Lake Avenue Café
394 S Lake Ave,Ste 107A, Duluth, MN, 55802
Lake Avenue Café Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Duluth for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
394 S Lake Ave,Ste 107A
Duluth, MN, 55802 - Phone (218) 722-2355
- Website https://www.lakeavenuerestaurantandbar.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 11
- Mon : 11:00 am - 11
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Mama D H.
The times I have travel to Duluth, I try to make a point of stopping at this place to eat. Service is always wonderful as well as the food. I discovery this place back in 1997.... I have going there when I'm in the area ever since. I highly recommend this place to everyone.
(5)Sarah S.
The first thing that impressed me was the politeness of the staff.Our server Derrick was absolutely on top of his game!! We got in and were immediately seated the restaurant was a bit empty when we walked in but by the time we got our drinks it was close to packed!! We ordered margaritas and house ice tea which were both yum! My kiddo got pasta with white sauce and bread, it was delish!! And me and my husband got a daily specials of halibut poached with peas grapes lobster mushrooms in an amazing sauce topped with green chutney and orange rinds! It was outstanding! We ordered a side of sourdough bread to dunk in the yum fish sauce!
(4)Jason R.
Service was great and the food was first class! I had the hash and it was definitely the best brunch I've had this year. Basically, next time I visit Duluth, I know where I'm going as soon as I get off the plane.
(5)Yohann T.
Great food. Great flavor. Spendy for not a lot of food but worth it at the same time. The menu is seasonal so it's always changing. Just realized they have a cookbook of the food they make in house that they sell at the restaurant and in select local bookstores. A must visit if you're ever in Duluth.
(5)Brent R.
Forget everything you know about ruebens... This place makes the best Reuben sandwich I have ever had, hands down. Try the gin (made down the street) too. Can't say enough about the food here!!
(5)Kari W.
Was in this past Sunday. 'Chef special' was surf and turf Benedict, ordered with fruit and h2o. The waitron said it was steak with a seafood Hollandaise. It was not steak as one would assume but, slices of what I now assume were leftover...The second half got progressively worse with two bites of liver!!! I've had enough steak and liver while showing dogs to know what liver tastes and feels like~Nasty! The hollandaise was richer than the usual and we compared..Mom had a current waffle with whatever on top minus the pepper jam and it still came out spicey. The fruit was simply a dozen small red grapes and 3/4 of an unpeeled kiwi. I'm in Duluth a couple times a year and will not return.
(1)Molly V.
Great patio. Wonderful, knowledgable staff. Unique dishes with fresh local ingredient. The plates are a little small but beautiful.
(5)Filipina P.
I really want to love this place but it took forever to get our food. FOR-EV-ER. The amount of protein for the trout and the chicken plates made me feel like I was getting a bad value for my money. Kind of a rip off.
(2)Toni G.
So this is a mixed review from the table. The pizzas are the best way to go for lunch, the Lake Ave burger isn't bad either. Unfortunately, I had the 1000 Hills Beef Flank Steak. The presentation was great, but it was all down hill from there. The beef was overcooked and cold if that's possible (read, microwaved?), the veggies were cold and then the raspberry compote was just bad. Then to add insult to the injury that was my meal. They charged us for a bread basket, that so tacky and even worse that they didn't tell us, just put it on the bill. I wanted this place to be so much better, so disappointed!!
(3)Joe T.
We ordered cerviche to start the night and for $16 it was a filler. Nothing stood out or made it pop. It was dead on a Saturday night which should've been a tell. We decided not to get food after our app knowing we could get something better at Fitgers.
(2)David H.
Fantastic brunch spot in Canal Park. Cheery and attentive service. The chorizo tacos are perhaps the best thing I've ever eaten in Duluth. Will definitely return!
(5)Tastan K.
Stopped by this place today randomly for brunch. I ordered pancakes with an extra order of scrambled eggs. Eggs were lightly seasoned and had soft fluffy texture to them. Buttermilk pancakes were very flavorful and delicious! You get three plate size pancakes that melt in your mouth and every bite is as good as the one before it. Blueberries in the pancakes were not very flavorful themselves, but overall these were still one of the best pancakes I've ever had.
(5)Leah A.
Let me start by saying the ceviche was fantastic recommended by our great server/owner Derek! Each course was better than the next ! Holy duck batman! I highly recommend this Resturant! It has a great relaxed atmosphere and high quality food!!
(5)Shaleen A.
The place looks good from outside but the staff is stupid. We asked for a table for 3. First the skinny white guy (host) said that no two adjacent tables are available but 50% of seats were vacant. Then we asked again give us a booth, then he said they had strain in kitchen and can't serve. Ultimate conclusion...the place sucks
(1)Jessica C.
Not only was the food excellent but the staff was amazing. I took my 2 little girls in and Kat (best waitress ever) had the patience of a saint when they were not at their best. Great experience!!!
(5)Karen C.
Absolutely delicious! Great food, great service. I had the semolina noodles with pork belly. My husband had the grilled chicken salad. Excellent flavors, textures, everything tasted fresh. This is a gem of a restaurant located in a touristy area. I had Mark as a server. He was attentive and smooth without being obtrusive.
(5)Lori W.
Had appetizers and drinks there one evening. Waiter was very good but the menu seemed a little pricey. The appetizers were good though. I'd try it again for lunch sometime.
(3)Tara T.
One of the best restaurants in Duluth, and by far the best in Canal Park. Fresh and local, it's not a gross bar food chain restaurant like everything else around here. They also have unusual and delicious cocktails. One of my favorite meals is the falafel. My only complaint with Lake Cafe is that you do have to know what's good to order, some dishes are misses. The first time I came here I had something that wasn't that good (some sort of pasta dish-like Alfredo maybe) and I wasn't in a hurry to come back, but my boyfriend loved his (he had the short ribs) so we came and I ended up really liking this place. Nice ambience-esp. in the summer out on the patio. Make reservations.
(5)Nancee M.
Had a group of 14 from the Curling Club on 3/9/2014. They accommodated us on a Sunday afternoon for brunch. Grapefruit mimosas were delicious. The Garden By the Sea bloody was terrific....if a bit small. Shared The Plate and also the Winter Ssams. The Ssams were out of this world great. The bison rillett was also great. The staff was gracious in offering extra bread. Shared the Boston roll. The monk fish was perfectly prepared. The Mac and cheese was good but the truffle oil was a little over powering. The biscuits and gravy were praised but could have fed 3 people easily. The bison bolognese with mushrooms was also given high marks. I will be back, and hopefully soon.
(5)Angela P.
Went here with four of my girlfriends while we were visiting Duluth. One of the gals had been to this restaurant some time ago, and wanted to return, so we went here on her recommendation. I feel so bad leaving unfavorable reviews, but our experience was so unfavorable that I feel like I had to share. The only one in our party who enjoyed her food was the one who ordered the chorizo-stuffed dates and a chocolate cake dessert, but even she wasn't super happy because both were rather overpriced for the small quantity that she was given. The dates had a delicious smoky flavor to them and were so tasty that I wished I'd ordered these instead of my entree. It looked like this place probably has a pretty nice ambiance, but I have no idea because they seated our party right by the door (despite the fact that the restaurant was not full at all). My view was of the smoked fish hanging in the windows of the shop just across the hall from the waitress stand. Two of our vegetarians got the Patty Pan Squash Enchilada entree, which they both were very excited to order, but both agreed was underwhelming. One of them specifically asked if there were a lot of onions in the dish (they do unpleasant things to her tummy), and the waitress didn't know. She checked and was told that the onions were just an accent, so my friend proceeded to order the dish. The onions in it were so copious that she actually had a small mountain of onions on her plate by the time she was done picking them all out of her enchilada. Our waitress erroneously told the vegetarians in our party that the Onion Soup was vegetarian, but when we looked the menu, it said that it was made with a veal broth. Good thing they checked. As for me, I ordered the Spanish pizza, with the hopes that the chorizo and cheese would give me the opportunity to reminisce about the semester I spent in Spain as an undergrad. Alas, I was also disappointed. It's very rare that I leave a restaurant truly unhappy--if I'm getting warm food that I didn't have to prepare, I'm usually easily pleased. But this was so disappointing, I was mad that I paid so much money for such a sad pizza. The flavors weren't good, and they didn't blend well together. The crust was too thick and dense. It had chorizo on it, yes, but it wasn't great. I ate two pieces in the restaurant, one piece late that night back at the hotel because I was hungry, and I tossed the rest out because my friends didn't want to eat it, either. Too bad.
(1)J L.
It's pricey for Duluth and service is sometimes not always the best but the margarita is killer and the food is quite good. Nice deck on a summer evening to hang out on.
(3)Shirley I.
Very excited to dine here when we read reviews, looked at the setting, and seeing the small select menu. But it was just an average meal. The potential seemed to exist but our meals lacked punch and pizazz.
(3)Kate F.
I love Lake Ave for the staff and for the atmosphere, and especially for their commitment to fresh, local ingredients. Lake Ave is definitely an important staple in the Duluth dining community. That said, I don't think the Duluth dining community is ready for Lake Ave's prices. I've been going to Lake Ave for many years and recently, I feel like I can't afford it any more. I wish that Lake Ave had, in addition to the many fine upscale dishes on its menu, had a selection of smaller plates for less money. More variety in the menu would make Lake Ave accessible for more Duluthians.
(4)Angela O.
I visited Lake Ave Cafe for the third time last night and was, again, very impressed with the entire experience. We took friends who are new to town. Lake Ave rolled out a new menu last week, which was perfect for summer. Even with all the new dishes, our server was very helpful when explaining each dish. The service was fantastic, not too pushy or overwhelming. Just the right amount of attention. I highly recommend the Cherry Pepper Poppers as an app. I could have eaten an entire plate! For dinner, I ordered the Summer Squash Parmesan. Goodness, it was wonderful. The flavors flowed together very well. My friend had the Falafel, which she said was perfectly made. Our husbands had the Beef Fillet. It was a bit chewy for my liking, but the guys enjoyed it. For dessert, we had the Chocolate Cake with Cherry, which I'll definitely get again. We also had the Candy Bar. Whoa! Super rich! Only get this of you're sharing it or taking it home. Really good but I could only have a bite or two. The other thing I love about Lake Ave is all the local goods they use. There is a list on the table. The alcohol is fairly local, too. We'll be back before long!
(5)Chad S.
We are from the cities, and were up in Duluth for a weekend get a way. We popped in to Lake Avenue for a quick lunch....and it was the best meal we had all weekend! I went simple and got a Reuben. It blew my mind! I could go on and on, but needless to say, we went back for brunch Sunday before we left town. This will be a must stop every time we are in the area. Bravo
(5)Justin W.
Portions are not huge, had three entrees for two people to feel satisfied with the meal, and price closer to $$$ than $$. Kind of hard to find since it is within a larger building, not clearly marked on the outside. Food took a while to come out but not too bad. That said, everything tasted very good once we got it, especially the summer squash dish (which also happens to be on the cheaper end of the entrees). Also the house salad comes with some creative dressing options. Had avocado and grapefruit!
(4)Amy K.
We always have a great meal here... Brunch, lunch or dinner! Locally sourced and creative dishes. Excellent cocktails. They have one of the best bloodies in town. Just thick enough, good spice, love the infused vodka and a Bent Hop snit to boot. Garnishes are pretty standard. Bring back the deconstructed fish and chips!
(5)Kristen H.
From Texas, looked this place up and decided to go based on reviews! The good: We loved the silly goose pizza but it was way to small! Make sure you don't share one . The pesto was delicious. I loved how they list where all their ingredients come from ( all local). If you're into beer they have several local beers on tap. I liked the atmosphere- wood tables, iron, local art. I gave three because the potatoes were a tad raw.
(3)William C.
I was looking for a new place to grab lunch and found this hidden gem via Yelp! I was in town for Grandma's Marathon and was surprised to find this place was not jammed full of people. We were quickly seated and began reviewing the menu. There is something for everyone, burgers, salads, soups and gluten free options (includes GF burger buns!). We landed on Chorizo Stuffed Dates, Lake Ave Lucy and Sunchoke Risotto. The stuffed dates are a must, I don't care if you're skeptical, just order it. Anything wrapped in bacon is amazing. The dates are sweet, combined with the fatty/salty bacon and chorizo; what a great combo! The Lake Ave Lucy was fresh, clean and full of flavor. The meat was super clean, not super fatty and the cheese was fresh and rich with flavor. It's served on a chibata bun and you'll find it served with lettuce, tomato and shaved shallots. A great burger that you wouldn't expect. The risotto was delicate, right portion and amazing flavor. Complex flavors of fruit and mascarpone; great dish for those that like their veggies and are gluten sensitive. If you're looking for a great place to grab lunch/dinner, make your way to Lake Ave Cafe, you won't be disappointed!
(4)Julia S.
While waiting for my husband- who was finishing the Grandma's Marathon- I decided to stop by Lake Avenue Cafe for some brunch. I got in at about 9am and the place was pretty empty, maybe about three tables were filled. I was given a menu at my table and then was left on my own for a good 10 minutes. Waitresses kept walking by, but avoided eye contact. Eventually I requested for some water and some tea, nothing regarding my long wait. I ordered the veggie bake, I was craving something healthy involving eggs and thought this would be a good choice. I didn't have to wait too long, especially since more folks kept coming in and the tables were starting to fill up. I counted only two waitresses working- probably not the best move to make when one of the countries largest marathons are happening literally blocks away from your restaurant. The bake was okay, nothing out of the ordinary. Basically the dish was chili at the bottom, with two eggs baked at the top. Veggies were baked in as well, mainly just peppers. The chili piece of the dish was too spicy and didn't make the rest of the dish that enjoyable. I didn't get my water refilled and I left my meal with a handful of bites remaining. This dish might have been good, but I think I should have reconsidered my order. The minimum amount of staff during the morning tells me that this place is not ideal for brunch. I've seen great reviews for lunch and dinner items and have a feeling that if I had visited later on, this place would have been perfect (although there would have been a considerable amount of wait time to get a seat, get drinks, order my meal, etc).
(2)Shannon H.
A refreshing place to go in Duluth that is not the typical cookie cutter chain restaurant. Why Lake Avenue Cafe is first-rate: 1) the food - *Bison and Potato Skin Benedict; Smoked Bison, Poached Eggs, Taleggio, Hollandaise, with a Sweet BBQ Sauce. It's bison on a potato skin! *Lake Ave French Toast; Custard Dipped Toast, Apple Butter, Sweet Cream, and Candied Walnuts 2) Cocktails - *They have a mean bloody mary. *Park Point Chiller; Makers Mark, muddled cucumber, organic ginger spiced syrup, soda 3) They have gluten free and vegetarian options 4) An awesome outdoor patio 5) Always have been waited on by friendly staff 6) LIVE MUSIC 7) They serve food late Lake Avenue Cafe is quickly becoming my favorite spot in the city.
(5)Anita A.
Nice restaurant service and food was good. I really enjoyed.. I will definitely go back..
(4)Eric H.
Every time I have eaten here, the food has just been ok. It has never been great or good.... which is pretty disappointing. I have also experienced poor service each time I have been here. It is unfortunate because it is a nice place... well kept and clean, with seating on the deck for those perfect Duluth mornings. However, that is not quite enough to make me want to keep coming back for more.
(1)Wil G.
I stopped in for dinner before heading back to the Twin Cities. I was hoping for good food from a local restaurant. Sadly I'll have to keep looking. The selection was very limited and the prices are more like $$$ instead of $$. The onion soup was good, but not traditional. There was no crouton and it came with four deep fried cheese curds (I think, they were flavorless) on a skewer. Then I had the Lake Ave Burger and coleslaw side. I like to judge places on their slaw and this slaw lacked all hints of flavor. It was fresh. Next for the burger, one bite into it and I knew I found something special. The have mastered the flavor of a Big Mac! I was shocked to have my mouth flooded with the awful flavor of a McD's burger. If I wanted a Big Mac I would have hit a drive through on the way out of town.
(2)Erica G.
What a great little gem to find tucked away by the little shops. Great atmosphere with outdoor seating avail when it isn't pouring down rain :( There are great combinations of ingredients here. Would have loved to try more than one but my budget couldn't handle that. The deconstructed fish and chips and a great flavor. Fresh seared white fish served over golden potato wedges with a red cabbage slaw on the side. The tang of the slaw with the white fish was excellent. Services was great and very attentive. Would def go back if I were in the area again.
(5)Bojo N.
A family of six all belong to the clean plate club for lunch and again for dinner on the same day. Need we say more?
(5)Andrew F.
Absolutely everything here is amazing! Derrick the owner and Bob the bartender will take good care of you. You will remember your experience here for a long time....incredible food, incredible drinks, incredible service.
(5)Zach S.
This cafe is a classy little place. Moderately priced with an above average taste. The bacon wrapped beets were delicious. The service was excellent from the host to our server.
(4)Karie D.
The gnocchi is terrible. Not sure what they're thinking frying the heck out of it and covering it in a cup of grease. If I didn't know it was gnocchi I would never have guessed - it was dry and tasteless. Two out of our group got burgers that were decent, but the fries were cold and portion size was very small. This meal may deter me from going there again anytime in the near future.
(2)Jordan S.
Great spot in the canal park area. Good food, friendly service and a ton of locally sourced food, beer and spirits.
(5)Stephen G.
Excellent service and food.
(5)Justine L.
Great restaurant. Excellent ambiance and lighting in the restaurant. The chorizo stuffed bacon-wrapped dates were definitely delicious. I didn't love the ratatouille, as it had too much pepper/squash, and not enough eggplant. The corn and brussell sprout chowder was really tasty. Overall, what I loved the most about this restaurant was the creative food options available (compared to Famous Dave's and Grandma's). I found the serving sizes to be too large. Service was great!
(4)Jamie B.
So good I went there twice!
(4)Sarah C.
Coq au vin. Chorizo stuffed bacon wrapped dates. Elk steak. All three of these were out of this world. I want to drive to Duluth just to eat there again, it was that good. The bartender made excellent margaritas and served me a very nice vinho verde. Both the bartender and our server were very attentive and patient.
(5)Brian H.
Best biscuits and gravy I have ever had, not to mention an amazing Bloody Mary with a Bent Paddle Golden IPA beer chaser! This place does everything right. It is a must for every trip to Duluth.
(5)Toni G.
So this is a mixed review from the table. The pizzas are the best way to go for lunch, the Lake Ave burger isn't bad either. Unfortunately, I had the 1000 Hills Beef Flank Steak. The presentation was great, but it was all down hill from there. The beef was overcooked and cold if that's possible (read, microwaved?), the veggies were cold and then the raspberry compote was just bad. Then to add insult to the injury that was my meal. They charged us for a bread basket, that so tacky and even worse that they didn't tell us, just put it on the bill. I wanted this place to be so much better, so disappointed!!
(3)Sarah S.
The first thing that impressed me was the politeness of the staff.Our server Derrick was absolutely on top of his game!! We got in and were immediately seated the restaurant was a bit empty when we walked in but by the time we got our drinks it was close to packed!! We ordered margaritas and house ice tea which were both yum! My kiddo got pasta with white sauce and bread, it was delish!! And me and my husband got a daily specials of halibut poached with peas grapes lobster mushrooms in an amazing sauce topped with green chutney and orange rinds! It was outstanding! We ordered a side of sourdough bread to dunk in the yum fish sauce!
(4)Jason R.
Service was great and the food was first class! I had the hash and it was definitely the best brunch I've had this year. Basically, next time I visit Duluth, I know where I'm going as soon as I get off the plane.
(5)Yohann T.
Great food. Great flavor. Spendy for not a lot of food but worth it at the same time. The menu is seasonal so it's always changing. Just realized they have a cookbook of the food they make in house that they sell at the restaurant and in select local bookstores. A must visit if you're ever in Duluth.
(5)Brent R.
Forget everything you know about ruebens... This place makes the best Reuben sandwich I have ever had, hands down. Try the gin (made down the street) too. Can't say enough about the food here!!
(5)Kari W.
Was in this past Sunday. 'Chef special' was surf and turf Benedict, ordered with fruit and h2o. The waitron said it was steak with a seafood Hollandaise. It was not steak as one would assume but, slices of what I now assume were leftover...The second half got progressively worse with two bites of liver!!! I've had enough steak and liver while showing dogs to know what liver tastes and feels like~Nasty! The hollandaise was richer than the usual and we compared..Mom had a current waffle with whatever on top minus the pepper jam and it still came out spicey. The fruit was simply a dozen small red grapes and 3/4 of an unpeeled kiwi. I'm in Duluth a couple times a year and will not return.
(1)Molly V.
Great patio. Wonderful, knowledgable staff. Unique dishes with fresh local ingredient. The plates are a little small but beautiful.
(5)Filipina P.
I really want to love this place but it took forever to get our food. FOR-EV-ER. The amount of protein for the trout and the chicken plates made me feel like I was getting a bad value for my money. Kind of a rip off.
(2)Mama D H.
The times I have travel to Duluth, I try to make a point of stopping at this place to eat. Service is always wonderful as well as the food. I discovery this place back in 1997.... I have going there when I'm in the area ever since. I highly recommend this place to everyone.
(5)J L.
It's pricey for Duluth and service is sometimes not always the best but the margarita is killer and the food is quite good. Nice deck on a summer evening to hang out on.
(3)Joe T.
We ordered cerviche to start the night and for $16 it was a filler. Nothing stood out or made it pop. It was dead on a Saturday night which should've been a tell. We decided not to get food after our app knowing we could get something better at Fitgers.
(2)David H.
Fantastic brunch spot in Canal Park. Cheery and attentive service. The chorizo tacos are perhaps the best thing I've ever eaten in Duluth. Will definitely return!
(5)Tastan K.
Stopped by this place today randomly for brunch. I ordered pancakes with an extra order of scrambled eggs. Eggs were lightly seasoned and had soft fluffy texture to them. Buttermilk pancakes were very flavorful and delicious! You get three plate size pancakes that melt in your mouth and every bite is as good as the one before it. Blueberries in the pancakes were not very flavorful themselves, but overall these were still one of the best pancakes I've ever had.
(5)Leah A.
Let me start by saying the ceviche was fantastic recommended by our great server/owner Derek! Each course was better than the next ! Holy duck batman! I highly recommend this Resturant! It has a great relaxed atmosphere and high quality food!!
(5)Shaleen A.
The place looks good from outside but the staff is stupid. We asked for a table for 3. First the skinny white guy (host) said that no two adjacent tables are available but 50% of seats were vacant. Then we asked again give us a booth, then he said they had strain in kitchen and can't serve. Ultimate conclusion...the place sucks
(1)Jessica C.
Not only was the food excellent but the staff was amazing. I took my 2 little girls in and Kat (best waitress ever) had the patience of a saint when they were not at their best. Great experience!!!
(5)Karen C.
Absolutely delicious! Great food, great service. I had the semolina noodles with pork belly. My husband had the grilled chicken salad. Excellent flavors, textures, everything tasted fresh. This is a gem of a restaurant located in a touristy area. I had Mark as a server. He was attentive and smooth without being obtrusive.
(5)Lori W.
Had appetizers and drinks there one evening. Waiter was very good but the menu seemed a little pricey. The appetizers were good though. I'd try it again for lunch sometime.
(3)Tara T.
One of the best restaurants in Duluth, and by far the best in Canal Park. Fresh and local, it's not a gross bar food chain restaurant like everything else around here. They also have unusual and delicious cocktails. One of my favorite meals is the falafel. My only complaint with Lake Cafe is that you do have to know what's good to order, some dishes are misses. The first time I came here I had something that wasn't that good (some sort of pasta dish-like Alfredo maybe) and I wasn't in a hurry to come back, but my boyfriend loved his (he had the short ribs) so we came and I ended up really liking this place. Nice ambience-esp. in the summer out on the patio. Make reservations.
(5)Angela P.
Went here with four of my girlfriends while we were visiting Duluth. One of the gals had been to this restaurant some time ago, and wanted to return, so we went here on her recommendation. I feel so bad leaving unfavorable reviews, but our experience was so unfavorable that I feel like I had to share. The only one in our party who enjoyed her food was the one who ordered the chorizo-stuffed dates and a chocolate cake dessert, but even she wasn't super happy because both were rather overpriced for the small quantity that she was given. The dates had a delicious smoky flavor to them and were so tasty that I wished I'd ordered these instead of my entree. It looked like this place probably has a pretty nice ambiance, but I have no idea because they seated our party right by the door (despite the fact that the restaurant was not full at all). My view was of the smoked fish hanging in the windows of the shop just across the hall from the waitress stand. Two of our vegetarians got the Patty Pan Squash Enchilada entree, which they both were very excited to order, but both agreed was underwhelming. One of them specifically asked if there were a lot of onions in the dish (they do unpleasant things to her tummy), and the waitress didn't know. She checked and was told that the onions were just an accent, so my friend proceeded to order the dish. The onions in it were so copious that she actually had a small mountain of onions on her plate by the time she was done picking them all out of her enchilada. Our waitress erroneously told the vegetarians in our party that the Onion Soup was vegetarian, but when we looked the menu, it said that it was made with a veal broth. Good thing they checked. As for me, I ordered the Spanish pizza, with the hopes that the chorizo and cheese would give me the opportunity to reminisce about the semester I spent in Spain as an undergrad. Alas, I was also disappointed. It's very rare that I leave a restaurant truly unhappy--if I'm getting warm food that I didn't have to prepare, I'm usually easily pleased. But this was so disappointing, I was mad that I paid so much money for such a sad pizza. The flavors weren't good, and they didn't blend well together. The crust was too thick and dense. It had chorizo on it, yes, but it wasn't great. I ate two pieces in the restaurant, one piece late that night back at the hotel because I was hungry, and I tossed the rest out because my friends didn't want to eat it, either. Too bad.
(1)Shirley I.
Very excited to dine here when we read reviews, looked at the setting, and seeing the small select menu. But it was just an average meal. The potential seemed to exist but our meals lacked punch and pizazz.
(3)Kate F.
I love Lake Ave for the staff and for the atmosphere, and especially for their commitment to fresh, local ingredients. Lake Ave is definitely an important staple in the Duluth dining community. That said, I don't think the Duluth dining community is ready for Lake Ave's prices. I've been going to Lake Ave for many years and recently, I feel like I can't afford it any more. I wish that Lake Ave had, in addition to the many fine upscale dishes on its menu, had a selection of smaller plates for less money. More variety in the menu would make Lake Ave accessible for more Duluthians.
(4)Julia S.
While waiting for my husband- who was finishing the Grandma's Marathon- I decided to stop by Lake Avenue Cafe for some brunch. I got in at about 9am and the place was pretty empty, maybe about three tables were filled. I was given a menu at my table and then was left on my own for a good 10 minutes. Waitresses kept walking by, but avoided eye contact. Eventually I requested for some water and some tea, nothing regarding my long wait. I ordered the veggie bake, I was craving something healthy involving eggs and thought this would be a good choice. I didn't have to wait too long, especially since more folks kept coming in and the tables were starting to fill up. I counted only two waitresses working- probably not the best move to make when one of the countries largest marathons are happening literally blocks away from your restaurant. The bake was okay, nothing out of the ordinary. Basically the dish was chili at the bottom, with two eggs baked at the top. Veggies were baked in as well, mainly just peppers. The chili piece of the dish was too spicy and didn't make the rest of the dish that enjoyable. I didn't get my water refilled and I left my meal with a handful of bites remaining. This dish might have been good, but I think I should have reconsidered my order. The minimum amount of staff during the morning tells me that this place is not ideal for brunch. I've seen great reviews for lunch and dinner items and have a feeling that if I had visited later on, this place would have been perfect (although there would have been a considerable amount of wait time to get a seat, get drinks, order my meal, etc).
(2)Shannon H.
A refreshing place to go in Duluth that is not the typical cookie cutter chain restaurant. Why Lake Avenue Cafe is first-rate: 1) the food - *Bison and Potato Skin Benedict; Smoked Bison, Poached Eggs, Taleggio, Hollandaise, with a Sweet BBQ Sauce. It's bison on a potato skin! *Lake Ave French Toast; Custard Dipped Toast, Apple Butter, Sweet Cream, and Candied Walnuts 2) Cocktails - *They have a mean bloody mary. *Park Point Chiller; Makers Mark, muddled cucumber, organic ginger spiced syrup, soda 3) They have gluten free and vegetarian options 4) An awesome outdoor patio 5) Always have been waited on by friendly staff 6) LIVE MUSIC 7) They serve food late Lake Avenue Cafe is quickly becoming my favorite spot in the city.
(5)Anita A.
Nice restaurant service and food was good. I really enjoyed.. I will definitely go back..
(4)Eric H.
Every time I have eaten here, the food has just been ok. It has never been great or good.... which is pretty disappointing. I have also experienced poor service each time I have been here. It is unfortunate because it is a nice place... well kept and clean, with seating on the deck for those perfect Duluth mornings. However, that is not quite enough to make me want to keep coming back for more.
(1)Wil G.
I stopped in for dinner before heading back to the Twin Cities. I was hoping for good food from a local restaurant. Sadly I'll have to keep looking. The selection was very limited and the prices are more like $$$ instead of $$. The onion soup was good, but not traditional. There was no crouton and it came with four deep fried cheese curds (I think, they were flavorless) on a skewer. Then I had the Lake Ave Burger and coleslaw side. I like to judge places on their slaw and this slaw lacked all hints of flavor. It was fresh. Next for the burger, one bite into it and I knew I found something special. The have mastered the flavor of a Big Mac! I was shocked to have my mouth flooded with the awful flavor of a McD's burger. If I wanted a Big Mac I would have hit a drive through on the way out of town.
(2)Erica G.
What a great little gem to find tucked away by the little shops. Great atmosphere with outdoor seating avail when it isn't pouring down rain :( There are great combinations of ingredients here. Would have loved to try more than one but my budget couldn't handle that. The deconstructed fish and chips and a great flavor. Fresh seared white fish served over golden potato wedges with a red cabbage slaw on the side. The tang of the slaw with the white fish was excellent. Services was great and very attentive. Would def go back if I were in the area again.
(5)Bojo N.
A family of six all belong to the clean plate club for lunch and again for dinner on the same day. Need we say more?
(5)Andrew F.
Absolutely everything here is amazing! Derrick the owner and Bob the bartender will take good care of you. You will remember your experience here for a long time....incredible food, incredible drinks, incredible service.
(5)Zach S.
This cafe is a classy little place. Moderately priced with an above average taste. The bacon wrapped beets were delicious. The service was excellent from the host to our server.
(4)Karie D.
The gnocchi is terrible. Not sure what they're thinking frying the heck out of it and covering it in a cup of grease. If I didn't know it was gnocchi I would never have guessed - it was dry and tasteless. Two out of our group got burgers that were decent, but the fries were cold and portion size was very small. This meal may deter me from going there again anytime in the near future.
(2)Jordan S.
Great spot in the canal park area. Good food, friendly service and a ton of locally sourced food, beer and spirits.
(5)Karin R.
I've been going here since this place opened 20 years ago. It was bought out a few years ago by loyal customers and they have continued and improved the good service and quality dishes. My husband and I have been there twice in the last couple days and will go again. We eat out a lot and prefer whole foods and eat low carb/gluten free. They have a large gluten free menu. We can recommend the coq au vin, corned lengua with cole slow, salmon and beef brisket. All delicious. Make reservations if you can. We didn't but got in quickly anyway. :) Enjoy.
(5)Jane T.
Great little spot in Duluth with great ingredients and flavors. I also love how sunny and inviting the space is!
(4)Laura A.
Greatest place in duluth! Currently eating the left overs from my beef brisket sandwich and it is still delicious! Even though they were out of a few things today, the server made sure she made excellent suggestions and alternatives to ensure my visit was perfect! Keep up the GREAT work Lake Ave!
(5)Monique T.
Just had the Greek salad with added chicken. It blew my mind! And this was just a salad. The dressing was innovative (a tapenade dressing-woo hoo!) The chicken was so flavorful and grilled to perfection. Even the lettuce was grilled and was surprisingly tasty. I thought I was just getting a salad but I got a whole lot more!
(5)Sta t.
I had to try the dates after all the reviews on here raved about them, and they did not disappoint. The salt from the bacon, sweet from the date, and spice of the chorizo make this the perfect blend of appetizer bliss. I had the diver scallops and risotta for my main course and they were excellent. The risotta contained small chunks of what appeared to me as red and green peppers that were a relatively cool temperature as compared to the risotto. I liked the way it complimented the taste of the risotto and the scallops. I had high hopes for this place based on its reviews, and it did not disappoint.
(4)Jackie G.
With a group of 9 and no reservations, we wandered into the Lake Avenue Cafe on Friday for some post-Thanksgiving chow. we were promptly seated in 2 back-to-back booths, which worked out nicely. On to the food......WOW. I am pleased to say that we had some really fantastic food. To start, the French Onion Soup - A generous serving of some of the best melty goodness we've ever had. YUM. Up next, we split the wild mushroom pizza. I am not sure if this is a menu staple (it was a "special" ) but it was AMAZING. If this makes it into regular rotation, it will be my go-to order. Now very full, I attempted a couple bites of my Hamburger Deluxe (hold the mayo). Perhaps it was that everything I had up until this was so darn tasty, but I felt like the burger was a bit of a disappointment. It was a tad dry for my liking..... but the fries were excellent. Overall, we had a wonderful experience and are looking forward to going back. Also, the Lake Ave Cafe is under new ownership, and I am pleased to report it is fantastic - Kudos to Derek & Co.
(4)Juliet H.
The staff was friendly, service was quick, and the atmosphere modern and pleasing. My salad was a creative smoked octopus with pancetta over frisee. Fresh and delicious! Good beers on tap.
(4)Mark F.
When it comes to contemporary dining, the service, food, and atmosphere are the best that Duluth has to offer with out question. The happy hour menu is second to none with amazing and innovative pizzas and specials on 'rail' drinks that would be top shelf in any other bar in the Twin Ports.
(5)Tara J.
I liked Lake Avenue Restaurant so much that I visited twice in 2 days this past weekend. On the first visit I sat at the bar and just had drinks. My husband, in-laws and I went for the express purpose of trying Dubrue beer, which they have on tap and was quite tasty! During our visit, we discovered that they have an amazing cocktail selection, make their own beet/thyme infused gin, squeeze their own grapefruit juice daily and have a lovely array of organic and unusual liquors on hand. I tried the "Bitter Duluthian", which contains the aforementioned grapefruit juice, blood orange liqueur and a botanical rye alcohol - delicious! We glanced at the menu while we were there and decided to stop by for lunch the next day. I had the falafel platter and subbed baba ganoush for the yogurt sauce. it was excellent - the best falafel I have had in MN by far. You can also sub a falafel burger for any beef burger listed on the menu - nice! The atmosphere and service are as good as the food and cocktails. They also have a nice little patio, but they don't allow dogs. :( The only other drawback is the lack of vegan options on the brunch menu. Those 2 details aside, I will definitely be adding Lake Avenue to my "must visit" places for all future Duluth visits. I'm so happy to have found another great Duluth restaurant to add to the rotation!
(5)Lori G.
It is in a convenient location. But the service is REALLY slow when I was there. There were just a couple of tables. I don't know what took them so long... The food is OK. But I am already in a bad mood after all these waiting...Wait for a table (there are empty ones every where...), wait for the menu, wait to take the order, wait for the food, wait for the check etc.
(3)Coco G.
The food was good but the cocktails were better! The cocktails are unique and fresh, using in-season local ingredients and spirits from small distilleries.They also have great vineyards and a nice variety on their short wine list. The food is as local as possible, in season, and well thought out. Vegetarian and carnivore friendly. Every time I discover a place like this in duluth, I am shocked.
(5)Keith W.
Awesome food. I had the Cobb salad and it was amazing, really.
(5)Adam M.
This place was recommended by a friend and delivered. The decor is nothing o write home about, but the food was well conceptualized and well executed. I will go back next time I'm in Duluth.
(4)Amper P.
Thought this place was pretty great. Had the pork shoulder over polenta, pork was so tender and tasty. Friend had the lobster pasta. She was a big fan as well. Cocktails were also fun - I can't remember the name of mine, had whiskey and muddled cucumber and ginger syrup. A real treat!
(4)Kate F.
Lake Avenue Cafe was great! The food was great, but the wine portions were small. I would definitely go back.
(4)Catherine M.
What a hidden gem! Everything was delicious with a little imaginative surprise or twist to it. Our 8 year old daughter tried the "marrow toast" (yes, bone marrow on toast) and loved it and then moved on to the Mac and cheese with truffle oil which was unbelievably delicious. From appetizers to mains, everyone in our group had something we loved. Few of the items I had read about in other reviews were there as it seems they are changing the menu quite a bit, but everything we had was great The cocktail list was extremely interesting - definitely outside of the tired recycled "old standards" drinks you see in most places, we wanted to try many of them but settled for the Scandanavian (Aquavit, limoncello and cucumber liquer) awesome!
(5)Brett K.
Everything was awesome! Pizzas, salads and try the Thai chili...
(4)Natalie R.
I really wanted to like the Lake Avenue Cafe. Walking in, I loved the ambiance and was impressed by the quick seating. Our waitress, however, seemed rattled and unsure of the menu and specials. After informing us that they were out quite a few menu items, she later offered one of these items to the table next to us. Maybe they had somehow acquired the ingredients? The Greektown salad was good- but we had to request artichoke hearts, which were listed as included on the menu. The pizzas (Chicken, and Eggplant) were absolutely delicious. Great combinations of flavor on each one. Overall, the service was unimpressive; I would like to try other menu items in the future.
(2)Sparky S.
I give em credit for trying. Some very adventurous fare for this part of the country. I had the Ox Tail Lasagne. The serving was about the size of two decks of cards (very small) and all I could find was some gelatin of ox tail...no meat whatsoever. It had kind of a creamy/watery cheese flavored sauce...like goat cheese mixed with bechemel, then cut with water by about 50%. This was $17. Barely a light snack. Waitress was nice. I would try it again some time, but not the lasagne.
(2)Jeff K.
A great place with what I call an art deco ambience. They have interesting, almost exotic, variations on American cuisine. My wife and I have been there a number of times and the food is consistently excellent! It's one of those "must go" places whenever we are in Duluth! The last time I was there I tried the Thai Chili. It was divine. Now that I am a Yelper I will record specific dishes on my next visit. I find reviews that list specific items to be most helpful. Here's a link to their website: lakeavenuecafe.com Reservations are recommended - considering the size and popularity it's a good idea to make a reservation.
(5)Sarah L.
I love the locavore aspect. The art on the walls is great. The service was good, but not stellar. The coffee was good enough. I had the bison hash for brunch and it was delicious! Our server was good enough to talk to the chef and determine whether it was safe for me to eat, since I have to maintain a gluten free diet (it's fried in the same fryer with other stuff, but that doesn't cause me problems-for others that can be a big deal). The brunch menu wasn't that gluten-free friendly, unless you like/can eat eggs. I don't tolerate or like eggs very well, but I ate them anyway, since I didn't really have other options. Combined with the bison meat and potatoes, they weren't bad. I'd go again, but maybe not for brunch. They do have a bar, though, and I saw the bartender making mimosas, so maybe I'd eat more eggs just so I could have a morning mimosa. Haha!
(3)Christy K.
Cute bright place with an eclectic menu. The yazi martini was unique and I loved it. The chorizo stuffed dates were amazing. I had the pan sautéed fish and chips. My coworkers tried the vegetable enchilada, scallops, and the ceviche. Everyone enjoyed their meal and the service was good.
(4)Trevor T.
Had dinner here and it was pretty good. Sunday night and there wasn't much of a crowd. Only 3 or 4 others in the place besides us. I had the Pork Chops with Sour Cream/Mustard Sauce and Mashed Potatoes. The side was broccoli. For desert I had the Hot Fudge Sunday. Overall, the food was good and I'd come back for a second trip.
(4)Chervianne Z.
Get a reservation if you are having dinner here, especially on the weekend. The Lake Avenue Cafe has a high quality, reasonably priced selection of great American food. The menu has been very consistent over the years such that I have a reliable set of favorites that I can always count on if one of the daily specials doesn't meet my fancy. If this restaurant was in Minneapolis, it would be much more expensive and snobby; since it is in Duluth it is a casual way to have a great meal. Located right in Canal Park, the food and experience here is so much better than you will get at the nearby chains or Grandma's set of restaurants. This is a Duluth must!
(5)Nancee M.
Had a group of 14 from the Curling Club on 3/9/2014. They accommodated us on a Sunday afternoon for brunch. Grapefruit mimosas were delicious. The Garden By the Sea bloody was terrific....if a bit small. Shared The Plate and also the Winter Ssams. The Ssams were out of this world great. The bison rillett was also great. The staff was gracious in offering extra bread. Shared the Boston roll. The monk fish was perfectly prepared. The Mac and cheese was good but the truffle oil was a little over powering. The biscuits and gravy were praised but could have fed 3 people easily. The bison bolognese with mushrooms was also given high marks. I will be back, and hopefully soon.
(5)William C.
I was looking for a new place to grab lunch and found this hidden gem via Yelp! I was in town for Grandma's Marathon and was surprised to find this place was not jammed full of people. We were quickly seated and began reviewing the menu. There is something for everyone, burgers, salads, soups and gluten free options (includes GF burger buns!). We landed on Chorizo Stuffed Dates, Lake Ave Lucy and Sunchoke Risotto. The stuffed dates are a must, I don't care if you're skeptical, just order it. Anything wrapped in bacon is amazing. The dates are sweet, combined with the fatty/salty bacon and chorizo; what a great combo! The Lake Ave Lucy was fresh, clean and full of flavor. The meat was super clean, not super fatty and the cheese was fresh and rich with flavor. It's served on a chibata bun and you'll find it served with lettuce, tomato and shaved shallots. A great burger that you wouldn't expect. The risotto was delicate, right portion and amazing flavor. Complex flavors of fruit and mascarpone; great dish for those that like their veggies and are gluten sensitive. If you're looking for a great place to grab lunch/dinner, make your way to Lake Ave Cafe, you won't be disappointed!
(4)Angela O.
I visited Lake Ave Cafe for the third time last night and was, again, very impressed with the entire experience. We took friends who are new to town. Lake Ave rolled out a new menu last week, which was perfect for summer. Even with all the new dishes, our server was very helpful when explaining each dish. The service was fantastic, not too pushy or overwhelming. Just the right amount of attention. I highly recommend the Cherry Pepper Poppers as an app. I could have eaten an entire plate! For dinner, I ordered the Summer Squash Parmesan. Goodness, it was wonderful. The flavors flowed together very well. My friend had the Falafel, which she said was perfectly made. Our husbands had the Beef Fillet. It was a bit chewy for my liking, but the guys enjoyed it. For dessert, we had the Chocolate Cake with Cherry, which I'll definitely get again. We also had the Candy Bar. Whoa! Super rich! Only get this of you're sharing it or taking it home. Really good but I could only have a bite or two. The other thing I love about Lake Ave is all the local goods they use. There is a list on the table. The alcohol is fairly local, too. We'll be back before long!
(5)Chad S.
We are from the cities, and were up in Duluth for a weekend get a way. We popped in to Lake Avenue for a quick lunch....and it was the best meal we had all weekend! I went simple and got a Reuben. It blew my mind! I could go on and on, but needless to say, we went back for brunch Sunday before we left town. This will be a must stop every time we are in the area. Bravo
(5)Justin W.
Portions are not huge, had three entrees for two people to feel satisfied with the meal, and price closer to $$$ than $$. Kind of hard to find since it is within a larger building, not clearly marked on the outside. Food took a while to come out but not too bad. That said, everything tasted very good once we got it, especially the summer squash dish (which also happens to be on the cheaper end of the entrees). Also the house salad comes with some creative dressing options. Had avocado and grapefruit!
(4)Amy K.
We always have a great meal here... Brunch, lunch or dinner! Locally sourced and creative dishes. Excellent cocktails. They have one of the best bloodies in town. Just thick enough, good spice, love the infused vodka and a Bent Hop snit to boot. Garnishes are pretty standard. Bring back the deconstructed fish and chips!
(5)Kristen H.
From Texas, looked this place up and decided to go based on reviews! The good: We loved the silly goose pizza but it was way to small! Make sure you don't share one . The pesto was delicious. I loved how they list where all their ingredients come from ( all local). If you're into beer they have several local beers on tap. I liked the atmosphere- wood tables, iron, local art. I gave three because the potatoes were a tad raw.
(3)Jim J.
I visited Duluth and ate at this restaurant for lunch. Parking was a little confusing but if there wasn't any space you can always park half block away for 1.50 dollars. I was kind of amazed that their waitresses were all pretty girls in dresses. My eyes were already full. Not a very long menu. Breakfast and brunch on one side and lunch on the other. Saved me time so I didn't have to look for one entree I wanted to eat in millions of entrees. Ordered their Lake Ave burger. Maybe the waitresses also enhanced my appetite, it was very delicious. The lake ave sauce in the burger was good too. Though it looked a little messy. The sauce was everywhere, but it did taste good. That's the important part, isn't it?
(5)Raffi M.
I have only tried the brunch here, but they offer a very unique menu from start to finish. Both the atmosphere, service, and food presentation is on the artsy side, but the food definitely does not lack flavor or portion size. You can easily leave feeling full and satisfied. I believe their menu changes often, but on my visit I tried a bison and potato skin benedict with a side of french toast. The benedict was way beyond anything I expected; the hollandaise and sweet BBQ sauce gave a perfect amount of spicy kick and both the potato skins and the roasted potatoes were wonderfully crisp. The side of french toast was moist and flavorful. The apple butter compote was on point, and combined with the sweet cream sauce it rounded out the french toast without needing any maple syrup. They have a full bar and serve several morning cocktails such as bloody marys or mimosas. Service was friendlier and less pretentious than I expected, and they are in the Dewitt-Seitz Marketplace so parking is free and space is much easier to find than on the street in Canal Park.
(4)Charly I.
My family and I went here a couple days ago for lunch. We all tried the cuttlefish appetizer which was really good and then we all had the perch tacos for our entree. The food was really good. My only complaint was the service was slow. The restaurant was not busy but it took about 30 mins to get our appetizer and about another 30 for entrees.
(4)Annie P.
Visited here last week at lunch while in Duluth for the day. We had the Banh Mi sandwich and Perch Tacos, both delicious. Very friendly service, would definitely return to try more of the menu.
(4)Sharon S.
Eclectic menu. Everything we had was excellent. Device was good. Highly recommend this restaurant
(5)Kristi C.
A gem in Canal Park! I've walked by this place so many times, not giving it much of a thought. On the suggestion of a friend, I'm pleased to say tI've found a place where the food is good and the service is top notch! The Baba Ganoush is delicious, the best I've ever had & could have eaten it all as my own meal. The Lake Superior Fish lacked flavor, the cucumber horseradish sauce helped a bit, but not enough that I'd recommend this dish. Chorizo Stuffed Dates are yummy bites of bacon-y goodness! Our server was right there with coffee and water refills. Her sweet, friendly and welcoming personality puts this restaurant on the "must stop" route for future Duluth visits.
(4)Josefina L.
Food is marginal and over priced. Our particular waitress was very inattentive and forgot my coffee. However, everyone seated around us were being waited on. Will not return.
(3)Brian J.
My wife, parents and our kids stopped in here for dinner while we were in Canal Park since we saw the great reviews. It turned out to be more expensive then I expected, but the food was great. We had the falafel, hamburger and the kids split a cheeseburger. They were even nice enough to split the burger into 2 burgers for us. Service was excellent.
(5)Eric H.
Food is great with creative menu. Portions are not large. Big eaters need salad, appetizers and maybe dessert. I had perfectly cooked steak and family had fish stew made with grouper. All were pleased. I eat here a few times per year and always look forward to it.
(5)Karen S.
Stopped here post-Wilco show last weekend. Three members of the band also stopped by. Honestly, that by itself makes me give this place 5 stars. The food an drink were good too - and the servers did great with a completely packed house. Favorites included the bison nachos, and the gin & tonics (made with your choice of flavored bitters. i had grapefruit and it was super refreshing after a hot day). Live music was a nice touch as well.
(5)Micki C.
After all the yelp reviews and 4-5 star reviews, I was excited to try Lake Avenue Cafe during a girls weekend in Duluth. My actual experience was pretty blah and only one person in my group said they liked their meal enough to go back for another meal in the future. I had the Superior Cobb salad, which I thought was small for the price and had watery blue cheese dressing. I also shared the Rachel sandwich, which had really thick bread that was a bit dry and totally masked the other flavors in the sandwich. The dinner menu looks a bit more impressive, so maybe that's the meal to experience here? I left lunch feeling like I ate at a total tourist trap. : (
(2)Brandon T.
We were thinking of going to the Smokehaus next door but landed here instead. I had the Bison BBQ. It was a delicious sandwich. Could have used a little more pickled vegetables to offset the sweetness of the BBQ but very tasty, overall. My girlfriend had a brunch item with potato skins, eggs, and Bison. She wasn't as thrilled with hers.
(4)Marion R.
Loved this restaurant! Banh mi sandwich was delicious as was the burger-same goes for the sides-cole slaw and fries. All that and 1/2 price wine day on Wednesdays! Plus the service was friendly, attentive and prompt. Try it! It is super close to the Vista Fleet. Great for before or after a cruise.
(4)Kim R.
We stopped by Lake Avenue Cafe when we were visiting Duluth this past weekend. I made sure to check the Yelp reviews before coming to Duluth, and this place had tons of stars, plus a local recommended it to us. This place did not disappoint! Unfortunately, it was really windy and cold outside (only 55 degrees in July!), so we sat inside. The food was great. I really enjoyed my smoked bison pizza. The olive oil roasted tomatoes were phenomenal. They were so sweet and full of flavor. I also really liked the addition of the pickles to this pizza. It wasn't at all greasy and tasted very fresh. I would definitely come back to Lake Avenue Cafe the next time I'm in Duluth.
(4)Tracy W.
I went here after a day at Spirit, and I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the macaroni and cheese, hoping for some comfort food, and that is exactly what I got. However, this was no ordinary mac and cheese. The tallegio parmesan cream sauce was out of this world awesome. My sister had the ratatouille, and it was the best I've ever tasted. For dessert, we had lemon blueberry creme brulee, ohhhhh yes. This place makes me want to move to Duluth.
(4)Stacy N.
Holy cow! THANK YOU Yelp for leading us to this diamond in Canal Park! My husband and I wanted a "nicer" night out. We would have never tried this amazing restaurant without the reviews posted here. We were definitely overdressed...the ambiance is very casual. The food, however, was far from casual! The menu is remarkably creative with everything sourced as locally as possible. The cocktail menu was exceptional. The dessert menu was exactly what you'd expect after the amazing dinner. We started with the chorizo wrapped dates. Delicious. I had the roasted chicken pasta and my husband had the pork chop. The pasta had a delightful spice to it and was very flavorful. The pork chop was thick and juicy and thinly covered in a wonderful gravy. For dessert, we chose the tart of the day (blackberry) and the lake ave candy bar. Both were big enough to be split but we were happy to have the opportunity to try two items. The tart was not as sweet as a restaurant pie or tart usually is which was a nice surprise. The candy bar had so many textures going on it was hard to pin down. The cocktails....I have no words for the creativity that goes into the cocktail menu. I would come back again and again for the cocktail menu alone. Oh...and the service? Attentive and pleasant and accommodating. Fantastic all around.
(5)Michael W.
We ate here on Friday for lunch after seeing a lot of great Yelp reviews and checking out the menu, which seemed like they had some good options. Boy, what a disappointment! I tried ordering the Lake Superior Fish Sandwich, but a few minutes later the waitress came back and said they hadn't received their fish delivery for the day (this was like 1:30PM) and so they were out of the fish sandwich. I said OK, and ordered the Lake Ave Lucy with fries instead. My wife ordered the lunch special which was a shredded beef burrito (which we received but they also ran out of after our food came). The Lake Ave Lucy was OK, if a little bland and somewhat charred on one side. I've never had a juicy lucy anywhere else, so I can't really compare but I'm guessing what I had was not a good one. The fries were just the standard restaurant fare that they pull out of the freezer and drop in a fryer. Nothing like the amazing beer-battered fries you get at Fitger's. It was a pretty underwhelming burger, and I wouldn't really recommend it, but then again, it wasn't my first choice. I had considered ordering another fish entree, but wasn't sure if they had ANY fish at that point in the day. My wife's burrito was pretty bland. Really weak flavors, and the meat was dry and not anything special. Again, seemed like really standard restaurant food, nothing that seemed special or made with any kind of culinary care or skill. The service was horrible. The restaurant was mostly empty, but it still took a long time to get our food and our waitress was totally phoning it in. At one point my wife asked for a refill on her drink (which was not completely empty yet) and the waitress said "Yeah... I'll get that for you in a little while." She then proceeded to walk back to the bar (which was in earshot of our table) and texted on her phone and made small talk with a guy at the bar. Ten minutes later when my wife flagged her down, the waitress said "You still want another drink?" No apology or anything. Really underwhelming food and service - think Applebee's in Canal Park, although to Applebees credit, I've had a LOT better service and food at their restaurants! I'm sure you can do a lot better in Canal Park, but unfortunately we didn't have the time to find out. I do think the Yelp rating is really inflated - maybe it's an amazing place for dinner, but it seems like lunch is a total loser at the Lake Ave Cafe.
(2)Justin S.
Great restaurant, great vibe, great food. The Bison Cuban was really very good...but for me the coleslaw took the win. I've never had a coleslaw quite as tasty this. Whatever kind of cabbage they use (2 kinds) with the cranberries and onions and dressing made this an excellent side. The bacon wrapped stuffed drinks were delicious. Drink menu was extensive and well crafted. They have High West Whiskey (only distillery in Utah) which brings them above any other local joint. All the drinks our group had were tasty. Super A+, man.
(4)Aric W.
We had brunch here on our way out of Duluth. This is a trendy spot in the heart of the tourist district and the prices show it. I went for the Bison Potato Skin Benedict based on the rave reviews I read here. It did not disappoint. My wife had $10 French Toast which she said probably weren't worth that much. This spot was great for brunch, I think I like Duluth Grill a bit better, but this place is still very good. I would go again.
(4)Ida S.
Terrific and friendly!
(5)Sara W.
Delicious eats & fabulous service. What more could one ask for? This was my second time in Duluth, and I wanted to find a new spot that I could claim as "mine", that I would come back again and again to. Thanks, Lake Avenue Cafe, because you are it. This space is quaint and fairly small, and there is outdoor seating available, if the weather permits. Our server was filled with excitement, and convinced us to start with the "comfort" food of the Lake Superior Fish Cakes. Such an interesting mix of the fish cakes, beets, and horseradish sauce, that would leave anyone asking for more. I wanted to relive my French past, ordering the Ratatouille, with my boyfriend ordering the liver (YES, I did say liver), along with a cup of the Thai Chili soup. I was a big fan of all the dishes, minus the Thai chili & the baked polenta accompanying the ratatouille. As a whole. all the dishes had a bit of a twist to them, trying to give a different take on a traditional dish, which I really liked. Lake Avenue Cafe, I will definitely be back. Yet, next time, I hope the weather is nicer to me, and allows me to try out that patio of yours.
(4)Clayton A.
So many restaurants in Canal Park have a "chain restaurant" feeling. NOT Lake Avenue Café. The food here is phenomenal. Obviously, a lot of thought and care has gone into conceiving and preparing their menu, as well as choice of ingredients. For instance, I had the Northern Waters Smoked Salmon Scramble which has smoked salmon from the Northern Waters Smokehaus store next door. In my opinion, best smoked fish around. Also, my wife claims their bloody marys are the best. Service is also phenomenal. They quickly accommodated our group of 12, with no issues. Everyone was very satisfied. I will definitely return to try more from their menu!
(5)Mark R.
Stopped in on a cold blustery day for a late lunch. The menu was interesting and the waitress recommended the daily special - bison stew with homemade bread. After a little deliberation, chose that and a local amber ale. Delicious. The stew was perfect for the weather, quite flavorful and savory, and the homemade bread was a perfect match. Will definitely give these folks a try next time I am in town.
(4)Alison B.
Oh my! This place deserves to be in a city where everyone can access it! Not that Duluth isn't a beautiful city, but it pains me that more people won't have the opportunity to try Lake Avenue Cafe. It's was a special girls night out so I went through everything on Yelp trying to figure out where to go to make it a great evening. The previous reviews didn't even do it justice! This place was wonderful! It was a Friday evening but even so the service was quick and very good. Because of the rave reviews, we had to place an order for the chorizo stuffed, bacon wrapped dates. Mind you, I think all three of us had our upper lips up a little as we hate dates so it was only because of the rave reviews. We were not disappointed! I can't even describe the amazing flavor of the dates and then add that sauce and it was super amazing! It's a must have! The salad - I could say it was just a salad but combine it with the Dijon vinaigrette and I wiped everything out but the radishes (can't do those even with wonderful dressing). So the main course --- I want to go bad just for that heavenly flavor. The two friends both had coq a vin which I sampled and loved, but I would go back every day for the pheasant breast and the pureed potatos. I never never clean my plate - I'm known for that that I can stop eating if I'm full. I discovered that if there is a taste that makes my tongue go crazy, I can't put my fork down. I even resorted to such an un-ladylike action as to pick up those little pheasant bones and pick the meat off of them. I was so sad when I was done eating! I was so full but I would have possibly eaten another plate! The only disappointing thing was the dessert selection. There were only three things offered, and one of those things was a hot fudge sundae. We ended up speeding down the road to enjoy dessert at New Scenic Cafe. Lake Ave is simply an amazingly wonderful restaurant!
(5)Sara W.
We enjoyed a fun night at the Lake Ave Cafe. I was very excited about the menu. The service was good. We ordered the Marrow appetizer which could've been cooked a bit more, I don't care much for it when it is still gelatinous. We also had the duck pate...delicious, this was our favorite item. I had the falafel, which was fine, but not spectacular... my husband had the enchilada, average. (seemed like something I'd make at home) My son ordered the brisket, which was well done and flavorful. I expected a bit more because of all of the great reviews.. it was good and I'd go back to try some other items, but my expectations were higher.
(3)Jessica P.
The food was very delicious! I would give the food a 5 but the service ruined that rating... The service was slow and not welcoming (besides the hostess, she was lovely). My husband and I ate here last weekend. The server didn't seem happy when we told her that we were not going to be drinking alcohol and we would only like water. Once we said that she was very short with us. We know this was only towards us. The tables are very close to one another and you can hear the conversations she was having with the other customers. We will go back but hopefully next time we wont be treated like dirt if we decided to pass on the alcohol.
(3)Kelly R.
This place totally rocks my face off every time I go here. Mac & cheese? Nothing like the stuff you know from a box. This is Scrooge-heart-melting, deliciously creamy, gourmet mac & cheese. The ratatouille was a revelation. Perfect polenta topped with flavor-packed, savory, stewed veggies and an amazing goat cheese (and I'm a huge goat cheese fan, so that's high praise). Tomato bisque with mushroom soup was pretty damn good. I know my lunchmates were similarly pleased with their veggie burritos and PLT sandwiches (I've had that one before, and it is pretty awesome). Always a nice-looking place to sit in as well. AMAZING place for vegetarians. And the meat-eaters end up ordering vegetarian as often as not, because everything on the menu sounds (and is) so good.
(5)Jennie S.
In a sea of fairly generic restaurants, this place has a unique menu. Their cob salad is really to die for. Not totally sold on the onion soup because the cheese curds were over cooked. The drink menu looks great too. Lots of interesting martinis and cocktails.
(4)Allison E.
Terrific brunch spot right in the heart of Canal Park. I highly recommend the bison and potato skin benedict. Wow. Crispy potato skins filled with juicy shredded bison, egg, hollandaise sauce and drizzled with a special bbq sauce make this worth having for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Skip the vegetarian biscuits and gravy, the mushroom sauce is bland and flavorless and the cheddar biscuits are too dense. Service was awesome, but a little slow if you are in a hurry.
(4)Owen N.
We were referred to the Lake Ave Cafe by a native Duluth-ian. My girlfriend and I (28 year olds from MPLS) were use to stopping in Duluth, wandering Canal Park, sit at Grandmas and watch the lift bridge. Our new routine will include Lake Ave Cafe. Great seafood, I had a stew with swordfish, shellfish, etc. $15-25 entrees with a nice cocktail list. They have outdoor seating, but it was chilly in May. Service was splendid and we were happy with the overall experience.
(4)Mike M.
Lake Ave consistently delivers delicious quality cuisine. I had to Yelp today after I had one of the most magnificent Cheesesteak Sandwiches of my life. The Christmas Eve daily special was so good, I am sitting at home wishing it was on the menu and I could go back and order it any time. About 10 days ago I had an equally good daily special that I dreamt about later - grilled meatloaf with huckleberry sauce. When you go to Lake Ave, be sure to ask about the daily special.
(4)Tamara H.
YUM! A gem of a restaurant in the DeWitt-Seitz building in the canal area. Gorgeous art on the walls, and really friendly staff who are obviously allowed to let their personalities and unique sense of fashion shine at work! You must try the falafel burger with the house-pickled green tomatoes and Amish white cheddar...drool...thinking about it now! The "PLT" sandwich is also good. I was there during off-hours on a somewhat chilly September day so there was no wait, but during peak season (especially if you want to sit outside) I'd say make a reservation and then enjoy shopping or walking around the area until your table is ready. I look forward to eating there again the next time I'm in town!
(5)Rae D.
I went here on a recommendation, so my expectations were set pretty high... let me just say, they were exceeded. The food: amazing. A rather large menu, with something for everyone. From classic to fancy... My oxtail lasagna with rosemary bechamel was a dream come true. Other diners had the ratatouille with polenta & chevre (FABULOUS) and deconstructed fish n' chips (so. friggin. good). My bf got the rabbit confit and it was just okay. The lentils and beans were tasty, but the rabbit was super tough & overcooked. Not sure what happened there. I would probs knock off a star under normal circumstances, but let me move onto the drinks.... The bartender happened to be our waiter, and he was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, funny and attentive. We all commented on how he *may* just be the best waiter we'd ever had.The bar there is stocked with a fine selection of beer, wine and OMG the liquor! Things I've never heard of, things I've only seen in NYC, and all of my favorite standards (such as Makers Mark). There was a Texas whiskey made with honey and figs. Pricey, but oh so worth it... I'm drooling just typing about it. Also, a Manhatten worth dying for and a bourbon & ginger with muddle cucumber. My friend had a drink with Chartreuse & gin that she said was the best cocktail she had ever had. In short, if you are in Duluth and want to treat yourself, this is the place to go. We will definitely be back next time we are in town!
(5)S. C. C.
This is a gem! I was taking to my son up to Duluth as he was starting a month of Outward Bound and wanted to give a good "last" meal. We had bone marrow, dates with chorizo and lake trout--all delish, great service, interesting wine and liquor selection. If I am ever back in Duluth, I will go back!
(4)Mike H.
Not a bad place. I enjoyed the local focus with imaginative menu, pulled bison Cuban, for example. As much as I would like to tell you about the bison they were out of it at 1:00 in the afternoon. In fact they were out of my first 3 choices. The smoked salmon scramble I settled on must have been close to out as there was barely a bite of salmon on top. Beyond the salmon there was nothing subtle about the dish. I would recommend it for a different flavor profile than usual breakfast fare but not because it was wonderful. Service was local pleasant and not particularly efficient or effective every question was met with, "I'll go ask" and a long absence. LAC comes closer to talented amateurs than a professional must seek out operation. In the end if the stars align you could have a 4 star experience, worth searching out, however my experience was much closer to a 2 star experience, not worth the time or money. Mike
(3)Jeremy C.
We stopped here for a late lunch and some drinks. The service was prompt and friendly, the food was awesome and unique. Would absolutely go back here.
(5)Michelle A.
A bit more "fine dining" than I'd expected, but Lake Avenue Cafe serves up some great food. It seems a bit more dinner-oriented than lunch-oriented, but I really enjoyed my pulled bison sandwich. My counterpart loved his coq au vin, too. Classy joint, nice staff and great food for a refined palate. Leave the kids at home for this one.
(5)amy z.
P & I had a good memory of this place from our visit to Duluth 3 years ago. Unfortunately the memory of the place was the only thing that was good. The food was ok but nothing a home chef couldn't create. We started with the fish cakes with dill yogurt sauce. The cakes were heavy with filler and not a lot of fish. They were also under seasoned. The sauce was alright. The entire time I kept thinking something was missing. Then my blood orange vinaigrette came for my salad. Acid!! It was missing the tang of citrus. The citrus did improve upon the taste but it was still just ok. P ordered the special chicken pesto pasta and I had the ratatouille on polenta. Again it was ok and was missing something. The polenta was cooked perfectly but the ratatouille seemed more like a caponata. I ended up adding some of P's pesto and it seemed to help. I also have to say this is the first time in a very long time that I had to salt my food. Why 3 stars and not 2? The service was very good. Would I go back. Probably not.
(3)Ryan B.
I've never been to Duluth before, but if I ever go back, I'm going to be sure to make it a point to pay this place a visit. The owner of this place is very hands on and happened to be our waiter - always a really good sign. I had the blood orange tomato soup which was sweet and had a sour/grapefruit like finish. For my main course I had the short ribs that was perfectly cooked - no need for a knife as I used my fork the whole time. I wrapped up my meal with a flourless chocolate cake (which wasn't too sweet, too rich, or too large of a portion - just the way I like my desserts) and enjoyed a couple glasses of the malbec. Everything was perfect. Here's a tip - Go there now!
(5)