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Taste The Difference: Scandia’s Beloved Grill Still Makes Everything From Scratch With Decades-Old Recipes

  • Attraction: Meister’s Bar & Grill
  • Location: 14808 Oakhill Rd N, Scandia, MN 55073
  • Industry: Restaurant
  • Website: http://www.meistersbar.com/

Most small-town restaurants claim to have the best burgers around, but Meister’s Bar & Grill actually delivers on that promise.

This beloved Scandia establishment has been perfecting their craft since 1959, building a reputation that extends far beyond the charming St. Croix River Valley town they call home.

What started as a local watering hole has evolved into a genuine destination restaurant, drawing burger enthusiasts from the Twin Cities and beyond who make the scenic drive specifically for their legendary Meisterburger.

You’ll discover that Meister’s combines the best of both worlds – authentic small-town hospitality with surprisingly sophisticated menu offerings that go well beyond typical bar fare.

From their hand-pattied certified Hereford beef burgers to their famous Canadian walleye, everything is made in-house using traditional techniques that have remained unchanged for decades.

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Menu Highlights & Signature Dishes

The Legendary Meisterburger: The star of the show features fresh, never-frozen certified Hereford ground beef that’s hand-pattied and lightly seasoned to perfection.

You can customize it dozens of ways, but locals swear by the Sunny-Side Meisterburger topped with a perfectly runny egg, bacon, and American cheese.

The patties are substantial without being overwhelming, and the quality of the beef truly sets these burgers apart from typical bar fare.

German Nachos: This unique appetizer has achieved almost cult status among regulars and deserves every bit of praise it receives. Instead of traditional tortilla chips, they use homemade hot chips smothered in diced ham, onion, sauerkraut, bistro sauce, and melted Monterey jack cheese.

It’s comfort food innovation at its finest, offering familiar flavors presented in an unexpectedly delicious way.

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Hand-Cut Fries: These aren’t your average frozen fries – you’ll taste the difference immediately in these crispy, golden beauties that are cut fresh daily.

They achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior that makes them the ideal companion to any burger. Many visitors specifically mention these fries as being among the best they’ve ever had.

Fresh Canadian Walleye: The 12-ounce deep-fried fillet showcases Minnesota’s fishing heritage beautifully. You can also opt for the pan-fried version if you prefer a lighter, gluten-free preparation. The fish arrives flaky and tender with a perfectly crispy coating that doesn’t overpower the delicate walleye flavor.

Wisconsin Cheese Curds: Made with fresh, hand-battered Ellsworth Wisconsin cheese curds, these are fried to crispy golden perfection with that satisfying squeak that proves their freshness. They’re a quintessential Wisconsin-Minnesota border experience that pairs perfectly with a cold beer.

The Two Pounder Challenge: For the truly ambitious, this massive creation features two pounds of certified Hereford beef topped with loads of American cheese, cheese curds, and onion rings. Successfully conquering this beast in 30 minutes or less earns you a coveted t-shirt and serious bragging rights.

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Broasted Chicken: This pressure-cooked and deep-fried chicken emerges incredibly juicy and flavorful, with options ranging from a quarter chicken to a full 10-piece order. The cooking method creates an exceptionally tender interior while maintaining a perfectly crispy exterior.

Atmosphere & Décor

Classic Small-Town Charm: You’ll step into an authentic piece of Minnesota history when you enter this restored building that perfectly captures that timeless “old bar” feeling.

The interior maintains its original character with warm wood tones and rustic touches that make you feel like you’re dining in someone’s favorite neighborhood hangout.

Cozy but Lively: The dining room has an intimate, cozy atmosphere that can get quite animated during busy periods, especially on weekends.

The energy level tends to be high, with lots of conversation and laughter creating a genuinely festive environment that locals describe as “fun and warm.”

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Outdoor Seating: Ten tables on the front patio provide a more relaxed dining option during pleasant weather. The outdoor space faces a quiet road, so you can enjoy your meal without heavy traffic noise while soaking up the small-town atmosphere.

Biker-Friendly Vibe: The establishment proudly welcomes motorcycle enthusiasts, and you’ll often see impressive bikes parked outside. This adds to the authentic, unpretentious character that makes everyone feel welcome, whether you arrive on two wheels or four.

Dog-Friendly Dining: Your furry companions are welcome on the outdoor patio, making this a perfect stop after hiking at nearby William O’Brien State Park or exploring the scenic St. Croix River area.

Other Considerations

Wallet-Friendly Pricing: You’ll find the prices refreshingly reasonable, especially considering the generous portions and quality ingredients. Most burgers fall in the $10-12 range, making this an excellent value for the quality you receive. The pricing reflects small-town values rather than big-city restaurant costs.

Wait Times: Due to their popularity and relatively small kitchen operation with limited grill space, you might experience longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends. The quality of the food makes the wait worthwhile, and many customers use this time to enjoy drinks and conversation.

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Family-Friendly Environment: Despite being a bar and grill, the atmosphere is very welcoming to families with children. They offer a solid kids’ menu with appropriately sized portions and pricing that won’t break the budget.

Parking Convenience: Ample parking is available alongside the building, which is a blessing in a small town where street parking can be limited. You won’t have to worry about finding a spot even during busy periods.

Weekend Breakfast: They serve breakfast on weekends starting at 9 AM, offering dishes like the popular “Spicy Morning After” that showcases their kitchen’s versatility beyond their famous burgers and dinner fare.

Daily Specials: The menu features rotating daily specials, including their Thursday spaghetti and meatball special made with house-made sauce and meatballs that regulars say rivals any Italian restaurant.


Meister’s Bar & Grill
📍 14808 Oakhill Rd N, Scandia, MN 55073

Writer: Alicia Verville
Click to read bio

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.