Troy Lightfield

We had the pleasure of visiting Stone City, IA last weekend and it was suggested that we visit the Old General Store Pub for a meal. The Old General Store Pub is just across the bridge in town and has a nice little deck off the back that overlooks the Wapsipinicon River. The restaurant is built out of stone from the local quarry which really ads to the experience. We really couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. It was nice and warm but not humid at all, perfect for sitting on their deck.

The General Store is a pretty typical rural pub/restaurant but their menu really got us fired up. We stepped into the place knowing what we were going to have, their pork tenderloin sandwich! This would be my first! I was not disappointed, this thing was as big as a dinner plate! Portions aside, it was tender, juicy, and the breading was a perfect crispy texture. I layered on the mustard and pickles and went to work. To Sarah’s amazement, I ate the whole thing. What can I say, it was my first and I sure wasn’t going to let any go to waste.

“The General Store Pub, An Iowa Gem”

The sandwich came with a side of waffle fries, normally one of my favorites but I have to admit they should have cooked these a little longer and maybe a little more seasoning. A side of chipotle sour cream would have went nice as well.

We didn’t ride our motorcycles because, well, we don’t have any but there were several riders stopping so I  assume it was a nice stopping point for local ride. The area was beautiful so I am sure there are plenty of sites to see on a bike ride.

It’s a bit remote but the Old General Store is certainly a little Iowa gem!

Popularity: 29% [?]

The Blue Door Pub  is in St. Paul, MN, on Selby Avenue and is honestly one of our favorite place go for a burger. It’s a pretty small place and you’re almost always guaranteed a wait, but well worth it.  When I say small, I mean small, their bar maybe seats 5-6 people max and there probably aren’t more than 10 tables in the place. But that is definitely part of the attraction. It’s not your run of the mill restaurant where you get lost just trying to get back from the bathroom.

The Blue Door Pub offers their own version of a Juicy Blucy, a hamburger filled with all sorts of cheesy goodness! They always have a good selection to choose from and plenty of other items on the menu if you’re not into hamburgers. If you do decide to make it to The Blue Door I STRONGLY suggest you give their beer-battered green beans a try! By far the best I have ever had. And why not take something very health and dip it in beer batter?! You’re just asking for all kinds of de-lic-ousness.

The Blue Door, Great Neighborhood Pub!

The Blue Door also keeps a nice selection of beers on tap and you can almost bet one will be a selection from local brewer Surly (also a fan).  All in all, one of the better dining experiences as long as your looking to get back to the basics of having a nice cold pint of beer, a great atmosphere, and a wonderful burger and you’re in St. Paul, stop in! Tell them Troy sent ya and you will most definitely be greeted with a confused yet polite, “WHO?!”.

Popularity: 73% [?]