Japanese dishes. This quaint establishment is definitely a must-do for lunch, whether it you with family/friends or for business. I typically go with the 3 roll lunch special and will order the Spicy Tuna Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, and Boston Roll. Their selection is massive, so prepare yourself to take some time and peruse the options. Also, if you are not a fan of sushi, they have a Hibachi lunch items to choose from.
5) Turtle’s Bar and Grill
This local favorite on Main Street in Downtown Shakopee offers great burgers, chicken, pizzas, and craft beer. Turtle’s is definitely known for their pizza, which happens to be my pick of the menu. The thin crust pizza is hand-tossed and the cheese is ground right off the block! I am a big fan of the ‘Hey Dude’, which includes their own special-recipe sausage, pepperoni, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and green olives. Another terrific choice for the people who like a little kick is the ‘Hot Jordan’ with its combination of spicy pizza sauce, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, hamburger, onions, green peppers, basil, and crushed red pepper. If those two pizzas don’t sound like your thing, you can always build your own, or try out some of their other great menu items, like their Angus beef burgers!
Are you a craft beer enthusiast? Turtle’s Tap Beer List is one of, if not, the best in Minnesota. They strive to bring in as many 90+ rated beers as possible.
6) O’Briens Public House
A great addition to Downtown Shakopee, O’Brien’s brings a unique flair to Irish food. Add in some terrific American options, wonderful decor and ambiance, and a great selection of drinks and craft beers, and O’Brien’s is definitely a place to visit on your next trip to Shakopee.
O’Brien’s definitely has a great atmosphere during any time of the day, and would be a great lunch stop for business or personal. A couple of times I have visited I have enjoyed the Public House Cod & Chips. You receive a very large piece of PBR battered cod. It was a very light breading, and avoided being greasy and heavy. The slaw also has a great flavor to it, and the Tina’s pickles have great taste and a surprising kick to them.
Some other brunch and lunch recommendations:
- Eggs Benedict (Brunch) – fired braised ham, poached eggs, chive hollandaise, toasted English muffin, O’Brien potatoes, seasonal fruit
- Reuben – braised corned beef, house kraut, 1000 island, swiss cheese, marble rye
- Rosemary Chicken – grilled chicken, herbed goat cheese, stone ground mustard, kaiser roll
- Shepard’s Pie – red wine braised beef, wild mushrooms, root vegetables, demi-glace, mashed potato crust, house greens
O’Brien’s also has a large appetizer menu available. Some great options include:
- Lamb Sliders with aged white cheddar, rosemary-mint aioli, and mixed greens
- Banger Pops – banger sausages, puff pastry, stone ground remoulade
- Ploughman’s Plate – cured meats, local + imported cheeses, house pickles, soda bread, tomato jam
O’Brien’s is not only for adults. They offer a terrific kids menu including kid’s favorite’s like Mac + Cheese, BBQ Ribs, Cod + Chips, Cheese Flatbread, and more!
O’Brien’s also has a great selection of craft beers and spirits.
O’Brien’s Public House Full Menu
7) Munkabeans Kitchen & Coffeehouse
Munkabeans Coffeehouse, located in beautiful Downtown Shakopee, is a terrific little spot for someone to relax with a delicious hand-crafted beverage using locally-grown coffee beans. Munkabeans also offers amazing sweet treats and other great food options for breakfast or lunch. I especially enjoy the homemade quiche when I am there for breakfast – especially the sausage, egg and cheese. This item has great texture and flavor, a perfect breakfast dish. When you add a mocha or regular hot coffee, it is a wonderful eating experience. This is also a great spot for someone looking for a quick bite for lunch. They have great soups, salads and sandwiches available. My two preferred choices for lunch are the Simon and Garfunkel BLT or the Pesto Provolone Grilled Cheese. Stop by and check them out!
Munkabeans Kitchen & Coffeehouse Menu
Other
The Shakopee area is not limited to these eight great establishments. Right outside of town is Lions Tap, which has been serving their famous hamburgers for over 55 years. Or, a favorite spot for children and parents is Pizza Ranch with their delicious broasted chicken and pizza buffet. Eat some of the best breakfast foods in the entire Minneapolis metro at Wampach’s in Downtown Shakopee. Find authentic Mexican Food at El Toro and the award winning Taco Loco in Downtown Shakopee, or savor a butter burger and cheese curds at Culver’s. Enjoy an amazing dining experience at one of the great eating establishments inside Mystic Lake Casino. Or, enjoy great food after playing 18 holes at either The Wilds Gold Club or The Meadows at Mystic Lake.
With all the great eating establishments in Shakopee, you will never go hungry.
Please click HERE for a full list of eating places in Shakopee.