The Pickled Loon in downtown St. Cloud opened in December 2013. Rhiannon, Michael, Mike, and Buddy are from all over Minnesota and Wisconsin but came to St. Cloud to study at SCSU. After graduating and a decade of experience working at other downtown establishments, these four friends decided their next chapter was opening a place of their own.
“After finishing college we were all working at area bars, but didn’t feel like there was room for us to grow – so we decided this was going to be our future! We always try our best to give everyone a fun and awesome experience every time they are here – whether it’s for food or just for a needed night out.”
The menu at The Pickled Loon has a little something for everyone – and we mean EVERYONE. “We make the majority of our food items from scratch and have tried to create some fun vegetarian items that can also be made vegan upon request.” From spicy pad thai to homemade cheese curds, to soups and sandwiches using local, seasonal ingredients – you won’t leave hungry. And did we mention their homemade desserts? *drooling* You can quench your thirst, too. “We work very hard to keep up on our seasonal drink menu. We also have 12 craft beer tap lines that are constantly changing so there’s always something new and fun when you stop in. We try to carry as much local beer, wine, and spirits when we can!”
Many are surprised to learn there’s a second floor to The Pickled Loon – The Nest. And on evenings and weekends, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy some music. “We have karaoke every Thursday starting at 10 (after the kitchen closes) and a resident video DJ on Fridays and Saturdays. We’ve also been known to have some pretty talented musicians come through and play either on our main stage upstairs or an acoustic set downstairs during dinner time. Due to COVID, live music hasn’t started back up quite yet but we are looking into starting that back up if the right show comes along!”
Although COVID has been the biggest challenge The Pickled Loon has faced yet, they praise the community for the support. “ The best thing about us is our customers. Everyone that comes in is like family to us; they are what make us come to work every day and the reason we enjoy what we do. Without you all, we’d be nothing. Even doing things like this story… a platform like this for us to help get the word out about our establishment is great.”
Fried Brussel Sprouts, Pickle Dog Wontons, Huli Huli Chicken Tacos, The Nest Burger, Loony Mac & Cheese, Poutine… Ok – you’ll have to just decide for yourself when you see the menu!
#StCloudShines
