When it comes to dining in Red Wing, flavor and hospitality take center stage. This charming river town is home to an impressive culinary scene. From elegant settings and craft cocktails to wood-fired specialties and hometown comfort food, these seven restaurants in Red Wing, Minnesota, offer something for every craving. Many of these exceptional restaurants are located in or near the iconic St. James Hotel, making it easy to pair an incredible meal with an equally memorable stay at one of the best hotels in Red Wing, MN!
Indulge in the 7 Best Restaurants in Red Wing, Minnesota
1. Scarlet Kitchen & Bar
Scarlet Kitchen & Bar shines as one of the finest restaurants in downtown Red Wing, Minnesota, for numerous compelling reasons. Under the creative leadership of Executive Chef Cory Dufour, the kitchen produces inspired, flavorful American dishes that celebrate locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere combines historic character with modern warmth, set within the charming St. James Hotel and offering lovely patio seating with views along the Mississippi River.
2. The Port
Nestled in the lower level of the historic St. James Hotel, The Port is a unique cocktail lounge that pairs timeless elegance with bold, modern flavor. The centerpiece is an authentic antique bar sourced from a speakeasy of the 1860s, setting a memorable scene for a night out. Beyond the décor, the establishment earns acclaim for expertly crafted, prohibition‑style cocktails and an elevated food offering that complement its refined atmosphere.
3. Bayside Tap & Steakhouse
Guests enjoy a menu that spans juicy hand‑cut steaks, creative martinis, gourmet burgers, seafood, and pub favorites, all alongside a rooftop patio with a lovely view of the riverfront and boats at one of the best restaurants in Red Wing, Minnesota.
4. The Smokin’ Oak
The Smokin’ Oak delivers bold, wood‑fired flavor in every dish, thanks to a unique rotisserie that roasts hand‑cut steaks, ribs, and chicken over oak and cherry flames for a smoky, savory profile.
5. Liberty’s Restaurant
Liberty’s has been one of the most beloved restaurants in downtown Red Wing, Minnesota, since 1975. Guests can enjoy a variety of buffets, including soup, salad, sandwiches, and pizza bars, along with a Wednesday Night Pasta Bar, a Friday Fish Buffet, and a Sunday Brunch.
6. Red Wing Brewery
Near the site of the original brewery, it specializes in fresh, small-batch craft beers, including year-round favorites based on 19th-century local recipes such as Remmler’s Royal Brew, Red Wing Premium Beer, and Cokins Bavarian Red Wing Beer, as well as house-made root beer. The brewpub complements its beverages with a menu of handmade pizzas, calzones, and appetizers.
7. Bev’s Cafe
Bev’s Cafe is a delightful, long-standing diner that feels like a warm embrace from the past, offering generous helpings of home-style breakfast favorites such as biscuits and gravy, skillets, omelets, burgers, and hearty sandwiches.