Price guide: Appetizers $6-9  Sandwiches $9-10  BBQ Meats $12-13  Ribs $13-22 Desserts $6

What we ordered: I had the two-meat combo with Catfish Fingers and Texas Beef Brisket.  The four medium-sized catfish fingers were hot and crispy, fresh out of the fryer and seasoned with semi-spicy Cajun seasonings.  It  comes with to sauces to dip in, a sweet & sour type of sauce and a seasoned mayo tartar.  I thought these were especially yummy with the seasoned tartar.  The Texas Beef Brisket was also pretty good.  This combo came with corn, a corn bread muffin and two sides.  I love the corn bread at Famous Dave’s! It is more moist than typical corn bread and slightly sweet.  I am not a fan of the overcooked boring corn, which is a far cry from the sweetcorn we harvest in Minnesota.  The two sides I got were the garlic smashed potatoes and coleslaw, both very good.

My companion ordered the XXL Rib Platter, a 12-bone rack of St Louis Style ribs.  The ribs were meaty and quite tender, full of smokey flavor from the Pit.  The two sides were fries and cinnamon apples.

Service: The Forest Lake location of Famous Dave’s offers counter-service, and we were able to order within minutes of arriving.  We got ourselves drinks at the self-service station and waited approximately ten minutes before our food arrived.  Staff walk the dining room and check with guests from time to time to determine if they need anything, and bus tables when necessary.

Overall Impression: I really like the variety of menu choices at Famous Daves, although I think their prices are slightly high for the amount of food you get.  They have several great choices of sauces and despite being a large chain-restaurant, I think they do have pretty decent barbeque (you can’t go wrong with the ribs!).  If you register to be a part of the P.I.G. Club you can get special offers, so go sign up here

I was happy to see that one of my favorite restaurants, Norman Quacks, now has a Fall Seasonal Menu featuring

Old Duck Hunters Pot Pie- A flaky crust stuffed with veggies and roasted beef, served with mashed acorn squash.

Chicken Quack Schnitzel- Lightly breaded chicken breast smothered with onions, mushrooms and melted swiss.  Served over potato with side of squash.

Twice Grilled Apple Chop- 2 Pork chops served with applesauce, squash and choice of potato

Quack’s Loosey Goosey Burger- Angus patties stuffed with hot spicy cheese, served with sweet potato fries

Whole Lotta Bratta Ciabatta- Brats smothered in beer and grilled then smothered in onions, peppers, relish and cheese.  Served with sauerkraut and sweet potato fries

Quack Carrot Cake- 4 layers

Sweet Pumpkin Cheesecake- A delicious cross between pumpkin pie and cheesecake.  I tried it and thought it was pretty awesome, just wish the piece were a little bigger ;)

Pumpkin Cheescake at Norman Quacks ~ Forest Lake, MN

Even though this next photo is not an item on the Seasonal Menu, you CAN get it for just half price during Happy Hour!  Only $3.50 for all this Boneless Buffalo-y Goodness?? Steal of a Deal!

Boneless Buffalo Wing Basket

This is an updated review from the original I wrote in May 2007.  I have eaten at Norman Quack’s countless times since then and felt a new, updated review was long overdue!

Cuisine: American, Fish, Steaks, Chops & Ribs
Restaurant Features: Bar, Happy Hour, On-Site Parking, Flat Screen TVs
Location: Forest Lake, MN
Address: 843 West Broadway Avenue   Forest Lake, MN 55025    651-982-6777
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10p   Sun 11am-9pm
Links: *Norman Quack’s Website *Norman Quack’s Facebook Page *Google Map

Atmosphere: Norman Quacks is conveniently located at the end of a small strip mall facing Broadway Ave, between Hwy 61 and I-35.  The space is big and open, with a bar area to the left when you walk in and the dining room on the right.  There are a number of booths and tables throughout the restaurant, with space to accommodate larger parties in the back.  Everywhere you look there are interesting objects hanging on the walls, and a library’s-worth of books stacked on the half-wall between the booths, giving the restaurant character while making the booths more private.

The Bar Area also has tables as well as seating at the bar.  There are also a couple of flat-screen TVs that typically view local sporting events.

Menu: Appetizers at Norman Quacks include Colossal Onion Rings, Quesadillas, Potato Skins, Cheese Curds, Chicken Tenders, 7 Layer Dip and Chips, Buffalo Tender Bites, Peppered Tips & Blackened Toms, Chicken Wings, BBQ Pork Ribs, Creamy Pepperjack Queso & Chips, Coconut Shrimp Kabob and Garlic Alfredo Toast.

Salad offerings are the Chicken Tender Salad, Spinach Tips and Tomatoes, Fajita Salad, House, Salmon Black & Blue, Chicken Caesar, Oriental Shrimp, and Caesar Salad.  Soups include Creamy Baked Potato, Prime Rib Stew, and Soup of the Day.

Sandwiches include BBQ Pork and Cheddar, Buffalo Chicken, Prime Fajita Melt, Walleye, Catfish Po’ Boy, Monte Cristo, Skinny Ribeye, Roasted Bahama Chop (pork with jerk sauce, mozzarella and pico de gallo), Dante’s Revenge, Triple Play Sandwich (layers of ham, turkey, roast beef and bacon with cheddar, mozzarella and jack), French Dip, Philly French Dip, B.L.T, and Blackened Salmon Melt.

The following sandwiches can be made with either chicken breast, ground beef burger or bison burger: Plain Jane, Sloppy Rio (with cheese sauce, beans and sauteed peppers), Mushroom, 4 Cheese, Smoke Head (sauteed mushrooms, onion, bacon, bbq sauce and cheese), Peppered with Bacon and Blue Cheese, Patty Melt, Clubhouse and Bacon Blue.
Price guide: Appetizers $7-9  Salads $7-9  Burgers/Sandwiches $7-10  Entrees $11-17

Happy Hour: 4-6pm EVERYDAY.  1/2 Priced Appetizers (all except the Samplers)

Weekly Specials:

Sunday- $10.95 12 oz Prime Rib with Onion Rings
What we ordered: We started with the basket of freshly baked Ciabatta Bread.  The bread is served with a flavored whipped butter, the flavor of which changes daily.  We had garden-herb butter on this visit.

We also got an order of Cheese Curds.  I love the cheese curds at Quack’s! The gooey white cheddar curds are battered with  the same unique batter that is used on the giant onion rings, and are slightly salty.  They are fried perfectly until crispy golden brown on outside, and not too greasy.  Great dipped in the ranch that comes with it.

For my meal I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, which is what I order 90% of the time I visit Quacks. This is my favorite sandwich on the menu and is the best Buffalo Chicken sandwich I have had anywhere. They start with the biggest chicken breast they can find, then bread it, deep fry it, and coat it in delicious and mildly spicy Buffalo sauce. It has a couple of sliced of thick-cut bacon and melted cheddar cheese, tomato and lettuce served on the side. Very big and very messy, I usually end up using silverware to eat it.

 

Buffalo Chicken Sandwich at Norman Quack’s

One of my companions ordered a “double” of the the Sunday Prime Rib Special (usually 12 oz cut served with onion rings for $10.95). This GIANT cut of prime rib weighed in at around 25 oz, most of which was meat with just a small amount of fat.  Served with au jus and creamy horseradish.  Excellent cut of meat for a great price, making Quack’s a popular place on Sundays!

Another companion ordered the Two-Pork Chop Dinner (can order one or two chops), served with fries (choice of potato) and soup or salad.  These were two big, tender and juicy pork chops, with Cajun seasonings.  Big enough to share between two!

One of my companions also ordered a Bloody Mary, which came dressed with beef stick, olives, celery and pepperoncini pepper.  Thick and spicy!

We did not have dessert on this visit but here is a photo of the Giant Chocolate Cake that I took just a few months ago on a different visit.  Heavenly and gigantic with at least four layers of dark chocolate cake nestled between more layers of thick, chocolate butter cream frosting.  I recommend that you share this big boy!

Service: Our service on this occasion was great!  We were greeted and seated immediately and our order was taken promptly.  Within minutes of being seated we were given a nice big basket of bread fresh out of the oven right.  Drinks were refilled promptly  and food came out at a reasonable pace.
Overall Impression: I’ve already mentioned that Norman Quack’s is one of my favorite restaurants.  They have a fine selection of quality steaks and fish, the specialty sandwiches and burgers are all really good, and the half-priced appetizers during Happy Hour are a great deal.  The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and Prime Rib are what we crave, in fact there is a good chance you’ll find me (and at least one companion) here on any given Sunday. See you there!

Cuisine: American, Italian, Seafood, Steaks, Chops, Ribs
Restaurant Features: Card Room, Horse Racing, On-Site Parking, Sunday Brunch
Location: Columbus, MN (near Lino Lakes & Forest Lake)
Address: 15201 Zurich Street NE Columbus MN 55025-7908 (651) 925-4600 877-RUN-ACES (I-35 and Hwy 97)

Winner’s Circle Hours: Lunch Mon-Sat 11a-3p

Dinner Mon-Wed 5p-9p Thur 4-9p Fri 4-10p  Sat 5-10p

Sunday Brunch 9:30-1pm  Sunday Dinner 5-9p

Links: Running Aces Harness Park Website Google Map

Atmosphere: Located within Running Aces Harness Park, the Winner’s Circle Dining & Lounge is a large, open space with giant floor-to-ceiling windows that allow a good view of the horse track outside.

The Buffets are set up in another large room just off to the left of the main room.  This back room also serves as seating space for large groups.

Menu: The new Fall Lunch Menu includes Walleye Fingers, BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, Onion Rings, Cobb Salad, Thai Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad, Aces House Salad, BBQ Blue Burger, Southwest Burger, Reuben, BBQ Brisket Sandwich, Club, Cajun Walleye, French Dip, Hot Italian Wrap and Chicken Wrap.  All sandwiches and burgers come with fries.

Fall Dinner Menu is served Sun-Wed.  Appetizers include Beer-Battered Onion Rings, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Walleye Fingers, Fried Calamari, Beef Tender Tips, BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, and Sampler Platter.

Salad choices include Cobb Salad, Thai Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad, and Aces House Salad (with caramelized pecans, goat cheese and raspberries).

Sandwiches at Winner’s Circle are the BBQ Blue Burger, Southwest Burger, Reuben, BBQ Brisket Sandwich, Club,
Cajun Walleye, French Dip, Hot Italian Wrap and Chicken Wrap.  All
sandwiches and burgers come with fries.

Italian Entrees include Chicken Parmesan, Cajun Chicken Alfredo, Shrimp Pomodoro, Rotelle Vegetable Pasta with olives and artichokes.

House Specialties are Ber Battered Colossal Shrimp, Herbed Pork Tenderloin, Stuffed Chicken Breast, Almond Crusted Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Grilled Pork Chop, King Crab and Smokehouse Ribs.

Steaks offered are the Filet, New York Strip, Flat Iron Steak and Surf & Turf (Filet & choice of either King Crab or Lobster Tail)

Price guide: Lunch Menu $8-11 Appetizers $8-10  Entrees $15-19  Steaks $18-26
Weekly Specials:

Thursday Night Seafood Buffet $21.95 includes oysters in the half-shell, peel-and-eat shrimp, King Crab Legs, Fried Shrimp, Made-to-order Shrimp Scampi, Prime Rib, Weekly Chef Specials and Dessert Table.

Friday Night Italian Feast Buffet $19.95 includes Italian Antipasto Bar, Gourmet cooked-to-order Pasta Bar, Carved Beef Tenderloin, 7 Specialty Entrees, and Italian Dessert Station.

Saturday Lobster Extravaganza $25.95 includes Lobster Bisque, Twin Lobster Tail, Vegetables, Potato and Dessert.

Sunday Brunch Buffet $16.95 Adults $8.95 Kids includes Champagne, Prime Rib, Made-to-order Omelets and Waffles, Peel and Eat Shrimp, Salad Bar, 7 Breakfast and Lunch Entrees, and Dessert Table.

What I ate: My visit was during Sunday Brunch.  My first plate included prime rib, Salmon Pasta, Green Beans, Potates O’Brien, Bacon, and Cheesy Scrambled Eggs.  Everything I tried was decent, typical buffet quality, but nothing outstanding.  My cut of prime rib was cooked more than I prefer and therefore not as tender as I like it.  I ate a couple of bites of each item before deciding I needed to try something else.

My second plate was a much bigger hit after a visit to the made-to-order Omelet and Waffle Stand.  They had a variety of toppings for the waffles which were hot and golden brown.  I ordered my omelet with everything (tomato, onion, peppers,mushrooms, ham, bacon and cheddar) and it was so good! My favorite way to eat eggs.

Yes, I did get another small plate (for the sake of this review of course!).  The salad was basic but good and I also tried the spare ribs in gravy.  The meat was so good! It was very tender and flavorful.  I would have loved to try more of that but I was very full at this point.

I got a small dessert plate (also for the sake of this review!) I love cheesecake so I had to try a bite of the Winner’s Circle cheesecake.  What a disappointment! The taste and texture both seemed off and I didn’t make it past a 2nd bite.  I also tried the blueberry cobbler and the creme-filled chocolate cake.  I was too full to get excited about any of it.

Here is the dessert plate of one of my companions

Service: My party of 8 adults and 3 small kids had a reservation and were able to be seated at our table immediately.  They had set up a special table for us in the large banquet space.    Our server was friendly and accommodating with drinks and other small requests.

Overall Impression: The food served on the Sunday Brunch was decent, I recommend the omelets and waffles!  Our service was really good.  I would like to go back for dinner to order off the menu

Cuisine: American, Fish & Seafood, Steaks, Chops,
Restaurant Features: Bar, On-Site Parking

Location: Forest Lake, MN
Address: 9726 Scandia Trail N. Forest Lake, MN 55025 (On Hwy 97 four miles east of Hwy 61) (651)433-5646

Hours: Mon 4-9pm Tues-Sat 11am-10pm Sun 11am-9pm
Links: Old Log Cabin Website * Google Map

Atmosphere: There are two dining areas in the Old Log Cabin, the main dining room with a variety of booths and tables (not pictured) and then the bar area which has a handful of high tables with additional seating at the bar.  Like it’s name suggests, the Old Log Cabin has a rustic feel and the building itself is made from several large logs.  Nearly every square inch of the bar area is covered with business cards of every variety!

Menu: Appetizers include Fungus Humongous, Mozzarella Sticks, Buffalo Wings, Onion Rings, Artichoke Dip, Chicken Strips, Potato Skins, Cheese Curds, and Nachos Grande.

Salads include Chicken Chef, Taco, Crispy Chicken, and Chicken Caesar.

There is a large selection of 1/2 lb burgers with names such as Musher, Alaskan, Prospector, Kodiak and Yukon.  Sandwiches include the Trapper (prime rib), Ptarmigan, Cottage Chicken, Log Jammer (Prime rib with onions and peppers), Fish, Hot Prime, Grilled Chicken, Grizzly Chicken (BBq & Bacon), Steak and the French Dip.

Dinner entrees include Ribeye Steak, Cabin Steak (10oz sirloin), Black Angus Sirloin, Chopped Sirloin, Sirloin Tips, Ork Chops, Broasted Chicken, Marinated Chicken Breast, Broiled Walleye or Shrimp, Fried Cod, Seafood Platter, Fish & Chips, and Fried Shrimp.

Desserts offered are Carrot Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Bread Pudding, and Root Beer Float.

Daily dinner specials begin at 4pm and include:

• MON& Tues- Mexican Food
• Wed- All you can eat Fish Fry
• Thurs- Steak Night
• Fri- BBQ Ribs $11.99
• Sat& Sun- Prime Rib $15.99

Price guide: Appetizers $ 5-8 Salads $7-9 Burgers & Sandwiches $7-9 Dinner Entrees $10-18  Desserts $3-4
What we ordered: We started with the Fungus Humongous and like the name suggests, these fried mushrooms were HUGE!  The extra-large fresh mushrooms were halved, lightly battered and then fried to a crispy brown and served with a honey-mustard dipping sauce.  Delish!

For my meal I ordered the Ptarmigan Chicken Sandwich (the server affirmed that this was a great choice!).  This was a grilled chicken breast topped with creamy spinach artichoke dip and melted cheese on a toasted bun.  The chicken was tender and juicy and the artichoke dip was flavorful and had a decent amount of artichoke.  The french fries were mediocre, with a slightly crispy textured outside and very little seasonings (reminded me of Burger King fries).

One of my companions ordered the Hot Prime Sandwich which consisted of thick slices of prime rib served between slices of fresh white bread, a large scoop of mashed potatoes and then smothered with gravy.  This is obviously the type of sandwich that is meant to be eaten with silverware! I tried a few bites and thought the prime rib was good, but the gravy wasn’t my favorite.  My companion enjoyed this meal.

Another companion ordered the steak sandwich, which was literally a steak thrown between a couple of slices of toast and then served with a side of au jus.

Another companion ordered the Sirloin Tips, which came with a cup of soup, dinner roll, and baked potato.  The sirloin tips were tender and juicy, smothered with sauteed onions and mushrooms.

Service: Our visit was on a Saturday afternoon between lunch and dinner, so there were only a few other customers dining at the time.  Our server doubled as bartender, but was prompt and friendly for the most part.  My only complaint is that the fried mushroom appetizer was served with the meal instead of coming out first but it wasn’t that big of a deal.
Overall Impression: The Old Log Cabin was more laid back than I had expected and the food was priced very reasonably for the amount that came with each order.  The service was good too!

Cuisine: Italian, Pizza,
Restaurant Features: Bar, On-Site Parking<
Location: Forest Lake, MN
Address: 25 North Lake Street, Suite 105 Forest Lake, MN 55025  651-464-0111
Links: Google Map * ‘Za Italian Website * ‘ZA on Facebook

Atmosphere:    This was my first visit to ‘Za, although I have driven by many times.  The restaurant is in the lower-level of a large business complex at the Intersection of Broadway and Lake St, right on Forest Lake.  The restaurant was classier than I expected, with several wall-sized windows facing Forest Lake.  The restaurant sits above street level, so there was a decent view of the lake (beyond the parking lot).  ‘Za has several tables and a few bistro tables as well.  Mostly casual, but the dim lights as it grew dark gave it a more romantic feel.

Menu: Appetizers include Calamari with Marinara, Artichoke Dip, Chicken Tenders and Garlic Cheese Bread.

The salads at ‘Za include Antipasto, Caesar and Spinach.

Za also has a variety of delicious pastas including Lobster Ravioli, Cheese Tortellini, Chicken Parmesan, Alfredo with Chicken or Shrimp, Cheese Ravioli, Pesto Cream Fettuccine with Chicken or Shrimp, Spaghetti, Garlic Herb Penne, and Za’s Own Famous Bread Boule Lasagna.

Like its name suggests, ‘Za also specializes in Pizzas and Calzones.  Specialties include the Bellisima, Full House, Garlic Cream Sauce with Chicken and Spinach, Hawaiian Hawg, Italian Rose, Meat Me at ‘Za, Pesto Pollo, Primo, Ragin’ Cajun, St. Louis Luau, Veggie Villa, and The Mother Lode.

If anyone is tempted to go for a burger instead of Italian or pizza, ‘Za also has a handful of specialty burgers served with Steak-cut Fries.

Desserts are Cheesecake, Big Baby Bundt, and Tiramisu.

Price guide:  Appetizers $6-7  Salads $3-7 Pasta $9-15 Calzones $ 9-14 Pizza $9-23 Burgers $10
What I ordered: To start, my companions and I shared an order of Garlic Cheese Bread.  It was nice and buttery and the cheese was bubbly and light brown on top.  The garlic wasn’t over the top, but it had a pleasant amount of oregano.  The marinara was also pretty good, more on the sweet than spicy side.

I was still starving by the time my meal came, and I was kind of disappointed to discover there were only five raviolis on my plate (with one BIG meatball).  The sauce was what ‘Za calls “Basil-Pinenut Pesto Butter Marinara Sauce”, which was basically a creamy red sauce.  The raviolis were stuffed full of cheeses and more filling than I had thought.  True to my word, I ate the entire plate (which is very rare!) and I was stuffed beyond belief for the rest of the night!

One of my companions had the spinach salad.  This salad has red peppers, black olives, red onions, walnuts, pineapple, and a raspberry-walnut vinaigrette with chicken (gorgonzola is optional).  Looked delicious!

Two of my companions both ordered the chicken parmesan.  This is a baked dish and the sauce had been absorbed into the pasta and was on the dry side.  Both girls thought more sauce or a side of sauce would’ve made it better.  Very large portion.

And last but definitely not least, one of my companions had the  famous Lasagna cooked in a bread boule.  The best way to describe this creation is a hybrid between lasagna and deep-dish pizza.  The crust was buttery and crispy, baked to perfection!

Service: It was a Saturday night and Za’ was pretty filled up, we were lucky to get a table for five almost immediately.  We had a young server who was nice but not overly friendly.  Food took awhile, but it was mostly worth the wait.
Overall Impression: I liked it! I thought the prices were reasonable and the food and atmosphere were also very nice.  The lasagna in the bread boule was a unique find! Glad I finally stopped in, would not hesitate to go back.

Cuisine: American, Fish & Seafood, Steak, Chops & Ribs
Restaurant Features: Bar, On-Site Parking

Location: Wyoming, MN
Address: 26753 Forest Blvd, Wyoming, MN 55092 (651) 462-1211

Hours: Mon& Tues- Closed Wed & Thurs 2:30pm-9pm • Fri & Sat 2:30pm -10pm • Sun 1pm -9pm
Links: Cornerstone Website Google Map

Atmosphere: Dark, cherry-stained pine lines the walls and gives the Cornerstone a very comfortable yet masculine atmosphere.  A variety of tables as well as booths.  There is a separate large bar area in the building, with plenty of seating and gaming options (Bingo, video games, pull-tabs, darts, etc)

Menu: Sandwiches include steak sandwich, dutch steak sandwich, Reuben, Patty melt, chicken supreme, prime rib, walleye sandwich, and  veggie burger.  The cornerstone also offers a build-your-own-burger with a variety of toppings to choose from.

Dinner entrees include the famous “Queen” or “King” cut Prime Rib, T-bone steaks, ribeye, New Yorl strip, sirloin, hamburger steak, extra thick boneless pork loin, pork chops with a variety of seasonings to choose from, BBQ ribs, liver and onions, deep fried chicken, walleye dinner, shrimp scampi, breaded jumbo shrimp, stuffed shrimp.

There are a few children’s menu items, salads and soups as well.

Price guide: Sandwiches $7-9  Entrees $10-20
What I ordered: The Reuben.  I practically consider myself a Reuben connoisseur, and this Reuben is one of the best I have EVER had!!  The corned beef was sliced very thin, but was tender as could be, with awesome flavor.  The bread was grilled to a nice, toasty texture, without any of the sogginess you might experience from grilled sandwiches elsewhere.  The 1000 island dressing came served on the side.  They also gave me a ton of fries, which were thin and crispy.  A big hit overall!

Two of my companions ordered the Prime Rib.  Featured here is the “King Cut”, 20-24 oz.  This steak is MASSIVE!! The taste was very good, and for $20, I don’t know if you can find a prime rib steak that is any bigger or better for the price.

Another companion ordered the stuffed shrimp.  This was simply, “alright”. The breading of the shrimp was nice and crispy, but the inside was lightly filled with a cheesy/crab mixture that had a very blended texture.

Service: Could be much better! This is the second time I had eaten at the Cornerstone and the serving staff does not seem to be very friendly or helpful.  There were four of us dining on this occasion, and when the server brought out complimentary soup/salads for the entrees that my companions ordered, she only brought us three rolls! I cannot recall whether the menu included a dinner roll with the Reuben, but come on! In my opinion, enough dinner rolls should be brought to the table for everyone who is seated, regardless of what they ordered.
Overall Impression: Nice atmosphere for both dining and entertainment. Great Prime Rib for the money and excellent Reubens.  Service needs improvement.