The Tipsy Steer Hiawatha brings comfort food near the falls

What the ratings suggest

The Tipsy Steer Hiawatha carries a 4.6-star Google rating from 819 reviews, a strong showing for a moderately priced restaurant. The available feedback consistently emphasizes satisfying comfort food, friendly employees and a casual atmosphere. It appears equally suited to a quick lunch, takeout or a relaxed meal before exploring the surrounding area.

Diners describe the room as cozy and relaxed rather than formal. The service format is also straightforward: one reviewer reports ordering at a window or online, with employees bringing the food to the table afterward. That counter-service setup does not seem to diminish the hospitality. Friendly, helpful staff members are a recurring strength, including assistance with specific food preferences.

Food that earns repeat visits

Burgers lead the recommendations. Public reviews praise the Lil Spicy burger as well as the Faribault Pride and Bacon Jam burgers, with one Monday burger promotion prompting diners to try more than one option. The accompanying fries are described as generous and lightly seasoned.

Sandwiches also make a strong impression. One repeat customer called out the short rib grilled cheese after ordering it for takeout, while another review considers the cheesesteak sandwich a standout. The shredded brisket bowl provided a lighter, homemade-style lunch for a traveler heading to the airport. These reports suggest a menu with enough range to cover both indulgent sandwiches and bowl-based meals.

Onion rings receive particularly enthusiastic feedback. A returning diner ordered them on both visits and highlighted their unusually large size. Pizza appears in the happy-hour discussion, with a personal cheese pizza praised for its crust and ample cheese. Because promotions can change, the reported happy-hour and Monday burger offers are best treated as leads to verify rather than guaranteed current deals.

Drinks, setting and convenience

The drink selection adds flexibility. Reviewers mention beer, shakes and fun nonalcoholic drinks, making the restaurant workable for mixed groups rather than only those seeking a bar stop. Summer outdoor seating is another reported advantage.

Location is a major part of the appeal. A reviewer places the restaurant directly across from Minnehaha Falls, making a post-meal walk an easy pairing. Light-rail access is also described as convenient, and the airport-bound lunch report suggests practical positioning for travelers. Drivers have access to a parking lot, though one diner notes that it is not large. That reviewer still found it adequate.

Editorial take

Based on the rating volume and repeated themes in public reviews, The Tipsy Steer Hiawatha looks like a reliable choice for hearty American comfort food in an easygoing setting. Burgers, substantial sandwiches and oversized onion rings generate the clearest enthusiasm, while bowls, pizza and varied drinks broaden its usefulness.

The strongest case for visiting combines food with location: a casual meal, friendly service and a walk around Minnehaha Falls. Counter ordering and the modest parking lot may matter to some diners, but neither emerges as a serious complaint in the supplied feedback. Overall, the restaurant’s 4.6 rating appears consistent with diners reporting repeat visits, approachable service and several memorable menu choices.