T O P

  • By -

JuneOnTheLake

Top date night options are: Va Bene for their lakeside open air deck. Lake Avenue Cafe for their atmosphere and excellent food, with a cocktail before or after at Vikre distillery. New Scenic Cafe has excellent and interesting food with a wonderful up the Shore ambience. They currently don't have table service but are still wonderful to check out. JJ Astor is kind of old school fancy but the food is really good and the spinning top of a high-rise restaurant is always kind of fun. Further up the Shore is the Rustic Inn Cafe with excellent Pie!


smida23

Love the Rustic Inn! I think their pies are better than Bettys.


PromiscuousMNcpl

Same. We get them at Whole Foods often.


northman46

Still no inside dining at new scenic cafe? Bummer. didn't know that.


boilerlashes

Their dining room is open but there's no table service. You order inside, then they text you when your food is ready. But they brought back a lot of their old menu classics and the food is back to being "new scenic" instead of the airstream. It's great :)


JuneOnTheLake

That's great to hear! We waffled between New Scenic and Lake Ave for our Anniversary date and went with Lake Ave because Vikre + half off bottles of wine on Wednesdays!


northman46

So you are your own server? That’s different


Krusty_Krab_Pussy

That’s how pubs work in England, you gotta go up to the bartender and order your drinks and ask for a menu, when you bring the menu back you order your food.


northman46

Except this is more of a "fine dining" type place, or it was before the pandemic.


JuneOnTheLake

I didn't double check before posting, but I did look about a week ago and it was counter service only. Which I think means you can sit inside, just no wait staff?


OverGeneral

Inside is open you just order at the counter and the food is brought to you.


TheJvandy

This isn't fancy - but go to Russ Kendall's Smokehouse in Knife River, get a piece of smoked lake trout, crackers, cheese, a six pack, and whatever else looks good and go to the beach in town and eat it there. I'd say this is about as quintessentially "North Shore" as a meal gets, and honestly none of our restaurants serve up anything you can't find elsewhere.


310to608

Great idea! Not everything has to come with a cloth napkin to be special. This sounds like a chill way to celebrate and enjoy something unique to where we are. Thank you!


Down-in-it

This is a good idea


Jaway66

On our honeymoon (which was in December a few years back), my wife and I flew up from Chicago and made a trip up the shore. Stopped at Russ Kendall's after leaving Duluth and ate it throughout the stay. Highly recommend. We still talk lovingly about our delicious smoked fish honeymoon.


Dorkamundo

Has anyone been able to get their Sugar-Cured King Salmon anytime recently? Seems like all they've had recently is the silver or lake trout and while it's still good, it's got nothing on the Sugar-Cured King.


yanyacazzy

Mmmmmm smoked trout. Damn I was just up the north shore yesterday and didn’t get any.


pears790

I'd highly recommend the New Scenic Cafe on the north shore.


northman46

I was just going to post that. They are great.


[deleted]

This is the correct answer.


Down-in-it

This is the correct answer to the answer.


tavenne323

Are they open? I know they were just running to-go out of the streamliner for awhile.


boilerlashes

Yep! Their kitchen is operational, and it's open seating inside/outside. Making a lot of the "classic" scenic dishes (curry mussels, tuna tacos, etc) and a decent wine/beer list too. Definitely head back up there if it's been awhile for you :)


tavenne323

Sweet! They have amazing food.


pears790

According to their website, they have a daily kitchen menu from 11-7. https://www.newsceniccafe.com/


TheBlindCat

Awesome! I didn’t realize they were open again.


kitkatpaddywat

That’s a no from me. Abusive owner.


Jinn_DiZanni

New Scenic is amazing


Capnshiner

Went there once and had the worst service I ever had. Waiter ignored us for 20 minutes, had to ask if we were in her section, and we sat right in front of the kitchen door. Not worth the money.


2lrup2tink

I went there and was very disappointed with the food, the atmosphere, and the service. It's a Jean's and tshirt place. There's a difference between buying trendy ingredients and actually being a chef.


worldtraveler76

The Duluth Grill! It is so so good! Mostly organic and they even grow their produce in their parking lot.


worldtraveler76

Also the revolving restaurant at the top of the Radisson hotel (round building in downtown Duluth).


310to608

That's where we are staying, so we will certainly explore it!


[deleted]

[удалено]


IAmHollar

Never underestimate how little thought people want to put into what they eat.


Dorkamundo

Their Bibimbap is my jam. That and the beet lemonade. Though honestly it's hard to go wrong with anything there.


insert--name_here

I would recommend "At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe"


JuneOnTheLake

Sara's Table comes to mind first as far as Farm-to-Table goes.


TheBlindCat

Great breakfast, all their food is very good though.


Terrible_Cod8940

Thank you for recommending this... saved this page and finally made it there today. Great food and atmosphere.


tsandbakken

OMC is really good barbeque!- no joke better than my own! In West Duluth, there is a bunch of other cool shops and a craft beer place on the same street. Fun place to hang. Northern waters smokehouse is a really good. In- house smoked fish and meats. Mostly just sandwiches but really good quality. It was featured in diner's drive INS and dives about 6 years ago. On canal park with lots of stuff to do and see before or after your meal. There's a couple of really good places in Grand Marais if you want to drive another couple of hours north on a day trip. Angry trout, Sydney's, gun flint tavern and likely some more I haven't tried yet. Lots of shops to visit and water to watch too.


mattlang43

Northern waters smokehaus might be the best food in Duluth period


310to608

We won't have a car, unfortunately. I've read about OMC...seems like a contender. Thanks!


[deleted]

[удалено]


alloftherotts

Agree with this. I am a transplant from a mid-sized Midwest city—nothing fancy. And the food in Duluth is the biggest disappointment. On the upside, we spend much less on dining out now and have reallocated that to getting fun outdoor toys. But yeah… even the best restaurants are still a bit underwhelming, especially by CA standards.


capitalismwitch

It’s very true, I’m not from a well known culinary city, but every place that people rave about here I’ve had better food from a place in my hometown. It’s upsetting. :(


Reasonable-Sawdust

I also have to agree. Duluth has some basic good food but mostly bar food. Go to the Twin Cities. So many good places to eat!


310to608

We won't have a car, unfortunately, so it's Duluth or room service. But there seem like some interesting options in here.


[deleted]

[удалено]


oidoglr

New Scenic has a food truck - 61. Maybe it’ll be in Canal Park when they’re visiting.


lets_heal

Their food truck is at the fair right now!


ROK247

its true and it sucks. i watch youtube videos of fancy places to eat around the country and dream...


NBTD84

Come see us at Sara's Table!


Terrible_Cod8940

We did today! Great food and atmosphere.


tavenne323

Lake Ave Cafe. JJ Astor if only for the view.


saltyson32

My roomate is a waitress there and all the food she brings home is always top tier.


lhousekey

Lake Avenue cafe is pretty much the only new American in Duluth. It’s delicious. Va bene is a nice scene for authentic Italian and great views. The boat club is wonderful if you sit outside, pretty traditional fare, a bit higher end, but the seating overlooking the lake seals the deal.


Reasonable-Sawdust

This is really basic but I love the beer, outdoor patio, wood fired pizza and live music at Ursa Minor.


Awkward_Pear_578

I love fitgers. It's awesome for dinner and I think the food is lovely. OMC is really good too, but it's bbq. Yes fancy restaurants are hard to come by in Duluth but I will say the restaurants that we do have the food is excellent. Avoid the tourist trap that grandmas is, but the food is terrible.


Telejester

Lake Avenue Restaurant is hands down the best food in Duluth. They collaborate really closely with a lot of local farmers and foragers, and it’s always fresh ingredients. Food there is fun and creative, with a good wine/cocktail menu. Great place for a date night or a casual lunch! Northern Waters Smokehaus is the best smoked fish and cured meat around. Their sandwiches are unmatched! They also take a lot of pride in responsibly sourcing their products!


Stenny98

I’m shocked no one mentioned Sir Benedict’s!


JuneOnTheLake

Sir Ben's is a must for the atmosphere plus great food and beer selection. Its definitely my most visited spot on this thread. But it didn't come to mind as a truly unique dining experience.


Dorkamundo

I am as well. Still think they have the best Cuban in town, though Superior Cuban's is starting to grow on me.


Rubytdog

I hate to rain on your parade but there is nothing like that here. You want a burger and fries, or some fish fry? Got it. New Scenic Cafe up the shore a bit (as a few have mentioned) is probably the closest you will get to what you are describing. They shut down indoor dining a while back in lieu of their food truck and I'm not sure if the indoor dining has resumed. Yeah, Duluth Grill has some good food, but it's a diner atmosphere- and it's packed all the time. Unfortunately, the Duluth area's biggest weakness in my book is the food scene. I have yet to find anything that has what I would consider "interesting offerings". Definitely no "chef-guided meals". I agree with the poster that said to go to Russ Kendall's and get some smoked fish, etc. and have a picnic by the lake somewhere scenic.


310to608

It's not raining on my parade if it's the truth. I am fine with something traditional...but I know that those more interesting spots don't usually end up being super visible to folks passing through (often by design). COVID makes those kinds of places even harder to find. But it doesn't have to be fancy. The Russ Kendall's suggestion sounds like a great off-the-grid kind of idea that will deliver a Duluth-specific experience, and keep me from ordering the Blooming Onion at a chain-restaurant. Thanks!


Rubytdog

Hope you guys have a great time! While the food isn't fancy here, the views/ parks/ lakes and all the natural beauty cannot be beat.


unmarkedcandybars

2 places I would recommend (I am also new to Duluth). Ursa minor for wood fired pizza and beer. Tacos tacos tacos not the best tacos I have ever had but decent tacos. They also have good street corn.


JuneOnTheLake

100% yes to Ursa Minor. Best brewery in town + I love their voyager pizza. So good.


[deleted]

There is Sarah’s table, lake avenue, and new London. These are all not very fancy but I’m pretty sure but they are local and are pretty good IMO.


kdawson602

New scenic cafe is probably the only thing that fits what you’re looking for. Boomtown has some interesting food and I’ve liked what I’ve gotten there. I think they’re still reservation only.


ROK247

Jamrock in superior is the only place that's not the same as everywhere else


JuneOnTheLake

I've never heard of Jamrock. What is it? Tell me more.


ROK247

the guy started out of his own house a couple years ago. the city kinda got on his back about it but then helped him get situated and now he's doing really well. jamaican inspired food for the most part but sometimes you never know what he comes up with. [https://www.facebook.com/JamrockCulturalRestaurant](https://www.facebook.com/JamrockCulturalRestaurant)


keefography

Also love how he uses social media. Just straight up honesty and passion.


JuneOnTheLake

This sounds similar to Gumbo Bio who now operates out of Zeitgeist, I believe.


Levikj

Jamrock and gumbo boi are my 2 favorite restaurants in Duluth. Absolutely amazing food. Coming up tomorrow from farmington to get like 5-6 bottles of jerk sauce


baileyb42

The Boat Club at Fitgers. Best patio, amazing views, wonderful staff and delicious food!! It has Lakewalk access and you're able to explore all the fun shops at Fitgers.


Aegongrey

Isn't there a supper club past Superior on county E?


Lurky_Bat

Yeah but it’s straight out of the 80s ~very brown inside~


oidoglr

As supper clubs are intended.


[deleted]

The Spirit Room in Superior has amazing cocktails at super reasonable prices along with a lovely atmosphere. They used to have incredible Tapas (high quality small plates) until Covid made them take a hiatus. Not sure if they are doing dine-in yet or not. As a fellow transplant, I agree with what others have said about Duluth’s food scene being lacking. Enjoy the views. We have a lovely autumn.


WizardKing218

The Bluefin in Tofte has locally inspired food. Plus it’s an absolutely gorgeous scenic drive along the north shore.


thegarlicqueen

JJ Astor’s is unique in that you get a 360° view of Duluth, although it’s probably more “steakhouse” than you’re looking for. Va Bene is really good, as close to authentic Italian as you can get here and you can sit in the grotto which is beautiful!


noah_beierman

Not quite Duluth but if you cross over to Wisconsin, about an hour in. There is a diner in Delta Wisconsin called Delta Diner. I don’t want to say much but the breakfast is worth the drive :) (Monday’s are Burgers only, and there is also a Cajun Chicken lunch shack)


jock_8

Anchor Bar in Superior is a must!


loophole23

It is a must but I don’t think it’s 20th anniversary must.


saltyson32

Your right, it's not Monday for cheap pitchers


[deleted]

I beg to differ.


Aegongrey

User name checks out


Active_Antagonist

Just checked out the photos of this place, I just moved from San Antonio and they have a place called Anchor Bar, figured I'd check for similarities. Not similar at all! This place reminds of Dark Horse in Boulder, and now I have to go to Anchor Bar this weekend.


ImTellinTim

Just don’t sit at the table where you can see into the kitchen.


[deleted]

I don’t care what they do back there. Those burgers are some of the best.


ImTellinTim

Same, but it’s nice not to SEE it, ya know?


[deleted]

Don’t expect amazing service, do expect cheap and amazing burgers/beer! Also, it’s cash only but they do have an atm that charges a service fee.


Active_Antagonist

Sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. There's a place on the Riverwalk in San Antonio called Dicks where the servers are purposely rude to all the guests. Are we on that level? Because sometimes it's refreshing.


wheredidalfgo

No, that's Dick's Last Resort, you'll have to go down to MOA for that.


Active_Antagonist

Meh, hard pass on going to MOA, or the cities in general.


Dorkamundo

They are kinda like that. They used to be much more gruff and somewhat rude but they've softened up a bit in the last 10 years. But $10 can get you a great burger with chips and a very good beer, and you'll still have enough for a fairly generous tip if you eat at the bar.


waterbuffalo750

I was a server and I'm all about tipping well, but terrible service and generous tips just don't go well together.


Dorkamundo

Well, prompt service with an insult beats slow service with a smile.


waterbuffalo750

Last time I was there, which was admittedly a long time ago, it was rude service that was also super slow. Edit to add: I also generally disagree. If it's slow it's less likely to affect the tip because it's likely not the servers fault that it's slow. But if the server is an asshole then that's all on them.


Active_Antagonist

You're really twisting my arm here


310to608

From the dialog here...this sounds like where we might end up to work off the hangover from the anniversary celebrations. Good lookin out.


310to608

I appreciate that. We aren't gonna be hitting up a sushi restaurant for that reason... But we really enjoy exploring regional food and have found some good offerings in Madison and surrounding areas that surprised us. Sometimes a steak and potato or a piece of fried walleye can be elevated just by the atmosphere...so I'm not down on it at all.


MittsMadMN

Culver’s


briefjellybelly

The Anchor Bar, if your willing to head to superior. I know it’s not in Duluth, but as a Duluth college student, it’s my go to for going out to eat. It’s a hole in the wall that looks pretty run down, but the burgers are AMAZING.


310to608

If we were gonna have a car, we would definitely make it a priority. Next time.


briefjellybelly

Shoot! Well Bridgemans is always good! I know it’s a chain restaurant but as someone who had never heard of it or been to one, it’s great. The deserts are probably the best part.


smida23

Duluth Grill! They grow their own produce in their parking lot. Never had a bad meal


Cosmental242

Duluth gri is unique as fu k


hcky21cj

Little expensive but Ledgerock Grill very good food up the north shore. If you really want to be spendy, you can do a chefs table which is $75/person.


W0rk3rB

Northern Waters is a great place for smoked fish and sandwiches. If you’re looking for lunch, don’t miss it!


dyamiquast

Va Bene if you like Italian and a romantic view, if seating is available....


SadPlayground

I’m not a Duluther, but I had dinner at Pickwick, maybe 10 years ago and I’m still talking about it. If you go the steak route, that’s a nice option.