The Merit Lakeside Dining & Cocktails

Don’t order the fish if you expect a skinless and boneless filet experience! I ordered the walleye basket which to my surprise and disgust came fried WITH SKIN ON. No mention of this on the menu anywhere, so I asked my server and she somewhat rudely shared that “most people like it” that way, kind of like tough shit that I was disappointed. Not only that, the filet was full of rib bones and by that point I didn’t even attempt to eat it. Saying “most people” implies that there’s a handful of patrons like myself who were surprised and disgusted- and likely wouldn’t have ordered it if it was accurately labeled on the menu in the first place. Cool atmosphere but overall very disappointed and left hungry.

This is what excellence is in eating establishments in northern Minnesota. The food was excellent, the service was perfect even though it was busy, and the atmosphere was great. We had a party of 15 - normally enough to cause any restaurant problems but they really made our day. The BLT was best ever, our little guys loved the pizza, the wings with bourbon sauce, the great Merit salad, the burgers all were really enjoyed. I wish there was a place like that near our home - I’d be a regular customer there.

Cheese curds were so phenomenal!

Good food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Loved sitting outside on their dog friendly patio with live music with Teddy. I had a couple of IPAs, my wife and I shared the brisket nachos and caprese pizza which were both very good. This place has an outstanding view of the lake, and you can play cornehole as well. Definitely will come back if in the area.

Parking: Further away from the restaurant is plenty of parking

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Brisket Nachos

Would absolutely recommend the Brisket Sandwich and fries ? Great service with an excellent view!

Abbreviated menu for a snowmobile race that was supposed to be over at 4 was not over at 4, so most of the menu was gone.

Food was not that great. Menu ideas seemed good, was executed poorly though. I feel like if I am forced to choose from an abbreviated menu the remaining items should have been on point

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

Nice place for cocktails and elevated food. Fantastic view.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Walker Bay Live was here

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

Good food, right in a cabin rental area. Like little town homes, they have a nice deck. That overlooks the Lake.And a game area That has everything from Bag toss to 3 foot high chest pieces and checkers. Not too many places that are right on the Lake. This is definitely one to visit.

Parking: Didn't seem like there was a whole lot of parking.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Double Bacon Burger

Nice place for cocktails and elevated food. Fantastic view.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Wild Burger

Food is a little overpriced but it's on Leech Lake. Karaoke was too fun.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The hamburger was delicious the ribs were okay they could probably improve the sauce that they put on top but otherwise they were very tender. I do not like the french fries so much. And they really need a lot more on their menu!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The hamburger was delicious the ribs were okay they could probably improve the sauce that they put on top but otherwise they were very tender. I do not like the french fries so much. And they really need a lot more on their menu!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Grill romaine cesear salad. Yum. Wanted a desert. But no desert?