Technically speaking, Tobie’s isn’t on the North Shore, but it’s a requisite halfway stop between Minneapolis and Duluth. What was once a family-owned roadside stand is now a bustling business — it’s hard to miss the bright red roof just off I-35. Grab one of the famous caramel rolls for the road, or stop in for a late-morning omelet.

This recently renovated grill has become a popular destination for Midwestern road-trippers thanks in part to a feature on Guy Fieri’s Food Network. At the Duluth Grill, everything from chilaquiles to Mediterranean omelets are served in a classic woodsy interior. Fans have been known to plan an entire road trip just for an order of the Korean Brussels sprouts.

This family-owned distillery uses hyper-local botanicals and grains — not to mention ice-cold water from Lake Superior — to craft its spirits, which range from boreal gin to aged Aquavit. The cocktail room, located at the foot of Duluth’s iconic lift bridge, supplements its classic, seasonal, and zero-proof cocktails with snacks from Northern Waters Smokehaus.

Just North of Duluth sits New Scenic Café, with stellar views of Lake Superior and a nod to Nordic traditions in both menu and decor. Sharable dishes like the game platter or the smörgåsbord (a true smorgasbord of pickled herring, smoked salmon, deviled eggs, cheese, fruit, and olives) are a must.

Part smokehouse, part local bar, Russ Kendall’s is an old scenic highway tradition. Stop in for a sleeve of saltines, a can of Hamm’s, and some smoked cisco, fished from nearby Lake Superior.

Stepping into Castle Danger’s cozy taproom is like renting someone’s cabin for a spell. Stop in for a pint of the famously smooth cream ale, and catch a little live music here on the weekends.

Betty’s serves a full breakfast and lunch menu (omelets, biscuits and gravy, burgers and the like) but it’s best known for its famous pies. Step up to the counter for a slice of tart bumbleberry or strawberry rhubarb, or sink a fork into the silky banana cream.

The Rustic Inn serves toasted walleye melts, cranberry wild rice French toast, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and other comforting northwoods dishes in a cozy 1925 log cabin. Start with the onion rings, which are dipped in a Castle Danger beer batter.

Fika Coffee is best enjoyed on the way back home from a trip up north. The coffee, which is roasted on-site, is balanced and strong, an ideal caffeine kick for powering through a long drive. Grab a bag of beans to bring home.

The Fisherman’s Daughter, the sunny cafe tucked inside Dockside Fish Market on the south end of Grand Marais, taps into Lake Superior’s freshwater bounty, serving wild-caught fish by the pound — not to mention piping hot fish and chips. The cafe also serves light cafe fare, from lobster salad and deli sandwiches to rhubarb cheesecake. Don’t miss the maple bacon cheese curds.

The Angry Trout leans into classic Northwoods flavors — think salads topped with blueberries; tart cranberry horseradish compote spread on smoked whitefish; hand-harvested wild rice; and maple cream sodas made with pure syrup and soda water. The fish here, of course, is fresh-caught from Superior, and the patio is a lovely place to watch the moon rise over the harbor. Pack a sweater for the chilly evening breeze off the lake.

The maple-glazed Long Johns, cinnamon rolls, and raspberry jelly Bismarcks at World’s Best Donuts, a Grand Marais staple since 1969, are tempting. But the real gems are the simple cake doughnuts, which balance a reliably moist, not-too-sweet inside with coatings of cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or thick chocolate glaze. The best move is to buy a dozen to share — made fresh every morning, they’re served hot in brown paper bags. Be prepared to wait on weekend mornings, but the line moves fairly fast.