The Hearth has my heart!
For the past ten years, The Hearth has been a family-owned catering business. Just two months ago, they opened their first restaurant.
We went on a Friday night during the busiest time, with a full dining room and lots of activity. Usually, when a restaurant is that busy, either the food or the service suffers. That wasn't the case here. Even with constant table changes and a busy staff, both the kitchen and the servers kept everything running smoothly. The whole experience felt thoughtful and genuinely welcoming, making us forget how busy it was.
As soon as we walked in, the hostess greeted us warmly. She seated us, told us a little about The Hearth's story, explained the menu, and pointed out the specials. The space feels lively and comfortable. It's big enough for solo diners, date nights, or groups, but it never feels too empty or too hectic.
Artisan-style pizza is the main attraction, but the menu offers much more. You'll find charcuterie boards, pastas, soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. There's also a Creation of the Month, weekday lunch specials, happy hour, monthly features, and game-day options. There are plenty of reasons to come back.
We started with meaty buffalo wings and, to my delight, all drumsticks. The spice was mild, the chicken was juicy, and they didn't last long. I also tried the sourdough cheese bomb, which had a great cheese pull. The bread was crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, and the balsamic drizzle added a nice tangy touch.
For mains, we shared two 14" specialty pizzas. First up: The Hot Clutter, The Hearth's take on a buffalo chicken pizza. Built on a creamy white sauce and mozzarella blend, it's topped with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, crunchy fried onions, blue cheese crumbles, and finished with a drizzle of original buffalo sauce. This was a table favorite -- bold but not overwhelming, rich yet controlled, with layers of heat and creaminess that worked together rather than competing.
We also tried the Margherita pizza, topped with fresh basil, sangria tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. While simpler in composition, it was anything but basic. The small tomatoes delivered bursts of juiciness without compromising the integrity of the slice -- no soggy situations here. If you're someone who tends to skip Margherita pizzas in favor of something flashier, this one might change your mind.
The pizza crust deserves special mention. It's light, airy, and clearly made with care. You can really taste the difference when the dough is handled well, and it shows in every bite of these pies.
Even with unfinished slices still on the table, we made the wise decision to save room for dessert -- and I'm glad we did.
Enter: The Cookie Lucy. Inspired by Minnesota's famous Juicy Lucy, this dessert is unique to The Hearth and was a real highlight. It's a chocolate chip cookie filled with cream cheese, baked in a small griddle, topped with homemade vanilla ice cream, and finished with a cranberry drizzle. The warm cookie and ice cream are a great combination, but the best part is the cream cheese filling. It keeps its texture and flavor without melting into the cookie. You really have to try this dessert to understand how good it is.
The service was attentive and thoughtful the whole time, which was impressive considering how busy it was. Our server checked on us often, brought our food out hot, and clearly cared about our experience. The owner also stopped by to introduce himself, share some of their story, and talk about joining the community. It felt like a genuine, personal touch.
By the end of the night, we were full, impressed, and already planning what to try next time. The Hearth offers excellent value, consistent quality, and genuine hospitality. It's definitely worth visiting more than once. read more