Tilted Tiki. Photos: Chris Emeott
Enjoy various cultural cuisines at local restaurants.
There’s no shortage of cultural cuisine in the Valley—residents and visitors alike can taste different cultural dishes right here in our communities. From pad thai to Caribbean duck tacos, there’s a little something for everyone.
Nacho Mama’s
Nestled in downtown Stillwater, Nacho Mama’s is more than just its namesake dish. It features authentic Mexican dishes like chimichangas, enchiladas, street tacos and more. No one goes home hungry from Nacho Mama’s, as portions are large and packed neatly with just as tasty side dishes—there’s barely any empty space on your plate! It has a great outdoor seating area for the warm-weather months, with enough shade to keep it comfortable when the sun gets too bright. Need a drink? Nacho Mama’s claims to have the best margaritas in the area! There’s an inside bar, too, so patrons can get cocktail to complement their meal. 312 S. Main St., Stillwater; 651.439.9544
Osaka
Head to Stillwater’s Osaka for a delicious meal—and a night of fun entertainment.Watch the hibachi chef cook spectacular Japanese food right in front of you, while they show off tricks to make it an unforgettable evening. Along with the classic hibachi dinners, Osaka features an extensive lineup of sushi. Takeout is offered—so you can enjoy the taste of Japan from home, too. 108 Main St. N., Stillwater; 651.342.0285
Papa’s
Papa’s is the newest rooftop restaurant and bar in the Valley. Placed on top of the Water Street Inn, Papa’s has stunning views of both the St. Croix River and downtown Stillwater. It offers a variety of Italian options, including wood-fired pizza and pasta dishes. Pizzas are hand-tossed, and toppings can vary from pesto and chicken to a classic pepperoni or Margherita. It also makes its meatballs in-house, and they not only pair well with its spaghetti, but stands alone as an appetizer. No Italian dish is complete without a glass of wine, and Papa’s has a wide variety of choices; a range of cocktails and domestic beers are also offered—including picks from Stillwater’s own Lift Bridge Brewery. 101 Water St. S., Stillwater; 612.712.4650
Pedro’s del Este
Featuring a variety of Latin American dishes ranging from Cuban to Spanish, Pedro’s del Este has a taste for all palates. Kick off your meal with an appetizer—something as classic as chips and salsa or delicious empanadas. Enjoy wings or shrimp, both with their own twist, or consider going with short ribs or pork tenderloin. Finish off with a little something sweet—perhaps churros, topped with pistachios and orange liqueur dark chocolate or a pineapple upside down cake topped with rum caramel. When the temps get cold, you can enjoy your meal in your own heated greenhouse outside. 212 Walnut St., Hudson, Wis.; 715.808.0118
Phil’s Tara Hideaway
Phil’s Tara Hideaway started in 1997, and the building is rich with history. It originally opened as Lynch’s Chicken Shack in 1929 but burned down in 1931. One year later, it was rebuilt as the log-cabin style building that still stands today. Inside the charming building, enjoy classic Greek dishes, along with American cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. From classic gyros (pronounced “yee-rohs”) and lamb to burgers and pork chops, there’s a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Founder and owner Phil Barbatsis focuses on getting local ingredients as much as possible. 15021 N. 60th St., Stillwater; 651.439.9850
Pho Mai
Serving Vietnamese cuisine, Pho Mai, a family-owned restaurant, which opened in 2021, prides itself in making all of its dishes from scratch. Though there’s an array of protein-based entrees, patrons will also find vegetarian and gluten-free picks, too. 14410 60th St. N., Stillwater; 651.342.1156
San Pedro Café
Operated by the same folks as Pedro’s del Este, San Pedro Café brings the Caribbean palate to downtown Hudson. The menu is diverse—from chicken dishes to duck nachos. It serves brunch, lunch and dinner, plus cocktails like the San Pedro michelada, a beer cocktail with Caribbean flavor. Similar to Pedro’s del Este, San Pedro also has greenhouses outdoors for people to dine in and enjoy their own oasis for the night. 426 Second St., Hudson, Wis.; 715.386.4003
Thai Basil
Opening in 2015, Thai Basil has since become a staple for Thai food in the Stillwater area. The restaurant grows its own peppers and vegetables—and spices are dubbed “Thai hot” to create authentic flavors. 1180 W. Frontage Road, Stillwater; 651.439.4033
Tilted Tiki Tropical Bar and Restaurant
Escape to a tropical oasis at the Tilted Tiki. Enjoy one of its many rum-based drinks while eating delicious Hawaiian cuisine. From Mahi Mahi tacos to a signature poke bowl (and a full vegan menu!), the Tilted Tiki has all sorts of options to make you feel like you’re in paradise. 324 S. Main St., Stillwater; 651.342.2545
