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: 4.5

4.5

213 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

Sep 26, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
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 213 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Minneapolis - St. Paul
Innovative
Minneapolis - St. Paul
Healthy
Duluth
Best Overall
Duluth
Best Food
Duluth
Best Service
Duluth
Best Ambiance
Duluth
Best Value
Duluth
Good for business meals
Duluth
Good for groups
Duluth
Healthy
Duluth
Neighborhood gem
Duluth
Good for special occasions
Duluth
Lively
Duluth
Most Booked

213 Reviews

J
Jack
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
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 3 days ago
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 3 days ago
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 3 days ago
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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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
One of the best restaurants in Duluth truly a gourmet experience. Service is excellent. Warehouse setting can be a little bit loud because it is busy, as it should be. Not necessarily the best place to go for a very quiet conversation and experience.
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Z
Zach
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cute little restaurant with great service and food. Was a bit noisy as someone with tinnitus but overall I greatly enjoyed my experience there. Will definitely come again!
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RD
RDFoodie
Minneapolis
39 reviews
4.0
39 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Lunch was very good, but my farro salad was a bit too lemony for my taste. I liked it anyway. Lots of feta!
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T
Timothy
Minneapolis
69 reviews
vip
4.0
69 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Overall very good. Food was excellent; servers and hostess was great. It would’ve been nice to have more of a view of the Canal Park area but frankly, it was soooo hot that we just couldn’t sit outside.
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J
John
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall4food2service3ambience4
The duck was definitely underdone, and it was the first time I had to send something back. They made it right the second time around! Things happen, and it will not deter me from coming back. Still the best restaurant in Duluth!
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JF
JamesF
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent luncheon variety and quality of food and service.
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LD
LauraDW
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food, unique desserts, friendly staff.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is such a gem of a restaurant in Duluth. We love going every time we are in Duluth, the food and cocktails are amazing and the service is fantastic…a perfect date night every time!
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C
Chippy
Minneapolis
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great service, pretty good food and cocktails (only dud was the Hemingway). I loved the green curry with tofu, though it was a bit too spicy for my very Scandinavian spouse. The food is overpriced in my opinion, otherwise a good dining experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding restaurant! We brought our two kids and we all loved it. They also did an amazing job accommodating my son’s peanut and sesame food allergies. They have a protocol and are very responsible.
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NL
NorthernLeftist
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and ambiance with excellent service. Was a little pricey but worthwhile for a celebratory dinner.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
We always appreciate the creative menu choices and the high quality of the meals. There are many gluten and dairy free options which makes this restaurant a great place to enjoy for everyone. The servers are always friendly and welcoming. We will definitely go back anytime we are in Duluth.
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C
Canadians
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been coming to your restaurant for over 15 years, whenever we are in Duluth for a little getaway. We live in Thunder Bay, and we have never had a bad meal. Interesting menus with changes in the offerings. We found the noise level last night worse than in the past. However we don't usually come on a weekend, which are possibly busier and hence noisier than in midweek. Plus we didn't know it was Blue festival when we booked.
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DW
DeborahW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Imaginative and delicious cuisine, with terrific attentive service
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D
Deanna
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience2
Our server was great and the food was good, but the ambiance was not what I was expecting. It was loud and more of a cafe-type seating. The menu didn't offer many options.
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K
Kate
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely delicious! Perfection. Great atmosphere. Great service. Great people!
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DM
DavidM
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great way to spend our anniversary! Service was great from the time we arrived to the “have a great night” when we left. Food simply outstanding.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
By far, the best food in Duluth.
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PE
PennyEricS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We came for our reserved dinner time and were seated immediately. Our waitress was engaging and relaxed, offering just the right amount of attention to our needs and selections including samples of aperitifs. The opening pickles were unique and refreshing along w the pork belly appetizer. We shared the perfectly med.rare and tender beef steak special in pure heavenly delight leaving room for trying both deserts, alive with nuanced creamy/crunchy richness. We were delighted from start to finish with the attention to detail, uniquely balanced flavors in a comfortably relaxing 2 + hour visit. Impressive gourmet level chefs here! Loved the locally sourced cider and impressive selection of unique drinks. We were refreshed in body and spirit.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
How fun, great cocktails and friendly helpful staff. Food was elevated and so delicious
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M
Margarita
Minneapolis
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall4food2service4ambience5
The food is usually very good, but I've had the occasional disappointing meal. The menu descriptions are so minimal and full of unfamiliar ingredients that it's hard to know what to expect. Small portions and high prices can leave your stomach unsatisfied and your wallet light.
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HF
HannahF
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Lake Ave has a good selection of vegan options, which I really appreciate. However, the flavors in the food seem like they've found they have to cater to a spice-averse demographic. In other words, the food was not very flavorful. But it was very fresh! Pricey, but seemed like a fair value.
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GB
GeriB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous! The hamburger (there’s only one but if it’s good, one is all you need) just melts in your mouth. And the coleslaw also excellent! You can tell it’s freshly made. Try the Zesty Pool Boy cocktail if you like a little spicy jalapeño! We were there after 7:30 pm so wasn’t quite as busy and service was still very good! It’s a little pricier but worth every penny!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 17, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience3
Food was fantastic but a little overpriced. I asked for a wine recommendation that would be a nice semi-sweet and the server decided the rose would be good. It was way too sweet though and I could barely drink it with my duck entree. Overall nice place, but know you will be spending a pretty penny.
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JA
JessicaA
Minneapolis
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
I thought it was overpriced for the portion sizes. $17 for an uncooked tofu appetizer. I also ate one bite of the muffaletta sandwich because it was too salty and the server did not ask why I hadn't eaten any of my food. The current menu items are not appealing to me.
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LP
LisaP
Minneapolis
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience1
They don't live up to their own hype. Small portions. Nothing to write home about. Very noisy.
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ML
MarkL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delightful flavor combinations in everything on the menu. Savored every bite. Save room for the lemon curd, or ectoplasm (lime curd) desserts.
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LF
LindaFromWI
New Mexico
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a nice smaller restaurant with very good food. Unique menu items and tasty wine..
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 4, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
Service was great! Food did not had a lot of flavor. Great ambiance
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We had a great experience! Really good food and wine, excellent service, and such a nice ambiance.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great food , fun cocktail , nice place to have dinner
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KB
KatrinaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Grilled Squid= Divine Wine List = Creatively Curated Server= Rad
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MC
MarshallC
Minneapolis
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Great food, friendly staff. Clean, good experience.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings

FAQs

Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar is rated 4.5 stars by 213 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

Sep 26, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 18 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
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 213 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