- Attraction: Thirty Bales
- Location: 1106 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.thirtybales.com/
Thirty Bales celebrates everything Midwestern cuisine has to offer, bringing together bright personalities, bold recipes, clean ingredients and craft spirits while playing with the flavors that make the Midwest unlike any other place.
The restaurant’s charming name pays homage to Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox – as legend tells it, Babe had an appetite as big as Bunyan himself and reportedly devoured 30 bales of hay daily.
This upbeat neighborhood gem opened in late June 2018, transforming from the former Big Ten Restaurant into something completely revolutionary.
What sets Thirty Bales apart is their unwavering commitment to local sourcing – they work exclusively with Midwest vendors, primarily from Minnesota, ensuring ingredients travel minimal distances from farm to plate.
You’ll discover creative menu items with playful Minnesota-inspired names that showcase the region’s seasonal bounty in unexpected and delightful ways.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Standouts & Signature Dishes
The Deep Fried Deviled Eggs: These crispy golden appetizers are worth the drive alone, featuring a unique twist on the classic picnic staple that transforms familiar flavors into something extraordinary.
The contrast between the crunchy exterior and creamy yolk center creates a memorable start to any meal.
Paul Bunyan Drummies: Six house wing-style “drummies” get tossed in homemade BBQ dry rub and served with house-made yellow mustard BBQ sauce. These aren’t your typical wings – the dry rub adds layers of smoky flavor that complement the tangy mustard perfectly.
The Pulled Pork with Mac and Cheese “Bun”: This inventive creation features beer-braised pulled pork served between what appears to be a mac and cheese “bun” – a truly indulgent twist that’s become a customer favorite.
The rich, creamy cheese acts as both vessel and flavor enhancer for the tender, smoky pork.
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Discover MoreBlue Ox Wedge Salad: This elevated take on the classic features iceberg lettuce topped with local blue cheese, maple bacon lardons, hay bale onions, and house-made tomato shallot dressing.
The wedge is large enough to share between two people and delivers satisfying flavors, though some find it slightly salty.
Wild Rice Specialties: Multiple dishes showcase Minnesota’s state grain, including the Coconut Green Curry Bowl with wild rice medley, broccoli, peppers, shiitake mushrooms and carrots topped with Asian slaw.
The curry bowl proves incredibly filling without feeling heavy, packed with fresh vegetables.
Fresh Walleye: The Bol du Nord features fried walleye filet with homemade roasted mushroom cream sauce, shaved garlic, spinach, wild rice medley, and roasted mushrooms, garnished with parmesan, parsley, and lemon zest.
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Chorizo Bolognese: This standout pasta dish combines seared shrimp with homemade chorizo Bolognese over fettuccini, finished with parmesan. The fusion of Spanish chorizo with Italian technique creates something uniquely delicious.
Atmosphere & Local Character
Historic Main Street Setting: Located in Hopkins’ Commercial Historic District, the restaurant sits in a totally walkable downtown where you’ll find groceries, doctors, post office, library, antique stores, arts, and entertainment all within a quarter-mile radius.
The location perfectly embodies small-town Minnesota charm.
Neighborhood Warmth: The atmosphere consistently earns praise from diners with an upbeat, welcoming vibe.
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Discover MoreThe overall energy feels good with a genuine nod to Minnesota lore woven throughout the experience. You’ll sense the restaurant’s deep connection to its community immediately upon entering.
Multiple Dining Options: Choose from their dining room, outdoor patio, or bar seating. Some guests note the restaurant can get extremely loud during busy periods, so consider timing if you prefer quieter conversation.
Farm-to-Table Transparency: The restaurant proudly showcases its local vendor relationships, working with operations like Revier Cattle Company for sustainable beef, Mrs. Pork for hormone-free Duroc pork, and The Fish Guys for daily-flown fresh salmon and walleye.
You’ll appreciate knowing exactly where your meal originated.
Other Considerations
Reasonable Pricing: Diners frequently note that food quality remains high while prices stay reasonable. The restaurant falls into the mid-range pricing category with most visitors indicating strong value for the quality received.
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Keep Exploring →Convenient Parking: Free public parking is available in a ramp directly across the street, making downtown visits stress-free. You’ll find plenty of parking options including free street parking and the parking garage.
Dietary Accommodations: The menu includes gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options clearly marked. The kitchen proves accommodating when guests need modifications to salads or other dishes, though vegetarian entrée choices remain somewhat limited.
Happy Hour & Brunch: Happy Hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 3:00pm to 5:30pm with drink and food specials, while weekend brunch operates Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The brunch menu expands options with breakfast items and specialized cocktails.
Transportation Access: Bus routes 12, 612, 664, and 670 stop directly in front of the restaurant at the corner of 11th Ave S and Mainstreet, making it easily accessible via public transit.
Awards & Recognition: Thirty Bales earned Diners’ Choice awards in 2019, 2022, and 2023, while TripAdvisor ranks it #4 of 42 restaurants in Hopkins with a 4.2 rating. Local diners frequently describe it as their favorite casual dining spot in the western suburbs.
Thirty Bales
📍 1106 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
