You’ve been hitting the slopes all day, and you’re hungry. Or maybe you’ve been hiking in the summer?
Either way, you’re ready to eat something delicious!
Relax, I’m here to share all your best restaurant options near Lutsen, MN.
Why should you trust me? Well, I’m a Minnesota local who’s been traveling up to the North Shore more times than I can count. And this blog is also mostly about food, so you know we take our eating and drinking seriously!
P.S. – Read until the end for the real insider’s tip to dining near Lutsen.
Contents
Map of the Best Restaurants near Lutsen, MN
Resort Options
Most restaurants in Lutsen are part of the Lutsen Mountains Resort. Here are the most notable:
The liveliest bar: Papa Charlie’s Tavern
When it comes to Lutsen apres ski scene, Papa Charlie’s is THE spot.
This is a famous bar/music venue, known best for their Saturday night shows. Claim to fame? Papa Charlie’s is where the popular Minnesota band Trampled by Turtles got their start.
The bar is located right at the base of the ski resort, and it features a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the slopes. The food is mostly standard bar food, but let’s be honest – you’re here for the atmosphere.
- Address: 466 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, MN, 55612
- Website: Papa Charlie’s
The best view: Summit Chalet
Summet Chalet is located halfway up the mountain at the Lutsen ski resort. To get there, you take the resort’s gondola before being dropped off at the beautiful complex, which overlooks a stunning view of Lake Superior. It’s probably the most jaw-dropping scene around.
Although keep in mind, this spot is only open for lunch, and the menu caters to basic, mid-day sustenance for skiers – meaning burgers, chicken strips, etc. But does it matter with a view like that?
- Address: 445 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, MN 55612
- Website: Summit Chalet
For a sit-down, mountain dinner: Moguls Grille & Taproom
Moguls is the on-site restaurant of Lutsen’s Caribou Highlands Lodge, which is the main ski in/out accommodation on the mountain.
The vibe is that of a somewhat casual steakhouse – the main features inside include a massive fireplace and a huge wall of windows to show off the mountain views.
The menu covers the full gamut – soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, ribs, fish plates, you name it.
- Address: 1
- Website: Moguls Grille & Taproom
Locally Owned Options in Lutsen
Outside of the resort, here are the most notably spots within the town of Lutsen.
The local’s favorite breakfast: Lockport Marketplace & Deli
Lockport Marketplace is an adorable little deli along Highway 61, with a history dating back to the 1920s. To this day, it’s locally owned with the friendliest staff you’ll ever encounter.
It’s mostly a grocery store, but they also have a small little deli area that serves awesome homemade pastries, pasties, and baked goods. And every morning, they whip up the best pancakes for miles, along with a host of other breakfast classics, like omelets, breakfast burritos, and french toast.
Protip: In the the summer, they have a cute outdoor patio space. In the winter, you’ll have to cozy up to one of the small indoor tables, or get it to-go.
- Address: 5364 MN-61, Lutsen, MN 55612
- Website: Lockport Marketplace & Deli
The most popular nearby restaurant: Cascade Restaurant & Pub
While still technically in the borders of Lutsen, Cascade Restuarant is located about 10 minutes north of the heart of Lutsen or 15 minutes from the mountain resort. No matter though, drive by Cascade at any time of day, and you’re sure to see the most crowded parking lot for miles.
That’s because this popular restaurant has something for everyone. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Cascade serves traditional sit-down meals done right. The most popular menu items are their craft burgers, walleye dinners, and famous bloody mary cocktails.
- Address: 3719 West Hwy 61, Lutsen, MN, 55612
- Website: Cascade Restaurant
The best coffee shop: Fika Coffee
Coffee shop!? This is an article about restaurants!
Whatever, an affogato counts as a breakfast meal, right? In any case, Fika is awesome enough and popular enough for an honorary inclusion, even if the real food menu is miniscule/nonexistent.
- Address: 5325 5329, MN-61, Lutsen, MN 55612
- Website: Fika Coffee
Other nearby options
What, you expected this list to be longer?
I’ll be honest with you – Lutsen is a small town, and most dining revolves around the mountain resort and hotel bars. Not exactly a foodie’s paradise.
Thankfully though, if you’re willing to drive for 15-20 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with several solid options.
For sandwiches and pizza: Coho Cafe & Bakery (Tofte, MN)
Coho Cafe is about 10 minutes south of Lutsen, in the nearby town of Tofte.
They serve a popular breakfast, and they also have the biggest lineup of sandwiches around.
They close after lunch most weekdays, but they do stay open for dinner during weekends. Most dinner diners go for the pizza, which comes out extra cheesy and with a whole host of unique toppings, if that’s what you’re after.
- Address: 7192 West Highway 61, 7192 W Hwy 62, Tofte, MN 55615
- Website: Coho Cafe
For higher-end dining: Bluefin Grill (Tofte, MN)
If you’re looking for a fancier meal, Bluefin Grill is probably your best bet in the area.
The menu focuses on seafood entrees, but there’s also plenty of burgers, sandwiches, and more in case you’re fish-averse.
The Bluefin Grill is part of the luxury condo/vacation rental complex, Bluefin Bay. It’s located in a beautiful restaurant sitting right on the rocks of Lake Superior, with a big wall of windows to highlight the view. After dinner, take a stroll along the attached boardwalk and watch the waves crash along the shoreline.
- Address: 7192 MN-61, Tofte, MN 55615
- Website: Bluefin Grill
The real secret best option: Grand Marais, MN
Of course, if none of those options are striking your fancy, then here’s the real secret to success…
Head 20 minutes down the road from Lutsen to the nearby port-town of Grand Marais, where the food scene is on another level.
Grand Marais is a town packed with some of the world’s best donuts, cult-classic pizza, unreal fish shacks, and even unique creations you’d never expect to find in Northern Minnesota… puff tacos, anyone?
It’s all too much to list here, so head on over to our dedicated article about the 11 best restaurants in Grand Marais, MN.
