Loony's Brew is a laid back dive bar / pub located in the quaint village town of Ranier, Minnesota…read more To be more precise about Ranier, MN, it's situated right beside the once bustling industrial town of International Falls, MN...just 3 miles away.
And, lol, in the bigger picture of it all, if you're visiting International Falls, MN, you're most likely in this remote part of Northern Minnesota exploring Voyageurs National Park.
That's where it started for me. I had just completed time at Voyageurs NP and while speaking with a representative at the International Falls Chamber of Commerce, they recommended stopping here at Loony's Brew.
Once in Ranier, parking was difficult, but I found a spot across the train tracks. I didn't mind walking 10 minutes over to Loony's as it gave me insight into what made Ranier unique...definitely a small town/local vibe as if I had stepped back in time.
Loony's appearance on the outside reminded me of a simple summerhouse cottage along the waterfront with a dock in the backyard for accessing Rainy Lake. Overall, it's like staying at a lake house in the countryside.
Although there's no official sign for customers to know they've arrived at Loony's Brew, there's a wooden post hanging by the entrance with a message stating...."PUB, BEER, FOOD, WINE, GOOD TIMES".
Loony's has a playful/old fashioned bar kind of feel. You could sense the owners knew the specific tone they wanted to provide for patrons.
The bar has an assortment of homegrown, locally brewed beers on tap....According to their website, they feature - "American, Hoppy, Belgian, Stouts & Porters, Fruits, Gruits, Lagers, NAs, and Barleywines".
Loony's is decorated with classic guitars, vintage license plates and loads of symbolic mementos dedicated to their history. There's a back/rear section area featuring a billiards table, jukebox and dartboard. Situated all around are high-top tables and chairs. Plus, there's a small corner for showcasing local bands and musical acts.
I ordered a beer, took it outside and walked across the street to the Brew Deck Bar area for enjoying views of Sand Bay beside Rainy Lake. The setting was pleasantly quiet. There's even a little pier where you can walk towards a rustic lighthouse.
Overall, Loony's Brew is a worthwhile place to come after your discoveries at Voyageurs National Park. It's a no hassle, no fuss brewery that embodies the blue-collar town of Ranier, MN.
