Left: Photo by Sheldon Schwartz. Right: Google map manipulated by PDD.

It’s time the Iron Range got some credit. Summertime up north is spectacular. The abundant forests, lakes and trails offer the quintessential “up north” Minnesota experience. In past polls we’ve named the Perfect Duluth Restaurant, Perfect North Shore Restaurant and Perfect South Shore-area Restaurant. Now it’s time to look to the northwest and give some props to eateries in and around Minnesota’s Iron Range.

Whether you’re into fishing, boating, biking or golfing, fueling up is a prerequisite for an Iron Range adventure. Where’s the best place to eat on the Range? Maybe you’re partial to greasy spoons or pizzerias. Perhaps upscale steakhouses make you swoon. Whatever the case, we want to hear from you.

First, we need to establish a list of nominees. What qualifies as an Iron Range restaurant? For the purposes of this poll, we’re casting a wide net.

Eateries in St. Louis county, except within 15 miles of Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge, qualify. A portion of Itasca and Koochiching counties are included as well. From Deer River in the west to Ely in the far northeast, from Floodwood in the south to International Falls in the north, it’s a big swath of territory. See the map.

Examples of towns with eligible restaurants include: Aurora, Babbitt, Biwabik, Bovey, Buhl, Chisholm, Coleraine, Ely, Eveleth, Grand Rapids, Gilbert, Hibbing, Hoyt Lakes, Mountain Iron, Nashwauk, Tower and Virginia.

Any food-serving establishment (show us your backwoods bars!) in that vicinity is eligible.

Nominate your favorite by leaving a comment below. And please share with friends to spread the word. We’ll round up the nominees and launch a poll later this week.