The Clover Club: South St. Paul's Pure MN October Comfort

Tommy Brandt — West St. Paul
HVAC tech, beer league hockey coach, the most Minnesotan person alive. Discovered he could write when a county fair cheese curd rant went viral on a local Facebook group.

Honestly, October in Minnesota is a tricky beast. You wake up, it's 30 degrees, then by afternoon, it's almost 60. The leaves are doing their thing, beautiful, sure, but you can feel it in your bones: winter's on deck.

This is the month for comfort. No, I don't mean some fancy, 'curated' experience with small plates and a $16 cocktail. I mean real, stick-to-your-ribs, unpretentious comfort food, served up in a place that feels like it’s been there forever.

And for that, we're talking about the Minnesota supper club. Specifically, The Clover Club in South St. Paul. No joke, this place is pure gold, and it’s exactly what you need right now.

The Clover Club: Your Antidote to Fancy Fall Dinners

Listen, I love a good dive bar burger as much as the next guy. But there’s something about a proper supper club that just screams 'Only in MN' once the temps start dropping. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an institution. And The Clover Club, sitting there on Concord Street, has been doing it right since 1957. That's almost 70 years of serving up exactly what people want, without ever trying to be something it’s not.

Walking Through the Door: A Trip Back in Time

You step inside, and honestly, it’s like a time warp. Dark wood paneling, red vinyl booths, maybe a little bit worn in all the right places. It's got that classic U-shaped bar with a few regulars who look like they’ve had their spot reserved for decades. You won’t find any minimalist decor or exposed brick here. It’s cozy, it’s a little dim, and it smells like good food and history.

The crowd? It’s everyone. Families celebrating a birthday, couples on a quiet date, old friends catching up. It’s loud in a good way, full of chatter and the clinking of glasses. No pretension, no judgment. Just people eating good food and having a good time. Honestly, it’s the kind of place where you feel immediately at home.

The Food: Relish Trays, Walleye, and Prime Rib for the Soul

Okay, let's talk about the main event: the food. This isn't your 'farm-to-table' menu, and thank god for that. This is tried-and-true, perfected-over-decades kind of cooking. And it starts the moment you sit down.

The Legendary Relish Tray

First up, the relish tray. Some places skip it now, or try to jazz it up. Not The Clover Club. You get your classic medley: carrots, celery, radishes, maybe some pickles, and usually a little dish of some kind of spreadable cheese or pâté. It’s simple, it’s retro, and it perfectly sets the stage. No joke, it's a small detail, but it tells you everything you need to know about this place – they respect tradition.

What to Order When the Chill Hits

Now, for the main course. You’ve got options, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with the classics.

• The Fried Chicken: Crispy, juicy, perfectly seasoned. It’s got that nostalgic flavor that takes you right back. You get a pile of it, plus your choice of potato. This is pure comfort, no questions asked.
• The Walleye: It's Minnesota, so you gotta have walleye. Pan-fried or broiled, it’s always fresh and flaky. Not fancy, just good.
• The Prime Rib: On certain nights, they do a prime rib that's just fantastic. Melt-in-your-mouth tender, served with au jus and horseradish. It’s a hearty meal, perfect for when you can already feel the winter winds trying to sneak in.

Portions are generous, the prices are fair, and everything just tastes like it’s been made with care. No frills, just flavor. This is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and makes you forget that it’s going to be freezing again tomorrow.

Drinks, Parking, and Why This Is Peak 'Only in MN'

The drinks menu is straightforward. You can get a classic cocktail, a beer, or whatever you want. It’s not about trendy craft brews here; it’s about having a drink that complements your meal and the conversation. For those who aren't drinking, there are plenty of soda and juice options, and honestly, the focus here is the food and the company, so you never feel out of place.

Parking? A No-Brainer.

And let's talk about parking, because honestly, if I can't park easily, I'm probably not going. The Clover Club has a massive, free parking lot right out front. No street parking scavenger hunt, no expensive ramp. You just pull in, park, and walk right in. It’s how it should be, and it’s a total dealbreaker for me if it’s not this easy.

Why The Clover Club is 'Only in MN' Right Now

You might find supper clubs in Wisconsin or Iowa, sure. But the particular blend of unpretentious comfort, reliable food, and community hub status that places like The Clover Club embody, especially as we head into the colder months, feels distinctly Minnesotan. It’s about hunkering down, enjoying the simple pleasures, and remembering that good food and good company are always in season.

It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s just giving you exactly what you need: a warm, welcoming place with a familiar menu that never disappoints. In October, when the days are getting shorter and the first snow flurries are just around the corner, places like The Clover Club aren’t just restaurants; they’re essential.

So skip the spots with the QR code menus and the 'elevated' takes on comfort food. Head over to South St. Paul, pull into that easy parking lot, and get yourself a meal at The Clover Club. You won't regret it. No joke.

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Photo by Muhammad Khawar Nazir on Pexels