Westwood Cafe

Welcome to Westwood Cafe, a family-style restaurant located in beautiful downtown Spicer on the southwest side of Green Lake. We are a family-friendly restaurant with an extensive menu that offers a variety of options to satisfy your cravings. From our delicious breakfast items to our mouth-watering soups and salads, sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, and specialty coffee, we have something for everyone.

Our restaurant is equipped with various seating areas to cater to different preferences. Whether you enjoy sitting on a stool at the front bar area, chatting with friends in a booth, or sharing a little more space around tables, we have it all. Our friendly waitresses will greet you with a warm smile when you walk through our door, making you feel right at home. Additionally, we offer free WIFI for those who need to stay connected with business, emails, or anything else.

The West Connection

The last name "West" is a familiar family name in the Spicer and Willmar business communities, especially in the restaurant business. Bob and Joan West owned and operated the Fireside Inn on North Highway 71 in Willmar, which was a well-known and popular fine dining establishment. In 1965, Bob and Joan came to Spicer and purchased the Hultgren Lodge on Green Lake. They built the Westwood Inn in 1966, a supper club located on North Shore Drive by Green Lake. The Westwood Inn became a very popular place for fine dining, banquets, and parties.

Katy Carlson was the first cook for the Westwood Inn. She made famous popovers, served with honey butter to accompany an evening dinner. The popovers became such a favorite that soon Katy was making six gallons of mix for just the Saturday evening patrons. Another distinctive feature of the private club was the torchlit walkway, leading from the Westwood Inn to beautiful Green Lake. It was visible from almost every shore and point on Green Lake. The beauty of Green Lake certainly added to the attractive dining experience at the Westwood Inn.

The Inn was noted for its view of Green Lake, two dining rooms and bar. Sunday Brunch was very popular also. Spaghetti Night became a popular dining experience for the winter snowmobile enthusiasts, as well as those visiting throughout the year coming by car, boat, pontoons and even helicopters. The West family name is still associated with the restaurant business, as son Scott West purchased this eating establishment in downtown Spicer. Scott, Deb and their daughter Samantha continue to keep the West name associated with a fine dining experience.

Community Involvement

The City of Spicer is well-known for the 4th of July celebration each year. The celebration, usually a four-day event, has been ongoing since 1887. Annually there is a morning 4th of July parade featuring floats, businesses, politicians, fun activities, and music. More than 10,000 attend the event each year. Another Spicer feature is the Spicer WinterFest, held most winters depending on the weather. In 1987 two younger residents were inspired to build a Spicer Ice Castle on the shores of Green Lake. Gideon Doty and a friend, Mike Lint, came up with the idea, and along with other friends set out to build the ice structure. Gideon is a nephew of the Engwall Brothers. History shows that the Engwall Brothers harvested ice from Green Lake for their locker plant. They retired in 1971, but their ice harvesting equipment was kept intact. So, Gideon and Mike resurrected the antique ice harvesting equipment, made some adjustments and improvements and cut ice blocks to build an ice castle. More than fifteen to twenty volunteers helped as the construction crew materialized, working not for money, but for fun. They built an ice castle that really put Spicer on the map. Since the first castle in 1987, many castles or other ice structures have been built at Saulsbury Beach on Green Lake.

Year-Round Activities

Whatever the season, there are year-round activities in the Spicer area. Summer provides the excellent swimming beaches, fishing opportunities and an abundance of lakes for water sports. There is hometown hospitality at all the local stores including the marina, hardware store, bakery, meat market, and pharmacy. The Spicer area also offers many parks and trails for walking, biking, or cross-country skiing.

We invite you to visit Westwood Cafe and experience the warm, welcoming atmosphere that we offer. Our friendly staff, delicious food, and convenient location make us the perfect destination for families, friends, and the business world alike. Come and enjoy the best breakfast in central Minnesota, along with our tasty soups and salads, sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, and specialty coffee. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, we have something for everyone at Westwood Cafe.