More Than Beer, Pickleball: Pints & Paddle Earns Food Acclaim
A new attraction in Maple Grove has become a big hit with pickleball players. But Pints & Paddle is more than just a place to play America’s fastest growing sport.
“Just wanted to play some pickleball and have some beer,” said Michael Maxwell of Brooklyn Park, who visited Tuesday.
As the old saying goes, “if you build it, they will come.” But if you offer them food and beer, then even more people will come. At least, that’s the hope.
“Never actually played” Maxwell said. “But then when you told me I could drink beer and play pickleball I was like, I’m sold. So let’s go!”
Pints & Paddle opened in Maple Grove in August of 2023, offering 10 pickleball courts where up to 60 people can enjoy at once.
But if you talk to Connor Larson, the general manager of Pints & Paddle, he’s quick to remind folks that this venue has a lot more to offer.
“It’s not just a pickleball facility. We’re a lot more than that,” Larson said. “You can just come here and get a beer and some great food and hang out and have a good time with your buddies, and you don’t have to play pickleball.”
The bacon cheeseburger is one of the most popular items at Pints & Paddle.
Food and drinks and variety, oh my!
One of the big draws is the self-serve taproom, which includes 78 varieties of beer, wine and cocktails.
“The cool thing is that you can just sample a bunch of stuff,” Larson said.
Then there’s the food. Pints & Paddle lured executive chef Noe Lara away from a fine dining restaurant in Minnetonka to offer a step up from traditional bar food.
One of Lara’s signature items are the stick ribs, which are tender and fall off the bone.
“The taste is really good,” Lara said.
Other popular dishes include the cheese curds (which come with a side of honey dipping sauce), pickle fries, a classic bacon cheeseburger and a salmon salad for those seeking a healthier option.
“It’s really good food,” said Lara. “When people come in and try it they’re like ‘oh my God, this is so good. I didn’t expect this.'”
It’s an active dining experience that’s become an increasingly popular way to get people out of their homes.
“I can cook decent at home,” said Maxwell. “I mean, you’ve gotta give me a reason to want to come out, and this is the perfect reason.”
The sticky ribs at Pints & Paddle are one of the signature items of Chef Noe Lara. Pints & Paddle is located at 15450 Grove Circle N in Maple Grove.
Related: Pints & Paddle Celebrates Maple Grove Grand Opening
