- Attraction: Dan’s Bar & Grill
- Location: 8485 240th St E, New Trier, MN 55031
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.dansbarandgrill.com/
Deep in rural Minnesota, where cornfields stretch endlessly and populations hover around 100 residents, sits a culinary gem that draws food lovers from Minneapolis, Rochester, and beyond.
Dan’s Bar & Grill represents over six decades of family tradition, having served the tiny town of New Trier since 1960 when the first Dan Hartung purchased what was originally a house bar.
Today, three generations of Dans continue the legacy – Danette Welch (who’s owned it since 1980), daughter Danielle DeRoe, and now the third generation stepping into the kitchen.
What makes this rural roadhouse so special? It’s their philosophy of taking classic comfort food and adding unexpected urban twists that elevate familiar favorites into something extraordinary.
You’ll discover house-made garlic aioli replacing standard mayo on their BLT, and red wine tomato jam substituting regular tomatoes throughout their ever-evolving menu.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights That Keep People Coming Back
The Legendary Burgers: You’ll find some of the juiciest, most flavorful burgers in Minnesota here. The beef gets a perfect char while maintaining incredible moisture, topped with generous portions of American cheese, crispy bacon, and expertly grilled onions.
Their weekly burger specials showcase creativity, like the Cream Cheese Wonton Burger – a Juicy Lucy filled with cream cheese and sweet chili sauce that creates an amazing balance of flavors.
Sweet Potato Waffle Fries: These aren’t your ordinary fries. The sweet potato waffle cut creates the perfect texture contrast – crispy exterior with a fluffy interior that pairs beautifully with any burger. You’ll understand why so many visitors specifically mention these golden beauties in their reviews.
Bacon Cheddar Tots: Comfort food taken to the next level. Crispy tater tots get loaded with melted cheddar and crumbled bacon, creating a dish that’s consistently praised as addictive. The combination hits every comfort food craving you didn’t know you had.
Seasonal Specialties: Their quarterly menu changes mean you’ll always discover something new. Recent favorites have included Korean BBQ lettuce wraps, coconut shrimp tacos, and their winter grilled cheese that combines premium ingredients in unexpected ways. The Pretzel Crusted Pork Tenderloin Sandwich showcases their creative approach to elevating traditional dishes.
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Discover MoreFriday Fish Fry: A Minnesota tradition done right, featuring generous portions of cod with house-made coleslaw. You’ll get three separate 3-ounce portions, totaling nearly a pound of perfectly fried fish that locals specifically drive out for.
The Famous Monster Cookie: End your meal with their signature dessert – a massive cookie baked fresh in a cast iron skillet. This house-made creation is warm, gooey, and easily shareable, though you might not want to share once you taste it.
Atmosphere & Setting
Rural Charm: You’ll experience authentic small-town Minnesota hospitality in a setting that feels genuinely welcoming rather than manufactured. The restaurant sits amid cornfields and farmland, offering a peaceful escape from city dining scenes.
Indoor Comfort: The interior maintains a cozy, casual atmosphere with booth seating that encourages lingering over good food and conversation. The space feels intimate without being cramped, perfect for family dinners or casual dates.
Expansive Outdoor Patio: During warmer months, you can enjoy your meal on their large, inviting patio that takes advantage of the rural setting. The outdoor space provides a relaxed environment where you can appreciate the countryside while savoring elevated comfort food.
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Keep Exploring →Clean and Well-Maintained: You’ll notice the attention to cleanliness throughout, from spotless tables that get turned quickly even during busy periods to immaculate restrooms that reflect the family’s pride in their establishment.
Other Considerations
Pricing Philosophy: You’ll find the pricing incredibly reasonable for the quality and portion sizes you receive.
Most entrees fall in the $10-20 range, making this exceptional food accessible rather than pretentious. The value proposition is outstanding – you’re getting restaurant-quality ingredients and preparation at small-town prices.
Parking Convenience: The restaurant provides ample parking in their own lot, eliminating the stress of street parking common in urban dining areas. You’ll often notice the full parking lot from the road – a reliable indicator of the quality waiting inside.
Family-Friendly Environment: This is genuinely a place where multiple generations can dine comfortably together. The atmosphere welcomes families while still being sophisticated enough for adult dining occasions.
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Discover MoreTiming Your Visit: You’ll want to plan ahead, as they’re closed Mondays. Tuesday through Sunday they operate from 11am to 11pm, giving you flexibility for lunch or dinner visits. The drive from major Minnesota cities is worth planning into a day trip.
OpenTable Recognition: Their OpenTable Diner’s Choice award reflects consistent positive guest experiences, so you can visit with confidence knowing others have had exceptional meals here.
Innovation During Challenges: During difficult periods, Dan’s showed remarkable creativity by converting their parking lot into a drive-through experience, demonstrating the family’s commitment to serving their community regardless of circumstances.
Dan’s Bar & Grill
📍 8485 240th St E, New Trier, MN 55031
