Looking for the best places to eat in Canal Park, Duluth’s most popular neighborhood? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Our list of the best places to eat in Canal Park in Duluth, MN is broken down into four categories:
- Restaurants
- Breweries & Taphouses
- Coffee Shops and Sweet Treats
- Event Spaces
So if you are looking for something in particular, scroll down to that section.. All are a short walk from Canal Park’s Historic Lakewalk.
Best Places to Eat in Canal Park – Restaurants
Canal Park is one of the more popular districts in Duluth. Many of the best places to eat in Canal Park are traditional sit-down restaurants.
Below are our favorite Duluth restaurants ordered by how likely we are to visit on our family vacations.
Read More: 22 BEST Restaurants Near Monroe Street in Madison, WI
Northern Waters Smokehaus – Cajun Finn DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace
Northern Waters Smokehaus has been selling home-made smoked fish, meats, and cheese for over 25 years. A lot has changed in that time, but not their commitment to quality and their customers.
They are now located in the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace in Canal Park and serve everything from a walk-up counter. We recommend starting with the Cajun Finn, made with smoked in-‘Haus’ salmon, or their DeWitt Seitzer.
Grandma’s Saloon & Grill
Grandma’s Saloon and Grill is a Canal Park favorite. It has been operating in Duluth since the 1970s and is named after Rosa Brochi, “Grandma.” Rosa ran one of Duluth’s first boarding houses for lonely sailors coming off of Lake Superior.
Grandma left the US during WWII and went off to Europe to help with the war efforts. She was never heard from again. In her honor, her sons started Grandma’s Saloon and the rest is history!
Grandma’s is located in the heart of Canal Park and can’t be missed. We love the unique decor and expansive menu. It is a great place for a family dinner, but be forewarned, Grandma’s gets pretty rowdy late at night when the University of Minnesota-Duluth crowd pours down the hillside.
Grandma’s is also a sports fan’s haven, with TVs everywhere and plenty of craft beer to last the entire game.
Read More: 18 Best Breweries in Duluth, MN (Tap Houses Too)
Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar is your place to go for wine. They have over 4,000 bottles of wine, representing 500 selections, with 125 served by the glass! That’s not what one expects when visiting the north woods!
Cozy up in the hearth of Canal Park for Italian classics like Caprese Salad, Pasta alla Arrabiata, or Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto. The food is excellent and brings us back to our days living in the southern Mediterranean.
Little Angie’s Cantina & Grill
Little Angie’s, warmly referred to as Duluth’s Fajitaville, is a local tex-mex favorite. It is located in the heart of Canal Park.
Get all of your favorites, from Street Tacos and Fajitas to Enchiladas and Burritos. All come with chips and salsa. We recommend their house Margaritas.
Chachos Taqueria
Looking to take the Tex out of Tex Mex? Then Chachos Taqueria is your place. It is an authentic Mexican restaurant, serving up all of our favorites.
We love their Birria Tacos, made with brisket, onions, cilantro, and genuine Oaxaca cheese. Their Torta, the Mexican take on a classic sandwich, is also amazing.
Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar
Lake Ave Restaurant & Bar serves up innovative American cuisine and regional cocktails right in the heart of Canal Park. They have an excellent brunch menu that is best eaten in the summer on their outdoor patio.
Other favorites include Lake Avenue Burger, Salmon 33, and Pork Verde. Their food is extremely well done, and the presentation is second to none in Duluth.
Taste of Saigon
Taste of Saigon is not your run-of-the-mill American-Chinese restaurant. They offer authentic Vietnamese and Chinese specialties in a clean, inviting atmosphere on the first floor of DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace.
We love their classics like Sesame Chicken, Beef with Vegetables, and Lemongrass Chicken.
Due to staffing shortages (as of January 2024), tableside service is not available. All food is take-out or ordered at the window for dine-in.
Vitta Pizza Canal Park
Enjoy classic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza at one of Duluth’s finest pizza restaurants. You have to try their Tomasso, which is made with Prosciutto, goat cheese, garlic, crushed red-pepper, and arugula. The classic Margherita is also to die for.
They also serve Love Creamery ice cream!
The Ripple Bar on Lake Superior
The Ripple Bar is a Grateful Dead-inspired bar situated in the newly renovated historic Marshall-Wells Building. They host frequent events, including live music, food popups, and a new build-your-own grilled cheese bar.
This is probably not the best place for a nice sit-down dinner, but will hit the spot if drinks are higher on your priority list!
Cloud 9 Asian Bistro
Cloud 9 is a unique Asian Bistro specializing in sushi and hibachi. The true highlight is their all-you-can-eat sushi deal for $24.99 per person! I’m not sure if you will find a better deal on Sushi in the Midwest.
Green Mill Restaurant & Bar
Green Mill is a quintessential MN chain, having started in 1935 in St. Paul. They are well known for great pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and beer. While it may not be the most unique offering in Canal Park, it is definitely a contender for your evening meal.
310 Pub
310 Pub has 26 beers on tap, arcade games, a full bar, and amazing food. We recommend starting off with traditional wings and then finishing off with a 310 Cheeseburger or Steak Philly Melt.
Old Chicago
Old Chicago is a Boulder, CO based chain that looks to carry on the ideals of 1920s Chicago. They are best know for their World Beer Tours, Mini Beer Tours, and Chicago-style pizza.
While we tend to avoid chains on our trips, we do love Old Chicago.
Take Five Lounge
Take Five Lounge is located in Marcus Theatres. It offers a good mix of appetizers, meals, and drinks. If you are ever stuck inside on a rainy day in Duluth, grab a movie and a bite to eat!
Five Guys
In a rush? Grab a made-from-scratch burger and some fries from Five Guys. Its one of our favorite fast food joints.
Subway
Did you know Subway is the US chain with the most restaurants? Even more than McDonalds… No wonder you find them around every street corner! I think there are over 12 in the Duluth area alone.
Red Lobster
Not much to say here. If you are looking for cheap seafood from a national chain, then this is your spot!
Endion Station Public House
Endion station Public House unfortunately closed up shop. You can still stay at the Endion Station Inn, which is a unique 5 room historic bed and breakfast located in Canal Park in Duluth.
Best Places to Eat in Canal Park – Breweries and Taprooms
There is nothing better than trying a new brewery or brewpub when on vacation. That is why we think some of the best places to eat in Canal Park, Duluth are local breweries and taprooms.
Read More: 21 Best North Shore Breweries – MN Lake Superior Beer Tour
Canal Park Brewing Company
Canal Park Brewing Company is located in the heart of Duluth’s Canal Park neighborhood and is a local favorite. This solar-powered, family-owned brewery is known for its good ales, excellent food, and amazing views of Lake Superior.
Nut Hatchet Brown Ale and Stoned Surf IPA are crowd favorites. They also serve craft cocktails and wine.
Hoops Brewing
Hoops is what happens when a German Beer Hall meets UMD Bulldog hockey Fans. Grab a bit to eat from any of the nearby restaurants and enjoy the best Bulldog watch party in town at this amazing north shore brewery.
Rink Rat Ale and their Munich Lager are excellent.
Vikre Distillery
Vikre Distillery is best known for their unique Gins. Boreal Cedar Gin and Boreal Spruce Gin are excellent. They also make a very nice vodka. It is just steps from Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge.
Lakewalk Galley
Lakewalk Galley is temporarily closed. We’ll update our list if they get back up and running.
Best Places to Eat in Canal Park – Coffee Shops & Sweet Treats
We get it. Sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up or a sweet treat. That’s why some of the best places to eat in Canal Park, Duluth are local coffee shops and delicatessens.
Read More: Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store – The Ultimate Guide
Duluth Coffee Company
We first tried Duluth Coffee Company coffee when staying at a cabin Airbnb near Tettegouche State Park. We were hooked.
The truth is, their coffee is even better in person. They now have the Duluth Coffee Company Kitchen, which is located next door to the Café and serves an amazing brunch.
Caribou Coffee
What can we say? Another MN chain has a presence in Downtown Duluth. They do have good coffee and bite sized options for breakfast or a snack.
Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery was started in Tempe, Arizona and has made its way up to Duluth, MN. They make incredible ice cream with lots of topping options.
DQ Grill & Chill
I’m not sure Dairy Queen needs much of an introduction. If you are looking for a burger and soft serve ice cream, then this is your spot. It is on Canal Park Drive right next to Caribou Coffee.
Jacq Frost & Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe
Unfortunately, both Jacq Frost and Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe have closed up shop. We’ll update this list should they ever reopen.
Best Places to Eat in Canal Park – Event Spaces
Canal Park is also home to some unique events and event spaces. Below are a couple to keep an eye on depending on when you are visiting.
Read More: 25 Beautiful Waterfalls in Duluth, Minnesota
United Way Chili Cook-off
The United Way Chili Cook-off charity even has been going on for almost 30 years. Area chefs, both professional and amateur, compete for the title of best chili.
It is held in late September and is a fun chance to taste as many types of chili as you can handle.
Grandma’s Oktoberfest
Now called the Duluth Octoberfest, it is held every year in mid-September. Enjoy a traditional Oktoberfest with plenty o f beer, lederhosen, and music.
The Garden Wedding & Event Center
The Sports Garden converted its historic Canal Park space into a wedding venue and event center. If you are in town for a wedding, chances are it will be held here.
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is a big draw for visitors to Canal Park. From bands to major sporting events, they host it all.
Best Places to Eat in Outside of Canal Park
Finally, Duluth is home to a ton of grat restaurants, and not all are located in Canal Park. Below are a couple of popular spots worth considering.
Read More: 40 Amazing North Shore Campgrounds on Lake Superior
OMC Smokehouse
OMC Smokehouse is an amazing smokehouse over by Bent Paddle Brewing in the hip Lincoln Park neighborhood. And if were being honest, Lincoln Park is much cooler than Canal Park!
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que used to be located in Canal Park. It moved to a more suburban spot near Sam’s Club in 2022.
Regardless of the location, Famous Dave’s serves up some of the best BBQ in the Midwest. It is worth the short drive if you are craving BBQ.
Va Bene Caffe
Va Bene is not far from Canal Park, just up the road by Fitgers’ Brewhouse. They serve up modern italian cuisine with beautiful views of Lake Superior, Canal Park, and the Lift Bridge.
Fitger’s Brew House
Fitger’s Brewhouse is Duluth’s original brewpub and one of Duluth’s finest eateries. It is located in the old Fitgers Building, where they have been brewing beer since 1857! Fitgers is a full service brewpub, so get ready for a full drink list and mouth-watering meals as well.
We love their flagship beers: Munich Hfelles and Superior Trail IPA.
If you really love beer, then check out our list of the 21 Best North Shore Breweries in and around Duluth.
Duluth Grill
Duluth Grill serves fresh, local, and organic food. Its a tops sopt for comfort food and boasts an extensive breakfast meu
