Nominees for Perfect Iron Range-area Restaurant Poll
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.
I love the wood fired pizzas, music, artsy vibe, and brews of “The Shop” in Virginia!!
Great bacon cheeseburgers and bloody Marys at Good Ol’ Days in Tower.
The Hive is Aurora has become a REAL gem! Great food, great coffee and great gathering space! Just what Aurora needed!
I’d also like to nominate Insula in Ely. Wonderful fine dining in a spiffy but still casual atmosphere. Their food is always fantastic!
Insula in Ely. Hands down best restaurant north of the port!
Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant in Ely. The craft beer is absolutely amazing which compliments all items on the menu. Great people, perfect location and the seasonal pizzas are phenomenal!
The Hive coffeeshop in Aurora has the best lunch specials hands down. Delicious and fresh.
What about the Whistling Bird? It’s an unexpected treat on the range!
BoomTown in Hibbing! It is a fantastic addition to the Iron Range with delicious food for everyone.
BoomTown WoodFire in Eveleth! Excellent service and the BoomBoom sauced wings are Heaven!
BG’s Bar & Grill in Virginia/Mt Iron. They have the hands down best bloody mary of all time! And they have my favorite buffalo chicken wrap.
Also, the Thirsty Moose in Cherry has the best wings and my favorite ice cold tap beer!
BoomTown Brewery and Woodfire Grill in Hibbing! With the house brewed craft beers and a unique menu, it’s a must have addition to the Iron Range!
Boomtown woodfire in Eveleth! Great place for family and friends to gather for dinner or if your on the road and want some company go to the bar and hang out with the fabulous bartenders while drinking Boomtown brew! Mmm mmm mmm!
Boomtown in Eveleth!! Fun atmosphere, friendly staff, and the Boomtown brews are delicious!!!
Memory Lane Cafe in Gilbert. Breakfast served all day. Close to the OHV park.
The Vermilion Club has knockout pizzas, including the legendary Bamboozler … 24 inches of delicious saucy heaven. They have recently upped their game with craft beer featured and the last few times I’ve visited, the wait staff has really been on point. Their wings are great and come in a bunch of different flavors/variations, and all of their sandwiches are yummy. If you like blue cheese dressing, the VC’s is to die for!
BoomTown in Hibbing! Located in the heart of the Iron Range with amazing beers brewed in house, an Amazing wine selection and the best food on the range. It’s a clear winner and what the range has been missing for far too long!
Boomtown brewery and woodfire in Hibbing. Great service, great food, best beer and how can you pass up that bloody Mary buffet with an acoustic brunch!!!
How could you not choose Boomtown in Hibbing? The food, the beer brewed on site, the staff, and the atmosphere are top notch here on The Range!
The Sawmill Saloon and Restaurant is an Iron Range tradition! They’ve been rocking it since 1970! Sawmill should get it hands down! It’s where everybody gets a great meal and drink while watching the game and hanging with their best friends! Always my favorite place to meet up!
I haven’t yet seen these local gems mentioned:
Breakfast: Mary’s Morsels – Eveleth
Lunch: Kunnari’s – Virginia
Dinner: Rockwood – Ely
Asian: Saigon Cafe – Virginia
Jue’s – Virginia
Oriental Orchid – Ely
Boomtown in Eveleth!! A family friendly establishment with great service!! There is a little something for everyone! Great happy hour prices and an acoustic brunch buffet on Sundays with a build your own bloody mary bar!!
Fish fry: Wandering Pines – Gilbert
Sawmill Saloon & Restaurant is a landmark on the Iron Range. This long standing Bar/Restaurant is a major part of the local area and highly involved with many local nonprofit groups as a supporter/sponsor or individuals/families in need. Not only is the Sawmill a great place for excellent food and beverages at a great price, but this business has a huge heart when giving back to our community.
The Shop Coffeehouse in Virginia!! Wood fired pizzas and live music!!
The Whistling Bird, best food and fun cocktails anywhere in Minnesota. Hidden gem in the middle of Gilbert. Vacation not far from home
The nomination process is closed. Please vote here for your faves! https://www.perfectduluthday.com/2018/08/03/poll-perfect-iron-range-area-restaurant/