Good morning, neighbors! I’m your friendly HastingsNow.com reporter, here with the freshest bites and sips from around town. Today’s Food & Drinks Local 10 is overflowing with community vibes and tasty tidbits—from u‑pick orchards to trivia nights and bingo jackpots. Let’s dig in!

Morning & Community

Caffeinated Rooster’s Hump Day Huddle

Caffeinated Rooster started Wednesday on a sunny note with a “Hump Day Huddle.” They partnered with local printing business Plastic Printers and invited breakfast lovers to swing by for a morning pick‑me‑up. The post used hashtags like #CaffeinatedRooster and #CallingAllBreakfastFoodies, reminding us that Hastings businesses love supporting each other. This mid‑week pep rally was more than a caffeine fix—it was a cheer for local entrepreneurs and an invitation to connect over coffee. The roosters crowed early, so those who missed it will want to watch for the next huddle.

👉 Link: Caffeinated Rooster

Seasonal Bounty & Markets

Pick‑Your‑Own Blackberries at Afton Apple Orchard

Summer fruit season is here, and Afton Apple Orchard invited guests to pick their own blackberries on Wednesday, July 30 from 8 a.m. to noon. The orchard notes that the blackberry season is just beginning, so availability is light but the sweetness is worth it. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children, which includes access to the blackberry field, playground, petting farm, straw mountain and Retread Hill. After picking, visitors can browse the farm store for fudge, jams, Honey Crisp apple chips and other treats. The orchard advises berry lovers to check back soon for raspberry updates and thanks everyone for supporting local agriculture.

👉 Link: Afton Apple Orchard

Hastings Farmers Market: Fresh & Local

The Hastings Farmers Market popped up downtown from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the vendor list reads like a love letter to local food. Yummy Eats served egg rolls and spring rolls, Chang Farm brought fresh vegetables and Schumacher supplied honey. There were also Udder Hills meats, Maasan freeze‑dried fruit and candy, Santa Martha Cafe coffee, Voelker Farm jams and hot sauces, and an impressive lineup of produce and baked goods. Even non‑food vendors like Finally You’s non‑toxic perfumes and Edge Mobile Sharpening set up shop. The market’s expansive vendor roster highlights the breadth of agriculture and artisanship in Hastings. If you missed today’s market, mark your calendar for the next one—your taste buds will thank you.

👉 Link: Hastings Farmers Market

Colorado Peach Orders at Spiral Food Co‑op

Peach lovers rejoice! Spiral Food Co‑op shared that they’ve already received a “special orders” rush for cases of fresh, organic Colorado peaches. If you missed the first delivery sign‑up, there are two more upcoming—just visit their website to order. The co‑op notes that the promotional price is available only for a limited time and encourages customers to act quickly. It’s another example of how Hastings businesses connect residents to seasonal produce that might otherwise be hard to find. Peach cobbler, anyone?

👉 Link: Spiral Food Co‑op

Dining Deals & Specials

Weekly Specials at Me & Julio

Me & Julio’s weekly specials were full of flavor. The Mexican‑American eatery highlighted Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Boats—grilled chicken and bacon drizzled with ranch in crisp lettuce boats served with rice and beans. Other specials included a Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla loaded with buffalo chicken and melted cheese, Chicken Enchilada Soup, and a splash of Limoncello. These dishes are available through Sunday, making it a tempting lineup for diners craving something new.

👉 Link: Me & Julio

Willy’s Big Mouth Burger at Ze’s Diner

Ze’s Diner unveiled a burger designed for the bravest appetites: Willy’s Big Mouth Burger. The sandwich stacks two juicy quarter‑pound patties with spicy chorizo, crispy bacon bits and melted pepper jack cheese, then tops the tower with buffalo sauce, a zesty jalapeño and a crunchy onion ring. The diner warns that this bold burger is “not for the faint of heart” and invites patrons to come hungry. It’s another example of Hastings restaurants putting their creative stamp on comfort food.

👉 Link: Ze’s Diner

Hot To Go from Broadway Pizza

Broadway Pizza reminded patrons that their delicious pies travel well. Their “Hot To Go” message encourages customers to take out or have dinner delivered and even provides a direct link to place orders. In a town where community gatherings are frequent, it’s nice to know you can bring a little taste of Hastings home with you. Whether you’re watching a local game or hosting trivia night, a fresh pizza on demand is always a win.

👉 Link: Broadway Pizza

Entertainment & Events

Open Jam Night at Spiral Brewery

Music lovers got their chance to shine at Spiral Brewery’s open jam session. The brewery invited everyone to enjoy “good tunes and good vibes” from 6–9 p.m., using hashtags like #DrinkLocal and #BrewingCommunity to emphasize the welcoming atmosphere. It’s part of a growing trend where breweries double as community hubs—so if you play, sing or just appreciate live music, mark your calendar for the next jam night.

👉 Link: Spiral Brewery

Steins & Pints: Pottery & Beer Collaboration

*Pictured: earlier this year in May,* *The 437* *joyfully celebrates the grand opening of HPAC in the heart of Historic Downtown Hastings, Minnesota. Image courtesy of HastingsNow.com/ashley.*

Three Hastings businesses—Squeaky Wheel Pottery, The 437 Food Truck and Spiral Brewery—teamed up for a unique event called Steins & Pints. Scheduled for August 10 from 3–5 p.m., the workshop invites participants to hand‑build a beer stein or clay mug and sample Spiral’s new Oktoberfest brew. Registration ($80 per person) includes one free beer, and only 24 spots are available. It’s perfect for a date night, friends’ outing or even a solo adventure, and groups of six can save 10 % on registration. Combining pottery with craft beer is a fun way to celebrate local creativity.

👉 Link: Spiral Brewery

Bingo Night at Bogey’s Pub & Emerald Greens

Bogey’s Pub announced a high‑stakes bingo night at Emerald Greens Golf Course. Bingo starts at 6 p.m. and costs $20 per pack. The prize? A potential $1,000 for winners who cover their cards in 57 numbers or fewer. Meat raffles, pull tabs and electronic tabs round out the festivities. It’s a reminder that Hastings knows how to mix fundraising fun with community spirit.

👉 Link: Bogey’s Pub

Conclusion

From sunrise caffeine and u‑pick berries to music jams, pottery and late‑night bingo, Hastings’ food and drink scene is buzzing. These ten stories showcase the ingenuity, flavors and camaraderie that make our town special. To read the full LOCAL 10 and stay updated on daily happenings, head over to HastingsNow.com. If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes!

What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Food & Drinks Edition ▲ July 30, 2025)