Review: Six Great Late-Night Eats in White Bear Lake

Six local spots to grab some appetizers while you’re out and about.
Tantalize your taste buds with a firm-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside hot pretzel from Gearheads Saloon and Grill.

A night out often makes you, well, hungry, to put it simply. But not to worry—if you’re out and about and suddenly find yourself in desperate need of a bite to eat, we’ve got you covered. From big juicy burgers and savory egg rolls to delicious thin-crust pizza and even late-night breakfast, White Bear Lake has just what you need to tide you over—and keep the fun going strong, all night long.

SPICY BUFFALO WINGS
MANITOU STATION
Boasting pub trivia, live music and mouthwatering appetizers, Manitou Station is a great place to bring your friends for a night out. While you’re listening to the band or racking your brain for answers, co-owner Jake McKeague recommends noshing on the spicy buffalo wings ($9). “Our buffalo wings are chargrilled over the flames, then flash-fried—and they are truly jumbo,” he says. However, it might be the secret buffalo sauce that makes these wings so delish. You can also get them for just $6 during happy hour, Monday through Friday, 3–6 p.m. and 9–11 p.m. Manitou Station hosts live music five times a week, and if you find yourself looking for something to do on a Monday night, you can always show off your smarts at Pub Trivia from 8 to 10 p.m. 2171 Fourth St., White Bear Lake; 651.426.2300.

HOT PRETZEL
GEARHEADS SALOON AND GRILL
Car lovers will feel right at home at Gearheads Saloon and Grill, now open nearly a year. The car-themed restaurant’s walls are decked with memorabilia and neon signs, and beyond the unique décor, the restaurant boasts an array of late-night snack options. We love the hot pretzel (who doesn’t love a warm, soft pretzel covered in salt?), and you can choose between hot cheese dip, French onion dip or mustard to top it off ($4.99). Pair it with a cold brew, and your engine will be ready to go for the rest of the night. If you feel like grazing, Gearheads sells bar snacks like chips, nuts, beef sticks and beef jerky for a buck each. 1350 Highway 96, White Bear Lake; 651.447.4033.

EGG ROLLS

JETHRO’S CHAR-HOUSE & PUB
When you have a hankering for a late-night snack, Chinese food usually hits the spot. That’s why we love stopping by Jethro’s Char-House and Pub for a plate of its mouth-watering egg rolls ($7.95). Packed with pork and veggies, your taste buds will delight in these flavorful and crispy rolls. Deep-fried until golden-brown and served with a sweet Asian chili sauce, they make the perfect end to a night of fun. And for those with a musical streak, don’t miss Friday karaoke nights at Jethro’s. Show up at 9 p.m. to see how your pipes match up against the rest of the local talent. 3140 Century Ave. N., Mahtomedi; 651.770.2443.

LATE-NIGHT SKILLET
WASHINGTON SQUARE BAR & GRILL
If you ask us, there’s not many things that are better than a hearty plate of breakfast food after a night out on the town. Washington Square got it right when it introduced its late-night breakfast menu, available Thursday–Saturday 11:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. You can’t go wrong with the late-night skillet ($12.75). This king of late-night breakfast plates features crispy hash browns with onions, peppers, cheese and chorizo, all topped with two scrambled eggs and served with your choice of toast. Bonus: For those who need a ride home, Washington Square has partnered with a local cab company to arrange rides, and the restaurant will even pitch in $5 towards your fare. 4736 Washington Square, White Bear Lake; 651.407.7162.

HEGGIE’S PIZZA
HOLLIHAN’S PUB
Along with stellar drink specials, Hollihan’s Pub serves up Heggie’s pizza until bar close every night. Milaca-based Heggie’s has been making delicious pies since it started in 1989. With more than 20 years in the pizza-making business, Heggie’s crafts each thin-crust pizza by hand. We love the deluxe pizza, topped with everything delicious—sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions and green peppers ($7.50). Or you can go for the sixpack, topped with four meats and two cheeses—sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, smoked bacon, mozzarella and cheddar cheese ($7.50). This popular White Bear Lake bar also features 50 cents off drinks from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and $2 off from 3 to 6 p.m., as well as live music on Thursday and Saturday nights; until 11:30 p.m. on Thursdays and midnight on Saturdays. You can find a listing of upcoming live music acts on the poster outside Hollihan’s. 2160 Third St., White Bear Lake; 651.429.0280.

BLEU CHEESE BURGER
BEARTOWN LOUNGE
When it comes to late-night food options, Beartown Lounge is the place to be. To fuel yourself for a long night of fun, there are several burger options, but a sure customer favorite is the bleu cheese burger ($8.25). This juicy burger is topped with crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions and bleu cheese, and is served with the restaurant’s homemade jojos (potato wedges dredged in the same breading as the lounge’s famous broasted wings). Stop by on Monday nights and you can grab a basic burger with lettuce, tomato and onion for just $2.99. Additional toppings and fries are available for an extra charge. 4875 Highway 61 N., White Bear Lake; 651.426.4225.