What Hastings Is Talking About Today (Food and Drinks Edition ▲ August 8, 2025)

Local brewer Jen Fox will be proudly honored as a Dakota County Fair Celebrity Showperson this year, recognizing her significant contributions to the community and local brewing industry. Image by HastingsNow.com (2024)

Good morning, neighbor! In this Food and Drinks Edition, our charming local reporter invites you to savor the flavor and vibrancy of Hastings—from new ice cream shops to live tunes and tasty deals. Let’s explore what’s on everyone’s lips today.

New Businesses & People

Ice Cream Dreams: Crème de la Crème opens downtown

Historic downtown Hastings just got a little sweeter. A brand‑new treatery called Crème de la Crème opened this week, run by locals Aubrey and Jared. The duo hand‑craft their ice cream with natural ingredients and pride themselves on flavors that taste just like summer. Neighbors report the shop has a nostalgic feel—think exposed brick, bright colors and the smell of waffle cones wafting out the door. On opening day, lines stretched down the block as locals sampled vanilla bean, pistachio and inventive seasonal combinations. Expect the couple to add pup‑friendly “pup cups,” milkshakes and even sundaes as the season progresses. Stop in soon and wish Aubrey and Jared well on this delicious venture.

👉 Link: Crème de la Crème

Meat Lovers Rejoice: Duffs Meats 2 expands to Red Wing

Hastings carnivores, take note—Duffs Meats 2 is growing. The beloved local butcher announced that it is acquiring the Red Wing fixture Big Dawgs and will soon operate in two locations. Owners say the expansion will allow them to serve more high‑quality meats, smoked goods and small‑town service while staying true to their roots. The new shop, at 2954 N Service Drive in Red Wing, will host a grand opening on Saturday, October 4. Expect beef brisket, homemade sausages and bacon smoked on site, plus the friendly faces you’ve come to know from the Hastings shop. Whether you’re a Big Dawgs devotee or a Duffs regular, you’re invited to be part of the celebration. With more space, the owners plan to offer classes on smoking and meat cutting and hope to supply area restaurants with locally sourced cuts.

👉 Link: Duffs Meats 2

Spotlight on Service: Jen Fox named Dakota County Fair Celebrity Showperson

Local brewer and community champion Jen Fox will be honored as a Dakota County Fair Celebrity Showperson this year. The recognition celebrates decades of volunteer work and civic leadership from the Spiral Brewery co‑founder. Raised in Hastings, Fox began volunteering with her grandmother, fought for tobacco‑free parks in 2005 and helped launch the Hastings Democracy Project in 2008. She later earned a master’s degree in public policy, opened Spiral Brewery with partners and served on Hastings City Council. Her résumé includes directing show choir at Hastings High School and serving on numerous boards. “I feel fortunate to have our brewery in Dakota County,” she said. Fox will appear at the fair to promote local agriculture and civic engagement. Her passion for community makes her a hometown hero worth celebrating.

👉 Link: Spiral Brewery

Events & Entertainment

Live Tunes at Spiral Stage

The Spiral Brewery Spiral Stage nearly went dark this week until guitarist Johnny Table Allstar swooped in to save the day. The house band suddenly lost a member, but Allstar stepped up to lead a night of toe‑tapping tunes and craft beer. The performance runs from 7–10 PM, and neighbors say the vibe is part family reunion, part honky‑tonk. Setlists hop from classic rock to Minnesota folk and even a polka or two. Visitors can enjoy Spiral’s signature beers while tapping their toes under string lights in the courtyard. The impromptu lineup change proves once again that Hastings musicians have each other’s backs. If you need an excuse to start your weekend early, this is it.

👉 Link: Spiral Brewery

Painting and Pints: Sun Catchers at Spiral Brewery

Artists swapped paintbrushes for pint glasses during the Sun Catchers workshop hosted by Brushed by Design Creations at Spiral Brewery. Participants created colorful sun catcher art while enjoying craft beers and conversation. The organizers cheered, “You all crushed it tonight!” and announced the next session—Paint Honey Highlander—scheduled for August 21 at 6:30 PM. The event blends art instruction with the brewery’s laid‑back vibe and has become a favorite for date nights and friend outings. Tickets include all supplies and a drink. Spots sell out quickly, so early registration is recommended.

👉 Link: Spiral Brewery

Peaceful Moments after Music + Market

Caffeinated Rooster shares, “There is something so peaceful and serene about downtown Hastings after a successful Music + Market.” Image by HastingsNow.com

After the bustling Music + Market wrapped up, downtown Hastings settled into a serene, almost cinematic calm. Social media posts show quiet streets, twinkling lights and residents reflecting on a successful evening. Organizers thanked everyone for braving the heat and humidity and emphasized how much they appreciate the community’s support. The market itself featured live music, local artisans and food trucks along the riverfront. As the sun set, families lingered over ice cream and hand‑held fans, savoring the lingering notes of the last song. The sense of gratitude and community love is palpable—an example of why Hastings events feel like a family reunion.

👉 Link: Caffeinated Rooster

Food & Drink Highlights

A Twist on Garlic Knots at Broadway Pizza

Broadway Pizza put a spotlight on a comfort‑food classic this week with their garlic knots. The golden knots are buttery, fluffy and sprinkled with Parmesan—perfect for dipping in marinara or pairing with a cold brew. Customers praised the snack on social media, posting photos of gooey cheese pulls and empty baskets. The restaurant’s downtown patio is shaded and dog‑friendly, making it a great spot to unwind after work. To sweeten the deal, kids eat free on Wednesdays and the bar runs daily happy‑hour specials. If you haven’t tried these knots, drop by before they sell out.

👉 Link: Broadway Pizza

Riverfront Vibes: The Confluence & Missi’s

One of Hastings’ favorite riverfront eateries—Missi’s at The Confluence—received a flurry of praise from diners this week. Patrons highlighted the ambiance: panoramic views of the Mississippi, cozy patios and interiors that blend rustic charm with modern comfort. Reviewers raved about the menus’ diversity, from fresh salads and steak sandwiches to craft cocktails and locally brewed beers. “Great ambiance, delicious food, and an atmosphere that never disappoints—inside or out,” one post read. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply watching the boats drift by, these sibling establishments offer a slice of river life.

👉 Link: Missi’s Sip & Savor

Birria Quesadillas: A Weekly Special at Lock and Dam Eatery

Craving something different? Lock and Dam Eatery rolled out a weekly appetizer special featuring birria quesadillas. The dish layers slow‑cooked beef birria, melted cheese and house‑made tortillas, served with consommé for dipping. According to patrons, the quesadillas are rich, savory and slightly spicy, making them an ideal starter or shared plate. The eatery, located near the Mississippi lock and dam, pairs this special with local craft beers and a sunset view. Staff recommend arriving early—specials often sell out before the dinner rush.

👉 Link: Lock and Dam Eatery

Conclusion

From handcrafted ice cream to live music and community celebrations, Hastings’ food and drink scene is buzzing with energy. These ten stories highlight the passion and creativity of our neighbors—entrepreneurs, artists, chefs and volunteers who make our town special. For more in‑depth coverage and even more local flavor, head to HastingsNow.com and check out today’s LOCAL 10 feature.

If you spot a misstatement or have a hot tip, drop us a line at HastingsNow.com/contact—our newsroom loves neighborly notes!