Probably one of the five best meals I've ever had in a restaurant in my life.
The walleye in any fashion is great.
There was nothing I had that wasn't among the best tasting I've ever experienced. I'm a big fan of their wild rice soup.
Service seems a little overwhelmed but they tried hard to please.
I've always had a fond remembrance of this place, that's why I'm giving the stars, otherwise it would be less. I ordered their prime rib French dip sandwich with a side of fries. The fruits were good, pretty standard. My sandwich was awful. My first complaint is that when I got it, it was stacked so full of steak that the sandwich was completely falling apart. Normally, I wouldn't complain about that, I'd just user a fork for the pieces that fall out. It was so ridiculously salty I couldn't eat much. And it was riddled with an excessive amount if fat. I had taken it to go, otherwise I would have sent it back in a heartbeat. Not impressed with this sandwich at all. Steer clear.
Review Source:Pretty cool place. I got a vibe like it was possibly a chain, probably because they have a very extensively architected log cabin theme going on, but I only saw the one and the food was better than I would expect from a chain.
I had the fried Walleye sandwich which was great. I had never even heard of walleye before I went to Minnesota, and I was an instant fan. The creamy wild rice soup was awesome too.
This place has a total "up north" cabin vibe. Â Which is pretty cool if that's what you are looking for. Â The food is your standard American fare. Â Big ass burgers, ribs slathered in bbq sauce, giant plates of fries. Â They are well known for their super creamy chicken wild rice soup, which makes me hungry typing that out.
Review Source:Stopped in here for a bite after work twice this week and both times was happy with the service, food, and decor.
Sat at the bar because the rest of the restaurant was closed off because it was only 4pm. The bartender was attentive and friendly.
The food was ok and reasonably priced. Â I ordered the half sandwich and soup. Â The chicken and rice soup was as good as the other yelpers claim.
The decor was nice, think log cabin and hunting lodge.
Stopped by Black Bear for lunch this weekend. They usually have pretty good soups and sandwiches. I ordered their 1/2 soup and sandwich combo with their chicken chili and club sandwich. The soup was just OK, I remember it being better the last time we stopped in. It was pretty thick and had good flavor, but could have used more vegetable chunks. The club sandwich was great with nice, thick slices of fresh carved turkey and ham. My mom had the reuben sandwich and loved it.
Review Source:The Black Bear in Brainerd is a strange animal. The outward appearance is one of an upscale restaurant which couldn't disappoint. Once you have seen the belly of the beast, though- you see that it is a cleverly-designed facade.
The low rating is due to two main factors-
First off, if one walks into this place and doesn't look affluent, your service WILL be less personable.
Second, the food which one gets here can be gotten other places for much, much cheaper.
The only things keeping this rating from being an absolute zero is that on Wednesday nights the appetizers drop to half-price, and the tap beer selection drops to 2.50 a pour. Also, Terry the bartender is another of this restaurant's Saving Graces.
My business trip and reviews of Minnesota restaurants rolls on. Â The food was adequate and the chicken and wild rice soup was outstanding. My party didn't get anything but the basics (onion rings, fries, etc). I didn't get the great service that the previous reviewer got in fact it seemed like our waitress was trying to rush us out the door. Â My opinion come for the soup but don't expect to stay long.
Review Source:This place should get a 5 star rating just for looks alone, but lets face it, I am all about the food. The service was second to none and I felt like we were the most important customer from the minute we walked through the door. I must say the food was better then what I expected. I thought at first the price for the chili and other things listed on the menu was a Little high, but you pay for what you get. Great service and really good food.
BEST OF ALL!!!!
They also have a gluten free menu.......
Guess what? Â My parents got another gift card to Black Bear for Christmas! Â I love that they wait and use their gift cards when I come up to visit.
It doesn't matter how much I starve myself, I always get full after just the soup and bread. Â That Chicken and Wild Rice soup never disappoints! Â
This time, I got the fisherman's platter. Â It came with pan-fried walleye, seared scallops on rice pilaf, broiled shrimp with butter, mashed potatoes and green beans. Â I ended up giving most of the food away as I was so full, but that was the best, freshest seafood I have ever had! Â The walleye melted in my mouth and that tartar sauce was great on EVERYTHING...just ask my sister who dipped her green beans in it!
Black Bear is a great place to go in Brainerd!