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Bob Berg / Lake Superior Magazine
The deck of Mexico Lindo at the Fitger’s Complex in Duluth is a popular dining spot whenever weather permits, even on this mid- April day.
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Courtesy Bayfield Chamber and Visitors Bureau
Proximity to the Lake bring guests at Pier Plaza Restaurant & Bay Front Inn in Bayfield, Wisconsin, nice views.
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Courtesy Landmark Inn
Landmark Inn has great views from its Sky Room, seen here, for private events or its North Star Lounge for everyone.
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Courtesy Barb Lavigne
The Angry Trout Cafe seems literally on the water in Grand Marais, Minnesota.
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Courtesy JJ Astor
The view from JJ Astor Restaurant, which rotates atop the Radisson Hotel Duluth Harborview.
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Courtesy Freighters Restaurant
Freighters Restaurant has a great view of the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
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Courtesy Fitzgerald's Restaurant
It’s hard to get closer to the Lake than at Fitzgerald’s Restaurant in Eagle River, Michigan.
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Courtesy Va Bene Berarducci's Caffe
Mary Kay Berarducci, owner of Va Bene Berarducci’s Caffe in Duluth, at a table on the open-air deck.
Finding Favorite Places to ‘Sup’ and ‘Superior’
On a warm spring afternoon in Duluth, all 17 tables on Mexico Lindo’s outside deck overlooking Lake Superior were occupied. A gentle breeze carried bits of conversation and laughter as servers balanced trays of burritos, enchiladas, tortilla chips and beverages.
The deck at this Fitger’s complex restaurant is so popular that people are willing to wait an hour or two for a table to free up, says George Kramer, Mexico Lindo’s service manager. “It stays busy until midnight.” Often, folks will sit in the bar to wait. There’s even an auxiliary hostess to manage traffic through the door to the deck.
With the Big Lake as a backdrop, it’s no wonder that from Duluth to Bayfield, Wisconsin, from Copper Harbor, Michigan, to Rossport, Ontario, the lakeside cafés and restaurants – and even a few fast food joints – can offer platefuls of stunning views from their tables.
Places with the fanciest foods don’t necessarily serve up the greatest views, but combined with the spectacular scenery even a modest meal becomes memorable. Join us on a tour of a few favorite viewing spots, based on reader recommendations and our own experiences.
Outside Is In
“The people in the Upper Midwest I don’t think fully understand the views that we have, until you see them,” Bob Shykes says while dining with his wife, Judy, on Mexico Lindo’s deck.
The Shykes of rural Duluth like Mexico Lindo for its food and its view. “It’s a great place to eat. The view is wonderful,” Bob says.
“One of the most beautiful views, I think, in the country,” Judy adds.
With its clear view of Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge, the deck lets guests watch maritime traffic, be it a 1,000-foot freighter or a magnificent tall masted ship. “It’s spectacular any time of day,” Service Manager George Kramer says. The deck also overlooks the popular Lakewalk, making for great people watching, too.
Some places let you feel the vast expanse of the Lake – inside or outside.
In downtown Bayfield, Wisconsin, sitting outside at Pier Plaza Restaurant & Bay Front Inn gives you views of the Lake and of the busy maritime traffic that is so much a part of life in this charming lakeside village.
There are cruise boats from Apostle Islands Cruises, private sailboats and Madeline Island Ferry Line boats making their runs between the island and the mainland.
The restaurant has outside seating for 40 at its corner location directly across from the Bayfield Pavilion and the city dock.
“It’s a gorgeous view,” agrees owner John Johnson. “It’s just fun to watch our Lake.”
From Pier Plaza, you can see the city’s gazebo and the transient docking spots where boaters will pull in and tie up.
Families stop by for ice cream cones or box lunches and head off walking along the waterfront.
Pier Plaza is the third restaurant that John’s family has owned at this location, starting with an A&W that John’s parents opened in the early 1950s. Earlier, his grandparents had other businesses, including a grocery.
To see some of that family history, and how things have changed, visitors can take a peek at a small room just off the dining room that’s filled with old pictures.
Those who prefer enjoying the Lake view from indoors can do that, too, because of the huge windows.
Those who book lodging in Bay Front Inn can appreciate the great view, too. In fact, John recommends that guests rise at 5 a.m. to catch a view of the sunrise over Madeline and Bass islands “that will knock your socks off. … The reds and pinks are awesome.” After that, of course, you can go back to bed.
“We like to say, ‘Come and stay with us. The only thing we overlook is the Lake,’” John says.
Farther east in Eagle River, Michigan, Fitzgerald’s Restaurant & Lounge has indoor and outdoor options that literally put you at the water’s edge.
“We’ve heard from many people that we have the best view of Lake Superior,” says Marc Rea, co-owner with Mike LaMotte of Fitzgerald’s and Eagle River Inn.
“We have one of the only unobstructed views of the Lake. We’re in the middle of a bay that faces open water.”
Fitzgerald’s has a small deck with 10 tables outside with seating for 30 people. Inside, the capacity is 40, and “it feels like the tables are right along the Lake,” Marc adds. “We’re actually only 60 feet from the shore of Lake Superior.”
Do people come for the view? “Definitely,” he says. Fitzgerald’s deck is seen as a great place to hang out, have a drink and enjoy the scenery. “My partner, Mike, and I are happy to have the view and be able to share it with everybody.”
The view is one of their website selling points: “The cornerstone of Fitzgerald’s is our intimate dining room with a stunning view of Lake Superior. Whether it’s calm and sunny or windy and raining, the lake takes a different shape each day, and the various personalities in the restaurant change along with it.”
The restaurant’s menu is casual American, featuring brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and fish and seafood dishes, including pecan walleye and shrimp and scallop alfredo.
Along Ontario’s shore in the former fishing village of Rossport, the outdoor patio and inside tables at the Serendipity Gardens Cafe & Guest House offers a panoramic view of Rossport Harbour.
Manager Cathy Gerow says guests have a simple assessment of the view: “It’s spectacular.”
The dining room has three tables next to windows, but “pretty much anywhere in the dining room you can see the Lake,” Cathy says.
Serendipity Gardens’ outdoor patio nestles into what is described as “a whimsical garden setting.”
The Lake is not the only thing of interest to see there. The Guest House, built by owner Roger Alty, is a uniquely styled arched building with handcrafted pine woodwork.
In Grand Marais, Minnesota, the Angry Trout Café is a dining experience that seems literally to be on the water. It’s a “small indoor/outdoor restaurant cobbled together out of an old commercial fishing shanty that clings to the edge of Grand Marais Harbor,” say owners George Wilkes and Barb LaVigne.
The most common reaction from patrons enjoying the view, says Barb, is “Wow.”
The Angry Trout’s menu offers locally grown produce, hand-harvested wild rice and, its specialty, fresh Lake Superior fish.
Back in Duluth, Va Bene Berarducci’s Caffé has impressive views. There are 30 seats on its open-air deck and enclosed heated/cooled solarium facing the Lake, and 30 seats (and 12 barstools) inside that still provide Lake views.
“It’s a very unique view because it is very close to the water,” says owner Mary Kay Berarducci. “It hangs over the Lakewalk and train tracks, all of which enhance your dining experience. (Patrons) like how it is up high and have said it feels like they are on the water. … The sunrise is amazing, as well as the moonshine … on the full moon nights.”
Va Bene prides itself on its made-from-scratch Italian food. “Scratch cooking with quality fresh ingredients definitely is enhanced by fabulous views of the Lake and the Lift Bridge,” Mary Kay adds. “You can see over to Wisconsin, Canal Park, the Bong Bridge, even the Fitger’s Complex.”
The Midi Restaurant on the lower level of Fitger’s Complex also looks out onto Lake Superior. Its patio area has eight tables and “it fills up right away,” even if it’s foggy on the Lake and even at night when it’s dark, says Heather Jensen, one of Midi’s managers.
In Midi’s main dining room, the tables along the windows are popular night and day.
“The view is the first thing we hear (from guests). ‘We came to get the Lake view.’ … It’s a huge bonus being on the Lake,” Heather says.
Midi Restaurant emphasize dishes with Mediterranean flavors and also has a wine bar and large banquet rooms that fill up during special occasions, such as Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day.
It’s Good on the Inside, too
Quite a few of the noteworthy dining views around the Big Lake can be found inside, where diners can savor their views and their meals regardless of the weather.
Tall on the hill in Marquette, Michigan, the historic Landmark Inn has great views by virtue of its claim to the highest perch in the city. The North Star Lounge has a leather-bound smoking-room look and windows with spectacular views. For private events, the Sky Room is airy and its windows feature the Lake and the historic cityscape.
The two spaces have “complete views of majestic Lake Superior as well as historic Marquette and downtown,” says Michelle Cook, The Landmark’s director of sales and marketing.
In Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, at the Freighters Restaurant in the Ramada Plaza Ojibway Hotel, patrons enjoy tables by large windows that provide maritime entertainment with their meals – a nice view of the Soo Locks and Soo Locks Park.
“Everyone wants a table by the window,” says Sharon Tobias, restaurant manager.
It’s a perfect spot to watch a boat pass through the locks. “The most common question is: When does the next ship come through?” Sharon says.
On Minnesota’s North Shore, the dining room at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino offers a sweet view of a beach area and Pete’s Island on Lake Superior, says Frank Vecchio, Grand Portage’s marketing manager. Guests have labeled the view “unbelievable.”
In downtown Duluth the JJ Astor Restaurant on the top of the Radisson Hotel Duluth Harborview offers truly unique Lake Superior and cityscape views that travel as you dine. The rotating restaurant is a highlight for many tourists.
“I think it’s the best view in Duluth,” says Eric Faust, restaurant manager.
“It’s like putting a table on top of Enger Tower,” he adds, referring to Duluth’s hilltop landmark.
Many people stepping off the elevator are astonished by the panoramic views of downtown Duluth, the harbor and the Lake, Eric says. People are used to seeing the Lake from the harbor or the Lakewalk. “Lots of people say, ‘I’ve never seen the Lake in this way.’ You can sit there in a comfortable atmosphere and take it all in.”
At times the view is clear; other times it’s completely fogged in. The view complements the good food, says Eric. “You get to experience the Lake in all of its seasons.”
It’s the tasty experience of having Lake Superior join you at your table that one finds around the Lake. It’s worth savoring.
More Great Views
Here are a few other restaurants with noteworthy Big Lake views. If you don’t see your favorite here, let us know by emailing to edit@lakesuperior.com or writing to Lake Superior Magazine, P.O. Box 16417, Duluth, MN 55816-0417.
In our August/September issue, you can see which restaurant views – along with views from overlooks and overnight places – made our readers’ Best of the Lake choices for 2012.
• Angry Trout Café, Grand Marais, Minnesota. 218-387-1265. www.angrytroutcafe.com.
• Bayfield Inn, Bayfield, Wisconsin (rooftop deck bar and grill). 715-779-3363, 800-382-0995. www.bayfieldinn.com.
• Betty’s Pies, Two Harbors, Minnesota. 218-834-3367, 877-269-7494. www.bettyspies.com.
• Bluefin Grille at Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior, Tofte, Minnesota. 800-BLUEFIN (258-3346) or 218-663-6200. www.bluefinbay.com.
• Chez Jude Restaurant & Wine Cafe, Grand Marais, Minnesota. 218-387-9113. chezjude.com.
• Cove Point Lodge, Beaver Bay, Minnesota. 800-598-3221, 218-226-3221. www.covepointlodge.com.
• Explorer’s Point Restaurant, Ashland, Wisconsin. 715-682-0331. explorerspointrestaurantashland.com.
• Fitzgerald’s Restaurant & Lounge/Eagle River Inn, Eagle River, Michigan. 906-337-0666. www.eagleriverinn.com.
• Freighters Restaurant / Ramada Plaza Ojibway Hotel, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. 906-632-4100. www.ojibwayhotel.com.
• Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, Grand Portage, Minnesota. 800-543-1384. www.grandportage.com.
• Grandma’s Restaurant, the upper deck, Canal Park, Duluth. 218-727-4192. www.grandmasrestaurants.com.
• Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, Minnesota. 218-387-1563. www.gunflinttavern.com.
• Harbor Haus, Copper Harbor, Michigan. 906-289-4502. www.harborhaus.com.
• JJ Astor Restaurant / Radisson Hotel Duluth Harborview, Duluth. 218-722-8439. www.jjastorrestaurant.com.
• Kamloops Restaurant at Superior Shores Resort & Conference Center, Two Harbors, Minnesota. 218-834-5671, 800-242-1988. www.superiorshores.com.
• Landmark Inn (North Star Lounge & Sky Room), Marquette. 906-228-2580. www.thelandmarkinn.com.
• Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior , Lutsen, Minnesota. 800-2LUTSEN (800-258-8736), 218-663-7212. www.sceniccafe.com.
• Mexico Lindo, Duluth. 218-727-1978. mexicolindoduluth.com.
• Midi Restaurant, Duluth. 218-727-4880. www.midirestaurant.net.
• New Scenic Cafe, Scenic North Shore Drive, Duluth. 218-525-6274. www.sceniccafe.com.
• Nokomis Restaurant & Bar, Scenic North Shore Drive between Duluth and Two Harbors. 218-525-2286. www.nokomisonthelake.com.
• Northern Lights Roadhouse, Beaver Bay, Minnesota. 218-226-3012. northernlightsroadhouse-pub.com.
• Pier Plaza Restaurant & Bay Front Inn, Bayfield, Wisconsin. 715-779-3330, 888-243-4191. www.bayfrontinnbayfield.net/pierplaza.html.
• Portside Bar & Restaurant, Bayfield, Wisconsin. 715-779-5380.
• Red Rock Inn, Red Rock, Ontario. 807-886-2111, 888-547-1402. www.redrockinn.ca.
• Serendipity Gardens Cafe and Guest House, Rossport, Ontario. 807-824-2890. www.serendipitygardens.ca.
• Va Bene Berarducci’s Caffe, Duluth. 218-722-1518. www.vabenecaffe.com.