With so many options and so much variety, deciding on a place to eat in Stillwater can be difficult.  There is everything from ice cream to sushi, and it is possible to get a burger just about anywhere.

Some places are more popular than others, but some are even internationally famous.  Nelson’s Ice Cream is known for its more than generous scoops and, of course, the Lumberjack.

“Nelson’s is insane,” said junior Krista Stevens.  “It’s so cheap for so much, I love it.  I’ve tried ordering the Lumberjack with friends before and even the three of us together couldn’t do it.”

It is hard to walk a block downtown without passing a place that serves some kind of burger.  There is even a little friendly competition every year among certain restaurants called Best Burger in the Valley.  The organization behind this event donates all profits to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  It is for a good cause and it brings the community together.

“I think Brine’s has the best burger downtown.  Leo’s is good, too.  There are so many places that serve them, it’s kind of hard to choose what I like most,” said junior Charlie Hagel.

Stillwater’s own Smalley’s Caribbean Barbeque has been featured on Food Network’s popular show “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives”.  Smalley’s is known for its spicy hot tastes and unique Jamaican inspiration.

“The jerk pork tacos have some zip, and the chicken wings have some zing, but owner Shaun Smalley claims I haven’t known real heat till I’ve tried his 666 wings,” said Guy Fieri, host of the show.

Stillwater is unique in every way, and some of the restaurants are exclusive to the town.  For example, Joseph’s Family Restaurant has been in town for over 30 years now, and locals are always quick to recommend it to anyone looking for a friendly, accommodating place to eat.

“With home-cooking influences spanning three generations, Joe Kohler has created a unique family restaurant where excellent food and impeccable customer service remain the highest priority for him and his staff,” said Joseph’s website, www.josephsstillwater.com. “Family dishes from home for dinner have taken their rightful place as well. Dinners that include pot roast, chicken, and roast beef continue to offer their same home and heart wellness they did over 30 years ago.”

With the history that Stillwater has, there are many places that keep the past alive by linking the décor of their restaurant with the antiquity of the town, like Leo’s and Tremblay’s.  Many modern places have established themselves as well, such as Marx, Cherry Berry and Dairy Queen.  Some restaurants are more in between, like The Freight House and Reve 324. Old or new, the restaurants of Stillwater are all distinct and individual, and anyone can find what they are in the mood to eat.