The Barn

If you're looking for a place with an authentic atmosphere of old-school Americana, then The Barn is exactly what you need. This cozy historic diner is located in Brainerd, USA, and has been delighting guests for over 78 years. The establishment has become a true Minnesota legend, where locals and tourists alike gather over a plate of hearty home-cooked food.

The main pride of The Barn is their incredible homemade pies. The menu features a variety of flavors: from classic apple and blueberry to exotic rhubarb custard or banana cream. The diner's design, with its traditional counter and high stools, creates a sense of warmth and nostalgia, while the friendly staff often know regular customers by name.

The restaurant fits perfectly into any traveler's itinerary through the Brainerd Lakes Area. It's a place where comfort food traditions come to life, offering guests hearty breakfasts and lunches at very affordable prices. A high Google rating confirms that it's not just a diner, but an important cultural landmark on the regional map.

For your convenience, we've gathered the current contact information for the establishment so you can easily book a table or check the availability of your favorite pie.

You should come to The Barn first and foremost for the gastronomic experience. Start your day with a hearty breakfast: they serve excellent eggs, crispy bacon, sausage, and fragrant French toast. If you stop by for lunch, be sure to try the signature Maid Rite—a loose meat sandwich—or choose one of the homemade dishes like roasted chicken with mashed potatoes or juicy roast beef.

The main ritual of a visit is ordering a famous pie. They often sell out very quickly, so experienced patrons recommend reserving a slice in advance. Try it "à la mode" (with ice cream) for maximum dessert enjoyment. While your order is being prepared, you can grab a seat at the counter and watch the bustle of a typical American diner or chat with the locals.

The atmosphere here is perfect for a leisurely break after an active day on the lakes or a long drive. It's a great place to feel like part of the local community, enjoy the view of Highway 210 through the windows, and simply enjoy a delicious meal in a setting that hasn't changed for decades.

Finding The Barn is easy, as it's located at 711 Washington St, right on the busy Highway 210. It's just one block east of 6th Street, making it an ideal pit stop for travelers passing through town.

The most convenient way to get here is by car. The drive from the central part of the city takes only a few minutes. If you are flying into the regional airport, you can use taxi services or Uber/Lyft, as the trip is no more than 10 kilometers. Parking is available for guests right at the entrance.

While public transportation in the area is modest, its proximity to major roads makes the restaurant easily accessible. During the summer season, tourists vacationing at the lakes often stop by, and in winter, it becomes a popular resting spot for cross-country skiers and snowmobilers.

The history of The Barn began back in 1945 when a family from Iowa opened a diner here as part of an original Maid Rite franchise. Since then, the establishment has become a true symbol of continuity and family tradition in Minnesota.

In 1970, the restaurant was purchased by the parents of the previous owner, Gary. For nearly twenty years, his mother personally created those very homemade pie recipes that made the place famous throughout the area. Since 1989, Gary continued his parents' work, carefully preserving the atmosphere of a classic mid-century American diner.

Today, this legendary spot is managed by Ben and Tami Olson. The new owners strive to maintain the same level of hospitality and food quality that generations of locals have come to love. The Barn is not just an eatery; it's a living history of the city, where every piece of decor and every dish serves as a reminder of the good old days.

To fully enjoy a lunch or breakfast at The Barn, we recommend budgeting 1 to 2 hours in your schedule. This will be enough time to leisurely browse the menu, place your order, and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere of the place.

Keep in mind that it can get busy during peak hours, and waiting for those famous homemade pies is worth spending an extra 15-20 minutes over a cup of fresh coffee. If you only plan to stop by for a takeout dessert, the visit might take less time, but we suggest staying longer.

The establishment operates on a convenient schedule that allows you to drop in for an early breakfast or a late dinner on certain days. Please note that operating hours vary depending on the day of the week.

From Monday to Wednesday, the doors are open from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM. From Thursday to Saturday, the restaurant stays open longer—from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM. On Sunday, guests are welcome from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM. We recommend arriving early if you are dreaming of a specific type of pie, as the most popular ones sell out in the first half of the day.

A visit to this cozy restaurant can easily be combined with exploring local attractions that will help you better feel the spirit of the region. Both historical sites and modern leisure spots are located nearby.

We recommend checking out the architectural landmarks and interesting bars located within walking distance or a short drive away.