Nestled on the north side of Arden Hills, Silverthrone isn’t just a peaceful residential enclave—it’s also a delightfully varied culinary destination. Whether you’re craving a leisurely brunch, global flavors, or a sweet treat with your coffee, this neighborhood boasts hidden gems and crowd-pleasers all within a few walkable blocks. Here’s your ultimate guide to eating your way through Silverthrone, filled with insider favorites and a dash of local flavor!
The Heart of Silverthrone: Dining Hubs and Standout Spots
Most of Silverthrone’s best food stops cluster along County Road E2 and the bustling intersection of New Brighton Road and Silver Lake Road. This area is perfect for parking once and hopping between eateries—though locals love to stroll or bike from spot to spot.
Silverthrone Social Kitchen
*Cuisine: Modern American, Brunch & Dinner*
*Price: $$–$$$*
At the corner of County Road E2 and Silverthorn Boulevard, Silverthrone Social Kitchen is perhaps the area’s most celebrated restaurant. With its energetic open-kitchen vibe, this spot beautifully bridges casual and upscale, serving everything from house-cured gravlax avocado toast at brunch to seared duck breast and truffled pappardelle at dinner. Don’t skip their signature “Minnesota Plates” featuring locally sourced walleye, or their rotating craft beer taps highlighting Arden Hills microbrews.
Thai House at Silver Lake
*Cuisine: Thai*
*Price: $$*
A beloved neighborhood fixture, Thai House sits just south on Silver Lake Road, offering a cozy interior awash in warm wood, plus a popular takeout window. The drunken noodles are packed with flavor, and the red curry (spicy but balanced) has a loyal local following. Vegans are welcomed with a surprising breadth of plant-based options—try the mango sticky rice for dessert!
Coffee Breaks and Sweet Surprises
Birchbark Café & Bakery
*Cuisine: Coffee, Pastries, Light Lunch*
*Price: $*
Right by Silver Lake’s walking trails on Parkside Avenue, Birchbark Café draws morning joggers and students alike with Fair Trade espresso drinks and dreamy baked goods. Their cardamom morning buns often sell out before noon, so come early! Gluten-free treats, creative quiches, and a sunny patio make this a go-to, especially during Silverthrone’s vibrant fall season.
Northwoods Creamery
*Cuisine: Ice Cream, Desserts*
*Price: $*
Hidden off New Brighton Road on a leafy residential stretch, Northwoods Creamery is a quintessential Silverthrone summer destination. Their small-batch ice creams and inventive sundaes (try the wildberry cobbler special) are perfect for post-dinner strolls. The Creamery’s family-friendly vibe and ever-rotating scoop flavors keep locals coming back again and again.
Food Trucks and Casual Bites
El Mercado on Wheels
*Cuisine: Mexican Street Food*
*Price: $–$$*
Each Thursday evening from April to October, El Mercado food truck parks near Silverthrone’s community park on Willow Avenue. The tamales here are legendary—tender, generously filled, and steaming hot. Also beloved are the elote cups and horchata (ask for it extra-cinnamon). Lines can be long, but the wait is always worth it for these authentic flavors.
Slice on Silverthrone
*Cuisine: Pizza, Italian-American*
*Price: $–$$*
Tucked into a former auto shop at the intersection of Silverthorn Boulevard and Heather Lane, this pizza joint has a cult following. Hand-tossed pies with whimsical toppings (think: wild mushroom and chèvre, or spicy honey-drizzled pepperoni) emerge from a wood-fired oven. Dine at the communal picnic tables or grab a couple of slices to go for a picnic on Silver Lake’s shore.
Hidden Gems and Local Traditions
Kim’s Korean Kitchenette
*Cuisine: Korean Homestyle*
*Price: $–$$*
Just off the beaten path on Crescent Court, Kim’s is a Silverthrone secret. This tiny, family-run spot is known for soulful bibimbap and crispy kimchi pancakes, as well as addictive housemade banchan (side dishes). There’s only a handful of tables, so lunchtime fills up fast. Don’t miss the soju spritzers—they’re the perfect way to toast a beautiful Arden Hills evening.
Silverthrone Farmers Market
*Cuisine: Local Produce, Food Stalls*
*Price: $*
Every Saturday morning from May through September, the community park buzzes with the Silverthrone Farmers Market. This is your spot for fresh pastries, Scandinavian lefse, locally roasted coffee, and even Vietnamese bánh mì, all sold by neighborhood vendors. Grab some handpicked berries for snacking or a picnic lunch, and soak up the folksy live music that completes the experience.
Savoring Silverthrone: Why Neighborhood Food Matters
Dining in Silverthrone means more than just good food—it’s about discovery, community, and supporting local makers. Here, family-owned restaurants know their guests by name, bakers swap stories with farmers, and everyone has a “you’ve-got-to-try” recommendation. Whether it’s a cozy winter date night at Silverthrone Social Kitchen or an outdoor summer feast with food trucks and creamy ice cream, the neighborhood’s scene is brimming with warmth and flavor.
So the next time you’re hungry in Arden Hills, skip the big chains and wander through Silverthrone. With comforting classics, adventurous eats, and a genuine sense of community, it might just become your new favorite food destination!