Some of the best finds in Minnesota hide in plain sight, tucked into a simple storefront you might drive past a hundred times. I walked in expecting a quick look and walked out with a full cart, a lighter grocery bill, and a big grin.
The shelves felt like a treasure hunt, and every aisle had a small surprise waiting. If feeding a family on a budget keeps you up at night, this little store might just change the way you shop.
A Bargain Hunter’s Stop on Lake Street South
Right along Highway 61 in Forest Lake, at 840 Lake St S, sits a grocery store that locals talk about the way some people talk about a favorite fishing hole. Mike’s Discount Foods is a discount grocery, and that simple label hides a lot of fun.
Shoppers here are not paying full price for fancy displays. Instead, they fill their carts with overstock, discontinued items, and products that may be near or past their sell-by dates, all at prices that often run well below the big chains.
Visitors describe the location as convenient, and the lot typically offers enough parking for a quick trip. You can reach the store at 651-272-5310 or check mikesdiscountfoods.com before heading over.
For families in the north metro and beyond, it has quietly become a go-to stop, and plenty of regulars now call it their main grocery store rather than an occasional detour.
How a Small Chain Found a Home in Forest Lake
Excitement ran high when word spread that another Mike’s was opening. Shoppers who already knew the brand from other locations, including one in Fridley, were thrilled to have a new option closer to home.
Mike’s Discount Foods is a small chain, and the Forest Lake shop is one piece of that family of stores. Regulars say they are glad the store came to town, and a few even thank the team for opening it at all.
That kind of gratitude says a lot about how much people value a budget-friendly option.
One fair note: shoppers mention that pricing and inventory can vary from store to store. Some folks find the Forest Lake shop differs from bigger locations, so it helps to set expectations.
Think of it as its own neighborhood spot with its own rhythm, rather than a carbon copy of anything else. That small-town personality is part of the charm.
Overstock, Miscuts, and the Secret Behind the Savings
Wondering how the prices stay so low? The answer is refreshingly honest.
Much of the stock is overstock, items that are miscut, packaged in odd counts, not boxed correctly, or nearing their sell date.
One longtime fan explained it well: you save because the products took an unusual path to the shelf, not because the quality is poor. Many items are shelf stable, and regulars point out that not everything is past-dated.
Others recommend learning how long foods typically stay good after a printed date so you can shop with confidence.
Name brands show up often, which surprises first-timers. Shoppers mention finding favorites like Sabra hummus and Tillamook cheese, along with baby formula, juices, and energy drinks.
The mix feels a bit like a pantry lottery. You might come for bread and leave with a snack you have been wanting for months, all at a fraction of the usual cost.
Steaks, Brisket, and a Famous Nugget Deal
Meat lovers, listen up. Visitors rave about the prices on steaks and brisket, which can make a weekend grill night far more affordable.
Upper Midwest families who love a good beef dinner will feel right at home here.
Then there are the nuggets. One shopper discovered that a frozen item nicknamed Mike’s nuggets was priced at two bags for ten dollars, and it quickly became a bragging point.
Deals like that are the kind of thing people text their friends about on the drive home.
Cheese gets its own round of applause too. Miscut cheese often sells for much less than perfectly shaped blocks, and shoppers call the dairy section good and the cheese delicious.
Regulars who have bought from the meat and produce areas say everything they tried tasted great. For a family feeding hungry kids or planning a big gathering, these counters can stretch a grocery budget much further.
Produce Worth a Close Look
Mangos, pears, and berries all earned shout-outs from shoppers who dug through the fruit bins. Produce is one of the most talked-about parts of the store, and many visitors call it pretty good for a discount spot.
Expect some character, though. Fruits and vegetables here are often oversized, undersized, or a little misshapen, the kind that big stores might skip.
They still taste just as good in a smoothie or a stir-fry.
Here is the smart-shopper tip. Several regulars mention that some fruit can be overripe, and delicate items like raspberries or milk may not last long at home.
Plan to use fresh produce and dairy within a day or two, and pick through carefully. One shopper even scored a dozen eggs for just a dollar.
Shop with a meal plan, and those rock-bottom prices turn into real savings on your weekly food bill.
Friendly Faces Behind the Registers
Ask almost anyone about this store, and the staff comes up fast. Friendly service is the single most mentioned topic among shoppers, and that tells you something special is happening here.
First-timers describe employees who walk them through how everything works, point out the best deals, and answer questions with real enthusiasm. One visitor praised a young worker for guiding them through the aisles and making the trip fun instead of a chore.
Others love that the team wishes them well on the way out the door.
That warm send-off feels very Minnesota. It is the kind of neighborly kindness that big-city superstores often lose in the rush.
Staff members also keep busy restocking shelves with fresh arrivals, so the store looks tidy and well organized. Several shoppers note how clean it is, which matters a lot at a discount grocer.
Good people make good deals feel even better.
The Treasure-Hunt Feeling Families Love
Never know what you will find. That is the thrill, and regulars would not have it any other way.
Couples mention stopping in just to see what is new, turning a grocery run into a small adventure.
Families with kids tend to enjoy it too. The store feels relaxed and approachable, and there is always an unusual snack or a quirky item to spark a little excitement.
One fan even loves picking up flowers during a visit.
A word of advice from loyal shoppers: when you spot a great deal, grab enough for a while. Inventory changes constantly, and some favorites may not return for a long time.
Also, bring your own bags or crates. The registers typically offer only empty boxes left over from restocking.
The shop is not huge, so selection can feel limited, but the basics are usually covered and the surprises keep people coming back week after week.
Hours, Tips, and Why the Drive Pays Off
Planning a trip is easy. The store is typically open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM.
Hours can change, so a quick call to 651-272-5310 before a longer drive is always wise.
Pack your crates, bring a shopping list, and leave room for a surprise or two. Shop fresh items with a plan to use them quickly, and stock up on shelf-stable favorites when prices are low.
So is it worth it? For budget-minded Minnesota families, the answer looks like a cheerful yes.
Clean aisles, kind staff, and deals that big chains rarely match make Forest Lake a smart stop, whether you live nearby or are heading up from the Twin Cities. Tag the friend who loves a bargain, plan a Saturday morning run, and see how far your grocery money can really go.
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