Difficult to get to because of road construction but so worth it. We are not first timers but wondered if we wanted to park outside of town and walk in. Knowing what we know, we walked in!! They have a great senior member. I had a 2 egg senior omelette and my husband ordered a Denver omelette off the regular menu. Both were delicious. I would say run don't walk but I don't want you to hurt yourself before experiencing "It's a Keeper". And for a bonus, the renovation looks great and the staff is top notch. Go on now, giv'm a try. You won't regret it. read more

Fantastic breakfast and service. This lovely cafe overlooks Mille Lacs lake. We sat in a booth near the window to enjoy the view. I chose the pancakes and bacon and it was delicious. Bacon was nice and crispy and pancakes fluffy. Husband has eggs with just the right doneness, crispy hashbrowns, nicely browned toast, and tasty bacon. He said it was the best breakfast he's had that he didn't cook. HA! Service was great. Cafe style was quaint. Great experience. read more

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Excellent service.. food and portion sizes are very good..Kelly is wonderful .. highly recommend..

Very none professional place . Been there twice first time when they shortly open very unorganized. Eat the second time with two people waitress only was going to take the other person's order and walk away. And then I told her that I was ready to order which gave me a look like I ain't got time for this. I asked her what kind of Pop they had she's naming they had coffee hot tea and iced tea I had to ask again what brand of Pop do you have she rolled her eyes at me then we got our food I ordered a hot roast beef sandwich the gravy was too salty. The potatoes were so lumpy you could hardly eat it. During while we ate she came back as the other person if they needed a refill of their coffee and start walking away and I had to ask her I would like a refill on my pop. Halfway through eating she asked the other person if it was okay if she vacuumed in her area without asking me and she started vacuuming her area even though we did not answer her you do not vacuum well somebody is in the restaurant in the area somebody's eating. She never came back once to ask us how the meal was. It's straight too and I will never come back as long as he has restaurant in Garrison read more

Great service along with good home cooking. The people were very friendly which made eating there a pleasure read more

It's nice to have this close by newly remodel cafe open. The service was amazing and the food delious. We'll be back.

sat down never served while two tables arrived after us were served. Got up and left after no service

New Ownership - Slow Service - Cold food Me and my family have been going to the Spotlight Cafe for 30+ years. Today's service was less than amazing. We got there at 7:00 am right when they opened, it took 40 mins to get our food and there was only one table ahead of us waiting for food. We left at 8:00am. When the food arrived it was cold it, did taste good but not the same as before. It took 1 hour to get in and out of there. Something that would normally have been a 30-40 mins tops in and out experience. As a mom of a kiddo with autism I probably won't be going back because he's energy levels can be through the roof and with that long of a wait I'm surprised we were able to stay until the food arrived. We had to ask for coffee refills several times. The old service was so quick and the coffee was refilled in your cup before you could even finish the glass! We miss the old staff and service! :( read more

Eggs and potatoes too greasy. Had to go to register because check was not brought to table. Picture windows dirty. Outside entrance full of cigarette butts and weeds. read more

GREAT BREAKFAST! It is a nice small town diner with great prices and amazing food. Breakfast that good you dinner is too. Building has a great classic small dinner feel and the staff is friendly and great service. Really enjoyed it if your in the area 100% recommend stopping in for a bit and that classic atmosphere. read more

It's a Keeper - Breakfast plate and French toast. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Garrison, Minnesota

Nested in the small community of Garrison, it's a great shop with actual useful things...and a great ice cream spread to enjoy in front of a huge lake. read more

Stopped here on the way home from camping for some good old fashion cafe breakfast! I had the country fried steak with scrambled eggs, hash browns with toast. It was just what I needed after a night of drinking. Decor is exactly what I expected with old carpet and tables but it is an old school cafe. It's right off the highway for easy access, nice to see old school cafes still serving good food! read more

It's a Keeper - Menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Garrison, Minnesota

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If you are looking for quick easy cafe' food nothing fancy this will work for you. Prices are reasonable and a nice view of Mille Lacs

Country music, decor from the 70's, the smell of the deep fat frier, fast friendly service: yes this is small town dining. I had the walleye dinner for $18.95 which came with my choice of potatoes (I chose fries) and a salad (romaine with onions and croutons.) My boyfriend had a Reuben sandwich and he said it's the worst he's had in his life. He never complains about food, but he had to cut off a big hunk of grizzly fatty meat. There was a rollicking ice cream store next-door. Free parking in the front... read more

It's a Keeper - Walleye dinner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Garrison, Minnesota

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I enjoyed the hot roast beef with potatoes and gravy and my wife enjoyed the Reuben sandwich with fries. The roast beef was very tender and tasty. The Reuben was good and the fries very good. We also shared a good old fashioned malt. The service was good and the ambiance was just what we would expect in a small town diner. read more

We stopped here without planning to and we are so happy we did. We camp out here all the time but have never been here. Service was top notch and food was great café/diner food. Breakfast all day made my husband a happy guy! When we finished dinner we popped over to the little ice cream shop that's attached (same people running it) and got the same great service and yummy treats! read more

It's a Keeper - My kiddos *loving* their cones! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Garrison, Minnesota

Had the special this morning and needless to say I couldn't eat it(country fried steak and sausage gravy hashbrowns toast) ordered my eggs over easy and got sunny side up hash browns were way too greasy and the steak was terrible, my dad had two eggs and French toast, had to ask waitress to get his eggs because she didn't bring them with his French toast. $31.50 for 4eggs and toast . Won't be back, just can't justify that kind of money for unsatisfactory food. read more

We found this lovely breakfast spot when we were in town for a wedding. We liked it so much, we went back the next morning on our way out of town. A great menu that has all the standards. I highly recommend the French toast and sausage (A+)! We also ordered a patty melt (A+) and omelette (A+). read more

Maybe my standards are too high in a small town in Northern MN for this rating; but I base my score on ambiance, cleanliness, service, and the food quality/taste. I should've known the ambiance would leave a negative impression while walking in and seeing cigarette butts littered across the entry. The inside is a step back into time with floral boarder wallpaper and red designed carpet. The outdated look didn't bother me, it was the uncleanliness. The floor was markedly dirty. I don't think they vacuum regularly. The service wasn't bad but it didn't leave me with a good impression to trump everything else about the establishment. With that said, I recognize this is a small town diner. Again, maybe my standards are too high? Finally the food. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed my pancakes! They were just what I had been craving. Fluffy with warm syrup to pour over. My husband had the French toast and devoured his whole plate. I ordered a side of bacon which I didn't eat. It just didn't taste like bacon you would get from a butcher. But rather a package from the grocery store. I wouldn't go back; but somehow this place was packed. So they must be doing something right! read more

It's a Keeper - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Garrison, Minnesota

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The service was great and the food was wonderful. The portions were huge. Highly recommend if you are in the area. read more

Every day their special changes and today I had their breakfast special. And my good it was Amazing. The service is always good when I go there. And the breakfast was amazing. So I'm giving it 5 stars. The only time not to come here is on Father's/Mother's Day cause it's usually packed and the food doesn't taste that good. read more

The service was great and the food was even better! Definitely recommend the omelet and the pancakes.

The service was friendly and efficient. I loved the California cheeseburger and cole slaw. The menu had a lot of variety even liver and onions! If you go, swing into the gift shop. read more

Our family of 10 while on vacation descended upon the Spotlite unannounced last Friday and were greeted and seated immediately and with the most friendly server we have had in a long while ! She brought menus and coffee right away and jokes included ! Our food was served pretty quickly for a large group and a full house as week very impressive ! We had a variety of breakfast from omelette, eggs & bacon, waffles, pancakes, ( which our grandson said were the best he has had) and French toast . Everything we had was hot and delicious . It was a fun and lively experience the server ( the blonde lady) was really nice and funny ! All makes for great experience for end of our vacation ! read more

Stopped in with my husband and kids for a late breakfast. Decent menu selection with fair prices. Service was a bit slow, but the restaurant was a bit busy. Food was good though my omelette was served without the green peppers I had asked for. We'll be back to try it again. read more

Good service. And basic, classic diner style breakfast really hit the spot. We will be back! read more

It's a Keeper - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Garrison, Minnesota

Stop here every year on our way to take the girls to Heartland Hockey Camp in Deerwood, MN. Breakfast is always delicious homemade and filling! Big strips of bacon, bonus. read more

It's a Keeper - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Garrison, Minnesota

Old school greasy spoon. Good service and good food. Very dated and soiled atmosphere. Captive market. With a real competitor this place will have to update. *** read more

I've always been skeptical of Reubens. But this place changed my understanding of this sandwich. I was utterly surprised at how delicious their Rueben is. I just couldn't get enough of it! I had to compliment the chef because it was so good. I live two hours from this spot but I'd be glad to stop by again. Their service was good. However, the waitstaff upfront wasn't too welcoming. But hey read more

Stopped here for a breakfast on iur way back from Cross Lake, the food was delicious. Service was fast and friendly. My go to brakfast place from now on if I am in the area. read more

It's a Keeper - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Garrison, Minnesota

Our first time checking out this family restaurant. Excellent service and food! The chicken wild rice soup was spot on!! We will definitely be back again! read more

Stopped for a quick lunch bite on the way through Garrison. I ordered the Fried Chicken special that came with two pieces of chicken, fries, cole slaw, and a big piece of Texas toast. For 7 bucks or so, it wasn't a bad deal. If you are looking for white meat, beware...they gave me a leg and a thigh, and when recalling the order did not get asked white or dark meat as a choice. The food was typical cafe style fare, nothing flashy, and the Texas toast was deliciious. The wait staff were friendly and attentive (it was pretty well empty in the restaurant), and kept my mug full with better than mediocre coffee, so it was just OK by all accounts. Sit by the windows to enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Mille Lacs if you stop here. Other tips: they have ice cream and pastries for sale at the cashier. read more

This was a great little spot for a quick breakfast on the way back to the cities from Cuyuna. Our waitress was friendly and prompt and kept my coffee hot. The french toast was delicious, smothered in a scoop of butter and syrup. My girlfriend had an omelette, as tasty as can be. The price was right on. read more

It's a Keeper - French toast and sausage - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Garrison, Minnesota

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Prices were reasonable and food was very good. Can easily be confused for home cooking. Will come here again. The only reason I gave it 4 Stars is because it is older. read more

Good breakfast. The pancakes were great. The waitress was sassy but nice. Girlfriend had the ham and cheese omelette which was great. A very home town feel. Prices were decent. On the weekends it can be busy and make sure that you watch the hours. Monday through Thursday they're only open until 3. read more

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We ate lunch here July 21, 2017. It is a small family style restaurant. Service was friendly and good. Food was ok - we got what we expected regarding quality and taste. read more

The service is good and their breakfasts are fantastic, but if you go for lunch or dinner there are a few things to be aware of. One, they have a shrimp basket on the menu but don't use a separate fryer for seafood, so if you have an allergy you're stuck with bagged chips as your side. No reduction in price. I ordered the Reuben which is usually a reliable choice. I got a sandwich filled with cheap, gross lunch meat corned beef... think Buddig... and the blandest thousand island dressing I have ever tasted on the side. And for $9.75 I expected at least the amount of chips you'd get in an individual snack pack bag, but I did not. Overall a disappointing meal. read more

Went for breakfast, staff didn't seem to enjoy bring there. Could have been a little more friendly, to help with the experience. Food- cooking an egg is pretty simple, mine were over cooked, hash browns umm okay, good bacon and toast. Pancakes stack thin and good. Oatmeal seasoned well and good taste. Some good chocolate milk. Overall an okay place, would not go out of the way again to go back! To top things off no hot water!! Garrison could use a good breakfast place. read more

Great breakfast food. I especially enjoyed the pancakes and rolls. Wait staff is awesome!

I am not going to lie. Half the reason I come to Garrison, is to have Svoboda's breakfast. I love everything about it. I usually get an omelette, hashbrowns and toast. I always eat some of the pancakes from my girlfriends order. They are the best pancakes I have ever had. It gets very busy on the holiday weekends, so you may be waiting, but otherwise, you can always find a spot. The staff are real people and don't treat you like a stranger. read more