Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar

Name: Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar
Address: 394 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN, United States, 55802-2325
Telephone: (218) 722-2355
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

246 Reviews

$31 to $50

Global, International

Top Tags:

Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar in Duluth, Minnesota has been around since 1991, back when Canal Park was better known as an industrial harbor rather than a tourist location. The interior at Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar has a cozy feel to it, thanks in large part to the reclaimed lumber used for the tables, booths and bar as well as thriving plants. When the weather is nice, you can dine on our deck, furnished with Loll patio furniture made locally.
We are a small restaurant, limited to 15 tables and 70 seats indoors. Because of this we are not able to accommodate groups larger than 8 people. If your party is larger than 8 people, please understand that your group may be split at separate tables, potentially not near each other. Please call us to discuss accommodating your large group events.
Due to the invariability of Duluth weather, our deck is non-reservable (with or without dogs) and subject to be closed without much notice. We seat the patio on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Global, International, Contemporary American, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(218) 722-2355
Website
http://www.lakeaveduluth.com/
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
394 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802-2325
Neighborhood
Duluth
Cross street
1st floor of the Dewitt Seitz Building, corner of S Lake Ave & Buchanan
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access

What 246 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Duluth
Best Overall
Duluth
Best Food
Duluth
Best Service
Duluth
Best Ambiance
Duluth
Best Value
Duluth
Good for groups
Duluth
Good for special occasions
Duluth
Lively
Duluth
Most Booked

246 Reviews

KR
KathleenR
Minneapolis
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience5
While the menu is creative, I wish the sausage pizza was available in the evenings when the choices of dinners just don’t seem to work.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
I’ve been to Canal Park many times, but I think I’ve found my new favorite restaurant in Duluth. Small space but very welcoming. Food was interesting and sooo good. I have found my new crave-able dish — the salmon was amazing!
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LA
LuAnneA
Minneapolis
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, ambiance, interesting and delicious menu items, along w/nice wine pairings.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Excellent experience as usual. Great food and service. Good vegetarian and vegan options. Many thanks!
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JY
JayY
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great Food, something for everyone, Exceptional Service!
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JB
JacobB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The chefs choice pasta special was delicious, I would definitely recommend it!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Omaha
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food and great service! Definitely will come back.
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RK
RydellK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
This place gets us every time we come up to Duluth. It's a must stop!
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DM
DanM
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, server was very nice. Cute little joint.
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E
Emilyanna
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service, high quality food, great lighting. It's expensive, but worth it for a special occasion.
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H
Havethemonkfish
Greater Boston
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this place. Inventive menu, friendly, warm staff. Professional service — attentive but gave us space. Highly recommended.
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KL
KellyL
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Amazing food Everytime! Different then any other place in Duluth. Just fantastic.
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GH
GregH
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great food, menu refreshed frequently, interesting menu items. Friendly staff
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved our first visit. Small, quaint experience, perfect for celebrating our anniversary. Will definitely eat here again.
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TR
TimR
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and great service. Really enjoyed our time at the restaurant.
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BW
BrandeeW
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall1food1service4ambience4
Great place, good drinks, but terrible food! One meal was cold in the center, the other tasted off like food you have left in the fridge too long. This is the second time we have eaten at Lake Avenue with the same culinary experience. We will never eat there again.
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NL
NickL
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We've been coming here for years and it's always an enjoyable experience. The bar and cocktail / wine options are very good. The menu's smaller than before COVID. However, most anyone should find something they like.
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A
Artep
Minneapolis
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fun and delish great place great service, we will come back
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DB
DawnB
Minneapolis
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food and service! Best appetizers and meals we’ve had in a long time. It beats a French dinner in a French restaurant hands down. Excellent service - enthusiastic staff who truly love their work! A definite must on your dining list!
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C
Cgso
Minneapolis
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
We really enjoyed this restaurant! At first, I thought the menu was too small, but I was so pleased with the skirt steak that I ordered. I’d go back the next time I’m in Duluth. We were disappointed they didn’t have much of a dessert menu, but everything else was great.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another review claims the food is bland- in the years we have been coming and through all the seasonal menu changes this has never been our experience! The menu is creative and interesting yet approachable and with the fresh, local ingredients the food is spectacular. High quality food, cocktails, and stellar service. I also notice that much of the staff has remained the same over the years, this truly speaks to their love of what they do that shines through in the whole experience- not to mention how sweet it is to see familiar faces! We come from out of town and this is worth a stop every single visit, we have yet to find another restaurant at home that compares.
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MP
MaryP
Minneapolis
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall3food1service5ambience3
Service was great, food was pretty bland. Drinks were ok, overall unimpressed.
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S
3Squares
Minneapolis
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
We really enjoyed our meal - right-sized portions, fresh ingredients perfectly prepared. Our server was outstanding. Best combination of attentive yet unhurried. We haven’t eaten there in a while- this meal will encourage us to recommend and return !
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OT
OpenTable Diner
St. Louis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A delightful meal and wonderful service. One of our vary favorite spots for date nights when in Duluth. We generally plan a few off-season trips up because the restaurant has such a cozy feel and a more relaxed but still elevated atmosphere when the tourists and day trippers are gone.
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SB
ShireenB
Cleveland
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My go to restaurant in Duluth! I've been three times now and it's nothing short of excellent.
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HO
HaroldO
Minneapolis
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first time trying out Lake Avenue. We loved it, great food, outstanding service and nice location. We will definitely try it again next time we are in Duluth.
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OJ
OttoJ
Raleigh
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Came back to Lake Ave for our anniversary dinner. Great and interesting food, as always. We have a great time coming here.
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SK
StephanieK
Minneapolis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
All of the food and drink items we tried had amazing flavors!
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KD
KakieD
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I shared the muffuletta sandwich. It was wonderful! We weren’t super hungry so sharing the sandwich worked well. Our server was Shawn and he was marvelous!! Actually everyone we encountered at the restaurant were friendly and professional!
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WA
WilliamA
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 1, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience2
I took my mother here for her birthday. It was good enough for the cost but I did have a few critiques. The menu listing for the ceviche should say that they rotate the fish - not fail to list any fish whatsoever, I was very confused and had to ask the waiter (which will come up later). I ordered the strip steak which I felt was over seasoned - it was like every mouthful was all spice and no meat flavor. The ambience of the restaurant did not match the quality of the food, it looked very "thrown together" rather than "thoughtfully planned" and the noise levels were ok but higher than I would have liked. I would say the biggest drawback was the waiter's attitude. He seemed like he was tired of being asked questions about the menu or tired of working in the service industry at all. His answers had a the tone of "I've been asked this 5,000 times already today." Overall, the food and drinks are really tasty and interesting and at a good price point, so worth it if you do not care too much about the general atmosphere.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband’s mac and cheese is his new favorite thing and I had the mussels as an entree and while they were good, if I went back I’d try something else. Overall excellent though.
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LG
LouiseG
Kansas City
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall3food1service5ambience4
Food was poor quality and small. Service was pretty good. We got the monk fish special. Tiny portion, rubbery mealy fish. On top of something bland almost sent it back but my son just ate 1/2 my hamburger. Hamburger was ok, not the best I’ve had by any means. Overall, ok food, ok service. Might return but probably not.
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AO
AmyO
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 27, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
We always have dinner here when we are in Duluth (2-3 times a year.) Thank you for your delicious food, cocktails, and great service! Always consistent, keep it up!
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J
Jack
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Upscale dining in Canal Park, nicely prepared entrees at a variety of price points.
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RF
RichardF
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was a great dinner! I think the Owner served us as they were busy and maybe short staffed, in spite of this our meal was excellent and we were well cared for. I like that they prioritize local producers including makers of spirits.
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PZ
PaulZ
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience4
The food took a long time to come, one meal was cold in the middle. The other meal was expensive but the meal was small and bland. The bill came to $90, and we didn’t even have anything to drink except water. We were all hungry afterwards and had to have a snack when we got home. The waitress, however, was very nice and approachable. It was the food we were very disappointed in.
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MW
MWei
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great time; we’re in Duluth for the weekend from the Twin Cities and had wonderful service, and food was delicious! Will definitely be back!
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JS
JSL1
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service! Delicious food! Incredible wine
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F
Foodie
Minneapolis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Remains one of the shining stars on the Duluth Foodie Scene.
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MB
MBCo
New York Area
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Surprising and delicious fusion. Duck tamales? Pork belly with kimchi and jalapenos? Yes, please.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings

FAQs

Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar is rated 4.6 stars by 246 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Google Map for Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar

394 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802-2325

Additional information

Cross street
1st floor of the Dewitt Seitz Building, corner of S Lake Ave & Buchanan
Neighborhood
Duluth
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Global, International, Contemporary American, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access

Website
http://www.lakeaveduluth.com/
Phone number
(218) 722-2355

Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

What 246 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

FAQs

How is Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar restaurant rated?

Is Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information