Location: Albany
Albany Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Albany
Albany is a city in Stearns County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 2,561 at the 2010 census. It is part of the St. Cloud Metropolitan Statistical Area.
1. Fisher's Club
Overall Ratings
4 based on 37 reviews
A Central Minnesota Tradition - NOW OPEN FOR THE 2016 SEASON! Watch for more updates - Opening for Lunch Friday, Saturday and Sundays beginning Memorial Day Weekend!
Reviewed By stuartmn
I have gone to Fisher's on and off since 1972. Despite its ups and downs and multiple owners, the essence of the place has mostly stayed the same. Since the old days, the facilities have been "cleaned up" (thankfully) without diminishing the "special qualities" of the place. Even the red wallpaper has been retained! The current owners keep it cleaner than ever. Based on several visits in the last two years, I'd say the service is very good (and much faster than in the old days) and dinner at Fisher's is still a pleasant experience. I only went once last year - the walleye was not good... it was more like a giant fish stick than real fish. I hesitated to go again, but last night friends were visiting and wanted to go. The walleye was very good! (I think the fillets have gotten smaller though.) I hate those little packets of sour cream! Please, larger sour cream - put a dollop in a paper cup or something! I love Fisher's, but to rate it "excellent" or "very good" they could up their game a bit.
2. Charlie's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
charliescafe.com/ Best breakfast ever
Reviewed By mllohrman - Montgomery, Illinois
So we were driving through central Minn. and stopped in Freeport for a light lunch. We stopped at Charlie's. It is a slice of midwestern life. It also happens to be the inspiration for Garrison Keillor s Chatterbox Cafe in his monologues/Lake Wobegon books...which was just cool. I am a fan.
There is a Sunday Brunch downstairs. Otherwise a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu is available. The food is good. I had a half of a tuna salad sandwich (good) and a cup of navy bean soup (yum). Then I ordered a slab (not a slice) of lemon merengue pie. So good.
Much Keillor memorabilia . A must for all LW fans or fans of good midwestern fare.
3. Dairy Queen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By TBIGGITTY
The Albany DQ is small town DQ at it's finest. I had an amazing Hot Fudge shake, my wife a dipped cone. The high school girls that worked there were extremely busy... The biggest thing I took away from my experience is if you go to a DQ this busy you need to understand it's going to take a few minutes. No need to get snippy with 17 year old girls (looking at you rude old women).
4. Albany Home Bakery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Tim D - Saint Joseph, United States
Bakeries are getting harder to find. I'm so thankful that the Albany Home Bakery is still around. You can find all your baked good needs here, whether it's bread, buns, cookies, bars, or their delicious donuts. I'm a big fan of their glazed croissants. They open early, so you can get what you need before the day begins.
If you're looking for treats for an upcoming holiday, or want to bring something special to work, or just need baked goods to accompany your next meal at home, this place is the answer to your prayers.
5. 3 Peppers Mexican Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Tim D - Saint Joseph, United States
What you'll find here is fresh Tex-Mex style tacos, nachos, quesadillas, burritos and the like. The fresh tomato salsa goes great with everything. Don't be turned off by the gas-station location. Located inside the gas station is Chester's Fried Chicken, Godfather's Pizza, and 3 Peppers Mexican Grill. It's a nice option if you're traveling Interstate-94 and are looking for some fresh options while you're traveling. Across the street, you'll find a Subway and an A & W. Around the corner, on main street, you'll find an awesome hometown bakery (Albany Home Town Bakery - see separate review).
No matter what you order - be it tacos, nachos, or burritos - you can choose from a variety of meats (chicken, steak, ground beef, carnitas) and fresh toppings (salsas, cooked onions/peppers, black or pinto beans, cheese, lettuce, sour cream), depending upon your tastes...to load your item with. An excellent homemade queso is available free of charge. I recommend it. Guacamole is extra. They also often have free chips (Wednesdays). On other days, you can get the chips and salsa for a very reasonable price.
I was very pleased with my burrito. It reminded me of the burritos I used to be able to get from Panchero's, which is no longer open locally.
The next time you're driving by along I-94, stop in and give it a try. You just might be surprised.
6. Oak Station Coffee & Cone
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By MidwestIris - Midwest
Neat place. We enjoyed talking to the owner and learning about the building. Peek upstairs when you are there. We enjoyed our icecream. We suggested they put Gluten Free tags on the appropriate icecream case labels as they do at the icecream parlor in our town.
7. Ackie's Pioneer Inn
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Ed T. and Jackie J. Atkinson have owned Ackie's since 1981. Ed does all of the cooking, while Jackie is the restaurant manager. Ackie’s cooks on a charcoal grill and is known for the homemade soups and salads.
Reviewed By minneapol - Grey Eagle, Minnesota
The first time we were ever in this restaurant was to play Bingo at the town festival. We won and had a good time. We have been back since then and have found the owner and the wait staff to be very friendly, smile and...MoreWe are so happy you enjoyed coming to see us in Freeport. In summer we have a patio you can stop in and have a drink and dinner.
8. Avon Cabin Cafe
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Ramblinmnguy - Avon, Minnesota
Love this place. Small town friendliness, quick friendly service with all the classic breakfasts. Always great and delicious
9. Hillcrest Family Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By eas555 - Englewood, Florida
What a great family restaurant! We had a delicious breakfast - we had the skillet and the 2-2-2 breakfasts and they were top notch! Eggs cooked to order, fluffy pancakes, good ham and bacon, hot coffee. We stopped in Albany for the first time...we usually go to a favorite restaurant in Freeport but because of their festival the town was too crowded. We were so happy that we found this place - we were not disappointed. Reasonable prices too!
10. A&W Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Tim D - Saint Joseph, United States
I'm not a huge fan of A&W Food, but their root beer is still the best. Made with aged vanilla and pure cane sugar, there's no high fructose corn syrup. That makes their root beer and their root beer floats the best.
This location has a drive-thru, so if you're headed to the lake along I-94 and want to stop in for a treat for the kids or yourself, this can be a fairly quick in and out.
Their cheese curds and other appetizers and dessert items tend to be pretty good. I haven't had good luck with their entrees.
