209 Pub & Grill is located at 209 North Minnesota Street in downtown New Ulm, Minnesota.

NEW ULM — A sizzling patty, fresh bakery bun, and a loyal following helped Pub 209 Pub and Grill win this year’s Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Burger.”

The locally owned restaurant is no stranger to recognition. Last year, it was named “Best Lunch” but staff say this year’s honor carries special meaning.

“We’re so proud to win Best Burger,” said General Manager Becky Portner. “It’s an honor. We try hard every day to give people fresh, quality food. Almost everything we serve is made fresh daily. Our burgers are hand-pattied every morning, and we get our buns delivered fresh from the Hy-Vee bakery. People still like us, and that’s pretty cool.”

The win marks a new milestone in a journey that began after tragedy. Pub 209 opened its doors in October 2022, just five weeks after the Lamplighter, a beloved New Ulm bar and grill, was lost to a fire.

“September marks three years since we lost the Lamplighter,” Portner said. “It was heartbreaking, but we didn’t want to give up. So we opened Pub 209, and we’ve kept doing the same things here that we did over there. The community really pulled together after the fire, and they’ve kept showing up to support us.”

Owner Herb Knutson said the award reflects the strong relationship between the restaurant and the community. “It means a lot,” he said. “It shows that our customers are supporting us, and that our staff is doing the best job they can. Everyone works together to make this place special.”

Pub 209 has quickly become a staple in New Ulm’s food scene, offering not only burgers but also a full menu of pub favorites, breakfast on the weekends, and a welcoming environment.

Currently employing around 30 people, the restaurant thrives on strong staff relationships. “We’re a small establishment, and everyone here feels like family,” Portner said. “We all work well together. That kind of connection makes a difference and customers notice.”

Knutson said the team culture is a big part of what makes Pub 209 unique. “It’s the people,” he said. “Our customers, our employees, the way they communicate and interact. There’s a sense of community here, and it makes for a great experience.”

Pub 209 is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Weekend breakfast is a popular draw, often bringing in families, regulars, and first-time visitors alike.

Both Knutson and Portner said they are thankful for the recognition and, more importantly, for the community’s loyalty.

“We just want to thank everyone for standing by us,” Portner said. “It means everything.”

“This town has been amazing,” Knutson added. “We’re grateful for our customers, our hardworking team, and for everyone who keeps coming back. That’s what keeps us going.”