I'm sure (in some capacity) this question has been asked before. But, for those that care to share. What are your top 5 favorite places to grab a drink & a bite to eat before/after your trip? Also, list the where & why.

For those coming from greater distances - don't feel obligated to name only places just outside of canoe country. (For example: if there a place in Superior, Wisconsin - feel free to name it.) Just try to keep the total number to 5.

For me (in no particular order).

1.) GUNFLINT TRAIL ~ Trail Center. I can't even remember the last time I ordered anything other than a Bull Moose burger. Great atmosphere!





2.) ECHO TRAIL ~ Trails End. Located on the west end of Echo lake. Great menu! breakfast - supper.




3.) ELY ~ The Boathouse. If you like beer this is your place. The food is excellent too.

4.) GRAND MARAIS ~ My Sisters Place. Merely an 'in town' extension of Trail Center.







5.) FINLAND ~ The Trestle Inn. See for yourself.

Trail center, Sportsman's Last Chance, Wooden Table

In Ely, it's gotta be the Boathouse. Don't forget your growler! Excellent food and home-brewed beer!

A Taste of Ely is good! Used to be a butcher shop renowned for it's sausages which are featured in their menu. Had breakfast there.

Sir G's has been a long time favorite.

Grand Marais we have to stop at Sven & Ole's for best pizza.

Then there's the Dairy Queen (heart)

Cloquet - Gordy's Hi Hat

Ely - Chocolate Moose

Saint Paul - Meritage

Minneapolis - 112 Eatery

gunflint trail: Trail Center because it's close to home and everyone is treated like they are family, food is great.

ely: Ely Steakhouse because it's just really great food; Britton's because they open early and serve a hearty breakfast and it's a fun "people watching" place.

thunder bay: Hoito's for their Finnish pancakes... awesome! and worth the wait in line.

Duluth: Valentini's on London Rd because it's Italian food prepared with Italian recipes, the ambience is relaxing, and it suits my limited funds.

new ulm: my mom's kitchen because there is nothing better than food cooked by my mom especially for me: sauerkraut and dumplings, hot german potato salad, schmierkuchen, beef stew..mmmmm...

Trail center open in the morning? Hours?

Ely Steak House - love the fried walleye basket

Trail Center, Gunflint Trail- great food and chocolate malts

Chocolate Moose in Ely -everything is good - very good pie

Brittons in Ely - wonderful stuffed hash browns

Famous Dave's in Eau Claire Wi - always have ribs here on our way up north

ELY - Ely Steakhouse, Chocolate Moose. Have also enjoyed the Boathouse & Brittons.

GRAND MARAIS - Angry Trout, My Sisters Place, Gunflint Tavern, Java Moose, Crooked Spoon Café

DULUTH - Blackwoods Grill (there's also one in Two Harbors), Duluth Grill

quote PINETREE: "

quote Mocha: "gunflint trail: Trail
mmmmm..."

Trail center open in the morning? Hours?"

trail center opens at 8am everyday may through October. close at 9pm.

im simple....culvers in two harbors, on the way home. fills my burger need.

quote Mocha: "

quote PINETREE: "

quote Mocha: "gunflint trail: Trail
mmmmm..."

Trail Center open in the morning? Hours?"

Trail Center opens at 8am everyday may through October. close at 9pm."

Thanks.

I liked the Sunday night BBQ on the patio at Gunflint Lodge... So did Bernice. :) And when that wasn't available last fall because of a wedding we went to (correct me if I have the name wrong Mocha) Loon Lake Lodge.

I tried Trail Center and wasn't overly impressed but good.

Ely, I like the Ely Steakhouse for dinner. Brittons for breakfast, coffee still not great but drinkable... food is great. I like the omelet.

Coming off my 40 day I had a burger that was outstanding at the Sportsman in Buyck at the end of the Echo Trail.

I too like the DQ. :)

And Zulu and I had burgers somewhere on Shagwa I think that was pretty darn good. Just can't remember the name of the joint.

In Grand Rapids I like the Forest Lake... Both upstairs and down in their steakhouse.

In Red Lake Ontario: There's Antonio's for dinner and the Howey Bay Motel for breakfast.

In Anchorage... I don't know, never been there yet. :)

1. Ely: Burntside Lodge (hands down my favorite in Minnesota)

2. Gunflint: Trail Center

3. North Shore: Naniboujou Lodge

4. Finland: Trestle Inn (great burgers and beer after a trip)

5. Tie: Angry Trout (GM) or Chocolate Moose (Ely)

Obscure pizza joint in Duluth.

Trail Center, then Trail Center, then Trail Center.

Holiday Pantry!
:)

quote kanoes: "im simple....culvers in two harbors, on the way home. fills my burger need."

So why did I see your Xb and Magic outside Ely Steakhouse, not that the Steakhouse is particularly compliacted?

I see I have to try the east side sometime and Trail Center.

Surprised no one has mentioned Fitgers in Duluth. I think I may get an inaugural opportunity this fall.

quote Arceneaux: "Also - not exactly a food stop, but Fitgers to pick up a growler or two in their plastic nalgene bottles is a great stop."

That qualifies as a drink. :)

Ely - Sir G's Pizza

Ely Breakfast - Grand Ely Lodge and Britton's

Duluth - Duluth Grill; breakfast and lunch;

Duluth Dinner - The Pickwick

Superior - Thirsty Pagan - Pizza and brewery

quote TuscaroraBorealis: "I'm sure (in some capacity) this question has been asked before. But, for those that care to share. What are your top 5 favorite places to grab a drink & a bite to eat before/after your trip? Also, list the where & why.

For those coming from greater distances - don't feel obligated to name only places just outside of canoe country. (For example: if there a place in Superior, Wisconsin - feel free to name it.) Just try to keep the total number to 5.

For me (in no particular order).

1.) GUNFLINT TRAIL ~ Trail Center. I can't even remember the last time I ordered anything other than a Bull Moose burger. Great atmosphere!





2.) ECHO TRAIL ~ Trails End. Located on the west end of Echo lake. Great menu! breakfast - supper.





3.) ELY ~ The Boathouse. If you like beer this is your place. The food is excellent too.

4.) GRAND MARAIS ~ My Sisters Place. Merely an 'in town' extension of Trail Center.







5.) FINLAND ~ The Trestle Inn. See for yourself. "

slight tangent here, but........in the picture of My Sisters Place sign, has anybody looked at the image in the rear view side mirror?

cowdoc,

My wife noticed that right away too.

quote Basspro69: "Trail Center, then Trail Center, then Trail Center."

#1. Trail Center is my all time favorite anywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mmmm The Logger. Never been dissapointed there breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Grand Marais... My Sisters Place. Burgers, Sandwiches, and even their pizza is much better than Sven and Ole's IMHO

Ely.... Ely Steak House. The only restaurant that I've liked their walleye sandwich.

Finland.... Trestle Inn. Only 1 visit but anxious for the second one.

Duluth.... Burrito Union. Great burritos and many beer choices.

In Ely, the Chocolate Moose. I've not had a bad meal there in forever....breakfast burrito is awesome, and their pies are out of this world.

Trail Center
Ely Steakhouse
Britton's for breakfast
Angry Trout

Eddie's in Superior is definitely worth a stop! Their ribs are quite tasty!

Eddie's

"Trail Center" up the Gunflint Trail in Grand MaraisMN.

" The Harbor House Grill" in Grand Marais.MN
- Used to be Chez Jude - (yellow house ) just opposite the Angry Trout.
New name and new owners.New deck and more tables.
Great food and great prices. Try it sometime. They also have woodfired brick oven Pizza's. Yummy. They have a lunch special called the 1-2-3, for $10. Can't beat it. Wash it down with "Folsum beer" from Micro Brewery in Twin cities also.Yum, Yum.

"Duluth Grill" in Duluth MN.

"The Chocolate Moose" in Ely MN

"The Lemon Wolf" in Beaver Bay on Hwy 61 MN.

The best of all is Lesley's kitchen 5 miles up the Gunflint Trail,according to George (my husband.)

Happy Eating!

Ely: Rock Wood

GM: Gunflint Tavern

GT: Trail Center

Duluth: The Duluth Grill

quote kiwibird: ""Trail Center" up the Gunflint Trail in Grand MaraisMN.
The best of all is Lesley's kitchen 5 miles up the Gunflint Trail,according to George (my husband.)


Happy Eating!
"

Smart man :-)

quote ducks: "

quote Basspro69: "Trail Center, then Trail Center, then Trail Center."

#1. Trail Center is my all time favorite anywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mmmm The Logger. Never been dissapointed there breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Grand Marais... My Sisters Place. Burgers, Sandwiches, and even their pizza is much better than Sven and Ole's IMHO

"

So, I've been missing out, eh?! My Sisters Place will have to be put on my to do list the next time I am in Grand Marais! Thanks

quote kiwibird: ""Trail Center" up the Gunflint Trail in Grand MaraisMN.


" The Harbor House Grill" in Grand Marais.MN
- Used to be Chez Jude - (yellow house ) just opposite the Angry Trout.
New name and new owners.New deck and more tables.
Great food and great prices. Try it sometime. They also have woodfired brick oven Pizza's. Yummy. They have a lunch special called the 1-2-3, for $10. Can't beat it. Wash it down with "Folsum beer" from Micro Brewery in Twin cities also.Yum, Yum.


"Duluth Grill" in Duluth MN.


"The Chocolate Moose" in Ely MN


"The Lemon Wolf" in Beaver Bay on Hwy 61 MN.


The best of all is Lesley's kitchen 5 miles up the Gunflint Trail,according to George (my husband.)


Happy Eating!
"

You make the Harbor House Grill sound enticing. I'll have to try it next time I get to Grand Marais.

Te Lemon Wolf looked pretty good too, but doesn't appear to be open on Monday :(.

Hey Hawbakers.
"

So, I've been missing out, eh?! My Sisters Place will have to be put on my to do list the next time I am in Grand Marais! Thanks"

I think it's worth your effort to give it a shot. Please don't hunt me down if you don't like it :)

Boonie,
The Lemon Wolf is excellent food and PIES to. All made from scratch on the premises. Owner does meals etc,wife makes pies. Try the berry or coconut cream pie a la mode. Accompanied by coffee. Yum. Yes it is closed on Monday's.

I'd like to kiwibird, but it would have to be on Monday and they won't be open. I'm going to have most of the day Monday, but entering early Tuesday (9/3). When I exit, I'll be on the road for home and too dirty to stop before cleaning up. But maybe next time.

quote boonie: "ELY - Ely Steakhouse, Chocolate Moose. Have also enjoyed the Boathouse & Brittons.


GRAND MARAIS - Angry Trout, My Sisters Place, Gunflint Tavern, Java Moose, Crooked Spoon Café


DULUTH - Blackwoods Grill (there's also one in Two Harbors), Duluth Grill"

Blackwoods Grill definitely makes my honorable mention. We've stopped at the one in Two Harbors a few times. Two thumbs up every time!

The Trestle

CB

1-Well, Trail Center has to be #1. Those burgers, the Rhubarb malts, the atmosphere and service cannot be beat.

2-Sven & Oles in Grand Marais. Nope, not the best pizza, but pretty good IMHO. I started eating an Uff-da-Zuh after my trips since 1984, it's "Tradition." Plus, I love the atmosphere, the Beargrease memorabilia, etc.

3-Angelo's Pizza, Wausau, WI. On the way to the BWCAW, when we go up through Wausau we make plans to stop at Angelos. EVERYONE loves their pizza. My buddy from New York said it was the best he'd had outside NYC. My friends last year said it was the best pizza they'd ever had. Been enjoying Angelo's since we lived in Wausau in the late 80's-early '90's.

4-Heckel's in Eau Claire, WI. When we take the route up through Wausau, we'll usually come back via Eau Claire and vice versa. Heckel's is a must-stop. Sandwiches, hamburgers, coleslaw, reubens, everything is great. Can't miss it with the big bull out front.

5-Blue Water Cafe in Grand Marais. Love their breakfasts, especially the blueberry pancakes. Used to go to the old East Bay Hotel, but when it turned "Private" we walked down the street to the Bluewater and weren't disappointed.

Honorable mention-Hughie's Taco House in Grand Marais. Some interesting taco combos. Only been there twice, but enjoyed it both times.

Cloquet - Gordy's Hi Hat

The best onion rings on the planet

Ely - Stony Ridge and a couple other close seconds placers
Grand Marais - Sven and Ole's, My Sister's Place
Gunflint Trail - Trail Center, Gunflint Lodge
Tofte - Bluefin, Trestle Inn
Cloquet - Gordy's
Duluth - Fitgers, Anchor Inn
Hinckley - Tobies
North Shore side stop - Betty's Pies

quote Spartan2: "1. Ely: Burntside Lodge (hands down my favorite in Minnesota)

2. Gunflint: Trail Center )"

I'm with Spartan2 on her top two choices. Only been to both places once but will definitely be back again.

I'll add #3: The Pickwick in Duluth

And #4: Carmella's in Appleton, WI.

I've been to Harbor House Grille the last few times in Grand Marais. The food is very good so I would recommend checking it out. I prefer their fish over the Angry Trout. For you vegetarians the walnut burger is pretty tasty also.

quote Basspro69: "Trail Center, then Trail Center, then Trail Center."

Winner :).

quote Arceneaux: "Also - not exactly a food stop, but Fitgers to pick up a growler or two in their plastic nalgene bottles is a great stop."

they don't do the plastic any longer. We tried to do that in the spring, and the cost for the plastic "growler" was CRAZY. something like 50 bucks unfilled.

Later,

Geo

Where ever I stop on my way out it had better have a liquor license, because I'll be thirsty for a beer.

My picks from either I-35 or Hwy. 53
Hinckley: Tobies, White Castle
Eau Claire or Rice Lake: Norske Nook
Duluth: Fitger's, Duluth Grill, Carmody's Brew Pub
Two Harbors: Betty's Pies, Rustic Inn
Beaver Bay: Lemon Wolf Cafe
Grand Marais: Angry Trout, Dockside, Sven & Ole's, Gun Flint Tavern, My Sister's Place,
Gunflint Trail: Trail Center; Gunflint Lodge.

The angry trout is a no brainer for my groups when we're up that way

quote nctry: "And Zulu and I had burgers somewhere on Shagwa I think that was pretty darn good. Just can't remember the name of the joint."

Could it have been Stoney Ridge? We've been going there for the last few years and we really like the burgers. One guy in our group tried the "Sasquach Burger" last week and almost finished it in the alotted time.

Trail Center may be one of my favorite places for breakfast - coffee is great.

I've dined at Gunflint Lodge and it is, without fail, a great meal - lunch or dinner. I'm sure breakfast is aweseome too.

Ely - I can't drive past that frozen custard place without dropping in and getting something. Best ever.

I've definitely become a fast fan of:
Ely side = Rockwood
Gunflint = Trail Center

I also love the Angry Trout in Grand Marais. I also love that soup/fish place on the main drag. I can't remember its name.

quote Spartan2: "1. Ely: Burntside Lodge (hands down my favorite in Minnesota)"

A big +1 for the Burntside Lodge.

I took my wife and daughters to my sisters place about a month ago. The service was bad, my wife got something different then what she ordered and one of my daughters food was cold. It was busy and I think our waiter was new. I talked with the manager about this he was really nice saying nobody leaves unhappy so I'll give it another try next time I'm in grand marais

Sportsmans Last Chance at the west end of the Echo Trail.
burger,frys and a coffee to tide me over for the drive back to Mpls.
East Coast Buddy went on about the burger all the way to Orr.

quote mcsweem: "I took my wife and daughters to my sisters place about a month ago. The service was bad, my wife got something different then what she ordered and one of my daughters food was cold. It was busy and I think our waiter was new. I talked with the manager about this he was really nice saying nobody leaves unhappy so I'll give it another try next time I'm in grand marais"

Yes... not too impressed with the food or the service. The Gunflint Tavern is the place.

Ely - Burntside Lodge
Empty plate thumbs up.

Gunflint - Loon Lake Lodge
Was most impressed by the juice pairings with pickles.

Mocha, I had to chuckle at your recommendations! I'm trying to arrange a trip for the end of August with our far-flung family members and my nephew and wife from Anchorage will be joining us. I told Eric that we wouldn't be eating at his favs this time - Ely Steakhouse and Britton's - since we'll be going in Sawbill. He thanked me for the warning! Love those homemade cinnamon rolls at Britton's.....

Wasn't My Sister's Place a stop for the food taster on one of those television shows where the guy travels around to try unusual restaurant offerings? I remember the same guy visited the Minnesota State Fair to try unusual fair food. I think he was concentrating on Minnesota in that episode.

We always time our 16 hr drove to arrive at the Perkins in Superior for breakfast. Lunch is usually at the Chocolate Moose in Ely.

quote Mocha: "ely: Ely Steakhouse because it's just really great food; Britton's because they open early and serve a hearty breakfast and it's a fun "people watching" place."

I haven't really eaten anywhere else in the northwoods, so I concur with Mocha

quote TuscaroraBorealis: "I'm sure (in some capacity) this question has been asked before. But, for those that care to share. What are your top 5 favorite places to grab a drink & a bite to eat before/after your trip? Also, list the where & why.

For those coming from greater distances - don't feel obligated to name only places just outside of canoe country. (For example: if there a place in Superior, Wisconsin - feel free to name it.) Just try to keep the total number to 5.

For me (in no particular order).

1.) GUNFLINT TRAIL ~ Trail Center. I can't even remember the last time I ordered anything other than a Bull Moose burger. Great atmosphere!





2.) ECHO TRAIL ~ Trails End. Located on the west end of Echo lake. Great menu! breakfast - supper.





3.) ELY ~ The Boathouse. If you like beer this is your place. The food is excellent too.

4.) GRAND MARAIS ~ My Sisters Place. Merely an 'in town' extension of Trail Center.







5.) FINLAND ~ The Trestle Inn. See for yourself. "

Just ate at 2 of your five last weekend...
And my favorite post trip place was recently tore down in Duluth...BK...lol

quote TuscaroraBorealis: "cowdoc,


My wife noticed that right away too."

What am I missing???

Our group has never stopped and ate dinner the night before our trip. We always camp in a campground or an outfitters cabin and sometimes we drive straight through and time our arrival at the EP the morning of our trip.

Regardless , our first dinner in Minnesota is always steak, baked potato, corn-on-the-cobb and salad cooked over a fire where we are camping.

After the trip, we always stop at the first place that sells beer for 1 or 2 cold ones before showering and the long drive home to Missouri.

Bloomer,down town, cafe for breakfast or dinner. LARGE GREAT SERVINGS. Pie the best.

quote billconner: "

quote kanoes: "im simple....culvers in two harbors, on the way home. fills my burger need."

So why did I see your Xb and Magic outside Ely Steakhouse, not that the Steakhouse is particularly compliacted?"

could be he was at the massage parlor across the street?? :)

quote Jeemon: "Ely - Burntside Lodge
Empty plate thumbs up.

Gunflint - Loon Lake Lodge
Was most impressed by the juice pairings with pickles."

Loon Lake Lodge... a secret in the woods. excellent food, great view of the lake during dinner. and the breakfast is really good, too!

oh, reservations required, not a drop in place.

Not really a restaurant, but hits the spot - French Toast breakfast at Tuscarora Lodge.

Burntside...Britton's, Choc Moose. Trail Center, Angry Trout, The Pie Place. The S.O.B. in G.M.(I appreciate the 5 a.m. opening, and my partner likes the pancakes)

1. Angry Trout

2. Angry Trout

3. Well, you get the idea...

When my husband and I did our epic 10 day Isles Royale hiking trip our first meal back on the mainland was at the Trout, and it was so good I ordered it again and ate two full entrees.

I have been known to stop at The New Scenic on the way home as well.

Last year I discovered the joy of driving straight up and putting in right away, I don't know why but it makes the trip seem so much easier and longer. We come from Minneapolis, so it's not hard if you leave early. We don't generally stop for food on the way in, but definitely on the way out, and a walk to artist's point is required.

quote Mocha: "

quote billconner: "

quote kanoes: "im simple....culvers in two harbors, on the way home. fills my burger need."

So why did I see your Xb and Magic outside Ely Steakhouse, not that the Steakhouse is particularly complicated?"

could be he was at the massage parlor across the street?? :)"

LOL!
Just about made me snort wine through my nose!

The Ely Steakhouse is on my list of restaurants to try.

1. The Ely Steakhouse. The Bucky burger is fantastic
2. Good ol days. Tower - great bloody Mary's and good food.
3. Farley's family restaurant - Duluth - my buddy opened this up a couple years ago and the food is absolutely fantastic. He has been to Vegas twice in the last year competing for best burger and best pizza in the nation.

That's about the extent of my list.

The Trestle Inn has EXCELLENT burgers. Better bring cash though because they don't have a card transaction device and you have no way of knowing this beforehand, so then you have to waste an hour driving to Tofte (nearest ATM) and back.

I don't mean to sound like a jaded youngster, but, cmon, in the world we live in you expect EVERY such establishment to have a card transaction device and if they don't have one there should be a 10' by 10' sign letting you know they don't so you're not stuck in a pickle.

Oh yea, when I was driving back into Tofte someone drove me off the road by driving down the middle when we met, so you can understand why this was a singularly unpleasant experience for me.

Va Bene Italian restaurant in Duluth is excellent. If you can, get a table outside on the patio overlooking Lake Superior.

The Sportsman in downtown Atikokan. Good food for many years.

Exclusive Wilderness Excursions Located on Niobe Lake Highway 11, 25 kilometres east of Atikokan. Has an excellent restaurant. If you go you may want to buy the book, The Trapper by Phillip Sawdo. His daughter is the owner of the restaurant. It is good book.

quote luft: "

quote Mocha: "

quote billconner: "

quote kanoes: "im simple....culvers in two harbors, on the way home. fills my burger need."

So why did I see your Xb and Magic outside Ely Steakhouse, not that the Steakhouse is particularly complicated?"

could be he was at the massage parlor across the street?? :)"

LOL!
Just about made me snort wine through my nose!

The Ely Steakhouse is on my list of restaurants to try.

"

...getting a Carmel Apple Escape or a Sweet Cream Pumpkin Mud Mask.

Grand Marais - Angry Trout

Tofte - Blue Fin Bay

Ely - Ely Steak House, Boathouse

Culver's in Two Harbors. Most efficient way to maximize time in the BW while getting a bite to eat before and after the trip.

quote strom: "Culver's in Two Harbors. Most efficient way to maximize time in the BW while getting a bite to eat before and after the trip."

I like culvers overrall. But have you tried their walleye sandwich? it's terrible hahaha

Well, I'm at Sammy's pizza in lakeside in Duluth...stop in for a pie and say Hi on your way up.

I have to change my comment about Trail Center saying it was good but wasn't impressed. Had something very decent there Saturday Night... And the company couldn't be beat... and the waitress was a hoot. I WAS impressed this time.

quote Doughboy12: "

quote TuscaroraBorealis: "cowdoc,



My wife noticed that right away too."

What am I missing???
"

Doughboy,

Maybe you've figured it out? If not? What cowdoc was referring to was the reflection of the bird in the side mirror.

Trail center is good for breakfeast but it is getting to be like Tobies in Hinckley for anything else, the days of it being the place to go are past IMO

On the way up, it is always the Anchor Inn in Superior for a galley buster.

East side is Sven and Ole's.

Up north is usually DQ in Ely.

Out of Sawbill is a little cafe on the north shore but I cant remember the name. Something Cove Inn. It only has 4 tables but great hearing cakes and biscuits and gravy.

Then Sammy's for pizza in Duluth.

My daughter dreams all year of a Bucky Burger from the Ely Steakhouse. We can't visit Ely without getting our Bucky Burger fix!

quote DougD: "My daughter dreams all year of a Bucky Burger from the Ely Steakhouse. We can't visit Ely without getting our Bucky Burger fix! "

I have two Buckys per trip: one for dinner the night before and one for lunch before the drive home.

Brittons in Ely for breakfast before we start.

Fitgers in Duluth for Dinner the day we come out.

Most of the restaurants I like are already in this thread, but for those traveling on 61 on the North Shore, it's worth stopping at the Coho cafe by Tofte. Their wild rice sausage is excellent at any meal (breakfast, lunch or supper). It's a must stop when I'm traveling that direction.

When it's my wife and me on our annual June Split Rock camping/SHT hiking trip, New Scenic Cafe and Rustic Inn are our must-stops on Hwy 61.

Here are some of the restaurants we tend to frequent on some of our trips. Some I just like for variety, some have a different purpose for us (- as posted). To say I have a favorite is to say I have a favorite Boundary Water Lake; I like variety in my boundary Water travels as well as my food choices.

Betty's Pies - well… pies
Blackwood's Family Grill & Bar
Blue Water Café - breakfast
Bluefin Grille - tradition (wild rice duck soup)
Cascade Lodge Restaurant and O'Phelan's Pub
Coho Café & Bakery - bread and hot chocolate
Crooked Spoon
Gun Flint Tavern
Harbor House Grille
Hungry Jack Lodge
Lou's Fish House - smoked fish & smoked cheese
Lutsen Resort Lakeside Dining Room
Moguls Grille & Tap Room
Mountaintop Deli - ambiance
My Sister's Place - gizzards and burgers
Naniboujou Lodge - ambiance
Northern Lights Restaurant
Papa Charlie's Restaurant & Nightclub
Russ Kendall's - smoked fish
Rustic Inn Café
Schroeder Baking Company - pastries
Sven & Ole's - tradition
Trail Center - malts and burgers
Vanilla Bean Bakery & Café - pastries
World's Best Donuts - donuts

Then there are some notables missing from my lists. In all of our travels we yet to hit some of the apparently common choices, but eventually they may make it to the diverse list. They include:
Angry Trout Café
Dockside Fish Market
Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
Justine's Fine Dining
Red Paddle Bistro

Ely is noticeably absent from the list; this is due to the fact that we've only gone out of Ely once many, many years ago. We tend to venture to the East of Alice Lake all the way through and to McFarland Lake (mainly the Sawbill, Caribou, Gunflint, and Arrowhead Trails).

Stony ridge for me. Still working my way through all the burgers.

GM has to be the Gunflint lodge. Great service.

Had a Great Bleu Cheese burger up at Rock Wood the other day.

While it didn't last long; we enjoyed eating at Inga & Lena's.

Also closed: “Never fry bacon in the nude” Chainsaw Sister’s Saloon.

The Hoito Restaurant in Thunder Bay.

I was not too impressed with the Pie Place cafe in Grand Marais down along the waterfront. I was up ther over Memorial Day and stopped in to get a piece of pie to go. It was very small and looked like they had dropped it on the floor and shoved it in the box. for the price you have to pay it should be pretty good sized.

Coming from the Twin Cities The Sawmill is always a favorite for us to grab a bite on the way up. The Ely Steakhouse for a Bucky and a bloody on the way out. Oh yeah Dairy queen after the bucky settles

quote jtbwcaw: "Here are some of the restaurants we tend to frequent on some of our trips. Some I just like for variety, some have a different purpose for us (- as posted). To say I have a favorite is to say I have a favorite Boundary Water Lake; I like variety in my boundary Water travels as well as my food choices.


Betty's Pies - well… pies
Blackwood's Family Grill & Bar
Blue Water Café - breakfast
Bluefin Grille - tradition (wild rice duck soup)
Cascade Lodge Restaurant and O'Phelan's Pub
Coho Café & Bakery - bread and hot chocolate
Crooked Spoon
Gun Flint Tavern
Harbor House Grille
Hungry Jack Lodge
Lou's Fish House - smoked fish & smoked cheese
Lutsen Resort Lakeside Dining Room
Moguls Grille & Tap Room
Mountaintop Deli - ambiance
My Sister's Place - gizzards and burgers
Naniboujou Lodge - ambiance
Northern Lights Restaurant
Papa Charlie's Restaurant & Nightclub
Russ Kendall's - smoked fish
Rustic Inn Café
Schroeder Baking Company - pastries
Sven & Ole's - tradition
Trail Center - malts and burgers
Vanilla Bean Bakery & Café - pastries
World's Best Donuts - donuts


Then there are some notables missing from my lists. In all of our travels we yet to hit some of the apparently common choices, but eventually they may make it to the diverse list. They include:
Angry Trout Café
Dockside Fish Market
Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
Justine's Fine Dining
Red Paddle Bistro


Ely is noticeably absent from the list; this is due to the fact that we've only gone out of Ely once many, many years ago. We tend to venture to the East of Alice Lake all the way through and to McFarland Lake (mainly the Sawbill, Caribou, Gunflint, and Arrowhead Trails). "

You need to get out more ;-)

quote PompousPilot1: "

quote jtbwcaw: "Here are some of the restaurants we tend to frequent on some of our trips. Some I just like for variety, some have a different purpose for us (- as posted). To say I have a favorite is to say I have a favorite Boundary Water Lake; I like variety in my boundary Water travels as well as my food choices.



Betty's Pies - well… pies
Blackwood's Family Grill & Bar
Blue Water Café - breakfast
Bluefin Grille - tradition (wild rice duck soup)
Cascade Lodge Restaurant and O'Phelan's Pub
Coho Café & Bakery - bread and hot chocolate
Crooked Spoon
Gun Flint Tavern
Harbor House Grille
Hungry Jack Lodge
Lou's Fish House - smoked fish & smoked cheese
Lutsen Resort Lakeside Dining Room
Moguls Grille & Tap Room
Mountaintop Deli - ambiance
My Sister's Place - gizzards and burgers
Naniboujou Lodge - ambiance
Northern Lights Restaurant
Papa Charlie's Restaurant & Nightclub
Russ Kendall's - smoked fish
Rustic Inn Café
Schroeder Baking Company - pastries
Sven & Ole's - tradition
Trail Center - malts and burgers
Vanilla Bean Bakery & Café - pastries
World's Best Donuts - donuts



Then there are some notables missing from my lists. In all of our travels we yet to hit some of the apparently common choices, but eventually they may make it to the diverse list. They include:
Angry Trout Café
Dockside Fish Market
Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
Justine's Fine Dining
Red Paddle Bistro



Ely is noticeably absent from the list; this is due to the fact that we've only gone out of Ely once many, many years ago. We tend to venture to the East of Alice Lake all the way through and to McFarland Lake (mainly the Sawbill, Caribou, Gunflint, and Arrowhead Trails). "

You need to get out more ;-)"

Yeah. Jeezh, what a stick in the mud! C'mon, live a little....