Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Minneapolis - St. Paul
  4. Duluth
  5. Duluth
Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar, Duluth, MN

Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar

4.5
4.5
213 Reviews
$31 to $50
Global, International
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

2 people

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
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • 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

NoiseModerate

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
  1. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  2. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  3. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  4. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  5. JSL1

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic service! Delicious food! Incredible wine

    Is this helpful?

  6. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  7. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  8. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  9. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  10. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  11. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  12. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  13. JamesF

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent luncheon variety and quality of food and service.

    Is this helpful?

  14. LauraDW

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food, unique desserts, friendly staff.

    Is this helpful?

  15. 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!

    Is this helpful?

  16. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  17. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  18. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  19. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  20. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  21. DeborahW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Imaginative and delicious cuisine, with terrific attentive service

    Is this helpful?

  22. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Kate

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious! Perfection. Great atmosphere. Great service. Great people!

    Is this helpful?

  24. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    By far, the best food in Duluth.

    Is this helpful?

  26. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  27. 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

    Is this helpful?

  28. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  29. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  30. 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!!

    Is this helpful?

  31. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  32. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  33. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  34. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  35. 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..

    Is this helpful?

  36. 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?

  37. 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?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food , fun cocktail , nice place to have dinner

    Is this helpful?

  39. KatrinaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Grilled Squid= Divine Wine List = Creatively Curated Server= Rad

    Is this helpful?

  40. MarshallC

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Great food, friendly staff. Clean, good experience.

    Is this helpful?

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

2 people

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
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo