4 Great Places to Eat in Duluth, Minnesota Right Now

Duluth’s food scene is as vibrant as its views of Lake Superior. Known for its natural beauty and year-round outdoor adventures, this northern Minnesota gem also serves up an impressive mix of bakeries, breweries, cafés, and fine dining. On a recent weekend getaway, we sampled four standout spots—each one full of flavor and local charm. From a James Beard Award-winning classic to a cozy café with a killer turkey bacon club, here are our favorite places to eat in Duluth (so far).

Ursa Minor Brewing Company: Pizza, Pints & Live Music

We shifted into Sunday Funday gear when we walked into Ursa Minor Brewing Company for pizza and a pint of beer. Our pint of beer each somehow turned into two pints for one of us, and we couldn’t pass up on getting dessert to share on our way out the door.  

Chris had two pints of Galactic Face Slap Hazy IPA (Hops: Galaxy, Citra, Mosaic, ABV: 6.8%, IBU: 30), while I sipped an Irish You Well Stout (Notes: Roasty, Coffee, It’s giving Guinness, ABV: 5.0%, IBU: 20). The beers satisfied our taste buds and quenched our thirst.

For pizza, Chris chose the Wise Yker pizza, topped with hot sausage, smoked pork loin, and gorgonzola. I went for the Voyager, featuring kale, mushrooms, ricotta, parmesan, and balsamic glaze. The innovative flavors did not disappoint; they were delicious. Portions at Ursa Minor are generous. I took half of my pizza with me and had it for lunch the next day. 

At the counter, as we were about to settle up our bill, I noticed their Bear Buns – house-made glazed carrot cake buns with a cream cheese filling. It’s important to try new things, right? And neither of us had ever tried an inside-out carrot cake. Our decision to split one proved to be in excellent taste. 

One big reason for a pint turning into two was the entertainment. A musician, Yuya Mix, played guitar, tambourine, harmonica, and even switched to a ukulele, covering everything from Johnny Cash to Train and Neil Young. Thanks to the music, we wanted to keep hanging out. 

HOURS: Sun. – Thurs. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Brunch at Wussow’s Concert Cafe

Wussow’s has already received mention in our Cozy Weekend in Duluth: Bookstores + Coffee Shops post. It’s so nice, we felt the need to mention it twice. Their Turkey Bacon Club might be the absolute best Turkey Bacon Club I’ve ever had. Chris opted for a Breakfast Burrito, and we both chose chips and pico as our sides. He was delighted by his meal as well. 

There wasn’t any live music happening while we were there, but they have a stage and a solid performance schedule. When I last looked, the Wussow’s Concert Cafe Event Calendar had a mix of music performances, events for writers, a chess club, and Finnish Takeovers.

Hours: Mon. & Thurs 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tues. & Fri. 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Wed. 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Sun. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Pickwick Restaurant: Historic Dining on Lake Superior

The Pickwick is a James Beard Award winner known for its charcoal-grilled meats and fine homemade fare. After experiencing their welcoming service and tasting their delectable dishes, we can see why they’ve been around since 1914.

Pickwick’s Classy Atmosphere

White linen cloths cover tables adorned with candles, place settings, and a leather-bound wine list. Classy chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and enormous windows provide incredible views of Lake Superior.

On the evening we were there (March 22nd, 2025), we watched the season’s first saltie arrive in the harbour. A saltie, as I learned during that trip (Chris already knew about them), is a ship that comes into the Great Lakes from the ocean. Even though we were a few tables back from the windows, we could enjoy views of Lake Superior and watch the saltie come in. It’s always so lovely when restaurants situate their tables so that views can be enjoyed by more customers than those fortunate enough to get a spot next to a window. 

I learned about salties from Grace, the owner of INDIGO THE LABEL, a fabulous boutique we included in our Duluth Boutique Shopping Guide.

Dinner + Dessert

Chris and I each ordered a Barrel Cut Filet, an excellent eight-ounce cut from the center of the tenderloin. Our dinners came with garden salad, vegetable of the day, and a choice of side. I chose a baked potato (it’s always my first choice), and Chris decided to have onion rings. Our steaks were cooked just right, with char adding to the depth of their flavor.

They have a solid wine list with several options available by the glass, as well as some available by the bottle only. We enjoyed reds with our steaks, though I can’t remember exactly which. My guess is the Paysan Cabernet, because we favor Central Coast wines, though Chris sometimes prefers a blend. I guess what’s important is that there are options on their wine list and good ones. 

For dessert, Chris ordered their apple crisp. If there’s apple-anything on a dessert menu, it’s typically his first choice. He nearly devoured it, but the portion was too generous for him to manage. Pickwick’s has fun, boozy desserts, so I gave their boozy mudslide shake a try. It was topped with whipped cream. I can’t remember having richer whipped cream, so I suspect it might be homemade.

Hours: Tues & Wed. 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Thurs. 12 p.m.  – 9 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sweet Finds at Positively 3rd Street Bakery

While planning out our Duluth itinerary, I came across Positively 3rd Street Bakery. I read about it being a worker-owned establishment that gives to the community, and focuses on organic, locally-sourced ingredients. Situated a little away from the main areas we explored during our stay, yet worth the short drive. 

Our only disappointment came from not managing to get to the bakery until late in the afternoon. They were sold out of most of their baked goods, except for a few cookies. I had an incredible ginger cookie, while Chris went for the Thunder Cookie and the Banana Chip—both delicious choices. Alongside their baked goods, they also offer bags of homemade granola, locally sourced Minnesota maple syrup, and honey. 

When we return to Duluth, we’ll need to stop by Positively 3rd Street Bakery in the morning. 

Good to Know: Positively 3rd Street Bakery is take-away only. They do not have seating available. 

Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily.

Duluth is delicious. It’s just one of the many things the Zenith City has going for it. Duluth has fabulous boutiques, bookstores, and cafés. It possesses rugged beauty, vibrant art scenes, and a great outdoors to explore. 

Planning a trip to Duluth? Don’t miss our boutique shopping guide — Where to Shop in Duluth: 3 Stylish Local Boutiques. 

Love coffee and books? Add these bookish spaces to your Duluth itinerary — Cozy Weekend in Duluth: Bookstores + Coffee Shops. 

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