Southern Hills, nestled on the southern edge of Rochester, MN, may be known for its peaceful suburban streets, but locals know it as a rapidly growing hub for exceptional eats. The Southern Hills neighborhood boasts a food scene that’s both diverse and approachable, mixing unassuming culinary treasures with well-loved classics. Whether you’re searching for hearty breakfast fare, flavorful international cuisine, or something sweet to top off your meal, there’s a table (or food truck window) waiting for you.
Southern Hills’ Main Food Clusters
Many of the top food destinations in Southern Hills are conveniently clustered along South Broadway Avenue near the intersection with 48th Street SE, as well as the expanding development around Eastwood Road SE. This easy access to great food makes Southern Hills a favorite for both locals and visitors venturing just beyond downtown.
Standout Restaurants
Wholesome Homestyle: Broadway Pizza South
- Location: 721 Broadway Ave S
- Price Range: $$
- Cuisine: American, Pizza
Broadway Pizza South is a beloved staple, providing Southern Hills with classic Minnesota-style pizza. Families gather here for hearty pies with chewy crusts and piles of toppings. Not just pizza—their wings, sandwiches, and house-made soups capture that “local diner” spirit, and parents love their generous kids’ meals. The laid-back, wood-paneled interior feels like a home away from home.
International Flavors: Kwik Trip Asian Kitchen
- Location: Inside Kwik Trip, 4825 22nd Ave SE
- Price Range: $
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Don’t let the humble setting fool you—inside the busy Kwik Trip gas station is a small counter serving up some of the area’s best fresh Asian cuisine. Try their pad thai, fried rice, or rotating curries. The food is quick, consistent, and always packed with flavor. It’s a favorite for Southern Hills’ weekday lunch crowds and anyone looking for a tasty, budget-friendly surprise.
Casual American Eats: Fat Willy’s Bar & Grill
- Location: 4325 Maine Ave SE (in the Shoppes on Maine)
- Price Range: $$
- Cuisine: American, Bar & Grill
A lively option for catching a game or enjoying an evening out, Fat Willy’s draws crowds with its burgers, loaded nachos, and extensive tap beer list. Their patio is buzzing during the summer, making it a go-to for outdoor dining in Southern Hills. Happy hour deals and comfort food classics ensure you’ll always leave happy and full.
Cafés & Bakeries
A Local Favorite: Café Aqui
- Location: 4217 Eastwood Rd SE
- Price Range: $$
- Cuisine: Café, Brunch
Bright and airy, Café Aqui is where Southern Hills wakes up in style. Their espresso drinks are crafted with locally roasted beans, and their inventive brunch menu features everything from loaded avocado toasts to house-made pastries (don’t miss the almond croissant). The corner location fills up quickly on weekends, offering a perfect snapshot of neighborhood life.
Classic and Cozy: Grandma’s Gourmets
- Location: 4500 Broadway Ave S
- Price Range: $
- Cuisine: Bakery, Jam Shop
Grandma’s Gourmets is a small-batch jam shop and bakery where you’ll find sweet treats and preserves made just like grandma used to. Sample jams and chutneys over fresh scones, or grab a box of cookies to-go. It’s the kind of spot that feels like a hidden secret—until you realize half your neighbors were there just before you.
Food Trucks and Fast Favorites
Taco Stop (Taco Mobile Truck)
- Typical Location: Broadway Ave S & 48th St SE
- Price Range: $
- Cuisine: Mexican Street Food
Southern Hills’ most popular food truck, Taco Stop, is always surrounded by fans chasing its signature tacos and quesadillas. The carne asada is a must, and the homemade salsas pack just the right heat. The truck’s flexible hours and changing menu keep things exciting. Locals say it’s the best quick lunch in the neighborhood.
Hidden Gem: Banh Mi Express
- Location: Rotating, often at Shoppes on Maine parking lot
- Price Range: $
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
If you’d rather eat on the go, track down Banh Mi Express for some of the best sandwiches in Rochester. The crusty baguettes and tangy pickled veggies make every bite sing, and vegan options keep everyone in the family happy. Follow their social accounts for the latest location updates and pop-up appearances around Southern Hills.
Sweet Treats & Dessert Stops
Chill Out: Flapdoodles Ice Cream
- Location: 3748 Broadway Ave S
- Price Range: $
- Cuisine: Ice Cream, Desserts
No foodie tour of Southern Hills is complete without a stop at Flapdoodles, a Rochester ice cream institution. Their unique rotating flavors—think monster cookie dough or key lime pie—are hand-churned and deliciously creamy. Grab a scoop or two with the kids, or treat yourself after a long workweek.
Local Tradition: Pine Island Bakery Booth at Farmer’s Market
- Location: Saturday mornings, Southeast Rochester Farmers Market (4200 Eastwood Rd SE)
- Price Range: $
- Cuisine: Bakery
On Saturday mornings, Southern Hills locals head to the Southeast Rochester Farmers Market and make a beeline for the Pine Island Bakery booth. Their artisan breads, kolaches, and cookies are baked fresh that morning. It’s a local ritual to pick up a treat and some fresh produce, then linger to chat with neighbors over coffee.
Culinary Traditions and Community
Southern Hills’ food scene isn’t just about restaurants—it’s about traditions that give the neighborhood flavor. From Friday night fish fries at Fat Willy’s during Lent, to holiday cookie exchanges organized by Grandma’s Gourmets, and impromptu food truck rallies at Shoppes on Maine, eating here is a community affair. Many establishments cater to families, with kid-friendly menus and warm welcomes. The proximity to interstate and major medical campuses means a surprising variety of cuisines have found happy homes (and loyal customers) in Southern Hills.
Plan Your Southern Hills Food Adventure
Whether you’re a resident or planning a visit, Southern Hills offers something for everyone:
- Casual weekday lunch: Taco Stop or Kwik Trip Asian Kitchen
- Weekend brunch: Café Aqui or Grandma’s Gourmets
- Date night: Fat Willy’s or Broadway Pizza South
- Sweet treat: Flapdoodles or the farmer’s market
Next time you’re in Rochester’s Southern Hills, follow your nose (and your appetite) along Broadway or Eastwood Road—you’re sure to discover why locals love calling this tasty neighborhood home.