What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Food & Drinks Edition ▲ August 14, 2025)
Pictured: Wendi and Ryan Johnson share a warm smile from their food truck, The 437, as they serve customers during Squeaky Wheel Pottery’s Steins & Pints event at Spiral Brewery in the charming historic downtown of Hastings, Minnesota. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
Good morning, neighbors! Your friendly HastingsNow food reporter here, armed with a fork in one hand and a big smile in the other. Let’s explore the freshest bites, fun events and delicious deals around town on this beautiful August day.
News & Reviews
Crème de la Crème’s Hand‑crafted Ice‑Cream Craze
If you’ve strolled along Second Street lately, you may have noticed the joyous line outside Crème de la Crème. Locals can’t stop gushing over the hand‑crafted, all‑natural ice‑cream parlor. In back‑to‑back Facebook posts this week, customers shared that Pat’s cookie‑dough scoop and a friend’s pistachio cone were “delicious”. Another family raved about mint chocolate chip swirled with cookies and cream, noting that even their pup loved the natural‑ingredient pup cups. The owners pride themselves on crafting small‑batch treats using real ingredients – the big sign over the counter declares, “Handcrafted, All‑Natural Ice Cream Delights”. If your summer hasn’t been sweet enough, stop by and taste why this little shop is the talk of the town.
👉 Link: Crème de la Crème Facebook Post
Duffs’ “Brat Heaven” Brings Bold Flavors
The folks at Duff’s Meats have turned the humble bratwurst into a culinary adventure. Their new promotion, “Brat Heaven,” offers inventive varieties such as spicy habanero‑bacon‑tomato, cheesy cheese‑curd brats and even a creamy chicken Alfredo brat. Each sausage is stuffed with unexpected fillings designed to ignite taste buds. It’s a meaty playground for the adventurous eater and a fun way to support a longtime local butcher. Bring your appetite and maybe a few napkins – these brats are messy in the best possible way.
👉 Link: Duff’s Brat Heaven
Pictured: Duff’s Meat 2 owner Colin Doffing shows their popular brats. Their team brings quality meats and friendly service to Hastings, Minnesota.
Nostalgia on a Plate: Comfort Food Returns
Craving a taste of childhood? A heartfelt post from Hometown Dairy this week reminded us why comfort food never goes out of style. “Remember the taste of real comfort food?” they asked, promising grilled cheese sandwiches that melt just right, soups that warm the soul and dairy products that taste like they’re supposed to. This back‑to‑basics approach celebrates simple ingredients and slow cooking over flashy gimmicks. If you miss the flavors that defined your youth, keep an eye on Hometown Dairy’s social – they’re planning on opening Labor Day weekend.
👉 Link: Hometown Dairy
Deals & Promotions
Fresh Deals at Spiral Food Co‑op
Healthy eating doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Spiral Food Co‑op’s latest “Fresh Deals” flyer features Kent mangoes for just $1.49 each, red and green seedless grapes for $3.99 per pound and avocados three for $5. Local Salad Girl dressings are also on sale. These prices are perfect for smoothies, salads and guacamole sessions. Shop early for the best selection and support your neighborhood co‑op – good food and fair prices are a winning combination.
👉 Link: Spiral Food Co-op
Join the Fall Crew at Afton Apple Orchard
Love crisp autumn mornings and the smell of fresh apples? Afton Apple Orchard is hiring for its busiest – and most fun – season. They’re looking for adults who enjoy working in a fast‑paced, laughter‑filled environment to help harvest and host visitors. Interviews are scheduled on August 14 and August 18, and the orchard promises a family‑like atmosphere with plenty of fresh apples to go around. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a local harvest, this is your chance to trade fluorescent lights for orchard sunshine.
👉 Link: Afton Apple Orchard Hiring
Events & Entertainment
Beer & Cars: Historic Hastings Car Show
Two of Hastings’ favorite pastimes collide this weekend. Spiral Brewery is inviting everyone to “stop in for a beer” while enjoying the Historic Hastings Car Show. The free event takes place Sunday, August 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Second Street. Stroll past vintage cars and trucks from 1985 and earlier, savor food‑truck goodies and groove to a live DJ. Spiral’s beer garden offers a refreshing pit stop between admiring polished chrome and chatting with car owners. Whether you’re a motorhead or just love a festive street fair, this family‑friendly celebration promises fun for all ages.
👉 Link: Historic Hastings Car Show Event
Fun Week at Spiral Brewery: Trivia, Music & Happy Hour
Looking for evening plans? Spiral Brewery has packed the rest of the week with entertainment. They’re hosting Trivia Mafia’s General Knowledge quiz tonight, The Initials Game live on Thursday, a happy hour with $5 beers and a Friday night performance by Nick Fox and the Metrognomes. Bring friends to test your wits or just enjoy good beer and live music in a convivial taproom. With activities nearly every night, Spiral Brewery continues to be the social hub of downtown Hastings.
👉 Link: Spiral Brewery Events
Bingo & Meat Raffle at Coopers Pub 55
Feeling lucky? Coopers Pub 55 threw a $1,000 Jackpot Bingo night, complete with a meat raffle that kicked off at 5 p.m. with bingo at 6 p.m.. The prize could have restocked your freezer or funded your next foodie adventure. This blend of small‑town charm and big‑time excitement draws a crowd, so catch the next one early to secure a seat. It’s yet another example of how our local businesses turn ordinary weeknights into memorable community gatherings.
👉 Link: Duff’s Jackpot Bingo
The Novel Pour: Book Club at Spiral Brewery
Readers and beer lovers unite! Spiral Brewery announced a new monthly book club called The Novel Pour. The first meeting on September 16 at 6:30 p.m. will discuss “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. Participants are encouraged to pick up the book from the Dakota County Library and join the conversation over a pint. It’s a clever mash‑up of literature and libations that reflects Hastings’ love of community gatherings. If you’re looking to expand your reading list and your social circle, mark your calendar.
👉 Link: Novel Pour Book Club
Live Music & Trivia at Coopers Pub 55
Entertainment spills beyond downtown. Coopers Pub 55 posted about an upcoming Saturday performance featuring KC and Hall at 2 p.m., followed by a trivia night at 7 p.m. later that evening. It’s an all‑day affair tailored for those who love local music and mental challenges. Grab a sandwich or cocktail, settle in for the show and then team up with friends for trivia bragging rights.
👉 Link: Coopers Pub 55 Events
Community & People
Bartenders Wanted: 2nd Street Depot Bar & Grill
The crew at 2nd Street Depot Bar & Grill is searching for weekend warriors who love mixing drinks as much as they enjoy chatting with customers. Their lively hiring post emphasizes that personality matters more than experience – if you’re fun, they’ll train you. Walk‑in applicants are welcome on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. It’s a great opportunity for anyone seeking extra income and a community‑focused workplace.
👉 Link: Depot Hiring Post
Caffeinated Rooster Saves the Day for Healthcare Heroes
When the HealthPartners Eagan Clinic unexpectedly lost a food truck for their Summer of Appreciation event, local vendor Caffeinated Rooster stepped up without hesitation. They quickly mobilized to serve clinic staff and expressed gratitude for healthcare workers’ big hearts. The post highlighted how even a small business can make a big difference by feeding those who care for us all. The organizers thanked the clinic for the kind note and reminded readers that supporting one another is what makes Hastings special.
👉 Link: Caffeinated Rooster
Conclusion
From sweet scoops and over‑the‑top brats to trivia nights and book clubs, Hastings’ food and drink scene is buzzing with energy. Our local businesses are not just serving up meals; they’re building community and creating memories. Whether you’re looking for a job at an orchard, hunting for deals on mangoes or cheering at Jackpot Bingo, there’s something for everyone. Stay curious, support your neighbors and keep exploring – HastingsNow will be back tomorrow with more local stories.
Pssst! Remember, these highlights are just a taste of the LOCAL 10. For the full lineup, head over to HastingsNow.com and click on Local 10 for the complete story. If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact – our newsroom loves neighborly notes!
