Alex J.
Yelp
From the front, this place looks a little nondescript. A sleepy storefront on Broad Street with a few tables on the sidewalk. Just like any of the others on the street. If you think that it's just another run-of-the-mill small food joint looking to turn a buck, then you're thinking like me, and that's not a healthy prospect. Never judge a book by its cover, for this book has a surprise in store.
As you pass through the front door you feel as though you have to take a deep breath and walk sideways to move about. But though the inside is cozy, it's the outside where you want to be. Not in the front on the street, but out back.
As you make your way in that direction, you'll enter into an explosion of seating options. The back opens up into a number of different levels, all of which sport spectacular views of the Saint Croix river. I liken it to a flower. You enter through the stem, and the restaurant unfolds into a blossom, each petal an adventure under the sun. The place is a feast for the eyes, as well as a feast for your inside.
Our party consisted of three adults and two granddaughters. Our table was located on an upper level looking over the seating levels below. Just beyond that was as train drawbridge spanning the river. We saw two trains pass, and got to see the drawbridge in action allowing boat traffic to navigate their way up river. It was very cool.
The menu at Muddy compliments its surroundings. The food as diverse as the viewing angles. Oh sure, there are the usual standbys, burgers and such, but also a variety of sandwiches and salads which are a cut above what you'd expect from a similar establishment.
Don't let the front exterior of this restaurant muddy the waters on your decision making. You know that you're going to give it a try, so get along now.
Quick Tip: There are two bars at the Muddy. One inside (the stem) and another outside in the bloom. It looks like a perfect place to party and tie one on. I would have done just that only I was with my son-in-law who has limited his intake. Seems he's taking the healthy road and wants to lose weight. I, on the other hand, have long since passed that turn-off. Indulging in his presence would be cruel. I'll return when he's come to his senses, or instead I may come back with his dad. He's as thin as a rail. Plenty of room for corruption.