Elaine's Cafe

My wife and I had the daily special which was hamburger steak and choice of potatoes.  

The hamburger steak prepared with no seasoning what so ever.  We both had the hash browns which did not look like hash browns. They looked..let's just say very odd. Might give them one more chance.

Decided to eat here after a year of seeing the place passing by. I had breakfast which is always best at small shops like this. Great atmosphere as it looked like a 50's diner inside. The people inside are friendly and there is always a topic on the table. Elaine works the grill in the morning and she is a spit-fire. Meeting her husband and her grandchild while I waited for my morning energy. If you are nice they may give you free coffee with your meal. Food was great and was a little much but I guess you have to be a farmer to eat it all. Prices are reasonable and additional parking is in the rear. Great people great food great service.

Passing through Spring Valley as part of a long bike/road trip, my daughter and I pulled into the "downtown" of this small town and dropped into Elaine's for lunch.  What a great move.

Looking like a 50s diner, we sat at the counter while a table of six men - locals, all farmers, discussed politics, planting and hydrology - and ordered the hamburger (from local grass fed cows) and onion rings.  The rings were freshly battered and made (by Elaine, who was back in the kitchen); they were excellent.  The burgers were thick, juicy, flavorful and served with tomato and lettuce.  With burger and rings coming in at around $5, you'll have a tough time putting as much satisfaction in front of  you.

If you are passing south of Rochester, MN on I-90, Elaine's is worth the detour.