- Attraction: Tinucci’s Catering, Deli, & Events
- Location: 396 21st Street, Newport, MN 55055
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.tinuccis.com/
Few places capture the essence of old-school Minnesota dining quite like Tinucci’s, where three generations of family tradition have created something truly special since 1958.
This isn’t just another restaurant – it’s a genuine piece of Twin Cities history that started when Louis Jr. and Patricia Tinucci purchased the Dairy Way Drive-In and transformed it into what locals now consider their neighborhood’s crown jewel.
After surviving a devastating fire in 1974 and rebuilding stronger than ever, Tinucci’s has become the kind of place where Saturday night prime rib buffets draw crowds from across the metro area, and where the aroma of slow-roasted meats and homemade Italian specialties fills a dining room that feels like stepping back into a simpler time.
You’ll discover that Tinucci’s operates differently than most restaurants today – their deli is open Wednesday through Saturday, while their famous buffet nights happen on weekends, creating an anticipation that makes each visit feel like an event.
The third-generation family owners have perfected the art of combining casual comfort with exceptional quality, making this a place where first-time visitors quickly become regulars.
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Keep Exploring →Saturday Night Prime Rib Perfection
The Star of the Show: Their Saturday night all-you-can-eat prime rib buffet has been their signature for over 60 years, featuring slow-roasted prime rib carved fresh by their staff. You’ll find tender, perfectly seasoned cuts that melt in your mouth, accompanied by an impressive spread that makes the $54.95 price tag feel like a steal.
Beyond the Prime Rib: The buffet extends far beyond just beef – you’ll enjoy BBQ beef ribs, their famous Tinucci baked chicken, and jumbo shrimp alongside the prime rib. The appetizer section features cheeses, sliced salami, and kalamata olives, while the salad bar lets you create your own greens or sample their variety of pasta salads.
The Legendary Sides: Don’t miss the deep-fried cauliflower and cheesy hashbrown potatoes that consistently earn rave reviews for their incredible flavor. The fresh-baked breads, cooked vegetables, and that incredible au gratin potato dish round out a spread that keeps people coming back week after week.
Sweet Endings: The dessert bar features fresh fruit and other sweets, but locals specifically recommend trying the lemon pudding. You’ll find it’s the perfect light finish after indulging in all that prime rib.
Weekday Deli Treasures
The Chicago Beef Experience: Their Hot Chicago Beef Sandwich stands out as incomparable – they use the same prime rib served in the restaurant to create the sandwich, complete with au jus. You’ll understand why customers drive from across the metro area specifically for this sandwich.
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Discover MoreDaily Specials Worth Planning For: Wednesday brings homemade lasagna and Italian specialties, Thursday features old-fashioned meatloaf and pot roast, Friday showcases their famous deep-fried cod, and Saturday offers BBQ ribs and rotisserie chicken. Each special comes with sides, slaw, and fresh rolls, typically ranging from $13.95 to $18.95.
Homemade Everything: You’ll discover that nearly everything is made from scratch, including their family lasagna recipe passed down through generations. The pasta salads, baked beans, and dressings all carry that homemade taste that’s increasingly rare in today’s restaurant world.
Take-Home Treasures: Their deli counter stocks quarts and gallons of their popular homemade salads, fresh-baked breads, and seasonal desserts, letting you bring Tinucci’s quality home for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Atmosphere & Character
Supper Club Nostalgia: The décor remains unchanged from the 1980s, giving Tinucci’s that authentic vintage supper club atmosphere that feels genuinely nostalgic rather than artificially retro. You’ll dine surrounded by family photos and memorabilia that tell the story of nearly seven decades in business.
Movie Fame: Film buffs will appreciate that Tinucci’s appeared in the movie “Fargo,” specifically in the scene where Marge and Norm visit a buffet restaurant. This unexpected claim to fame adds another layer to the restaurant’s unique character.
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Keep Exploring →Family Touch: The personal attention here sets Tinucci’s apart – owner Mark Tinucci Sr. regularly visits tables to ensure everything meets expectations, providing the kind of personal service that creates lasting connections with guests.
Spacious Comfort: The 300-seat main dining room can accommodate large groups without feeling cramped, while the 60-seat private dining room handles special events and smaller gatherings with equal attention to detail.
Other Considerations
Smart Pricing: You’ll find the pricing exceptionally fair for the quality and portions – the prime rib buffet at $54.95 for adults represents outstanding value when you consider the unlimited premium beef and extensive spread. Deli specials typically range from $10.95 to $18.95, making this accessible for regular dining.
Reservation Strategy: Saturday prime rib tables are reserved in 1.5-hour blocks, so calling ahead ensures you won’t wait. The weekend buffets draw crowds, particularly during holiday seasons when their Thanksgiving buffet becomes a coveted reservation.
Convenient Parking: The private parking lot eliminates the stress of finding street parking, making visits hassle-free even during busy weekend buffets.
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Discover MoreCatering Excellence: Their catering operation receives rave reviews from wedding customers who consistently praise both the food quality and professional service. Whether you’re planning a funeral luncheon, wedding reception, or corporate event, Tinucci’s brings the same attention to detail that makes their restaurant special.
Family-Friendly Focus: The casual atmosphere welcomes families, while the variety of options ensures even picky eaters find something they’ll enjoy. Kids’ portions and pricing make family dining affordable.
Tinucci’s Catering, Deli, & Events
📍 396 21st Street, Newport, MN 55055
