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A whole smoked white fish on white paper.
Smoked whitefish from Northern Waters Smokehaus.
Northern Waters Smokehaus

Where to Eat and Drink in Duluth, Minnesota

Scandinavian dining, breweries with a view, and other destinations on Lake Superior’s icy shores

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Smoked whitefish from Northern Waters Smokehaus.
| Northern Waters Smokehaus

Planning a winter getaway up north? Duluth, the gateway to majestic Lake Superior, is a compelling place to start. The breeze off the lake and access to hikes and other adventures make Duluth a prime road trip destination — but don’t forget to stop along the way for a great meal. Here are 15 great places to eat and drink around Duluth.

Note that these restaurants are listed geographically.

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Duluth Grill

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This newly 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 to get an order of the Korean Brussels sprouts.

Ursa Minor Brewing

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Pull off I-35 for a hazy IPA and a slice of pizza at Ursa Minor Brewing. These craft beers are divided into four categories: hoppy (like a Scandinavian pale ale, for example), sour (a kiwi pomegranate sour ale), light (a coffee cream ale) and dark (a rich chocolate stout). Pair a pint with one of Ursa Minor’s wood-fired pizzas, and enjoy the outdoor patio, which is heated by fire pits in the winter.

The interior of a brewery, with tables, rattan chairs, and a bar in the background.
Ursa Minor Brewing.
Ursa Minor Brewing

OMC Smokehouse

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In a town with nine breweries, it only seems right to have a local barbecue spot too. The beef fat fries, pulled pork sandwiches, and St. Louis-style ribs are just a few OMC Smokehouse favorites. For all things smoke and meat, it’s a Lincoln Park District staple.

Vikre Distillery

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This family-owned distillery uses hyper-local botanicals and grains — not to mention ice-cold water from Lake Superior — to craft its spirits, 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.

Lake Avenue

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Lake Avenue is one of Duluth’s best upscale restaurants — it offers everything from littleneck clams in a delicate black bean sauce to salmon with parsnip puree. The elegant, sun-drenched space is an ideal stop for a romantic night near the lake, and the wine list is unparalleled.

Northern Waters Smokehaus

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Steps away from Lake Superior is Northern Waters Smokehaus, a specialty sandwich shop nestled in the DeWitt-Sietz Building. Unique combinations of seafood, meat, or vegetarian sandwiches are available alongside butcher cuts, from smoked fish to jerky. The Cajun Finn, which pairs smoked salmon with a thick smear of cream cheese and roasted red peppers, is a local favorite. Call ahead for speedy service. The line gets long.

A hand holding a sandwich with sandwich, cream cheese and peppers in front of a beach and lake.
The Cajun Finn.
Justine Jones

Canal Park Brewing Company

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It doesn’t get more “Up North” than a craft beer with a view. But if that’s not your jam, Canal Park also has a cocktail menu and a full kitchen serving everything from cheese curds and beer soup to the cleverly named Root Canal, an ice cream float made with Canal Park Brewing root beer.

Duluth Coffee Company

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Chilly hands demand a piping-hot cup of coffee. Eric Faust’s downtown Duluth Coffee Company serves sustainably sourced, rotating brews from featured farmers. The baked goods are from local bakeries Duluth’s Best Bread, Wild Flour, and A Dozen Excuses. Grab a maple latte or a straight black espresso.

Duluth's Best Bread

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Duluth’s Best Bread cold-ferments its dough and bakes it in high heat and high moisture, giving it a crackly, caramelized crust and a moist, soft interior. It’s made with wild yeast — which has the same probiotics found in kombucha and yogurt — giving the dough a delicate tang. Load up on pain au chocolats, croissants, and cranberry wild rice bread for the road.

The Rathskeller

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The building that houses The Rathskeller is over 125 years old — its underground setting is reminiscent of a European drinking hole. The brick arches, chandeliers, and bare stone walls lend a mysterious speakeasy vibe (as does the live jazz on Thursday nights). Sip a seasonal cocktail like a Red Velvet martini, or stick to the classics, like a Boulevardier.

The Pharm Juice Bar + Kitchen

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Some days call for fancy juice. When that day comes, The Pharm has you covered. A variety of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, bowls, and vegan dishes — like BLT Caesar bowls made with vegetarian tempeh bacon — will fuel your walk to the Great Lakes Aquarium, which is only a 15 minute walk away.

Fitger's Brewhouse Brewery and Grille

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This is pub food at its best. Tucked in the lower level of the historic Fitger’s Brewing Complex (which also includes a lovely inn), the brewhouse serves top-notch burgers, including three variations of its legendary wild rice burger. Salads, soups, and entrees are also available — but seriously, go for the Gale Force wild rice burger.

Va Bene

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Va Bene’s enclosed solarium, open-air deck, and outdoor grotto all offer panoramic views of Lake Superior. When the night calls for an old-school Italian dinner, this restaurant’s carbonara, bolognese, and pappardelle e funghi all hit the spot. Pair them all with a generous pour of red wine.

A restaurant with small black tables overlooking Lake Superior.
A view of the water at Va Bene.
Va Bene

At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe

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A Chester Park neighborhood staple since 2002, At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe is a charming cafe with a mouthful of a moniker. The menu features breakfast classics, sandwiches, and entrees from spaghetti and meatballs to vegan bibimbop. It’s like having a lazy Sunday lunch at Grandma’s house, if Grandma made a killer mocktail (try the lavender-lemon and soda).

A cosy cafe space with chairs, art on the walls, and a food counter.
The cozy space at Sara’s.
At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe

New Scenic Café

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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. Gorgeous, 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.

Duluth Grill

This newly 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 to get an order of the Korean Brussels sprouts.

Ursa Minor Brewing

Pull off I-35 for a hazy IPA and a slice of pizza at Ursa Minor Brewing. These craft beers are divided into four categories: hoppy (like a Scandinavian pale ale, for example), sour (a kiwi pomegranate sour ale), light (a coffee cream ale) and dark (a rich chocolate stout). Pair a pint with one of Ursa Minor’s wood-fired pizzas, and enjoy the outdoor patio, which is heated by fire pits in the winter.

The interior of a brewery, with tables, rattan chairs, and a bar in the background.
Ursa Minor Brewing.
Ursa Minor Brewing

OMC Smokehouse

In a town with nine breweries, it only seems right to have a local barbecue spot too. The beef fat fries, pulled pork sandwiches, and St. Louis-style ribs are just a few OMC Smokehouse favorites. For all things smoke and meat, it’s a Lincoln Park District staple.

Vikre Distillery

This family-owned distillery uses hyper-local botanicals and grains — not to mention ice-cold water from Lake Superior — to craft its spirits, 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.

Lake Avenue

Lake Avenue is one of Duluth’s best upscale restaurants — it offers everything from littleneck clams in a delicate black bean sauce to salmon with parsnip puree. The elegant, sun-drenched space is an ideal stop for a romantic night near the lake, and the wine list is unparalleled.

Northern Waters Smokehaus

Steps away from Lake Superior is Northern Waters Smokehaus, a specialty sandwich shop nestled in the DeWitt-Sietz Building. Unique combinations of seafood, meat, or vegetarian sandwiches are available alongside butcher cuts, from smoked fish to jerky. The Cajun Finn, which pairs smoked salmon with a thick smear of cream cheese and roasted red peppers, is a local favorite. Call ahead for speedy service. The line gets long.

A hand holding a sandwich with sandwich, cream cheese and peppers in front of a beach and lake.
The Cajun Finn.
Justine Jones

Canal Park Brewing Company

It doesn’t get more “Up North” than a craft beer with a view. But if that’s not your jam, Canal Park also has a cocktail menu and a full kitchen serving everything from cheese curds and beer soup to the cleverly named Root Canal, an ice cream float made with Canal Park Brewing root beer.

Duluth Coffee Company

Chilly hands demand a piping-hot cup of coffee. Eric Faust’s downtown Duluth Coffee Company serves sustainably sourced, rotating brews from featured farmers. The baked goods are from local bakeries Duluth’s Best Bread, Wild Flour, and A Dozen Excuses. Grab a maple latte or a straight black espresso.

Duluth's Best Bread

Duluth’s Best Bread cold-ferments its dough and bakes it in high heat and high moisture, giving it a crackly, caramelized crust and a moist, soft interior. It’s made with wild yeast — which has the same probiotics found in kombucha and yogurt — giving the dough a delicate tang. Load up on pain au chocolats, croissants, and cranberry wild rice bread for the road.

The Rathskeller

The building that houses The Rathskeller is over 125 years old — its underground setting is reminiscent of a European drinking hole. The brick arches, chandeliers, and bare stone walls lend a mysterious speakeasy vibe (as does the live jazz on Thursday nights). Sip a seasonal cocktail like a Red Velvet martini, or stick to the classics, like a Boulevardier.

The Pharm Juice Bar + Kitchen

Some days call for fancy juice. When that day comes, The Pharm has you covered. A variety of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, bowls, and vegan dishes — like BLT Caesar bowls made with vegetarian tempeh bacon — will fuel your walk to the Great Lakes Aquarium, which is only a 15 minute walk away.

Fitger's Brewhouse Brewery and Grille

This is pub food at its best. Tucked in the lower level of the historic Fitger’s Brewing Complex (which also includes a lovely inn), the brewhouse serves top-notch burgers, including three variations of its legendary wild rice burger. Salads, soups, and entrees are also available — but seriously, go for the Gale Force wild rice burger.

Va Bene

Va Bene’s enclosed solarium, open-air deck, and outdoor grotto all offer panoramic views of Lake Superior. When the night calls for an old-school Italian dinner, this restaurant’s carbonara, bolognese, and pappardelle e funghi all hit the spot. Pair them all with a generous pour of red wine.

A restaurant with small black tables overlooking Lake Superior.
A view of the water at Va Bene.
Va Bene

At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe

A Chester Park neighborhood staple since 2002, At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe is a charming cafe with a mouthful of a moniker. The menu features breakfast classics, sandwiches, and entrees from spaghetti and meatballs to vegan bibimbop. It’s like having a lazy Sunday lunch at Grandma’s house, if Grandma made a killer mocktail (try the lavender-lemon and soda).

A cosy cafe space with chairs, art on the walls, and a food counter.
The cozy space at Sara’s.
At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe

New Scenic Café

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. Gorgeous, 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.

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