We love living and working here in “Med City,” where it’s a true pleasure sourcing and stocking the best medical cannabis products we can possibly find for the people of Rochester. Minnesota restaurants are a big reason the quality of life is so high here, too. From hearty American to zingy Mexican and a surprising number of other, more exotic cuisines, when it’s time to eat, Rochester never fails to satisfy.
With that in mind, the staff at Green Goods decided to put together a list of our favorite Rochester, Minnesota restaurants. Try them all, and be sure to let us know which ones you loved the best!
Green Goods Dispensary’s Top Rochester, Minnesota Restaurants
Chester’s Kitchen & Bar
Shops At University Square
111 Broadway Ave S #108
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 424-1211
With its signature big, bold American flavors served in a sleek, modern and upscale setting, it’s no wonder Chester’s is one of Rochester’s favorite restaurants. You’ll find giant burgers and “two-hand” sandwiches—the rotisserie chicken is pretty darn hard to beat—balanced with innovative salads, upscale diner fare like grilled meatloaf, and no shortage of surprises (lobster mac and cheese? bring it!). Oh, and don’t forget the strong focus on wine, complete with fun and entertaining education events! With a freewheeling approach that never strays too far from the satisfying tastes of home, Chester’s makes for a fairly irresistible package.
Opa! Opa!!
1106 15th Ave SE
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 282-1212
The fiery and festive food of Greece practically demands you share, and this well-loved taverna makes it both fun and easy. From big mezze platters brimming with bold flavors like skorthalia—a garlicky potato dip—to classic grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice, creamy beef-and-eggplant mousaka and spit-roasted souvlaki, it’s nearly impossible to leave this festive eatery feeling unsatisfied.
Brava Restaurant & Cafe
1217 Marion Rd SE #500
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 258-7334
You might not expect a pint-sized East African restaurant to make much of a dent in the Rochester, Minnesota restaurant scene, but then again you might be mistaken. The owners (and recipes) hail from Djibouti, a cuisine known for seasoning hearty meat and rice dishes with Middle Eastern spices like saffron and cinnamon. Whether you go for the peppery glow of canjeero stew or the can’t-miss crisp fried sambusa stuffed with savory meats, legumes, and onions, it’s a sure bet you’ll leave here with your heart warmed and your belly full.
Los Arcos Kitchen & Cantina
7386 Airport View Dr SW
Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 206-0302
Though it’s closer to the airport than downtown, Rochester’s savvier diners know a trip to Los Arcos is worth it. From the gracious hospitality to the generous portions of Mexican classics like sizzling-hot fajitas and irresistible chile colorado—grilled beef simmered in a red sauce aglow with dried chilies—there’s nothing off-target about this sprawling family-style restaurant. Do be careful when ordering any of the overstuffed burritos (especially the “Habanero” topped with an absolutely deadly sauce made of the piquant orange pepper). If the sauce doesn’t get you, consuming the giant portions in one go might bring on an early naptime.
Hot Chip Burger Bar / Vegan Burger Bar
1190 16th St SW STE 700
Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 424-0080
Admittedly, Hot Chip requires a little decoding. But behind the endless puns and ‘90s references, there are not one but two butt-kicking burger kitchens here. Here’s the surprise: They’re both located in the same building, but one of them is 100% vegan. Say what?!? That’s right, you can order everything from beef patties to cheese to bacon…just without any meat or dairy. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. And if you really must have your meat, go ahead and order the “Kevin Bacon,” featuring two beef patties enrobed in crispy bacon. Oof!
