The Tendermaid

The Tendermaid "The spoon isn't for the milk shake. It's for the burger." Owned by Gary & Sara White of Austin. No, she means with the burger. Why?
(400)

Voted one of the 12 Best Burger Spots in Minnesota on Thrillist in 2015

You may have read a little something about “lose-meat” sandwiches in our round-up of the 21 best Midwestern foods, and while we’re not really sure if this constitutes a proper "burger", it’s close enough to mention here because people go bonkers for this thing, and if you give it a try, you’ll quickly understand why. --Thrill

ist

Voted #14 in the Minnesota Monthly Best Burgers of 2008

14 - Tender Maid Sandwich Shop
Inherent Awesomeness: 32
“You want a spoon with that?” asks the nice lady behind the counter at Tender Maid. If you’ve never been here before, you’ll think she’s asking if you want a spoon with your milk shake. It’s loose meat, meaning that it’s filled with steamed crumbles of beef, kind of like a Sloppy Joe without the sauce. Of course, you can pick up the whole burger in its wax-paper wrapper and shove it in your mouth without the spoon. If you do, you’ll experience the simple, unadorned taste that people have been wild about since 1938. But, really: Put the burger down and use the spoon. When else in life are you going to get the chance to eat a burger with a spoon? --Minnesota Monthly

A very special piece of artwork came in the mail yesterday. Artist's name is John Eaton from Novia Scotia. 🍔❤️🍔❤️
06/04/2026

A very special piece of artwork came in the mail yesterday. Artist's name is John Eaton from Novia Scotia. 🍔❤️🍔❤️

In honor of Memorial Day, we will be closed today as we remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and s...
05/25/2026

In honor of Memorial Day, we will be closed today as we remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. 🇺🇸

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/19/2026

Yes you heard that right - WE HAVE SPAM DOGS! Come take a walk on the wild side and try this new product recently launched by the SPAM brand!

04/27/2026

Dinner and a movie is always a safe bet… but what if you shook things up a little? 👀
DATE NIGHT IDEAS: hit the water instead and stay local 🚣‍♀️
🎮 Paddle the river, refuel at The Downtown Grill then head to Main Street Pinball to play the night away
🥤 Grab a bite + a classic malt from The Tendermaid and cruise the Mill Pond
🥨 Stock up on snacks + sodas from SuperFresh Gardens for the ultimate paddle and picnic
Because the best nights don’t happen sitting still 💙 and Austin has so much to offer!
Start planning your date night or day and book your paddle with us!
Which one sounds like your kind of date? 👇

Looking for date ideas? John has one for you!Clipping is from a 1979 newspaper ❤️
04/25/2026

Looking for date ideas? John has one for you!

Clipping is from a 1979 newspaper ❤️

Throwback Tendermaid advertisement from 1938, the year we opened!While much has changed in this world, we are still The ...
04/12/2026

Throwback Tendermaid advertisement from 1938, the year we opened!

While much has changed in this world, we are still The LITTLE PLACE with the SNAPPY SERVICE 💕

No matter how cold it is outside, it’s always a good time for a shake or malt! ❄️🥤Try one of our fun flavors:Chocolate, ...
03/17/2026

No matter how cold it is outside, it’s always a good time for a shake or malt! ❄️🥤

Try one of our fun flavors:
Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Black Raspberry, Butterscotch, Caramel, Banana, Cherry, Pineapple, or Root Beer…

OR mix up your own combo 😏

What’s your go-to flavor (or combo)? 👇

03/16/2026

We are closed today due to road conditions. Stay safe, everyone! Be back open for business tomorrow!

Heaven is a diner. 🎨 Artwork by our dear friend, Dan Goettsch
03/14/2026

Heaven is a diner.

🎨 Artwork by our dear friend, Dan Goettsch

Lets hear it for this Tendermaid First Timer! 👏 🎉
02/20/2026

Lets hear it for this Tendermaid First Timer! 👏 🎉

Address

217 4th Avenue NE
Austin, MN
55912

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 4pm
Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 3pm

Telephone

+15074377907

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Tendermaid posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category