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Stagecoach Stops

For more than a century, guests have been stopping at these historic restaurants that welcomed weary travelers on their journeys west.

By Barbara Humeston, Contributing Editor, Midwest Living

Here are some Midwest Living favorites:

Hubbell House, Mantorville, Minnesota -- This three-story restaurant, a limestone landmark in the 12-block downtown (15 miles west of Rochester), retains a sense of its 1850s elegance. Through the years, its reputation has been built on tempting American fare, including steaks so tender you can cut them with a butter knife. Diners also savor flaky walleye, freshly baked bread and Hubbell House western potatoes (a mini casserole packed with cheese, onions, sour cream and bacon). In the five sprawling dining rooms, the soft glow of candlelight illuminates tables, and thick carpet muffles conversations. Collections from the Civil War era such as miniature shoes and delicate combs decorate the walls. Open daily, except Mondays, for lunch and dinner (507/635-2331).

Hubbell House Restaurant >>

Rider's Inn, Painesville, Ohio -- For a moment, you almost can imagine weary travelers headed west sitting down to dinners of bread and hearty stew at this white, pillared two-story inn (40 miles northeast of Cleveland). The menu has come a long way since then, but still includes a few items from the past, prepared from handwritten recipes discovered in the attic of the inn. Specialties such as an elegant veal dish and chicken Dijonnaise tempt evening diners, along with bananas foster for dessert. Overnight guests sit down to breakfasts featuring seasonal ingredients such as muffins with apple compote in fall. In the cellar, you can peer into tunnels that led slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Open Mondays-Saturdays for lunch and dinner, and for brunch on Sundays (440/354-8200).

Rider's Inn >>

Busch's Grove, St. Louis, Missouri -- Travelers in the late 1800s dined in the shade of a towering grove of trees behind this stagecoach stop (20 miles west of St. Louis). But before long, city residents were making the half-day carriage trip for meals at Busch's Grove. Since then, suburbs have sprouted around the unassuming white-frame restaurant, with its wide front porch, but diners still come from miles around. Though the menu lists fresh seafood and classic dishes such as free range chicken, lamb chops and steaks are regulars favorites. Desserts vary with the season, but popular standards include New York cheesecake and molten chocolate cake. In the Grove Room, dark woods and deep colors create the feeling of a comfortable den. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays for lunch and dinner (314/993-0011).

Busch's Grove >>