Located along Highway 12 in Howard Lake, Minnesota, Trouble’s Restaurant and Bar serves as a premier local hub for comfort food and social entertainment. Managed by owners Stacy and Neil, the establishment is highly regarded for its compassionate management and welcoming “hometown” atmosphere. Whether you are a local regular or a traveler passing through, the venue offers a relaxed environment recently updated with a modern sports bar feel.
Essential Information
| Feature | Details |
| Address | 928 6th St, Howard Lake, MN 55349, USA |
| Phone | +1 320-543-1100 |
| Hours | Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Service Options | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery |
| Price Range | Typically $10 – $20 per person |
| Online Presence | Google Maps / Facebook |
Atmosphere and Highlights
Trouble’s is designed to be inclusive and entertaining for all guests. The bar area is physically separated from the restaurant, maintaining a family-friendly environment while still providing a space for adult social gatherings.
| Category | Available Amenities and Features |
| Entertainment | TVs for sports, meat raffles, pull-tabs, and community events. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating. |
| Family Features | Dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs available. |
| Staff & Service | Fast service, friendly bartenders (Logan, Traci, Jen), and attentive waitstaff. |
| Parking | Plenty of free parking available in a dedicated lot or on the street. |
Food and Beverage Experience
The kitchen specializes in classic American bar fare with an emphasis on handmade, hand-pattied items.
- Signature Favorites: Patrons highly recommend the hand-pattied burgers, specifically the Trouble Burger and the Omelette Burger.
- Famous Sides: The house-made potato chips and hand-breaded onion rings are considered standout menu items.
- Bar Program: Offers a full selection of beer (including 2-for-1 specials), wine, spirits, and great cocktails.
- Unique Offerings: The menu includes local specialties like chicken wild rice soup and modern additions like THC seltzers.
Full Menu
Appetizers and Baskets
| Item Category | Individual Menu Items |
| Appetizers | Onion Rings Pickle Chips Pizza Pillows Deep Fried Mushrooms Five Cheese Ravioli Cheese Curds Garlic Cheese Bread Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites Wings (4 flavors) Chicken Strips Dessert Pillows Jumbo Pretzel Jalapeño Poppers Tater Kegs. |
| Baskets | Chicken Strips Shrimp Basket St. Louis Style Pork Ribs Chicken Wings David’s Pizza Rolls (Sausage, Pepperoni, or Jalapeño). |
Burgers and Sandwiches
All burgers are served with homemade chips.
| Category | Item Name |
| Specialty Burgers | Gouda Slaw Mooink Pizza Reuben Bleu Cheese Mushroom ‘N Swiss BBQ Bacon Cheddar Strokey Dokey California Rodeo Castro Western Scorch Trouble Philly Oli Breakfast Hawaiian. |
| Classic Burgers | Bacon Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Hamburger. |
| Sandwiches | Grilled Chicken Deluxe Grilled Cheese Classic BLT Fish Sandwich Pulled Pork Chicken Club Deluxe Patty Melt The Cubano. |
Pizza and Salads
| Category | Available Varieties |
| Pizzas | Troubles Supreme Chicken Alfredo Meatza Chicken Bacon Ranch Veggie The Works Bacon Cheeseburger Hawaiian Troubles Troubler Build Your Own (1-topping). |
| Salads & Soup | BBQ Salad Caesar Salad Cianna’s Salad Garden Side Salad Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. |
Kids Menu
| Category | Selection |
| Kids Meals | Kraft Mac and Cheese Fried Mac ‘N Cheese Kids Hamburger Little Porker (BBQ Pork) Chicken Tenders Mini Corn Dogs Tors’ Pizza. |
Customer Service and Community
The owners, Stacy and Neil, are frequently praised for their active involvement in the daily operations. Reviewers highlight instances where the kitchen staff, such as Foster and Jonathan, have gone above and beyond to accommodate guests even near closing time. With its blend of quaint rustic decor, including unique tailgate benches and reliable high-quality comfort food, Trouble’s remains a “go-to” destination in Howard Lake.