Pequot Lakes' Dining Scene Grows: Lakes Tavern, Northern Soul

Pequot Lakes' dining scene is adding options. Lakes Tavern re-established the former Timberjack Smokehouse and Saloon space with a patio and live music, and Northern Soul Smokehouse has joined the town's restaurant lineup. For residents and second-home owners, that means more reasons to stay in town for dinner instead of driving to the bigger communities.

What is Lakes Tavern?

Lakes Tavern is the re-established version of the former Timberjack Smokehouse and Saloon, and it has become a newer gathering spot in town with a patio and live music. For a small community, a place that can host an evening out without a drive to Brainerd or Baxter is a real amenity.

What is Northern Soul Smokehouse?

Northern Soul Smokehouse is a newer restaurant in town, adding another sit-down option to Pequot Lakes' small but growing dining lineup. Smokehouse menus fit the lake-country rhythm, where a relaxed meal after a day on the water is part of the appeal.

What does the growing dining scene mean for the town?

**More reasons to stay local.** Dining options keep residents and visitors in town instead of sending them down the highway.

**A sign of the town's momentum.** New restaurants tend to follow new rooftops, and Pequot Lakes has both. See how the town is building for its next chapter.

**A livelier downtown.** Restaurants with patios and music give the town an evening pulse that supports the shops and the Paul Bunyan State Trail crowd.

The bottom line

Pequot Lakes is becoming the kind of town where you can live, work, and eat without leaving, and the new dining options are part of that. If you are comparing it against other Lakes Area communities, start with the Pequot Lakes community guide and schedule a conversation when you want to talk about what fits your lifestyle. Cheers!