This is a fantastic arena, one of the finest in Minnesota. It has three (3) sheets of ice; the main…read moreevent is a spectacular classic arena, one newer rink in a rectangular addition, and a covered outdoor ice sheet. IRA is the Itasca Recreation Association, a civic group started many years ago to build an arena to support youth hockey. The locals have done a great job! You are greeted with boozhoo, a welcome greeting in Ojibwe and enter a large common area with access to both rinks, bench and booth seating, banners of local hockey heros and concessions. The main arena is a gem. Wooden beams, championship banners, seating on four sides with one end viewing from heated second floor lobby and large posters of local kids who played college, NHL and Olympic hockey. If this rink does not impress you, nothing much will. Rink two is a standard second rink in a rectangle building likely also used for non-hockey events, trade shows and conferences. It's heated for fans and has much smaller bleachers than rink one. Rink three is the covered outside rink. This is a real beauty. Stands, fresh air, wind and sunshine, access to indoor arena, lockers and other arena amenities. I wish MN had more of this covered yet open ice. For the hockey fan, this building is packed with trophies, some really old, and also a lot of great history. Not just the posters of NHLers from GR, but history of the arena, and those who built this monument to youth activities.

I haven't gone to many ice arenas. But, I have been to better…read more The live feed for the tournament games never worked. Which was disappointing for out of state and family that didn't make the trip to watch the games. Beware of the stalls in the women's bathroom. I had to pull a "Sochi" lol to get out of the stall. I know it's an ICE arena. But, they could have had the heaters on for the spectators in the stands. The food was typical snack stand food. Nothing special to write home about. But, always great to grab chips and whatever the cheese that is for nachos. Ya gotta love it!! The music in between play was great. But, the highlight of the music playing was the Medic Lady!!! She was always dancing, always smiling and didn't care who was watching!!

Since moving to Minneapolis (actually Minnetrista) 11 years ago, BIR has been my "home" track. My…read morecount of NHRA Nationals event locations is just shy of 20. With new ones opening up, I look forward to adding them to the list. I've also treated family members to their first-time nitro "experience" a number of times. They were awed at the first Top Fueler making a great run. I ALWAYS make sure first-timers get a dose of start-up nitro fumes in the pits when we first arrive. I also love to see their reactions at the first good nitro run down the track!!! I'm 82, went to my first drag race at Detroit Dragway as a 16-year-old high-schooler and have subsequently been in love with the sport ever since. Full 1/4 mile runs at ~8 seconds at ~170 MPH. I was blown away! IF I could find room for all the event pins I've acquired over the decades on my current NHRA cap, I'd have a splitting headache from their weight by the time the first qualifying fuel runs were over. What's not to LOVE about the drags?

Brainerd International Raceway, Indian Motorcycle's home turf, was a flurry of activity for King of…read morethe Baggers as always. Motorcycle races started early and ran throughout the day for the event, and everyone loved listening to them roar as they zipped by and watching them turn corners so low to the ground that kneepads were literally skidding on the asphalt. I was there as a Harley Davidson representative. The HD footprint is located towards the back of the raceway, so it was fun seeing which brands had turned out for the event and watching everyone set up for the day every morning as we walked pass. It's an outdoor space, so expect food trucks and portapotties. From what others on the HD team commented, food offerings were meh. Pack or buy a lunch to bring if inclined. If you are there early as part of a big event as opposed to a guest for said event, the portapotty hand sanitizer dispensers *may* not be filled yet, so maybe bring some alongside that lunch. Just saying. The raceway entrance is located beside VP Racing Fuels gas station. Massive trucks covered that entrance on my way in, so I completely missed the entrance and turned into said gas station for directions before dancing around the multiple unloading trucks to get to the raceway entrance. The attendants at the entrance were lovely and helpful in getting my credentials. Heads up: The gas station doesn't have a restroom either, just another portapotty. Local gas prices were such a nice reprieve given the spikes in metro areas. If you happen to be staying a half-hour north of the raceway, gas prices drop even further, and there's a little motel up there I'd highly recommend as well.

The service, atmosphere, Buddy the dog walking around, music and more all made this a perfect dive…read morebar! We will be back!

Fun place to visit while bar hopping in the area, friendly & great service! Someday I will have to…read moreget there for the woodtick races. Note: the only food they offer are frozen pizzas. Would be nice if they had a bit more of a kitchen/menu.

We stopped at Two Tall Tavern while spending the weekend in Lake Country, and it was a great place…read moreto grab a meal. We were especially happy they were open on the 4th of July! It's your classic bar and grill with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. One fun surprise was the unique popcorn they served--it had a little kick to it and was really tasty. All of our dishes came with little American flags, which was a festive touch. The kids also loved checking out the fun statues outside while we were there. The only downside was that our beers were served almost warm, which was a little disappointing. Other than that, we enjoyed our stop and appreciated having a place to celebrate the holiday weekend.

Met family here for dinner. The service was excellent and food was really good. The space inside…read moreis quite big, but wasn't too loud. We were easily able to enjoy our conversation and meal. Everything came out piping hot and fresh. We ordered mozzarella sticks, tater tot barrels, chicken wings, burgers, and 1/4 order of nachos (which was huge). On the chicken wings we ordered Jamaican curry rub, garlic parmesan and sweet red chili sauces. All three were good but my favorite was the garlic parm sauce. If in the area again, I would definitely go back.

This place is fantastic! There are a multitude of beers to choose from while they prepare your…read morefood. Food is excellent and very yummy! I highly suggest the ham and cheese balls with moonshine sauce as an appetizer. The fish sandwich is very well proportioned and filling! I really haven't had one bad item, ever! The burgers are fantastic and the Castle Cream Ale is very cold in washing down the last bite. The beef is from the local meat market so if you need some good cuts of meat for the lake house/campsite/etc. be sure to stop by Thielen's Meats one block north! The wraps kick butt! Spend a day on the lake, then head to Bootlegger's for a great meal and a cold brew. Don't forget to buy a t-shirt! They are great conversation starters when you leave the wilds of Minnesota and return to the grind of the real world!

Have had several burgers here and they were all amazing. Juicy and flavorful. The service was…read moregreat. It's a place I'd recommend to anyone in the area.

I want to start with the positive...the food is really good. We have been going here for years…read more But something shady is going on. Look at your bill when they give it to you. A 34.99 meal shows up as 36.39. A 18.99 meal shows up as 19.75. Then the subtotal of those 2 incorrect amounts, then the tax. When asked about the amounts, I was told that a credit card "tax" was added automatically. So are they charging a tax on a tax? Why would they assume before even getting the bill that it was being paid by credit card. They are not disclosing how much the credit card fee is, and hiding it at the bottom, like paying cash gives you a discount. This is so disingenuous. Inflated amounts are being used to base tips on and I am not falling for this B.S. To the owners....Just do the right thing before you chase off all your good customers.

Excellent food, had the stump burger and it was phenomenal. Waffle fries add on was great. Server…read morewas amazing. Nothing bad to say and would definitely come back.