# Brainerd Restaurants Guide > Brainerd, MN offers a variety of excellent dining options for visitors staying in the area, highlighted by three standout restaurants. The Barn is a beloved local eatery known for its homemade pies and homestyle breakfast, making it a must-visit. Ernie’s on Gull, situated on Gull Lake, combines a marina with a restaurant and bar, serving American classics made from high-quality ingredients, perfect for those arriving by watercraft. The Local 218 provides a more relaxed atmosphere with a diverse menu featuring dishes like crab cakes and pan-fried walleye, making it a great spot for dinner. Overall, Brainerd is an ideal destination for both relaxation and culinary exploration. *Generated: 2026-01-26T06:39:44.837Z* ## Page Information - **Canonical URL:** https://www.minnestay.com/blog/brainerd-restaurants-guide - **Type:** post - **Last Updated:** December 23, 2024 --- ## Content # Brainerd Restaurants Guide ![Hamburger and glass of beer.](https://minnestaycom.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/bar-life.jpg) Book a vacation at our luxurious Brainerd MN rentals, and experience the plethora of relaxing amenities of this northern paradise. From watersports to entertaining events, Brainerd has it all. The Minnesota vacation hot spot is also home to a variety of excellent dining options. While staying in the Brainerd Lakes Area with MINNeSTAY, hit the town and bite into some delicious offerings from the best Brainerd restaurants. Here are just a few of our favorites that are sure to please your taste buds! ## The Barn The first on our list of favorite Brainerd restaurants in The Barn. This local eatery is known for its fantastic homemade pies and is a beloved Brainerd institution by visitors and locals alike. The homestyle offerings and breakfast make this a must-visit among all Brainerd restaurants. Stop in and taste the delicious food while chatting with the friendly staff and owners! ## Ernie's on Gull Ernie's on Gull is a Brainerd staple. Located on the shores of Gull Lake, this marina, restaurant, and bar offers incredible food in an amazing location. The menu at Ernie's is comprised of American classics made with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant also offers a full-service marina and dock staff that will accommodate any watercraft you might have. Cruise over on your pontoon or jet ski and dock up for a delicious meal at one of the best Brainerd restaurants. ## The Local 218 The Local 218 is a bit off the beaten path of the ordinary vacationer and is a great spot to grab a delicious dinner. The clean and relaxed atmosphere mixed with fantastic food make this one of the best Brainerd restaurants you can enjoy. Come and experience the great service of this hometown eatery and dine on dishes such as crab cakes, seared scallops, poutine, pasta carbonara, pan-fried walleye and more! A trip to northern Minnesota will provide you with a vast variety of entertainment and dining options. Enjoy a relaxing vacation at MINNeSTAY's premier vacation rental properties and visit these incredible Brainerd restaurants. Brainerd is your next favorite destination! ## Stay Near Brainerd's Best Restaurants Browse Our Brainerd Vacation Rentals Find the perfect place to stay within easy access to Brainerd's amazing dining scene. [View All Brainerd Area Properties](/vacation-rentals?location=Brainerd%2C+MN&radiusMiles=25&sortBy=distance&sortDirection=asc) --- ## Related Links - [View this page](https://www.minnestay.com/blog/brainerd-restaurants-guide) - [Back to LLMs Index](https://www.minnestay.com/llms.txt) - [All Pages](https://www.minnestay.com/llms-pages.md) --- *Part of MINNeSTAY - Premier Minnesota Vacation Rentals*