The Yummiest Convenience Stores in Minneapolis

Nelson Bros.

★★★★☆ 3.9 (149) • $$

"When traveling through Minnesota I don't know how you could miss the billboards-- ya know-- that one with the girl's beaming face behind the strawberry frosted sprinkle bespeckled donut? Yeah. That's Nelson Brothers-- and everyone knows about it-- and you know how I know that? It was PACKED at 11:00 am on Friday. The draw isn't the location-- it's essentially in a truck stop, and it isn't the ambiance-- it's the typical family restaurant deal. The draw is the food and the service! We were a party of 13, 4 of which were small children-- and our waitress handled our group with a grace and aplomb one should only expect from a seasoned stage actress. She was amazing! Patient, detail oriented, personable and attentive-- and fast. It was amazing-- and so was the food.Their claim to fame is something called "fritter bread." I got the fritter bread cinnamon French toast-- it came with eggs, hash browns and their wild rice sausage. The portions were huge-- easily enough for two people-- and that French toast! I see why that stuff keeps 'em comin'! The bread was like a light challa but marbled with cinnamon sugar, bathed in an egg custard then fried golden crispy brown on a flat top-- I slathered on the butter -- REAL whipped butter by the way-- and gave it a spritz of syrup-- it was like breakfast cake-- sweet, warm, and a little "wowww this is really bad for me, but it's so good I can't care about that right now," which is what I thought when I ate it all.The place was packed on a Friday at 11:00- so I'm thinkin' the joys to be found at Nelson Brothers is no secret-- but in case you were tottering on the edge of indecision, I thought I'd throw in my two cents-- and persuade you to give it a try.Nelson Brothers is good."

Kwik Trip

★★★☆☆ 2.5 (2)

"Clean bathrooms (especially since this is a BUSY store during tourist season. Nice outdoor seating while you wait for your driving crew to buy their goodies & stop in the bathrooms as well."

Chet Johnson Drug

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Way more than a drug store! Cards, cabin decor, games, old school candy, apparel, shoes - this place has it all. Whenever I stop in Amery, I am sure to visit the Chet Johnson Drug store to browse around. This place is always top notch clean and has the kindest employees on staff. Connected at the very back near the pharmacy, you will bump into Ellie's Ice Cream and Coffee. Just follow the scent of waffle cones! In a small town, I find it so important to support multiple businesses so do enjoy a 2-for-1 deal!"

Birchwood Pit Stop & BBQ

★★★★☆ 4 (20) • $

"Occasion: Local bbq joint near our lake houseCouldn't wait to check this place out while we were in the area recently as it's likely to be our new local hangout. Wasn't sure what to expect of this gas station/convenience store/quick service bbq restaurant/ice cream store/?!?!Seems like a place that tries to do so many things would struggle to get them all right, but from what I can tell they do a bang up job. The bbq was delicious - my test is whether or not I feel compelled to sauce it and not here. The sides were also formidable. We split a 2 meat platter and it was a nice size for us to split as a small dinner.Learned about a new product while I was there - the ice cream pint coozy. Some would probably say it's designed to take a pint home on a hot day but it would also work like a beer coozy to take a pint to go;)Went back the next night to try the ice cream and were not disappointed. They're short-staffed right now so they're using commercially procured waffle cones at the moment, so I'm hoping to try a homemade one on a future visit. Note: Please be patient with them. Like everywhere else, they are short staffed and struggling to stay open. I overheard one of them tell another that she came in on her day off to fill in for a few and ended up putting in a 13-hour day. And they still manage to be courteous and cheerful in the face of criticism from carry out customers. Formidable!Would I recommend/revisit: YES!!Service Dog Rating: A+ - barely mentioned her, which is ideal"

M&H

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (17) • $

"I heard about this place for chicken and wanted to get it done with. I found the broasted really tasty and moist. I had a wing in the car. I like the bag it comes in cause no grease gets through. I picked up the generic macaroni and potato salad that are loaded with high fructose corn syrup. There are things added you just can't see much aside from a few peas in the mac salad. I like the individual containers of various salads and think they're cute. I tried a tri colored pasta salad which basically has bottled Italian dressing dumped on it. It's a super clean store with friendly staff."

United Xpress New Germany

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"Great place to park a big truck, dirt lot, but clean & quiet. Convenience store open between 5-7am to 9 pm, depending on the day.They do offer some hot food, but not much. Clean restrooms. Hollywood Roadhouse next door, 4pm-9pm. Small package store also in roadhouse. Need to walk, plenty of space. Diesel fuel is available. Only one or two pumps though."

Flippin Bill's

★★★★★ 5 (3) • $$

"Stopped in at 5 p.m. for car wash, gas, and chicken dinner. Chicken was fresh and juicy way better then coborn's. Easy in and out no parking lot congestion. Ordered the two piece chicken dinner which came with a dinner roll and butter,JoJo's and, coleslaw for under $6.Didn't check to see if they had senior discount on food."

Stop N Shop

★★☆☆☆ 1.8 (6) • $

"I typically stop by every few months for a quick car wash service. It's cheap and fast. I don't recommend coming here when it's dark out, it's a very sketchy area and there's always something happening at this gas station. I would suggest to stay away for your own safety, but I rather tell you to be aware of your surroundings at all times. I only give it two stars based on the safety in general. The few stars earned are for the friendly workers here. The staff is quick and helpful."

Wild Bill's Sporting Goods & Spirits

★★★★☆ 4 (2) • $$

"List:Cenex gas. Hot dogs. Live bait. Random radio music. Only can hangout for a few minutes before you get asked to leave."

Clam Lake Junction

★★★★★ 4.7 (9)

"Now called "Clam Lake Junction", this place has everything - gas, snacks, a small selection of groceries, jerked meat, beer, bait, cheese, beer and if that's not enough....motel rooms too.If you're enroute know that the bathrooms are clean, the people working here are nice and the gas tends to be cheaper than other places in the vicinity. Plus, it's in Clam Lake so you might see an elk stroll by."

Champs Chicken

★★★☆☆ 2.5 (2)

"It's in a gas station so have full respect for what that means. there are two booths, the food was suprisingly good for a random stop at a gas station. I would recomend this stop if you are looking for some fried food. the people were very good!"

Happy Dan's Convenience Stores

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"Best place ever. Funions. Condemns, and cigarettes since HAPPY DAN says we're happy every one better be happy or else!!?? Duke"

Tobie's Station

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (10) • $

"I can say pulling in I had serious doubts about Tobies. It smacked of classic road stops all across America with crafty klitchy places with sub par food you eat out of desperation. Man was I wrong! First I have been wanting really good donuts since moving here from California.This place has great donuts, great pastries and a great selection of bread. In a state of caving cultured crazies no wonder Tobies is a zoo as people load up on there way out of town. The classic glaze, chocolate bar and muffins were sampled by our families and the kids fought to finish the crumbs.Throw in a sample a sample section, a clothing shop, gas station, car wash and antiques as well as a restaurant, this place owns the entire city. My only regret is it is so far away:)."

Borcherts Meat Market

★★★★☆ 4.1 (19) • $$

"Every once in awhile I'll get a notice on FB that they're having a ribfest. I finally gave in. I realized that they had broasted chicken. It was pre-made so you don't get the same crunch, but I didn't feel like waiting, so no complaints. Still tasted good. What was the shock was the mac and cheese side. As soon as I open the box I'm transported back to Howard Johnsons in the 60's. This stuff had the look, texture, and taste of the famous HoJo's mac and cheese. I couldn't even wait to get home to eat it. Best I've had in the Twin Cities. I don't need the fancy stuff as long as it's good. The ribs delivered. So tender in their barbeque sauce. Personally I wish they drowned them in it. I didn't even bother to shop around, I couldn't wait to get home. Even the roll was good. Maybe next time I'll eat the mac and cheese at home and not at the red lights."

Rush Point Store

★★★★☆ 4 (1) • $

"Visit an all time classic general store! According to the sign out front, it was established in 1879. From the inside, it feels like it, but don't take that the wrong way. A step into the past, while serving the needs of the future, complete with general groceries and a full off sale liquor section. The staff is friendly, and the prices are reasonable. They also offer gas!"

Fast Trip Markets

★★★★★ 4.5 (4) • $$

"Easy in and out for fuel and convenience items. They had a check in coupon for 5-cents off a gallon and that's always helpful. Gas prices are usually pretty good at this station compared to those along 169 and it's easy to go two blocks to save money."

Kwik Trip

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"This gas station is the true meaning of customer service! Kwik Trip is the best gas station hands down because of its caring and hardworking staff. Whenever a problem arises, they are quick to please the customer and make it right. I've never had a poor experience here.They have excellent coffee options as well! Anything from a handcrafted caramel macchiato to a frappe, to black drip coffee, you name it- they have it. They are constantly running deals for coffee too, so it never breaks the bank. Make sure to enroll in the Kwik Trip rewards, and enter your # at the pump and scan your card at the register to rack up reward points. Super easy, and there is an app to keep track of daily deals and your points!"