Restaurants Posts

Toppers Pizza open in Duluth’s East Hillside

Toppers Pizza - Photo by Lissa Maki

Toppers Pizza – Photo by Lissa Maki

Duluth’s East Hillside just got a bit cheesier. Toppers Pizza is holding a soft opening today and tomorrow. At the shop’s grand opening on Saturday it will give 50 people free pizza for a year.

Duluth’s Best Bread opening breakfast cafe at Endion Station

Robert Lilligard’s research trip to France.

Duluth’s Best Bread will open a European style bakery-cafe on July 7 at Endion Station Public House in Canal Park. The cafe will operate from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Fridays through Sundays, before Endion Station’s typical business hours.

Duluth’s Best Bread at Endion Station will serve sweet pastries including French-style croissants, monster cinnamon and caramel pecan rolls, and homemade Pop Tarts. It will also serve new savory items, including a classic quiche with bacon and ham.

Corktown Deli & Brews and Love Creamery will open June 13

Two new eateries, next door to each other at 1906 and 1908 W. Superior St. in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, will officially open full hours on Wednesday, June 13.

Pak’s Green Corner in Superior opens June 1

Pak Williams - Photo by Lissa Maki

Pak Williams – Photo by Lissa Maki

The wait is nearly over for Twin Ports Thai food fanatics. After a three-year hiatus from the restaurant business, Kamolpak (Pak) Williams will reopen Pak’s Green Corner in a new Superior location on June 1.

Morgan Park coffee shop returning as Letica’s Iron Mug

Morgan Park’s only restaurant and beverage purveyor closed on May 25 after nearly four years in business. On June 9 it will reopen under new ownership. The Duluth News Tribune reports Mike Letica is the new proprietor of the Iron Mug. Johnny Northfield will manage the business. Building owner Paul Johnson, who founded the coffee shop, is a silent partner.

The DNT notes Letica plans to steer away from the Iron Mug’s previous food focus, pizza, and is instead planning inexpensive options like Taco Tuesday and 99-cent ice cream cones.

Yu and J’s in the Miller Hill Mall — already gone?

I loved Yu and J’s Grilled Subs in the Miller Hill Mall. I loved that is was independently owned. I loved the tang of the bulgogi sauce (and wish we had more Asian alternatives in Duluth.)

but the lights are out …  I hope those tasty recipes will appear in a summer festival cart or a food truck or some other wonderful venue. Please let me know.

Crabby Ol’ Bill’s is now Lakewalk Galley

Fox 21 News reports the new operator of Crabby Ol’ Bill’s is Vista Fleet owner Justin Steinbach. The retired fishing vessel turned snack shack in Canal Park has been renamed Lakewalk Galley and will feature a menu of items from the nearby Lake Avenue Restaurant and Bar.

Lincoln Park Café opening at former Randy’s location

If all proceeds as planned, Lincoln Park Café could open in the former Randy’s Café location as soon as next week.

Mike Delich said he hopes to have everything in order by then to open the rebranded diner at 2125 W. Superior St. in Duluth. He has owned the building for 35 years and ran the restaurant for 10 years when it was called 21st Delight.

Opening in June: Corktown Deli and Brews

Jeff Petcoff and Conor Maki - Photo by Lissa Maki

Jeff Petcoff and Conor Maki – Photo by Lissa Maki

Corktown Deli and Brews is busy prepping for an early June opening. The fast-casual eatery in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District is inspired by the iconic sandwich traditions of New York City.

Nanay’s Kitchen and Asian Food in the Twin Ports

I had a small window Saturday between the end of my workday and the end of the serving of food at Nanay’s Kitchen.

Once or twice a month, Beth will prepare a standard meal, and for about ten dollars, you eat a variety of Phillippine foods. This month, the menu was:

  • Pork Adobo (the real reason I go; this pork belly entree is amazing)
  • Chicken Caldereta with Coconut milk and Peanut Butter
  • Pancit (noodles)
  • Lumpia (Beth’s famous egg rolls)
  • Jasmine (rice)

Island Lake Inn back in business with original owner


After four months of locked doors, the Island Lake Inn is back open for business, under new management. The well-known bar and grill, located about 12 miles north of Duluth in the Gnesen Township, announced its return Monday on Facebook.

Sound replaces executive chef, pares back music schedule

Chef Brian Udenberg

Chef Brian Udenberg

Four months after the launch of the chef-driven eatery Sound, Patrick Scot Moore has been replaced as executive chef. Sous chef Brian “Udee” Udenberg has been promoted to fill the role.

The new restaurant and music venue will also scale back its schedule of national musical acts to one or two per month, according to Cheryl Fosdick, Sound’s primary investor. Taking a cue from Minneapolis’ Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, the focus will be on genres complementary to a fine dining experience, such as folk, acoustic blues and jazz.

“The vision Chef Patrick had for the music had become larger than could be sustained at this time,” said Dennis Kempton, who handles public relations and marketing for Sound. Kempton noted the restaurant’s management is stepping back to refocus on the food and create a better balance with music that more fully aligns with its brand.

Sound is housed on the main level of 132 E. Superior St. in Duluth’s Old City Hall building. The establishment launched on Jan. 9 with a performance by G. Love. Touring acts like Dessa and Red Molly have also performed there, along with a number of local bands. Upcoming shows for May and June will feature the Bill Frisell trio and John McCutcheon, respectively.

No Wings to Speak Of vs. Gronk’s Enger Tower Burger in 2008

Uploaded to Flickr 10 years ago today — April 16, 2008 — is this montage of shots by photographer Jules Ameel. The six members of Duluth band No Wings to Speak Of are shown at Gronk’s Grill and Bar in Superior devouring a six-pound Enger Tower Burger.

Superior’s Empire Coffee to open this month

Evan Meyer and Aryana Buck of Empire Coffee - Photo by Lissa Maki

Evan Meyer and Aryana Buck – Photo by Lissa Maki

A new caffeination hub is set to open in Superior later this month. Empire Coffee will distinguish itself with its sheer variety of brews.

Ursa Minor Brewing will stress variety, quality

The Ursa Minor Brewery team includes, from left, General Manager Andrew Scrignoli, Head Brewer Mark Hugus and Chief of Operations Ben Hugus. The brewery plans to hire 10 employees.

The newest brewery in Lincoln Park will feature a patio, a pizza oven and a plan to create adventurous, small-batch beer in a former cracker factory.

Ursa Minor Brewing announced this week it will open a five-barrel brewing operation, tap room and offices at 2415 W. Superior St. Brothers and co-founders Ben and Mark Hugus said they hope to begin serving thirsty customers by mid-summer.

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