10 Inver Grove Heights Gems for the Ultimate Hastings Day Trip
1. B-52 Burgers & Brew – From Nervous Launch to Community Favorite
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
B-52 Burgers & Brew took flight in 2011 when long-time friends Brandon Bramscher and Mark Reese transformed a defunct sports bar into their own dream restaurant patch.com, patch.com. Bramscher, a veteran of Old Chicago and fine dining in Texas, admits he was a “nervous wreck” on opening day patch.com. But their vision was clear: create a place “where people could chuck away all their cares at the door” and relax with great burgers and beer patch.com. With that entrepreneurial energy, the duo revamped the space (a former Major’s Sports Café) and hired 45 staff, determined to put their personal stamp on Inver Grove’s dining scene patch.com.
Vibe & Offerings
Today B-52’s has become a lively neighborhood hub known for its “life-changing” burgers and brews. The atmosphere is fun and unpretentious – think local sports on TV and even vintage arcade games and board games for patrons’ enjoyment patch.com. The menu ranges from gourmet burgers to hearty flatbreads and sandwiches. (If you’re feeling bold, tackle the legendary M.O.A.B. – Mother Of All Burgers, a 5+ pound burger challenge! exploreminnesota.com) The restaurant also features one of the area’s best rooftop patios, complete with fire pits and a fab view of the river valley broadviewbuilders.com, broadviewbuilders.com. Whether you’re unwinding at happy hour or bringing the family for dinner, B-52’s welcoming crew ensures “flavor and passion” meet in every meal.
How to Engage
Check out B-52’s menu and hours on their website (b52burgersandbrew.com). They’re very active on social media – follow “B-52 Burgers & Brew Inver Grove” on Facebook for updates on their rotating “Time Machine Tuesday” burger specials and fun events. You can also find them on Instagram via @b52burgersandbrew for mouthwatering food photos and announcements.
Hastings Insider Tip
Plan a visit on a sunny weekend and head straight to the rooftop bar. It seats about 100 people and often opens with fanfare each spring facebook.com, broadviewbuilders.com. Sunday Fundays are a big deal here too – drop in for afternoon bingo and meat raffles (often featuring cuts from fellow IGH business Hometown Meats) for a chance at delicious prizes while you sip a craft beer. And if it’s Tuesday, don’t forget to ask about Free Bacon Night – a quirky tradition that put B-52’s on the map from the start patch.com!
2. Inver Grove Brewing Co. – Local Brews and Family Roots
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
Opened in late 2019, Inver Grove Brewing Co. is the younger sibling of the beloved Lakeville Brewing Company la-img.lakevillemn.gov. It was founded by two local couples – Glen and Kate Bruestle, and Don and Megan Seiler – who wanted to bring a family-friendly brewpub to the southeast metro igbrewing.com. Along with head brewer (and co-owner) Taylor Quill, this team transformed a former Ruby Tuesday into a vibrant community gathering spot featuring an on-site brewery la-img.lakevillemn.gov, igbrewing.com. It’s truly a labor of love: the Bruestles had 18+ years of restaurant experience, the Seilers were craft beer enthusiasts, and together they envisioned a one-of-a-kind place where great beer, food, and family fun come together.
Vibe & Offerings
Inver Grove Brewing Co. is as local and welcoming as it gets. The spacious brewpub has a warm, rustic-industrial feel, bustling with neighbors meeting up for pints and parents with kids in tow. In fact, family-friendliness is a point of pride – they offer changing tables, high chairs, kids’ games, and even a “locally famous” house-made mac and cheese on the kids’ menu igbrewing.com, igbrewing.com. Don’t be fooled by the play area, though – serious beer lovers are right at home too. Taylor Quill brews an array of fresh beers on the shiny 20-barrel system, from award-winning cream ales to hoppy IPAs. (These brews are exclusive – you can only get them on-site in the taproom or in take-home crowlers igbrewing.com.) To complement the pints, the kitchen fires up scratch-made Neapolitan pizzas, street-style tacos, burgers, and more, all crafted to please both foodie adults and picky kids igbrewing.com, igbrewing.com. With its communal tables, big-screen sports, and even weekend brunch, IGH’s hometown brewpub truly offers “something for everyone in a comfortable, family friendly atmosphere” igbrewing.com.
How to Engage
You can find Inver Grove Brewing Co. online at igbrewing.com for their beer menu, food specials, and events calendar. They post updates on Facebook (search Inver Grove Brewing Co.) and Instagram (@invergrovebrewing) – follow them to see what’s on tap this week or what new pizza creation the chef has cooked up.
Hastings Insider Tip
Wednesday nights at 7pm are Trivia Mafia night at IG Brewing triviamafia.com, drawing a fun crowd of locals. Assemble a team of your Hastings pals and test your knowledge over a few pints – winners often snag gift cards (and bragging rights). Also, be sure to try the lightly fried Lake Perch Fingers on the appetizer menu – customers rave that they’re crave-worthy tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.ie. If you fall in love with a particular beer, ask about taking home a crowler; it’s the perfect souvenir to remember your day trip by!
3. Mississippi Pub – Riverside Hangout with Hometown Heart
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River at the River Heights Marina, Mississippi Pub has been an Inver Grove institution since 1999, when it was founded by the Harms family doordash.com. Owners Melissa and Joe Harms built the Pub as a friendly waterfront bar & grill where boaters and locals alike could kick back with a burger and a beer while enjoying the river views visitigh.com, doordash.com. Over the years, this family-operated spot kept growing in popularity, becoming known for its summer patio and events. In 2022, the Harms invested in a major addition – a 4,000 sq. ft. open-air Pavilion – to expand their gathering space for year-round fun visitigh.com, visitigh.com. That community-minded upgrade has allowed Mississippi Pub to host huge Oktoberfest parties, bean bag leagues, live music, and private events without worrying about Minnesota’s fickle weather visitigh.com, visitigh.com.
Vibe & Offerings
If you’re craving laid-back vibes “where the river meets great food & friendly people,” head straight to Mississippi Pub doordash.com. In the summer, its outdoor deck and tiki bar bustle with boaters pulling up from the marina and friends gathering under the sun. Inside, it’s a casual and welcoming bar decorated with river memorabilia – the kind of place where the staff might call you “hon” and the Bloody Marys are topped with enough fixings to be a meal. The menu is full of comfort-food favorites: think juicy burgers, walleye fingers, cheese curds, and their famous house Bloody Mary topped with a slider. They also offer healthy “power bowl” options and scratch-made specials, so there’s something for everyone. With the new pavilion, the Pub now serves as a community event hub as well – from weekly bean bag toss nights to an annual summer concert that draws crowds visitigh.com. Despite its growth, Mississippi Pub hasn’t lost its mom-and-pop touch. Melissa Harms (often on site) and team make you feel at home, whether you arrived by car, bike, or boat.
How to Engage
Visit mississippipub.com for their menu, seasonal hours, and event booking info. The Pub is active on Facebook (@MississippiPub), where they post daily specials (you haven’t lived until you’ve seen their “Meat Raffle Saturday” photos!) and announce live music or trivia nights. They’re on Instagram and TikTok too (@mississippi_pub), sharing fun behind-the-scenes looks at the riverside shenanigans.
Hastings Insider Tip
Make Mississippi Pub a stop on your next scenic river drive – it’s just a quick hop up Hwy 61, and it offers stunning sunset views over the Mississippi for evening diners yelp.com. If you have a boat, even better: you can dock at the River Heights Marina and walk right in for lunch or happy hour. Also, keep an eye out for their Oktoberfest bash each fall visitigh.com. It’s legendary – complete with German beers, live music, and jovial vibes under the pavilion (no jacket required, they’ve got heaters now!). Whenever you visit, request a seat by the window or on the deck – watching barges and paddleboats cruise by as you eat is half the experience.
4. Cahill Diner – Comfort Food & Community by the Plateful
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
The Cahill Diner is a classic small-town diner with an immigrant success story behind it. Owner Mahmoud “Moody” Arafa bought the then-closed Cahill Diner in 2009, fulfilling a long-held dream cahilldiner.com. Originally from Egypt, Moody came to Minnesota in the 1980s and worked his way up through the restaurant industry – from busboy and dishwasher to owning his own cafes cahilldiner.com, cahilldiner.com. When the opportunity arose to reopen the little diner on Cahill Avenue, he jumped on it. With hard work and family support (his wife ZeZe co-owns, and now their daughter and sons help run the business), Moody turned Cahill Diner into a thriving neighborhood fixture cahilldiner.com, cahilldiner.com. He’s a huge family man – a father of five – and proudly notes that his children have grown into roles at the diner, making it a true multigenerational labor of love cahilldiner.com.
Vibe & Offerings
Walking into Cahill Diner is like stepping back to a simpler time. It’s cozy and unpretentious, with a quaint dining counter, vinyl booths, and the smell of coffee and bacon in the air. Regulars greet each other by first name. The vibe is sunny and homey – exactly what you want in a community diner. Cahill opens early and serves up hearty American comfort food for breakfast and lunch (they close by 2pm most days). Their menu covers all the diner classics: fluffy pancakes, huge omelets, burgers, malts, and hot sandwiches. On Thursdays through Saturdays they even dish up a dinner buffet featuring fried chicken, meatloaf, and other comfort-food favorites mapquest.com, mapquest.com. But it’s the all-day breakfast that really packs them in. Locals swear by the Cajun Breakfast – a surprisingly delicious medley of hashbrowns, peppers, eggs, and andouille sausage topped with hollandaise mapquest.com – and the enormous cinnamon rolls (often big as your face). Service comes with friendly smiles and probably a bit of good-natured sass, exactly as it should at a diner. Moody and family’s hard work paid off: Cahill Diner has become the go-to spot for comfort food in IGH, and a must-stop for Hastings folks road-tripping through.
How to Engage
Swing by cahilldiner.com to peek at their menu and hours (note: they close by mid-afternoon and are cash only). The diner has a Facebook page (@CahillDiner) where they often share daily specials (if the hot beef commercial is on special, go get it!) and fun customer shout-outs. But truthfully, this old-school spot is best experienced in person – no reservations needed, just drop in.
Hastings Insider Tip
Go early! Saturday and Sunday mornings get busy, and it’s not unusual to see a line of hungry locals by 9am. Arrive by 7–8am to snag a booth and you’ll be rubbing elbows with Inver Grove’s finest over coffee. Not a morning person? Try lunch instead and order the off-menu Patty Melt Omelette (yep, it’s a thing – essentially a patty melt in omelette form). Also, bring an appetite and share a cinnamon roll with your table. They’re massive and famously delicious, and they tend to sell out.
5. El Rincon Mexicano – Family Recipes and Resilience
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
El Rincon Mexicano proves that perseverance (and great food) can build something special. Mireya Sanchez, an immigrant from Mexico, first opened El Rincon in 2015, operating out of a humble strip-mall spot with just a handful of tables dakotacda.org. Word spread quickly through Inver Grove Heights about her authentic tacos and warm hospitality. With Mireya’s daughter Sarai helping manage and translate, the family-owned taquería became a local favorite – a true “corner” of Mexico serving the community. By 2021, demand was so high that Mireya embarked on expanding into a larger space to accommodate her growing fan base dakotacda.org. The journey wasn’t easy (the pandemic and construction hurdles delayed progress dakotacda.org), but through a small-business support program and sheer determination, El Rincon secured funding to finish the dream restaurant dakotacda.org. The grand re-opening in January 2025 was a hit, with the new location packed with loyal customers and well-wishers dakotacda.org. For Mireya, who once prayed for a way to support her family, seeing the bustling dining room was a deeply emotional, triumphant moment dakotacda.org. Her strong values of family and community are woven into the business – you’ll often see Sarai and other family members working the floor, ensuring every guest feels at home dakotacda.org.
Vibe & Offerings
Walking into El Rincon’s new location (a cheery spot on Cahill Avenue) you’re hit with the aroma of fresh tortillas and grilled steak. The atmosphere is warm, casual, and distinctly family-friendly. Colorful Mexican art adorns the walls, Latin music plays softly, and you might catch Mireya herself peeking out of the kitchen to make sure guests are happy. The menu is a tour of authentic Mexican favorites made from family recipes visitigh.com, visitigh.com. You’ll find street-style tacos packed generously (no skimpy fillings here! tripadvisor.com), tortas (Mexican sandwiches) that “rock” with flavor tripadvisor.com, burritos, gorditas, sizzling fajita platters, and rich pozole soup in the colder months. Everything is made-to-order with muy fresco ingredients – the family made a promise from day one to serve only the best, and they keep it visitigh.com. Don’t skip their house-made salsas and guacamole, which are absolutely craveable. Despite the larger dining area now, El Rincon retains a cozy charm. Regulars include everyone from construction workers on lunch break to multi-generational families out for dinner, all lured by that home-cooked taste. The service is gracious and personal. If you’re a newcomer, expect Mireya or Sarai to swing by your table to say gracias for visiting. It’s this personal touch, combined with soulful cooking, that makes El Rincon feel like visiting family.
How to Engage
El Rincon doesn’t have a flashy social media presence yet – they’ve been busy perfecting recipes! The best way to get info is via their website rinconmexicanorestaurant.com (you can even order online from there visitigh.com). They also have a Facebook page (@ElRinconMexicanoRestaurant) where they post fun new menu items – for example, their recent creation of a Pizza Birria got a lot of buzz facebook.com. Give them a follow to stay tuned on specials or occasional live music nights.
Hastings Insider Tip
Bring your appetite and don’t miss the tacos al pastor – locals say El Rincon’s authentic tacos are among the best in the entire metro tripadvisor.com. An insider move is to ask for the off-menu green salsa (if available) – it’s a family specialty with just the right kick. If you’re dining with a group from Hastings, consider ordering a variety of tacos and a Molcajete platter (a giant stone bowl filled with grilled meats, peppers, cheese and cactus) to share; it’s a show-stopper dish that truly showcases Mireya’s cooking. Lastly, lunchtime is usually a bit quieter than dinner, so that can be a great time to chat with the family and hear their story.
6. Hometown Sweets – Old-Time Candy Shop Delight
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
Sweet nostalgia fills the air at Hometown Sweets, a charming candy and ice cream shop that opened in February 2021 to bring an “old-time ice cream parlor feel” to Inver Grove Heights hometown-sweets.com. The owners, Rob and Robin Reitberger, are lifelong locals (Rob even graduated from IGH’s Simley High) with a deep love for their community hometown-sweets.com. Rob already ran a successful butcher shop next door (Hometown Meats), but he and Robin dreamed of adding a family-friendly sweet shop to the mix – a place where kids could spend their allowance on candy and neighbors could gather for a cone after dinner. In early 2021 they made it happen, opening Hometown Sweets just two doors down from the meat market hometown-sweets.com. From day one, the Reitbergers infused the shop with small-town heart. This is truly a mom-and-pop venture – you might find their children or friends helping behind the counter – and it quickly became a beloved fixture for residents seeking a dose of nostalgia and a sugar rush.
Vibe & Offerings
Walking into Hometown Sweets is like stepping into a candy wonderland. The interior pops with pastel colors and shelves lined floor-to-ceiling with jars of candies, gourmet popcorn bags, and homemade fudge. It’s the kind of place that elicits gasps from kids (and kids-at-heart) – you’ll spot classics like saltwater taffy and Jawbreakers alongside modern favorites. A retro-style ice cream counter serves up hand-scooped ice cream in a rotating lineup of flavors (can’t choose one? Try an ice cream flight of mini scoops! exploreminnesota.com). The vibe is cheerful and family-oriented; there’s often a local high school student scooping cones while 50s music plays in the background. Hometown Sweets takes pride in Minnesota-made products too. They stock locally crafted chocolates and truffles, plus seasonal treats (pumpkin spice malt balls in fall, anyone?). And the popcorn! They make small-batch popcorn in inventive flavors like dill pickle, birthday cake, and jalapeño cheddar – you can sample before you buy, and you’ll definitely want to buy after one bite visitigh.com, visitigh.com. The Reitbergers have successfully created a place where you can satisfy your sweet tooth and pick up a cute gift or two (check out their little section of gifts and even dog treats). Many Hastings families end their Inver Grove day trips here, and it’s easy to see why – the shop feels like a hug from grandma, if grandma were giving out candy.
How to Engage
Step into the store at 3045 80th St E (plenty of parking out front) or visit hometown-sweets.com for hours and online ordering options. The shop’s Facebook page (@HometownSweetsIGH) is a delight – they post updates about new candy arrivals (recently, a line of international chocolates caused a stir) and fun events like “Meet the Easter Bunny” or popcorn sampling days. They share an Instagram with Hometown Meats (@hometownsweetsandmeats), which highlights their goodies and sometimes cross-promos (like “buy a steak next door, get 10% off ice cream here” deals).
Hastings Insider Tip
Can’t decide what to try? Go for a little of everything! The staff will happily make you an ice cream flight – a sampler of four mini cones – so you don’t have to choose just one flavor exploreminnesota.com. Also, ask about their secret popcorn flavors. They often experiment with new flavors (s’mores? spicy buffalo?) that aren’t on the official menu, and if you show enough enthusiasm they might have a behind-the-counter sample for you. Finally, for a fun Hastings-meets-IGH combo, stop by Hometown Meats (Rob’s other shop) right before visiting Hometown Sweets. You can pick up some award-winning jerky or fresh snacks at the meat market, then walk a few steps to treat yourself to dessert. It’s the perfect one-two punch of savory and sweet – and truly a hometown experience.
7. Cuppa More Pages – Coffee & Community in Every Sip
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
Cassie Stiles spent 15 years as a stay-at-home mom dreaming about what her next chapter might hold cbsnews.com. In 2023, with her kids getting older and her own confidence renewed, she decided to blend her two loves – coffee and books – into a business that could give back to her community. The result is Cuppa More Pages, Inver Grove Heights’ newest and coziest café, which officially opened its doors on April 25, 2025 cbsnews.com. Cassie drew inspiration from her sister (a coffee shop owner in Iowa) and her own past barista experience to create something truly special cbsnews.com. With lots of prayer, grit, and support from her family, she transformed a former office space on Cahill Avenue into a literary-themed coffee haven. The grand opening saw city officials and neighbors lining up out the door – a touching validation for Cassie, who just a couple years prior could hardly imagine running her own shop cbsnews.com, cbsnews.com. This is more than a business to her; it’s a personal journey of growth. As Cassie says, “everybody has a story, I have a story” cbsnews.com – and Cuppa More Pages is now an amazing part of hers.
Vibe & Offerings
If you love the idea of curling up with a good book and a great cup of joe, Cuppa More Pages is your paradise. The café is designed to feel like a living room meets library. Comfy armchairs and couches are scattered between bookshelves, and there’s a crackle of laughter or soft conversation as friends catch up over lattes. A corner of the shop features a “little free library” style book exchange – customers are encouraged to grab a book or leave one, reinforcing the community, share-a-story ethoscuppamorepages.com. Cassie decorated the space with literary quotes on the walls and local art from Simley High students cbsnews.com, giving it a personal, hometown touch. On the menu, you’ll find expertly crafted espresso drinks (beans air-roasted by a local roaster for that extra fresh flavor cbsnews.com), teas, and creative specialty drinks named after literary classics. (Try the “Pride & Peppermint” mocha or the “Great Gatsby” caramel macchiato – fun and delicious!) To nibble, they’ve got fresh-baked treats like muffins, scones, and cookies, many sourced from local bakers. Light breakfast and lunch fare is available too – think avocado toast, panini sandwiches, and a popular quiche of the day. But the true standout offering isn’t on the menu: it’s the atmosphere of acceptance and warmth. Cassie’s mission was to make this a place “where you can share your story” and feel seen cbsnews.com. Judging by the regulars who have already made it their daily stop, she’s succeeded. Moms with kids, students with laptops, retirees with novels – all find a spot here. It’s quickly become Inver Grove’s living room, and by extension, an inviting space for Hastings visitors, too.
How to Engage
Cuppa More Pages has a lovely website (cuppamorepages.com) where you can check their hours (they’re open Monday–Saturday, 7am–4pm cbsnews.com), peek at the menu, or even order ahead. They’re active on Facebook (@CuppaMorePages) and Instagram (@cuppa_more_pages) – follow them for heartwarming updates about community events (they’ve hosted a craft morning and a book club night already) and fun drink specials tied to seasons or books. This is the kind of place that might post “Half-off lattes for anyone who brings a library card today!” on a whim, so keep an eye out.
Hastings Insider Tip
Bring a book to swap! One of the coolest features of Cuppa More Pages is their leave-a-book, take-a-book exchange shelfcuppamorepages.com. Hastings bibliophiles can drop off a favorite novel you’ve already read and pick up a new one recommended by an IGH neighbor – it’s like making a friend via literature. Also, inquire about their upcoming events. Cassie has hinted at starting a weekly story time for kids and a monthly book club meeting in the evenings. These could turn a simple coffee run into a full-fledged outing (and are a great way for Hastings folks to mingle with the IGH literary crowd). Finally, don’t leave without trying the signature house latte, which has a hint of Minnesota maple syrup – a little detail that perfectly blends local flavor with that cozy, bookish vibe.
8. Drkula’s 32 Bowl & Pub – Strikes, Spirits, and Sand Volleyball
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
Drkula’s 32 Bowl isn’t just a bowling alley – it’s a Twin Cities legend. Opened in 1962 by the Drkula family yelp.com, this 32-lane center has been family-run for over three generations. In fact, current owners Tim and Heather Drkula are carrying on the legacy that Tim’s grandfather began 60+ years ago yelp.com. The place is steeped in local history: it even hosted the Professional Bowlers Association’s first-ever U.S. Open tournament back in 1971, with Vice President Hubert Humphrey on hand to kick it off! facebook.com. Over the decades, Drkula’s (pronounced der-KOO-lah’s) became the beating heart of recreation in Inver Grove Heights – a place where leagues form lifelong friendships and kids grow up playing in Saturday morning bumper leagues. Through it all, the Drkula family has kept it truly independent and community-oriented. They’ve expanded and updated offerings (adding sand volleyball courts and an attached sports bar) but the core mission remains: provide good clean fun for families, friends, and neighbors. Walk in today and you might still catch Tim Drkula behind the counter, ensuring everyone is having a great time at this iconic IGH institution cbsnews.com.
Vibe & Offerings
The moment you step into Drkula’s 32 Bowl, you can feel the retro charm. The bowling area sports that classic orange-and-brown 1970s color scheme (updated with modern scoring screens, of course) and the sound of pins crashing echoes happily. It’s family-owned and it shows – the atmosphere is friendly, down-to-earth, and a bit nostalgic. Generations of Inver Grove families have bowled here (some are on their third generation of league bowlers now), and the walls are adorned with old team photos and trophies. Beyond open bowling and leagues for all ages, Drkula’s features Drac’s Pub, a full-service bar and grill attached to the alley exploreminnesota.com. It’s a proper sports bar with neon beer signs, pool tables, pull-tab games, and a surprisingly robust menu (their homemade pizza and broasted chicken have loyal fans). In summer months, the action moves outside to Drac’s Sand Bar, where four beach volleyball courts draw crowds for leagues and pickup games under the sun cbsnews.com. Whether you come on a Friday night for cosmic bowling (glowing lanes, loud music, and all) or a Tuesday afternoon for the senior league, you’ll find fun. And you don’t even have to bowl – many locals just come to hang out at the pub, watch the Vikings on the big screens, or sing karaoke on Saturday nights. After 50+ years, Drkula’s has something for everyone: kids’ birthday packages, date-night bowling deals, charity tournaments, you name it. It’s the kind of welcoming, “something for everyone” place that’s increasingly rare, and that makes it a must-visit on our list.
How to Engage
Check out dracspub.com for their weekly specials (they often have free bowling for kids in summer or beer-and-bowling combo deals). Drkula’s has a Facebook presence (@Drkulas32Bowl), where they post league sign-ups, tournament dates, and fun throwbacks (old photos from the ’60s lanes). If you want to join a league or rent the space for an event, just give them a call – the Drkulas are extremely approachable and happy to help newcomers get involved.
Hastings Insider Tip
Even if you’re not an avid bowler, don’t miss Drkula’s famous chicken sandwich at Drac’s Pub cbsnews.com. WCCO’s Mike Augustyniak called it out as a must-try, and locals concur – it’s the perfect crispy accompaniment to a round of bowling or a pint of beer. For the full experience, visit on a summer evening: play a game or two indoors, then head out back to watch (or join) a sand volleyball match with a drink in hand cbsnews.com. It’s a blast and really shows off the community spirit. If you’re planning a group day trip from Hastings, consider hitting Drkula’s on a Sunday morning – they offer a cheap Sunday Morning All-You-Can-Bowl deal that’s great for families (and there’s usually no wait early). One more pro tip: ask about their “Bowling and Bingo” nights. They occasionally run a fun hybrid event where you bowl a frame, then play a round of bingo for prizes. It’s quirky, it’s a hoot, and it’s exactly the kind of unique experience that keeps people coming back to Drkula’s for decades.
9. NerdinOut – Comic & Collectible Paradise
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
NerdinOut started as a small passion project and has blossomed into a three-location mini empire for geeks across Minnesota. The Inver Grove Heights store opened a few years ago as the metro-area expansion of the original NerdinOut (which began down in the Rochester area). Founded by a team of avid collectors, NerdinOut filled a niche for a true comic book and collectibles shop in the era of online shopping. The owners believed people still crave the experience of digging through comic bins and discovering treasures in person – and judging by NerdinOut’s fan following, they were right. The IGH location launched in the Argenta Hills area, not far from Inver Grove Brewing, making this corner of town a surprising haven for nerd culture. They’ve kept the business family-run and community-focused, hosting swap meets and gaming events that draw enthusiasts from all over. It’s now a go-to nerd culture destination for Inver Grove residents and a worthy stop on a Hastings day trip (especially if you have kids or teens into superheroes, Star Wars, or Pokémon).
Vibe & Offerings
Stepping into NerdinOut is like entering a secret lair of pop culture goodies. The store is packed with vintage and new comics, Funko Pop figures, collectible toys, retro video games, trading cards, and more mapquest.com. The vibe is energetic and welcoming – the staff are total geeks (in the best way) who love to chat about the latest Marvel movie or help you track down that one elusive action figure. Comic book racks line one wall, with both the latest issues and golden-age back issues protected in plastic. Another section has glass display cases showing off high-end collectibles, from Star Wars lightsabers to rare Pokémon cards. It’s not uncommon to find a group of kids huddled over the Pokémon binders while an adult fan browses vintage G.I. Joe figures nearby. Everyone’s inner child comes alive here. NerdinOut also leverages technology for fun: they run live claim sales online each month where collectors can snag hot items by tuning in on Facebook mapquest.com. In-store, they might host a Funko Pop swap or a comic signing by a local artist. The atmosphere is inclusive – whether you’re a die-hard comic nerd or just nostalgia-hunting for a childhood toy, you’ll feel right at home. And unlike big-box stores, NerdinOut encourages you to linger, explore, and share your fandoms. It’s part store, part clubhouse.
How to Engage
For a preview of their inventory or to shop online, visit nerdinout.com. They list some of their stock and have info on upcoming events. The NerdinOut team is super active on social media: follow @NerdinOut on Facebook and Instagram to catch announcements of special deals, events, and those live sales (where they showcase comics or figures and you can comment “Claim” to buy – it’s dangerously fun!). If you’re hunting something specific, you can message them; they love helping fellow collectors find holy grails.
Hastings Insider Tip
Follow NerdinOut’s Facebook for their monthly “Claim Sales” and pop-up events mapquest.com. You could snag a rare comic or limited-edition Funko without even leaving home, then swing by the IGH store to pick it up (great excuse for a day trip!). When visiting in person, be sure to ask about the clearance section – they often have a bargain bin of comics or loose action figures that can yield great finds for just a few bucks. If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), set a budget before you walk in; it’s very easy to get excited and want everything on the shelves. One more tip: NerdinOut sometimes partners with the nearby Inver Grove Brewing Co. for trivia nights or special promotions (think Marvel trivia at the brewery, with prizes from the store). So keep an eye on their social pages – you might be able to plan a day trip where you first stock up on collectibles, then head next door to the brewery for trivia or a beer, all in one nerd-tastic afternoon.
10. Gertens Garden Center – 100 Years of Growing in the Grove
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Origin Story
Last but certainly not least, we’d be remiss to not include Gertens, a legendary local business that’s as old as Hastings’ iconic Spiral Bridge (if not older!). Gertens Greenhouses & Garden Center was founded by Frank Gerten over a century ago, in the early 1900s gertens.com. Frank started with a simple motto: “Buy Direct from the Grower.” He grew and sold plants on a truck farm, giving locals access to farm-fresh garden goods gertens.com. Fast forward to today, and Gertens is still proudly family-owned – the fourth generation of Gertens now works in the business, carrying on the tradition of quality and community focus gertens.com. The company “grew in the Grove,” literally – they’ve been operating in Inver Grove Heights since 1921 and have expanded from a small roadside operation to a sprawling campus of over 100 acres of greenhouses, retail space, and growing fields gertens.com. Despite its size and regional fame, Gertens remains at heart a small family business with deep roots in Minnesota values: hard work, quality products, and treating customers like neighbors. Many Hastings families have made annual pilgrimages here for generations.
Vibe & Offerings
Gertens is Minnesota’s destination garden center – walking through their gates is a jaw-dropping experience for any plant lover gertens.com. In spring and summer, the outdoor nursery is a sea of color: millions of blooming annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees, many of them grown on-site (“Gerten Grown,” as they proudly label them) gertens.com. Indoors, aisle after aisle of gardening supplies, seeds, lawn décor, and patio furniture sprawl out, intermingled with lush tropical houseplants. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable; it’s not unusual to find a third-generation Gerten family member advising a customer on how to care for a rare orchid. The vibe combines homegrown warmth with awe-inspiring scale. You’ll see local gardeners – from grandmas with sunhats to young couples planning their first veggie patch – wandering in happy dazes, carting around wagonloads of plants. Gertens is also famous for its seasonal transformations. In autumn, the place bursts with pumpkins, mums, and harvest decor. And in winter, oh boy: Gertens becomes a holiday wonderland. They have one of the Twin Cities’ most spectacular Christmas sections, with twinkling lights, decorated trees, and a giant indoor poinsettia display that’s a tradition for many families visitigh.com. Generations of Minnesotans vividly remember their first trip to Gertens to see holiday lights or to pick out a fresh-cut Christmas tree gertens.com. It’s not just a store; it’s an experience. Despite being one of the largest garden centers in the U.S., Gertens somehow feels personal – maybe because you often see the owners out on the floor, or because you run into neighbors at every turn. It captures that Minnesota spirit of community, nature, and beauty all in one.
How to Engage
Gertens’ website (gertens.com) is a gardener’s playground in itself – you can order plants online, use their planting calculators, or check their calendar of workshops and events. But nothing beats an in-person visit. They’re open year-round (with slightly shorter hours in winter). If you’re a social media user, follow @Gertens on Facebook and Instagram for gardening tips, sale alerts, and gorgeous photos of plants in bloom. They also send out a great email newsletter with seasonal gardening advice for our region.
Hastings Insider Tip
Visiting Gertens can easily be a half-day adventure, so plan accordingly. On your first trip, grab a map from the info desk – yes, the place is big enough to need a map! In spring, try to visit on a weekday or early morning to avoid peak crowds (it gets very popular on weekends when the weather is nice). If you come during the holiday season, bring the kids or grandkids: Gertens’ Christmas display is magical, with model trains and Santa visits on certain days visitigh.com. Pro tip: Gertens offers free planting events and workshops – sign up for one as part of your day trip to add a hands-on element. And here’s a secret: the Tropical Greenhouse at Gertens is open even in the dead of winter, and it feels like a balmy escape – a great cure for cabin fever in January or February gertens.com. Stroll among citrus trees and palms while snow falls outside, and you’ll be rejuvenated. Finally, if you’re a bargain hunter, time your visit for late season – in June they often have sales on annuals, and in late December you can score deals on holiday décor. But honestly, whenever you go, you’ll leave inspired (and likely with a trunk full of plants!). Gertens embodies the spirit of growing and community that ties Hastings and Inver Grove Heights together, making it a perfect finale to your day-trip tour.
Happy adventuring, Hastings! Each of these Inver Grove Heights businesses offers a unique taste of local flavor, passion, and hospitality. Whether you’re swapping books over lattes or clinking glasses on a rooftop, you’ll feel right at home – and that’s the beauty of our Minnesota towns, isn’t it? So grab this list, hit the road, and enjoy playing tourist in our own backyard. We guarantee you’ll come back to Hastings with great stories, maybe a treasure or two, and a new appreciation for the gems just up the river. Safe travels and shop local!
