Quick take
Not sure what all of the fuss is about
Review
It’s not uncommon for truck stop restaurants to claim to have amazing or “famous” cinnamon rolls. Sometimes those claims are merited, such as the incredible rolls at Tetsa River Services in British Columbia. Most of the time, though, the rolls fall far short of perfection. The product at Tobies is in that latter category.
Cinnamon roll from Tobies in Hinkley, MN
Around the Twin Cities, Tobies (no apostrophe) has a reputation based on their cinnamon rolls. On many occasions I’ve had my Minnesota friends ask if I had stopped at Tobies yet. Indeed, as I sat in the restaurant, I watched group after group come up to the counter and order one or more cinnamon rolls to go. I saw it, but having now eaten one of their rolls, I don’t understand it.
The frosting was an unnatural white with little in the way of flavor beyond being sweet. The swirls were short on cinnamon. The bread was dry. I wasn’t sure why they served the roll with butter on the side — something I’d never previously seen done with a cinnamon roll — but after experiencing the dry bread, I kind of understand the rationale.
The whole thing was a disappointment. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t good, and it certainly wasn’t worth pulling off of the freeway. 5/10
Where to get it
Tobies Restaurant and Bakery
404 Fire Monument Rd
Hinkley, MN