You’re on vacation so of course you are going to want to splurge a little and maybe enjoy some amazing treats, eat at some great restaurants or maybe enjoy one of our many craft beers in the area…..we do as well so we thought we might share a few favorites with you.
Great treats abound in the lakes area but a delightful favorite is to enjoy amazing sweets at the Iron Waffle Company (the strawberry pie is real winner), and it’s great for breakfast as well. The Chocolate Ox candy company is always a great spot to pick up your favorites and it’s tough to beat their fudge and of course, delicious ice cream! Just a mile away from us is Chrissy’s Ice Cream in the heart of Madden’s with lots of great candy, fudge and an incredible selection of ice cream.
Dining abounds in the area with great fine dining such as the Classic Grille, Cru, and Prairie Bay to more casual eateries such as the historic Sherwood Forest, Bar Harbor, and Lost Lake Lodge all offering some really wonderful food, but sometimes it’s the “local favorites” that can be fun as well. We enjoy a great burger at Cowboys in Lake Shore, Ribs at Northern Cowboy on 371, Appetizers at the Sidetrack at the end of the Gull Dam Road, and even driving to the Northeast side of Brainerd to enjoy the Local 218 for some unique items, and for some great pizza you can’t go wrong with the wood fired Boomer Pizza in Baxter or the wonderful Rafferty’s Pizza in the West Gate Mall or in downtown Nisswa….they are both fantastic! A little more of a drive will take you to a wonderful favorite on Lake Alexander called The Landing with some great menu items and fresh fish features, for Pizza and Mexican in an always festive atmosphere you can enjoy Zorbaz on Gull and of course for right on the water dining it’s hard to beat Ernies on Gull. If you are spending some time shopping in Nisswa you might want to take in the great menu at the Main Street Ale House or enjoy a wonderful Panini and Craft Beer at Big Axe Brewing Company.
Speaking of Brewing, the Brainerd area has some great brews to enjoy! Gull Dam Brewing on 371 just before Nisswa has numerous fun events happening and some Gull Dam good beer to boot (the Scotch Ale is a delight). Roundhouse Brewery in the old railroad shops in Brainerd is not only a historic location but is also producing some really great craft beers and is able to host small group events as well. One of the original Brainerd craft beers belongs to Jack Pine Brewing and they now reside in a brand new, state of the art tap house right next to the Arrowwood Lodge in Baxter. Jack Pine has some great brews and always seems to draw a crowd and may even have a food truck on site at different times.
There is one thing you never have to worry about in the Brainerd Lakes Area……you never have to worry about going hungry…or thirsty!!