23 Best American Restaurants near Lake Shore

“Was looking for a quick place to catch a beer and some "bar food' after a day on the lake, so we stopped in. Turns out we were wrong, this place served cold beer from a long menu, had the most courteous staff (were more than happy to deal with food allergies, with a smile) and then served us food that should have been in a top tier restaurant. To say the least we were more than happy and will always come back when in the area.“

“We went to Sunshine’s for supper Wednesday night and had the pizza. It was the best ever. I usually don’t eat the crust but this crust was tender and good. Looking forward to our next visit.“

“We were there yesterday and I left my denim shirt. The bartender Derek saw it right away and put away for safe keeping! Thank you! The whole staff is great!“

“Ernie’s NEVER disappoints. Showed up around 2:00 PM on a Friday and they were hopping inside and out.

Great patio lake facing with lots of great boat watching. Envy 🤢

Food was fantastic and the menu interesting. Elevated comfort food. Prepared and executed with professionalism.

Our server (Ella) was very nice. Timely and helpful!! Super Smart!!

In Brainerd take time to go to Ernie’s!!!“

“1st time visiting here, had omelet and wife had a breakfast as well. All great! Hash browns were actually brown and just the way I like them. Omelet had very good amount of ham et al. Shout out to waitress Lilli, very attentive, helpful and a very pleasant personality! Though we live elsewhere, our experience was very good! if opportunity arises, will return“

“we went up for the last weekend if golf, though it was cold we had a great time. everybody we encountered there was so nice and professional. live music at the pub was great! we watched the Bagpiper walk the Pine East Green to close put the season, very cool. definitely recommend purchasing any of the packages they have to offer!“

“Great food and service! We had the shrimp tacos and a Reuben. Both were excellent. Very good tap list and drinks as well.“

“Great Valentines Dinner, 💕😍“

“Great eggs Benedict ( and I’ve worked for years in the restaurant industry). My favorite breakfast place in the Brainerd Lakes area. Plus, they are family owned and run. Love it!“

“The service and food are always amazing! It's our favorite place to go out as a family!“

“I don’t typically write reviews, but I went to this restaurant 1.5 months ago and had their chicken salad sandwich and a bloody mary. I became a part of the clean plate club that day. This is the best sandwich I’ve ever had in my entire life. The buns, the perfect temperature of the chicken salad, love and kisses in every bite. The fries were also amazing as well as the Bloody Mary. I live like 3 hours away but have thought of driving that far just for this sandwich. I think about it so much I had to come and write a review because it crosses my mind more than it should. The waitress was also super nice! One day I will be reunited with this sandwich again!“

“Breakfast Skillet! Ordered milk & it came in a chilled glass, super nice“

“Our favorite place to celebrate special occasions. Service is great and food is even better! Our favorite is the bruschetta, but they must have changed it and it is not nearly as good as it used to be. We will continue to make this place a tradition though!“

“We were so happy to find this new restaurant. The food was amazing ( especially the butternut squash). There are unique menu options and the service was fabulous. I highly recommend this restaurant and, next time we are in the Brainerd area we will be going there again !“

“Why is it when we order a single Butterburger, they decide to sell us a double Butterburger and charge us for that? How convenient that they don’t give you a receipt and don’t know it until you open the wrapper. Done in or drive thru is the same. All The Time!“

“Absolutely best restaurant I’ve been to in Minnesota. I wish they had the classic grill in the cities, but it’s always a special treat coming to our lake home and getting the experience of eating here. The food is phenomenal, the staff is amazing and the atmosphere is unmatched. Every time I visit, I can count on trying one of the new menu items and being in awe of the flavors and presentation. The favorite orders of our group were the Indonesian chicken satay appetizer, the chef’s risotto, and the truffle citrus scallops. My attached picture won’t do it justice, but the presentation of the meals is so unique. If they had Michelin star restaurants in Minnesota, this would for sure be the running. Maddens resort is truly the best location in the brainerd area.“

“Great place to take the family or for a date night! Lots of different options food and drink wise. Friendly staff and welcoming locals!“

“Our waiter was kind and quick to answer our questions and concerns about allergens. He stayed attentive during our visit and kept our waters filled. Our experience featured a beautiful view of the golf course and we got to watch planes flying by. My girlfriend and I ordered our steaks medium rare but mine came out a little tough. Hers was cooked perfect and her meal was amazing. I felt my meal was decent and not worth the price, but the shallot butter pan sauce was spectacular.

Dietary restrictions: I’m allergic to peanuts and shellfish so the waiter double checked my dinner choices. Ended up switching choices due to cross contamination in the frying oil and had to swap my fries for a loaded baked potato.“

“Cole at the bar was awesome! Always on his toes. Appetizers were yummy! We will be back“

“got the grizzlies bloody Mary. for only $13 it was a 28 oz glass with their homemade bloody Mary mix 1/4 of a chicken. The thigh and leg rotisserie style, fabulous, celery cheese olives lemon and bacon. All for $13. then I had an appetizer of firecracker shrimp with blue cheese dressing. It was absolutely delicious!“

“It is always a great experience going into the brainerd Applebee’s. The food is always excellent and the service is top notch! Usually I am one to drink my beverages rather quickly and there is never a time where I don’t have something to drink with my meal or appetizers. Always a great date night location in the brainerd lakes area!“

“Our server was Mindy S.“

“Very impressed with the burger I just had. Pretty much perfect. I’ll be back“