Wine and Dine in Detroit Lakes
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, is an ideal destination to get away from it all. Fun is had; memories are made; stories are told. Each day is its own adventure worth toasting. The best part is you and your family needn’t look far to catch up on the good times over a meal, cocktail or some of the best coffee you’ve ever had.
Families flock to Detroit Lakes from across the midwest because it has something for everybody. That certainly extends to the food and drinks. From casual pubs to chill out to fine dining experiences visitors have dreamed of all year, Detroit Lakes is ready to serve you in the manner you are expecting. Whether you are eating on a patio overlooking the lakes or dining by candlelight, our hospitality shines through. There will be plenty of wine but no whining! Talk about a perfect vacation.
Here’s how to wine and dine your way through Detroit Lakes.
Go Casual
Whether you prefer socializing over coffee or a beer (or both!), you can get your drink on while filling up on some good grub. Zorbaz at the Beach specializes in all your family favorites from A to Z. Bleachers Bar & Grill serves up great apps and burgers, and even better atmosphere and lakefront view. Hub 41 has a unique spin on some classics (Rueben rolls, Gouda pickles) as well as burgers, gyros and other fun fare. Be sure to sit on the patio at Pit 611 while enjoying your burger, sandwich or wrap. Hotel Shoreham provides a bistro atmosphere complete with stellar pizza. Find homestyle cooking at Cormorant Pub. La Barista, in the Washington Square Mall, is a full-service coffee bar complete with breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Sunlite Bar and Grill is a ray of sunshine for hungry souls in the mood for burgers. It’s reachable via boat on Big and Little Floyd lakes. Roasted Pub & Eatery specializes in both craft cocktails and its coffee bar, which add to the wood-fired pizzas, steaks, sandwiches and more.
Fine Dining
Maybe your kids just graduated from high school or college, someone got a new job or there is an anniversary to be celebrated; Detroit Lakes has some fine establishments to mark the moment. And if you just want a truly delicious meal, there are no better choices than these two fine establishments.
Spanky’s Stone Hearth is a classic steakhouse where no one in your family can go wrong. Enjoy a signature cut or try your hand at some elegant seafood. The restaurant is so confident it offers a “trust me” menu item, in which the chef takes complete control.
The Fireside of Detroit Lakes locally infuses its menu with a collection of walleye dishes. Vegetarians will want to order the mushroom risotto.
Ethnic Done Exquisitely
Burgers, brews and steaks are not the only game in town. Make sure to tour the world without leaving the lake. Sapphire has a wide assortment of sushi, offers hibachi (who doesn’t love that?) and provides some American cuisine options as well. Papacitos Burritos lets you choose what overstuffs your tortilla. El Loro has all of your favorite Tex-Mex entrees, including enchiladas, tacos and fajitas. Chinese Dragon is a traditional favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Treat Yourself
Not in the mood for a sit-down meal? Food trucks ride the roads with treasures for those who seek out their locations on social media.
Parenteau’s Oof-da Tacos and the Epic Taco Food Truck serve the ever-popular handheld taco meals. Fork in the Road Truck has five to seven options every day, with the pulled pork grilled cheese—yes, you read that right—as a mainstay. La Barista is the driving force behind Epic Taco and Fork on the Road.
Do you have a sweet tooth? Mini Donuts by Denise shrinks its size to suit your guilt. Or maybe it’s so you can try more without filling up as quickly. Either way, you win big with these smallish sizes.
Tap to It
There’s nothing quite like downing a brewskie with some buddies after a “tough” day relaxing at the lake, hacking your way through a golf course or exploring nature. Lakeside Tavern & Brewery has been quenching thirsts since 1891. There are 24 beers on tap and the Bavarian pretzel rolls make the perfect pairing to the brew of your choice.
Long Bridge Bar, Grill and Marina adds a Caribbean twist, complete with live music often on its patio stage. Order some wings while there. You’ll thank us later.
If nothing says Midwestern staple like cheese curds, then Brygge Taps & Tastes truly fits the bill. In addition to its extensive beer list, it throws in poutine and house-cut chips.
Holiday Inn Beach Bar & Grill offers ample indoor seating with HDTVs and an outdoor patio area, both with an expansive view of Big Detroit Lake, making it an ideal place to close out the night.
Bucks Mill Brewing, opened their doors on Washington Avenue in August of 2022. Be among the first to toast a locally sourced and brewed craft beer in downtown Detroit Lakes.
Arts and Culture
Enrich your stay in Northwestern Minnesota by taking advantage of unique cultural experiences.
Catch a show at the Historic Holmes Theatre. Its schedule this year includes a live performance of “The Music Man Jr.”
Stop by Forest Edge Gallery to enjoy unique, locally crafted copper pieces and pottery, as well as local and national artistry.
The Bandshell in City Park hosts musical festivities through its Tuesdays in the Park, starting at 7 p.m. weekly. On select dates, Thursdays Trucks & Tunes will offer a second public concert.
Explore Native American heritage by attending the White Earth Pow Wow or Pine Point Pow Wow. Traditional dancing, singing and drumming are always highlights.
WE Fest is the country’s largest country music and camping festival. You can book your whole trip around this Aug. 4-6 event.
Seek out the 150 one-of-a-kind sailboat exhibits around the Detroit Lakes region, marking Detroit Lakes’ 150th anniversary. Nearly 100 artists contributed to this project.
Come for the lakes and stay for the food and fun entertainment you’ll find in Detroit Lakes.