While the Twin Cities area of Minnesota has some amazing restaurants, many forget that they will find numerous dining options in the St. Croix Valley. Hudson, WI, is home to dozens of independently-owned and operated restaurants. Although there are many other great food choices found in Hudson, I would like to recommend some of my favorite restaurants.
Italian Food in Hudson, WI
Mama Maria’s Italian Restaurant in North Hudson, WI, has been a staple of this small town for years. With freshly made pasta, and an extensive wine list, Mama Maria’s offers superb food served in a lovely atmosphere.
My favorite dish is the Fusilli con Pollo Primavera, featuring chicken and fresh vegetables in a white wine cream sauce. Their Cheese Ravioli and Canneloni Classico are also fantastic. Evidently, I have good taste in food; the Chef and Sous Chef at Mama Maria’s were recently featured on a television show with Chef Guy Fieri of the Food Network.
If pizza is your preferred Italian item of the evening, Bricks Neapolitan Pizza has some of the best in town. Bricks is located on Second Street in Hudson, right in the heart of the downtown area. With its cracker-thin crust and unique toppings, Brick’s offers authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. They even hand-stretch their own mozzarella cheese for the freshest possible flavor.
Although the pizzas are large enough for two people to share, I recommend ordering your own pizza. The Pizza di Bricks is one of my favorites, topped with spicy Italian sausage, fresh basil, roasted red peppers, mushrooms and red onion. For something a little out of the ordinary, the Luna pizza offers diners artichoke hearts, red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, bacon and goat cheese.
In the Mood for a Little Spice, Twin Cities?
If you are looking for a little spice in your meal, downtown Hudson is home to two great options. San Pedro Café offers a taste of the Caribbean, while Agave Kitchen gives diners a taste of Tex-Mex.
San Pedro Café has been located in downtown Hudson for over 10 years. Their unique space features a wood-fired brick oven, as well as a tropical aquarium. My favorite selection from their menu is the Rasta Pasta, a spicy dish featuring jerked chicken, tomatoes and pepper sauce. I also love the San Pedro Caesar Salad with Chicken; and I had a Blackened Salmon lunch special once that was simply amazing. In fact, I do not ever remember having a bad meal at the award-winning San Pedro Cafe.
Agave Kitchen offers their customers spice of a different kind. With a blend of Mexican flavors with Texas traditions, their menu brings a symphony of tastes to downtown Hudson. The Tequila Lime Chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the Tacos Pescado (Fish Tacos) are also spicy and cooked to perfection. The Chips & Salsa are the perfect accompaniment.
Authentic Mexican food can be found “up on the hill” in Hudson. At a little place near the bowling alley off of Interstate 94, I have had some very nice chicken enchiladas and fresh, homemade chips and salsa. La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant is hidden away from most of the other restaurants in Hudson, but it is definitely worth finding.
Patio Dining and German Food in Western Wisconsin
Everyone in Hudson, WI, knows that the best patio in town belongs to Pier 500 found on First Street. With a large, open dining space, inviting interior and fantastic views of the St. Croix River, Pier 500 is a great place to meet friends for drinks and dinner.
The Walleye Cakes are one of my favorite meal starters, and I have been known to eat the spicy and sweet Thai Chicken Flatbread appetizer as a meal. Parmesan Crusted Walleye and Grilled Meatloaf with Garlic Mashed Potatoes make amazing dinner options. I also enjoy their French Fries and Walleye Sandwich for lunch.
For a different lunch or dinner option, the award-winning Winzer Stube German Restaurant is a hidden jewel in downtown Hudson. Located in the lower level of the historic Opera House building, the Winzer Stube chef uses fresh ingredients to create some of the best German and American cuisine in the country.
Their soups are made fresh, and a bowl of soup comes with crusty bread, making it a complete lunch. I especially enjoy the chicken and vegetable soup with spatzle. The sausages are made by RJ Meats in Hudson, also an award-winning local company. I have yet to try the apple strudel, with is made fresh twice everyday.
Although the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN, have much to offer food enthusiasts, I would encourage residents of both sides of the St. Croix River to venture into Hudson for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This small town offers big city flavors for every palate – especially those looking for something outside of the standard chain establishments. It will be worth the trip.
Teri Larsen - Professional Interior Designer, Freelance Writer, Executive Editor of Metro Women Magazine, Mom of 2, Artist and Generally Creative ...
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