Bites Nearby: This Place Is Worth The Ride

Folks at Chilkoot Cafe and Cyclery are not only fixin’ up breakfast, lunch and supper using locally sourced produce, dairy and meats, they’re also selling and repairing bikes.

Lee Stylos, owner of the Woodbury shop, said there are three elements needed to opening a cafe/bike shop. 

“You need a cool architectural structure for people to gather, the service needs to be impeccable, and a great chef is a necessity,”  Stylos said.

As to the historic space that Chilkoot occupies, it has been completely gutted inside and out. The exterior now displays large windows resembling the original building, which housed a local grocer. Inside, it’s open, warm and inviting. The friendly servers make you feel right at home, too, which comes to the next point: Chilkoot really does do “comfort food right.”

The staff at Chilkoot take great pride in their food, thus is why after a long ride, cyclists enjoy chowing down on a Chef Michael Moore’s breakfasts.

Best bet for carb-loading would be the grilled, golden brown, brioche French toast ($7.50) served with warm homemade berry preserves and cinnamon. Replenish with the breakfast croque ($8), filled with eggs, ham and cheddar that’s topped with Moore’s own version of ketchup, a sweet onion and tomato jam.

Speaking of comfort food done right, hit Chilkoot at lunchtime or supper and order up a meatloaf melt ($9). A serving of meatloaf is wrapped in bacon, brushed with a sweet and spicy Sriracha glaze (Thai chili paste) and then grilled to perfection on the panini. What’s amazing about this meaty and flavorful sandwich—there’s no grease; it’s just pure, home-cooked goodness with a twist.

Even if you’re a kraut hater, don’t be shy about ordering the Rachel sandwich ($9). Filled with thin-cut slices of smoked turkey, fresh kraut and muenster cheese, the Rachel is then grilled on the panini melting everything together into heavenly flavors—all to your palate’s delight. Instead of chips, Moore serves up freshly pickled vegetables and they’re every bit as crunchy and flavorful.

For a lighter bite, the green salad ($4.75/6.75) is tossed with fennel, thin slices of radish, goat cheese, citrus vinaigrette and topped with almonds. It’s another perfect pairing with their homemade lemonade with mint twist or fresh squeezed orange juice! 

Don't forget the fresh roasted coffees and espresso drinks. Just make sure to add one of Moore’s amazing pastries or desserts with that coffee. Remember, there’s no guilt if you biked to Chilkoot Cafe.

Chilkoot Cafe and Cyclery is located at 826 Fourth St. S. in Stillwater, MN. For more information on the shop or restaurant call 651-342-0429 or find them online at www.chilkootcc.com.