You’ve probably seen the sign a hundred times while driving down Excelsior Road. It’s familiar. For some people, it is just the place next to the grocery store where you grab a six-pack before heading out to the lake. But honestly, Super One Liquor Baxter is kind of a staple for the Brainerd Lakes area in a way that most big-box retailers aren’t.
It’s about the vibe. The store at 7895 Excelsior Road Suite 200 isn't just a warehouse of glass bottles; it’s a reflection of how Northern Minnesota drinks. If you’ve ever walked into a liquor store and felt like you needed a map and a flashlight to find the bourbon, you’ll get why people like this spot. It is organized. It’s clean. Most importantly, it’s run by people who actually live in the 56425 area code and know that sometimes you want a $60 bottle of scotch and sometimes you just need a bag of ice and a case of domestic light beer for the boat.
The Miner Family Legacy in Every Aisle
You can't really talk about this store without talking about the Miners. Miner’s Inc. has been around since 1943. Back then, Tony and Ida Miner ran a tavern. The story goes that Tony noticed guys were leaving the bar early to get milk and bread before the grocery stores closed. So, he started selling milk and bread at the tavern. That simple "give the people what they want" philosophy is basically the DNA of the Baxter location.
The Baxter Super One Liquor didn't just appear out of nowhere. It was part of a massive push to give the Brainerd Lakes area a one-stop-shop experience. When they remodeled and expanded years ago, they basically doubled the footprint. They wanted to compete with the massive discount stores but keep that local, "hey, how’s it going?" feel.
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What You’re Actually Finding on the Shelves
Variety is a weird thing. Some stores have too much junk; others have three versions of the same thing. At Super One Liquor Baxter, they’ve managed to strike a balance.
If you are a craft beer nerd, you’re looking at a serious selection. They don't just stick to the big national brands. You’ll find rows of Minnesota-made brews from places like Castle Danger or Surly, right alongside Wisconsin favorites like New Glarus (if you happen to be crossing the border, but they keep the local MN pride strong here).
The spirit section is where it gets interesting.
- Bourbon and Whiskey: They carry the heavy hitters like Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve, but you’ll also see local Minnesota distilleries represented.
- Vodka: From the massive 1.75L handles of Tito's to the local stuff, it’s all there.
- Wine: This isn't just a "grocery store wine" aisle. They have a legit range from $10 table wines to higher-end bottles that actually require a bit of knowledge to pick out.
The staff, led by manager Zak Kaminski, actually know their stuff. If you ask for a recommendation for a summer patio wine, they aren’t just going to point at the most expensive bottle. They’ll usually ask what you’re eating or if you like it dry or sweet. That matters.
Hours and Logistics (The Stuff You Actually Need to Know)
Let’s be real: the most frustrating thing is driving to the store and seeing the lights off. Minnesota liquor laws are better than they used to be, but they still have those Sunday restrictions that trip up tourists.
Standard Hours for Super One Liquor Baxter:
Monday through Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The location is key. It’s right there with the Super One Foods grocery store, which means you can handle the "Tony Miner" move—get your bread, milk, and steak at the grocery side, then walk over for the wine. It saves a second trip across town through Baxter traffic, which, during the summer months, is a total nightmare.
The Pricing Game: Is it Actually a Deal?
People always ask if it's cheaper than the big warehouse clubs. Kinda.
Super One’s whole thing is "Come for the Service, Leave with the Savings." They run weekly specials that are legit. If you keep an eye on their circulars, you can find deals on cases of beer or specific liquor brands that beat the "membership" stores. They buy in bulk across all their 12+ liquor locations, which gives them the leverage to keep prices down.
But it’s also about the "convenience tax." Even if a bottle is a dollar cheaper twenty miles away, you’re spending that dollar in gas and twenty minutes of your life sitting at the light on Highway 371. In Baxter, convenience is currency.
Why This Place Sticks Around
The building itself has some cool architectural touches you might miss if you’re in a rush. They use these "clearstory" windows that let in natural light—it doesn't feel like a dingy basement. They even have murals and design elements that tap into the history of the Northland. It feels like a part of the community, not just a retail box dropped from space.
They also do "Beer School" and "Wine School" events occasionally. It’s a way for people to actually learn what they’re drinking instead of just grabbing the label with the coolest art.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
- Check the Weekly Specials: Don't just walk in blind. Their website usually has the Baxter-specific flyer. It can save you $5-$10 on a single trip.
- Ask for the "Local" Shelf: If you’re hosting people from out of town, ask the staff what’s new from Minnesota distilleries or breweries. It’s a better conversation starter than a standard domestic.
- Sunday Strategy: Remember the 11:00 a.m. start. If you’re heading to the cabin early, buy your booze on Saturday. The line on Sunday at 11:05 a.m. is a real thing.
- Use the Grocery Proximity: Park once. Do your grocery shopping at Super One Foods first, put the perishables in the car (or a cooler), and then hit the liquor store.
Super One Liquor Baxter isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s a family-owned business that understands the Brainerd Lakes lifestyle. Whether you’re a local or just passing through on your way to Gull Lake, it’s the kind of place that makes life a little easier.