Travel around the Lakes Area and you’ll find local breweries and a microdistillery. Each place has a cool, laid back vibe and some seriously tasty brews and spirits. They’re the perfect places to slow down, sip, and unwind.
Jack Pine Brewery’s taproom offers as laidback, family friendly atmosphere that focuses on great beer and good conversation. The Jack Pine crew are always experimenting so every few weeks customers have new seasonal beers to sample. On warm days, the taproom’s large industrial door opens, and the crowd effortlessly spills out on to the patio tucked in a grove of pine trees.
Tasty Brew: Dead Branch. Cream ale that has a mild and grainy flavor. Suitable for all palettes.
5Rocks is making a splash since it opened in 2020. Family owned and operated, 5Rocks uses locally sourced ingredients to make small batch spirits. You’ll find Cold North Vodka, Salmiakki, Lizzy’s Gin, Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Maple Bourbon. Sample spirits, or try mules, old-fashioneds martinis, specialty and dessert cocktails! Bring a cocktail kits (or two) home as a souvenir!
Tasty Spirit: Cold North Vodka. Handcrafted from MN wild rice and sugar beets, this vodka has a sweet vanilla finish.
Tasty Cocktail: Cold North Espresso Martini. Cold North Vodka, 5Rocks roast espresso, liqueur, espresso.
14 Lakes Craft Brewing Company offers an intimate setting for friends and family to enjoy quality beer and good company. The taproom is family friendly with board games and cards. On warm summer evenings, you can play a game of cornhole (bags) on the patio or just relax or take in the surrounding beauty. Visitors often bring their favorite four-legged friends to socialize, too. When vacationing in Crosslake, make sure to stop in and enjoy great beer!
Tasty Brew: Blond Rush Ale. A clean, crisp, and refreshing ale with a slight citrus taste and mild bitterness.
The newest brewery to land in the Brainerd Lakes is the Snarky Loon. The beer is German and Belgian influenced along with some seasonal rotating taps. The Snarky Loon also easily melds the outdoors with its large doors to the outside and a live music patio. You’ll find the Snarky Loon is a great place to bring people together and have a good time while enjoying good beer.
Tasty Brew: Shenanigans Irish Amber Ale. An easy drinking beer with subtle flavors with a soft toffee/caramel sweetness and a touch of roasted dryness in the finish.
Big Axe is serious about brewing good beer and providing a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. You’ll appreciate not only the variety but the quality of beer. Kids and nonbeer drinkers will love the homemade cream soda and root beer.
Big Axe also has a full-service menu that pairs nicely with their craft beers. The patio is the perfect place to enjoy the summer sunshine, drink a cold one, and relax after shopping downtown Nisswa.
Tasty Brew: Cherry Vanilla Almond Sour. Traditional sour beer with a balanced tartness, complemented by flavors of cherry, vanilla, and almond.
Cana Wine Bar in Crosby is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and those looking to unwind in a cozy, elevated setting. Featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of wines from around the world, Cana offers something for every palate—from bold reds to crisp whites and unique varietals. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it the perfect place to gather with friends, enjoy a date night, or simply relax after a day of exploring the Cuyuna Lakes area.
In addition to its impressive wine list, Cana Wine Bar offers a delicious menu of small plates and shareable bites designed to complement your glass. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual sip or a full evening experience, Cana delivers a blend of sophistication and comfort that keeps guests coming back.
Tasty Sip: Ask about their featured wine flight—an ever-changing selection that lets you explore new favorites and discover something unexpected with each visit.
