11 foods to try at Thursdays Downtown
Food is something that unites us. We gather around the table with family or meet up with friends for it. Luckily, Thursdays Downtown offers the opportunity for all this as well as delicious eats! Dig into these delectable dining options from onsite food vendors and be together in downtown Rochester.
2 Brothers BBQ
Down-home barbeque meets an up north event. 2 Brothers BBQ is doing smoked pork and brisket right and three different ways. Try it between buns for a sandwich, on top of a base of homemade macaroni and cheese, or as a taco. No matter which version you choose, the culinary experience is second to none. Plus, the smoky smell will draw you in to 2 Brothers BBQ!
BB's Pizzaria
Mamma mia: look at the size of the pizza slice from BB's Pizzaria! If you're looking for a hearty meal that can be eaten on the go, this is the option for you. Highly recommended is the pepperoni pizza with perfect proportions of sauce, cheese, and meat.
Bleu Duck Kitchen
Variety is the spice of life. At Bleu Duck Kitchen’s booth, the menu changes every week! So if you see something you want to try, it’s best to order it right then and there. (We’re speaking from personal experience on this.) And because the options vary, it’s hard to share a specific menu item. You will have to stop by Bleu Duck’s booth for great food and incredible service!
Cameo Restaurant
Back by popular demand is Cameo's Korean Fried Popcorn Chicken Nachos! An addicting combination of kimchi aioli, gochujang, fried popcorn chicken, and Napa cabbage atop a layer of nacho chips, this is a must-try at Thursdays Downtown because it can't be found on Cameo's brick-and-mortar location menu.
Chester's Kitchen and Bar / Pescara / Terza Ristorante
Fine dining in a casual setting is from Chester's Kitchen and Bar, Pescara, and Terza Ristorante's booth. Try the giant chicken meatball over a smear of marinara sauce topped with parmesan cheese. It will become an instant favorite! For dessert, we encourage you to try the banana cream pie cone.
Newt's / Hefe Rojo
Some of the best burgers at Thursdays Downtown can be found at Newt's and Hefe Rojo's booth. "The Marvin" is one such burger, with a flavorful blend of seasonings, melty Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy chipotle mayo. Top it off with a beer and a side of fries. Don't forget Newt's south of the border sister restaurant, Hefe Rojo, that shares the same space for authentic tacos!
Forager Brewery
Spicy soba noodles are the thing to get from Forager Brewery. Made with cold soba noodles, cabbage, carrots, red onion, pickled Habanero, peanuts, and a spicy miso vinaigrette, this dish is something unique!
Johnny Mango's
For a taste of the Middle East, Johnny Mango's falafel pita is a must-try, hot ticket item! Customize it how you would like it or let them choose the best toppings. Regardless, you're in for a delight of the taste buds.
Mango Thai
From chicken wings to mango sticky rice, everything coming from Mango Thai's booth sounds delicious and looks appetizing! But the one to taste test is the BBQ ribs. Saucy, sticky, and hot, these ribs will fill you up to keep you going while walking around Thursdays Downtown.
Nupa
And now featuring the flavors of Greece with Nupa. The gyro is a staple over there and now you can find it at Thursdays Downtown! Fill it with lettuce or tomato and you have a meal.
The Tap House
Who doesn't enjoy a good taco? Try Tap House's version of them by taking your pick of shrimp, pork, or steak. And the best part? These are an on-the-go option if you want to explore more of Thursdays Downtown!
Click here for an interactive Thursdays Downtown vendor map to find the foods listed above.
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DISCLAIMER: Although every effort was made to provide accurate information, we do not guarantee the above vendors will be onsite every week of Thursdays Downtown. Please refer to the interactive map section for the most up-to-date vendors. If yours is a vendor listed in this blog and anything needs updating, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@downtownrochestermn.com. Thanks for reading and enjoy this season of Thursdays Downtown.