Robert “Bob” Whetstone opened a small rural tavern at 8672 County Road 88 in 1958, selecting a high elevation point in what was then a quiet farming township.
Still operated by third-generation members of the Whetstone family today, The Lookout Bar & Grill expanded across several acres to include volleyball courts, an outdoor stage, and a expansive patio deck.
As the oldest continuously running family dining spot in the city, the venue continues its long-standing focus on broasted chicken and casual tavern fare.
Quick Bite – The Lookout Bar & Grill, Maple Grove, MN 🍗
Kitchen prep relies on pressure-frying equipment to cook fresh chicken pieces under precise pressure, producing a crisp exterior while locking in internal juices.
Line cooks also operate commercial smokers to prepare racks of St. Louis-style pork ribs coated in dry rubs before finishing them over open flame with house sweet barbecue sauce.
Local readers repeatedly vote the venue “Best Patio” and “Best Sports Bar” in Maple Grove Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards, solidifying its standing as an established Hennepin County dining fixture.
The Local Atmosphere – The Lookout Bar & Grill, Maple Grove, MN 🍻
The interior combines classic wood paneling and stone hearth fireplaces with floor-to-ceiling glass windows facing out toward the multi-tiered outdoor patio grounds.
On summer evenings and weekends, the grounds host local recreational sports leagues, live music crowds, and multi-generational families arriving from neighboring areas like Osseo, Plymouth, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, and Dayton.
Seating stays active across both the main indoor dining room and outdoor deck tables.
Signature Bites – The Lookout Bar & Grill, Maple Grove, MN 😋
-
Genuine Broasted Chicken: Four-piece fresh chicken marinated, battered, and pressure-fried to order, served with broasted potato wedges.
-
St. Louis Style Smoked Ribs: Slow-smoked pork ribs glazed in house barbecue sauce and paired with coleslaw and texas toast.
-
The Lookout Gourmet Burger: Half-pound fresh beef patty grilled over open flame, topped with bacon, cheddar, and crisp onions.
-
Pan-Fried Walleye Sandwich: Cracker-crusted Canadian walleye fillet served on a toasted hoagie roll with house tartar sauce.
-
Scratch Broasted Potato Wedges: Thick-cut idaho potato wedges seasoned in house flour and pressure-fried alongside the chicken.
-
Homemade Beef & Bean Chili: Slow-simmered ground beef and bean chili garnished with shredded cheese and jalapenos.
Takeaway Bite – The Lookout Bar & Grill, Maple Grove, MN 😎
Dinner at 8672 County Rd 88 links guests to over six decades of suburban Twin Cities history on a historic hilltop location.
The Whetstone family’s ongoing commitment to broaster pressure-frying, house smoking, and large-scale outdoor seating keeps the venue anchored in its 1958 roots.
That multi-generational reliability is why this mom and pops and hole in the wall origin complex remains a focal point for Maple Grove.
📍: 8672 County Rd 88, Maple Grove, MN 55369
🕒: Mon-Thu: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Fri: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sat: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sun: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM