Spanky's Stone Hearth — Restaurant in Minnesota

Spanky's Stone Hearth, is truly a gem of a classic restaurant. From the moment we stepped in, the exceptional service stood out. The chef's personal touch, checking in on our dining experience, added a special touch to the evening. The ambiance strikes a balance between comfort and refined elegance, evoking the warmth of a lakefront home.

The restaurant's relaxed dress code allows for casual attire, ensuring everyone feels welcome. The menu boasts an impressive array of seafood, and I started with an Atlantic sea oyster that was unbelievably fresh. The prime rib wontons were a delightful surprise, showcasing the chef's creativity and skill.

Noteworthy is the extensive selection of wines and beers, catering to a variety of tastes. Even though I don't drink, I noticed the attention to detail in their offerings. The dishes were thoughtfully prepared, maintaining a healthy balance without excessive frying or butter.

One aspect that stood out was the abundance of fresh greens in every course. From appetizers to entrees and salads, the restaurant takes pride in offering more than just standard lettuce. As a vegetarian, I was pleased with the delectable fried zucchini patties and mushrooms served on a bed of rice pilaf. Taking a leap of faith, I went for the "Trust me" vegetarian option and was treated to a delightful salad featuring olives, beets, and a Caesar dressing that complemented the greens beautifully.

My partner ordered the New York strip steak with garlic sauerkraut mashed potatoes and was thoroughly satisfied. The attention to detail in presentation and flavor was evident in every bite.

Spanky's is not just a restaurant; it's a well-orchestrated dining experience. Despite arriving later in the evening, the attentive service was unwavering. This lakefront fine dining establishment provides outdoor seating, a bar, and even a charming gift shop showcasing local foods and arts. Spanky's is a true culinary haven that captures the essence of both home and elegance. A must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable...

We visited New Year’s Eve, for our anniversary, I was determined not to ruin the evening, but my food did. The night started oddly, when the waitress could not describe one of the wines, and did not go ask some one who could. She also Did not know how to poor beer at the table, and the head on the beer was 3 inches by the time she’d finished. I think she was a little deaf too. Appetizers and salad were good. My husbands prime rib was served cold, they did replace it with a warmer rarer piece. I had the chefs choice, monk fish served on a table spoon of mashed potato, and about a pound of medium rare pork chop! The monk fish was fishy to taste, which probably meant it was turning! I left it! The pork chop was served in a mix of balsamic and blue cheese sauce, not a combo I would recommend, it was also chewy,. The dessert was interesting , the creme brûlée cake was a banana cake which the chef had run a blow torch over the frosting. I was imaging layers of custard and cake. If you like over priced cold or chewy food and lots of meat (remember the only side was a table spoon of mash) this place is for you. If you want a balanced meal, of vegetables, starch and good sauces, go somewhere else. Update We tried the restaurant again, but not on New Years eve, again the appetizers were good, although the tomato basil soup, did not taste home made. My main course of chicken amaretto, was so sweet it could have been dessert, and my husbands beef wellington was good. Again the quantity of the sides was lacking, and the potatoes au gratin I have had at other restaurants, so like the soup was not home made. Our table was squished between two large parties, we had waitresses' pushing past on either side to attend to these, not very relaxing. Once again we were left feeling that for the prices charged, we did not get our monies worth. For that price I expect, home made soup and sides. This will be...

Expensive, but delicious.

I ordered the runs and blue cheese New York strip combo.

I went with the tortilla soup(something I frequently order) instead of salad. I though it was bland, and wouldn't order it again. At the same time they brought bread and toast/croutons both were about 2"x2" squares which, for the price of the meals I think was stingy. I don't believe they offered to bring more either.

I did into a rib first. They were Extremely tender. Cooked to perfection. The sauce want my favorite at the start, but it grew on me, However if you have a vinegar aversion like my wife you may want to ask for sauce on the side (not something they outright offered, but I'm sure they would oblige)

Steak was cooked evenly, and properly. It had great flavor with and without the blue cheese. I can tell this is what they do best. I usually don't order steak at restaurants because of how often they screw it up, but when I return I'll likely order steak again.

For my side I got garlic mashed potatoes. Onions weren't noted by them on the menu and it wasn't mentioned to me. Even though I dislike onions, one or two would have been fine, but every bite had decent sized pieces. They weren't a fine mince, they were mostly ~1/2"-3/4" long x 1/8" wide pieces. I would have ordered fries or something else had I known. If you like onions more power to you, just disclose what's in the food!

My son got a kids chicken strip meal, it only had 2 strips, although they were large strips I feel most places usually provide 3 minimum. I didn't try them, but they looked like standard frozen strips.

He also got the fries which were great! They tasted like they were hand battered with a slight seasoning.

Lastly we had peanut butter pie desert. If you like peanut butter you need to try this! It was so delicious!

My wife ordered a stone hearth steak with onions, she said it was delicious.

We...