Quick! In need of recos for last minute road trip from Chicago to MN

[ShikaSfrn]

Hey all,

I just found out I'm going on a last minute road trip from Highland Park, IL (suburb about 30 minutes north of Chicago) to Center City, Minneapolis. I thought it would be a great idea to stop along the way at any awesome little spots... We're not big fans of deep fried and hamburgers, and don't eat pork, but anything else goes! Any recommendations along the way for some small town cute places (or big town, if there's something amazing, haha)?

Thanks a lot!
Talia

[pgokey]

Once you get to MN, you might want to stop at Bayport Cookery for a nice dinner - if you are getting to Center City via Stillwater.

Check on their menu:

http://www.bayportcookery.com/

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Bayport BBQ
328 5th Ave N, Bayport, MN 55003

[ShikaSfrn]

Thanks guys! All helpful... we're leaving at about 5/6 AM, so unfortunately lunch is out of the question for The Cheese Factory, which I'm very dissapointed about. Breakfast is a possibility, but we're usually up for lighter breakfasts, such as great scones with coffee. Any places like that around 2/3 hours into the drive?

[Jordan]

From Highland Park, 2-3 hours will put you in Madison. I'm not familiar with the town, but I'm sure they have great coffee shops and the like.

[DetectDave]

Here ya go for b'fast...recommended in Roadfood.com
Pine Cone Restaurant
6162 US Hwy 51
De Forest, Wisconsin 53532-2958
6162 US Hwy 51, De Forest, WI 53532-2958
Tel: [phone]
Map this restaurant: Expedia.com

Also the Roman Castle in Mauston, Wi (Exit 69 turn left at bottom of ramp...1/2 mile on left) Great b'fast and lunch...try the b'fast burrito. It's grilled and huge. Great fried eggplant too.

[AnneInMpls]

It's not "small town," but Wisconsin Dells, believe it or not, has some good places to eat. My two finds from a recent trip are technically in Lake Delton - take exit #92 from I-94 and go towards Lake Delton (Hwy 12?) for a mile or so.

The Cheese Factory - Perky, family-friendly, all-vegetarian restaurant. Look for the bright-blue house on the right.

David's Jamaican Cuisine - Small, family-run, non-touristy place that's a branch of a Madison staple. Keep going on Hwy 12 and turn right at Hwy 23 (downtown Lake Delton) - it's just past the gas station on the right.

More info in my post here:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/41394...

Anne

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David's Jamaican Cuisine
126 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

Cheese Factory Restaurant
521 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

[Jordan]

I concur with the Cheese Factory recommendation. Essen Haus in the Dells does a good German dinner. Also, the German Haus a little further north.

In Osseo, Norske Nook has fabulous pies. The food is mediocre.