The Ole Store 1011 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057, 507-645-5558
This is the fourth version of Ole Store in five years. Every variation has had it’s good points, as different as they all were. The latest one is the most fun. They have made use of the large space by putting in four separate seating areas and one nice cafeteria style food bar, a pizza and drink bar, a coffee and desserts display, and one area is just for sitting in the sun or moonlight. They have wifi and we enjoyed our time there except for one thing. We’ll get to that later.
We have been to the new Ole Store three times, in the afternoon. We enjoyed their salads, usually a chicken curry, greens, or mixed fruit, as well as their panini sandwiches at very reasonable prices. Their desserts are very rich and very expensive. But, if you are into making a meal out of a chocolate cake or mousse, or one of the other many delights, then you are well on your way to a cheap lunch…and a wonderfully decadent experience.
Although largely self-serve, the service is pronto although you can still see the newness in the staff’s eyes, and that may be a good thing.
We felt very comfortable there, not because of any cushy chairs, but because of the nice warm atmosphere of the old building along with the smiling faces of people who stop in briefly for a treat. However, and this is the part I referred to earlier, the sound barrier is nearly broken every time a small group of people chat it up, even in the other rooms. It’s okay with me if I am not trying to talk to someone, but when I am, I am not about hollering to be heard three feet away. But that’s just me.
I also like the fact that I wasn’t being asked “How are things tasting?” while I have a mouth full of food and then the waitperson walks away before I can even nod my head one way or the other. Oh yeah, and no one called me ‘guy’ ten times in a row. In case you are reading this, I am no GUY! nothing against guys.
Food; Really Good, Prices; Fair and Reasonable, Service; Just Fine, Ambience; Something for Everyone.
Plenty of parking, and there is a handicap ramp access toward the back…and great restroom!
This just in, there is a coupon in the July 20 edition of the Shopper…clip it and get in there!