I am headed to Ely on Thursday with a group for a BWCA trip and we will be looking for somewhere to eat that evening. Are the Ely restaurants open for dine-in or outdoor dining?

Also, what about the stores in Ely? We have never spent any time in town so not sure what there is to do. We will have some time on Thursday and I hope some things are open.

Thanks!!

We were there as of June 5th and everything was still take out or drive thru-only.

Ely Steakhouse, Insula, Sir G’s, Oriental Orchid, Boathouse were doing takeout last week. You can eat at Whiteside Park at the picnic tables. Subway and DQ are also open and I saw a guy eating inside at Subway, so I’m guessing you can dine in at some places.

Tony

Just there this past weekend and only restaurant open was the Grand Ely Lodge restaurant and Britton's for breakfast, though both were at very low capacity so call for reservation at GEL and get to Britton's early. Everything else was carry out only.

Various restaurants are open in some capacity, and it's a case by case basis. For example, I'm heading up Thursday and made a reservation with the Steakhouse last week. They're at 50% capacity and seating people, but with "terms of use" (ex. must wear a mask entering/exiting, 1.5hr limit, etc.)

I got in to the Ely Steak House yesterday at 3 pm without making a reservation. Certainly not prime time but still they were roping off the door occasionally because they were at whatever full capacity was.

Reservations probably the way to go if you really want to sit down at a table.