It is approaching lunchtime and I ponder…what to have for lunch today?  I realize there are so many great options to choose from in the Willmar Lakes Area.

Some of our favorite local restaurants include:

O’Neil’s in Spicer – this is one of my favorite places to go! They have incredible food, a warm and inviting atmosphere and live music weekly.  On my last trip to O’Neil’s, I had the Turkey and Wild Rice Flatbread.  It was made with hand-pulled Jennie-O Turkey and Minnesota-grown wild rice.  It was amazing and I would definitely recommend trying it.

Westwood Café in Spicer – this family friendly restaurant has a wide variety of menu options. I really like their Minnesota Crunch and their Chicken Spinach salads.  They also have wonderful breakfasts that are served all day long and daily lunch specials.

Sweet River Café in New London –Sweet River Café is often a stop for me while visiting the specialty shops in downtown New London. On my last trip there, I had a great lunch with my family.  I had the Chicken Salad sandwich, which was to die for.  We enjoyed our delicious meals on the patio, while watching the hustle and bustle of downtown New London.  Sweet River Café also has incredible desserts, which you must try while visiting.

Alley on Ash in New London – serves amazing burgers, scrumptious sandwiches, delicious flatbreads and pizzas and a wide variety of appetizers. And to go along with your fierce appetite is a wide range of cold beverages including some craft beers!

The Handle Bar in Atwater – they have great daily home cooked lunch specials. The food is always wonderful and the price is right.  They also have great happy hour specials.  My favorite food at The Handle Bar is the Hickory Burger, but on my bucket list is The Handle Bar Burger.  It is the town’s favorite burger with peanut butter, habanero jelly and pepper jack cheese.

Ruff’s Wings and Sports Bar in Willmar – they have incredible boneless wings!! Try them on Sunday as an order is only $5.99.  Honestly, they are better than some of the chain restaurants that are famous for their wings.   They also have excellent burgers.  My favorite is the Smokehouse but you can’t go wrong with any of them.  They have weekday specials and live music every Friday night.

Azteca in Willmar – excellent authentic Mexican food. All your favorites and more!  Great food and excellent prices.

Jake’s Pizza in Willmar – one of the area’s best pizza places. All fresh ingredients and handmade dough.  Be sure to try the Taco Pizza!

Frieda’s in Willmar – a hidden gem in downtown Willmar! Frieda’s is a family owned café that offers exceptional homemade food.  They have daily lunch specials, but arrive early as this home cooked food sells out fast!  Breakfast is also exceptional!  While in the Willmar Lakes Area, this is a must stop!

Yep, I am officially ready for lunch… but how will I ever decide!

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