Dreaming of an epic foodie adventure?
This road trip leads you to eight of Minnesota’s most unassuming spots where mouthwatering meals await.
1. Pickwick Restaurant & Pub (Duluth)
Nestled in the heart of Duluth, the Pickwick Restaurant & Pub is like that cool grandparent who’s been around forever but still knows how to party.
This place has been serving up deliciousness since 1914, making it older than sliced bread – literally!
As you approach, you’ll notice the charming stone exterior that screams “I’ve got stories to tell.”
Step inside, and you’re transported to a world where time seems to have stood still, but in the best possible way.
The dark wood interiors and vintage decor give off a cozy vibe that’ll make you want to settle in for the long haul.
Now, let’s talk grub.
The Pickwick isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here, folks.
They’re sticking to what they know best – good old-fashioned comfort food that’ll warm your soul faster than a Minnesota spring (which, let’s face it, isn’t saying much).
Their menu is like a greatest hits album of American cuisine, with each dish playing like a familiar tune you can’t help but hum along to.
2. Insula Restaurant (Ely)
Next up on our culinary tour is Insula Restaurant in Ely, a place that proves you don’t need to be in a big city to have big flavors.
Tucked away in this small town known more for its wilderness than its fine dining, Insula is like finding a gourmet truffle in the middle of a forest.
The restaurant’s exterior is unassuming, blending seamlessly into the quaint downtown streetscape.
But don’t let that fool you – step inside, and you’ll find a space that’s as warm and inviting as a bear hug from a lumberjack (minus the pine needles and awkwardness).
Insula’s menu is a love letter to local ingredients, showcasing the bounty of Minnesota’s northwoods.
It’s the kind of place where the fish on your plate probably has a fresher passport than you do.
The chefs here are like culinary alchemists, transforming simple, regional ingredients into dishes that’ll make you wonder why you ever ate anywhere else.
3. The Angry Trout Cafe (Grand Marais)
Ah, The Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais – a place where the fish are fresh, the vibes are chill, and the only thing angry is the name.
This charming little spot on the shores of Lake Superior is like that friend who always knows where the best party is, except in this case, the party is in your mouth.
The cafe’s rustic exterior, with its weathered wood siding and colorful flower boxes, looks like it was plucked straight out of a postcard.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to quit your job, move to a small town, and open a quirky restaurant (until you remember you can’t even boil water without setting off the smoke alarm).
Inside, the atmosphere is as fresh as the catch of the day.
The menu at The Angry Trout is a celebration of all things local and sustainable – it’s so eco-friendly, you’ll half expect your plate to be made of recycled yoga mats.
But trust me, the food here is anything but granola.
Each dish is a masterpiece of simplicity, letting the quality of the ingredients shine brighter than a lighthouse on a foggy night.
4. Fireside Restaurant (Detroit Lakes)
Buckle up, food lovers, because we’re heading to the Fireside Restaurant in Detroit Lakes – a place that proves you don’t need a beach body to enjoy a lakeside meal.
This hidden gem is like finding an oasis in a desert, except instead of sand, you’re surrounded by lakes, and instead of mirages, you’re seeing real, delicious food.
The Fireside sits pretty on the shores of Detroit Lake, looking like the cozy cabin of your dreams (you know, the one where you imagine writing that novel you’ve been putting off).
The rustic exterior might fool you into thinking you’re about to embark on a camping trip, but step inside, and you’ll realize the only roughing it you’ll be doing is deciding between the steak and the walleye.
The restaurant’s interior is a perfect blend of North Woods charm and modern comfort.
It’s like someone took all the best parts of a log cabin and a five-star restaurant and smooshed them together – in a good way.
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The menu at Fireside is a love letter to hearty Midwestern cuisine, with portions that’ll make you glad you wore your stretchy pants.
5. Naniboujou Lodge Restaurant (Grand Marais)
Hold onto your taste buds, folks, because we’re about to take a trip to the Naniboujou Lodge Restaurant in Grand Marais – a place so unique, it makes Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory look like a fast-food joint.
This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a time machine disguised as a dining room.
As you approach the lodge, you might think you’ve accidentally stumbled onto a movie set for a 1920s period drama.
The exterior, with its weathered cedar shakes and bold red trim, looks like it’s been standing guard over Lake Superior since Calvin Coolidge was in office (spoiler alert: it has).
But it’s when you step inside that the real magic happens.
The dining room is a riot of color and pattern that’ll make your eyes do a double-take.
The domed ceiling, painted with vibrant Cree Indian designs, is like a kaleidoscope exploded overhead.
It’s so stunning, you might forget you came here to eat.
But trust me, you don’t want to miss the food.
6. Grandma’s Saloon & Grill (Duluth)
The next stop on our gastronomic tour is Grandma’s Saloon & Grill in Duluth – a place that proves not all grandmas spend their time knitting doilies and watching soap operas.
This grandma?
She’s the cool one who sneaks you cookies before dinner and teaches you how to play poker.
Situated under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, Grandma’s looks like it was plucked straight out of a postcard of Duluth’s waterfront.
The bright yellow exterior with its red trim is like a beacon calling to hungry sailors and landlubbers alike.
It’s so cheerful, you half expect it to break into song like something out of a Disney movie.
Step inside, and you’re transported to a world where the decor is as eclectic as your actual grandma’s attic, but way more organized.
Every nook and cranny is crammed with memorabilia that tells the story of Duluth’s maritime history.
It’s like eating in a museum, except you’re allowed to touch stuff and the food is way better.
7. The Anchor Fish & Chips (Minneapolis)
Ahoy, mateys!
Our culinary ship has docked at The Anchor Fish & Chips in Minneapolis – a place that brings a taste of the British Isles to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
It’s like someone picked up a cozy London pub and plopped it down in the middle of Northeast Minneapolis, minus the rain and the confusing accents.
From the outside, The Anchor looks unassuming – a simple white building with a chalkboard sign that promises fish and chips so good, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to seafood heaven.
It’s the kind of place you might walk past without a second glance, but that would be a mistake of Titanic proportions.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by an atmosphere that’s cozier than a fisherman’s sweater.
The interior is no-frills, with a long bar and simple tables, because here, it’s all about the food.
The menu is shorter than a goldfish’s memory, but that’s because they’ve perfected every single item on it.
8. PORTERHOUSE Steak & Seafood Restaurant (Little Canada)
Last but not least on our culinary odyssey is the PORTERHOUSE Steak & Seafood Restaurant in Little Canada – a place that proves you don’t need to be in a big city to get a big, juicy steak.
This joint is the carnivore’s equivalent of finding a unicorn in your backyard – unexpected, magical, and makes you question if you’ve had one too many Minnesota craft beers.
From the outside, PORTERHOUSE looks like the kind of place where important business deals are made over medium-rare ribeyes and stiff drinks.
The exterior is sleek and modern, with a touch of classic steakhouse charm – like James Bond in a cowboy hat.
Step inside, and you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that’s as rich and inviting as a well-marbled steak.
The decor strikes that perfect balance between upscale and comfortable – it’s the kind of place where you can wear your fancy pants but still feel okay about using the wrong fork.
And there you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour of Minnesota’s hidden culinary treasures.
From lakeside lounges to urban fish shops, these spots prove that the North Star State is more than just hotdish and lutefisk.
Your culinary road trip starts here.
Use this map to stay on course and savor delicious moments at every turn.
So gas up the car, bring your appetite, and get ready for a taste adventure that’ll make your taste buds sing “Uff da!” in delight.