If you’re in Rochester, MN for a sports game or tournament, play hard and then score big at these six winning restaurants that welcome large groups and will satisfy even the heartiest athletic appetites.
All of these group-friendly restaurants offer ample seating capacity, appreciate calls in advance for group reservations, provide delicious kids’ menu dishes, and are close to where your little or not-so-little athlete will likely be competing, be it in basketball, swimming, wrestling, soccer, baseball, hockey, or some other sport.
Five West serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner! They have a large variety of menu options, from salads and sandwiches to pizza and main dishes such as the salmon. They have something for everyone.
They offer indoor and heated outdoor seating. Five West also has a private party room just for you and your team that can sit up to 40-50 people. Contact Five West ahead of time to make a reservation in their private party room. Five West specializes in hosting large groups and events and even offers buffet packages that can be customized to your needs.
Five West supports a local basketball group called T & K Basketball that is dedicated to saving and changing lives with basketball by bringing everyone together and they are here to serve you and your team.
BB’s seats up to 150, appreciates calls ahead from sports teams, and urges those who dine among such a large group to order up single-topping pizzas to expedite their dining experience. Groups also can qualify for group rates, so if you’re among a large group ask your server to find out what discounts might apply to you at this locally-owned eatery.
Beyond its pizzas, BB’s is also well-known among kids and their parents for its game room tucked away in the back of the restaurant. Bring your quarters, ‘cause this is a fun time waiting to happen! Let your athletes hit the buzzers and buttons while adults relax and unwind.
“Who doesn’t like pizza and beer?” asks owner Jason Brehmer. Um, no one! BB’s also sports a full bar.
Whether your tourney is on the south side of Rochester or the north, Whistle Binkies has you covered with its two locations on either side of town. If you prefer outdoor seating, go with the obvious -- Whistle Binkies On The Lake -- but if you’re cozier inside, either spot works well.
Whistle Binkies takes reservations for up to 100 people, so call ahead and reserve for your large group and then be ready to be wowed by the extensive, savory menu. While you wait on your meal, load up on what’s described as Rochester’s best free bar popcorn. One popular menu item is the fish and chips, but the diverse menu has something for everyone.
Owner Randy Lehman says the restaurant is also known for its beer selection, featuring beers from all over the world -- and a drink menu that’s as expansive as the food menu. “We have over 450 beers to choose from,” Lehman says. Make the most of it!
This restaurant conveniently located across Highway 52 from Apache Mall seats 150 inside and an additional 75 on the patio. Owner Jim Nicholas says Wildwood takes reservations for groups numbering as many as 40 diners, and ropes kids in with friendly menu items such as corn dogs, burgers, quesadillas, and even a “smaller portion of our ‘almost famous’ boneless wings.”
Wildwood is known for its savory burgers and those ‘almost famous’ boneless chicken wings. The restaurant also has more than 30 beers available on tap or in the bottle -- always a hit, Nicholas says.
If you want to support a locally-owned restaurant and really get a feel for life in Rochester, Pasquale's is a great neighborhood restaurant right downtown Rochester next to the People's Food Co-op. Chef Pasquale Presa is serving the food he grew up with... authentic NY-style pizza, but not only that traditional Italian food as well. Chef Pasquale is excited to share his food and culture with you and your team.
Pasquale's does not take reservations, but you can call ahead of time to book for a larger group to get into their Party Room!
While you are there make sure to ask about their new 30 inch Bronxosaurus Pizza!
Seating as many as 200 people when the patio is open, Fat Willy’s trademark offering is their burgers. But if you veer away from the beef patties, they also offer a wide variety of all-American food, says owner Matt Henderson.
Twelve beers are on tap, “so anything someone would like to drink, we have it,” Henderson says.
Other restaurants that are surefire hits while you’re competing in Rochester include chain restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings (north or south), Olive Garden, and Potbelly Sandwich Shop.
There's a lot to cheer about in Rochester, both on the sports scene and the dining scene. Plan your visit today!