Nestled in the heart of Crosslake, the Riverside Inn offers a dining experience that perfectly complements its serene lakeside setting. Known for its warm hospitality and inviting atmosphere, the inn’s menu is a reflection of both local flavors and classic comfort food, crafted to satisfy a wide range of palates.
Whether you’re seeking a hearty breakfast to start your day of outdoor adventures or a refined dinner after a day on the water, the Riverside Inn Crosslake menu promises something special for every guest.
The culinary offerings focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, often sourced from local producers. This commitment to freshness is evident in every dish, from the vibrant salads to the expertly grilled entrées.
The menu balances traditional favorites with inventive twists, ensuring that every visit feels unique yet familiar. It is a perfect place for families, couples, and solo travelers alike who want to enjoy comforting meals with a view.
Beyond just food, the Riverside Inn’s menu is designed to enhance the entire dining experience. Each section is carefully curated to pair well with the inn’s selection of wines, craft beers, and specialty cocktails.
This attention to detail makes it not just a meal but a celebration of the region’s bounty and the spirit of Crosslake itself.
Breakfast Selections
The Riverside Inn Crosslake menu starts your day with a variety of breakfast options designed to fuel your morning activities. From classic staples to hearty specialties, the breakfast menu caters to early risers and late sleepers alike.
Guests can expect dishes prepared with care, often incorporating local ingredients such as fresh eggs, seasonal fruits, and artisan breads. Whether you prefer something light or a filling meal, the breakfast options are crafted to meet diverse tastes and dietary needs.
Signature Breakfast Dishes
The inn’s signature breakfast dishes are a highlight, showcasing traditional recipes with a modern flair. The Lakeview Omelette, stuffed with locally sourced vegetables and cheese, is a customer favorite.
Another popular option is the Homestead Pancakes, served with a side of house-made berry compote.
- Lakeview Omelette: Three eggs, spinach, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and fresh herbs
- Homestead Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes topped with mixed berry compote and whipped cream
- Classic Benedict: English muffin, poached eggs, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise sauce
“Breakfast at Riverside Inn is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings the community together each morning.”
Healthy and Light Options
For those seeking lighter fare, the menu offers a range of healthy options. Fresh fruit bowls, Greek yogurt parfaits, and oatmeal with assorted toppings provide nutritious and energizing starts to the day.
These selections emphasize natural ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-free and vegetarian options are clearly marked, ensuring that dietary preferences are respected and accommodated. The preparation methods focus on preserving nutrient integrity, such as steaming fruits or using natural sweeteners.
Appetizers and Small Plates
Perfect for sharing or as a prelude to the main course, the appetizer menu at Riverside Inn Crosslake is thoughtfully composed with a variety of flavorful and satisfying options. These small plates showcase the inn’s commitment to fresh ingredients and creative presentation.
Whether you’re looking for something light or a more indulgent start, the appetizer selection offers a balance of textures and tastes. From crispy fried pickles to elegant smoked trout spreads, each dish invites exploration.
Popular Appetizers
The Walleye Bites are a standout, featuring locally caught fish coated in a crispy batter and served with a tangy remoulade sauce. Another crowd-pleaser is the Stuffed Mushrooms, filled with a blend of cheeses, herbs, and breadcrumbs.
- Walleye Bites: Lightly battered and fried, served with house-made remoulade
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Button mushrooms filled with garlic herb cheese and breadcrumbs
- Bruschetta Trio: Classic tomato, smoked salmon, and roasted pepper varieties
| Appetizer | Flavor Profile | Serving Size | Price |
| Walleye Bites | Crispy, Tangy | 8 pieces | $12 |
| Stuffed Mushrooms | Savory, Creamy | 6 pieces | $10 |
| Bruschetta Trio | Fresh, Smoky, Sweet | 9 pieces (3 each) | $11 |
“Our appetizers are crafted to awaken the palate and set the tone for a memorable meal.”
Entrees and Main Courses
The heart of the Riverside Inn Crosslake menu lies in its diverse and satisfying main courses. Offering a blend of hearty classics and contemporary dishes, the entrée selection is designed to appeal to a broad audience.
From perfectly grilled steaks to delicate fish preparations, each dish is prepared with an emphasis on flavor balance and presentation. The chefs prioritize local and seasonal ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality in every bite.
Featured Entrées
The Grilled Walleye is a signature dish that highlights the region’s prized freshwater fish. Served with lemon butter and seasonal vegetables, it offers a light yet flavorful option.
For meat lovers, the Riverside Ribeye provides a rich, juicy choice cooked to order.
Vegetarian diners are not overlooked, with options such as the Portobello Mushroom Stack, layered with roasted vegetables and topped with goat cheese. These dishes are thoughtfully paired with sides that accentuate the main ingredients.
- Grilled Walleye: Served with lemon butter, asparagus, and wild rice
- Riverside Ribeye: 12 oz ribeye steak with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed greens
- Portobello Mushroom Stack: Roasted veggies, goat cheese, balsamic glaze
Cooking Techniques and Ingredients
The preparation methods at Riverside Inn emphasize enhancing natural flavors without overwhelming them. Grilling, roasting, and pan-searing are common techniques used to bring out the best in each ingredient.
Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and dill are frequently used to complement the dishes, while sauces and glazes are crafted in-house, providing unique touches that elevate the meals. This careful approach ensures a well-rounded dining experience.
Salads and Soups
For lighter fare, the salad and soup offerings at Riverside Inn Crosslake are fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. These options are perfect for those seeking a nutritious and satisfying meal that doesn’t weigh you down.
The menu features seasonal vegetables and house-made dressings, emphasizing crisp textures and bold tastes. Soups rotate with the seasons, showcasing the best local produce and homemade stocks.
Signature Salads
The Riverside Harvest Salad blends mixed greens, roasted beets, candied walnuts, and goat cheese, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Another favorite is the Caesar Salad with freshly grated Parmesan and house-made croutons.
- Riverside Harvest Salad: Seasonal greens, roasted beets, walnuts, goat cheese
- Classic Caesar: Romaine, Parmesan, anchovy dressing, croutons
- Soup of the Day: Changes daily, featuring local ingredients
| Salad/Soup | Main Ingredients | Calories | Price |
| Riverside Harvest Salad | Greens, beets, walnuts, goat cheese | 350 | $9 |
| Classic Caesar | Romaine, Parmesan, croutons | 400 | $8 |
| Soup of the Day | Varies | 150-250 | $7 |
“Our salads and soups bring a fresh, seasonal touch to every meal, celebrating the vibrant flavors of Crosslake.”
Desserts and Sweet Treats
The Riverside Inn’s dessert menu is a delightful conclusion to any meal, offering a variety of indulgent and comforting sweets. These desserts are crafted to satisfy both traditional and adventurous palates.
Using local berries, rich chocolates, and creamy custards, the dessert options balance sweetness with texture and presentation. Whether you crave something light or decadently rich, the menu provides options that please.
Popular Desserts
The Wild Berry Crisp features fresh, locally harvested berries topped with a crunchy oat crumble and served warm with vanilla ice cream. The Chocolate Ganache Tart is a favorite for those who enjoy deep, intense chocolate flavors.
- Wild Berry Crisp: Seasonal berries, oat topping, vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate Ganache Tart: Rich chocolate filling, buttery crust
- Classic Cheesecake: Creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust
Pairing Suggestions
Desserts are thoughtfully paired with specialty coffees, dessert wines, and liqueurs to enhance the experience. For instance, the Chocolate Ganache Tart pairs beautifully with a robust espresso or a glass of port wine.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, herbal teas and house-made lemonades complement the sweetness without overpowering it. This attention to detail ensures that every dessert feels like a celebration.
Beverage Offerings
The beverage menu at Riverside Inn Crosslake complements the food selection perfectly, offering a curated list of wines, craft beers, and specialty cocktails. Each drink is chosen to enhance the flavors of the dishes and reflect the region’s character.
From light, crisp whites to bold reds, the wine list is designed to suit a variety of tastes and pairings. Local craft beers highlight the brewing talents of Minnesota, while cocktails are crafted with fresh ingredients and creative flair.
Wine and Beer Selection
The wine list includes well-known varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside lesser-known gems sourced from boutique vineyards. The beer selection emphasizes local breweries, with rotating taps that feature seasonal brews.
| Beverage | Type | Origin | Price |
| Chardonnay | White Wine | California | $8/glass |
| Pinot Noir | Red Wine | Oregon | $9/glass |
| Crosslake Blonde Ale | Craft Beer | Local Brewery | $6/pint |
| Maple IPA | Craft Beer | Local Brewery | $7/pint |
Signature Cocktails
The cocktail menu is inspired by the natural surroundings and seasonal ingredients. Favorites include the Riverside Mule, made with local vodka, fresh lime, and ginger beer, and the Crosslake Sunset, a vibrant mix of citrus and berry flavors.
- Riverside Mule: Vodka, lime, ginger beer, fresh mint
- Crosslake Sunset: Citrus vodka, cranberry, orange, splash of soda
- Herbal Mojito: Rum, fresh herbs, lime, soda water
“Our beverage program is designed to complement every dish, offering something to delight every guest.”
Special Dietary Options
The Riverside Inn Crosslake menu thoughtfully includes options to accommodate special dietary needs. This ensures that all guests can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromise.
Whether you require gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan dishes, the kitchen is prepared to offer flavorful alternatives that maintain the integrity of the dining experience.
Gluten-Free Choices
Many items on the menu can be adapted to be gluten-free, including salads, grilled proteins, and certain desserts. The kitchen uses separate preparation areas to avoid cross-contamination and clearly labels these options on the menu.
- Grilled Walleye with seasonal vegetables
- Portobello Mushroom Stack without breadcrumbs
- Wild Berry Crisp with gluten-free crumble topping
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
The inn offers several vegetarian dishes, with vegan options available upon request. Ingredients are carefully selected to provide fullness and flavor, such as roasted vegetables, grains, and plant-based proteins.
Examples include the Quinoa and Black Bean Salad and the Vegan Lentil Stew. The culinary team is dedicated to making each dish satisfying for all dietary preferences.
“Inclusivity in dining is a core value at Riverside Inn, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied and delighted.”
Conclusion
The Riverside Inn Crosslake menu is a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage and the inn’s dedication to quality and guest satisfaction. Through a thoughtful selection of dishes that emphasize fresh, local ingredients and creative preparation, every meal becomes an opportunity to connect with the flavors and spirit of Crosslake.
From the vibrant breakfasts that energize your day to the hearty entrées and indulgent desserts that cap off your evening, the menu caters to a diverse range of tastes and dietary needs. The carefully curated beverage list further enhances this experience, pairing perfectly with the food and the tranquil lakeside ambiance.
Whether you are a local returning for a comforting favorite or a visitor discovering the culinary delights of the area, the Riverside Inn offers a welcoming and memorable dining experience. Its menu is more than just a list of dishes; it is a celebration of community, nature, and the joy of good food shared in good company.
