Trailside Restaurant and Bar | A Family-Friendly Haven in Bigfork, MN

Overview

Nestled along the scenic trails of Bigfork, Minnesota, Trailside Restaurant and Bar serves as a welcoming haven for travelers and locals alike. Located at 29314 Co Rd 52, this spot marries rustic charm with modern hospitality, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both genuine and warm. From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that the new ownership has breathed fresh life into the space, maintaining cleanliness while cultivating a friendly, neighborhood vibe.

The menu is thoughtfully curated with hearty dishes that reflect the regional flair and casual dining ethos. Signature offerings like the perfectly cooked prime rib and flavorful homemade soups showcase a clear dedication to quality and care. Fans rave about the Irish Nachos and Cheese Curds, appetizers that pair seamlessly with the cold beer on tap. For travelers seeking a satisfying meal after a day on the trails, the Walleye Sandwich and Chicken Wings stand out as true highlights.

Trailside also excels as a social hub—its dual role as a restaurant and bar means there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re sharing a family dinner, grabbing a quick bite, or settling in with friends over drinks, the space is designed to make you feel right at home. It’s notably both child and dog friendly, extending its welcoming spirit to all family members, two-legged and four-legged alike.

The staff, led by owners Shane and Cindy, elevates the experience further through their attentive service and intuitive drink recommendations. Their professionalism and warmth build a strong connection with patrons, enhancing the overall dining experience. The bar buzzes with genuine friendliness, making every visit feel like joining a close-knit community.

In short, Trailside Restaurant and Bar is more than just a dining destination. It stands as an essential stop for anyone exploring northern Minnesota’s trails or those simply craving satisfying, well-made food in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. This is a place where quality, comfort, and community converge beautifully.

Amenities & Services

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Coffee

Comfort food

Quick bite

Spirits

Vegetarian options

Wine

Atmosphere

Casual

What Customers Say

Christian Christensen

Dec 11,2025

5/5

June 21, 2025: We use to come year a lot before it got closed, so we wanted to check out the new ownership and see their updates. We met one of the new owners, Shane, who was professional and friendly. The place is very nice and clean. We didn't eat (weren't hungry) but the beer was nice and cold. We have heard from others the food is VERY good. We will be back again soon for dinner.

Freddie

Dec 11,2025

5/5

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of incredible food, friendly atmosphere, and top-notch service, this place is it. Shane and Cindy are absolute all-stars. They somehow know exactly what you want to drink before you even ask, and it magically appears at your table. The prime rib here is hands down the best I’ve ever had, cooked perfectly every time. Their homemade soups are just as impressive, rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care. What really sets this bar apart is how welcoming it is for everyone. It is both child friendly and dog friendly, so you can bring the whole family (two legged and four legged). The vibe is warm, the people are genuine, and every visit feels like you’re part of the neighborhood. Amazing food, great drinks, and even better company. You will not find a better spot in Minnesota.

Mike Miller

Dec 11,2025

5/5

So glad this had come back with great owners! Much needed being on the trails and such a perfect spot for travelers! Very friendly atmosphere the owners have brought back to this special area! Eat your heart out Scenic, Trailside is here!!

Mike Shadick

Dec 11,2025

5/5

We stumbled across this place while running around on the trails. The service was very friendly and the ambiance is perfect for the area. Definitely grab the Irish Nachos of Cheese Curds.

Christina Oberle

Dec 11,2025

5/5

Great place to stop to grab a drink or eat some good food. The food came out FAST despite the bar being about 1/2 full. Hailey took great care of us with a smile! They have something called flat fries, do yourself a favor and just get them! So amazing!!! They also come with their Irish nachos, also a great choice. Their is a resturant on the other side as well, but we sat at the bar.

Cody Thompson

Dec 11,2025

5/5

We were deep into an adventure and didn't see much for options for food for our family until we drove by this place. They were busy, but thankfully we got a seat right away, our youngest just woke up from a nap on a long vehicle adventure and the staff was so friendly and helpful. The server was great with kids and made them feel seen and heard. Our whole family really liked the atmosphere with all of the wood furniture and taxidermy. All of the food had great flavor and we even met the cook briefly. The menu is on the smaller side, but we enjoyed everything we tried. We'll definitely be back to try more when we're back in the area next year.

Stacy Swoverland

Dec 11,2025

5/5

This place is amazing!! The food is mouth watering and cooked to perfection. The staff is extremely kind and helpful and the service was fast and on point. Definitely a place to go as often as possible! PS - the bourbon burger is literally the best burger I've ever had!