Lake Country Feeds

>> CAFES, DINERS, DIVES

371 Diner
A relatively new, retro-style, silver-bullet diner is the last thing you’d expect to find on the more commercial side of the Brainerd/Baxter line, but the 371 is a fun joint that serves the type of fare you get in most breakfast-around-the-clock cafés. Many of the sandwiches are commercial-tasting and not made from scratch, but the pancakes and caramel rolls are some of the best in town. The burgers are pretty good, as are the fries, but onion ring connoisseurs will find the 371’s Brew City rings right up there in the pantheon of great greasy finger foods. Kids will love the 371—if it’s raining and you need to compromise with the young ’uns over your antiquing habit, the 371 is a great equalizer.

The Barn
Locals do not recommend this place, but The Barn—a teeny throwback eatery with a string of booths, a loop-de-loop of a counter, and real gum-snapping waitresses slinging the hash—is the best for breakfast. In fact, it was the best restaurant I ate in all week. Some of the waitresses reek of coffee, some of cigarettes (they all share one ashtray!), some of something a little stronger, so the vibe is as real and gritty as it gets. The home-style entrées are all scratch, from the Swedish meatballs to the mashed potatoes and gravy, but the real treats are the Maid-Rite sandwiches. These loose-meat specialties are a regional treat in most of Iowa and several other places around the Midwest. They come piled high on soft buns, with mustard, onions, and pickles. I team them with one of The Barn’s homemade soups and a slice of its world-class pie. I love the sour cream raisin, but I tried three others, and all were outstanding. Do not travel within 100 miles of Brainerd and miss this one-of-a kind eating experience. Trust me.

Cheek’s Saloon
Good burgers, bad name. The best burger and fries on the Chain are found at this no-frills bar, perfectly situated across from Pelican Lake and a few miles south of Crosslake. The rest of the menu is nothing to write home about, but if a good burger, with plenty of beefy flavor, and a huge pile of crispy fries are what you crave, then head to Cheek’s. Don’t let the linoleum motif stop you. Head past the bar into the dining room and have at it. The burgers are the griddled variety, served in plastic green baskets with green and white checkerboard wax paper.

Country Cookin’ Café
Looking for the quintessential small-town café? The triple C is worth the drive from just about anywhere. On the main drag in Nisswa since 1938, this little piece of paradise relies on down-home country charm, neighborly service, and simple fare to keep its regulars happy—and it seems everyone is a regular. The soups and chili are homemade and may be tame for some, but paired with a club sandwich or Denver omelet they make the perfect lunch. Breakfasts are superb: real eggs, real pancakes, and real attitude with your bottomless cup of coffee.