5 Historic Restaurants Around Winona

The downtown area of Winona, Minnesota, is a protected Historic District, which means you can find plenty of historic restaurants here. If you’re interested in having a great meal and learning more about the area’s history at the same time, make plans to dine at one of these top historic restaurants.

Hillside Fish House

When the building that now houses Hillside Fish House was first constructed in 1855, it was called The Marshland House. It was a railroad junction hotel that accommodated the passengers and crew from the railroads. Today, Hillside Fish House keeps that same tradition of hospitality alive by offering fine spirits, an extensive wine list, and some of the best steak and seafood in the area. Popular entrees include the bacon-wrapped shrimp and scallops, 12-ounce New York strip steak, and 10-ounce Canadian walleye.

Lakeview Drive Inn

If you’re interested in enjoying nostalgic charm along with your meal, head to Winona’s oldest restaurant: Lakeview Drive Inn. Here, friendly carhops come out to your vehicle to take your order, just like they’ve been doing since the restaurant opened in 1938. The menu at Lakeview Drive Inn has a variety of incredible burgers. You’ll find everything from classics like the quarter-pound cheeseburger and the quarter-pound mushroom and Swiss burger to more unusual offerings such as the bison and elk burgers.

Bub’s Brewing Company

Bub’s Brewery was once a popular beer brewing company that had taps in more than 100 bars and saloons in the area. Today, the owners of Bub’s Brewing Company pay tribute to the old brewery by naming their restaurant and bar after it. The bar offers craft beers named after the brewery, including Bub’s Golden, Bub’s Black Forest Ale, and Bub’s Amber Red. The building that houses Bub’s Brewing Company has its own unique story. It was originally built in 1897 as a union club before it was converted into a restaurant in 1992.

The Monarch Public House

Located just across the Mississippi River in Fountain City, Wisconsin, The Monarch Public House has been a welcoming destination for travelers since 1894, making it the oldest operating tavern in the state. When you step inside this historic tavern, you’ll still see some of the original features, such as the pressed tin ceilings, hand-carved oak back bar, and 120-year-old tables and chairs. The menu at the tavern includes everything from traditional Irish pub grub to homemade stone-baked pizzas.

Rocco’s Pub & Pizza

Rocco’s Pub & Pizza first opened in Winona in 1958. Today, it’s still a family-owned restaurant that uses homemade dough, fresh toppings, hand-grated cheese, and the original sauce that was created by Rocco himself. You can create your own pizza or order one of the specialty pizzas. One popular option is the Rocco Taco, which has beef with picante sauce baked into the crust.

If you’re interested in enjoying the fascinating history and delicious food at the same time, be sure to dine at one of these historic restaurants around Winona.