MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL

6Smith 

6Smith in downtown Wayzata offers fine-dining lakeside with fresh seafood, steaks, lobster rolls, and delicious sides and small plates. It’s been voted one of the best restaurants on Lake Minnetonka and reservations are encouraged. 

Birch's on the Lake

Birch's is a unique combination of a supper club and brewhouse. Upstairs you will find supper club favorites like chops, steaks, fish and more with a large bar, cozy fireplace and picturesque views of Long Lake. Head downstairs for a lively brewhouse with community tables and an equally delicious menu of burgers, salads, barbecue and small plates. The large deck provides the best view of the water with charming cafe lights and a roaring campfire. If you like craft beer, peruse the ever-changing list of brews including the popular coffee chocolate golden ale or a rotating shandy. 

Bread & Pickle

This seasonal spot at Lake Harriet features summer favorites like bratwursts, hot dogs, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and some of the best cheese curds in town. They strive to offer local and sustainably grown or harvested ingredients in a zero-waste environment. It's a great spot to stop for a bite while you walk, bike, and enjoy the lakes in Minneapolis. 

This neighborhood spot has a prime location on the marina and shores of Prior Lake. You can dine in their upper dining room with vast views of the lake or enjoy their popular patio and waterfront bar. Their lower patio is leashed dog-friendly, so pack your pup for a day around the lake. The wide menu offers appetizers, salads, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, chops, seafood, pizzas, and pastas. 

Lola’s Lakehouse 

Located on Lake Waconia, Lola’s Lakehouse is inspired by the look and feel of a New England boat house. Featuring nautical charm, this spot serves up seafood dishes and traditional American fare like flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, and more. 

Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge 

Less a restaurant than a full-fledged, full-bore lakeside party, this sprawling multi-venue Lake Minnetonka-adjacent supper club and sports bar booms in the warmer months. Lord Fletcher's more than 100 boat slips mean that it's equally accessible by land or by water, making the Spring Park eatery's steaks, walleye sandwiches and lobster rolls accessible to all. 

Maynard's

Maynard's has been serving hungry and thirsty patrons on the Lake Minnetonka shore since 1998. The large lakeside patio can seat up to 500 guests and features a roaring stone fireplace for cooler nights. Dine on the Mr. Jimmy burger named after Excelsior's former ambassador, Jimmy Hutmaker, or spice it up with the firecracker shrimp tacos. Snack on walleye fingers, Szechwan spicy green beans or waffle fries. Cool off with a refreshing mojito, Moscow Mule or sip a brew from the hometown brewery, Excelsior Brewing Co. 

Sea Salt Eatery

Sea Salt sits a few hundred feet from the famous falls at Minnehaha Park and boasts shrimp and oyster po'boys, local brews, live music and first-rate ice cream via Sebastian Joe's. If the day is a particularly fine one and you arrive during prime time, you may be greeted by a line that wraps around the building Grab a beer and be patient; it moves quickly, and the food is worth the wait. Bonus: They are opening a sandwich shop next door this summer. 

With stellar views of Lake Superior, this gem celebrates Minnesota’s Nordic heritage and local farms and produce. To start, enjoy a smörgåsbord with pickled herring, smoked salmon, pickled beets, and more or a Nordic plate starter with shrimp, beet gravlax, pickled beets. For dinner, try the grilled pheasant breast or crunchy fish. The menu changes seasonally but you can't go wrong with this spot.  

CENTRAL MINNESOTA

Bar Harbor Supper Club

Get an elevated supper club experience at Bar Harbor Supper Club on Gull Lake. Find steaks, chops, pasta, seafood, and more. They have an extensive cocktail list, including four varities of old fashioneds. A popular spot in the summertime, reservations are encouraged. 

Ernie’s on Gull

With arguably one of the closest patios to the water in the state, Ernie’s on Gull is the place to be in the summer. Located on Gull Lake in the popular Brainerd Lakes Area, Ernie’s serves up pub favorites like cheese curds, chicken wings, soft pretzels, steak bites, and more. For a taste of Minnesota, try the pan fried, walleye sandwich, and walleye tacos or the funky Swedish goat burger topped with lingonberries, goat, cheese, and bacon. Bonus for parents: they have a playground set surrounded by sand to keep the kiddos busy. 

Moonlite Bay Family Restaurant 

Located on the Whitefish Chain in Crosslake, Moonlite Bay has become a Brainerd Lakes icon. Surrounded by 70 boat slips and multiple snowmobile trails, it’s a busy spot no matter what time of year. Find bar classics like chicken drummies, pickle chips, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, and more. Don’t miss their popular events including their Ice Tee Open, Classic Boat Show, Cardboard Boat Races, and more. 

Zorbaz

Zorbaz on the Lake has taken its pizzaz, nachoz, wingz and burritoz formula for success to 11 locations, including Detroit Lakez, Big Zandy, Park Rapidz, Green Lake in Zpicer and Pokegama Lake in Grand Rapidz (all Z's courtesy of Zorbaz in-house style guide). An extensive craft beer list, live music, late-night menus, and an all-purpose wacky sense of fun make this a Mexican-pizza chain with heart and soul — plus plum waterside real estate. A handful of locationz offer free docks for hungry folks on the lake. 

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA 

Boat House

Light, approachable New American fare (everything from tacos to panko-crusted catfish) make dining at the Mississippi River-overlooking Boat House a relaxing breeze — and don't miss brunch, either. 

Kelly’s Lake House  

Another stellar spot for eagle spotting, Kelly’s Lake House on Lake Pepin offers broasted chicken, house made pizzas, burgers, steaks, salads, and more. They offer more than 80 rotating draft beers, with at least 30 Minnesota-made brews at any given time. They grind their own burger, make their own sausages, and smoke their own brisket, ribs, and more. 

Reads Landing Brewing Company

With elevated and unobstructed views of the Mississippi River, Reads Landing offers unmatched views of the rivers to see boaters and eagles. The menu features salads, flatbreads, burgers, and more, as well as their top-notch house brewed beers. They also offer other craft beer, wine, and a full bar.  

Slippery's

Known for the popular film, “Grumpy Old Men” and “Grumpier Old Men”, Slippery’s in Wabasha has double-decker views of Lake Pepin. Find tavern classics like burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and baskets with chicken tenders, pork ribs, or shrimp. Snack on cheese curd cubes, deep-fried portabella mushrooms, or their famous Slippery burger with caramelized onions and Velveeta cheese.  

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