Cowboy*s — Restaurant in Lake Shore

After many trips exploring the food scene around Nisswa/Lakeshore, Cowboy's is still hands-down my favorite place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and just a beer when needed. The service cannot be beat, and the food is dynamite. Not at all what you'd expect walking into what looks like a local, somewhat divey bar (which are typically my favorite, truth be told). First, I have to acknowledge the bartender, server, host, and general jack-of-all-trades, Luke. I'm a food nut, so service is the only thing that can separate a good place from a bad place when there is already a solid menu, for me. His level of hospitality is something you rarely come across. I've never been there when he's not working, and I've come to assume he might just live there? I've never encountered someone so warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient, even at fine dining destinations back home in Minneapolis. How he isn't at least a general manager, if not part owner, is beyond me, but I would imagine it's got to be in the works. The other staff are fantastic as well, but everyone I've brought there has remarked how great Luke is, so I thought I'd better give credit where it's due. On to the food! Breakfast: they are awesome about accommodating substitutions, their hashbrowns are always perfectly crispy on the exterior, and soft and well-seasoned inside. They give a great portion of hollandaise on their benedicts, which is something too many places skimp on. Also, whoever is back in that kitchen knows their way around a perfect poached egg, and that is no easy feat. When I ask for extra crispy bacon, they don't mess around, and their sausage gravy is fantastic. Lunch: my personal favorites are the fish fingers, avocado chicken sandwich, avocado turkey salad, Cowboy's sundance salad, and grown-up grilled cheese. Honestly though, I haven't ordered anything I could complain about yet, so I'm always excited to try something new. Dinner: for the love of Pete, if you enjoy a good tomato bisque, try their roasted red pepper gouda soup. It's elevated comfort food at it's best. The Cowboy burger is a go-to staple, along with their spaghetti and meatballs. I tend to go with whatever their special is lately, and I've yet to be disappointed. I almost hate leaving this review because selfishly they're already getting busier than I'd like, but it's long overdue as it's my and my husband's absolute favorite spot. Looking forward to many more stops...

Fantastic experience: Excellent service, whether you’re a local or a visitor, plus WAY above average food as well!

Had dinner (possibly the best veggie burger - I subbed it into the cowgirl burger- and cheese curds in the state) on a crazy busy night because of the Frozen Fore festival. The staff really hustled and somehow managed to make you feel very cared for and not at all rushed (shout out to Aylah especially!). Huge portions, fairly priced. Leftovers were awesome the next day.

Visited again for lunch & had another great sandwich. Love their homemade slaw too. The cowboy s’mores sundae? OMG.

Do yourself a favor: eat here. And be nice to them- they’re working...

Breakfast food was amazing, and everyone in our group of six was very happy with the food quality!

We sat on the deck outside and it was really nice, with shaded and sunny options.

4 stars because one of us did get the wrong meal. I received the eggs Benedict instead of the special Cowboy*s Benedict, which was a bummer because I wanted to try their gravy.

The only other negative was that the restaurant was really not that busy at all but it took 55 minutes for food to be delivered after ordering. Not a huge deal because we enjoyed each other's company, just longer than expected.

The servers were super awesome, and we would go back for the...