Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, St. Cloud West, MN

ST. CLOUD. The name of this hotel restaurant gives indication of its rustic, flavorful cuisine, which also gets a bit of...

ST. CLOUD. The name of this hotel restaurant gives indication of its rustic, flavorful cuisine, which also gets a bit of a shake-up with Northwoods ingredients. Reputable standards include steaks, pasta dishes, and prime rib, but you'll also find gourmet pizzas and a mixed game grill with caribou and elk. Kids even have their own menu to make family dining a breeze. Come Sunday, a fantastic brunch buffet ably delivers a bonanza of food, featuring everything from hot entrees to sumptuous desserts.

Hours: Mon-Thu 6am-1:30pm, 5pm-9pm; Fri 6am-1:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat 7am-1:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Sun 7am-1:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ST. CLOUD. A great place to sample Northwoods flavor, this rustic chain restaurant calls out to hungry diners and caters...

ST. CLOUD. A great place to sample Northwoods flavor, this rustic chain restaurant calls out to hungry diners and caters to everyone from suited business types to vacationing families. Friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere make everyone feel at home, and hearty eats do the rest. The menu features such mouthwatering entrees as smoked BBQ ribs, hand-breaded lodge walleye, and charbroiled rib-eyes. Sandwiches, burgers, pastas, Tex-Mex offerings, and a handful of salads also appear. Full bar.

Hours: Daily 11am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WAITE PARK. A bit "out of this world," this sci-fi joint earns kudos for creative decor ­ as the outer...

WAITE PARK. A bit "out of this world," this sci-fi joint earns kudos for creative decor ­ as the outer space mural on its 30-foot, domed ceiling, and its quirky collection of alien statues attest. Of course, a restaurant is only as good as its menu, and this intergalactic oddity wins praise with award-winning BBQ ribs, fire-roasted pizzas, quesadillas, and Cajun-style burgers. If adult beverages are in order, check out the Bar from Mars and drinks like the Cosmic Bulldog, Mars Mudslide and Lunar Island Tea.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight Contact for Specific Dates and Times

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ST. CLOUD. At this bright, casual eatery, you'll find all sorts of delectable goodies for enjoying here or later....

ST. CLOUD. At this bright, casual eatery, you'll find all sorts of delectable goodies for enjoying here or later. Pastries, brownies, cakes, muffins and cookies sate the appetite for sweets and are particularly good with one of Panera's coffee or tea drinks. More substantial eats include sandwiches and paninis, soups (which you can get in a bread bowl), and salads (light or meal-like). Homemade breads and bagels are also available. Plus, Panera seasonally creates new offerings, which you'll definitely want to try.

Hours: Daily 6am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ST. CLOUD. This regional chain of coffee shops (the first one opened in Minneapolis in '90s) offers consistently good...

ST. CLOUD. This regional chain of coffee shops (the first one opened in Minneapolis in '90s) offers consistently good coffees, teas, fresh bakery items and sandwiches ­ all ideal for folks on the go who also need a quick fix of caffeine. In keeping with the Northwoods-inspired name, the shop boasts a certain lodge-like decor, making it a cozy place to settle in with a good book, a hot cup of joe, and a delicious pastry.

Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30am-9pm; Fri 5:30am-10pm; Sat 6:30am-10pm; Sun 6:30am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WAITE PARK. From its metallic exterior to its '50s ambience, this diner revels in classic Americana. If you love retro...

WAITE PARK. From its metallic exterior to its '50s ambience, this diner revels in classic Americana. If you love retro styling or just can't pass up great diner fare, you'll want to give Park a try. A diverse crowd frequents the place, sitting at the counter, bopping to jukebox tunes, or just enjoying the invitingly kitschy ambience. Burgers, tasty appetizers, and hot entrees satisfy hungry appetites, and ice cream treats offer a timeless welcome, whether you have one to cap off a meal or just to enjoy on its own. Casual and relaxed.

Hours: Sun-Thu 6am-8pm; Fri-Sat 6am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

WAITE PARK. Operated by the same family since 1973, this place has been around since the 1920s, when it was originally a...

WAITE PARK. Operated by the same family since 1973, this place has been around since the 1920s, when it was originally a speakeasy. These days, the log cabin restaurant offers a variety of rooms, many with great views and all with individual character. Steak and seafood are prominent, as indicated by Canadian walleye, stuffed Alaskan halibut, porterhouse and smothered sirloin. Other possibilities include BBQ pork ribs, roast duck, herb-crusted rack of lamb, and chicken boursin. Don't miss the popovers, slathered with honey butter. Great wines and scotches too.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 4pm-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. For more than 40 years, this unassuming eatery has been catering to the Italian-American tastes of local...

DOWNTOWN. For more than 40 years, this unassuming eatery has been catering to the Italian-American tastes of local folks. Pizza, expectedly, is the major attraction, and you can select from the usual suspects, consider one of the gourmet pies, or create your own. A variety of sizes is also available, allowing you to indulge your hunger to the degree you choose. Additional menu possibilities include pasta dishes, sandwiches and salads. Family-friendly.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. One of St. Cloud's most recognizable destinations, this terrific restaurant and bar occupies a building dating...

DOWNTOWN. One of St. Cloud's most recognizable destinations, this terrific restaurant and bar occupies a building dating to 1886. Built by Dolson B. Searle, a prominent lawyer and judge, the structure still boasts original detailing and loads of character. The broad menu offers everything from steaks and seafood to pastas, fajitas, and burgers. A full bar also offers plenty of options, and the weekday happy hour is perennially well-attended. Other evening attractions include live music and drink specials.

Hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Attentive service and delicious cuisine await at this well-received hotel restaurant. A carefully fashioned...

DOWNTOWN. Attentive service and delicious cuisine await at this well-received hotel restaurant. A carefully fashioned menu offers a wealth of upscale fare available for breakfast, lunch or dinner. A full bar service is available as are two plasma screen televisions.

Hours: Restaurant Mon-Thu 6:30am-9am, 11am-9pm; Fri 6:30am-9am, 11am-10pm; Sat 8am-Noon, 5pm-10pm; Sun 8am-Noon, 5pm-9pm
Bar Sun-Thu 4pm-Midnight; Fri-Sat 4pm-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club