Restaurants

Grand Marais [1]’s most beloved eatery is the
Angry Trout Cafe (416 Hwy. 61 W., 218/387-1265, www.angrytroutcafe.com [2], 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.–Sat., May–Oct., $9–22), which serves fresh and smoked fish right out of Lake Superior, in addition to salads and sandwiches made from as many organic and local ingredients as possible.

Across the street at Chez Jude (411 Hwy. 61 W., 218/387-9113, www.chezjude.com [3], 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Tues.–Fri., 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Sat.–Sun., closed Mon., $8–50), chef and owner Judi Barsness serves French-influenced bistro fare based on local ingredients. During the winter, the restaurant is open only one week a month—when there’s a full moon. During the other three weeks, Barsness offers cooking classes in her kitchen.

A relative newcomer attracting its own following of foodies is the Crooked Spoon Café (17 Wisconsin St. W., 218/387-2779, www.crookedspooncafe.com [4], lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m., dinner 4:30–8 p.m. daily, $19–20). It feels like a French bistro and serves up food to match, from big plates of juicy mussels to pan-roasted duck. Kids are welcome, too, and the menu for them goes beyond the usual.

In a log mansion dating to the 1800s, the atmosphere and views at the Birch Terrace Supper Club (6th Ave. W. on Hwy. 61, 218/387-2215, 4–10 p.m. daily, $15–25) can’t be beat. The menu includes local favorites like lake trout and walleye, as well as ribs and steaks.

The Pie Place (2017 Hwy. 61 W., 218/387-1513, 7:30 a.m.–8:15 p.m. Tues.–Sun., closed Mon., $7–24), while specializing in the obvious, also serves up mouthwatering made-from-scratch meals. The menu changes weekly, and they even do free delivery.

Sven and Ole’s Pizza (9 Wisconsin St. W., 218/387-1713, www.svenandoles.com [5], 11 a.m.–9 p.m. daily, $3–21) is a North Shore institution and, for many, a mandatory stop after canoeing the BWCAW. The Pickled Herring Pub in back has a wide selection of local microbrews and imported beers. They deliver.

A popular locals’ hang-out, My Sister’s Place (410 Hwy. 61 E., 218/387-1915, www.mysistersplacerestaurant.com [6], 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.–Sat., $6–13) specializes in creative and bountiful toppings on burgers and hot dogs.

It doesn’t take much imagination to figure out the specialty of World’s Best Donuts (10 Wisconsin St. E., 218/387-1345, www.worldsbestdonutsmn.com [7], 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Sun. Memorial Day–mid-October)—and the crowds agree.

Another sweet seasonal treat is Sydney’s Frozen Custard (14 Broadway S., 218/387-2693, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily summer, reduced hours rest of year).

Little Java Moose (218 Wisconsin St. W., 218/387-9400, 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun. summer, 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.–Sun. rest of year) is the city’s top choice for a caffeine fix.