Hang bay side at Bayside: A great underrated restaurant on the lake

  One of the joys of summer is lounging lakeside with a favorite boat drink, and this is a good place to do it. Bayside Grille is in the suburb of Excelsior - about 20 miles west of downtown - and right on Excelsior Bay of (very large) Lake Minnetonka. Excelsior is one of our metro lake communities that hasn't been 'McMansioned' to death yet, and it's just a great place to spend a lazy day or evening; look at my travel pages if interested.

   The Grille is right behind Bayview Event Center: a venue for weddings, corporate events and chartered dinner cruises. Park in the gravel lot across the street and take the walkway on the left of the event center back to the large deck by the water. There's an outdoor bar and seating on the deck, and an indoor restaurant/bar as well. The menu runs to salads, sandwiches, appetizers, pizza and a few entrees and they're somewhat pricier than average. To be honest, we come here just for the bar but the food looks good and they do a brisk business. Friendly barstaff, live music on the weekends, relaxed vibe, and it's just fun to watch the boats.