About Us

“Come for the Food … Stay for the Fun!”
The Lookout Bar & Grill has been Maple Grove’s best tradition for food, fun, and family gatherings since 1958. This establishment is proud to boast that it has been family owned and operated in the same location and building for its entire history. 

In 1957, Bob Kinnan decided to open a bar on the family owned 40 acre farmland. For over a year, Bob, his brother Denny and other family members and friends turned a building that housed farm implements and equipment into a bar. On May 28, 1958 the doors of “Bob’s Lookout” opened with a 3.2 beer and set-up license with a seating capacity of 55. Beer sold for 30 cents a bottle, set-ups were 20 cents a glass and cigarettes cost 15 cents a pack. 

In 1959, live country music began 7 nights a week. The first band that ever played at the Lookout was the Clyde Harris Trio and others that followed were the likes of Mel Tillis, Jim Feeney, Les Cunningham, Texas Bill Strength, the Houle Brothers, The Stageman, The Countrymen and many more. “Come dance under the stars” – “Music 7 ½ nights a week” – one band would perform each evening and on Sundays there would be a band in the later afternoon and then a different one in the evening. People could dance outside on the first outdoor patio in the area. Once the seats were full inside – customers would sit outside on the grassy knolls and beer cases with the farm animals nearby. The Lookout had the best bands in the Twin Cities. 

In 1960, Bob and Vivian were married (and still are married) and went on to have two sons – Thomas (Tom) born in 1963 and Michael born in 1968. In that same year – The Lookout opened its kitchen – run by his mother – Myrtle Kinnan (known as “Ma”) and started with a very limited menu – from hamburgers and fries for 50 cents, to a 16 ounce porterhouse steak dinner for $3.95. 

The rest is history … 

They have the largest outdoor patio around with a play area for the kids, fire pit, games, to enjoy when the weather is warm and its fun to be outside. There is never a cover charge for the live entertainment at the Lookout - although the venue and genre has changed – Now a days you will find Karaoke on Wednesday, DJ on Thursday and live bands on Friday and Saturday nights. 

The food is fantastic, and with nightly specials at very reasonable prices you will be tempted to come every night. We also have a great kid’s menu, Senior Citizen discounts, daily lunch buffet, and happy hour food and drink specials. The Lookout is known for its Broasted Chicken, barbeque ribs, salad menu, chicken wild rice soup and au gratin potatoes. 

We also have the best catering operation in the area. Specializing in large and small events from weddings to business functions from start to finish – helping you with all your intimate details on-site or off-site.