Duluth’s seasons perform a dramatic, lakeside ballet—frigid pirouettes giving way to fleeting, sun-drenched solos. When that precious warmth finally graces the shore, you must be prepared to savor it. That’s precisely why we’re here. These are the very best of Duluth’s restaurants for seizing those perfect moments with exceptional food.
Jade Fountain Cocktail Lounge
$ | WEBSITE
The Jade Fountain Cocktail Lounge is a Duluth staple with rotating band residencies (this week it’s a group from Minneapolis). So come for the music, yes, but also the different rooms. They’re a collection of spaces with well-worn leather booths and moody lighting, giving it a ‘your friend’s basement with the good sound system’ feel. Which is what you want when cocktail-sipping and wing-eating.
Mr. D’s Bar & Grill
$ | (218) 624-4178 | WEBSITE
On a weekend evening, Mr. D’s Bar & Grill is the place to be. The mood calls for Bloody Marys (even if it’s a Wednesday), plates of good burgers with barbecue sauce, and decent mashed potatoes. It’s an excellent group spot, but the lively bar area with live music can turn a quiet afternoon meal into a fun night out.
7 West TapHouse
$ | (218) 464-1879 | WEBSITE
7 West TapHouse in Duluth is known for having lines that stretch out the door on a busy evening. Don’t walk away. Great casual fare (try the Cream Cheese and Olive Burger), a relaxed pub vibe, and generally friendly service make this beer-focused spot a reliable choice.
Toppers Pizza
$ | (218) 525-4500 | WEBSITE
This Duluth pizza joint by way of college town cravings has a ‘late-night study session’ feel and is singlehandedly making hot honey a must-have topping. College hoodies lounge about at the counter inside Toppers, grabbing quick slices of the signature Stinger Pizza, picking at plant-based chicken options, and chatting with the friendly staff behind the clean counter and strategically placed napkin dispensers. Every slice is a satisfying slice at this convenient pizza spot.
Fitger’s Complex (The Rex, Barrel Room, Brewhouse)
$$ | (218) 723-7827 | WEBSITE
At Fitger’s Complex the variety of experiences changes, but it’s hard to go wrong. The burgers, onion rings, Mexican Lindo, and little piggy are favourites. The Canal Park spot is still the best, with tables adjacent to the boardwalk along Lake Superior.
Johnson’s Bakery & Coffee Shop
$ | (218) 727-1889 | WEBSITE
The front of Johnson’s Bakery & Coffee Shop is so unassuming that you risk never making it inside, which would be a mistake. Behind the glass display case at this Duluth spot is a hidden gem where customers sit on simple wooden stools, next to marble counters heaving with fluffy yeast donuts and cups of steaming coffee.
Toasty’s Sandwich Shop
$ | (218) 722-0915 | WEBSITE
Whatever your feelings on downtown Duluth—the bustling, faintly industrial hub by the lake—you’d be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn’t agree that it’s a comfortable place to grab lunch on a nice day. Toasty’s Sandwich Shop is primed for this thanks to its cozy upstairs seating that’s a little out of the ruckus, and an easy-to-pick-at menu of fresh-baked sandwiches and soups.
PhởHolic Taste of Vietnam
$ | (218) 464-0312 | WEBSITE
The parking is the only hush-hush thing about PhởHolic Taste of Vietnam. In every other way this authentic Vietnamese spot on the north shore is all-out, high-octane flavor. So it makes for a nice, piping-hot place to escape with an irresistible steaming pho or plate-licking stir fry.
Restaurant 301
$ | (218) 336-2705 | WEBSITE
Dinner at Restaurant 301 will make you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem in the heart of Duluth. At the restaurant, part of the city’s vibrant dining scene, the food is delicious, so is the look of pure satisfaction on diners’ faces as they savor dessert while waiting for their main courses. The cozy seating and warm lighting make it an ideal spot even on a busy evening.
The moist and sweet cake with fresh cream and berries is exceptionally delicious, and dishes like the Atlantic Char, a cross between salmon and trout, the specialty burger, and the butternut squash risotto are tasty comfort food. Servers are stellar, though the wait for drinks and the main course can take a while. The special pre-theatre dinner menu and the three-course dinner are worth trying, with prices around $35-50 per person.
It’s a good place to eat before a show, even if the seating is a bit tight.
Crisp and Green
$ | (218) 464-0296 | WEBSITE
This Duluth restaurant is the kind of place you expect to see in a cozy neighborhood film. It’s worth stopping by for the chance to eat some delicious fresh salads, sit in the welcoming atmosphere, and get in some prime people-watching. The chicken bacon salad is just as lovely.
Bulldog Pizza & Grill
$ | (218) 728-3663 | WEBSITE
A patio table at Bulldog Pizza & Grill, a pizza and grill spot in Duluth, is where we want to be on any sunny day. You’ll find the Bulldog Supreme pizza on the menu, pastrami and bistro sauce pizza served with a perfect crust, and Dough Dogs that’ll make you consider turning carnivore for an excuse to eat more meat. The french onion soup is perfect, and the bacon cheeseburger pizza is memorable. The staff is friendly, the dining experience is comfortable, and the parking is plenty.
Zen House
$ | (218) 722-9365 | WEBSITE
Duluth’s dining scene splits into two types—the crowded chains with generic menus and long waits, and the authentic spots where quality shines through. Zen House, tucked away off the main drag, is definitely the latter. Which makes it perfect for a relaxed family dinner where kids can enjoy chicken teriyaki while parents savor some of the best miso in town, or a casual lunch where those generous sushi portions are enjoyed in the cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Curly’s Bar
$ | (218) 727-9698 | WEBSITE
Curly’s Bar is so local-friendly that it’s, quite literally, only buzzing when the weekend rolls around. The Duluth neighborhood spot is always packed. The pizzas and karaoke nights—from Mike’s lively hosting, to the owner’s delicious self-made pies—are all affordable and enjoyable.
Godfather’s Pizza Express
$$ | (218) 241-3160 | WEBSITE
This beloved pizza spot has a fun, friendly atmosphere and outstanding pies, making it a destination worth the 26-mile round trip for many. Order the large pepperoni pizza. It’s a satisfying, generous portion that guarantees tasty leftovers for the next day.
Jimmy John’s
$ | (218) 724-7000 | WEBSITE
The flavor-packed wraps at Jimmy John’s, a beloved sub spot in Duluth, are the best in the city. On a summer’s day, customers linger, waiting for one of the window-side tables full of Chicken Jalapeño and Chicken Caesar wraps to open up. It’s a scene that will tempt you to stay all afternoon.
Kom-On-Inn
$ | (218) 624-3385 | WEBSITE
Live music, ice-cold drinks, and friendly chatter are the name of the game at Kom-On-Inn’s vintage bar. Get the $12-a-drink special at this welcoming spot in Duluth. It includes expertly mixed cocktails and stories about the bar’s history from the sweet bartenders.
Su’s Coney Island
$ | (218) 722-7222 | WEBSITE
Inside a bustling wheelchair accessible mall, you’ll find this classic American diner before you smell it—the sizzle of tasty coney dogs hitting a hot grill and the cheerful chatter of families enjoying their meals. The food at Su’s Coney Island is satisfying, so is the warm and lively atmosphere you’ll experience while there.
Hungry Hippie Tacos
$ | (218) 216-6030 | WEBSITE
Pull up to the West Duluth eatery turned vibrant taco spot, and enjoy a casual lunch or a relaxed dinner filled with smoked pork, laughter, and a cold local brew. We like to think of Hungry Hippie Tacos, with its indoor-outdoor seating and chill vibes, as Duluth’s little hidden gem.
Burger King
$ | (218) 522-4515 | WEBSITE
In Duluth’s dining scene, Burger King stands out as a welcoming spot with friendly and helpful staff. The restaurant delivers hot and fresh food, just as ordered, in a clean environment that’s perfect for families. It’s a kid-friendly atmosphere with ample parking and wheelchair accessibility, making it easy for everyone to enjoy. The staff, even when short-handed, work hard to provide good service, handling less than polite customers with grace.
The night shift worker, Jesse, shines with his excellent customer service and positive attitude. Focused on making food a priority, this location strives to be the #1 Burger King in the country by 2025, offering a straightforward, satisfying experience.
The King of Creams
$ | (218) 725-9000 | WEBSITE
The King of Creams, a popular spot for a quick and tasty bite in the heart of Duluth, is where we go to romanticise the simple joys of a hometown meal. Everything tastes good in this cozy space, with a delicious Philly Cheesesteak to one side of you and a root beer float to the other.
The clean and welcoming dining area creates that perfect fast and pleasant experience, where the friendly staff provides exceptional attention while you enjoy great burger-joint fare like the 100% grass-fed burger or delightful chicken tenders with state fair fries.
It’s the kind of place where you can grab an affordable kids’ meal with a generous scoop of ice cream or try vegetarian options like the portobello burger, all at decent prices that make you want to return for more of that professional and polite service.