Patio at Notch 8 restaurant located in the historic Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd, MN. Photo courtesy of Notch 8.

Savor the Season: Patio Dining Guide for Brainerd and Baxter, MN

As soon as the snow melts and the sun peeks through the pines, patio season arrives in the Brainerd Lakes Area—and locals know exactly where to go. Whether you’re looking for a lively happy hour, a family-friendly lunch, or a scenic dinner by the water, Brainerd and Baxter offer patio experiences for every taste. Here’s your go-to guide, broken down by style, to help you soak up every delicious moment.

Bar, Brewery & Craft Cocktail Patios

Great vibes, cold drinks, and laid-back atmospheres.

  • 5Rocks Distilling Co. – Brainerd
  • CC’s Bar – Brainerd
  • Jack Pine Brewery – Baxter
  • Shep’s on 6th – Brainerd

Coffee, Lunch & Treats Patios

Quick bites and sweet sips in fun spots.

  • Caribou Coffee – Brainerd (8th Ave. NE)
  • Caribou Coffee – Brainerd (W Washington St.)
  • Caribou Coffee – Baxter Marketplace
  • Caribou Coffee – Baxter (Grizzly’s Center)
  • Christmas Point – Baxter
  • Dairy Queen – Brainerd (C St. NE)
  • Dairy Queen – Brainerd (Washington St.)
  • Firehouse Subs – Baxter
  • Mickey’s Pizza and Subs – Brainerd
  • Starbucks – Brainerd (Washington St. NE)
  • Starbucks – Baxter(Edgewood Dr. N)
  • Stonehouse Coffee – Baxter
  • Loco Espress Coffeehouse & Boutique – Brainerd
  • Triangle Drive-in & Treats  – Brainerd

Dining Patios

Full-service meals in charming outdoor settings.

  • Baxter’s Bar & Grill at The Lodge Brainerd Lakes – Baxter
  • Black Bear Lodge and Saloon – Baxter
  • Grizzly’s Woodfired Grill & Steaks – Baxter
  • Notch 8 – Brainerd
  • Passport – Brainerd
  • The Woods – Brainerd

Downtown Brainerd Patios

Spots in the heart of the historic downtown.

  • Mickey’s Pizza and Subs – Brainerd
  • Passport – Brainerd
  • Shep’s on 6th  – Brainerd

Lakeside Patios

Scenic views, dockside dining, and the lake country experience. (Non-resort locations.)

  • Bar Harbor – Gull Lake
  • Dunmire’s on the Lake – North Long Lake
  • Ernie’s on Gull – Gull Lake
  • Zorbaz on Gull – Gull Lake

Tips for Patio Season in the Brainerd Lakes Area

  • Peak times are weekend evenings—arrive early to beat the crowd.
  • Dog-friendly patios are common; just call ahead to confirm.
  • Layer up! It’s Minnesota—warm days can turn cool quickly.
  • Check for live music—many venues host weekly performances during summer.

Dining outdoors is one of the best ways to experience Brainerd and Baxter in the warmer months. Whether you’re enjoying a cold drink or sampling great snacks or treats, patio season here is something to celebrate.

Tag your outdoor dining adventures with #VisitBrainerd and let the sunshine—and the food—lead the way!

If we missed a spot, please let us know via email.