Canadian Honker Restaurant — Restaurant in Rochester

We visited on a Friday, arriving about 4:30. We parked in the lot immediately behind the restaurant, which has lots of signs (as does the lot across the way) saying that the area was only parking for Canadian Honker and Caribou customers. I can only guess that people going to the hospital across the street have tried to park here all too often.

The restaurant was bustling, even at this early supper time. Most of the outside seating along the sidewalk was occupied, and indoor dining was about 2/3 full as well. We were still seated promptly. The dining room had a pleasant noise level, and the decor consisted of large, fun prints of Canadian geese. How appropriate!

Service was great throughout our visit. My husband ordered an Octoberfest beer (sadly, they didn't have the SXSE one listed on the special menu, but they did have Schell's) while I got a cider from local Loon Juice. We ordered a half-size appetizer of cheese curds, which was perfect for two people. The curds were from local Little Red Dairy, and they were incredibly fresh, as proven by the intense squeak!

My husband ordered the all-you-can-eat Walleye and shrimp special with a side salad and fries. He LOVED this meal. Great fish, and the shrimp were plump. He did get another serving of fish and shrimp, too. Meanwhile, I had the Harvest Chicken salad, which was unique: a cup of very good chicken salad on a bed of greens, with a wonderful amount of blueberry goat cheese, dried cranberries, and walnuts. It came with a raspberry vinaigrette that was tasty, but I barely used it, as I really enjoyed spearing the chicken salad and greens together. I absolutely loved this salad!

Our server encouraged us to get a dessert, but we were way too full. The offerings in the case looked incredible, though, so I would very much like to try things like their coconut cake on a later visit. We already want to make a...

This restaurant was fantastic, both in the quality of the food and service as well as in the atmosphere. "Where the locals go to eat," is something you see a lot of times as you visit the best local restaurants around the country, but they don't always make a visitor feel as though they're allowed to be there. This wasn't the case with the Canadian Honker, which notably should receive a bonus star if one were available just for the fantastic name.

A good number of people traveling to Rochester, Minnesota aren't there for a fun vacation. The city and community to a great job of making sure folks feel welcomed, and this restaurant is no exception. From the front of the house greeting to the wait staff, everyone was friendly and helpful. The food was excellent, with surprisingly large portions and delicious appetizers. The desserts looked equally wonderful, so make sure to save some room or grab them to go. The walls were adorned with accolades and gifts for the owner from the local Police Department and the Mayo Clinic itself, showing the restaurant to be an integral part of this community. There was a line to be seated around dinner time, however it moved quickly and was well worth the wait.

The customer group was what you may expect from those visitors to the Mayo Clinic area - and the restaurant understands that. They provided a moment of reprieve from the hassle and the stress that their guests are likely experiencing elsewhere that day or week.

Thank you for providing this service to the locals and the visitors alike.

You would do well to visit this restaurant if you're in the area, for a good meal and for the moment...

Short version: Food was good, vibe was cool, Cassie was great

I came in to eat around 9:20 am on a Monday morning and the restaurant had plenty of seating as expected. I was treated to a window side table with a great view of the Saint Mary campus just across the street. Shortly after being seated Cassie came over and introduced herself as my server. She was extremely welcoming and kept my water full. I ordered "The Midwest" which is an eggs benedict with shredded pork and bacon. I asked for my eggs to come out on top of the hash browns that come with the meal, instead of on the english muffins as traditional, so yours won't look like the picture I have. I really enjoyed my meal. I've had several eggs benedict from quite a few places and these guys know what they are doing. I might hold on the bacon next time because I feel the pork is sufficient enough and the bacon doesn't really add anything, but it wouldn't count that as a negative just personal preference. All in all the vibe here was pretty chill. As the morning went on and I sat there writing this review more people began to come and eat. People brought in their children and the cooks began working a little harder. Other tables conversations stood out more as I began to notice the music less. I was no longer the only black person sitting. I was full and ready to find something to do for the day. I will be back to try some other menu items. I will ask for Cassie...