Wander Minnesota: Dining Near the Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup is set to take place at the Hazletine National Golf Clubin Chaska starting this week in Chaska. If you're heading out to watch some or all of it, here are some suggestions for places to eat in the surrounding area that won't involve national chains.

In pretty downtown Chaska, you can grab breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner at Chaska City Diner. The food is classic diner fare—sandwiches, soups, etc. Or you could go down the street to Patron Mexican Restaurant, which has an extensive menu, including a wide range of adult beverages.

Nearby Victoria has some options as well. Floyd's Bar is an old-school bar and grill that puts out solid bar food, along with some surprises (including decent renditions of foods involving ahi tuna). Nearby is School of the Wise, open for all three meals with some great home-cooked options and a full bar. Or you could stop by the Victoria House, which overlooks Steiger Lake and offers supper club options like steak, pork tenderloin, and shrimp several ways. Another option in Victoria would be to stop by the tap room at Enki Brewing--here you can get craft beer and order off limited menus from School of the Wise and Victoria House.

Chanhassen's not far away, and there are several options here as well. Axel's is a supper club serving a variety of grilled meats and seafood dishes (they're known for their take on walleye). If you're looking for something a little lighter or more casual, just down the street is Kai's Sushi & Grill, serving up a robust menu of sushi, but also several other offerings, including hibachi, tempura, and teriyaki dishes. Next door is Na's Thai Cafe, serving authentic Thai food at reasonable prices. At the nearby Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, you can also get a casual pub meal at Brindisi's Pub, serving hearty entrees along with pizza and sandwiches.

Travel east on Highway 5 from Chanhassen, and you can visit Tavern 4&5, which offers a tasty menu of bar food and more upscale entrees. They also serve a hearty gourmet breakfast. (Advice—if you're there for lunch or dinner, get the tater tots. Really.)

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out the 10 p.m. Sunday night WCCO newscasts, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.