It’s been a staple in Minnetonka for more than 90 years! In fact, this famous burger joint was the neighborhood tavern before the neighborhood was even there!
I’m speaking of Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille in Minnetonka. Earliest records of this roadside joint show it opened sometime in the 1920’s. Since then its fan base has grown among locals and beyond, especially after word got out Gold Nugget was the place for the best burger in town (among other things). Over the years, families have happily waited in line, even out the door, for a table.
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This May Gold Nugget will celebrate 5 years since expanding and remodeling its historic hot spot paying careful attention to include antique features from the original restaurant including its stunning stain glass windows.
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The remodeled space includes 7, 250 square feet, an increase over the original restaurant’s space of 1,200 square feet. To put it in better perspective, the old bar sat only 4 stools, whereas the new space seats 22 bar stools! You could say today’s Gold Nugget is a newer, updated representation of the original. A great example is the restaurant’s stunning reclaimed 1880’s bar.
You simply cannot grasp the draw of Gold Nugget without trying its signature food and award –winning burgers. Here’s a sampling of the beyond-delicious dishes on the Gold Nugget menu:
· Homemade cheese filled tater tots! A Minnesota tradition that is pop-in-your-mouth perfection!
· Signature Mac & Cheese- Gold Nugget’s unique take on an old favorite! Four cheese blend with fusilli pasta and topped with Panko crust.
· (Stellar!) Stroganoff
Red wine braised short ribs, tossed in a rich mushroom cream sauce, served over egg noodles, and finished with sour cream.
· A NEW BURGER creation EVERY SINGLE WEEK?! That’s right 52 different, delectable, don’t-try-this at-home hamburgers. Gold Nugget has won awards* for these suckers they’re so good! Here’s a few:
o Date Breaker - A griddled burger patty mixed with onions and garlic, then topped with blue cheese crumbles, roasted garlic aioli, and fried onion peels. Don’t forget to pack your breath mints!
o Stadium Burger - a thick, juicy burger served on a pretzel bun with American cheese and a side of jalapeno nacho cheese sauce for dipping with caramelized onions. I’m telling you this burger should have its own agent it’s so good!
o Bacon Me Crazy Burger
Bacon-infused patty, topped with melted gouda cheese, caramelized
onions, and bacon strips. Served on a brioche bun.
o Craft Beer Burger
The perfect companion to the perfect pint. Grilled burger topped with
beer-soaked grilled onions, melted gouda cheese, and Lucid Brewery
(Minnetonka, MN) beer mustard. Served on a pretzel bun.
… and that’s just the beginning! The craft beer list at Gold Nugget will bring grown men to their knees! It’s time to pay tribute to a Twin Cities’ legend! I hope you will come check us out. You will not be disappointed!
*Best of MetroMix Twin Cities 2010 AND 2011
