EAT & DRINK
The Ultimate Meal Up North
BY JEFF HAGE, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
No matter what kind of adventure you go on Up North, you’ re sure to work up an appetite. What is the ultimate meal Up North? We set out to answer that question and take you on a journey towards becoming the ultimate foodie in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
We spent two months exploring Up North’ s top eateries, from cozy diners and pizzerias to elegant restaurants and bistros. We even discovered hidden lakeside gems, craft beers from local breweries and delightful sweet shops.
Whether you love fresh fish from Gull Lake, the family Italian recipes, or burgers, steaks and sugary delights, our guide to being the“ ultimate foodie” has something for everyone.
The tastebuds of people visiting the Brainerd Lakes Area will be treated to a delicious array of flavors and dishes. Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other!
THE ULTIMATE WALLEYE DINNER
Ernie’ s on the Lake 10424 Gull Point Road | East Gull Lake
• 218-822-3500
Ernie’ s on the Lake, situated on beautiful Gull Point, offers breathtaking views of Gull Lake and a menu that truly captures the essence of Lake Country cuisine.
In our quest for the Lake Country’ s ultimate walleye dinner, we sought a unique dining experience that offered more than just a delicious piece of fish.
Ernie’ s delivered with its“ ultimate” walleye dinner, a true flavor explosion featuring a
10 2025 | destinationupnorth. com
pretzel-crusted walleye filet paired with creamy beer cheese risotto( garnished with popcorn), smoky and charred broccolini and a zesty pomegranate gastrique.
The generous walleye portion was perfectly complemented by the sweet and sour gastrique, which enhanced each crunchy bite of the pretzel breading. The walleye dinner was fresh, flavorful and absolutely mouth-watering.
This delectable combination is not to be missed!
NOTE: The Mushroom & Swiss burger was a perfectly-cooked smash burger with wild mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and a garlic aioli.
Other ULTIMATE Favorites:
Mission Point at Madden’ s Resort 11266 Pine Beach Peninsula, Brainerd
• 800-642-5363
Choice of pan seared, blackened or parmesan crusted walleye topped with dill beurre blanc, served with truffle mash & broccoli.
Bar Harbor Supper Club 8164 Interlachen Rd, Lake Shore
• 218-963-2568
Pistachio crusted walleye served with wild mushroom pilaf and vegetable.
ULTIMATE ITALIAN
Maucieri’ s Italian Bistro 34650 Co Rd 3, Crosslake • 218-692-4800
L’ Ultimo! That’ s“ the ultimate” in Italian. Maucieri’ s Italian Bistro offers a lasagna dish that is true to Italian tradition. This lasagna features layers of homemade pasta, a family-recipe sausage, tomatoes and a blend of three cheeses, all baked until golden. That’ s amore!
The dish is then generously covered in Maucieri’ s homemade sauce, affectionately referred to as“ gravy.” This“ gravy” recipe originated from Abruzzi, Italy, and has been passed down through generations, dating to their Grandmother Angelina, originally from Abruzzi, Italy.
NOTE: Maucieri’ s Tuscan Pasta features artichokes, spinach, bruschetta and garlic, sautéed and oil-finished with wine and pesto that hold up perfectly on Maucieri’ s homemade rigatoni. We found the Tuscan Pasta to be one of the gems on Maucieri’ s menu.
Other ULTIMATE Favorites:
Baia Della Italian Kitchen 15115 Edgewood Dr N, Baxter
• 218-824-6444