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 the Ice Cream Shop 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 Mission Point to more casual eateries such as Erma’s Kitchen, Bar Harbor, and Lost Lake Lodge, all offering some really wonderful food. Sometimes though, it’s the “local favorites” that can be fun as well. We enjoy a great burger at Cowboys in Lake Shore, Friday Night BBQ Ribs at Sunshine Summer House, Appetizers at the Sidetrack at the end of the Gull Dam Road, driving up to Nisswa for some unique items and the downtown feel of Mainstreet Ale House, and for some great pizza you can’t go wrong with the wood fired Dough Bros 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 Ernie’s on Gull. If you are spending some time shopping in Nisswa, a wonderful Panini and Craft Beer at Big Axe Brewing Company and if the shopping takes you to Christmas Point, make sure to enjoy a wonderful sandwich or coffee there.
Speaking of Brewing, the Brainerd area has some great brews to enjoy! One of the original Brainerd craft beers belongs to Jack Pine Brewing, and they reside in a wonderful, 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. For a craft cocktail, head to our local distillery at 5Rocks on Washington Avenue in East Brainerd.
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!!