A Park Rapids vacation is perfect for you if your favorite travel experiences involve sampling new meals, meeting people from all over the world, and doing something new, fresh and exciting.
This Minnesota city is the county seat of Hubbard County and part of the Brainerd Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The city was named for its location on the rapids of the Mississippi River and is home to about 4,122 people.
Since the area’s lakes and forests are open all year round, there are a variety of year-round activities available, ranging from motorized water recreation such as ATVs and snowmobiles to quiet sports like cross-country skiing, biking, and hiking.
Why not learn more about Park Rapids’ delectable cuisine while planning to explore the city’s art, history, and beauty? Here is a list of the best restaurants in Park Rapids, MN.
Best Restaurants in Park Rapids
1. The Good Life Cafe
The Good Life Restaurant leads our list of best restaurants in Park Rapids, MN. Located in the well-known downtown area of Park Rapids, it is primarily popular for its expertly prepared healthy food.
This café was built from the ground up by Molly and Luke Luther in 2009, with help from their amazing family and the Heartland Lakes community.
Ten years later, this Park Rapids restaurant takes pride in supporting the community by offering a cozy, family-friendly, and modern setting for socializing and Minnesotan delicacies.
This chic spot for inventive New American cuisines provides fast service, great cocktails, wheelchair-accessible amenities, happy-hour drinks, vegan and vegetarian options, and dine-in, takeout, and curbside pickup alternatives.
Enjoy the menu’s selection of delectable foods, like wild rice hot dishes, walleye tacos, bison meatballs, jumbo chicken wings, sweet basil chicken, Thai PB burger, chicken pappardelle, pretzel balls, flatbread, and grilled sirloin.
Visit The Good Life Cafe on weekends from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and Tuesdays to Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Address: 220 Main Ave S, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-237-4212.
2. Hilltop Inn Restaurant
The Hilltop Inn Restaurant, located in the Park Rapids area, is known for serving the best food in the region and is a popular spot for families and friends to spend time by the lake.
This family-run restaurant is situated on picturesque Long Lake, just 8 miles south of Park Rapids. They take great pride in excellent food and providing top-notch service. The restaurant features outdoor seating, a wheel-accessible car park, an entrance, and a restroom specifically designed for customers with disabilities.
Stop by for salads, wraps, burgers, walleye tacos, a cold glass of strawberry lemonade, domestic and artisan beers, wines, and daily specials.
They are open on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on weekends from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Address: 12371 Co Hwy 6, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-732-5644.
3. Bella Caffe
Bella Caffe is an Italian word for “beautiful cafe.” This restaurant is the recreation of an old Italian farmhouse, replete with bricks, stonework, and faux paintings that now greets customers seven days a week.
Patrons can take advantage of high-speed wireless internet, a solarium, distinctive styles and architecture, and, most importantly, remarkable individuals committed to making their visit more enjoyable than anticipated.
Bella Caffe also features musical entertainment, sometimes on an invitation. On any given night, you might hear anything from country to pop to rock.
Sample baked goodies like banana bread, muffins, fresh bagels, cookies, biscotti, and other dishes like veggie sandwiches, antipasto platters, crostini, and picada. Try any of their top beverages, like chai tea, espresso, and lattes.
Visit this Italian delight from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 116 3rd St W, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-732-7625.
4. Rapid River Logging Camp
Since it was founded in 1955, the Rapid River Logging Camp has been a historically significant establishment and one of the best places to eat in Park Rapids, MN.
A time-bending adventure can be had at this eatery as you can eat from metal plates, sip from tin cups, and savor “logger raisins.”
After your meal, you can explore the trails, feed the fish, chickens, and ducks, look at antiques, or trawl through the Foreman’s Shack gift shop in search of the ideal memento or souvenir if you’re feeling a little adventurous.
Explore their diverse menu options, including pancakes, roast beef, BBQ ribs, roast pork, ham, sausages, hashbrowns, mashed potatoes and gravy, dinner rolls, cornbread, baked beans, and macaroni salad.
This restaurant operates daily from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Address: 15073 County 18, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-732-3444.
5. Companeros Mexican Restaurant
Companeros, founded in 1985, is the neighborhood’s favorite Tex-Mex eatery. Companeros strives to give every diner a fantastic eating experience. Every dish and cocktail served at this Park Rapids restaurant is meticulously made using only the freshest ingredients.
They also strive to provide excellent customer service, whether getting your food out promptly or addressing any concerns you may have. You can quickly point out a top restaurant when quality food meets quality service and this is just one of the best Park Rapids restaurants.
You can enjoy your food outdoors on the patio, use the curbside pickup service, take your food on the go or dine in.
Huevos rancheros, fried ice cream, wet burritos, chimichangas, tamales, and chili relleno are just a few of the inventive and traditional Mexican cuisine served at Companeros Mexican Restaurant.
Bring your family and friends for a fun evening and some delectable Mexican cuisine.
Address: 20427 MN-226, Dorset, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-732-7624.
6. Great Northern Cafe
The Great Northern Cafe is another one on our list of top restaurants in Park Rapids, MN. This restaurant was founded in 1972 and is situated in northern Minnesota along the original line of the railroad.
A relaxing and delightful dining experience is something that The Great Northern Cafe is dedicated to giving its customers. They provide wheelchair-accessible facilities to ensure everyone can enjoy the food and drinks.
The wheelchair-accessible tables are located throughout the restaurant, so you can choose a spot that suits you, and you can easily take care of your hygiene needs because they also feature a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
The cafe serves classic American cuisine only found in a reputable restaurant. Everything from French toast, country-fried steak and eggs, breakfast wraps, and empire omelets to the all-beef burgers and hot turkey sandwiches is available.
They are open from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Address: 218 1st St E, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-732-9565.
7. Wine Not?
Located in Park Rapids, Minnesota, Wine Not? is a wine bar that offers wine-tasting flights, wine by the glass, and by the bottle.
With exciting events like Sunday Brunch, Wine Wednesday, Hosting Thankfully, Fondue Friday, and Armory Open Mic Night, Wine Not? offers something for everyone all year.
At Wine Not? you can dine in or take your food to go. It is one of the best places to eat in Park Rapids, MN.
Wine Not? offers light fare to go with its wines, including cheesecake, charcuterie boards, salsa flights, creamy feta cheese dip, and Caprese skewers.
So anytime you’re in Park Rapids city, stop by this wine bar and restaurant.
They operate Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Fridays from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Saturdays from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Address: 110 4th St W, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-366-2071.
8. Pizza Ranch
Every legend has a backstory. Pizza Ranch has expanded, thanks to devoted consumers and tenacious franchise owners, from its modest beginnings in a small Iowa town to over 200 restaurant locations throughout the Midwest.
Pizza Ranch, the largest and most recognizable pizza company in the Midwest, opened its first site in 1981. Today, it has more than 200 franchised outlets across fifteen states, and it has no plans to halt down anytime soon.
Their success may be attributed mainly to a strong foundation established upon Adrie’s father’s initial “pay it forward” mentality. This is in addition to the famed buffet and customer-first ethos.
They offer curbside pickup, takeaway, delivery, and dine-in options with a vast menu, including a salad bar, marinara sauce, soft serve ice cream, chicken and chips, pasta breadsticks, and of course, pizza.
Opening hours are 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Address: 16137 MN-34, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-732-4030.
Check out our guide on restaurants in Waconia, restaurants in Hopkins, and restaurants in Prior Lake for an amazing meal time in Minnesota.
9. Four Seas
As one of the top Park Rapids’ restaurants, Four Seas, aims to give all of its patrons the best value possible by serving high-quality meals at reasonable pricing.
The chefs at Four Seas are committed to creating meals that are not just satisfying but also delightful, thanks to the outstanding customer service. Dine-in and takeout options are available in this restaurant.
Four Seas’ vast menu contains delicious dishes like lo mein, sesame chicken, pork fried rice wonton soup, egg rolls, kung pao chicken, and Cantonese rice noodles.
Vegetarian alternatives abound on the Four Seas menu and are likely to satisfy any craving. The cucumber salad, vegan spring rolls, and crispy tofu balls are standout appetizers.
They operate Tuesdays through Sundays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Address: 322 Main Ave S, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-237-8888.
10. Pizza Hut
One of the most well-known pizza restaurants in the United States, Pizza Hut is another one on our list of top restaurants in Park Rapids, MN. It was established in 1958 and built on a history of defying norms and exceeding expectations.
The employees maintain the company’s founding principle of upholding pizza night in all they do.
This pizzeria proudly provides for customers using time-tested customer service practices as it looks back on over six decades of operation.
Pizza Hut provides both delivery and takeout options. Orders must be made either online or over the phone, and delivery is available for a cost. There is no need to make a reservation for carryout during business hours.
This restaurant never relents in its mission to consistently and quickly offer hot pizzas and other yummy delicacies like cheesy garlic breadsticks, pie, pepperoni, and chocolate chip cookies and tacos.
Operating hours are 10:30 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays and 10:30 am to 10:00 pm on weekends.
Address: 109 1st St, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-732-0247.
11. 3rd Street Market
3rd Street Market was established in 1986, and since then, the residents of the Park Rapids region have had access to various healthy foods and supplements.
Patrons are welcome to explore the wide selection of chemical-free and organic items, nutraceuticals, supplements, and numerous other items in a welcoming and distinctive environment.
Their services include in-store shopping, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and vegan and vegetarian options.
3rd Street Market is eager to serve you, whether you are a seasoned patron or a newcomer. You can kick back and indulge in salads, freshly baked treats and pastries, handmade soups, and wraps.
Drop by 3rd Street Market Mondays to Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Lunch is served daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Address: 120 3rd St W, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-732-9063.
12. A&W Restaurant
Since 1919, A&W Restaurants have offered hand-breaded chicken tenders, specialty burgers, and root beer floats.
The idea for A&W Restaurant was born in a parade to celebrate returning World War veterans in Lodi, California, where Roy Allen, the establishment’s owner, distributed his first homemade soda.
There are a few different ways you can enjoy A&W’s meals, depending on your preferences. You have the option of eating indoors, ordering food to go, or even having it delivered straight to your door.
A&W’s signature item is its root beer, which is made with a blend of herbs, spices, and bark. Roy W. Allen created the recipe for A&W root beer in 1919, and it is served and available in both draft and bottled form.
This restaurant also offers a range of menu items like onion rings, chili cheese fries, chicken tenders, cheese curds, dipping sauces, chicken sliders, hot dogs, cone dog nuggets, and bacon cheeseburgers. All these stamp their place as one of the best Park Rapids restaurants.
Visit A&W from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
Address: 1004 Park Ave S, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-732-3551.
13. A Better Place
After a long day, A Better Place is a fantastic location to stop for a cold beverage. This pub is one of the best in the city because it provides everything you could need in a drinking setting.
They offer a private, gated patio in the back where you may unwind and play volleyball, horseshoes, or beanbags. Additionally, they have live music performances throughout the entire year and hire a DJ every weekend.
Along with 16 beer taps and 50 cent pool on diamond pool tales, they also offer fair cocktails at reasonable prices and online and local darts.
Visit A Better Place Mondays through Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Address: 212 3rd St W, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-732-9476.
14. Revel Brewing
The owners of Revel Brewing, Dylon & Katie Deschene, have been brewing beer for over a decade. It all began with a straightforward home brewing kit and a 5-gallon steel pot, but things rapidly got out of hand and grew to a 10-gallon, all-grain pilot brewing system.
Revel Brewing is always eager to collaborate with regional farmers and other service providers, fostering and enhancing the neighborhood by acquiring supplies and ingredients.
Their goal is to construct a firm cornerstone in the community, foster an environment of fun and artistic collaboration, and facilitate donations to deserving causes.
The menu here features sourdough pizza, veggie delight, hummus, and spicy beer cheese dip.
As one of the top Park Rapids restaurants, their operating hours are 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm on weekends and Sundays to Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. They are closed on Sundays.
Address: 201 Main Ave S, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone: +1 218-366-2229.
15. Espresso 34
Espresso 34 wraps up our list of best restaurants in Park Rapids, MN, and is dedicated to providing each customer with an excellent beverage made by the Midwest’s top-trained baristas promptly.
“The Smoothest Coffee in the World!” is their roaster’s tagline for a reason, and it’s because they only utilize the best Seattle-style gourmet coffee beans on the market.
The double drive-thru-only service offers a full range of beverages, including rich lattes and mochas, three types of brewed coffee, delectable smoothies made entirely of natural fruit, a fantastic assortment of pastries and snacks, and a full kids’ menu.
You can drop by Espresso 34 on Mondays to Wednesdays and weekends from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm, Thursdays from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm, and Sundays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Address: 1310 1st St E #1842, Park Rapids, MN 56470, United States. Phone:+1 218-237-8500.
Want more places to eat in Minnesota? Check out our guide on restaurants in Willmar, restaurants in Nisswa, and restaurants in Two Harbor for an amazing meal time.
Plan a Trip to Park Rapids
Everyone has a specific city they’ve always wanted to visit and explore. It is interesting to know that eating and drinking local cuisine can illuminate a city’s culture.
A visit to Park Rapids guarantees a sensory-satisfying experience complemented by history, heritage, climate, and terrain. Plan a trip today!