Waconia has an interesting history; founded in 1858, the city was originally a stop-over for travelers. The railroad came through in 1886, and now Waconia is home to approximately 12,000 people as of 2020.
Tourists are attracted to Waconia’s Lake Waconia, which is famous for its natural recreational provisions and fishing in Minnesota. So it’s easy to see why this small town has become an increasingly popular destination for its museums and natural wonders.
The Waconia Historical Society Museum showcases local history dating back to the 1800s. The museum’s permanent collection includes a collection of Minnesota writer F. Scott Fitzgerald’s personal effects, photographs, and typewriters. In addition, the Waconia Art Guild Gallery features changing exhibits of local artists’ works.
There are parks from which tourists can take advantage of the scenic views from Waconia’s position on Lake Waconia. Furthermore, the parks are serene and well-suited for families’ outdoor day-out activities.
There are cool places in Waconia where you might want to stop for a meal. They include steakhouses and restaurants, some of which have become favorites of visitors and locals looking for delicious food and a family-friendly environment, all at affordable prices.
Are you planning a trip to Waconia? here are the best restaurants in Waconia, MN.
Best Restaurants in Waconia
1. Lola’s Lakehouse
Lola’s Lakehouse is one of Waconia’s finest eateries. It offers uncommon lakeside dining. Nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Waconia, Lola’s Lakehouse is the perfect spot for a romantic night out or a casual family dinner.
The menu features a wide variety of seafood, steak, and poultry dishes and a selection of veggie options.
The wine list is expansive and features both local and international options. And the desserts are to die for.
Lola’s Lakehouse will impress you if you’re in the mood for a quiet dinner for two or a night out with friends.
They offer dine-in and curbside pickup.
They operate from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Sundays to Thursdays and 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 318 E Lake St, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-442-4954
2. Iron Tap
Iron Tap is one of Waconia’s daintiest restaurants. Its beautiful rooftop and patio seating arrangements offer a delightful view. A highlight of the menu is the wine cart showcasing various wine samples. In addition, the menu features burgers, sandwiches, and entrees, plus something for everyone on the kid’s menu.
Waconia’s Iron Tap Restaurant serves appetizers and entrée, such as turkey burgers served with cranberry-apple jam, arugula, and brie.
Iron Tap’s famous Big Tom sandwich, made of smoked barbeque brisket, Gouda cheese, bacon, and a butter-toasted bun topped with cheese curds, is a must-try!
Breakfast fare is available as well. Some items on the breakfast menu are chicken cavatappi made of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, cavatappi noodles, and roasted garlic cream sauce.
They also serve brisket-loaded sweet potatoes made of smoked brisket, roasted poblano, sautéed spinach, cotija, and kale. They serve their meals fresh daily. How would you like to eat like a king and pay like a pauper?
Iron Tap Restaurant offers various services, such as catering, carryout, wine and appetizer tastings, etc.
Other items on the Iron Tap menu are a smoked meat platter, walleye fry, adult mac and cheese, spaghetti squash, chicken Caesar, back BBQ, and lots of seafood.
Iron Tap is also known for serving the best Mexican specialties, such as enchiladas, burritos, tortas, sopes, and tamales, among others.
Iron Tap is a family-oriented restaurant that ensures the enjoyment and nourishment of its ever-returning customers. It is known for serving boundary-pushing dishes that don’t break the bank.
They offer dine-in and takeaway services.
They’re open for business from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Tuesdays to Thursdays, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am – 8:00 pm on Sundays. They’re closed on Mondays.
Address: 140 W Main St, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-442-4447
3. Hopper’s Bar & Grill
Hopper’s Bar & Grill is a gourmet restaurant in Waconia, MN that has been serving the public in unique ways. The family-friendly bistro continues to provide a cozy atmosphere for tourist diners and locals by offering luscious food and fun services.
Their extensive menu has something to offer for all tastes. Moreover, their offers pack a punch. For instance, you can get a free lunch by buying 12 lunches. Better still, you can do the same on Wednesdays and get two lunches instead of one.
Hopper’s Bar & Grill has many mouth-watering items on its menu, such as chicken bacon ranch wrap, which is made of diced chicken breast, tomatoes, lettuce, and ranch-dressed shredded cheese wrapped in tomato basil.
There’s also the irresistible buffalo chicken wrap, made of diced chicken breast, blue cheese dressing, tomatoes, lettuce, and tomato basil wrap with Franks hot sauce.
The list of goodies on their menu continues with nachos, grilled cheese, salads, shwack wrap, pepperoni, grilled chicken sandwich, crispy chicken sandwich, French fries, tater tots, buffalo chicken sandwich, hickory chicken sandwich, onion rings, mini corn dogs, a variety of pasta dishes, and entrees.
They feature daily specials, such as chicken chow mien, roast beef and Swiss, Salisbury steak, prime rib sandwich, cajun pasta, club sandwich tacos, chili dogs, Swedish meatballs, and so on. Every day is assigned one of their delightful specials.
They’re up for dine-in and takeaway services.
They operate from 10:00 am – 1:00 am on Sundays to Wednesdays and 10:00 am – 2:00 am on Thursdays to Saturdays.
Address: 119 S Olive St, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-442-1149
4. D’Vinci’s Restaurant
D’Vinci’s Restaurant is as classy in its culinary skills as it is in its name. It offers an exquisite dining experience that leaves a lasting impression on its diners. So if you’re up for some taste-bud adventure, don’t pass up the chance to eat at this top-notch restaurant.
They have a list of appetite-inciting edibles on their menu, such as cheesy garlic bread served with a good measure of mozzarella and meat sauce, blue-cheese-dressed buffalo wings, sandwiches served with chips, meatball sandwiches, and so on.
Another good thing on their menu is their prime rib and pasta, but if this and the above list of tasty foods don’t tempt your taste buds, then their desserts should.
It’s a place well-spoken by locals and tourists because of the fare. The owners have worked hard to make sure that their customers are delighted with their culinary services and that their establishment is of a quality that matches its reputation.
The restaurant offers dine-in, delivery, and curbside pickup, making it one of the best Waconia restaurants.
They’re open for business from 11:00 am – 9:30 pm Sundays to Thursdays and 11:00 am – 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 540 S Elm St, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-442-2171
5. Garage Bar & Bowl
Garage Bar & Bowl in Waconia, Minnesota, is an excellent example of how a family-owned and managed restaurant should cater to the needs of their community by catering to the needs of the families that are the building blocks of the community.
Garage Bar & Bowl didn’t become a reality overnight. Instead, it’s the solid product of years of professional planning, hard work, experience in the culinary business sphere, and passion-driven determination.
Dan and Amy Madsen started an exhaustive refurbishing project to remodel the piece of real estate that has now become one of the best places to eat in Waconia, MN, and have fun with family and friends.
The Madsens did a great job of complementing their 100-plus-year-old acquired piece of property by creating the appropriate atmosphere that didn’t detract from the historical legacy of the place while upgrading it to suit the modern requirements of a state-of-the-art generation.
Its founders officially launched Garage Bar & Bowl in August 2018. And now you have a chance to relish the sheer awesomeness resulting from careful planning, creativity, and determination. Taste a blend of classic history and the glamorously modern skillfully woven at Garage Bar & Bowl.
They are voted the best sports bar and bowling alley for good reasons. You can have fun with your company of raving sports fans by grabbing a Garage Pizza while you feast your eyes on the game on a big screen or high-definition projector.
Garage Bar & Bowl supports the Waconia community by donating and offering sponsorships. They even sponsor youth sports, adult leagues, and home-based nonprofits.
The atmosphere they’ve created is suitable for various events, including birthday celebrations, work parties, brunch with friends on a day out, and so on.
They also offer dine-in and takeaway services.
Their opening hours are from 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm Mondays to Thursdays, 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm on Fridays, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm on Saturdays, and 11:00 – 10:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 16 W 1st St, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-442-9999
6. Egg-Cetera Cafe
Egg-Cetera Cafe packs a punch when it comes to breakfast in Waconia. Owners Brian and Cheryl Vargo offer numerous breakfast and lunch options, with a menu that changes with the seasons.
The Egg-Cetera Cafe is known for its hearty breakfasts. It’s one of the best places to go when looking for baked goods in Waconia, Minnesota.
In March 2014, the Vargo family opened the restaurant after buying the piece of property that’s now the venue of great cooking and service.
Their bread is always fresh, often going through a light baking process with real butter to produce soft, slightly sweet bread.
They’ve got great stuff on their menu, such as the homemade focaccia, which is simply luscious. People who live in Waconia consistently get good food from Egg-Cetera Cafe. The sandwiches are excellent, just like the focaccia. Their prices are also reasonable.
They offer dine-in and curbside pickup services.
Their opening hours are from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm every day, except on Tuesday when they’re closed.
Address: 241 E Frontage Rd, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-442-5441
7. Pangea Cafe
Pangea Cafe is one of the best places to eat in Waconia, MN, because it has excellent food and a good atmosphere. It has a lot of items on the menu that go with your meal in good measure. Its prices are also reasonable, and locals and tourists laud it.
The service is always friendly. Listening to good music and having great food are the two things that draw a lot of locals and tourists to Pangea Cafe. It also has a good location that is easily accessed.
Pangea Café is suitable for bringing family or friends when visiting Waconia. The service is top-notch, your meals are custom-made to order, and you will never empty the dishwasher. It is a family favorite. Even the most demanding gourmets have their needs adequately catered to.
They offer takeaway and dine-in services.
They’re open for business daily from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm (Sundays to Saturdays).
Address: 37 W 1st St, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-300-8604
8. Bakery on Main
Bakery on Main is an amazing restaurant that is recognized among the top restaurants in Waconia, MN. Whether you stop in for lunch or dinner, they offer a wide array of tasty edibles.
Bakery on Main is the brainchild of co-founder Greg James, who hoped to return the concept of a small-town bakery to Waconia. It is situated in a cozy spot and meets the ideal small-town bakery standard.
Bakery on Main is more or less an extension of Iron Tap, earlier reviewed. They share the exact location and are owned and managed by the same people, Greg and Bria James.
They pride themselves on their unique atmosphere, tasty java, various luscious treats, breakfast specials, and their happy-to-serve staff team.
They have a wide variety of menu items and a massive selection of coffee, tea, and desserts. Their croissants and pastries are a favorite in the Waconia vicinity, and they’re so innovative they always have something new in the bakery case.
Bakery on Main is perfect for a day-out event to spend time with family and friends. You can choose from various handcrafted delicacies, from a delicious apple pie a la mode to a delicious cream puff, fresh and warm bread, and pastries.
Bakery on Main doesn’t offer anything less than a delicious experience no matter who’s visiting from anywhere and wants to be served.
Bakery on Main is suitable for thanksgiving celebrations, birthday parties, coworker-dine-out meetings, etc.
Bakery on Main has something for every generation to enjoy despite the differences in dining traditions and preferences.
For breakfast, they serve BOM biscuit-topped egg sandwiches, huevos rancheros, BOM biscuits and gravy, kid’s cheesy egg roll-up, spicy colonel, and so on. They can serve you any of those with a choice of bacon or sausage, cheese, white cheddar, or pepper jack.
They offer a wide assortment of oven-fresh pastries to sweeten their customers’ day daily. Their pastries include croissants, caramel and cinnamon rolls, muffins, danishes, scones, Krispies, cookies, mocha bars, turnovers, cupcakes, etc.
They’re up for curbside pickup and dine-in services.
Their opening hours are from 6:00 am – 12:00 pm on Tuesdays to Fridays and 7:00 am – 12:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. They’re closed on Mondays.
Address: 136 W Main St, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-529-0919.
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9. El Loro
El Loro is an authentic family-owned Mexican restaurant that specializes in crafting traditional Mexican cuisine. The folks at El Loro will please you with their chimichangas and ice-cold Cerveza.
Here, you’ll find authentic Mexican food and a heartwarming atmosphere. The decor includes classic, relaxing features. Stop by to enjoy a special El Loro edible with family and friends.
Their menu features classic Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, queso fundido, and margaritas.
Their chefs are certified, so you know you’re getting quality food. In addition, their award-winning Mexican-inspired fare will satisfy guests of all ages. It’s a fun family experience, and their mission is to cater to all guests adequately.
Your family and friends will love El Loro because of the music, food, and people. In addition, El Loro provides for special occasions, such as birthday parties for children, family dinners, group meetings, and private parties. Just check out their menu. You’ll be amazed at the variety and seasonal themes.
They do dine-in, delivery, reservations, and takeaway services.
They’re open for business from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm daily.
Address: 520 Cherry Dr, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-442-2349
10. Culver’s
Culver’s has got you and your loved ones covered for all the important occasions that make up the most fondly remembered moments of your life. They prepare their food items fresh every day, and their deli is one of the best around town, featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos, and more.
Get the perfect meal at their outlet at an affordable price. They make cuisines, such as Philly Cheese Steak, Turkey Club, and vegetable soup, and each of their sandwiches comes standard with piping hot fries.
Their environment is relaxing and homelike, and the employees know how to make you feel right at home.
Their chicken fingers and fries are large enough to share, and they load their burger with toppings.
The sandwiches, made with nutritious ingredients, are available and fresh daily. They also have a selection of sides, including nacho chips.
Their service team is on point and always attentive to customers’ needs. The dessert cheesecake is delicious, with creamy swirled brown sugar. The Sonoran is deep and loaded with grilled chicken. The restaurant is always clean, and the people are charming.
They offer dine-in and drive-through services.
They’re open from 10:00 am – 11:00 pm daily.
Address: 10710 W 10th St, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-442-4471
11. QDOBA Mexican Eats
QDOBA Mexican Eats caters to your needs and delivers the best quality food you could wish for. New menu items are always introduced, so it never gets boring!
They are specialists in the preparation of Mexican cuisine. They make and serve their happy customers with high-quality Mexican cuisine, made fresh. They always do it right!
Experienced chefs who know their customer’s needs prepare the food. You will enjoy the tacos and burrito bowls, which are bursting with flavor.
Waconia’s QDOBA Mexican Eats is home to one-of-a-kind appetizers and entrees! Your taste buds know what they’re getting with their signature recipes and custom combos.
Their Mexican food is a specialty and is prepared with top-quality, fresh ingredients. Therefore, at QDOBA Mexican Eats, you can nestle in a seat and kick back to relish your fresh-made meals.
You can order from different meat options, add a choice of cheese, and pick your toppings for tacos, burritos, and bowls.
When you’re ready to go to QDOBA Mexican Eats, take all the family with you, or they’ll strangle you when they find out you had all that fun without them.
They offer dine-in and takeaway services.
Their opening hours are from 7:00 am – 9:30 pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays, 7:00 am – 10 pm on Fridays, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm on Saturdays, 8:00 am – 9:30 pm on Sundays.
Address: 555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004. Phone: +1 202-347-8477
12. Unhinged! Pizz
At Unhinged! Pizza, you can delightfully feast on dainty slices of pizza perfection. They bring a little nerdy, hidden, and wild-eyed creativity to the pizza game.
They take another approach to the art of pizza creation, making it customizable and re-crafted for more taste-bud fun. Unhinged! Pizza will make you want to scream, “Feed me!”
The menu at Unhinged! Pizza is vast. They also have a rich collection of drinks to go with their pizzas. All put together, and their pizza menu is perfect.
The unhinged concept at Unhinged! Pizza is for everyone. You can place a custom order if you have specifics in mind. Everyone is intrigued by Unhinged! Pizza.
They provide rooms for group parties, offer takeaway services, honor online orders, and do curbside pickup.
Their opening hours are from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Sundays to Wednesdays, 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Thursdays, 3:00 pm – 9:30 pm on Fridays, and 11:00 am – 10:00 pm on Saturdays.
Address: 801 Marketplace Dr, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-442-2030
13. McDonald’s
Household, fast food trademark, McDonald’s, has a standard unit in Waconia. McDonald’s is always seeking to improve on the already excellent. They’re increasing the alternatives to their customer’s needs in a balanced way for optimal customer satisfaction.
Their burgers, made of a quarter pound of fresh beef, which they prepare when you order, are always classically McDonald’s. Burgers can’t get any fresher, and you can’t beat McDonald’s.
The fast food giant cares about its customers and is always tweaking to suit even the most nitpicky gourmets.
They’re up for dine-in, drive-through, and delivery services.
McDonald’s is one of the top Waconia restaurants and is open 5:00 am – 11:00 pm every day.
Address: 910 Strong Dr, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-442-1901.
14. Soulful Smoothies
Soulful Smoothies is one of the best restaurants in Waconia, MN, and is likely the eatery that cares the most about your health and overall physical well-being.
This restaurant, which was founded by a health worker, and a registered nurse, doesn’t only serve you tasty meals but also serves you meals that will immune you to terminal diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dreaded illnesses like them.
You can relish your smoothies made from organically-grown plant sources, have your garden-fresh salads, munch on your wraps and snacks, and never have to worry about all the carcinogens and hormones that encourage free radical activity, which result in terminal diseases or premature aging.
Soulful Smoothies doesn’t only care about your taste buds but goes beyond to delight your taste buds and keep you fit, healthy, happy, alive, and beautiful with glowing skin. They care for your mind, soul, and body.
They’re up for dine-in and takeaway services.
They’re open for business from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm on Mondays to Fridays and 8:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturdays. They’re closed on Sundays.
Address: 44 W 1st St, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 952-442-3840.
15. Taco Bell
Taco Bell was named after Glen Bell and Glen’s handcrafted tacos. Taco Bell had made and served high-quality tacos since 1962 in California, long before they established their Waconia unit. So they have a wealth of taco-crafting experience under their belt and are second to none in their own right.
Taco Bell has duly earned the respect of even its competitors in the business of creatively and skillfully providing delicious, nourishing, affordable Mexican cuisine.
People of all demographics who love classic Mexican delicacies gravitate to Taco Bell. They’re the first QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) to offer their customers American Vegetarian Association-certified items on their menu.
They’re also the first QSR in the U.S. to provide a mobile service to effectively interact with their customers and make the order-delivery process seamless and satisfactory for their customers.
Through their nonprofit organization, the Taco Bell Foundation, they provide community support in various forms.
They also give access to new music, sports, and gaming through their feed, “The Beat” program. It goes without saying without further emphasis that Taco Bell exists to add color and value to your life. So head to Taco Bell, treat yourself to some fun, unwind, and feel alive! You deserve it after working so hard.
They offer dine-in and drive-through services.
They’re open for business from 6:00 am – 12:00 am on Sundays to Thursdays and 6:00 am – 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 640 Marketplace Dr, Waconia, MN 55387. Phone: +1 763-340-2110
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Plan a Trip to Waconia
Waconia is a beautiful vacation destination with lots of amazing attractions, including restaurants.
Now, you have all the information you need to find the best Waconia restaurants. As you can already tell by reading this article, Waconia has many fun places to visit and many mouth-watering, healthy dishes to feast on. Start planning a trip to Waconia today!