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?
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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

Jumping for joy because summer has begun! ☀️🍔❤️Stop by Tendermaid today - we're open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM!
06/06/2026

Jumping for joy because summer has begun! ☀️🍔❤️

Stop by Tendermaid today - we're open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM!

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

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

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