Toivo's

I had to stop here to avoid a crazy severe going on tornadic storm that was rushing through north central Minnesota. Thank goodness I found it too, I don't drive too well in pouring rain.

Very friendly northern Mn atmosphere and bartender. She approached me instantly and told me she would give me happy hour prices even though the clock had just changed over. Insta-love right there. Both collage and pro football games were on, cheap booze (even after happy hour), and pull tabs. Classic dive bar greatness. I really don't know if I'll ever be needed to stop in Grand Rapids again, but if I do I know I'll stop here.

A locally-owned business that gets it right.  Great staff and consistently great food.  Wed is $5 burger night which you can get as chicken breast for the same price.  That's usually when I can be found there and every burger I've tried has been fabulous.  Decent tap beer selection, lots of weekly events and specials.  A place to keep an eye on, I think good things are in their future.

A big ole' .... well .... bar. Picture your prototypical Legion (or other fraternal club/bar) in a small town. Have that picture in your head? Good. Now turn up the lighting a tiny bit. Whoah, not that much! There, better. Okay, now you have Toivo's.

Don't take this as a derision. It works.  Toivo's is a large building that serves drinks and the exact gastro fare you'd expect. Every once in a while there's a band; maybe a DJ. No need to dress up. Drag your sorry butt back on Sunday morning for the buffet; it's actually not bad.

Dude, it's a bar. People seem to like it.