Nominees for Perfect South Shore-area Restaurant Poll
The South Shore of Lake Superior is shockingly underrated. Its scenic beauty rivals that of the more popular North Shore. Visitors to the South Shore can expect a more laidback experience, sandy beaches and an array of unique eateries running the gamut from traditional Wisconsin tavern to farm-to-table bistro.
In the interest of giving kudos to the eateries of our underappreciated neighboring region, Perfect Duluth Day is running the Perfect South Shore-area Restaurant poll.
The first step is to establish a list of nominees. What qualifies as a South Shore-area restaurant? For the purposes of this poll, we’re focused not just on restaurants within Frisbee-tossing distance of the lake, but anything in the six-county area of Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Burnett, Washburn and Sawyer.
Our additional gerrymandering rule: The establishment must be at least 16 miles away from the Aerial Lift Bridge — a rule we impose to eliminate Superior and South Range eateries for this particular poll because they are eligible for PDD’s more general array of awards.
The focus here is on places that are at least a minor road trip from Duluth but still roughly within 100 miles. Examples of towns where eligible restaurants are located: Ashland, Hayward, Minong, Iron River, Solon Springs, Washburn, Cornucopia, Cable, Herbster, Port Wing, Bayfield and LaPointe (Madeline Island). Any food-serving establishment in that vicinity is eligible.
What’s the perfect South Shore-area restaurant? Leave a comment below to nominate your favorite. We’ll round up the nominees and launch a poll next week.
Wild Rice is the obvious winner, right? Do we even need a poll?
It would be bittersweet for Wild Rice Restaurant in Bayfield to win. In case you haven’t heard …
Star Tribune: Wild Rice, culinary jewel of Lake Superior’s south shore, is closing
Oh, and for my part there’s nothing finer than the Delta Diner.
Come on! Do you not know the magic of the Fat Radish? Family owned, farm to table culinary cuisine? Check it out and thank me later.
Black Cat Coffeehouse!
Hyde’s Resort on Busky Bay.
Twin Gables Lounge & Cafe in Brule. Made-from-scratch food is just the beginning of the welcome you receive here. The generous portions never leave you hungry. The homemade bakery section is a must try! The family atmosphere in the restaurant as well as among the employees makes dining here a absolute must. The place will never leave you disappointed.
Wild Rice, of course. And yes, I’ve heard. One last meal there coming up.
DaLou’s Bisro in Washburn
Deep Water Grill in Ashland
Pizza Parlor in Iron River
Three more nominations via Facebook: Paige Rautio throws her support behind the Round Up North in Brule. Dawn Marie digs Greunke’s First Street Inn in Bayfield. Joshua Plummer recommends Bear Paw Cafe in Port Wing.
Cafe Coco in Washburn. Only because Wild Rice is closing.
Rivers Eatery – Cable
Angry Minnow Restaurant & Brewery – Hayward
Sawmill Saloon – Seely
Yes, definitely Delta Diner.
Sharon’s Lakeview Cafe in Lake Nebagamon
Little Nikki’s in Cornucopia
and Maggie’s in Bayfield
DaLou’s Bistro- Washburn.
Delta Diner-Delta
Fat Radish-Bayfield
Farmhouse- Madeline Island
Coco’s in Washburn, hands down. Amazing breakfasts, fabulous lunches and the best damn coffee around. Oh yeah, they do baked goods too.
Delta Diner – Delta!