Restaurant Recommendations in the Onamia, Wahkon or Isle area

We are planning on taking my M-in-Law out for dinner for Mother’s Day on May 13. Where is a good place to eat? We went to Izaty’s for brunch last year and we weren’t impressed.

Thanks!

We thought this place was pretty good the few time we have been there.

http://www.spiritlakepub.com/

-J.

For something a little nicer than a bar/grill which most of them are in that area would be Appledoorn’s. That and the food is perhaps a little more thought out. Mothers Day brunch $14.95 adults, children 6 and under $4.75, but by reservation only. But there’s a lot of options between Champlin and SE Mille Lacs?

Edit: Okay, I see you said you’re taking her out for Mothers day on May 13, Saturday? Or did you mean Mothers day itself Sunday the 14th? If Saturday, forget the brunch then!

Jon Jordan wrote:

We thought this place was pretty good the few time we have been there.

http://www.spiritlakepub.com/

-J.

That is good too and ironically owned and operated by Appledoorn’s as well. The one I suggested is on the Appledoorn’s resort property overlooking the lake.

Jon Jordan wrote:

We thought this place was pretty good the few time we have been there.

http://www.spiritlakepub.com/

-J.

We have been there a few times too. Just called and they will not be opening the Wahkon restaurant this season.

Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:

But there’s a lot of options between Champlin and SE Mille Lacs?

The MIL lives in Onamia and has asked us to do some work around her property as her Mother’s Day gift. So, we thought we would take her out up there.

Just called and they will not be opening the Wahkon restaurant this season

Seriously?!? They had excellent food and the screened patio was great for a relaxing dinner.

Have not been to the new Appledorns, heard it was good last fall. Spirit Lake was one of the nicer places to go. Seems like it is hit or miss at many of the resorts up there lately. Hard to keep the good cooks around.

Flagship just closed down their main dining room. Kitchen still open, just have to sit in the bar to eat now. No view of the lake….

Heard rumors that Liberty might be reopening. Might be a tuff go with the fishing regs again this year.

Can’t think of a good option for Mother Day. That is sad to say.

-J.

the better half wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Jon Jordan wrote:</div>
We thought this place was pretty good the few time we have been there.

http://www.spiritlakepub.com/

-J.

We have been there a few times too. Just called and they will not be opening the Wahkon restaurant this season.

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:</div>
But there’s a lot of options between Champlin and SE Mille Lacs?

The MIL lives in Onamia and has asked us to do some work around her property as her Mother’s Day gift. So, we thought we would take her out up there.

Oh no, a bit of a shock that Spirit lake is not reopening. Not heard anything about that, then again probably not something they would advertise that they are closing down for good!

Not sure how far it is for you but the Y-Club in Garrison is actually pretty good as well. I have been there a number of times and they do have a good menu.

Jon Jordan wrote:

Heard rumors that Liberty might be reopening. Might be a tuff go with the fishing regs again this year.

-J.

Jon, yes Liberty Beach is or has reopened. Saw this in the paper a couple days ago…
http://www.messagemedia.co/millelacs/news/business/bringing-liberty-beach-back-to-life/article_69bf8260-29cd-11e7-b42f-fb9dd211b198.html

Liberty is open again. On another note, on a drive into Brainerd saturday morning, went around the north end… what is all that blue line in the tress on the north side of 18, just west of Barneveld’s ? It looks like some kind of blue hose or something… anybody know what this stuff is or what it is for ???

big_g wrote:

Liberty is open again. On another note, on a drive into Brainerd saturday morning, went around the north end… what is all that blue line in the tress on the north side of 18, just west of Barneveld’s ? It looks like some kind of blue hose or something… anybody know what this stuff is or what it is for ???

It is left up all year, though only utilized in the spring for collection of maple sap.

To be completely honest, this area has nothing but bar food, very disappointing. When Spirit lake first opened 4 years ago it was phenomenal, but with in 2 years it was nothing better than anyplace else after “staff changes” and a few menu downgrades….

If I were you I would be looking to head to the Brainerd/Nisswa area for good food.
Check out places like Grand View lodge or other resort/golf courses for some actual food. I know thats not what the ML area needs, but it is the truth about the dining here.

Try Toucan’s They have been updating on Facebook and have some good food…..

bigcrappie wrote:

Try Toucan’s They have been updating on Facebook and have some good food…..

I stop in there quite a bit. Still bar food. And hit or miss depending on who is cooking….

-J.

Chico’s a little south of the lake on 169 ain’t bad. They have a bar on one side, dining on the other. If you get the taco salad I suggest only getting the 1/3 order. I’m a big guy with a big appetite and I couldn’t finish the 1/2.

Isn’t there a steak place in Wahkon, like the Northern or something ? Across from Muggs ?

You could always do the white linen dining option at Mickey D’s in Garrison. Bring your own table cloth,silverware, and edible food.

Went to what I believe was the Y-club last year and had the best fetuccii I’ve ever had.
DT

Da Boathouse on Mac’s Twin Bay has good food and a good selection. Bar room and separate dinging room.

Dutchboy wrote:

You could always do the white linen dining option at Mickey D’s in Garrison. Bring your own table cloth,silverware, and edible food.

We still haven’t figured out what we are going to do.

The one time we went to the Y Club we weren’t impressed but maybe we were just there on an off night. We discussed going to Brainard but it is just to far away for this occasion.

Pine Inn in Glen ?

twin pines? Not that far from the Y can be pricey though.

Try Lonesome Pine on bay lake. 7 miles from Garrison and great food. Definitely a step above the areas resort bar food.

You could call Hunters Point also.. yeah they have bar food burgers and baskets, but they also make a mean rib eye steak and even have fresh lobster at times. worth a shot.

I thought Appledoorn’s and Hunter’s Point were much better than “bar food” this winter when I ate at both of them.

big_g wrote:

Isn’t there a steak place in Wahkon, like the Northern or something ? Across from Muggs ?

I think that would be the now closed Spirit Lake, unless you’re talking about Wahkon Inn which is just bar grub. The Northern Inn is the motel next to the sweet shop on the corner.

Jon Jordan wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>bigcrappie wrote:</div>
Try Toucan’s They have been updating on Facebook and have some good food…..

I stop in there quite a bit. Still bar food. And hit or miss depending on who is cooking….

-J.

Have you tried the “Experience” at Toucan’s for breakfast? It is beautiful!

I have heard Eddy’s is on the higher end and could be an option for you. Personally I have never been and most likely will never go there but that is for other reasons.

Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:

Have you tried the “Experience” at Toucan’s for breakfast? It is beautiful!

I may never go to breakfast there again after the last fail….

-J.

Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>big_g wrote:</div>
Isn’t there a steak place in Wahkon, like the Northern or something ? Across from Muggs ?

I think that would be the now closed Spirit Lake, unless you’re talking about Wahkon Inn which is just bar grub. The Northern Inn is the motel next to the sweet shop on the corner.

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Jon Jordan wrote:</div>

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>bigcrappie wrote:</div>
Try Toucan’s They have been updating on Facebook and have some good food…..

I stop in there quite a bit. Still bar food. And hit or miss depending on who is cooking….

-J.

Have you tried the “Experience” at Toucan’s for breakfast? It is beautiful!

I have heard Eddy’s is on the higher end and could be an option for you. Personally I have never been and most likely will never go there but that is for other reasons.

Eddy’s? Really? I was really impressed by the suggestions until that. While You may know and I may know why we wouldn’t step foot into the place the poster may not.

Tribe owned and GLIFWC endorsed. You would be better off starving or picking up some road kill before stepping in there.

There I did it, the thread has gone political.

Jon Jordan wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:</div>
Have you tried the “Experience” at Toucan’s for breakfast? It is beautiful!

I may never go to breakfast there again after the last fail….

-J.

Jon, do tell…

You are spot on with it depends on who is cooking. I am just across the channel and hesitate to go up and eat. The “experience” used to be awesome, but I haven’t had it in a year.

Hunter’s has good food in the dining area. Usually have a steak of fish special that is good. Small dining area…no idea how busy they will be.

Pete