Being a mall of magazines includes a great deal of responsibility, but Gildshire Magazines takes those responsibilities very seriously. We have to be politically aware, and lifestyle cognizant, but remaining fashionably adept. Fitness and health are Job One, but you know that business, science, and technology are essential. Add to those, we love cars and motorcycles, but family matters! It’s no wonder we’re hungry at the end of the day because we’re worn out from being responsible! Luckily, the country is full of restaurants to satisfy our cravings. Nowhere is that truer than in the heartland of the country. Today, we look at the Top Five restaurant gems found in the Midwest. The prices were good at press time, but are subject to change.
5. Representing Kansas: Gella’s Diner and Lb. Brewing Co. On the windy plains of Hays, Kansas we find a pride and joy of the restaurant scene. Windy imagery is appropriate here because Gella’s Diner and Lb. Brewing Co blew us away. Upon entering, we immediately know we’re at a working brewery. The industrial setting and the beer tanks tell us that right now. Favorite menu items include grilled pesto chicken breast ($14.95), Gella’s ground steak burger ($10.95), and the brewben ($10.95). Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m, but they’re open until midnight Friday and Saturday.
4. Representing North Dakota: Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill. Nothing calls for a great dinner in front of a roaring fire like a winter night in Fargo. Doolittle’s fire and food are renowned across the plains, actually drawing fans from two states and a Canadian province. With that kind of regional reach, this was an easy choice for Top Five restaurant gem in the Midwest. Favorite items include parmesan crusted walleye, pan-seared scallops, and steelhead trout with lemon and herbs (all $21.95). Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
3. Representing South Dakota: Black Hills Burger and Bun. The Black Hills of South Dakota has been a favorite of Gildshire Magazines since we first saw them rising from the plains. Nestled up against the Black Hills find this great restaurant in the tiny town of Custer! Black Hills Burger and Bun prepares food good enough to bring the Presidents down from Rushmore, and favorite dishes include the hot granny burger ($9.25), western buffalo burger ($12.50), and fried pickles ($6.50.) Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. AND 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m, and Saturday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m, but closed Sunday.
2. Representing Indiana: Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery. The area around Shipshewana, Indiana is known for the agrarian and homespun Amish culture. The followers of that lifestyle remember how to do food the way it should be done…because they do it that way every day. One hardly believes this place should have a website, however, folks looking online for great food will be glad they do. Favorites include meatloaf shepherd’s pie, country roast beef, and fried chicken. Patrons can choose from a buffet or family style seating with a traditional menu. Prices for all three range from $10-$14. DON’T skip dessert. Family style/menu dining open Open for family style seating Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday 7 a.m.-9 p.m. The breakfast buffet is available Saturdays from 7 a.m.-10:30 a.m. The lunch and dinner buffet is available Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m but closed Sundays.
The top of the Top Five restaurant list for the Midwest.
1. Representing Minnesota: Duluth Grill. We believe there must be an inspiring something in cold weather because three of our Top Five restaurants are located in the chill of the north. (Not that Indiana and Kansas are Miami.) The Duluth Grill springs to mind, whenever someone from the region is asked: “What’s good,” and is, therefore our winner. Favorite items include, but are not limited to the BLT ($11.50), Cobb salad ($15), and the Reuben ($14.75). That said, it seems a shame to stop with three items, when raves descend on this place for so many things. Therefore, here is our recommendation. Move to Duluth, and work your way down the menu. Open daily, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
That’s it for our list, but don’t imagine that’s it for good food in this part of the country. Any of about 20 restaurants could have made the cut, but these are our choices for the very best. Try them, and we’ll be here to accept your thanks.
