Rapidan Dam Store

Came here with our main guide from kayak trip. We originally didn’t realize it’s a diner as it appears like a tackle/​bait shop right by Rapidan Dam. But it turns out to be small family owned joint. People here are so welcoming and nice. Walked in here and totally could sense it is a local favorite
Burgers here are ON POINT. Comes with grilled/​fried onions. Can add bacon with extra charge (please do yourself a favor AND DO ORDER THE BACON). After 4 hours of kayaking and sitting in the sun, this hit the spot.
Onion rings are perfectly seasoned and fried. Batter is crunchy but not to thick and they used the right cut of onion without the extra stringy film.
Dam pies. They are literally called Dam pies, and damn they are good. There are multiple types you can choose from — our guide insisted we try the coconut cream and he had the chocolate pecan, and just shared. I loved the coconut cream but that chocolate pecan was out of this world. These pies were featured in magazines and such, and recipes were passed down.
Cash only. Quick service.
Overall, loved the local feel. Glad our guide persuade us to join him for dinner here. Will be back again.

A diamond in the rough and been around as long… mouthwatering burgers, fish, potato salad and THEN the BEST pie ever to finish the meal off… choose from 8 (or so) freshly made pies (crust is to die for)…we had blueberry/​rhubarb but there was also banana cream, apple, strawberry cream to name a few. Enjoy this all in the charm of this tiny café tucked between park and the Rapidan Dam… Go and enjoy

Once of the first things I was told when I moved to Mankato was that there were 3 decent places to eat — Number 4, Neighbors, and the Dam Store (I disagree about the first 2). The Dam Store is where it’s at!
Their Sour Cream and Raisin Pie was written about in Food and Wine magazine, and yes, it’s that good! I’ve eaten here a couple times, and the food is delicious, greasy diner food. The pie, is out of this world. My boyfriend and his dad came up to help me move, and I brought them here. As a non-​local, I had to rely on my car’s GPS, and 3 of the ways we tried were «Road Out/​Bridge Out,» so it took a bit of getting to. As soon as we started eating, my boyfriend’s dad said «Oh my god, this is delicious, and totally worth the trip here!» When he had the Rhubarb Custard, he nearly died. They have a campground next to the Dam Store, and it’s on our list of places to go camping, just so we can come back for the pie!
They take cash and local checks only, and there aren’t ATMs nearby. When I’ve been, it’s been both kind of busy, and packed — but tables open up fairly regularly. When they’re slammed, the service is a little slow — it’s just the two of them both serving and cooking. However, it wasn’t anything I found unacceptable, and the fresh, homemade food was totally worth it.
God, now I want their pie. I wonder if I called them and paid a lot, if they would ship me some…
Also, they sell live bait! (It started as a place for fishermen back in the day, and still is. Simple, delicious food.)

A classic small American eatery. The pie is outstanding! I just had the best slice of Dutch Apple I’ve ever eaten. The burgers are completely homemade, bun included. Just make sure you bring cash because they don’t do credit cards or checks.