Lost Times Tavern — Restaurant in Sauk Rapids

Lost Times Tavern is in Sauk Rapids, which is greater St. Cloud. Lots of people pass through or by St. Cloud on their way to and from the Twin Cities. There aren't many eateries of interest along the way: get off and find this tavern in Sauk Rapids. We stopped by at 3:00 pm on a weekday, and we were the only customers, so we had a chance to walk around the historic building with a tin ceiling, which has been converted into a very comfortable venue for families with or without kids, or for younger crowds. The choice of seating heights and styles don't follow the sameness of most bars and pubs. The bar is bright and well backlit through the three high windows. So it isn't dark. My wife and I had two local beers which really hit the spot. We were served by a co-owner, the wife of one of the two founders. They've invested a lot in a nice environment. The food was excellent. We had a soup and a small salad, which sounds prosaic, but it was eye opening. The plating and presentation was perfect: clean and classic. We had a bowl of seafood chowder, which was gently spiced to also give some color, and it was not made thick with flour or cornstarch, which is usual; the seafood added flavor and texture to a wonderful broth. We both cleaned out plates. My salad was simple with some chicken added for the protein, but it was deliciously dressed and the chicken was lightly cooked and in just the right amount. After both of these, I was quite satisfied. The goal of the owners is to build communities around the tavern, so they have music, poetry readings, and theme-oriented events. If you and a partner just want to stop by for a drink, the bar is full and even the small selection of wines for dinners is well chosen, but not for wine snobs. If you are anywhere near St. Cloud, skip Joe's Pub or the Green Mill, and stop by Lost Times. Ask for Matt if you come in, and he'll probably be...

I recently stopped by Lost Times Tavern during my lunch break, and boy was I happy that I did.

First I was greeted (in his native tongue, Dia dhuit, which I found out is Hello in Irish)by a charming yet down to earth human, who I would come to find out is the owner. I sat down at the bar, as I typically like to belly up and chew the fat with my bartender. He offered up a libations menu, to which I said, I'm on my lunch break, and before I knew it he was pouring me a tall glass of water.

I reviewed the menu, and I made the comment to the owner, that I come from a place that really enjoys a sandwich called a LID Burger. He said, I don't have anything exactly like that on the menu, but I will talk to the cook and see what we can drum up. He came back and said what do you think about a LID'd up Brisket Philly, I said sounds wonderful.

It was a few moments later when my sandwich/fries came out, and on the side was the glorious LID sauce, AKA Au Jus. Boy, the sandwich was wonderful, and the fries were perfectly cooked. He even offered up a sample of sauce to try with my fries, which was also excellent.

You can tell the owner really does care about the atmosphere of the restaurant and to make sure his patrons are comfortable and well taken care of. Portion that up with excellent food, and you have a true winner.

I honestly can't wait to go back with my wife and try out that excellent list of libations LTT...

We stopped here for supper on our way back up north - We usually go to 7 West but were looking to try something new. Decor is neat inside with a lot of pictures of the old-time St. Cloud area, and many different clocks around the walls. There are mostly long tables downstairs with some 4-seaters in a loft area (we did not go up there to check it out as it was full.) We ended up having to take a 6-person table for the 2 of us, but only because there was nothing else open. Service was overall very good - the server was friendly and attentive, and checked up on us regularly. There were a number of tables when we came in, so we did experience a short wait for food, but nothing ridiculous. The garlic cheese curds were great, and the homemade ranch dip was very tasty. I had the John Candied Bacon Burger, and my partner had the Smoke on the Water. The burgers were delicious and cooked well, and the fries were excellent. Really enjoyed both...