THE ULTIMATE PIZZA
Dough Bros Woodfire Pizza 14039 Edgewood Dr. N., Brainerd
• 218-454-4900
Over The Top Finding the ultimate pizza is no easy task. The search for the ultimate pizza took us on a cultural journey through the Brainerd Lakes Area, where we found Chicago-style, New Yorkstyle, Detroit-style, Sicilian, and our“ ultimatefoodie” favorite, the Neapolitan pizzas at Dough Bros Woodfire Pizza in Brainerd.
Dough Bros says its pizzas“ are born” from the flames of its custom-made wood fire oven. Dough Bros also gave life to our new standard in“ ultimate” pizza.
Our taste buds were in for a treat with pizzas like the“ Shroom & Snail”( escargot and mushroom),“ Fig & Pig”( fig, gorgonzola and prosciutto),“ Fancy Fitzy”( BBQ sauce, chicken, red onion, bacon, mozzarella, cilantro and hot honey), and“ Street Taco”( barbacoa short rib, cotta cheese, cilantro, and pico de gallo).
There was one pizza, however, that stood out in our search for the ultimate pizza. Dough Bros’“ Over the Top” had the sound of“ ultimate” to us – and it was.
The“ Over the Top” pizza was a mountain of fresh meats, piled high with bacon, pepperoni, sausage, ham, prosciutto and mozzarella cheese. This pizza was more than satisfying, and definitely lived up to its name!
NOTE: Try the“ Truffle Burrata” with its white sauce, prosciutto, whipped burrata( an Italian cheese made with mozzarella and cream), mozzarella, truffle oil and fresh basil. If you love truffle oil, this creation is for you.
OTHER ULTIMATE Favorites:
Rafferty’ s Pizza 25457 Main St., Nisswa • 218-963-3023( Also locations in Crosslake, Crosby and Baxter)
The Feisty Pig Pulled pork, smoked bacon, red onion, pickles, jalapeno peppers, mozzarella, cheddar and a bourbon molasses sauce.
Zorbaz On Gull Lake at 8105 Lost Lake Road, Lake Shore
• 218-963-4790( Also a location at 36215 County Road 66, Crosslake)
Zorbaz Zuper Pepperoni, ground beef, Canadian bacon, Italian sausage, mushrooms, red onions, black olives, tomatos, green olives, green peppers, extra cheese and sauerkraut and pineapple on request.
Blaze Pizza 25457 Main St., Nisswa • 218-963-3023
The Carnivore Pepperoni, ham, and crumbled meatballs with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and a drizzle of Balsamic glaze.
THE ULTIMATE STEAK DINNER
Dunmire’ s on the Lakes 19090 Highway 371, Brainerd • 218-454-0690
Craving a perfect steak dinner date night? Head to Dunmire’ s on the Lakes, on the north end of Long Lake. At Dunmire’ s, they say“ food is more than just something to eat— it’ s how we show love.”
Our“ ultimate” 14-ounce ribeye was cooked with that love – juicy, perfectly grilled and seasoned to perfection with dashes of salt and pepper.
This steak was simple but elegant. A Balsamic glaze drizzled on the plate provided an extra sweet and tangy flavor to an already perfect dish.
Served with a view of the lake, a side salad( with a sensational homemade blue cheese dressing) and cheesy, homemade au gratin potatoes, our meal was one to remember!
An 8-ounce filet is also featured on the menu.
NOTE: On Friday and Saturday nights, Dunmire’ s on the Lakes features a queen or king prime rib special. Our prime rib was perfectly cooked and served with two sides. Its size surprised us. A to-go box was a necessity!
Other ULTIMATE Favorites:
CHAR Craft Steaks at Grand View Lodge 23521 Nokomis Ave, Nisswa • 218-963-8756
Classic traditions seared with flavors that sizzle, including Char’ s signature black truffle stuffed ribeye.
The Quarterdeck 9820 Birch Bay Drive SW, Nisswa
• 218-963-2482
New York Strip grilled to your liking, garlic butter, Yukon gold mashed topped with garlic butter, vegetable of the day.
THE ULTIMATE BURGER
Notch 8 Chow House & Drinkery 1511 Northern Pacific Center, Brainerd
• 218-454-6688
Craving the“ ultimate” burger? A top-notch burger is all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. We found our burger in an unsuspecting location in a former rail yard where railroad history meets legendary dining.
Our favorite Lakes Area burger needed to be“ ultimate,” and Notch 8’ s burger had us at its name: THE Burger. THE Burger is a gourmet burger that is truly unique and left us looking forward to more— in a great way!
This“ ultimate” burger starts with a premium blend of short rib and ground chuck, creating a patty that is rich and flavorful. The true star, however, is the harmonious blend of toppings: smoky mayo adds complexity, while a sweet and spicy bacon jam provides a tantalizing contrast. Pepper jack cheese brings a creamy melt and a touch of spice, and a soft brioche bun perfectly balances the robust flavors.
Altogether, this gourmet burger is a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses.
If we were out on the lake, we’ d say“ One bite and you’ ll be hooked.” But at Notch 8, one bite will have you kicking your“ Ultimate Foodie-ism” into high gear.
Note: The lobster bisque is not to miss.
12 2025 | destinationupnorth. com