Foodies Flocking to Ottertail City
By Missy Hermes
Spending the weekend in Otter Tail Lakes Country but don’t want to cook while you’re here? The options in Ottertail City are endless.
Otter Supper Club is a great first stop. Walleye or t-bone dinner specials make a great choice. Not ready for a full meal?Try the prime rib laker lahvosh, handmade mozzarella sticks or the Sota Bowl served on a bed of rice with your choice of protein, veggies and topped with wasabi aioli. While you’re there, stock up on beverages for the fridge or cooler. Craft beers, wine, soft drinks and mixers of all kinds fill the well stocked. Their retail section has fun barware.
Up early and can’t decide between a full breakfast or a gourmet coffee run? No need to choose when Ottertail City offers both options. The Williams Company Store has a variety of teas, chai, lattes and smoothies. In addition to all-day breakfast choices like overnight oatmeal and yogurt parfaits, foodies will want to try a hangover burrito, french toast wrap or the glazed donut sandwich with egg, sausage and gouda.
Across the street is Betty’s Pantry. For 25 years, this restaurant has been serving up specialties like breakfast poutine, veggie benedict and the Minnesota omelet served with wild rice, the state grain. Why not try pie for breakfast? Betty’s Pantry serves it up homemade.
For lunch ideas The Shack asks, “Who doesn’t like BBQ and Ice Cream, right?” Their smoked meat selection includes: ribs, brisket, pulled chicken, spicy sausage and wings and a meat tray comes in 3 different sizes to feed a couple or a crowd. Their ice cream comes in the classic Minnesota flavor Salted Nut Roll and unique tastes like pina colada and chocolate banana ripple. Get your treat in their bubble waffle cone, a crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside favorite. Don’t forget the sprinkles!
After a day on the lake or a round of golf, Willy T’s at Thumper Pond has beer on tap including locally brewed choices. They serve craft cocktails and seasonal favorites include Pond Hockey Peanut Butter Cup and Pear Elderflower Collins. Start off your meal with an order of walleye egg rolls filled with wild rice, dried cranberries and cabbage.
Other options: The Woodshed serves appetizers, classic sandwiches and burgers as well as weekend specials like chicken oscar and prime rib. Ottertail Bakery has all your homemade pastries, breads, rolls, donuts, and cookies to go.