The best bars & nightlife in Brainerd

9 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 9 places · showing the latest additions first

Ya Sure Kombucha is a downtown Brainerd kombuchery pouring craft, non-alcoholic sips with plenty of zip, from tart, fruity kombucha to…

216 S 8th St

Ya Sure Kombucha is a downtown Brainerd kombuchery pouring craft, non-alcoholic sips with plenty of zip, from tart, fruity kombucha to house ginger beer and old-school root beer. It’s a low-key spot to meet up, hydrate ambitiously, and feel a little virtuous without giving up the fun.

From the Brainerd newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Dennis Drummond Wine Co blends a veteran winemaker’s California know-how with Brainerd Lakes charm, pouring boutique Minnesota-made wines…

11919 Thiesse Rd

Dennis Drummond Wine Co blends a veteran winemaker’s California know-how with Brainerd Lakes charm, pouring boutique Minnesota-made wines alongside a bistro menu that actually pairs well. Take a winery tour, sample the tasting room lineup, then claim it as your new low-key midweek reward.

From the Brainerd newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Cana Wine Bar

Nightlife

Cana Wine Bar in Crosby lets you explore a self-service, self-dispensing lineup with wines that change weekly, plus tasty small plates to…

64 1st Ave SW (Crosby)

Cana Wine Bar in Crosby lets you explore a self-service, self-dispensing lineup with wines that change weekly, plus tasty small plates to keep things interesting. Owned by locals who really know their grapes, it’s an easy, low-pressure way to sample around the world without leaving the Brainerd Lakes orbit.

From the Brainerd newsletter, August 28, 2026

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WineDown

Nightlife

WineDown keeps things fresh with a monthly rotation of nine wines from around the world, plus craft cocktails and whiskey flights for the…

5386 Merril Ave (Nisswa)

WineDown keeps things fresh with a monthly rotation of nine wines from around the world, plus craft cocktails and whiskey flights for the non-grape crowd. Pair it with a proper charcuterie situation and consider your midweek reset handled, Brainerd.

From the Brainerd newsletter, August 21, 2026

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Shep's On 6th

Nightlife

For an easygoing place to watch the game and unwind, Shep's On 6th nails the local vibe with cold drinks, good bar grub, and cheeky touches…

315 S 6th St

For an easygoing place to watch the game and unwind, Shep's On 6th nails the local vibe with cold drinks, good bar grub, and cheeky touches like the Loyal Order of Elbows and Koozie Club. Pull tabs and e-tabs add a little extra buzz with your banter.

From the Brainerd newsletter, September 20, 2026

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When only crispy, no-nonsense tavern eats will do, Oak Lawn Tavern nails it with juicy chicken, hearty rib plates, and a Reuben locals brag…

15483 MN-18

When only crispy, no-nonsense tavern eats will do, Oak Lawn Tavern nails it with juicy chicken, hearty rib plates, and a Reuben locals brag about. Pair it with a cold beer, catch the game, play a few bar games, then call it a week well spent.

From the Brainerd newsletter, September 22, 2026

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The Side Track Bar and Restaurant keeps it simple in the best way, with big, juicy burgers, Sidetracked Chicken Wings, and the sleeper-hit…

18071 MN-371

The Side Track Bar and Restaurant keeps it simple in the best way, with big, juicy burgers, Sidetracked Chicken Wings, and the sleeper-hit Turkey Fritter. It’s the kind of laid-back local where breakfast, lunch, or dinner can turn into catching a set or sticking around with neighbors.

From the Brainerd newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Cowboy*s

Nightlife

From its famous burger menu to prime rib and a legit fish fry, Cowboy's has been the friendly family restaurant and watering hole since…

8385 Interlachen Rd (Lake Shore)

From its famous burger menu to prime rib and a legit fish fry, Cowboy's has been the friendly family restaurant and watering hole since 2011. Not on the main drag, just good comfort food, welcoming faces, and desserts you’ll pretend you’re sharing.

From the Brainerd newsletter, August 14, 2026

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Craving a proper Fresh Angus Beef burger and a craft beer lineup that actually has range? This week, Yesterday's Gone Bar & Grill is a…

219 S 9th St

Craving a proper Fresh Angus Beef burger and a craft beer lineup that actually has range? This week, Yesterday's Gone Bar & Grill is a Brainerd Lakes hometown favorite for friendly, come-as-you-are vibes, award-winning Bloody Marys, and pool tables that turn 'one quick game' into an evening well spent.

From the Brainerd newsletter, August 30, 2026

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