:: Unofficial Waconia Minnesota ::

It seem that more than a few business in Waconia are having trouble staying open. Beef O Bradys, Quiznos and the Marathon gas station have all closed!

I first noticed this as we went to Beef O Bradys for dinner. On the door was a sign that said closed. It also said something about coming back with new ownership but not sure if it’ll be the same or a new restaurant.

Quiznos seemed quiet too and we noticed a sign on their door that said closed. For how long though is unknown. Maybe it’s not permanent?

Then today I noticed that the Marathon/Oasis Market gas station was also closed!

That’s three bigger business in a short period of time. Lets hope it’s not a trend.

When you stop to think about it, Waconia actually does have quite a few places to eat.  Now, you can add another to the list; Whole Hog Heaven BBQ.

The ribs and more restaurant opened across from Kwik Trip a few months ago.  It has limited indoor seating but makes everything available for carryout too.

We finally tried it out the other night and the service was fast, food was excellent and restaurant was quite nice.

If you’d like to check out their menu, it’s all online at:
http://www.wholehogheaven.com/menu.htm

Have you been?  What did you think?  Two thumbs up here!

Call ahead: 952-442-TO GO (952-442-8646)
Visit: 712 Vista Blvd Across from Kwik Trip
On the Web: http://www.wholehogheaven.com/

Thanks to JP, I found out that Nancy’s Landing closed. It was the fanciest place in town that I knew of and was a shock to me when I heard.

Their last day was September 29 and the new owners are already working on getting the Lobster Shack up and running. The new-england style restaurant will be an interesting addition to Waconia. I’m not a big seafood fan, but I’m already very intrigued with the idea of the Lobster Shack.

If you know more details, please do share.

Out on highway 5, on the east side of town, they recently put in a strip mall with only one store; a liquor store. However, the ideas of what else to put in that area are swarming.

It’s been confirmed that a Kline Bank is coming in but I’ve also heard the rumors of Perkins and a KFC. Possibly an IHOP too?

Waconia could use a few new restaurants. Between Pizza and Subs, we don’t really have a lot of variety. However, the addition of more stores/resturants out there kind of makes me sad.

D’Vincis has always intrigued us but we never took the time to try it. So on Sunday I stopped in and got some great food to go.

We ordered pasta and it was very good. It also came with soup and garlic bread and we had plenty of leftovers. Other choices include pizza, fettuccine, ravioli, spaghetti, burgers and more. They didn’t have any take home menus available so I think that about covers it.

You can do eat in, take out or get delivery. They even have a buffet and I think a Sunday brunch. I can’t believe we didn’t check it out sooner. Our first impression is that this is one great restaurant.

Davinci’s Italian Restaurant
540 S Elm St
Waconia, MN 55387
(952) 442-2171

I haven’t checked out all the bars in town because I stopped after Hoppers. It’s located next to the movie theater and it has some great burgers.

We were told by a friend to check them out and we are so glad we did. The burgers are big and delicious. You can even call ahead and get them to go. We often order them to go and then enjoy them while watching TV.

Granted you can also stay and have some drinks. It is a bar of course.

They have other menu items too like fries, onion rings, chicken, walleye, cream cheese wantons and so much more. I’m hungry just thinking about it.

The atmosphere has always been nice and the service very friendly. Check them out, if even just for burgers.

Hoppers Bar & Grill
119 S Olive St
Waconia, MN 55387
(952) 442-1149

Pne of the things that first drew my wife and I to Waconia was the Pizza Ranch.

She first got hooked on it in Decorah Iowa. She went to Luther College and so between Pizza Ranch and Mabes, it seems like that’s all they ate. As I visited friends at Luther, I was also introduced to the Pizza Ranch. At that time they had 3D pizzas and those were awesome. Pizza, breadsticks and desert pizza all in one. Mmmm

After living in the cities for a few years we thought about the Pizza Ranch but Decorah was a bit of a drive. We looked it up on the net and found one in Waconia, wherever that was. We got adventurous one day and found Waconia and the Pizza Ranch.

Now that we live here, we still visit often. The 3D pizza seems to have disappeared but the buffet is great. One price for all you can eat pizza, chicken, onion peals, salad, desert pizza and so much more. Even if you don’t feel like going out, the Pizza Ranch delivers to your front door.

I’d have to say it’s the best place to eat in town and one I’d recommend to anyone. From kids to adults, you’ll find great food at the Pizza Ranch.

. o O ( Just blogging about it makes me hungry. )

The Pizza Ranch is located at:
224 WEST 1ST ST.
Waconia, Minnesota 55387
Phone: 952-442-3321

Over the weekend we went out to Nancy’s Landing. We’ve heard mixed reviews about the restaurant and have mixed opinions.

Nancy’s Landing is located on Lake Waconia and the view is excellent. With the water every way you look, it’s a great environment to have a meal.

We had made reservations, so our table was ready and waiting when we got there. However, looking around, it wasn’t full. Could have been the time of the day, or the weather, but I expected it to be packed.

We went for Sunday brunch and every Sunday is a different theme. Our theme happened to be ‘South of the Border’ or something like that. So the food included more of a mexican flair. Not being big fans of that kind of food, it made out visit not quite what we were hoping for.

There was quite a bit of food though, from fruits and vegetables to made-to-order omelets and waffles, eggs, bacon, burritos, fish and quite the desert table. There was definitely something for everyone, but yet, not that many choices. It looked beautiful and looked like a lot of food, but I think that since the theme was not our taste pallet, it left us not quite satisfied.

When the check came, it was about $20 per person. Again, with the right theme, it might have been worth it, but this time it just seemed to be a bit much.

I think that if you call ahead and find out the theme before making reservations, you’ll be better off. The restaurant looks great, the view is amazing and the food has the ability to just as good.

Nancy’s Landing
318 Lake St E
Waconia, Minnesota
(952) 442-4954

Last weekend, my wife and I checked out Beef O Brady’s Family Sports Pub. We had tried to visit twice in the past but the wait was over 30 minutes. However, the day we went, we walked right in.

Beef O Brady’s is a good addition to Waconia. There really isn’t a family restaurant except for the Pizza Ranch. Beef O Brady’s has the sports bar atmosphere with TVs everywhere and Minnesota sports jerseys on the walls, but is also kid friendly as they eat free on Tuesdays and hand out crayons.

Their menu is quite good with lots of choices of burgers and fries. It reminds me of AppleBee’s or Fridays type of restaurant and the prices are reasonable too.

My wife had the soup and salad and wasn’t impressed as the salad didn’t seem fresh and the soup was lacking something. I had the cheeseburger wrap and it was great. I keep thinking about it and wanting another one. Mmmm so good.

The service was ok. I think our waiter hasn’t been one for long and he was lacking in the friendless and attentiveness department, but he wasn’t horrible by any means.

Beef O Brady’s is someplace we’ll definitely check out again. Granted they are new and things are still getting worked out but I would recommend it to anyone. They even have take out so you can order your food to go.

Beef O Brady’s restaurant is located by Mackenthun’s Country Market grocery store at 813 Marketplace Drive. Phone: (952) 442-8767

The other night we checked out The Green Room at 140 west main street, Waconia MN.

The Green Room is an organic restaurant and they say they are casual fine dining & wine bar. They cook with local and organic ingredients when possible.

As we walked into the restaurant it was very nice looking. I thought the appearance was great. The staff was very friendly too. However, the menu is a little different and a little expensive.

Personally, for a guy who likes a burger and fries, this isn’t the type of restaurant for me. I also don’t see a lot of locals thinking that this is a place to go to more than once or twice. However, I could be wrong.

If you’re up for something a little different, give it a go. If you are afraid to try something different, steer clear.

All in all I give it a B. Personally I didn’t like it, but for those who do like organic, or want something different, they’ll probably enjoy it.

The Green Room Hours: (as of 5/6)
Lunch
Monday thru Saturday 11am - 3pm
Dinner
Monday thru Thursday 5am - 9pm
Friday and Saturday 11am - 10pm

Dinner Menu Entrees:
seared salmon filet $17
new potatoes, cucumber-dill salad,
orange vinaigrette, crème fraiche

rosemary-garlic roasted leg of lamb $16
english pea risotto, mint salsa, herbed jus

grill finished braised beef $15
tomatoes, black olives, buttered noodles

hash with organic poached egg $11
romesco potatoes, asparagus, feta cheese

linguini pasta $10
sautee of spring peas, spinach, red pepper coulis

oven roasted chicken breast $ 15
belgian endive, currants, capers, purple potatoes

chef tasting, three course $35

bleu cheeseburger $8.5
carmelized onions and roasted potatoes

vegetable sandwich $8
grilled onion, asparagus, peppers, mozzarella, walnut
pesto

Lunch
specialty sandwiches
served with potato salad and cole slaw or simple greens

pulled pork sandwich $6.50
carolina bbq sauce, on a sesame seed bun

blt $6.50
applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, aioli, on
whole wheat toast

club $7.00
roast turkey, applewood smoked bacon, tomato, aioli, on
grilled ciabatta

angus burger $7.50
cooked to order with gruyere or vermont cheddar

open faced vegetable sandwich $7.25
grilled onion, peppers, asparagus, mozzarella, walnut
pesto

chicken salad $7.00
basil, sun-dried tomato, mozzarella, on baguette
entrees

grill finished braised beef $10.00
tomatoes, black olives, buttered noodles

linguini pasta $9.00
sautee of spring peas, spinach, red pepper coulis

seared salmon filet $12.00
new potatoes, cucumber-dill salad, orange vinaigrette,
savory crème fraiche