10 Small Businesses in Farmington Worth the Drive from Hastings
1. BlueNose Coffee – Family Roastery with Heart
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BlueNose Coffee isn’t just another café – it’s a family-owned roastery and coffee shop that’s been brewing in Farmington for nearly nine years voyageminnesota.com. Opened in 2016 by Sarah Aylward and family, BlueNose took over a former chain coffee location and transformed it into a cozy community hub. The shop roasts beans in-house and takes pride in being “your personal roaster” who helps you find the perfect coffee or tea bluenosecoffee.combluenosecoffee.com. Regulars love the welcoming vibe – there’s a fireplace, comfy seating, and even a patio for warm days, giving the space a “nice atmosphere inside as well as on the patio” mapquest.com. The menu features unique, tasty drink creations and locally baked treats, making BlueNose a must-stop for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat. It’s the kind of place where the owners might even know your name, and you can feel the family passion in every cup.
2. Farmington Steak House – Old-School Eats with Family Tradition
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Farmington Steak House is a classic hometown diner that has been family-run for decades (operating since the 1980s) farmington-steak-house.weeblyte.com. This no-frills steakhouse is beloved for its cafeteria-style serving line and budget-friendly portions. Don’t be surprised to have a tray in hand as you slide down the line watching your steak sizzle on the grill – it’s all part of the charm farmington-steak-house.weeblyte.com. On a given day, you might find a mother-daughter team from the founding family working the counter, underscoring the deeply local, homey feel farmington-steak-house.weeblyte.com. Regulars rave about the big portions and “family vibes” that have kept locals coming back for generations farmington-steak-house.weeblyte.com, farmington-steak-house.weeblyte.com. The interior is a bit dated, but in a way that transports you to childhood dinners – it’s clean, nostalgically cozy, and adorned with memories of founder Pete Kontinakis, whose friendly spirit still guides the place. From perfectly cooked ribeye specials to juicy burgers (don’t forget the Texas toast), the Steak House dishes up comfort on a plate. It’s cash or check only, but that’s just part of the authentic charm of this Farmington institution.
3. Sweet Kneads Farmington Bakery – 90 Years of Sweet Tradition
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Sweet Kneads Farmington Bakery (formerly Farmington Bakery) has a legacy nearly as rich as its pastries. Established in 1933, this bakery has passed through three generations of bakers and remains the go-to spot for sweet treats in Farmington farmingtonbakery.net. Current owners Steve and Melissa Hobbs, who took over in 2018, turned it into a true family affair – their sons and even grandpa Ed are part of the baking team capitollien.com. Melissa says the key is simple: “Work hard!” The reward, she notes, comes from “knowing how hard you have worked, feeling proud to be growing the business, while training your kids to take it over” capitollien.com. That dedication shows in every donut, cookie, and custom cake that comes out of the ovens. They’ve even won accolades for their creations and keep things fun with a new “Dessert of the Month” each month (and giant gourmet donuts that fans say are the best around) capitollien.com. Step into their newly renovated storefront and you’re greeted with the aroma of fresh-baked breads and frosting – as their motto says, “one-stop shop for all your dessert needs… and free smells” mapquest.com. From classic powdered sugar donuts to elaborate wedding cakes, Sweet Kneads delivers an experience that is equal parts delicious and heartwarming family story.
4. El Charro Mexican Restaurant – A Taste of Jalisco in Minnesota
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In the mood for authentic Mexican food with a side of familia? El Charro delivers just that. This family-owned restaurant was founded by members of the Rodriguez family who brought recipes straight from their hometown in Jalisco, Mexico to downtown Farmington elcharromn.com. The result is an eatery where “every dish feels like home” elcharromn.com – from tamales and enchiladas to their famous Molcajete platter, you can taste the generations of tradition. The origin story reads like a telenovela: Maria and Norberto had thirteen children in a small town in Jalisco, moved to Guadalajara, and eventually several of those children and grandchildren came north and opened El Charro together elcharromn.com. To this day, “several of Maria and Norberto’s children, grandchildren and family friends work to make your experience an unforgettable one” elcharromn.com at El Charro. That close-knit warmth is palpable – staff greet regulars like family, and many diners are on a first-name basis with the owners. The decor is colorful and homey, and the menu is full of the family’s favorite dishes (don’t miss the fresh salsa and house-made margaritas). Celebrating 10 years in Farmington, El Charro has become a community staple for its authentic flavor and the joyful, welcoming atmosphere the family has created. It truly brings a little slice of Guadalajara to Minnesota with each plate of food and each smile.
5. Chill Ice Cream Studio – Retro Arcade Meets Ice Cream Parlor
Placeholder image by LocalPigeon. Credit: “Illustration created with AI, Studio Ghibli–inspired.”
Chill Ice Cream Studio is not your average ice cream shop – it’s part scoop shop, part time machine. New owners Chris and Tricia Kulus, longtime Farmington locals, took over the former “Cow Interrupted” ice cream parlor in 2023 and gave it a fun modern twist mapquest.com. Their plan was to keep the small-town sweetness but add an ’80s retro arcade in the back room, and they delivered: today you can play Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and seven other classic games while enjoying your cone mapquest.com. It’s quickly become the hangout for families on summer evenings and for anyone with a sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgia. Chill serves over 20 flavors of super-premium Wisconsin-made ice cream from Chocolate Shoppe (the Zanzibar Chocolate and Kitty Kitty Bang Bang are crowd favorites) mapquest.com. The Kuluses have poured their hearts into this venture – “we’ve always loved downtown Farmington,” they say, so when the opportunity came to buy the shop (and keep it from disappearing when the previous owners moved abroad), “we jumped at it”, wanting a fun place for local families mapquest.com. That community-minded spirit shines through: they often employ local high schoolers and partner with local teams for fundraisers. Walking into Chill Ice Cream Studio feels like stepping back in time – neon arcade lights humming, sprinkles flying, laughter echoing off the pinball machine. It’s an ice cream outing that’s as much about making memories as it is about the delicious treats. (Just plan accordingly – they are seasonal and have shorter hours, because, as one fan put it, “both are too short” for how good it is! mapquest.com)
6. The Farmer’s Daughter – Vintage Charm and Handmade Treasures
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Step into The Farmer’s Daughter and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret cottage of wonders. Tucked into a historic building on Oak Street, this boutique/antique shop specializes in antiques, vintage finds, repurposed goods, and unique handmade items for home décor and gifts facebook.com. It’s a mother-daughter-run store (yes, there really is a farmer’s daughter behind it!) that exudes small-town charm. The moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by artfully arranged vignettes of rustic furniture, seasonal decorations, and displays by local crafters. One corner might have an upcycled barnwood sign and fragrant soy candles, while another features retro kitchenware or crocheted baby blankets. The inventory is always changing with the seasons – think pastel spring décor, patriotic summer accents, cozy fall wreaths, and a winter wonderland at Christmas. In fact, customers rave about the ambiance: “Beautiful, must-visit unique shop. Love your décor. Very warm, cozy little shop,” as one reviewer gushed mapquest.com. Prices are reasonable, and the owners often host crafting classes and special events (their Galentine’s craft night and holiday open houses are local favorites). The Farmer’s Daughter is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and treasure hunt a little. Whether you leave with an antique oil lamp, a jar of Minnesota honey, or just inspiration from the charming displays, you’ll understand why Farmington is lucky to have this hidden gem of a store in its downtown.
7. The Market on Oak Boutique – Curated Boutique Full of Local Flair
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Right next door to the famous steakhouse is The Market on Oak Boutique, a delightful shop that’s been serving Farmington since 2009 marketonoak.shop. Owner Janie Tutewohl opened the boutique after her youngest son graduated high school, channeling her newfound free time into a labor of love marketonoak.shop. The result is a warm and stylish store that offers a little of everything: women’s apparel and accessories, home décor, kitchen wares, gourmet foods, baby gifts, and more – all carefully selected for quality and uniqueness. Janie has a knack for sourcing “Made in Minnesota” products and works with local artisans to stock the shelves mapquest.com. One minute you might be smelling a locally-poured candle or sampling Minnesota-roasted coffee, and the next you’re eyeing a cute handbag or seasonal door wreath. The boutique is ever-changing with new finds, so customers like to pop in often. In fact, it’s known as “a little gem tucked into the quaint downtown area of Farmington” with a “fun selection of gifts, home decor and super cute clothing!” marketonoak.shop, as one happy shopper described. Another loyal patron said, “This is always my first stop when I need to shop for a gift or something for my home… Farmington is lucky to have a local shop like Market on Oak.” marketonoak.shop With its friendly staff and gift-wrap services, Market on Oak makes it easy for Hastings folks to justify the 20-minute drive – you’re likely to find that perfect, heartfelt gift (and maybe a little treat for yourself) every time you visit. Tip: Don’t miss their monthly fragrance promotion or the free local delivery in Farmington for online orders marketonoak.shopmarketonoak.shop – it shows how much they care about their customers.
8. Farmington Lanes – Strikes, Smiles, and Small-Town Fun
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If you’re looking for a family-friendly night out that’s worth the short trek, Farmington Lanes is right up your alley – literally. This 12-lane bowling alley has been a locally family-owned business for yearsfarmingtonlanes.com, and it’s where community members of all ages come together for a good time. Recently renovated, Farmington Lanes now features the cutting-edge “Neoverse” system – an immersive LED media wall that turns bowling into a high-tech experience with glowing underwater scenes, cosmic displays, and other interactive visuals instagram.com. But even with the modern upgrades, the alley hasn’t lost its classic charm. There’s a full-service sports bar and grill inside, so parents can enjoy a burger or catch the game on TV while the kids bowl a few rounds. The owners – the Dingfelder family – are often on-site and treat customers like neighbors. They host leagues, cosmic bowling nights, and fun theme events throughout the year (Turkey Bowl, anyone?). Clean and well-maintained, Farmington Lanes gets praise for being “very clean and usually not too crowded” tripadvisor.com, making it a comfortable outing for families from quieter towns like Hastings. Whether you’re a serious bowler looking for a new lane to conquer or you just want an affordable, wholesome night out with the kids, Farmington Lanes delivers. By the time you leave, you’ll be on a first-name basis with the staff – and already planning your next visit for another round of strikes and smiles.
9. Bourbon Butcher (and Square Cut Pizza) – Craft Burgers and Games Under One Roof
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For a more grown-up but equally engaging outing, Bourbon Butcher (with its sidekick Farm Town Brew Hall/Square Cut Pizza) offers a unique mix of gourmet comfort food, craft drinks, and laid-back fun. Housed at the same address as BlueNose Coffee, this expansive venue is a partnership of concepts: by day, Square Cut Pizza serves up Detroit-style pizzas, and by night, the Bourbon Butcher bar slings an impressive array of bourbons and cocktails alongside indulgent burgers and smoked meats. What makes it special, though, is the atmosphere – it’s family-friendly and lively. There’s an axe-throwing lane and a variety of arcade and yard games (think giant Jenga, cornhole) as part of the connected Farm Town Brew Hall experience facebook.com. So you might see a group of adults on a double date trying axe throwing while, at another table, a family digs into pizza and plays board games. Farmington hadn’t seen anything quite like this until a couple years ago, and it has quickly become a favorite hangout for those in the south metro. With over two dozen Minnesota craft beers on tap and a menu that features everything from gourmet mac ’n’ cheese to a bourbon-glazed bacon flight, it’s a destination that “offers a combination of creative burgers, house-made sausages, cold beer [and] hot cocktails” in a fun setting yelp.comfacebook.com. Despite the upscale-sounding menu, the vibe is casual and welcoming – kids are allowed until later in the evening, and the owners host frequent community events like trivia nights and live music on weekends. For Hastings folks, Bourbon Butcher/Brew Hall is proof that Farmington’s small business scene can pack big-city flavor and entertainment – making that 20-minute drive well worth it for a memorable night out.
10. Brand Farms – Generations of Family Fun on the Farm
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To round out the list, how about a small business that’s literally down on the farm? Brand Farms is a multigenerational family farm on the edge of Farmington that has become a beloved fall destination for local families. Family owned since 1958, Brand Farms started as a dairy farm and over the years expanded to offer U-pick apples, a pumpkin patch, and classic autumn activities brandfarmsmn.com. Each fall, the Brand family turns their farm into an oasis of wholesome fun: there are hayrides, a corn pit, giant jumping pads for the kids, apple cannons, a hay bale climbing area, and even an apple cider donut food truck brandfarmsmn.com. Parents sip hot cider while kids giggle through the hay maze – it’s the kind of place where lasting memories are made. “We have eggs, apples, honey, and create family memories in the fall,” the Brand family says, and that sums it up perfectly facebook.com. In the summer, you can stop by their self-serve farm stand (“The Brand Barn”) to pick up farm-fresh eggs and sweet corn on the honor system brandfarmsmn.com, brandfarmsmn.com. By the time late September hits, the farm is in full swing with apple picking (Honeycrisps and more) and weekend festivals. It’s not a commercial mega-orchard, which is exactly its appeal – the experience feels authentic and personal. Three generations of the Brand family might be out in the field or helping in the barn, and they often recognize returning customers year after year. If you visit around Halloween, don’t miss the twilight hayride and bonfire event – it’s pure small-town magic. Brand Farms offers Hastings residents a refreshing escape to the country, run by a family that’s been part of the community for over 60 years. It’s hard to beat a place where you can enjoy nature, support a local farm, and go home with a trunk full of pumpkins, apples, and happy kiddos.
Each of these 10 small businesses captures a piece of what makes Farmington special – from rich history and deep family roots to innovation and community spirit. They’re the kind of places that remind us why we love small towns: friendly faces, one-of-a-kind products and flavors, and owners who pour their heart and soul into what they do. So next time you’re looking for an experience worth the short drive from Hastings, consider visiting one (or all!) of these Farmington favorites. You’ll likely return with great buys and full bellies, but most importantly, you’ll come back with that warm, fuzzy feeling that only authentic community-driven places can create.
Sources
The information and quotes in this listicle were gathered from community interviews, local news features, and customer reviews of the businesses. Notable references include Voyage Minnesota’s interview with BlueNose Coffee’s owners voyageminnesota.com, historical insights from Farmington Steak House’s archives farmington-steak-house.weeblyte.com, farmington-steak-house.weeblyte.com, a featured story on Sweet Kneads Bakery’s family legacy capitollien.comcapitollien.com, El Charro’s official website detailing their family story elcharromn.com, an interview with the owners of Chill Ice Cream Studio mapquest.commapquest.com, and various customer testimonials and social media posts highlighting the unique appeal of each business marketonoak.shopmapquest.com. These sources collectively paint a picture of the passion and community connection behind each establishment. Each business featured is locally owned and operated, contributing to Farmington’s charm and well worth a visit for those in the Hastings area.
