Discovering Stillwater Proper: A Taste Of Local Goodness In Stillwater, MN
When you think about places to enjoy a truly good meal and a refreshing drink, a spot that feels just right often comes to mind. Stillwater, Minnesota, a town known for its pretty river views and charming streets, now has a place that captures this feeling perfectly. It's a spot where every visit feels special, where the food tells a story of local effort, and the drinks are crafted with a lot of thought. This place, quite simply, is called stillwater proper, and it's a very welcome addition to the area, offering something a little different, you know?
This isn't just another restaurant; it's a whole experience, a kind of destination that brings together tasty food, delightful cocktails, and even a distillery all under one roof. The folks here are really serious about making sure you have a great time, and they want every bite and sip to be truly superior. They put a lot of care into what they do, and you can honestly tell that they love what they're doing, which is pretty cool, as a matter of fact.
From the moment you step inside, there’s a feeling of warmth and welcome, a place where you can relax and just enjoy being there. They focus on using fresh things, things that come from nearby, and even organic items when they can, so you know you are getting something good. This commitment to local ingredients and working with small businesses really makes stillwater proper stand out, and it's something they take immense pride in, apparently.
Table of Contents
- The Vision Behind Stillwater Proper
- A Commitment to Local & Fresh
- Beyond the Plate: Drinks and Atmosphere
- What's on the Menu? A Taste of Stillwater Proper
- Planning Your Visit to Stillwater Proper
- The Lolo Group Legacy
- Frequently Asked Questions About Stillwater Proper
The Vision Behind Stillwater Proper
The Creative Minds at Work
The story of stillwater proper actually begins with two very talented people, Joe Ehlenz and Brad Nordeen. These two are pretty well-known in the local food scene, you know? They're the same folks who brought us some really beloved places like Lolo American Kitchen and Lolito Cantina. So, when they decided to create something new, people were pretty excited, and for good reason, too it's almost a guarantee that whatever they touch turns into a local favorite, basically.
Their past ventures have shown a real knack for creating places where people feel comfortable and enjoy great food. Lolo American Kitchen, for instance, is famous for its gourmet American street food and really good cocktails, with locations in downtown Stillwater, downtown Hudson, and even at the MSP Airport. Then there's Lolito Cantina, which offers amazing tacos, salsas, and margaritas, all inspired by regional Southern Mexico and Latin American flavors. This background means they have a lot of experience, and it shows in every detail at stillwater proper, honestly.
A Unique Experiential Destination
What Joe and Brad aimed for with stillwater proper was more than just a place to eat. They wanted to create an experience, a spot where you could spend some time and really enjoy yourself. It’s set up as a combination of a cocktail bar and a distillery, which is pretty cool and somewhat unique for a restaurant. The whole idea is to give you truly superior food and drink experiences, and they seem to really hit that mark, in a way.
This concept means that the drinks are just as important as the food, and they're all crafted with a lot of care. You get to see a bit of that process, too, with an open kitchen concept inside their giant space. It’s pretty clear they want to be transparent about how things are made, which builds a lot of trust, you know? It's definitely a place that feels like it has a clear purpose and vision, and that’s something you can appreciate, quite frankly.
A Commitment to Local & Fresh
Ingredients from Our Neighbors
One of the things that makes stillwater proper really special is their deep commitment to using fresh, local, and organic ingredients whenever they can. They really believe in getting things from close by, which supports the community and also means the food tastes better, you know? It’s a simple idea, but it makes a huge difference in the quality of what they serve, and it’s something they talk about with a lot of pride, honestly.
They are always looking for the best produce, meats, and other items from nearby farms. This means that what you eat might change a little with the seasons, which is actually a pretty cool thing, as a matter of fact. It keeps the menu fresh and exciting, and it connects you to the land around Stillwater, which is a nice touch. They really go out of their way to make these connections, and you can taste that effort in every dish, basically.
Partnerships That Matter
The team at stillwater proper takes immense pride in working with small, local farmers, craftspeople, brewers, and distillers. This isn't just about getting ingredients; it's about building relationships and supporting other small businesses in the area. For instance, they use RJ’s Bologna from Hudson, Wisconsin, in one of their dishes. That’s a very specific local connection that shows how dedicated they are, you know?
Another great example is their use of C&S Gardens grilled asparagus. This kind of partnership means that when you eat at stillwater proper, you're not just enjoying a meal; you're also supporting a whole network of local producers. It's a pretty thoughtful way to run a business, and it adds a lot of character to the food. They are really good about finding these local gems, and that makes a big difference, quite frankly.
Beyond the Plate: Drinks and Atmosphere
Cocktails, Coffee, and More
While the food at stillwater proper gets a lot of attention, the drinks are just as important to the experience. They offer a wide variety of cocktails, which are crafted with the same care as their food. Whether you like something classic or something a little more adventurous, they seem to have something for everyone. You can also find coffee, tea, and a selection of wines, so it's a place where you could easily spend a morning, an afternoon, or an evening, you know?
It’s a place where you can pop in for a quick coffee and a sandwich during the day, or come back later for a more relaxed meal with a drink. This flexibility makes it a pretty convenient spot for different occasions. They really want to be a place where people feel comfortable coming in for whatever they are in the mood for, which is pretty welcoming, in a way.
The 45th Parallel Connection
A really interesting aspect of stillwater proper is its partnership with 45th Parallel Distilling, which is out of New Richmond, Wisconsin. This collaboration means they share a space, and it adds a whole other layer to the experience. You get a sense of where some of the spirits in your cocktails might come from, and it ties into their overall commitment to local products, basically.
Having an open kitchen concept within this giant space also means you can see some of the action, which is pretty cool. It’s like getting a peek behind the curtain, seeing the chefs at work, and feeling more connected to your meal. This kind of transparency is something people really appreciate these days, and it shows they have nothing to hide, just good food and drinks, honestly.
A Cozy and Welcoming Spot
The atmosphere at stillwater proper is often described as having rustic decor, which suggests a warm and inviting feel. Think natural materials, comfortable seating, and a general sense of being at ease. This kind of setting really helps you relax and enjoy your time, whether you're there for a quick bite or a longer meal with friends, you know? It's designed to make you feel right at home, which is a big plus.
Beyond the look of the place, the service is known to be friendly. This means the people who work there are happy to help you, answer your questions, and make sure your visit is pleasant. Good service can really make or break an experience, and it seems like the team at stillwater proper understands that completely, and they deliver on it consistently, pretty much.
What's on the Menu? A Taste of Stillwater Proper
Featured Dishes You Might Enjoy
The menu at stillwater proper changes a bit, but they often feature some truly interesting dishes that highlight their local ingredient philosophy. For instance, a dish that has been featured is a fried bologna sandwich. Now, this isn't just any bologna sandwich; it uses RJ’s bologna from Hudson, Wisconsin. It comes with fried onions, dijonaise, melted white American cheese, house pickles, and all of that is served on a toasted bun. It sounds like a really comforting and satisfying meal, and it’s a bit of a classic with a twist, you know?
Another example of their thoughtful approach to food is the C&S Gardens grilled asparagus. This dish comes with beurre blanc, tarragon, and roasted tomatoes. It’s a very fresh and flavorful option, showing that they can do both hearty and lighter fare with equal skill. These specific items really give you a sense of the kind of quality and creativity you can expect when you visit, as a matter of fact.
A Diverse Selection
Beyond these specific examples, stillwater proper offers a variety of dishes, ensuring there’s something for different tastes. Whether you're in the mood for something savory, something fresh, or perhaps just a delicious sandwich, they seem to have it covered. The focus is always on making the food fun, approachable, and uniquely exceptional, which means they put a lot of thought into every item on the menu, basically.
You can see their menu, read reviews, look at photos, and check their hours online, which is pretty convenient if you’re planning a visit. People who have been there often talk about how diverse and delicious the menu is, and how much they enjoy the rustic decor and friendly service. It seems like they really have created a place where the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere all come together nicely, honestly.
Planning Your Visit to Stillwater Proper
Location and Getting There
If you're looking to experience stillwater proper for yourself, you'll find it right in the heart of Stillwater, Minnesota. The address is 227 Main Street South, Stillwater, MN 55082. It's a very central spot, making it easy to get to if you're exploring the downtown area. You can easily get directions online, and it’s a pretty straightforward location to find, you know?
Being on Main Street South means it’s likely surrounded by other shops and attractions, adding to the overall appeal of a visit. It's the kind of place you might stumble upon while walking around, or you could make it a planned destination for a meal. Either way, its location makes it quite accessible for both locals and visitors, which is good, as a matter of fact.
Hours and Special Offerings
Stillwater proper is open for various meal times, offering dishes, cocktails, and coffee. While specific daily hours might vary, they do feature "tonight" specials, suggesting they are open for dinner. It's always a good idea to check their current hours online before you go, just to be sure, you know?
One thing to keep in mind is their Sunday brunch. It's currently on a summer vacation, but it will be making a return this November. So, if you're a brunch lover, you'll want to mark your calendar for its return later in the year. This seasonal change for brunch shows they are pretty flexible and responsive to what people want, basically.
What Others Are Saying
People who have visited stillwater proper seem to really like it. On Restaurant Guru, it’s rated 4.3 out of 5 based on 339 reviews, which is a pretty strong score. There are also 94 photos and 1 video available there, so you can get a good visual sense of the place before you even go. This kind of feedback helps you get a real feel for what to expect, you know?
On TripAdvisor, it has a rating of 4.0 out of 5 from 15 unbiased reviews, and it's ranked #32 out of 81 restaurants in Stillwater. These ratings generally point to a positive experience for most visitors, highlighting the good food, drinks, and friendly service. It seems like a place that consistently delivers on its promise of a great experience, honestly.
To truly get a sense of the place and what it offers, consider stopping by for a meal or a drink. You can explore their menu online, and you might even find options to order online or get delivery, depending on what they offer today. It's a great way to support local businesses and enjoy some really good food and drinks in Stillwater. Learn more about Stillwater Proper on our site, and you can also check out 45th Parallel Distilling for their story.
The Lolo Group Legacy
It’s worth noting that stillwater proper is part of the larger Lolo Group restaurants, which really speaks to the experience and vision behind it. The Lolo Group includes Lolo American Kitchen, known for gourmet American street food and killer cocktails. They have locations in downtown Stillwater, downtown Hudson, and even at the MSP Airport, which is pretty impressive, you know?
Then there's Lolito Cantina, another creation from Joe Ehlenz and Brad Nordeen. This place offers regional Southern Mexico and Latin American-inspired dishes, like gourmet tacos, salsas, guacamoles, and smoked meats, along with margaritas and much more. The success of these previous ventures really sets the stage for what stillwater proper aims to be: a truly exceptional dining and drinking spot that adds something special to the Stillwater community, basically.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stillwater Proper
Q: What kind of food does stillwater proper offer?
A: Stillwater proper offers a variety of dishes, with a focus on fun, approachable, and uniquely exceptional food experiences. They prioritize using fresh, local, and organic ingredients whenever possible. You might find items like a fried bologna sandwich made with RJ's bologna or grilled asparagus from C&S Gardens, you know?
Q: Is stillwater proper a good place for drinks?
A: Absolutely. Stillwater proper is also an experiential destination that combines a cocktail bar and a distillery. They offer a variety of cocktails, along with coffee, tea, and wine bars, so there’s a wide selection for any preference, basically.
Q: Who are the people behind stillwater proper?
A: Stillwater proper is the latest impressive creation from the talented duo, Joe Ehlenz and Brad Nordeen. They are the culinary team also known for beloved local favorites like Lolo American Kitchen and Lolito Cantina, so they have a lot of experience in creating popular spots, honestly.
Stillwater (TV Series 2020- ) - Posters — The Movie Database (TMDB)
Stillwater (2021) - Backdrops — The Movie Database (TMDB)
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