John came with me when I went to an appointment in Otsego a few weeks ago. He said he would find us someplace new to eat while he was waiting for me, and he did an amazing job! He brought us to The Hen & The Hog… a surprise in an unassuming strip mall in Albertville that we wouldn’t have found if we weren’t looking for it. Their self-defined description says they prepare scratch-made, elevated comfort food paired with top-notch service… an apt description.
When we walked in we got the last available table… surprised at how many people were there. If felt more like a small neighborhood restaurant I would expect to find in the city.
It was started by four industry veterans who saw a need in their hometown community for a family-friendly, upscale casual restaurant… and they filled it! We were impressed by seeing diners of all ages casually enjoying a wide range of dishes… and by the specials on the board. It isn’t often that you see Today’s Specials include Wagyu steaks! We passed on that $70 meal, but started with their Minnesota Wontons which were yummy and made me think of the State Fair. Their menu is a nice blend of staples and unique items and we both got well-prepared, satisfying meals. I might add, their hand cut french fries were amazing, crispy wonders… I might go back just for them!
When Star Tribune’s 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards came out soon after that I was pleasantly surprised again… this time pleased to see that The Hen & The Hog won multiple awards… Bronze Best Breakfast,
Gold Best Brunch, Bronze Best Casual Restaurant, Bronze Best Curbside Restaurant, Gold Best New Restaurant.
Hats off to The Hen & The Hog… congratulations to a well deserved Gold Winner!
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
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