We get it: you’re not always in the mood to eat on campus, and you just can’t beat the experience of eating out.
So, if you’re looking to spice things up with where you dine, look no further than the many restaurants in Winona.
Now behold my list of recommended food options. I’ve personally eaten at every food joint on this list and I wouldn’t lie to you. They’re good!
What are you craving?
A Taste of Campus
If you don’t want to stray far from campus, we have plenty of yummy options right here.
There are plenty more on-campus chow choices where that came from!
Zane’s Food Court
Pizza and Sushi Do and Panda Express, oh my!
Just be sure to check the hours of where you want to eat because not everything is open on the weekends.
Cafeteria
I remember I used to love brunch on the weekends when I lived on campus.
Use your Warrior ID to swipe in your parents or pay $8.43 + tax each to get all-you-can-eat brunch at the Jack Kane Dining Center on Main Campus!
Caribou Coffee
The two Caribou locations on campus (first floor of the Darrell Krueger Library and Somsen Hall) have coffee and food options.
I prefer the Caribou in the library because…bagels…duh.
Something Fancy
Looking for something upscale that won’t break your bank? Your parents will be paying, right? Treat yo’ self!
Signatures Restaurant
Signatures is located on a stunning golf course, and it offers both fine dining and a more casual setting at “The Grill.”
Seriously, if you don’t have time to eat here when your family visits this time, you should make it a priority for their next visit.
Boathouse Winona
One look at the menu will be enough to make you drool. The Boathouse has a beautiful view of the Mississippi River, especially during sunset.
Bonus: they make their dessert in-house daily!
Café Vibes
Not only can you get amazing coffee at these shops, but also they each offer a unique experience and some tasty food options.
Acoustic Café
I dig the vibe and I love the menu. Acoustic Café is a perfect snapshot of our artsy little town of Winona.
Blooming Grounds
Sit and stay or on the go? We have not one, but TWO Blooming Grounds in Winona: Blooming Grounds and Blooming Grounds Express.
Blooming Grounds offers numerous pastry options, as well as some heartier, more filling options.
Mugby Junction
Muffins, scones, cookies, quiche, sandwiches, salad, soup, and my favorite coffee in town.
When I go to Mugby Junction, my go-to order is the spinach quiche and a Satin Snowball if it’s cold outside, or a Raspberry Cloud if the weather is warm.
Hometown Classics
Good old-fashioned burgers and fries never let anyone down.
Even still, Betty Jo’s, Ground Round, Green Mill and Winona’s Family Restaurant offer more than that!
Betty Jo’s
This was the first place I ever ate in Winona when my mom brought me on a campus tour, and Betty Jo’s has yet to disappoint.
Ground Round
Honestly, sometimes I just go here for the dessert.
Life is short, eat dessert first (especially at Ground Round!).
Green Mill
It would normally be hard to please a large group of people, but not at Green Mill. The menu is absolutely huge.
Don’t believe me? Look for yourself.
Winona’s Family Restaurant
Go here to find another ginormous menu to complement the appetite of any foodie.
Winona’s Family Restaurant may seem like a dive from the outside, but man is it homey on the inside!
Around the World
Explore new flavors from across the globe right here in town.
Ocean Sushi
Ocean Sushi is a local favorite I’m told, and it also happens to be one of my personal favorites. Sushi for days!
Great Hunan Chinese Restaurant
Large portions, great prices. The Great Hunan is the place to go if you’re craving Chinese.
…And for Dessert?
Go on, satisfy your sweet tooth–I won’t tell!
Bloedow’s Bakery
I think people brag about Bloedow’s even if they haven’t gone. It’s that good.
People (myself included) are just that proud to have Bloedow’s in our town.
FYI: It’s pronounced BLAY-does.
Nate & Ally’s Frozen Treat Creations
Froyo, ice cream and edible cookie dough? Yes, please, Nate & Ally’s!
Plus, a toppings bar that will make your sugary little heart flutter.
Craving ice cream in particular? Check out this ice cream tour video:
Sure, $5 Pizza is great and the KFC, McDonald’s and Culver’s in town aren’t bad options either.
But might I suggest giving your family a taste of the unique things Winona has to offer? This is also a great chance to adventure from your go-to options!
(Updated by Hailey Seipel on 07/14/2021)