Carl’s Corner is located at 21378 1st Street in Essig, Minnesota, just a short drive west of New Ulm.

ESSIG — Tucked between New Ulm and Sleepy Eye in the tiny town of Essig, population of 75, Carl’s Corner has become one of southern Minnesota’s best-kept secrets. That reputation was solidified this year after the bar and grill was voted Best Pizza, Best Chicken, and Best Family Restaurant in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

For co-owner Kenny Berg, the triple win is a testament to the people behind the scenes and those who walk through the doors.

“We’re very grateful,” Berg said. “To win in three categories says a lot about our staff and our loyal customers. We have people who come in two or three times a week, it’s a family atmosphere here.”

Carl’s Corner has been around for years, with a strong foundation laid by its original namesake. “When Carl started it, we kept what he started,” Berg said. “We stuck with it, the food, the feel, the way we treat people. That’s what people keep coming back for.”

Known especially for their famous broasted chicken and hand-tossed pizzas, Carl’s Corner isn’t new to recognition. Back in 2014, the restaurant was named “Best Fried Chicken in Minnesota” by WCCO’s Viewer’s Choice Awards, an honor that still brings new customers through the doors to this day.

Carl’s Corner has built a reputation far beyond Essig’s borders. Despite its small-town setting, the restaurant regularly draws diners from New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Mankato, and beyond. Its casual, welcoming bar-and-grill atmosphere is a big part of the draw, along with comfort food that feels both classic and unique.

“It’s more than just a restaurant,” Berg said. “It’s a gathering place for locals and a destination for people who want to experience great food and a slice of small-town Minnesota.”

From families sharing a Friday night pizza to travelers passing through looking for a hot meal and a cold drink, Carl’s Corner has become a community landmark that delivers more than just good food, it offers connection.

“Our staff is incredible,” Berg added. “They make this place run, and they make people feel welcome. We couldn’t have won these awards without them.”

Carl’s Corner is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. While the menu includes everything from burgers to salads, the chicken and pizza remain the crowd favorites, and for good reason.

Whether it’s the crisp crunch of their award-winning chicken or the cheesy pull of a freshly baked pizza, Carl’s Corner continues to serve up small-town charm with every bite.

Berg said he and the team are thankful for the continued support.

“We want to thank our customers and staff for making this possible,” he said. “We love what we do, and we’re proud to be part of this community.”

In a town with just 75 residents, Carl’s Corner has proven that big flavor and heartfelt hospitality can turn any place, no matter how small, into a destination worth driving for.