The pictures that other people had posted is what brought is in, and we were not disappointed. The wings with just the dry rub was amazing, the bacon Gouda Mac and cheese is very rich but comes with a side salad, that helps cut through the richness of the Mac and cheese. I was told the pulled pork sandwich was good, but it was on the smaller size. The kids chicken nuggets is actual chicken which was a nice surprise. To end the meal we shared a warm chocolate chip cookie, that was soft and delicious! read more

I've been here before and good food. Today the service was horrible. I get there are employee shortage problems but there was only about 25% full and after 45 minutes we did not get our food: if the server would just of come and informed us if the status that would of been acceptable. Did not happen. read more

The best wild rice hotdish I've ever had , and I love that it didnt rely on meat . Accompanied salad was also great , not a throw away thought. Lively salad dressings. Kids meal came with a couple veggie sticks - Perfect! We are from the cities , but have lived in Seattle and Chicago. We had the best meal we've had in a while here . It dawned on us all ordered vegetarian and didn't realize it until after we were home ! We can't stop thinking about it! read more

Unique/Hip atmosphere, great service and great food. Traveling through Park Rapids, I wasn't expecting much but this place surprised me. Check it out. read more

The Good Life Cafe - Basil chicken sandwich. Delicious! - New American Near Me - Park Rapids, Minnesota

Driving down Main after hours in "Old Park Rabbits", as we called it in childhood, we were tired, fresh in town from Houston, Texas, hungry, and everything on Main Street was closed or closing. The lights were on in a friendly upscale looking dinner, but the sign said almost closing time. We peeped our noses in, and the cheery staff said "C'mon in"! That led to one of the nicest all around dining experiences we've had in a while. Lisa advised me to consider the Reuben, which was out of sight. And my wife really enjoyed her spicy Thai hamburger. The garlic blue cheese salad dressing sent me off wanting to try to copy it at home. The sweet potato fries were pretty good, the salad was special (someone put some thought into it) and the very good Bloody Mary with a Nordeaster left me fat and sassy. We were clearly the last customers, but received first class service from the friendly staff. From the menu to the decor, this nice establishment would seem to be the brainchild of bright, young folks who care about and are good at their work. I hope to be back. read more

Had the Pulled Pork with Apple Sandwich it tasted very good. My sweetie had a Greek and Chicken Salid and it was very good also. Lots of interesting beers to choose form. Will come back as long as I'm town. read more

The Good Life Cafe - The Bar - New American Near Me - Park Rapids, Minnesota

You can't go wrong at Good Life! Had the mac and cheese with salad. So so good. Those dining with me enjoyed the soup and sandwich or salad and sandwich lunch with the chicken salad. We all left very satisfied! read more

The Good Life Cafe - New American Near Me - Park Rapids, Minnesota

AVOID at all costs! This places service is horrendously terrible. Walked in five teenage employees standing around doing NOTHING. Not one greeted us. The board said Please wait to be seated even for the bar. The kid hostess was getting a glass of water for two ladies that just stopped in and where not eating there. Waited over five minutes for the hostess to arrive with a glass of water. All the other employees were still standing around doing NOTHING and still no one greeted us. It was not until I said I had been waiting five minutes did anyone pay attention to us. Could NOT pay me enough to give them another try. Got better service at Subway. read more

This place made my day! The fish tacos are some of the best I've ever had, seriously! If you have room try the bread pudding. It's delicious! Oh yeah, and they have good beers on tap as well as cocktails. I could stay here all day. This is a great place to take your family or to have a drink with friends. The food is gourmet yet the prices are very affordable. The owners are young and hip and have created a happy, relaxed atmosphere. read more

Thai PB burger is delicious. Highly recommended. If ever in Park Rapids stop in here. read more

The Good Life Cafe - New American Near Me - Park Rapids, Minnesota

Great spot! Stopped in on a Friday about 4:30. Too early for dinner but enjoyed happy hour at the bar. Took a look at the dinner menu and my wife, who is hard to please, commented that it was the best menu she's seen. We got a table at 5:00 and took our time to order. I had the Bison Meatloaf and my wife the Gouda Mac and Cheese. Food was great and the service also. This is my new go to place in Park Rapids. Can't wait to try other menu items. read more

Wow! Here's a real gem in the middle of "lake county." The Good Life is just that. I started with the beet salad (easily large enough to split, on the excellent waitstaff suggestion). The combination of beets, mandarin oranges, spring greens and cheese was absolutely delectable. My wife ordered the bison/wild rice meatball open faced philly sandwich and I had the pulled pork/apple chutney roll. As we often do, we each had half of each, and then couldn't decide which one we liked best. The bison meat is dense and earthy but beautifully balanced with mushrooms and onions and cheese. The pork was apple-sweet and really did melt in your mouth. Both were so different and imaginative. And both were served with house made chips (that bare no resemblance to the packaged salt you buy in a bag). We topped it all off with their homemade ice cream. Find this place. We know you will love it as much as we did. read more

We were referred by another restaurant in the area, so we took that as a good sign. We were not disappointed- we had a craft beer flight and very good and unique foods to choose from. All in all a great meal. We will be back. read more

Awesome! Though we only live 45 minutes away (Bemidji, MN) this was my first visit the The Good Life Cafe. My first impression was one of a small rural town standard fare cafe. I was so wrong! After taking a very quick look around before being seated. I still had that rural cafe feeling with a modern twist. We were seated in a booth that had high walls between booths. I didn't have to hear the conversations of my neighbors. I felt like I had plenty of privacy. The wait staff were not afraid to make eye contact, and make me truly feel that my comfort mattered. There is also seating for large groups. The Waite Staff were not afraid of making eye contact, and my comfort was a sincere concern. The menu had much to offer. There were items on the menu that surprised me like Walleye Tacos. My dining partner loved them, but it is Walleye; how could any one do that to Walleye? I did find the standard fare Walleye on the after 5:00pm menu. As you can probably tell by now I am a meat and potatoes girl. I am not a person who likes people messing with my food. BUT, all was not lost, there is a standard BLT on the menu on Chibata bread. Thick sliced bacon, lettuce, and tomato, with a pickle spear, and pub chips. The bread makes all the difference between a standard BLT and a mouth watering BLT. At any rate, there is seriously something for everyone, even kids, on the menu. The overall atmosphere here is a place where I can grab a meal and beverage or just a beverage (or two) with friends for a good time. I am hooked! read more

We spend a weekend in Park Rapids at least once a summer and always look forward to our meal here. The place is newly renovated- added extra dining space and have everything a face lift. It looks great! The service was excellent; our server checked on us several times. And the food was delicious. Our table had the turkey avocado club, the Reuben, the Rachel and the Bison Wild Rice Sub. Everyone remarked how good their food was (love those battered fries - so worth the $2 upcharge). Thanks for the great dining experience. You'd hardly believe you were dining in a northern MN town. It feels like a restaurant in Uptown Minneapolis. You'll love it like we do! read more

The Good Life is my go-to place in town. I like almost everything on their menu as well as their set-up. They also have an outdoor porch area that is just too dang cute. read more

This may be my new favorite restaurant! Very cool atmosphere, fresh and interesting menu options and a full bar. It's obvious that the locals also like this place. It was very busy. Despite it being busy the service was fast and friendly. The staff was extremely personable and genuinely nice. We love this place! I almost want to move to Park Rapids after eating here. I had the walleye tacos.. they were amazing. read more

Our son is a hamburger connoisseur and says this was the best he's had in Mn. Excellent fries, too. Service was great and they take good safety precautions when serving. read more

We randomly decided to stop here while on a trip north to Lake Itasca State Park. This place was really good. It was nice to have real food that was actually made, not just something reheated. For example, my daughter wanted macaroni and cheese, other places it has been nothing other than a box of Kraft easy mac, but not here. It was actual pasta made with real cheese, I tried some for myself and it was amazing. My wife had the risotto and I had the pulled pork and apple sandwich (which I would highly recommend you try), and it was just really good food. The only thing I thought was a bummer is I didn't realize that they have a wonderful back patio, and we sat inside on a really nice evening. I would definitely come back here the next time I'm in the area. read more

Have now been back to The Good Life Cafe and have been thrilled both times!The first time was this summer with my daughters and granddaughters,the cafe was packed but we had a great table and our waitress was perfect for first timers!We loved everything!The walleye tacos,BLT,burger and even the kids grilled cheese were yummy! Second time I took a friend,it was just as good as the first time!Park Rapids has two great lunch places,The Good Life Cafe and Stacked High Deli,lucky town! read more

We always enjoy this restaurant on vacation, and usually eat 4 or 5 dinners here on vacation. But in two consecutive summers, it has been lower quality each time. The wings were bad and not cooked through. The fried walleye portion could have been a kid's menu item. The steak wasn't cooked to the requested temperature and had to be sent back. You're safe with a salad or a burger and fries. I found it incredibly overpriced for the decline in the quality and portions. read more

I always have the best food and drinks here! I'm from out of state & make it a point to come back every time! The walleye BLT, spinach artichoke dip, Gouda mac, pretzel bites, pulled pork sandwich...all chefs kiss. Alicia is a star and a fabulous server. The drinks are my favorite- reasonably priced & absolutely delicious. Absolute best sangria I've ever had! Can't say enough great things!! read more

Great homemade food! The potato chips, were delicious, my husband had the Walleye Fish, which he loved, and I ordered the Avocado Vinaigrette salad, homemade blu cheese, and Garlic dressing, which is one of the best I have ever had. read more

First time here as we were passing through. Found it on YELP so thought we'd give it a try. Home-townish cafe/restaurant. Very nice wait staff and excellent food. I had the fish and chips. I do not like cold slaw but they cheerfully offered a dinner salad to replace it which I really appreciated. They offer beer and wine, which we also were pleased about. Not just the run of the mill beer/wine either. I'd go back for sure. read more

Family friendly w fun questions on the tables... Great vegetarian options. LOVE the Veggie Reuben, which is on great bread. If you're splurging, get the fries... Delicious! New on the menu is a butternut squash dish... Packed with flavor from the pesto and fresh veggie. Another safe bed is wild rice hotdish. read more

Not my thing. Seems a bit overpriced for me. Feels like a young adult place. Great for the really health conscious.

Great food and great service - after two trips to Park Rapids it's definitely our a go too spot and a must. Good beer selection and great menu. read more

First of all the ketchup smelt disgusting and as a result of that it tasted like rotting Tomato's. Next the noodles were disgusting and super expensive for how horrible they tasted, it also included white wine sauce which tasted too intense our kids hated it. This restaurant is too over priced and over raved about. read more

Good beer. Good food. Thai PB burger. Salmon cakes. Yum!

Another level from what you expect in Park Rapids. No offense PR, I love you. Thai PB burger is outstanding. Jalapeño poppers with raspberry sauce are delicious. Do yourself a favor!! read more

So good! All of us cleared our plates and were super super satisfied with our meals. We had the Thai PB burger, bison philly, Reuben, and walleye tacos. Stupendous!! We'll definitely be back to enjoy more great eats. Oh! And they have a fabulous patio and it was an absolute perfect day. read more

Good options, interesting food. Service is horrible! Waited for almost an hour before we ever heard anything from out waitress after we put our order in. My companion and I both ordered an entree and a soup and salad. At least bring the soup or salad! Don't just leave us hungry over here for hour you goon! What the hell?! read more

Ate here with my family while on holiday in Park Rapids, MN. Everything about my experience at The Good Life was wonderful, the food was amazing and the questions on the table were a fun way to pass the time while your food is prepared, would recommend this place to everyone! read more

Ok place, we sat outside on the back patio but not for very long since we were bombarded with flies....... Gross! I had the perch taco and that was quite tasty but I tried my kids MAC and cheese and quesadilla which was blan..... read more

I had a great hostess but then I had an indifferent server. My questions about the food was greeted with looks and her finger pointing to the menu I had in front of me. "Everything is on the menu". I asked for the aioli on the side and it was on the bread instead. The pickle was soft, old, old, o l d and had a stem on it. The pickle should have never been served. She asked if I wanted another drink. When I said yes, she scooped my glass up even though it was not empty. When asked if she poured my fresh drink into the glass she took, she said no, but she gave me "a heavy pour" on my new drink. Not impressed with the excuse. When I asked to close out, she kicked it into overdrive. I got my bill immediately and then noticed an extra drink was tacked on to my bill. "Oh, did you have 2 drinks or 3" " I had two". Just not a good experience. On top of this they had two regulars holding seats at the bar with a purse and briefcase while they sat at a table with friends. read more

Stopped in here for lunch on our way to Duluth. The service was quite good even though there was only one server working a half full restaurant. The decor was trendy, but not off putting. I liked the photography of old building signs from around the region. While the menu was small, a single page front and back, I felt there was plenty of unique selections. The selection was also quite good for a "cafe", there were about 10 tap selections and I ended up going with a Bitter Neighbor Black IPA from 3rd Street Brewhouse out of Cold Spring, MN. The beer didn't taste stale which sometimes happens with craft beers that don't get a lot of turnover at some places. On to the food....I ended up having their lunch special which was a half sandwich and choice of soup. The sandwich was a Thai peanut butter BLT, and the soup was Andouille sausage wild rice. The sandwich was phenomenal. I had read many reviews giving high praise to the Thai PB burger and now I can see why. They really have something special with this "Thai peanut butter" which seems to me not much more than peanut butter that contains chopped up peppers. The combination of the creaminess of the pb with the spicy kick of the peppers makes it something that I could literally eat on just about anything. My wife had Perch tacos which she let me have a bite of and they were also really good. They had a malted red cabbage slaw on them that gave them a unique depth of flavor that separates them from other typical fish taco offerings around the area. Overall a fantastic place that totally surpassed my expectations. I will definitely be stopping in here every time I'm in or going through Park Rapids. read more

Great food, interesting variety, healthy options, nice people. I like it a lot. I wish it were near my home.

4 stars is relative to what is available in the area. Eclectic, local produce, decent beer, and atmosphere all out of the ordinary for "up north" but food was not as good as we expected. Outdoor patio dining area looks inviting. read more

So glad we found this place! Incredible and fun food! We found a diamond in Park Rapids!

Traveling through Park Rapids on our way to Fargo. I picked this place due to reviews and the menu posted. We both had sammies, the Rachael and a Reuben. Both were excellent served with chips and fries on our visit. Service was great. We sat at the bar and thoroughly enjoyed our lunch experience. The only reason I didn't rate them at a 5 was we didn't get to try the wine list which seemed quite limited, have a dinner experience and give some other menu items a try. The tap beer selection looked great and we'll have to come back and try them! They had a sandwich special, soup and a flatbread. read more